Vinegar Tom

1976 - 1977

In the oppressive atmosphere of the 17th century it’s dangerous to be a woman without a husband. It’s dangerous to be a woman and different. It’s dangerous to be a woman and use the healing herbs. It’s dangerous to be called a witch; innocence gives no protection. And with strikingly modern lyrics and music the show highlights how women’s bodies remain a battleground.

  • Written by Caryl Churchill

Cast

Roger Allam
Man/Doctor/Bellringer/Packer
Ian Blower
Jack
Chris Bowler
Ellen/Kramer
Linda Broughton
Margery
Josefina Cupido
Betty
Gillian Hanna
Alice
Helen Glavin
Goody
Mary McCusker
Joan/Sprenger

Musicians: Helen Glavin, Josefina Cupido, Roger Allam.

Production Team

Pam Brighton
Director
Andrea Montag
Designer
Helen Glavin*
Music
Gemma Jackson
Costume Designer
Chris Montag
Graphics
d. Wilson**
Technician/Company Manager
Sue Beardon
Administration

* Composer and (what would now be termed) Musical Director. ** Meri Jenkins from Jan 1977.

Places and dates

Humberside Theatre, Hull
12/10/1976 - 15/10/1976
College of Education, Hereford
01/11/1976
North Worcestershire College, Bromsgrove
02/11/1976
College of Education, Madely
03/11/1976
Burton Technical College, B on Trent
04/11/1976
Tamworth Arts Centre
05/11/1976

‘Vinegar Tom is both an impressive feminist play and an impressive feminist theatre production.’
Michelene Wandor Spare Rib Nov 1976

‘What the play did, implicitly, was show how sinking without drowning is the art of survival as a woman, whether in the seventeenth or the twentieth century.’
Catherine Itzin Tribune Dec 1976

Images

Words

Programmes

Publicity

Script for Vinegar Tom

Scenes 1 to 7

Reviews

Press cuttings

Display boards

Sounds

Music from the Show

VINEGAR TOM

Slideshow with Music Clips

Vinegar Tom