The Maskers presented Misery by Stephen King and directed by Philippa Taylor at the Nuffield Theatre, Southampton from Tuesday 16th to Saturday 20th January 2001. Misery was adapted for the satge by Simon Morse.

Why Misery? Hardly a title to put a smile on post Christmas amd New Year lips!

I am probably oneof the few who had neither read nor heard of the book, nor seen the award winning film - but I liked the script, which the author Stephen King had produced with Simon Moore for a West End production. I was excited and challenged by the technical requirements and felt the chilling thriller would provide a good antidote to Christmas excesses!

I needed two good actors and was fortunate to have cast Maria and Steve who have worked exceptionally hard over a short rehearsal period with seasonal interruptions. The technical and management supprt of Maskers, and friends, has been outstanding and we hope that all our efforts meet your expectations.

Born in 1947, Stephen King was writing prolifically whilst still at high school. By the age of 18 he had already published short stories himself, and I Was a Teenage Grave Robber was taken up by Comic Review Magazine. However it was another eight years, when as a $6,400 p.a teacher, Stephen sold the rights to his book Carrie to New American Library for $200,000. This was the book that launched his career. It was also the script retrieved by his wife from the rubbish bin when he had lost patience with it.

Many of Stephen King's books have been made into films, including Carrie, Pet Sematary, The Shawshank Redemption, The Shining and of course Misery. Kathy Bates won an Oscar for the 1990 film Misery which also starred James Caan. The stage version was adapted by Simon Moore and first performed in London in 1992 with Sharon Gless (Cagnew and Lacey) and Bill Paterson.

Like Paul Sheldon, Stephen King has received many awards. Also like Paul Sheldon he suffered horrific injuries in a hit and run road accident in 1999. Fortunately Stephen is now on the road to recovery having received better care than the character portrayed in Misery.

Director	Philippa Taylor
Production Manager	Christine Baker
Stage Manager	Belinda Drew
Lighting	Martin Clift, Ron Tillyer
Sound	Lawrie Gee, Jan Gee
Special Effects	Tony Lawther, Geoff Wharam
Assistant Stage Managers	Val Barwell, Angie Barks, Helen Officer
Set Design	Peter Liddiard
Set Construction	Alan Baker, Graham Buchanan, David Jupp, Douglas Shiell, Alan watson
Set Painting	Maureen Cashman, Shaun Dodimead, Jim Officer, Nichola McKinley, Richard Peaty
Properties	Gill Buchanan, Ella Lockett
Wardrobe	Beryl Smith, Kate Ward
Set Dressing	Sonia Morris, Nicky Housham, Helen Wharam, Angela Stansbridge
Transport	Tony Austin, Jim Officer
Photography	Clive Weeks
Marketing	Jan Ward

Paul Sheldon	Steve Clark
Annie Wilks	Maria Head