Home Grown Dramas

An unusual childhood in a lively, charitable Care Home – Ifield Park – had become a rich source of happy memories and long-ago stories when Margaret, newly widowed, joined Ifield Barn Theatre Society* in 2009. ‘Just for the coffee mornings.’

Margaret was soon persuaded on stage – most notable role: Cinderella’s Rappin’ Fairy Godmother. Then Barn directors said ‘Write us a play!’. So she did.

An unknown playwright was a risk but thankfully Miniskirts & Revelations (2013) became a sell-out, NODA award-winning success. This drama/comedy featured a 1960s family-run guesthouse. Audiences particularly warmed to ‘Grandma’, who informed the nosy Health Inspector it was ‘Wait-and-see pie’ for dinner.

The sequel Flowery Shirts & Strange Relations (2015) proved equally successful, as did thought-provoking Benches (2017), where departed souls from different eras sat on their seaside seats and told their stories.

October’s Rita’s Revenge is very different. Originally it was a prop, a playscript book Margaret had mocked up to feature in Flowery Shirts. On realising such a play didn’t actually exist the cast nagged her until she wrote it. Rita’s Revenge is pure comedy designed to lift the spirits in these challenging times. It’s also a little bit cheeky!

Ifield Barn Theatre Society

a ‘hidden gem’ in the heart of Ifield Village. A registered charity, its ancient farm
buildings form a comfortable theatre and popular arts centre.

Sundays at the Barn 12.30 to 2pm
General enquiries 01293 525030
www.ifieldbarn.co.uk

2 Ifield Street, Crawley, RH11 0NN
www.ticketsource.co.uk/ifieldbarntheatre Ifield Barn Theatre also has a Facebook group