AS Britain marks 100 years since women first gained the right to vote, a new, all-female adaptation of Compton Mackenzie’s ‘Whisky Galore’ is coming to Oldham Coliseum.
The Pallas Players’ production is presented by Oldham Coliseum Theatre, Hull Truck Theatre and New Vic Theatre at the Coliseum from Thursday March 16 until Saturday, April 7, prior to a national tour.
Partly inspired by the true story of the Osiris Players, a troupe of female actors who toured the British Isles from 1927-63, this production is a tribute to the feisty, fearless, all-female touring companies of the post war years.
Under the dogmatic direction of the redoubtable Flora Bellerby, witness the Pallas Players – Win, Doris, Flora, Bea, Aileen, Connie and Juliet – as they play all the hilarious and diverse characters in this comedy classic.
The islanders of Great and Little Todday are dismayed to find their whisky supply dwindling, as the government diverts the precious stuff to the Americans in an attempt to bribe them into supporting the British war effort.
When a 50,000 whisky bottle cargo shipwrecks close by welcome relief seems to be at hand.
Conflict is guaranteed, however, once stuffy Paul Waggett of the Home Guard tries to prevent the thirsty islanders from taking advantage of their good fortune.
Meanwhile, as in the finest of Shakespearian comedies, two weddings are planned. One hinges on timid George Campbell finding the courage to stand up to his disapproving mother; the other involves a leading English Officer’s love for the daughter of a leading whisky filcher.
This production includes: Christine Mackie (Downton Abbey’s Daphne Bryant); Coliseum favourite Isabel Ford; and Joey Parsad, who recently completed a national tour of Around The World in 80 Days (New Vic Theatre).
‘Whisky Galore’ was published in 1947, inspired by the sinking of the SS Politician off Eriskay in 1941.
It was adapted into an Ealing comedy film in 1949 and became an instant success.
Writer Philip Goulding is a Coliseum favourite, whose previous work includes: ‘Our Gracie’, ‘A Fine Bright Day Today’ and ‘The Road to Nab End’.
Whisky Galore tickets can be booked by calling 0161 624 2829 or online: www.coliseum.org.uk