Island Life

1988 - 1989

Bank holiday weekend in an old people’s home and there are no staff in attendance. Three women, Emmy, Sophia and Vera are enjoying their independence. One cantankerous, one perceptive, one losing her memory. All of them vulnerable, but with dreams, delusions, illusions and strategies that help them survive. These are threatened when young Kate, who is lost, arrives. What happens over the weekend will change all their lives, as fact and fantasy mingle dangerously.

Written by Jenny McLeod
Co-production with Nottingham Playhouse

Cast

Joanna Field: Sophia
Corrinne Skinner Carter (Autumn 1988): Emmy
Joan Hooley (Spring 1989): Emmy
Stella Tanner: Vera
Marcia Tucker (Autumn 1988): Kate
Irma Innis (Spring 1989): Kate

Production Team

Jane Collins: Director
Iona McLeish: Designer
Veronica Wood: Lighting Designer
Lesley Chenery: Stage Manager
Janet Cantrill: Technician
Ferelith Lean: Administration
Rose Sharp: Administration
Jo Angell: Graphics

Places and dates

Nottingham Playhouse Studio: 23/10/1988 - 29/10/1988
Drill Hall, London: 07/02/1989 - 25/02/1989
Warehouse Theatre, Croydon: 28/02/1989 - 12/03/1989
Derby Playhouse: 14/03/1989 - 15/03/1989
Harlow Playhouse: 30/03/1989 - 01/04/1989

“The work of Jenny McLeod shows thought, humour and characterisation… . Her people are distinct and individual in their pride and defiance, their sudden eruptions of jealousy and insecurity only too real.”
Birmingham Evening Post Oct 1988

‘Beautifully brought to life by impeccable performances.’
The Guardian March 1989