Mrs Beeton Says The World Premiere of a new Musical Play

Mrs Beeton Says

The Redgrave Theatre

Key Information
  • Dates Thu 06 Dec 2018 - Thu 13 Dec 2018
  • Location The Redgrave Theatre
  • Matinee & Evenings

    2.30pm & 7.30pm PLUS SUNDAY AT 6.00PM

  • Ticket prices

    £17.50 full £12.50 concession

  • Age guidance

    12 yrs+

The World Premiere of a New Musical Play

PODCASTS

“I belong To You”

“Mrs Beeton Says”

“Wisdom”

“You There”

Music & Lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer

Book by Helen Watts

Directed by Paul Clarkson

Musical Director Pamela Rudge

Designed by Bronia Housman

‘As with the commander of an army, so is it with the mistress of a house.’ 

Isabella Beeton was only 23 years old when she penned these words in Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management, first published in 1859.  She could not have predicted how they would resonate with women of all classes up and down the country, nor could she have imagined how her name would become synonymous with culinary expertise and domestic bliss for generations to come.

Mrs Beeton Says… is a vibrant new musical examining the life and legacy of this extraordinary woman: a spirited journalist, a tireless entrepreneur, and if not a perfect homemaker, then certainly a queen of organization.

In a world where a woman could not vote, own a house, nor even ride a bicycle, Mrs Beeton’s book gave the women of England something they desperately wanted: a bit of control.  Far more than just a cookbook, it was a manual for life; and as the wheels of British industry span faster than ever before, it became a lifeline for every maid and wife and mother trying to hold her ground in an ever-changing age.

Mrs Beeton Says… is an original musical commission by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Writers Eamonn O’Dwyer (music & lyrics) and Helen Watts (book) first began to develop the piece with BOVTS students in 2017, and are thrilled to be returning to Bristol for a full production at the Redgrave Theatre, directed by Olivier Award-winner Paul Clarkson, with musical direction by Pamela Rudge, and design by Bronia Housman.

Eamonn O’Dwyer is an award-winning composer and an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music. Recent commissions include The Comedy of Errors (RSC), The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (NYMT), Flesh & Bone (NT Studio), Hansel & Gretel (Rose Theatre Kingston), Peter Pan & Grimm Tales (Chichester Festival Theatre).

Helen Watts is a mother of two, who would definitely not win any awards for household management. In her spare time she is a director and writer specialising in adaptation. Credits include Love Is Not A Science (RCSSD), The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (NYMT) and various adaptations for The Dorset Corset Theatre Company.

Recommended age: 12yrs+

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The Creative & Technical Team

Music & Lyrics Eamonn O’Dwyer

Book Helen Watts

Director Paul Clarkson

Set & Costume Designer Bronia Housman

Musical Director & Singing Coach Pamela Rudge

Violin Wendhy Sierra

Cello Christine Johnstone

Keyboard Pamela Rudge

Lighting Designer Joe Stathers

Sound Designer Evie Nichols

Production Electrician Chris Horseman

Choreographer Clare Fox

Voice Coach Carol Fairlamb

Dialect Coach James Gitsham

Assistant Director Sara Malik

Production Manager Jon Sherwood

Stage Management Production Supervisor Alix Abram

Stage Manager Eve Kershaw

Deputy Stage Manager James Goldsworthy

Assistant Stage Managers  Rosie Tredray, Charlotte Woolley

Lighting Operator Jack Tosney

Follow Spot Operators Raisa Daya, Hattie Wheeler

Sound Operators Daniel Davies, Antonia Howlett

Construction Manager Andy Scrivens

Senior Construction Assistant Ambra Fuller

Shop Floor Manage Harriet Hollinshead-Lee

Construction Assistants Maya Barker, Daniel Davies, Lee, Jack Tosney, Rosie Tredray, Oliver Wareham, Charlotte Woolley

Scenic Artists Emma Inge, Julie O’Conner, Radhika Parekh, Daisy Tomlin

Costume Supervisor Janie Powell

Principal Costume Makers Tamara Pearce Higgins, Jemima Homer, Lotte Marsh, Ben Mayes

Costume Assistants  Amber Bowerman, Isabel Cope, Madi Barnicoat

Production Props Hebe Perry

Production photos Craig Fuller

Rehearsal photos Kate Rogers

Special thanks to: The staff at the Redgrave Theatre; Slice Studio.

 

Rehearsal Photography by Kate Rogers

Students drinking coffee in Clifton Village
The training provided by the MFA programme is superb. The depth with which we explore, paired with unyielding curiosity that is met with the most knowledgeable, passionate, expert tutors is what makes BOVTS programme one of the finest around. I feel honoured to call BOVTS my grad school. Rachel McVay, MA Professional Acting Student