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Cloud 9 by Caryl Churchill
Directed by Dave Hollander
Performances: Wednesday 20th to Saturday 23rd September 2006, Prompt Corner
Synopsis:
In 19th century colonial Africa, Clive and his family are flying the flag for the British Empire. At first glance, they represent the model of civilized society, ably assisted by their servant Joshua, a local man. However, it soon becomes clear that all is not well - Clive's wife and mother-in-law seem disquieted by their remoteness from British society; and his young son, Edward, is not the pillar of masculinity he might have hoped. The cracks in the family portrait really begin to show with the arrival of intrepid British explorer, Harry Bagley and the distraught Mrs Saunders, who has recently recovered from an attack by 'the natives'.
In Act 2, the setting has shifted to 1970s London, but the characters have matured by 25 years. Betty is having problems adjusting to modern urban life and longs for the heat of Africa. Meanwhile her daughter, Victoria, is unhappily married and seems to spend most of her time hanging out at the local playgroup with another young mother, Lin. Edward has found work as a gardener in the local park and is similarly dissatisfied with Gerry, his lover. How will resolution be achieved?
Caryl Churchill's classic play covers 'serious' themes: family values, sexuality, race and conflict. Nonetheless, Churchill deals with these topics with characteristic lightness of touch - their apparent heaviness is tempered by uproarious physical and verbal humour.
Cast:
Act 1
CLIVE - Simon Scholes
BETTY - Richard Armstrong
JOSHUA - Guy Jones
EDWARD - Louisa Evans
MAUD - Stephanie DePalma
ELLEN - Crystal Evans
HARRY BAGLEY - Adrian Sutton
MRS SAUNDERS - Crystal Evans
Act 2
BETTY - Crystal Evans
EDWARD - Richard Armstrong
VICTORIA - Louisa Evans
MARTIN - Adrian Sutton
LIN - Staphanie DePalma
CATHY - Simon Scholes
GERRY - Guy Jones
For more details, please contact Dave Hollander Director
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