Mansfield Palace Community Theatre presents Cider with Rosie

Adapted for the stage by James Roose-Evans, this wonderful autobiographical story of Lee’s early days growing up in the Cotswolds village of Slad captures life in rural England just after the First World War.

The fun of his schooldays, the quirky ways of the villagers, Lee’s fond and frustrating memories of his mother and the revelation of early sexual awakenings are all captured on stage.

Mansfield Palace Community Theatre’s local ensemble of actors is made up of people who have had some actor training, currently in actor training and others who do it for the love. Amy-Lea Clifton, who plays the young Laurie Lee said: “Following my recent completion of performing arts training at Vision West Notts College, this is a fantastic opportunity to work with a group of actors with a wide range of ages, experience and skills.

She added: “Playing the young Laurie is hard work but lots of fun. I can’t wait to get on the Palace stage.”

The director, Christopher Neil commented: “It has been wonderful working with the ensemble of seventeen actors on this play.

“Bringing the children of the playground to life while focusing on the unusual and sometimes eccentricities of Slad’s older generations, as realised by Lee, is a great challenge.

“The storytelling, including songs, has engaged everyone and evoked many personal stories along the way”.

Mansfield Palace Community Theatre have expressed thanks to everyone who responded to their request for help with props.

The production follows the company’s successful presentation of Oh! What A Lovely War.

Cider With Rosie is at Mansfield Palace Theatre from Thursday, July 2, to Saturday, July 4, at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Tickets £7.50 (full), £5.50 (schools), £25 (family of four) and £5.50 each for block bookers of ten or more. Contact 01623 633133 or www.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre