THE LAUGHING WILLOW
by Arthur Berry
Directed by Bill McLaughlin
Cast:
Michael Bird, Kay Eldridge, Ken Ratcliffe, Heidi Steinberg, Roger De Tony
THE AUTHOR
Programme Note:
"Arthur Berry is a representative for a firm of publishers, famous for fine illustrated books. He has been writing for many years, mostly short stories and one-act plays. He has recently completed three full length plays, one of which is "The Laughing Willow", which was written specifically for the open stage."
THE PLAY
'The Laughing Willow' is an electrifying play of family relationships. The characters are complex and unpredictable, drawn with skill and very real.
The play revolves around Cliff—a man with problems—real problems—Cliff's father planted a willow tree that didn't grow either—but there it is—in everyone's mind.
Cliff's mind is in the summer house (or is it shed?) at the bottom of the garden. What does that shed really hold?
[Questopics]
PHOTO GALLERY
PRESS RESPONSE
Arthur Berry’s family drama produced sharply divided reactions. The Middlesex County Times found it fascinating, vivid and completely absorbing, praising its brilliant dialogue, sustained interest and Michael Bird’s remarkable performance as Cliff. Amateur Stage, however, felt that the promising opening character study gradually meandered, that fantasy and reality became confusingly entangled, and that the author’s purpose remained obscure. The Stage similarly thought the potentially intriguing characters were explored only superficially, though it praised the acting and Bill McLaughlin’s skilful direction. The reviews therefore suggest an emotionally rich and strongly performed play whose dramatic meaning and development did not convince every critic.
Amateur Stage
The Middlesex County Times
The Stage and Television Today
QUESTORS ARCHIVES
THE LAUGHING WILLOW