a new spin-off from my reviews blog





Tuesday, April 9, 2013

The Long Life and Great Good Fortune of John Clare











Friday 12 April 8.00pm
The Long Life and Great Good Fortune of John Clare
Cramphorn Theatre

I saw this Eastern Angles show in Sudbury - certainly worth a look when it comes to Essex. 
It explores the facts and myths about the life and health of England’s famous 19th century ‘peasant poet. The Long Life & Great Good Fortune of John Clare comes to the Chelmsford Cramphorn Theatre on Friday 12 April.
The play focuses on a man who believes he is John Clare. His psychiatrist, Melody, is busy swotting up on the poet trying to fathom the reasons behind her patient's delusion. Meanwhile, Melody's partner, writer and literature graduate Rafe, is fixated on his own version of the Clare legend. In their search for the real story all three characters reveal some startling truths about themselves
We think we know all about John Clare - 'innocent poet’ sent to the asylum by the ‘evil Dr Skrimshire'.  On one hand he was our most loved chronicler of nature, an eco-warrior for his time. But he is also seen as a man robbed of his birthright and unfairly locked up for his visions.
John Clare is remembered for his life more than his poetry – lime-burner, labourer, womaniser, walker, visionary, lunatic. But, in Tony Ramsay’s play, a new John Clare emerges.

Eastern Angles are known for their extensive Spring Tours designed to bring professional theatre productions to audiences in rural locations across the Eastern region. As part of the company’s commitment to bringing high-quality theatre work to audiences on their own doorstep, The Long Life & Great Good Fortune of John Clare will be performed 52 times visiting a total of 42 venues across East Anglia during March, April and May 2013.
Book tickets whilst they are still available. Tickets are priced £15.00 and can be booked online at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres or via the Box Office on 01245 606505.
Tickets cost £13.00, concessions £11.50 and can be booked online at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres or via the Box Office on 01245 606505.

No comments:

Post a Comment