Playwright
Terence Rattigan/Cheryl Barrett
Director
Reg Large/David Cradduck
Overview
This was the third such rehearsed reading by Cheriton Players and was a fundraising evening in support of our 2018 charity, Blue Apple Theatre based in Winchester, who support and encourage live theatre and performing by children with learning difficulties.
The readings, which were originally intended to be held in the garden of Old Rose Cottage (but were moved to the village hall because of uncertainty about the weather) comprised two one act plays: The Browning Version, a classic period one act play by Terence Rattigan and a shorter comedy entitled A Matter of Taste by local author Cheryl Barrett.
The Browning Version
Andrew Crocker-Harris has been forced from his position as the classics master at an English public school due to poor health. As he winds up his final term, he discovers not only that his wife, Millie, has been unfaithful to him with one of his fellow schoolmasters, but that the school’s students and faculty have long disdained him. However, an unexpected act of kindness causes Crocker-Harris to re-evaluate his life’s work.
Author – Terence Rattigan
Director – Reg Large
Cast
John Taplow – Alison Carter
Frank Hunter – Ian Monier-Williams
Millie Crocker-Harris – Marilyn Weston
Andrew Crocker-Harris – Paul Hellard
Dr Frobisher – Christopher Gardner
Peter Gilbert – John Weston
Mrs Gilbert – Claire Smith
A Matter of Taste
Sheila and Natalie meet for coffee to sort out Sheila’s complicated love life. Sheila’s work colleague Karen joins them, and gives Sheila some food for thought. The waitress has a new boyfriend who just happens to be the chef. The four women discuss what they want in a relationship. But will Sheila find the right man?
Author – Cheryl Barrett
Director – David Cradduck
Cast
Natalie – Helena Gomm
The Waitress – Alison Carter
Sheila – Rebecca Leadley
Karen – Jan Conway