ABBOTS LANGLEY PLAYERS PRESENT THE HERBAL BED Dramatic events that took place exactly four centuries ago have provided the inspiration for the Abbots Langley Players’ next production. The Herbal Bed by Peter Whelan is based on the true story of a 1613 court case for slander brought by Susanna Hall – the elder daughter of William Shakespeare and the wife of the local apothecary Dr John Hall – following accusations of “lewd behaviour” with Rafe Smith, the local haberdasher and family friend. The accusations were made by Jack Lane, son of local gentry and a notorious trouble maker: a part played by David Tennant in the original production. The play was originally written for the Royal Shakespeare Company and blends historical facts and characters with imagined events to create a portrait of the passions and dangers of life in early-Jacobean England, using the events that could have led to the slanderous statement being made as inspiration. As love, duty and passion collide, the characters have to deal with the religious conflicts of the time, when battle lines are being up drawn between the established church and the puritans, especially over the issue of ungodly behaviour. Sylvia Poole is directing the play and is looking forward to bringing the 17th century to life. She has a strong cast, including Nicola Davison as Susanna and Graham Ford as her husband. David Powell is Jack Lane, and Jerome le Forestier plays Rafe Smith. Sarah Cunnane plays Hester, the servant whose testimony is critical in resolving the case. Brian Hibberd and Leslie Besch represent the opposing factions of the church. The Players look forward to welcoming you to the performances at the Henderson Hall in Abbots Langley High Street between Wednesday 20 and Saturday 23 November. Evening performances begin at 7.45; there is also a matinee at 2.30 on Saturday. You can buy tickets by phoning the Box Office on 0844 8045354. Find out more about the play and the ALP at abbotsplayers.co.uk.
Posted on: Sat, 28 Sep 2013 08:58:36 +0000
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