by J B Priestley | directed by Cassie Tillett
16-18, 22-25 July
This amateur production is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
Three respectable Northern couples were all married in the same ceremony by the same parson. Now they gather to celebrate their joint twenty-fifth wedding anniversary with ‘a bit of a do’; but the foundations of their lives, their social standing and their very identities are threatened by an earthquake of revelation.
J B Priestley’s classic ‘Yorkshire farcical comedy’ has been delighting audiences since its first performances in 1938. Not only does it present dialogue that still rings hilariously true, but it holds an acutely observant, sometimes uncomfortable, mirror up to society, with all its complacency, arrogance and misplaced certainty.
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| Photography: Sean Owen of Reflective Arts Click here for more photographs |
"Any perception that Priestley’s work is a bit stuffy and old fashioned soon disappears as this production gives us a bright, fast paced and funny account of some very real human dilemmas that transcend changing fashions and values. This show is great fun and the auditorium was packed this evening. Although geographically specific the themes in this play are universal, and it is bursting with comedy and pathos." Julian Swainson - Norwich Eye [click here for full review]
"Last night was very enjoyable and what a lovely cast to be working with. They all seemed as if they really wanted it to be a good evening for the audience and the timing and the facial expressions made the comedy perfect." Jenny
"Many congratulations to Cassie Tillett for her vastly entertaining production of 'When we are Married' at the Sewell Barn Theatre . Perfect casting and great comedy." Clare
"Cheers to a really fun production! When We Are Married at the Sewell Barn is a perfectly cast and beautifully performed comedy that makes for a very entertaining evening (and the set is stunning!) Congratulations all." Alison
"I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the play last night. It was very funny - the kind of humour I love - and the performances and delivery were top notch. Your directorial skills were keenly on display in a delightfully engaging performance. Annie in particular had me totally creased up as her inner world flashed across her face even when not directly engaged in the action. The pairings worked wonderfully. So much to commend but short of time and didn’t want to forget to write. Thank you and congratulations to you all." Charlotte
"We are so lucky to have such a talented bunch here - I hope they enjoy it as much as we do. Brilliant play, thank you all so much." Vicky
"Absolute treat! Witty dialogue, wonderfully delivered against a superb set. Sincere congratulations to all involved. Go if you can!" Shelagh
"What a fabulous production. Brilliantly engaging from the very beginning, excellent comic timing and nuances from every single character. Detailed and incredible set and costume. Thank you for a thoroughly enjoyable evening." Vanessa
"Watched the play last night and thought it was brilliantly cast and so well played, the facial expressions were priceless!!" Sue
"Excellent show, great comic timing and physicality. Loved it." Charlotte
"I'm sure there's a wider point to make about the class system, marriage, and gender roles, but sometimes it's ok to just let a daft story play out in front of you and enjoy it for what it is - a very silly and entertaining show." Ray Tempesta - East Anglian Theatre Podcast [click here for full review]
"It was excellent. Really enjoyed it. Fantastic set too." Adrian
"I felt at home with all the lovely [Yorkshire] accents. Of the 3 couples, the one with the big sidies [Jamie Willimott] easily has the better accent. I’m expecting you to tell me he’s from up there [he isn't!]. The young girl who played the maid [Cathy Bowman] also did a great job. The one that went to the pub to tell the tale [Les Roberts] played a great part... I felt warm and at home for a brief moment in time." Audience email to member of the team
"It’s a light comedy with some smart dialogue and plenty of chances to ham it up for laughs, which the large cast seldom pass up, with Giles Conneely as stingy and dull Councillor Albert Parker, Dawn Brindle as bossy Clara Soppitt, and Jamie Willimott as the excitable Alderman Joseph Helliwell leading the facial gymnastics. Not to be outdone is Kevin Oelrichs as an increasing inebriated photographer – and occasional truth teller – who stumbles and swigs delightfully, whereas Laura Green and Les Roberts as put upon partners mostly play things straight, with some great comic impact." James Goffin, Cultivated [click here for full review]
Tickets www.ticketsource.com/sewellbarn/ | phone 0333 6663366








