“An upstairs downstairs world turned upside down”

Diana of Dobson’s

Friday 29 April–Saturday 14 May 2016

a New Vic Theatre production

By Cicely Hamilton
Directed by Abbey Wright

A ‘lost treasure’ of Edwardian theatre mixing stylish comedy with social commentary in a rags-to-riches story set in the unseen world of overworked, underpaid ‘shop-girls’.

Diana works at Dobson’s Drapery Emporium. Out of the blue, her upstairs downstairs world is turned upside down when she inherits enough money to free her from a lifetime of drudgery. But she impulsively decides to spend the lot on a madcap, month-long taste of the high-life.

Posing as a wealthy widow in a luxurious Swiss hotel, she’s eagerly pursued by the charming Captain Bretherton. But is he attracted to her or to her supposed wealth? And how will the world react when the money runs out and she is revealed as a working woman, not a woman of means?

Friday 29 April–Saturday 14 May 2016

Photo Gallery

Image by Andrew Billington

Reviews

Star Star Star Star

"admirable lightness of touch..."

— Alfred Hickling, The Guardian
Star Star Star Star

"an Edwardian gem that speaks as loudly as ever..."

— Dominic Cavendish, The Telegraph
Star Star Star

"still resonant..."

— Neil Bonner, The Stage

Latest News

News Article

NEW DRAMA THE TRIAL OF ROMEO OSCAR FROM ALAN AYCKBOURN GOES BACK TO THE FUTURE

The Stephen Joseph Theatre returns to the New Vic this month with new drama, The Trial of Romeo Oscar, the 92nd play from…

Read Article >
News Article

NEW VIC THEATRE SEARCH FOR LOCAL PEOPLE TO JOIN COMMUNITY COMPANY FOR NEW PLAYGLADSTONE GIRLS

The New Vic Theatre are looking for local people to join their Community Theatre Company for Gladstone Girls – a new play…

Read Article >
News Article

NEW VIC ANNOUNCES SIXTEEN NEW CONCERTS FOR 2027 INCLUDING LEGENDARY MUSIC, SPARKLING COMEDY AND MORE

A host of new events have been added to the New Vic’s 2027 programme including performances by world renowned musicians PP Arnold,…

Read Article >