NEWSLETTER - FEBRUARY 2024
Hi everyone
We hope you all had a good Christmas and are looking forward to some warmer and drier weather, hopefully Spring is just around the corner!
What that means for us... our next production is now just a few weeks away from opening.
The Father, by Florian Zeller, translated by Christopher Hampton is a brilliant and unique play telling the story of an elderly man (André) who has dementia, and the effect it has on him, and his family. What's particularly clever about the play is it's told from André's point of view, so the audience get to feel the confusion and the frustration he's going through.
It's a play that tackles the issues head on, but does it with good humour, and is respectful to the illness and those who suffer from it.
Taking the helm is director Martin Borley-Cox. He says there's a very good reason why The Father was chosen.
Several of the cast and crew have first hand knowledge of the effects of dementia, but none more so than Kate Billingham, who plays Andre's daughter Anne. Just a few years ago, Kate lost her own dad to dementia, and tells her story and how the play has helped her come to terms with losing her own dad.
Kate explains says why it is so empowering to watch the play. Also watch a moving video as Kate talk about her late dad.
Kate Billingham sharing her experience with her father and Alzheimers
We're delighted to say the production is being performed with the backing of Alzheimer's Society who continue to offer support to families experiencing the disease, and funding research into treatment. At every performance we'll be taking donations, and making a donation from White Cobra. We've also set up a Just Giving page where people can make a donation, just scan the QR code on the posters which will be displayed at the performances.
We have had the pleasure to work with Willy Gilder who created the art for the show. Willy has himself been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Read his article or watch a short film on the White Cobra Youtube Channel.
The production has an original score from Martin Heath. Find out how he has written 18 tracks to underscores André's deterioration through this short video and article.
Martin Heath's daughters have accompanied him in recordings with strings and harp.
A couple of years ago, a film of the story was released starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Coleman. Hopkins won the best actor academy award for his performance in 2021, becoming the oldest actor win an Oscar at 83.
The Father sets out on the road in March, and is being performed on the following dates:
One of the performances will be in Douglas in the Isle of Man Easter Festival of Plays. This year we're thrilled to be taking two shows, with The Father being joined by Lilies on the Land which performed to great acclaim last year. It'll be great to see the four Lilies take to the stage (at least) once more, we're hoping the production will also be performed during Hertford Theatre Week in May.
This summer we're back on the road, with one of Northampton's most experienced directors taking on a White Cobra show for the first time. Weekes Baptiste will be bring the wonderful Roald Dahl story of James & the Giant Peach to life throughout July, watch out for further details on performance dates and venues.
That's it for now, we really hope to see you at The Father!
All the best from us all at White Cobra.
We hope you all had a good Christmas and are looking forward to some warmer and drier weather, hopefully Spring is just around the corner!
What that means for us... our next production is now just a few weeks away from opening.
The Father
The Father, by Florian Zeller, translated by Christopher Hampton is a brilliant and unique play telling the story of an elderly man (André) who has dementia, and the effect it has on him, and his family. What's particularly clever about the play is it's told from André's point of view, so the audience get to feel the confusion and the frustration he's going through.
It's a play that tackles the issues head on, but does it with good humour, and is respectful to the illness and those who suffer from it.
Taking the helm is director Martin Borley-Cox. He says there's a very good reason why The Father was chosen.
Several of the cast and crew have first hand knowledge of the effects of dementia, but none more so than Kate Billingham, who plays Andre's daughter Anne. Just a few years ago, Kate lost her own dad to dementia, and tells her story and how the play has helped her come to terms with losing her own dad.
Kate explains says why it is so empowering to watch the play. Also watch a moving video as Kate talk about her late dad.
Kate Billingham sharing her experience with her father and Alzheimers
We're delighted to say the production is being performed with the backing of Alzheimer's Society who continue to offer support to families experiencing the disease, and funding research into treatment. At every performance we'll be taking donations, and making a donation from White Cobra. We've also set up a Just Giving page where people can make a donation, just scan the QR code on the posters which will be displayed at the performances.
We have had the pleasure to work with Willy Gilder who created the art for the show. Willy has himself been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Read his article or watch a short film on the White Cobra Youtube Channel.
The production has an original score from Martin Heath. Find out how he has written 18 tracks to underscores André's deterioration through this short video and article.
Martin Heath's daughters have accompanied him in recordings with strings and harp.
A couple of years ago, a film of the story was released starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Coleman. Hopkins won the best actor academy award for his performance in 2021, becoming the oldest actor win an Oscar at 83.
The Father sets out on the road in March, and is being performed on the following dates:
- 16 March - Birchmeadow Centre, Broseley
- 22 - 23 March - Royal Theatre, Northampton
- 1 April - The Gaiety, Douglas
- 27 April - Venture Theatre, Ashby de la Zouch
- 18 May - Chester Little Theatre
One of the performances will be in Douglas in the Isle of Man Easter Festival of Plays. This year we're thrilled to be taking two shows, with The Father being joined by Lilies on the Land which performed to great acclaim last year. It'll be great to see the four Lilies take to the stage (at least) once more, we're hoping the production will also be performed during Hertford Theatre Week in May.
James and the Giant Peach
This summer we're back on the road, with one of Northampton's most experienced directors taking on a White Cobra show for the first time. Weekes Baptiste will be bring the wonderful Roald Dahl story of James & the Giant Peach to life throughout July, watch out for further details on performance dates and venues.
That's it for now, we really hope to see you at The Father!
All the best from us all at White Cobra.