"Visiting Hour" by Richard Harris (23-25 April 2015)

Poster

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen or should I say, patients?! 

With a general election approaching and the NHS being a top priority for whoever the next person to reside in Downing Street may be, our spring play this year seems all the more appropriate!  For me, directing at St Michael’s has been great fun – and I must before I mention anything else, pay tribute to all of my fantastic cast and crew who have worked so hard over the last couple of months to bring you tonight’s performance. I played Ron in Visiting Hour, 10 years ago and when the discussion of suitable plays for 2015 came about over a glass or two of wine, I knew this group could carry it off with aplomb.  There is a good mix of comedy and pathos tonight, so I hope something for everyone.  If like me you have enjoyed Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads or any one of the hospital themed Carry On movies over the years then you should be in for a treat.  So now, just sit back and relax, “this won’t hurt...”"

What They Said
"Just wanted to say what a great night we had at Visiting Hours yesterday. Absolutely brilliant - we really enjoyed it." Liz W

"Well done last night on a superb show. It was beautifully staged and all the performances were top notch, in particular the two monologues, which were deftly done. A big hand to all involved, both on-stage and behind the scenes." Guy F

Thank you for such a fabulous, well-acted and hugely entertaining performance of 'Visiting Hour' last evening. RADA eat your heart out, St Michaels Players beat your show by a mile. Well worth the 2.5 hour drive from Somerset to be part of your audience. Looking forward to 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', we will be back!" Patience P

"Standing room only tonight at 'Visiting Hour'. If you've ever been stuck in a hospital bed at the mercy of your unwanted visitors, other patients' unwanted visitors not to mention the variety of patients roaming the wards then you'll enjoy the various interactions, hysterically funny & at times sad that take place in that golden time period known as the 'Visiting Hour'." Suzy L

Programme
programme_visiting_hour.pdf
File Size: 128 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Pictures

Cast

Helen (Christine Neyman)
Eric (Chris Hulatt)
Pauline (Bryony Wilman)
Old Woman / Julia / Daughter / Nurse (Lauren Powell)
Fiona (Georgina Parren)
Naomi / Tricia / Brenda (Elizabeth Ollier)
Maureen / Eileen (Madeleine Hazard)
Darbon / Husband / Arthur (Dave Lye)
Male Nurse / Ron (Adrian Ellis)
Son-in-law / Visitor (Steve Shotton)
Cheryl (Cressida Strauss)
Hazel / May (Sue Darrieulat)
Old Man (Mervyn Jupe)
Sandra (Sophie Simmonds)
Joan (Jo Harry)

Crew

Director (Mark Hemmings)
Stage Manager (Chris Hulatt)
Lighting And Sound (Marc Pearce, James Mbanefo)
Backstage (Stella Henney)
Costumes and Props (The Cast)
Front Of House (Members & Friends Of St Michael's Players)