"An Experiment with an Air Pump" by Shelagh Stephenson (16-19 Oct 2019)

Poster

We continue a year of challenging productions with another play by Shelagh Stephenson (we performed A Memory of Water a few years ago, and The Long Road last year and again this year, when we made our debut at the Edinburgh Fringe). An Experiment may sound a little dry, but it is full of emotion and humour. The play is challenging partly because of the subject matter, and partly because of the frequent switches between 1799 and 1999, which present a test for the actors playing parts in both eras 

Director – Bryony Wilman

Trailer
​(Look)

What They Said
"Saw the play last night. Can only say what a tour de force it was.  Not the easiest of plays (to perform or watch!) but it was so well done and I was very impressed by the uniform strength of the cast. And what a lot of words to remember ! Having seen many of the productions for the past 40 odd years, it's great to see the Players tackling more meaty plays again. All in all, an enthralling experience." Linda W

"I thought all the performances were really strong, costumes amazing. Direction and stage management tight.  This was an interesting play that might inspire conversation deep into the night!" Jacquetta P

"I loved it. An obscure topic, but fascinating nonetheless and so well performed by all. All the best." Jo O’D

"it's a provocative yet entertaining play, and extremely well performed" John G
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"Well done!  Its customary I know to make appreciative noises about one’s fellow Players.  Quite genuinely though I thoroughly enjoyed last night’s performance.  I did not manage to make the read-through so I had no idea what to expect – but I was really impressed.  A thought-provoking script allied to strong performances by every single member of the cast – fantastic.  The audience was clearly fully engaged with lots of laughter and long, enthusiastic and well deserved applause at the end.  And that was opening night – it will get even stronger I’m sure.

Well done again – I was very proud of you all." Alastair D

“Well done to all concerned for fantastic performances tonight. Wow. It was very thought provoking” Tessa D

“…brill tonight. It’s an incredible play – everyone’s gotta see this” Jo H

Programme
programme_air_pump.pdf
File Size: 133 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Pictures

Cast

​Joseph Fenwick / Tom (David Burles)
Susannah Fenwick / Ellen (Elizabeth Ollier)
Thomas Armstrong / Phil (Michael Cook)
Harriet Fenwick / Kate (Misty Hammond)
Maria Fenwick (Georgina Parren)
Isobel Bridie (Flora Barker)
Peter Roget (Kyler Oates)

Crew

​Director (Bryony Wilman)
Assistant Director (Jane Atkinson)
Producers (Bryony Wilman, Jane Atkinson)
Lighting design, sound and light operator (Utku Er)
Publicity and Social Media (Fleur de Henrie Pearce)
Costumes  (Bryony Wilman, Jane Atkinson)
Stage Manager  (Jane Atkinson)
Backstage crew  (Stuart Campbell, Jo Harry, Christine Lee, Chris Pease)
Poster and programme design (Ian Trowbridge, Andy Murray)
Front of house and bar (Members and friends of St Michael’s Players)