[Ad-gifted] I was invited to watch Claybody Theatre‘s production of Arnold Bennett’s classic novel The Card at New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme last night.
The Card follows the adventures of fictional character Edward Henry (Denry) Machin (played by Gareth Cassidy) who is an ambitious man from a poor background. The play showcases Denry at the start of his working life and how through his shear entrepreneurship and positive mindset rises to become the youngest mayor of Bursley. The play is set in a fictionalised Stoke-on-Trent known as The Five Towns. Arnold Bennett felt that, from a literary point of view, Five Towns sounded better than six.
The production is also supported by a brass band as well as seven multi-talented actors who are clearly have multiple roles from acting, narrating, singings and playing musical instruments such as the cornet, flute and violin. Directed by Conrad Nelson and adapted by Deborah McAndrew, the play is based on the 1911 book by Arnold Bennett and 1952 film starring Alec Guinness.
Gareth Cassidy does justice to bring Denry’s audacious and cheeky character to life. His passion and talent for acting can be seen shinning throughout the play. Howard Chadwick is such a comedic actor, I loved his portrayal of Mrs Machin which had the crowd in stitches. Molly Roberts is just charming and her portrayal as the Countess of Chell was so beautifully orchestrated. Isobel Chadwick was not only animated but her singing voice was just stunning. Jessica Dyas is super talented and embodies her character so well.
Christopher Glover comes across as very passionate while Jenny Murphy plays ‘Nellie’ so delicately. Finally Eddy Westbury charmed the crowd with his good looks and funny demeanour.
Audiences can expect to be surprised as you get taken on an adventure to Llandudno, experience a storm, watch the cast as go on a canal journey and pony ride. Get ready to be roped in if you are sitting on the front rows.
What I loved most about this play was that, it was full of surprises and kept me guessing what will happen next until the very end. It is such a joyous show that I left the theatre with happy-thoughts and wanting to be as positive and ambitious as Denry.
Cast Details
Gareth Cassidy as Denry Machin
Howard Chadwick as Mr Duncalf, Superintendent of Police, Mrs Machin, Cllr Barlow and Ensemble
Isobel Chadwick in the Ensemble
Jessica Dyas as Bursley Councillor, Ruth Earp, Penkethman and Ensemble
Christopher Glover as Mayor of Bursley 2022 & 1901, Harold Etches, Mrs Codleyn, Cregeen, Councillor Cotterill and Ensemble
Jenny Murphy as Sculptor, Nellie and Ensemble
Molly Roberts as The Countess of Chell and Ensemble
Eddy Westbury as Chair of the Denry Machin society, Jock, Charles Fearns, Callear, Photographer and Ensemble
Creative Details
Conrad Nelson – Director
Dawn Allsopp – Set & Costume Designer
Rebekah Hughes – Composer/Musical Director
Beverley Norris-Edmunds -Choreographer & Movement Director
Jane Lalljee – Lighting Designer
Alex Day – Sound Designer
Anji Carroll COG – Casting Associate
Nicholas Shaw – Assistant Director
Ali Fowler – Production Manager
Steve Hall – Company Stage Manager
Kate Wilcock – Deputy Stage Manager
Anna Marcongelo – Assistant Stage Manager
How much do the tickets to The Card cost?
Tickets are on sale now, priced from £20 – £29.
Concessions: £2.00 off
Group Discounts: £2.00 off for ten or more
Four Friends for £82
Under 16s Go Free
Under 26s Go Free
How do I book tickets to The Card?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 01782 717962 or visit the New Vic Theatre’s website here.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The Card will run until Saturday, 10 June 2023 with evening shows at 7.30pm while the matinee shows will be at 2.15pm on certain days. There will be captioned performance on 6 June and Audio Described performance on 10 June. Please check their website for the exact timings.
Where is New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme?
New Vic Theatre
Etruria Road
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 0JG
The theatre has a large car park, with a £1.50 charge after 6pm on show days. Only contactless card payment is currently accepted for parking charges.
The theatre café is open 10am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday – then from 5.30pm for pre-show meals.
Booking is required for pre-show meals 5.30pm onwards, via their booking system at this link.
About The New Vic Theatre
Founded in 1962, the New Vic is the producing theatre for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. With around eight major productions a year, its varied programme includes contemporary drama, new commissions, adaptations and classics. Recent productions have toured nationally and internationally, and have transferred to London and Manchester. The New Vic has developed extensive and award-winning community involvement. It works regionally, nationally and internationally through its education department and New Vic Borderlines, which aims to change the lives of the most disadvantaged members of the community. The New Vic is funded by Arts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
About Claybody Theatre
Claybody Theatre shapes new and ambitious drama from the unique cultural heritage and contemporary lives of the people of North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Founded by playwright Deborah McAndrew and director Conrad Nelson, the company’s inaugural production, Ugly Duck, was first performed in 2013 at the Burslem School of Art and then at the New Vic Theatre in 2014. Other productions include Dirty Laundry, Hot Lane, and The D-Road all presented in Spode Works, Stoke. Claybody’s audio drama work includes a podcast version of their 2017 production, Dirty Laundry and a 5 part drama series, The Call, starring Mark Benton.
Conrad Nelson is known for his 25 year association with Northern Broadsides Theatre Company, where he was Artistic Director from 2018-19. Deborah McAndrew is an award winning playwright, with credits including work for Northern Broadsides, Hull Truck Theatre, Leeds Playhouse, Mikron Theatre Company, Octagon Theatre, Bolton, Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre Chester, Derby Theatre and New Vic Theatre. The company’s patron is Toby Jones.
About Arts Council England
Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. By 2030 we want England to be a country in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish and where everyone of us has access to a remarkable range of high quality cultural experiences. Between 2018 and 2022, we will invest £1.45 billion of public money from government and an estimated £860 million from the National Lottery to help deliver this vision.
Keeping you safe
To help you enjoy your visit, the New Vic has put measures in place to help all visitors feel as comfortable as possible:
- Please feel free to wear a face covering while at the New Vic, when walking around the venue and during the performance.
- They ask all guests to be mindful of fellow audience members when at the theatre, who may prefer to continue to keep a distance from other theatregoers while in their spaces.
- They have hand sanitiser stations positioned around the theatre, free to use by all. They are maintaining their high levels of cleanliness throughout the building, ensuring all spaces and contact surfaces are regularly sanitised.
Feeling unwell? If you, or a member of your party, are exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19 prior to your visit, they politely ask you do not attend the theatre. If this is the case, please speak to a member of their box office team who will be able to talk you through options to exchange your tickets.
You may also want to read this:
Review: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Adapted for New Vic Theatre
Review: Marvellous at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme
Review: Same Time, Next Year at the New Vic Theatre
Photo Credit: New Vic Theatre/Mark Douet
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
26 comments
It would be so much fun to be part of the costume department for shows like this, I always love seeing the different outfits and set designs that are used for different shows. This play sounds like it was lovely!
Agree, the whole set up is very interesting, what a lovely job to have as well
This would be a really interesting and fun play to go and watch. Who doesn’t like a cheeky character on the stage!! It sounds like they have a really talented cast there. It must have been lovely to go and see this. The ticket prices sound reasonable.
Yes very talented set of cast who are so versatile
Your detailed description of the performances, set design, and overall atmosphere has really piqued my interest, and I can’t wait to grab tickets and create some lasting memories with my loved ones.
Let us know if you do
I loved all the costumes, the set design was perfect. I want to watch this musical in person.
I hope you do get the chance
I’d love to see a fast-paced, energetic and full of ‘dash’ show. It is a humorous and heartfelt show
It certainly was entertaining and we had a lovely evening
This is such a joyous adaptation of a classic Arnold Bennett novel .
It absolutely was, worth watching
I do love Arnold Bennett and this sounds like a fabulous performance.
It certainly is, Arnold Bennett is talented and so loved
Looks like a highly entertaining and animated show! Love live adaptations so this sounds like great fun!
It certainly was, such a lovely evening
I love that this play is so old but still being performed, sounds like a great show.
The play is still so modern and relatable now as it was when it was written
It is wonderful that this play has been performed for so many years and is still performed today, it must be a great performance.
It was, thank you. I enjoyed it very much
It looks like a great play. I would love to watch this show too.
Hope you do get to watch the show, it is worth watching
Sounds like this performance had some lovely actors and actresses! I always am so impressed when an actress can sing as well! Two talents in one – thank you for sharing your review.
You are welcome, it was such a feel good show with such a talented set of cast
Nothing beats going to see a live show at The Theatre and this production sounds fantastic, I wonder if they are going to tour it down to Cardiff! It’s going on my list if they do
Laura x
I agree, a live show such as this is an amazing experience and one not to be missed. Do check to see on their next tour dates to see if they do head to Cardiff