Theatrical Weekend at Ropery Hall
Two leading actors will be performing at Barton upon Humber’s Ropery Hall on consecutive nights in October.
On Saturday October 9 TV and stage actress Gabrielle Drake will be portraying the Victorian novelist, Elizabeth Gaskell, in her own words in an exceptional dramatisation, Dear Scheherazade,
For the first time the author of novels such as Cranford, North and South and Wives and Daughters, all of which were adapted for television, is the subject of a one-woman show.
Mrs Gaskell is shown in all her variety by using extracts not only from her novels and short stories but also her wonderful letters in the production compiled by Gabrielle and Richard Digby Day.
“I think that all those who enjoyed the Cranford and North and South television productions will enjoy this show,” said Liz Bennet of Ropewalk Events.
“She will be shown balancing her responsibilities as the wife of one of Manchester’s leading clergyman during a time of social upheaval but also as a mother, novelist, biographer of her friend Charlotte Bronte and as a hostess, traveller and great correspondent.”
Gabrielle Drake has played many leading roles on television and on stage including Jill Hammond in The Brothers and Lady Asharton in the Inspector Lynley series and her West End theatre performances include Mrs Erlynne in Oscar Wilde’s Lady Windermere’s Fan and Monica in Tom Conti’s production of Noel Coward’s Present Laughter.
Tickets for this show cost £14 in advance or £16on the door.
The previous evening, October 8, Gerard Logan is bringing his solo performance of Shakespeare’s brilliant and brutal narrative poem The Rape of Lucrece to Barton.
“This is theatre at its purist – a single actor, an empty stage and the torment of rapist and victim brought searingly to life,” said Liz.
“We are delighted that an actor of the calibre of Gerard, who has played many leading roles with both the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company is bringing this tour-de-force to Ropery Hall.”
Tickets for the Rape of Lucreze cost £8, £10 on the door or £5 if you are a student.
Both performances start at 7.30pm.