September in the Rain
By John Godber
It will be sunshine and showers at the Queen’s Theatre when the Autumn Season opens with September in the Rain by John Godber, playing from 22 August – 13 September.
This heart-warming comedy stars members of cut to the chase…, the UK’s only resident company of actor-musicians housed at the Queen’s, who celebrate their 10th birthday this year.
Come rain or shine, Jack and Liz have been holidaying in Blackpool for years. Same old B&B, same old donkey, same old British weather – and they love it! In a nostalgic week of seaside fun, gruff Jack and chatty Liz share laughter, tears, sentiment and songs from their happy life together. This is a touching, down-to-earth and achingly funny look at the ups and downs of marriage – from fidelity to fish and chips!
Based loosely on the life of Godber’s own parents, September in the Rain is a joyous trip back to the golden days of the British seaside holiday.
John Godber, author of Bouncers, April in Paris and Perfect Pitch, was born to a mining family in Upton West Yorkshire in 1956. One of the UK’s best-loved playwrights, he is well-known for his efforts to make theatre more accessible to everyone. He has written scores of plays, some of which have been performed across the world, and produced work for television and film. In 1984, he won the Laurence Olivier Comedy of the Year Award for his play Up 'n' Under, released as a feature film in 1998. He has been Artistic Director at the Hull Truck Theatre for 24 years.
September in the Rain is directed by Queen’s Theatre Associate Director Matt Devitt and stars cut to the chase… company members Claire Storey as Liz and newcomer Shaun Hennessy as Jack. Claire starred in Twelfth Night and Relatively Speaking at the Queen’s in the Spring, and has recently appeared in the national tour of the musical Buddy and a Royal Shakespeare Company production of Peer Gynt. Shaun’s stage credits include Guys and Dolls at the Donmar Warehouse and Canterbury Tales at the Southwark Playhouse. Scenic design is by Christine Bradnum, lighting design by Andy Lewis and costumes by Aimee Easter.
“…a human story of familiarity, warmth and nostalgia” BBC North Yorkshire
cut to the chase… will also be starring in the Autumn Season’s forthcoming shows at the Queen’s – Hay Fever by Noël Coward from 26 September - 18 October and The Mummy’s Tomb by Ken Hill from 31 October – 22 November.
Why not see all three of this season’s shows at the Queen’s Theatre for just £37.50 by joining the jump the Q scheme? That’s a saving of over 40 percent on top price tickets. This fantastic offer ends on Saturday 30 August, so hurry up and book your place!
September in the Rain will be playing at the Queen’s Theatre from 22 August – 13 September. Tickets cost between £13.50 - £22 and are available from the Box Office on 01708 443333. For more information about the Queen’s Theatre, visit www.queens-theatre.co.uk
