‘…a barbed, funny and thoughtful meditation on the effects of old age on the young at heart.’
Geraint Lewis, Ipswich Star
‘…the dialogue is slick and the laughter comes thick and fast … a night of stage entertainment at its best.’
Julia Bennett, Blackpool Gazette
2017 saw me on the road again over the spring and summer period, this time working with the excellent ‘Waiting For God’ company put together by James Seabright Productions, with Nichola McAuliffe and Jeffrey Holland in the starring roles of Diana and Tom. This was a stage version of the popular early 90’s BBC sitcom, which aired for five seasons and was penned by the same writer, Michael Aitkens. My role was to understudy the younger female roles of witless retirement home manager Jane and successful businesswoman Sarah plus playing an onstage ASM role as Magda, the surly care home assistant.
Jeffrey Holland (Hi-de-Hi, You Rang M’Lord) and Nichola McAuliffe (Surgical Spirit, Victoria) star in this premiere stage production of the BAFTA Best Comedy Series nominated Waiting For God, which delighted TV audiences across several BBC series in the 1990's. This all-new script is penned by the sitcom’s creator Michael Aitkens, whose other credits include Midsomer Murders, and directed by Tony Award winner David Grindley (Journey’s End, Sideways). The cast of nine, led by Holland and Olivier Award winner McAuliffe, also includes double Fringe First Award winner and original One Man, Two Guv’nors cast member David Benson.
All the favourite characters from the original series are re-imagined for 2017, facing the challenges that come with growing old disgracefully in the era of the silver surfer. At Bayview Retirement Village, battle-axe extraordinaire Diana Trent conspires with new resident Tom Ballard to give the conniving manager his comeuppance through a hilarious conspiracy with unexpectedly heart-warming results.
I had a lovely time on tour with this beautifully written and heartfelt, fun-filled show which was well received throughout the UK by young and old alike. I also learned through my ASM role an even greater appreciation for the myriad of unnoticed heroic acts that stage managers perform daily!
Below are some production shots to give you a flavour of the show…
Photos courtesy of James Seabright Productions