The New Vic and Claybody Theatre will stage a joyous production of Arnold Bennett’s The Card this May.
Originally staged at Fenton Town Hall, this new adaptation by Deborah McAndrew, of Hanley-born Arnold Bennett’s classic comic novel, was a popular hit with audiences last year and in this brand-new production, will see the show created in-the-round at the iconic Basford theatre.
On stage from Saturday 20 May to Saturday 10 June, the story follows loveable rogue Denry Machin, who has his eyes set on great things. A washerwoman’s son, his humble beginnings won’t hold him back from achieving a life he loves to live. Helped along by a little bit of luck, a lot of initiative and just a touch of chutzpah, he’s soon enjoying fame and fortune, becoming the most celebrated ‘card’ in Bennett’s fictionalised Stoke-on-Trent, ‘The Five Towns’!
This joyous production will see Gareth Cassidy (Marvellous, The 39 Steps) reprise his role as loveable rogue Denry Machin. Cassidy will be joined by Howard Chadwick (Brassed Off, I Don’t Want To Set The World On Fire, Inherit The Wind)asMr Duncalf, Superintendent of Police, Mrs Machin, Cllr Barlow and Ensemble; Isobel Chadwick in theEnsemble; Jessica Dyas (Treasure Island, I Don’t Want To Set The World On Fire, Inherit The Wind)as Bursley Councillor, Ruth Earp, Penkethman and Ensemble; Christopher Glover (The Kite Runner, UK/Dubai Tour) asMayor of Bursley 2022 & 1901, Harold Etches, Mrs Codleyn, Cregeen, Councillor Cotterill and Ensemble; Jenny Murphy (Pride and Prejudice, Grosvenor Open Air Theatre) as Sculptor, Nellie and Ensemble; Molly Roberts (Anna Of The Five Towns, The Snow Queen) as The Countess of Chell and Ensembleand Eddy Westbury (Tom, Dick & Harry, New Vic Theatre and Alexandra Palace, A Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Mischief Theatre) as Chair of the Denry Machin society, Jock, Charles Fearns, Callear, Photographer and Ensemble.
The Card follows on from the New Vic’s hugely successful production of another Arnold Bennett play, Anna of The Five Towns, in 2017.
Directed by Claybody Theatre Artistic Director Conrad Nelson (Hot Lane, Dirty Laundry, Anna of the Five Towns, Brassed Off), this joyous production is filled with music, mayhem and lots of laughter, all identified with “the great cause of cheering us all up!”
Conrad Nelson, Artistic Director of Claybody Theatre said: “The fabulous New Vic is without doubt one of the best stages in the country. I’m delighted to claim it as my local theatre. 2023 marks the tenth anniversary of Claybody Theatre and it is a privilege to be working in association with the New Vic to revisit Claybody’s production. For a number of years local people asked us if we would do an adaptation of Arnold’s Bennett’s The Card. This adaptation by Deborah McAndrew embraces the novel’s own fast paced, episodic narrative and in its journey to the stage we’ve tried to echo the energy and enthusiasm of this wonderful city in a production that features a cast of eight actor-musicians, Acceler8 Championship Brass Band, and our very own Claybody Community Company.”
New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins said: “Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire’s cultural sector is growing fast, and we’re committed to supporting it through artist development, associate companies and other schemes. We’ve been able to support the growth of our ambitious local company Claybody, and it’s a pleasure to welcome them back to the New Vic in their first year as an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation.”
The Card takes to the stage at the New Vic from Saturday 20 May to Saturday 10 June 2023. Tickets are on sale now, priced from £20.00. For more information and to book call the Box Office on 01782 717962 or online here.