Same Old Moon
Written by Geraldine Aron
Directed by Mavis Dunphy
29 September – 4 October 1997
This charming autobiographical play from London’s West End creates scenes from the life of aspiring writer Brenda Barnes. From age nine into her forties, she is seen through the eyes of her eccentric and sometimes fiery family, particularly her willfully self-descriptive father and her put upon and sometimes hot-tempered mum. Hilarious scrapes erupt when Brenda’s imagination and intelligence bump against the restrictions of Irish and English customs and society. The play is a captivating and not uncritical look at family life that features some wonderful roles.
Cast
Brenda – Polly Owen
Bridie – Jean Franks
Peace – Annette Marchant
Desmond – John Hart
Bartender – Mark Woodham
Mooney – Harry Dunphy
Mother Superior – Peggy Hackett
Bella Rafferty – Fiona McGahren
Granny Cleary – Patricia Petty
Priest – Alix Petty
Cafe Daphne – Margaret Penny
The Voice of Enrico Caruso – Harry Dunphy
Michael the Postman – Harry Dunphy
Kevin – Michael Dewsall
Mr Mullen – Harry Dunphy
Mrs Geeny – Patricia Petty
Mrs Brown – Alix Petty
Di – Holly Jarman
Trish – Tracey Mummery
Mark – Mark Woodham
Nurse – Alix Petty
Crew
Stage Manager – Bob Gritton (assisted by Michael Dewsall)
Lighting – Peter Bennett, Simon Dinsmore
Sound – Keith Jarman, Graham Kine
Costume – Marjorie Sawyer, Carole Brammall
Props – Emma Stewart (assisted by Patricia Petty)
Prompt – Margaret Penny