The Strumpet of Knaresborough is coming!

Posted on: Wednesday 8 Mar 2017

NHS colleagues and friends in Harrogate have been preparing the grease paint and polishing up on their double entendres to put on a comedy, all in aid of Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity – and they are hoping for a lively audience from around the area.

The Strumpet of Knaresborough debuts at 7.30pm on Wednesday 22 March and runs until Saturday 25 March, at the Frazer Theatre, Knaresborough (behind Tesco on the High Street).

(L to R) Some of the cast of the Strumpet of Knaresborough: David Hoskins, Andrew Forsyth, Carl Gray, Helen Ratcliffe, Amanda Gillespie, Julia Bullock and Pam Blythe.

It’s been developed by the Trust-us-Theatre Company, which is composed of colleagues from Harrogate District Hospital and beyond. This year the Company asked for a slightly more ‘grown-up’ theme than its usual panto. And that’s what they’ve got! The excellent script, written and directed by pathologist Carl Gray, is an exploration of dating and love, contrasting the modern day and the Restoration Period with bites also taken out of the media and the hotel industry.

This production is not recommended for children under 12 years of age; but of course older kids will explain everything to their parents! There are flashing lights.

All profits from tickets and refreshments go to Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity and help to enhance patient care. Tickets are £10 per person (no child reductions) and are available from the General Office by the front door at Harrogate District Hospital and online at www.justaddtickets.co.uk.

Author Carl Gray said: “We really enjoy putting on productions and raising money for a great cause. It’s always lots of fun. Our modern-day actors are offered a rediscovered Restoration Comedy which they attempt to put on in costume. Please come along, join in the fun and who knows, maybe you’ll find out who – or what – the Strumpet of Knaresborough is!”

David Fisher, Community and Events Fundraiser at Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity, said: “It’s wonderful to have such fantastic support from the staff, showing just how passionate they are for the work they do and the people they care for.

“Thanks to the amazing support of the writers, performers and other volunteers involved, Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity is able to provide funds to pay for specialist equipment, research and patient and family support that would otherwise not be there, making a real difference to patients and their families when they need it most.”

ENDS

Photo: (L to R) Some of the cast of the Strumpet of Knaresborough: David Hoskins, Andrew Forsyth, Carl Gray, Helen Ratcliffe, Amanda Gillespie, Julia Bullock and Pam Blythe.

For further information please contact: Paul Widdowfield, Communications and Marketing Manager, [email protected] and 01423 557470.