Roots

The Barn Theatre, Southwick Community Centre

October 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5, 1974

Roots

by Arnold Wesker

Directed by
George Porter


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“Bouncing Beatty puts new life into Roots”

– Brighton & Hove Gazette –

Cast

Valerie Bingham – Jenny Beales

Bill Mack – Jimmy Beales

Suzanne Brocken – Beatie Bryant

George Porter – Stan Mann

Audrey Laye – Mrs. Bryant

Neil Shepherd – Mr.Bryant

Andrew Theaker – Mr. Healey

Neil McKellar – Frankie Bryant

Monica Joyce – Pearl Bryant

 

Production Crew

Stage ManagerGeorge Laye

Assistant Stage ManagerPaul Vrettos

Assistant Stage ManagerSally Browne

Assistant Stage ManagerEthel Barrs

Set DesignGeorge Laye

Set ConstructionBill Mack

CostumesFrances Thorne

LightingFrank Hurrell

SoundRoger Stott

PropertiesMargaret Davy

PropertiesElizabeth Wrighton

 

Programme Note #1: Roots

GP wrote “Roots is the only play I know which is written in a Norfolk idiom and attempts to give a true picture of life in an East Anglia Village. The buses to Diss and Norwich set up the rhythm of the day and the extraordinary events are the passing of the ambulance or the greengrocer’s van.

I suppose you could say I have a vested interest in the play as a Norfolk man! And I’m not ashamed to say that I admire it as good drama and for its genuine flavour.

The Bryants are real people and although one can criticise them for their nervousness one must admire their capacity for stoical survival and making do. But although so little happens physically, the blossoming of Beatie Bryant as a thinking person is full of colour and drama.

This is a play about communication between people and awareness of life and purpose I hope my clever cast will communicate with you in telling fashion – especially our lovely Beatie whose first leading rôle this will be.”

Programme Note #2: Roots

“Last season ended with our production of White Liars winning the Henley Festival outright. Among the fourteen contenders was the all England winner of the 1973/4 season.

Our next production with be The Lark directed by Anna Welch on December 7 and 10 -14. This Christmas production was to have been Cabaret produced by Richard Porter but now that Richard has gained a place at the Bristol Old Vic on the Trainee Producers’ course we have postponed Cabaret indefinitely.

The Lark is an exciting and interesting play, telling the story of Joan of Arc in a most original and ingenious way. It is an ideal production for the Christmas season and we would advice you to book early.

In the New Year our first production will be The Secretary Bird directed by Betty Dawes. Finally Nikki le Roy will direct Othello – our first venture into Shakespeare in 26 seasons.

We have produced a pamphlet which gives an outline of our season. If you do not already have a copy, please ask for one.”