The Director writes; “The Secret Rapture like so many of David Hare’s plays, appears to have a political theme. Set in the ‘get-rich-quick’ 1980s., it explores the lengths people will go to in order to achieve their goals. The central character is one of absolute goodness, always trying to do the right thing. Those around her are quick to exploit this, manipulating her to their benefit. It is therefore ultimately a play about emotional blackmail and dysfunctional relationships.
The play seems to have echoes of my own life. When I first saw it I was part of the money-grabbing culture, working unhappily as a computer programmer. A few years later I took the part of Irwin, by which time I was training as a psychiatric nurse. It was a useful insight into the way another person’s behaviour affects another and became increasingly aware of the perils of trying to please others. Love turns to obsessive behaviour. Is Isobel the victim here, or does she bring fate upon herself?
I am extremely lucky to have had great support from both my cast and from behind the scenes for this, my Directorial debut at the Barn. I would, however, especially like to thanks Peta Taylor who saved the show by stepping in a short notice and who has been rehearsing every night since!”
Publicity #1: The Secret Rapture
Publication: Shoreham Herald
Publication Data: July 24 2003 issue – Leisure Scene section – page 9
Text Header: Of sisters and secrets
Sub Header: Tale of pair of chalk and cheese siblings
Text: Content
AMBITION, obsession, money and alcoholism all play their part in a tale of two sisters called The Secret Rapture.
The absorbing drama by David Hare is Wick Theatre Company’s high summer production, played in an intimate studio setting. Hare also wrote the screenplay for the acclaimed film Hours.
Marion, the eldest sister, is a Junior Government Minister, driven to succeed and not much concerned about upsetting people in the process. The younger sister, Isobel, is of a completely different character. Gentle and artistic, she tries hard to do her best for every one, though not always successfully. She runs a design agency with Irwin, who is madly in love with her.
The play opens with the death of their father Robert, who leaves a widow, Katherine, much younger than himself, dependent on drink and largely out of control. The sisters react in wildly different ways, both to the loss of their father, and to the problem of their step-mother.
Marion’s husband, Tom, is the president of an organisation called Christians in Business. When Katherine insists on going to work with Isobel, Tom offers to invest money in her agency. The series of events which follow, lead up to a shockingly unexpected ending.
Director John Garland has chosen a cast of highly accomplished actors, most of whom are well-known at the Barn. Marion French is played by Pat Lyne, and her sister Isobel Glass by Peta Taylor. Bob Ryder is Tom French, and Phil Balding appears as Irwin Posner. Katherine Glass is played by Kate Brownings, and Judith Berrill is Rhonda Milne, Marion’s aide and protégé.
Performances are from Wednesday, August 6 to 9, at the Barn Theatre, Southwick, at 7.45pm. Tickets cost £5 from the box office on 01273 597094.
Review #1: The Secret Rapture
Publication: Shoreham Herald
Publication Data: August 14 2003 issue – Leisure Scene section – page 5
Reviewer: Stephen Critchett
Text Header: They call it yuppie love
Text: Content
THE perils of Eighties-style avarice were neatly summed up in The Secret Rapture, a riveting cautionary tale from Wick Theatre Company. Captivating, expressive performances from each of the six cast members kept the packed Thursday night audience at Southwick’s Barn Theatre spellbound from start to finish. Full of twists and turns, David Hare’s plot kept everyone guessing, right to the explosive ending.
