ANDROCLES AND THE LION
Synopsis:
The play is set in the last days of the Roman Empire. A Christian tailor named Androcles helps a suffering lion by removing a thorn from his paw. Later, after Caesar has rounded up the Christians and sentenced them to death by the beast, the lion refuses to harm the man who has been so kind to him.
Written in 1912, Androcles and the Lion has themes of martyrdom and persecution which are portrayed through Shaw's use of comedy, slapstick humour, verbal wit and physical humour.
BHTC NOTES: This was the first BHTC open air production in the grounds at Marle Place. Sheila Newell (playing the part of Magaera), remembers it as a great experience but that everyone got bitten by all the insects!
ANDROCLES & THE LION
Genre: Comedy Drama
Playwrights: G Bernard Shaw
Directed by: Keith Jefferies
Production Date: May 1971
Group: BHTC
Staged: Marle Place, Burgess Hill - open air presentation
BHTC Production Number: 68
Frank Oakley
Neil Batsford
Sheila Newell
Fred Richings
Anthony White
Inez Wedderburn
Rodney Nash
Peter Coveney
Dick Doyle
Ron Forsdike
Sarah Coveney
Alan Dann
Michael Wedderburn
Leigh Towell
Keith Jefferies
Graham Paterson
Ken Barron
Cast
The Lion / Soldier
Androcles
Magaera
Centurion / Gladiator
Captain
Lavinia
Ferrovius
Spintho
Lentulus / Menagerie Keeper
Metellus
Editor
Call Boy / Beggar Child
Emperor / Soldier
Secutor
Retarius
Soldier
Gladiator
Stage Director
Stage Manager
Asst. Stage Manager
Wardrobe
Sound Effects
Graphic Designer
Set Designer
Created the Armour
Publicity
Catering Supervisor
Frank Oakley
Richard Tapner
Patrick O'Meara
Pam Jefferies
Mike Cannon
Anthony White
Richard Tapner
Alan Dann
Neil Batsford, Joan O'Meara
Barbara Chamberlain
