Laugh and cry with the Lady

Much loved theatre company Peterborough Mask Theatre are bringing Alan Bennett’s classic comedy The Lady in the Van to the Key Theatre studio this April. The play tells the story of Miss Shepherd, the eponymous lady, who lives in her bright yellow Bedford van on Bennett’s driveway.

Based on true events, Alan Bennett met Miss Shepherd when he moved to the up-and-coming Camden address. After seeing her being mistreated in the street, he offered to let her park the van on his driveway temporarily, until she could organise something more permanent. Miss Shepherd ended up staying for 15 years. Featuring two Alan Bennetts, a host of wellmeaning social workers, nosy neighbours, inquisitive interviewers and Alan’s Mam, the play takes a light hearted look at the relationship between Alan and Miss Shepherd as they navigate the complications of living in such close proximity.

The Lady in the Van is being directed by Di Fox, a seasoned Mask director. Recently, Di has directed Pygmalion in the Key Studio and, last year, The Importance of Being Earnest on the main stage.

Di says: “The cast are doing a wonderful job of bringing these iconic roles to life. Alan Bennett is a hard one to master but Phil Lewis and Carl Perkins, the actors playing his two different sides, are portraying him brilliantly.

“Hannah Drury who is playing Miss Shepherd is a real joy to watch. We’re all really looking forward to returning to the Key with this marvellous play.”

The Lady in the Van is a joyous, warm comedy which will have you both laughing and crying.

Tickets are on sale at vivacity.org.

You can also take advantage of a special Bennett offer. When you buy a ticket to The Lady in the Van, you can claim £2 off a full price ticket to The History Boys at the Key Theatre in May. The History Boys, by Peterborough based Lamphouse Theatre, will be performed at the Key Theatre from May 22-15.