The Bench Production
This play was staged at Havant Arts Centre, East Street Havant - Bench Theatre's home since 1977. It was staged in repertory with 'Skirmishes', by Catherine Hayes on alternate nights to that play.
Characters
| Stevie | Nicola Scadding |
| Aunt | Janet Simpson |
| Man | David Penrose |
Crew
| Director | John Scadding |
| Stage Manager | Lezley Picton |
| Assistant Stage Managers | Jo German Jane Hart |
| Lighting | Saul Hewish |
| Poster Design | Jenny Graham |
| Set Construction | Peter Holding David Graham Colin Hardy Helen Arnold |
| Front of House | Rhian Davey |
Director's Notes
Most of the words to be presented this evening were either written by the poet Stevie Smith (1902 - 1971). This actually makes the script rather out of the ordinary. However, even more out of the ordinary is the way that the playwright has strung these speeches together; for instead of presenting a straightforward naturalistic everyday comedy, which the scenery would suggest to anybody, he has switches in Time, an all-purpose Storyteller and each of the characters directly addressing us; so the play comes out like a glorified daisy-chain of poems and teacups, Death and gasbills - in fact very much like the character of the heroine, Stevie.
Stevie, it seems, was quite a mixed-up lady, living with her aunt, being witty, outrageous, but deep down basically finding Existence difficult. What she said, what she did about it with those she came closest to, is our play this evening.
John Scadding
Reviews
The News A J U
Simplicity deceptive in 'Stevie' tribute
Death came as a happy release for Stevie Smith, the poet whose complex character and unassuming life are documented at Havant Arts Centre this week. Having survived one suicide attempt, and unable to speak because of a brain tumour near the end of her life, she welcomed death as a compassionate friend with her last written words before dying in 1971. But 'Stevie' does far more than just deal with the talented poet's obsession with death. Hugh Whitemore's moving and humorous play acts as a lasting tribute to the life and work of a fascinating character who may otherwise have been forgotten.
Under the artful direction of John Scadding, the Bench Theatre invites its audience into the cluttered sitting room of Stevie's North London home to take an intriguing glimpse of her life. The most unusual in that most of the words were actually either written or spoken by the poet - but the apparent simplicity of the play is deceptive. While only having a cast of three, the two women are required to age years and the man has to play four separate characters, including that of storyteller.
Nicola Scadding, wife of the play's director, superbly captures the spirit of Stevie. Janet Simpson brings a warmth and affection to her portrayal of her aunt while David Penrose cope admirably with the demands of four roles. The Bench is presenting 'Stevie' in repertory with 'Skirmishes' by Catherine Hayes, at Havant Arts Centre this week. 'Stevie' continues tomorrow and Friday, and 'Skirmishes' runs today, Thursday, and Saturday. Performances are at 7:30p.m.
The News, 11th October 1983
