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Hard Times
Adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens
27th April - 4th May 2002
Director: Mike Woodhead
Coketown (a barely disguised Victorian Manchester), with its wealthy industrialists,
its factories and poor quarters, is home to Mr Gradgrind and Mr. Bounderby.
These two men attempt to direct the lives of those they come across, including their
employees and a circus family. The book, one of Dickens’ most amusing, is peopled by a
host of wonderful characters - with 17 of the characters played by just 4 actors.
| The Players |
| Simon Taylor |
| Mr Gradgrind |
Proprietor of the model school, later MP |
| Tom |
Gradgrind's son |
| Stephen Blackpool |
A weaver |
| John Wallace |
| Josiah Bounderby |
A self-made man |
| Mr Sleary |
Proprietor of Sleary's Horse Riding |
| Bitzer |
A Pupil, later a light porter |
| James Harthouse |
A Young man of means |
| Slackbridge |
A Trade Union delegate |
| Tracy Burns |
| Louisa |
Gradgrind's daughter |
| Mrs Blackpool |
Stephen's wife |
| Mrs Pegler |
An old woman from the country |
| Chairwoman |
A chairwoman |
| Sonia Dykstra |
| Sissy Jupe |
A Stroller's daughter |
| Mrs Gradgrind |
Gradgrind's wife |
| Mrs Sparsit |
Keeper of Bounderby's house |
| Racheal |
A Weaver |
| Mary Stokes |
A Weaver |
| Narrators/ASMs |
Emma Chapman
Georgia Ellis
Luisa Yeates
Jessica Brush |
| Stage Manager |
Paul Lewis |
| Lighting Design and Lighting |
Chris Hills |
| Sound |
Deborah Taylor |
| Costume |
Pat Barrow
Jacque Bilsborough
Fenella Fowkes
Christina Howarth |
| Properties |
Caroline Melliar-Smith |
| Set Design and Construction |
Members of the Green Room |
| Sissy Jupe's Wig designed by "Hair By Marion" |
This play was kindly sponsored by Jacky Freeman
Original Painting and Quality Prints, Wilmslow, Cheshire
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