Van lady’s life in playwright’s garden trundles towards stage

THE bizarre true story of a woman who lived in a van in the garden of Yorkshire playwright Alan Bennett is set to come to the stage in Harrogate at the start of next month.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Jun 2011, 12:09 BST

Nicola McAuliffe, best known for her role in ITV’s Surgical Spirit, plays the role of the mysterious Miss Shepherd in The Lady in the Van, which has been adapted by the playwright from his own memoirs.

Miss Shepherd was living in the van on the street before Bennett took pity on her and said she could park in his garden for three months, after which she stayed for 15 years.

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The cast also includes James Holmes, who recently appeared as Clive in BBC2’s award-winning sitcom Miranda.

Sarah Esldaile, who was recently appointed as associate director at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds, is directing the play. Her recent credits include The Deep Blue Sea starring Maxine Peake and an acclaimed production of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, both for the Playhouse.

Hull Truck Theatre presents The Lady in the Van at Harrogate Theatre from Tuesday, July 5 to Saturday, July 9 with matinee performances on the Wednesday and Saturday.

Tickets cost £13 to £17 and can be booked online at www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk or through the box office on 01423 502116.

Related topics:YorkshireHarrogate