Autumn 1999 theatre season at the Dukes
There's a real sense of excitement in the air at the Dukes, with a new look, a new Director, a spruced-up foyer and an autumn season which goes all out for great-value entertainment.
Driving Miss Daisy
The Dukes Autumn-Winter 1999 theatre season opens with popular play Driving Miss Daisy, made famous by the award-winning film starring Jessica Tandy. Set in Atlanta, Georgia between 1948 - 1972, this bittersweet comedy is as poignant as it is funny.
Daisy Werthan is an independent, proud and strong willed woman. She is 72 years old and her son Boolie, prompted by his insurance company, has decided to employ the services of a chauffeur on his mother's behalf but against her wishes: "I was brought up to do for myself"
When Hoke arrives Daisy makes her feelings known! From this unpromising beginning and extraordinary relationship grows.
This is the directorial debut at the Dukes of Ian Hastings, the new artistic director. Ian joins the company from the Bristol Old Vic and has also worked at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester.
His direction is sympathetic to the script, focusing on the coming together of an irresistible force and an immovable object and the clever behaviour of both characters, who try to stand their ground against opposition from the other.
Hoke, played by Allister Bain, is an honest, sympathetic and endearing man, who is anxious to fulfil his new role and win over his 'charge', whilst battling against the obstacles he faces. Angela Moran, depicts the character of Daisy beautifully, an intelligent and stubborn woman who refuses to be dictated to by her son Boolie - or anyone else for that matter - who is played by John Fleming.
Driving Miss Daisy runs at the Dukes from Thursday 30th September until Saturday 23rd October.
HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES
Second production in the Dukes exciting season is Alan Ayckbourn's popular How the Other Half Loves (28th October - 20th November). One of Ayckbourns's best-loved and most enduring successes, the play takes place around and between three couples, two dinner parties and a kaleidoscope of misunderstandings. Dazzlingly inventive and entertaining, how the other Half Loves is directed by Ian Hasting and designed by Terry Brown.
THE UGLY DUCKLING
This year's Christmas treat for all the family is a joyous adaptation of the favorite Hans Anderson story The Ugly Duckling (25th November - 30th December). A wonderful experience, and ideal for 3 - 12 year-olds, the Ugly Duckling is written by North West author Neil Duffield, directed by Eileen Murphy , and is designed by Richard Foxton with music by Rick Jukes.
FILM AT THE DUKES
The eagerly-awaited new season of films at the Dukes is already underway! Upcoming October highlights include Human Traffic (18), feature debut of British director Justone Kerrigan and a headlong plunge into the world of clubbing with a soundtrack created by Pete Tong. There are new-print revivals of classics The Third Man and Bonnie and Clyde. For the full programme, call the Dukes