NEW PLAY WILL SHOW THE OTHER FACE OF VIRGINIA WOOLF

A new play is to premiere in Broadstairs which shows the surprising other face of literary legend Virginia Woolf.

“Because Of The Moon” produced and performed by Thanet-based Hags Ahoy shows what it was like to work for Virginia as she wrote – and published -- some of the most famous literary works of the twentieth century.

In 1917 Virginia and her husband Leonard Woolf set up the publishing house Hogarth Press which published Virginia’s famous masterpieces, “To The Lighthouse”, “Mrs Dalloway”, but also books by other literary stars such as TS Eliot and Katherine Mansfield.

This play tells the story of a timid young man who started work at the publishing house at the age of 16.  Through his eyes the saintly Virginia Woolf appears as overall-wearing, rather frightening figure who rolls her own cigarettes and doesn’t suffer fools gladly.

The play, which throws a revealing and amusing light on some of the great literary figures of the twentieth century, is written by Ace Books, one of Thanet’s most original and elusive dramatists.

Typical of his work, there’s lots of provocative cross-dressing, with men taking women’s parts and women taking men’s. Katharine Elvin, owner of the Helter Skelter shop in Margate, plays Leonard Woolf, while, most startlingly, veteran Broadstairs actor Miranda Peacock plays the 16 year-old Richard.

Mr Books sees nothing difficult about a middle-aged woman playing a 16 year old boy, said: “We know these people aren’t the real people. It’s all artificial. The point is to catch the essence of the people – not to recreate them.”

Books’ previous, highly successful productions include Handsome Jack, The Klister Sisters and Up On Fordham Hill.

The play’s co-producer, Norman Thomas said: “A new play by Ace Books is always an occasion. You never know what he’s going to come up with, but you can sure you will be provoked and entertained in equal measures.”

 

The play will be performed from Wedneday to Saturday, 11^th to the 14^th May at 7.30pm every night at the Red Hall, Grosvenor Road, Broadstairs. All tickets are £6. To book ring 01843 604 253.