By Arnold Bennett
A new adaptation by Deborah McAndrew
Directed by Conrad Nelson
“What a card! He’s a rare ‘un, make no mistake”
From a young age, loveable rogue Denry Machin has his eyes set on great things and when life gives him an opportunity, he takes it.
A washerwoman’s son, his humble beginnings won’t hold him back from achieving a life he loves to live. Helped along by a little bit of luck, a lot of initiative and just a touch of chutzpah, he’s soon enjoying fame and fortune, becoming the most celebrated ‘card’ in The Five Towns!
A revival of Claybody Theatre’s original production seen at Fenton Town Hall in 2022, this joyous stage adaptation of Arnold Bennett’s classic comic novel is set in a fictionalised Stoke-on-Trent known as The Five Towns. Bennett felt that, from a literary point of view, Five Towns sounded better than six. ‘Stokies’ will tell you otherwise!
Directed by Conrad Nelson (Anna of the Five Towns, Brassed Off) The Card is filled with music, mayhem and lots of laughter for a production that’s identified with “the great cause of cheering us all up!”
Feature photo from original production photo by Andrew Billington
Saturday 20 May–Saturday 10 June 2023
Dates & Times
Cast & Creatives
Photo Gallery
Gareth Cassidy, Jessica Dyas and Molly Roberts. Credit Mark Douet.
Reviews
“a jaunty adaptation…”
— Clive Davis, The Times
“impressive stagecraft and visual panache…”
— Chris Bartlett, The Stage
“bursting with fun and life…”
— Adam Smith, Signal 1
“every detail was done to perfection…”
— Jane Lythgoe, The HitMix
“This is feelgood theatre at its best…”
— Ian Simpson, Number 9
“an eccentric, funny and uplifting tale full of Potteries character…”
— Aimi Redfern, The Sentinel
“This card trumps all others…”
— Dave Stringer, Moorlands Radio
“an excellent ensemble production…”
— Steve Orme, British Theatre Guide
“It is impossible to leave after having seen this superb piece of theatre without a smile on your face…”
— Rick Lane, Times & Echo
“A comedy creation you don’t want to miss and will never forget…”
— Sonya Farrall, Babababoon
“The whole production was spectacular…”
— Gareth Ekin, On In My City
“Fast-paced, energetic and full of ‘dash’, it is a humorous and heartfelt show…”
— Bethan Shufflebotham, Beff Shuff
“a captivating theatrical delight…”
— Dave Bithell, A View To A Kiln
“A sterling performance from start to finish, the easiest 5 star review ever …”
— Nat Orry, Stoke Is Where The Heart Is
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