FROM THE BARN ARCHIVES

Waiting For God

By Michael Aitkens
Directed by Maureen Davies
10th – 19th April 2025 at 8:00pm
Matinee on 19th at 2:30pm

The art of growing old…disgracefully!

First aid equipment kindly lent by St John Ambulance.

After five successful series during the 1990s BBC sitcom Waiting for God has been adapted for stage by writer Michael Aitkens. The play follows the lives of those inhabiting the Bayview Retirement Home – a dreary, slow-paced residential home that proudly boasts ‘highlights’ such as a trips to Lourdes and Stonehenge in a ramshackle minibus. Resident Diana Trent is a woman who despises the title of senior citizen and all of the stereotypes that go with it. With no intention of slipping into old age quietly, Diana focuses her energy on making life for Bayview manager Harvey Baines as difficult as possible. When playful ex-accountant Tom Ballard moves into the adjacent apartment, Diana sees him as nothing but a boring man who’s lived a boring life. Eager to change her opinion, Tom decides to impress Diana by making a stand at dinnertime – declaring the food inedible and marching to wage war against Baines. Confronted by Tom’s promises to ‘disembowel himself on the steps of the town hall’, Baines resentfully increases budgeting on food, much to the delight of the other residents. Seeing an opportunity to gain a partner in crime, Diana forms an alliance with Tom and the pair embark on a number of adventures together. The play’s humour centres around growing old disgracefully and the delightful antics of its colourful characters.

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM

Directed by
Maureen Davies

CAST

Diana Trent
Tom Ballard
Jane Edwards
Harvey Baines
Sarah Chase / Doctor
Geoffrey Ballard
Dennis Sparrow / Basil / Dr Gyno
Undertaker
Milly Dawkins

Production PHOTOS

(Click image to enlarge)

DON'T FORGET, COMING UP AT THE BARN SOON​

CONTENT WARNING

Opening5th September
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