2003 Spring
Absence
by Wendy Hammond



Definitely one of our favourite playwrights, Wendy Hammond is economical and incisive in her writing. We were thrilled to be offered this World Premiere of an incredible piece. Originally written as 'The Hole' and premiered at the Purple Rose Theatre in Detroit, Wendy rewrote and re-titled the piece in the aftermath of '9-11'. By the end of the first read-through, actors, director and stage manager were all in tears. We knew we were on to something special. It is a slow-burn story of a love affair spanning sixty years. Peter's career in military intelligence inevitably leaks its poison into his marriage with disastrous consequences. A gripping and passionate piece of great beauty.

Dir. Dean Taylor

"Brilliant acting ... the play was worthy of Miller at his best"
A MATTHEWS - Freehold Theatre Co. (Director)
 
"Very thought-provoking and well constructed ... without doubt your performances were brilliant ... a real tour de force"
M CAMPBELL - Head of Drama, Sedbergh School
 
"A superb performance, I was at the National Theatre a week ago and your performance far outshone what I experienced there"
M CROSS - Kendal
 
"thoroughly enjoyable ... a cracking production"
I WILSON - Lancaster
 
"So cleverly scripted, directed and brilliantly acted. One of the best theatrical experiences of our lives"
A ROBBINS - Windermere
 
"The acting was excellent ... it is so good to see actors and producers of this calibre coming out to the villages"
G GEMMELL - Whalley