Program Image

The Play

Adapted from Lee's classic work about childhood and the end of innocence. Focussing on Laurie Lee's memories of growing up between 1914 and 1930, the piece features a carnival of characters, from the “bunched and punitive” headmistress to the “grubby” Walt Kerry. On a wider level, it is a look back to a different world, a rural, natural lifestyle before mass communication and technology. Using as its main vehicle the sharing of stories, and the ancient art of storytelling, the piece tempers its nostalgic family memories with moments of murder, poverty and grief.

Cast

Laurie Lee (Simon Lucas), Loll (Gareth Rees), Mother (Mari-Ffion Williams), Phyll (Bethan Walker), Jack (Sam Thomas), Tony (Jordan Piles), Marge (Caryl Morgan), Doth (Nadia Kamil), Rosie/Granny Wallon (Caitlin Evans), Granny Trill (Mair George-Babi), Jo (Charlotte Eaton), Lily Nelson (Seona Bell), Walt Kerry (Chris Davies), Mrs.Davies (Angharad Coleman), Mr.Davies (Ryan Dixon), Squire (James Griffiths), Vincent Barnes (Paul Jewell), Baroness (Beth Thomas), Uncle Ray (Owain Loft), Mrs.Pimbury (Katy McNamara), Mr.Vick (Rhys Scourfield), Crabby B (Zairah Patel), Vicar (Gavin Freeguard), Dressmakers (Gemma Thomas, Leanne Harding), Uncle Charlie (Michael Thomas) Uncle Sid (Gareth Jones), Child (Michaela Thomas).

Production Team

Lucy Simmonds (Stage Manager), James Dendle, David Mitchell, Elizabeth Murphy, Donna Pasquantonio, Alison Shakesby.

Staff

Director – Nick Evans, Denise Cavalli
Asst.Direction – Kevin Matherick, Helen Nichol
Choreography – Yvonne Hudd
Musical Direction – Diane John
Production – Pauline James, Adrian Hocking, Jeff Lewis.

Course Notes

Alongside “Cider With Rosie”, the company created and performed a devised “studio” piece, titled “Monster Under The Bed” which explored notions of childhood, memory and growing-up. The piece, directed by Kevin Matherick, Helen Nichol and Yvonne Hudd, was particularly focussed on developing writing skills. It was performed at the Taliesin Arts Centre on 5th January 2002 .