Rocking Horse Winner (2011)

A white knuckle ride between psychology and the supernatural adapted for stage by the company from the short story by D H Lawrence, written and directed by Nobby Dimon.

The House is forever whispering in the boy’s ear “There must be more money.” In the nursery, alone in his bedroom, on the staircase, in the library, in broad daylight, in the shadows, at night….. especially at night…. “There must be more money” A rare supernatural tale from one of the 20th century’s great novelists, The Rocking Horse Winner takes young Paul on a wild ride in search of two things: the approval of his mother and the place where Luck is. But how far will his sinister old rocking horse take him?

Set against a vivid background of colourful race meetings, jockeys, touts and bookies this dark psychological thriller is laced with satire and lends itself to the highly visual theatrical style of the company.

Following the great success of “A Blood Wedding in Wensleydale” this adaptation was another collaboration between touring company North Country Theatre and The Harrogate Theatre and opened on the main stage at Harrogate before touring regionally.

Cast and Creative

Mark Cronfield

Nobby Dimon

Victoria Brazier

Thomas Frere

Simon Kirk

Simon Pell / Nobby Dimon

Malcom Wood

Nicola Downing

Thomas Weir

Dave Harris

Tom Thursfield

Portico Quartet

Jacquie Wood / Gillian Howells

Paul

Dr. Langmann

Hester

Basset

Oscar Cresswell

Set Design

Stage Carpenter / Prop maker

Costume

Lighting Design

Music/SFX

Video Projection

Scene Change Music

Admin

For Harrogate Theatre

Richard Bielby

Maurice Stewart

Johnny Coulson

Lucy Elmer

Oliver Stables

Production Manager

Technical Manager

Theatre Technician

Sponsored by Friends of North Country Theatre and thecitysecret.com

Performances September to December 2011

Did you know...?

...The first performance of this adaptation was on Wednesday 21st September 2011 at Harrogate Theatre. The Rocking Horse belonged to the Davies family.

Tom Davies bought the rocking horse in 1977 at auction (it was not in good condition) as a Christmas present for his eldest daughter Anna and his late wife Sally restored it. It was used by all three daughters in turn as they passed through their childhood and all three eventually became accomplished riders on the real ponies and horses which followed as
they progressed to their teenage years. So the rocking horse triggered an extremely expensive but enjoyable hobby for all four females in his family and which provided piles of good quality manure for his vegetable garden! The use of it now is dedicated to the memory of Sally Davies, a lover of horses and a wonderful mother, and to those volunteers working for the Lymphoma Association.

Thanks to... ?

We'd like to thank the many people who supported the company throughout the year along with those who have helped with this production: Tom Davies, Nancy Murgatroyd, Micky Hammond, Lindsay Trenholme, Alice Lawson, Richmond Operatic Society, Jennifer Thursfield, Influence Church, Mick Bannister, Richmond Motor Services, Brenda Hale, Julian Farrand, John Ward, Caroline Woodroffe, Liz Shaw, Jenny and Tony Power, Amanda & Steve Cook, Faye & David Doorbar, Geoff & Anne Wall, Tim & Hilary Kendall, Donald & Nina Cline, Susan Alexander, Lady Holden [bequest], Richmond Civic Society, Lorraine Clissold, Wilma Burniston, Liz Floyd, Mike Potter, Greville Worthington (Catterick Race Course), Ronnie Kassel, Marcia Howard and the Friends of North Country who have sponsored a 5th actor for this tour.