Practical Details
WHAT ARE THE PLAYS LIKE?
THE PLAYS ARE SUITABLE for audiences of all kinds. They are entertaining, amusing and full of historical interest. Alison Neil plays a character, becoming other characters and creating scenes to tell the audience a riveting story. Scenery, costumes, theatrical lighting and sound effects add to the theatricality of the event.
The shows have been performed in many theatres, arts centres and festivals, castles, stately homes, colleges and schools. The plays are very popular with Womens Institutes, Rotary International, Inner Wheel and Soroptimists meetings, literary, historical and arts societies, and for charity fund-raising events.
Alison’s shows have been part of numerous Council-supported rural touring schemes, bringing theatre to small venues and delighting village hall audiences up and down the country.
THE PLAYS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED for children under 12. The plays contain no violence or bad language, but younger children may become bored.
FOR A SHORT FILM ABOUT THE SHOWS, AND VIDEO CLIPS – click HERE
WHERE CAN THE SHOWS BE PERFORMED?
Theatres and arts centres, of course, but also….
Virtually anywhere indoors within the UK. We can bring theatrical lighting and sound equipment to turn any space into a ‘theatre-for-the-night’.
Our scenery is flexible and can fit into almost any venue. A stage is preferable,
but not essential. Blackout is helpful, but not essential.
Minimum size of performing area: 5m (16ft) wide
3.5m (12ft) front to back
2.6m (8ft 6”) high
No space? "MRS BEETON, MY SISTER", "LARKS AND MAGIC" and "GLOWING BRIGHT" require a 3m x 3m performing area
HOW LONG ARE THE SHOWS?
Some shows are full-length; i.e. two halves of around 50 minutes, with one interval.
Some shows also have a shorter version of one hour.
For exact timings, go to “CURRENT SHOWS”, and click on the show title.
"MRS. BEETON, MY SISTER," "LARKS AND MAGIC","GLOWING BRIGHT"and "MRS. BAKER'S COMPANY" are one-hour shows. To make a longer entertainment, Alison is happy to do a relaxed Question and Answer session after an interval.
HOW MUCH DOES A SHOW COST?
It depends on where you are in the country, when you would like a show, and whether you are a charity. Just send us some details via the ‘CONTACT ’ page, and we will let you know the fee.
“MRS BEETON, MY SISTER,” "LARKS AND MAGIC," "GLOWING BRIGHT," and "MRS. BAKER'S COMPANY" are high-quality productions, but with simple scenery and lighting, and lasting one hour. Available at a very affordable price.
IS FUNDING AVAILABLE?
One-off arts grants are sometimes available for small-scale theatrical events, as long as they are open to the public.
Some areas also have Council-supported touring schemes that provide substantial funding for professional performances in village halls and other small venues.
If you need assistance in finding out about funding or touring schemes in your area, please CONTACT us.
WE PROVIDE
- A Technician for the full-length shows
- Scenery, costumes, furniture, props, plus PAT tested theatrical lighting and sound equipment (if the venue has technical facilities, we may use them).
- Publicity material: 250 x A5 leaflets and 20 x A4 posters per show for overprinting, are provided within the fee.
- Programmes will be brought on the day of the performance.
YOU PROVIDE
- Private room with mirror and light to use as a changing room.
- Small table (e.g. card table) for our technical equipment.
- "A" frame (freestanding) step-ladder – minimum height: 6ft (1.8m) to top step.
- Three working 13amp plug sockets, plus access to the fuse box (in case of emergencies!).
- Free parking for one van and one car.
- All personnel necessary to market the event, sell the tickets, and staff the venue.
HOW LONG TO SET UP?
FULL LENGTH SHOWS:
Before a performance: FIVE HOURS is required to set up the scenery and technical equipment.
After a performance: a minimum of AN HOUR AND A HALF is necessary to remove everything.
"MRS. BEETON, MY SISTER," "LARKS AND MAGIC," "GLOWING BRIGHT" and "MRS. BAKER'S COMPANY" require a minimum of 2 and a half hours (preferably longer) to set up and 1 hour 15 mins. to remove everything once the audience has left.
FEES AND INSURANCE
The agreed fee per performance will be inclusive of all our expenses.
We provide a simple one-page contract.
Alison Neil has Public Liability Insurance of £1,000,000.
WHAT SHOWS ARE AVAILABLE?
For more information about a show, click on the title…
Hildegard of Bingen – “the Leonardo da Vinci of the 12th century” –
reveals her extraordinary life.
“Alison’s presentation was spell-binding. Enjoyed by all who came.”
Mary Anning tells how her amazing discoveries helped to change the world.
“Her research is meticulous, the writing compelling, the acting marvellous”
FOUR SHORT, LOW - COST SHOWS (with a relaxed Q&A to follow the
show if you wish)
An illiterate fairground performer rises to become one of the most successful self-made women of her time
Mrs Beeton’s brief life of spectacular achievement is recounted by her vivacious sister.
“Lively, humorous ang engaging. Not to be missed!"
E. Nesbit, author of "THE RAILWAY CHILDREN" recounts her extraordinary bohemian life.
"a wonderful piece of theatre; a real treat"
Marie Curie tells the extraordinary story - and the costs - of becoming one of the world's greatest scientists.
“brilliant, riveting and humorous"
CONTACT US FOR FURTHER DETAILS -FILL OUT THIS FORM