[Ad-gifted] Last nights performance at the Stoke Rep Theatre took us back in time to the 1850s to Miss Matty’s front room, where the society ladies of the local (fictional) Northern village of Cranford gathered for tea and bread and a good old gossip! It felt like you’d been transported to what could be described as the original sit-com written by Elizabeth Gaskell and adapted for the stage by Martin Coleman.
Stoke Rep Players are amateur dramatists group that have been performing for over 100 years. Their continued longevity maintains Stoke-on-Trent’s creative culture within the dramatic arts.
What I thought of Cranford by Stoke Rep Players
I have to say that in my experience, the plays by Stoke Rep Players are always well acted and today’s performance was no exception. The play explored the breaking down of social barriers during a time when class and society were deemed incredibly important. The story explores the lives of several women from the fictional village of Cranford during the 1850s. They imagine themselves as pillars of society and hold afternoon teas where they enjoy a good gossip discussing people in their village, the dos and don’ts of the latest fashions and who is the latest person in high society.
The female led play of Cranford was a delight. With some truly talented female cast members. I particularly enjoyed the performances of; Miss Matty played by Sarah Weston who depicted Miss Matty as a mild mannered and kind member of the group; followed by Mary Smith played by Miranda Gresty who would sit extremely well in Hollywood as an undoubtedly talented actress. Miss Pole played by Dawn Birkes, who reminded me so much of the late Angela Lansbury; and finally a special mention for the least versed member of the group Georgina Parks who played Martha the maid who has such fabulous comic timing and regularly got the audience laughing. Although the play was led by the strong group of women they had two kind male characters depicting the approachable Doctor Mrs Hoggins and the hardworking Jem Hearn (Martha’s fiancé) played by Christian Stewart and Christian Bagnall. You can see the remaining cast members in our list below.
The set design and execution is always fascinating. The Stoke Rep doesn’t allow for a change of scenery part way through (in the plays I have been privy to see so far at larger theatres) but that doesn’t stop the unbelievable attention to detail. The sets are outstanding. For example last nights show was filled with plenty of period pictures and other pieces of furniture that immersed you into the era being depicted.
This show is a must see so keep reading to find out more on how you can get your tickets as the show is running until Saturday, 12 October.
Cast Details
Mrs Gaskell – Ann McArdle
Miss Matty – Sarah Weston
Martha – Georgia Parkes
Mary Smith – Miranda Gresty
Miss Pole – Dawn Birks
Miss Barker – Justine Cope
Mrs Forrester – Gina Brian
Mrs Jamieson – Beverley Richardson
Lady Glenmire – Claire Mackie
Mr Hoggins – Christian Stewart
Jem Hearn – Christian Bagnall
Creative Details
Director Ann McArdle
Stage Director Terry Wright
Stage Manager Ray Vernon
Set Construction Tony Rogerson, Andy Baddeley, Stuart Campbell, Terry Wright, Ray Vernon, Bob Flower, Kevin Harvey, Richard Morrey, Peter Hermans, Members and Friends of Rep Players
Set Design RP Design
Lighting Design Stuart Campbell
Lighting Operator Ian Birkin
Sound Design Tina Campbell
Sound Operator Debbie Morrey
Costume Lichfield Costume Hire, North Staff Operatic Society, Stoke Rep
How much do the tickets cost?
Evening tickets at £15.50 while matinee tickets are priced at £12.50.
How do I book tickets to watch Cranford?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Players Box or by calling 01782 209784 (Mon to Fri from 5pm to 9pm or Sat to Sun from 10am to 5pm) or via email boxoffice@stokerepplayers.co.uk. They are offering a season ticket which includes tickets for all 5 of their shows (24/25 Season) for just £60, this is a savings of £17.50. Do email or ring them for more details on the season ticket.
How long is the show and what are the timings?
The show will be running until Saturday, 12 October 2024. The shows will be at 7.30pm each evening with a matinee show at 2.30pm on the Saturday. Do visit their website for more details.
Where is Stoke Repertory Theatre?
Leek Road
Stoke-On-Trent
ST4 2TR
Tel: (01782) 209897
email: stokerep@btconnect.com
About Stoke Repertory Players
Stoke-on-Trent Repertory Players are the in-house theatre company of the Stoke Rep Theatre producing a programme of five quality theatrical productions each season with an outstanding history of 100 Years as a leading force in the artistic culture of the area.
About Stoke Repertory Theatre
The idea to have a new, purpose-built theatre was created following the destruction of the Empire Theatre in Longton by fire on New Year’s Eve 1992 after plans to purchase this wonderful period property came to an abrupt end. Fund Raising had started by the Rep members in 1991 and the new build project received the help of the Arts Council, a National Lottery grant, the support of the City Council, funds raised by the membership and the generous sponsorship of numerous local companies and businesses.
On November 7th 1997, at a Gala Evening, The Players were proud to open a brand new 250 seat theatre in Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent. It was opened by the guest of honour, the Right Honourable Mark Fisher MP, Minister for The Arts.
The Rep is a Limited Company with charitable status. It is operated and staffed by volunteers and receives no annual funding or grants from National Arts bodies or the City Council. It continues to be the the home of amateur theatre company, The Stoke on Trent Repertory Players, 2021 marked the Centenary of this group of dedicated performers.
Tips / Information
- Free parking available at the Theatre Car Park, but try to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the performance. Overspill Free Parking available at the front of Quantum House to the left of the Theatre or at the University (Mon to Fri) after 5 pm. There will be a £1 fee (card payment) charged for Sat shows at the ticket machine on the University Car Park on arrival or exit
- Coffee Bar/Theatre Bar – Opens 45 minutes prior to performance and may remain open for a limited time following the end of evening performances. Interval drinks may be pre-ordered at the Bar to avoid Interval queues. Alcoholic Drinks are NOT allowed in the Auditorium and must be consumed in the Bar Area. Only water in plastic bottles may be consumed in the Auditorium.
- Accessibility: They have designated car parking spaces and level ground-floor access to the foyer and auditorium where wheelchair access is available on Row B.
- Assistance Dogs are welcome and there is an Induction Loop provided for hearing impaired patrons.
You may also want to read this:
Stoke Repertory Theatre Review: All My Sons by Arthur Miller
Review: When we are married by J.B.Priestley at Stoke Repertory Theatre
Review: Hangmen by Martin McDonagh at Stoke Repertory Theatre
Photo Credit: Stoke Repertory Theatre
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
18 comments
The Cranford sounds like a wonderful experience, and I love that it highlights such strong female characters! I can’t wait to take my kids to see it
I hope you do get the chance to Lavanda
This is definitely a play I would love as I do love history and watch anything that is and how times have changed. Will look out for it in case it comes near me for a mum and daughter evening out
I bet it will be a wonderful evening for the the two of you
I would love to watch this with my husband, we’re both huge theater fans. The Cranford play seems a great one to look forward to, can’t wait to see it.
Glad to hear that Karen, we love supporting our local theatres as much as we can
I would love to see this. I’ve always loved female-driven plays that showcase the power of women and community.
Absolutely! I hope you get the opportunity to
This sounds like an amazing play! I grew up around a slew of women, so these kinds of stories always appeal to me.
So glad to hear that Ben, hope you get to see it too
Theater going is one of the best ways to learn about writers, eras when they were creating and be inspired for further research and reflection. Totally amazing opportunity for anyone!
Absolutely and nothing like seeing it in person and live shows are so exciting
I really do like the sound of this play – I love seeing women supporting women. Thank you for sharing your review.
You are welcome Jupiter, I enjoyed the show very much as well
This theathre production company sounds great and very entertaining and unique!! Sounds like a great way to spend a few hours, love seeing live performances
Laura x
It absolutely is Laura, I always enjoy heading to the theatre to watch the shows
Cranford by Stoke Rep Players sounds like a good old classic. If it is in movie form, I got to watch it!
At the moment it is only showing at the theatres