About

A play about six wildly different people, coping and connecting during one year on the Common, telling their unexpected tales of love, life, death, and downright dottiness, while a seventh character lurks mysteriously. Directed by Gareth Armstrong, with music by composer Simon Slater (Constellations) and lighting design by Mark Dymock (Once).

Written during Lockdown and partly inspired by glimpses of people Skilbeck saw on her daily allotted walk on Clapham Common, it is a response to the feeling of isolation during COVID, and the search for connectedness. It reflects on the human need for the solace of nature, for healing laughter and silliness, and for love in all its forms surviving.

Alison Skilbeck is an Associate Teacher at RADA, specialising in directing Shakespeare, and serving on the Admissions Panel. Television credits include Sherlock Holmes, The Beiderbecke Affair, Soldier Soldier, New Tricks, Doctor Who, Lovejoy, Midsomer Murders, and Call The Midwife. She plays Lady Elton in Series 5 of The Crown. Films include 'Phantom of the Opera', 'Holmes and Watson', and 'Florence Foster Jenkins' with Meryl Streep. She plays Agatha Doyle in the cult podcast series Wooden Overcoats and was notable Polly Perks in The Archers until the character was killed off.

A Q&A with Alison Skilbeck will follow after each performance.