Events & News in the Tees Valley
The Key to the Garden
Drama on the life of author Frances Hodgson Burnett at the Eden Theatre Bishop Auckland
Stage and screen actress Rachel Laurence, whose plays The Ladies of Cranford and Lady Molly of Scotland Yard have played to packed houses around the UK in recent years, is to perform her new play The Key To The Garden at the Eden Theatre, Bishop Auckland on Friday 4 June. This one woman play on the life of Frances Hodgson Burnett tells the story of a remarkable woman who rose from genteel poverty in Salford to earn a fortune, become a close friend of the President of the USA and a pioneering author of classic books such as The Secret Garden, A Little Princess and Little Lord Fauntleroy.
Tickets are priced at £6 (concessions available). People can book in person from the Box Office in the Town Hall Library. Or phone the box office during the above times on (01388) 602610.
The Key to the Garden premiered at the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick to great acclaim " ... A beautiful story, engagingly told by Rachel's witty text and sensitive, moving performance.... thank you for bringing such a great show to us!" Theatre by the Lake, Keswick.
Ms Laurence comments ‘The Secret Garden has unlocked a world of magic and happiness for readers all over the world. It is certainly one of my favourite books but Frances Hodgson Burnett's life story is a complex and intriguing one - touched by both tragedy and joy. The more I find out about her the more my admiration for her grows.'
Frances Hodgson Burnett certainly deserves to have a play written about her. She was a bestselling writer, international celebrity and fiercely independent woman, most celebrated in her lifetime as the author of Little Lord Fauntleroy. But it is The Secret Garden that has ensured her immortality, and a place in the hearts of generations of readers. The Secret Garden, the tale of a lonely, rootless little girl for whom happiness blossoms in a neglected garden, contains many echoes of the author's own experiences.
"...the movement and dialogue of Rachel Laurence drew the audience into this wonderful place"
Candice Foster Artistic Director Web Theatre N. Ireland
The Key to the Garden draws on Mrs Burnett's own writings and contemporary sources. Rachel Laurence tells the fascinating, magical and sometimes tragic story of a dedicated and romantic writer, whose astounding talent and energy led her from industrial Lancashire, via rural Tennessee, to the highest rank of Washington society, and yet who took a lifetime to find peace in her own Secret Garden.
The Key to the Garden is Rachel's third play for Hunt & Laurence, following the success of The Ladies of Cranford and Lady Molly of Scotland Yard, which have toured nationwide to great acclaim, as have their productions of Fanny Cradock, Life & Loves of a Kitchen Devil, Fast Woman and Alan Bennett's Talking Heads.
Rachel Laurence was born in Manchester, has a law degree from Liverpool University and studied acting at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. Stage work includes seasons in repertory theatre (most recently in Feed by Tom Elliott at Oldham Coliseum) and, on screen, Rachel's TV credits include GBH, A Very British Coup, EastEnders, Brookside, Grange Hill, Nanny, Medics, Cold Feet and Tales of the Unexpected. Films include John and Yoko - A Love Story, in which she played Cynthia Lennon, A Day in Summer and Business as Usual. Rachel also works as a drama tutor.
Performance: The Key to the Garden
Venue: Eden Theatre, The Town Hall, Bishop Auckland
Date & Time: Friday June 4th @ 7.30 pm
Ticket Prices: £6 [concessions available]
Box Office: (01388) 602610
Or in person at the Town Hall Library, Mon, Tues & Thurs 10.00am - 7.00pm, Wed & Fri 10.00am - 5.00pm Sat 9.00am - 4.00pm
By post Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place,
Bishop Auckland DL14 7NP
ENDS 6 April 2010 - MEDIA CONTACTS
for Hunt & Laurence - Stephen Roberts, telephone: 01780 460777 email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
for more information on the company please visit our website http://web.me.com/robertslaurence/HuntLaurence/Welcome.html
for Eden Theatre, Bishop Auckland - Catherine Dawson This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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