Larks and Magic
THE STORY OF E. NESBIT
Written and performed by Alison Neil
Directed by David Collison
“I feel I am old by mistake…”
E Nesbit is credited as the first modern writer for children. “THE RAILWAY CHILDREN”, “THE WOULDBEGOODS”, “FIVE CHILDREN AND IT”, “THE AMULET”, “THE STORY OF THE TREASURE SEEKERS”…children have been entranced by her books for a hundred years.
But Edith Nesbit’s life was more extraordinary than any of her stories. Charming, badly behaved and always up for a lark, she worked immensely hard to keep her unconventional family afloat. Buffeted by unexpected twists and turns throughout her life, her domestic arrangements still seem jaw-dropping, even today. As part of the Bohemian set in turn-of-the-century London, she was a founder of the Fabian Society, and friend of famous literary figures from George Bernard Shaw to Noel Coward. And more than a friend to some…
Once read, her children’s stories are never forgotten. E. Nesbit herself was unforgettable too. Come and meet her in this fast-moving and entertaining account of her life, larks, and enduring magic.
TO DOWNLOAD A jpeg:
CLICK ON IMAGE AND DRAG TO DESKTOP
• High quality theatre lasting ONE HOUR.
• Performance space: 3m x 3m (preferably more)
• Set-up 2 hours (or preferably more) Get-out 1 hour after audience leaves
• SUITABLE for libraries, museums, art gallery spaces, W.I.s, clubs and societies as
well as village halls and studio theatres.
• To make a full evening's entertainment at no extra cost we recommend:
• the show
• interval
• relaxed Question and Answer session with Alison
A one hour show also works very well if followed by a tea or a supper.
"Thank you for a fantastic evening, much enjoyed by everyone lucky enough to be there. This was borne out by the Q&A session - I warned you that it could fall flat, but how wrong I was! It added a final flourish to the evening."
Organiser, Cloud Group of WIs
"Thanking you is always difficult as your natural modesty seems to shrink from the superlatives you earn. Suffice it to say, then, that LARKS AND MAGIC was another feather in your (already full) cap. Since Friday, I have had countless phone calls/ e-mails visits to say how much pleasure you gave us all I think, too, that you could see how delighted the audience was with your innovation of a question and answer session."
ORGANISER, USKCASTLE FRIENDS 2021
"Brilliant! Well researched; well presented and beautifully performed"
"Excellent show. Showed a wonderful knowledge of Edith Nesbit"
"Brilliant, moving, thoroughly entertaining."
"First class performer"
"It was brilliant. We had already seen Mrs Beeton, and were thrilled Alison was coming again. So well written and performed, it was spellbinding."
COMMENTS RECEIVED BY HIGHLIGHTS RURAL TOURING SCHEME, N YORKS AND NORTHUMBERLAND 2021
"Thank you for creating such a marvellous show at Minchinhampton last Saturday. We thoroughly enjoyed being transported back to those heady relatively carefree times. You brought Miss Nesbit to life and gave new meaning to her delightful books! "
AUDIENCE MEMBER, MINCHINHAMPTON FEBRUARY 2019
"Everyone thoroughly enjoyed your performance at Cadbury Hall. It was a wonderful piece of theatre, a real treat and clearly delighted our audience. I have received many, very complimentary comments over the past few days. Thank you so much for giving us such a special experience. I feel sure 'Larks and Magic' will be greeted enthusiastically all around the regions as you tour."
PROMOTER, FRAMPTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION.
"Fascinating! We did so enjoy 'Larks & Magic'... a number of people have stopped me since to say how much they enjoyed your performance. I knew nothing about E Nesbit as a person and by the end of the evening, I not only felt that I'd met her and all those people that she was acquainted with, including her children, but also I'd been taken back to a snapshot of time and experienced what life was like for that Bohemian set with the dawning of the Fabian society."
ORGANISER, BOUVERIE HALL, PEWSEY
"Your wonderful performance for our Group of WIs....the feedback has been fantastic, everybody was enthralled with your performance and so enjoyed the relaxed Q&A session after supper. It was a superb evening all round".
ORGANISER, WEM WOMENS INSTITUTE GROUP
"Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening, one lady told me and I quote “ best night out she’s had in Merthyr for years”
I’m sure we will see you again in the future, you were such a hit!!"
ORGANISER, MERTHYR TYDFIL PUBLIC LIBRARIES
"We thoroughly enjoyed "Larks and Magic". My highly critical friend said it was your best performance. People coming to events since have also said that they enjoyed it. It was a lovely evening with a great atmosphere."
ORGANISER, TENBY ARTS FESTIVAL
"Thank you for a very entertaining afternoon. I was transported to another age and another time as you brought E Nesbit alive for me. You are so talented in the way that you led us through the highs and lows of her tumultuous life. I wish you every success with this play."
AUDIENCE MEMBER, Frampton-On-Severn
"I just wanted to thank you for your inspirational performance tonight.
Your research, writing and creation of the scenery was a credit to your hard work. We were all transported back in time for an hour this evening and my friends and I will be rereading the books of our childhoods again with fresh imaginations."
AUDIENCE MEMBER, Brockweir Mackenzie Hall
"Wow - what a wonderful performance you gave and delighted us with at the McKenzie Hall! You so completely embody your subject that by the end of the evening when you are the subject (for Q & As) it is amazing - and somewhat confusing too! The answers you gave were very interesting and informative. Many many thanks indeed for a lovely evening's entertainment. You are a Star and everyone should know about you."
AUDIENCE MEMBER, Brockweir Mackenzie Hall