Last night (10 October 2011) just under 100 Whatsonstage.com
theatregoers visited the Arts Theatre for our Group Outing to {The
Killing of Sister George:: L0547173427} starring Meera Syal, Elizabeth Cadwallader, Helen Lederer and Belinda Lang.
The play follows June Buckridge (Syal) who has
spent the last six years lending her voice to a radio show as the character
Sister George. However, in real life she is a bullying alcoholic, who torments
her partner, Childie (Cadwallader). When George is killed off from the radio
show to boost ratings Buckridge’s goes into a deeper decline which has a catastrophic
impact on her relationship with Childie.
After the performance we were joined by the cast
for a post-show Q&A. The cast discussed the vast differences between the 1968 film starring Beryl Reid and this new stage production as well as the affect of the film on their own processes in preparing for the piece. They also spoke of their nerves at taking on a new role and cast, especially Syal whose last appearance on stage was a solo performance in Shirley Valentine (for which she won a Whatsonstage.com Award). However, all agreed that it was a pleasure to be in a play with such strong female leads.
To listen to an edited recording of the Q&A, which was chaired by Whatsonstage.com Managing and Editorial Director Terri Paddock, click the ‘play’ button below; or to subscribe and download from iTunes, click here.
For more photos and commentary from last night’s event, visit our Outings blog and for further information and booking for upcoming Whatsonstage.com Outings.