FROM THE BARN THEATRE ARCHIVE

The Killing of Sister George

By Frank Marcus
Directed by Janet While
20th – 28th January 2012

The famous comedy about a radio soap star who finds herself written out of the show.

June, nicknamed George, plays a cheerful district nurse in a BBC soap opera. She lives ‘peacefully’ with her roommate Childie, a thirty-something woman. The 1960’s, when the play was written, have a certain resonance to the present-day BBC cost-cutting…

The crux of the play is George finding out that her rôle is going to be killed off by an off-stage car accident. The only part that George could then have is being the voice of a cow in a children’s programme! So there is something to laugh about!

The cast consists of four women, each a multi-layered character. The bullying prima donna is basically insecure. Childie craves affection, but underneath has a domineering streak. And the other two are also complex personalities.

In the behaviour of the characters there is a slight suggestion of lesbianism. A film produced in 1968, four years after the play was written, was so explicit that it was the first film to be given an X certificate. However, the interactions in the play have been interpreted as the playwright’s exploration of the pattern of domination and submission found in gay as well as in straight relationships.

Tickets

Tickets are on sale now for just £10.

School groups pay only £5 per seat. Teachers interested in booking seats should contact our Education Coordinators Cindy Lawford and Elliot Brown Contact education team to find out about available workshops and talks on the play.

Show Talks

Free-of-charge pre- and post-show talks:

  • Wednesday 25th at 7.30pm in the Clubroom
    Director Janet While discusses how seriously we should take this comedy.
  • Thursday 26th at 7.30pm in the Clubroom
    Dr. Cindy Lawford looks at the play’s 1960s lesbianism.
  • Friday 27th after the performance
    Cast members stay on stage to answer audience questions.

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM

Directed by
Janet While

CAST

June Buckridge (Sister George)
Alice ‘Childie’ McNaught
Mrs Mercy
Madame Xenia

CREATIVE TEAM

Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
Properties
Lighting
Set Design
Production Secretary

DON'T FORGET, COMING UP AT THE BARN SOON

The Girl on the Train at the Barn Theatre Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
Opening 21st March
By Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel

 

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Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Statement

At the Barn we are committed to promoting equality and challenging discrimination in all its forms. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the cast and creative team, regardless of their race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity and will work to prevent any form of discrimination or harassment within our organisation.

Charity Preview Night
6th February at 8.00pm

CEDAR Trust Tickets

All Other Performances
7th – 15th February at 8.00pm
Matinee on 15th at 2.00pm