Theatre News

Ellis & Ravens Star in Bennett’s Green Forms at Tabard

12 January 2012

Actress and former Blue Peter presenter Janet Ellis is returning to the stage for the first time in 15 years later this month to star alongside Jan Ravens in a rare revival of Alan Bennett’s 1978 play Green Forms.

The production, which runs at the Tabard Theatre in Chiswick from 24-28 January 2012, is being staged in aid of Maggie’s Cancer Caring Charity, of which Ellis is a patron.

Green Forms, which is directed by Paul Clayton (Coronation Street, Peep Show), focuses on the lives of office workers Doris and Doreen. Every large organisation has its procedures and protocols but Doris and Doreen are determined that the paperwork will not mean more work for them. That is until a surfeit of PS104 forms threatens to shadow over their lives.

Clayton said: “I may be biased, as a Yorkshireman, but I think Alan Bennett is our greatest living playwright. To have the chance to look at one of his earlier very funny plays is going to be great, no less relevant now than when it was written – and very, very funny.”

Janet Ellis added: “There are three things I really love – the work that Maggie’s Centres do, being on stage and the plays of Alan Bennett. I’m so excited to be able to put them all together for a very special week to try and raise as much money as I can for a very special cause.”

The play was first presented for television for London Weekend Television under the name Doris and Doreen. Alan Bennett subsequently adapted it for the stage as Green Forms which toured theatres in 2003 in a double bill with A Visit From Miss Prothero under the collective title Office Suite.

The limited run at the Tabard Theatre has been granted a special licence from Bennett with all the proceeds going to Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres, which provide free support for anyone affected by cancer as well as their family and friends.

For tickets, visit www.greenformsplay.co.uk or call 08444 999 955