North Country Theatre | A Month in the Country 2014

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A Month in the Country (2014)

Two men, an artist and archaeologist, recently released from the horrors of the trenches, ﬁnd themselves working side by side in a North Yorkshire village.

What they slowly uncover is an ancient village mystery, hidden passions and the healing power of a month in the country.

This prize winning novel was made into a ﬁlm with Colin Firth and Kenneth Branagh in the starring roles.

With the kind permission of the estate of the late J L Carr, North Country Theatre created the ﬁrst stage adaptation in 2002. In response to many requests from supporters and venues the production was re-created again in Autumn 2014, to mark the centenary of the beginning of the First World War.

We could not promise that Colin Firth and Kenneth Branagh would make an appearance, although two of our production team had worked with them previously, but this did not detract from the powerful and emotive performances given by the 2014 cast ensuring there was North Country Theatre wit, invention and imagination as this moving story was again brought to life on stage.

Cast and Creative

Birkin

Ellerbeck

Reverend Keach

Moon

Kathy Ellerbeck/ Alice Keach

Set Design

Sound

Costumes

Lighting Designer

Rehearsal Stage Manager

Production Assistant

Administration

Mark Cronfield

Nobby Dimon

Thomas Frere

William Vasey

Ashley Tucker

Simon Pell

Dave Harris

Liz Kirby

Tony Wilcock

Lindsay Trenholme

Beki Harrison

Colin Bailey, Gillian Howells

Publicity

A Month in the Country 2014 Flyer and Tour Schedule

A Month in the Country 2014 Programme

Performances October to December 2014

Did you know...?

...The first performance of this adaptation was on 30th October 2002 at
The Zetland Centre, Richmond (now re-named The Influence Church).
The devising company and original cast were David Smith, Martin Dower, Rebecca Smart and David Reakes.

...There were 48 performances during the 2014 production watch by over 5,000 people. Many venues were sold out with waiting lists for tickets.

Birkin and Moon (Mark Cronfield and William Vasey)

Thanks to...

We are grateful for sponsorship from the many Angels of the North Country and of the Friends of North Country Theatre. Also Richmond Town Council, Leyburn and Mid Wensleydale partnership, The Elm House Trust, The Upper Wensleydale Newsletter, thecitysecret, John blenkiron & Sons, Dawn Clarkson & Associates, Yorkshire Country Holidays.

We'd also like to thank people who support the company throughout the year along with those who have helped with this production: Andy thursfield, Helen Warry, Ailsa Hunter, Richmond Operatic Society, Influence Church, Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society, Carillion, Julian Farrand, Brenda Hale, John Ward, Caroline Woodroffe, Jenny & Tony Power, Mike Nicholls, Amanda & Steve Cook, Faye & David Doorbar, Geoff Wall, Tim Kendall, Judith Brickwood, Donald & Nina Cline, Wilma Burniston, Liz Floyd, Mike potter.

A Month in the Country 2014 Images

Reviews (Click the links below to read the reviews)

British Theatre Guide, October 2014

Northern Echo, October 2014

Northern Echo, September 2014 - A month to remember (pre-opening feature)

Darlington and Stockton Times, September 2014 - North Country Tale of loss and love revived (pre-opening feature)

Audience comments...

"I would like to congratulate you on A Month in the Country which I saw at Gilling West last night. JL Carr's book is a delicate masterpiece that would be easily damaged by rough handling in the adaptation. The play got it just right and evoked the lyrical tone of the book perfectly. As Nobby said before the performance, adaptations can disappoint if they don't chime with the viewer's imagination but the characters here were exactly as I imagined them! First class acting, excellent characterization, good ensemble playing and an ingenious set - this is rural touring theatre at its best. And I think it is one of the best things North Country Theatre have done!" (Gilling West)

"We enjoyed 'A Month in the Country' the acting was superb and very moving. Your followers in Barton get very excited when you are coming to town, no one will ever forget 'The 39 Steps'." (Barton upon Humber)

"We thought the production was top notch - extremely moving! The acting was really excellent and I was more than usually amazed at the ingenuity that your set, creating such an elaborate and versatile set that will fit into a long wheel based van! We love the type of theatre you do and the way it involves the audience." (Peebles)

"Thank you so much for your excellent production at Helmsley this week. The comparisons of the artist's work was portrayed like a true artist, the pigments as they were put together in medieval paintings compared to the current boxes and tubes of paints we use was excellent. You have inspired me to return to the canvas." (Helmsley)

"What a terrific adaptation and moving acting." (Northallerton)

"I am writing to say how much I enjoyed seeing your production of A Month in the Country. I thought it was incredible how the five of you did everything and transported me into a different world for a couple of hours. I really thought you were brilliant! Many thanks for an excellent evening" (Edgton)

"Congratulations to your cast. I wasn't disappointed with your performance of one of my favourite books. Well done" (Edgton)

"The performance at Ilkley Literature Festival went down fantastically well. It was a great success and much appreciated by our audience. Thank you." (Ilkley)

"Congratulations to everyone concerned with tonight's production. I thoroughly enjoyed the performance and found it really moving. All the actors were excellent and the music added greatly to this production." (Ilkley)

"That was a truly breathtaking, stunning performance tonight!" (West Burton)

"Thoroughly enjoyed last night's performance. One of my favourite books beautifully interpreted, the pauses added to the understated emotions, and the music was perfect. Congratulations, hope you have a good run." (Hustwaite)

"It’s usually good but last night was brilliant. People were clearly moved. You could tell by the silence in the second act how intense the concentration was. Well done." (Hustwaite)

"We enjoyed last night’s performance. Very different, and moving." (Opening night, Richmond)

"A brilliant First Night! Loved this latest adaptation, and excellent acting. I fell in love with Ashley, she had Kathy Ellerbeck off to a T!" (Opening night, Richmond)

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