The Nuffield Studio
on2nd to 7nd November 1981
Editor's note: In the original archive files this show was listed as being performed in Boldrewood Lecture Theatre - It was actually in the Nuffield "Studio" which at the time was the lecture theatre in the building next to the Nuffield Theatre (on campus) main entrance, now called the Annexe. I remember this as one evening there was a bit of fuss when two ladies appeared late for the start, there were no seats so they were given some chairs in the aisle. Then after a while they came into the projection box and asked me if this was "RockaBilly"! "RockaBilly" was actually the show on in the Nuffield main house at the time. I redirected them, but missing a lighting cue due to the interuption, I grabbed the first fader and brought the full stage lights up on a naked Pete White when it should have been very low level subtle back lighting - Whoops! Sorry Pete!
David Rudkin
David Rudkin was born In London In 1936. the son of a Nonconformist minister. He was educated at King Edward's School, Birmingham and St. Catherine's College, Oxford. At the age of 26 he achieved a notable success for one so young, when his first play Afore Night Come was produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company. He has been a prolific writer and apart from his stage plays he has produced much work for television. He is also well known in the world of opera for his translation of the opera Moses and Aaron and his librettos for The Grace of Todd and Sabbetai Zeui. In 1966 Rudkin cooperated with Francals Truffaut to write the screenplay for Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury's science fiction classic. Rudkin's best known stage plays include Cries from Casement As His Bones Are Brought To Dublin and tonight's production, Ashes.
The Players |
Peter White and Sarah Taylor |
Becket Pennington-Legh |
Philippa Taylor |
The Characters (in order of appearance) |
Colin, a teacher, married to Anne, an ex-teacher |
Doctor |
Jennifer, a medical student |
Seminologist |
His receptionist |
Valerie, a next door neighbour |
Gynaecological Surgeon |
Ambulance men |
Hospital nurse |
Social Services Officer |
Area Adoptions Officer |
For the Maskers: | |
Director | Michael Patterson |
Production Manager | Belinda Drew |
Lighting / Sound | Clive Weeks |
Make Up/Dresser | Mollie Manns |
Stage Assistants | The Maskers, Lawrence Till |
Medical Adviser | Dr. Peter Claydon |
Business Management | Graham Buchanan |
Programme Design | Brian Stansbridge |