| by Mark Kimsey Directed by Mark Kimsey
Music composed and directed by Duncan Sykes
October 8, 9 & 10, 2015
| Mad Bess |
Estelle Dunham |
| Villagers |
Joy Allcock |
|
Dorothy Bentote |
|
Barbara Higgs |
|
Diane Maltz |
|
Alison Marshall |
|
Iris Mutton |
|
Ann Sykes |
|
Ann Taggart |
|
and Company |
| Village Children |
Thomas McCarthy |
|
Adam Rayment |
|
Alex Rawles |
|
Joseph Rawles |
|
Dolcie Reader |
|
Jackson Reader |
|
Louie Reader |
| Sister Mary |
Sue Worker |
| Sister Theresa |
Emma Kimsey |
| Abbot Herluin |
Lionel Williams |
| Woodman |
Duncan Sykes |
| Mary Brill |
Jo Williams |
| Joan Skillett |
Marian Lalley |
| John Brill |
Rhodri Leach |
Henry Skillett |
Ben Williamson |
James Bray |
Mark Kimsey |
Thomas Lavender |
Graeme Gibault |
Charles Lamb |
Dave Bowers |
Mr Churchill |
Malcolm Bentote |
Chorister |
Gwenllian Leach |
Executioner |
Tag |
Stirling |
Roy Oldfield |
Dagnall |
Valerie Clarke |
Mrs Meadows |
Alison Wyatt |
Dr Pattern |
Brian Beeston |
Jury Foreman |
Barbara Williams |
Lily May |
Dolcie Reader |
Time: Spring 1837
Location: Ruislip
Act I
Scene 1 North Riding Wood
Scene 2 Mad Bess Cottage
Scene 3 North Riding Wood
Scene 4 Deep in the Woods
Act II
Scene 1 The Abbey
Scene 2 The Court
Scene 3 Mad Bess Cottage
Programme Notes
[ Photographs ]
A play based upon true events that occurred many years ago, deep within Ruislip Woods
The play is set in the spring of 1837 and tells the story of an innocent farm labourer
called John Brill. One day whilst exploring the woodlands, John and his dear friend, Henry Skillett,
came across three peasants as they were out poaching. Caught red-handed, the poachers had no choice
but to adminster 'summary justice'. However, in doing so, they disturbed Mad Bess!
Who was Mad bess? A headless horsewoman, a lost soul, or a demented old woman who
prowled the woods? Wait and see...
If you wish to investigate the story further, please take a stroll around the woodlands of Ruislip.
For, if you look carefully, you will find John Brill's house in Breakspear Road and,
if you dare enter the woods themselves, you may find Mad Bess cottage,
standing ominously at the edge of the trees.
But, if you do enter the woods, be careful - you never know who might be there!
|
