The Colony Comes A Cropper!

1990

In Marivaux’ sardonic comedy (Act 1: The Colony) a motley group find themselves shipwrecked on a desert island. The women prepare to build a new society where justice and equality will prevail, but are defeated by the men’s trickery. Centuries later, in Robyn Archer’s Act 2 (Comes A Cropper), the battle is re-joined. Unlikely alliances, endless plotting, betrayals galore. The music plays on, but will the women ever achieve a happy ending?

  • Written by Pierre de Marivaux (Act 1) and Robyn Archer (Act 2)
  • Translator Gillian Hanna
  • Co-production with Salisbury Playhouse

Cast

Angela Clerkin
Lina
Nora Connolly
Madame Sorbin/Mrs Swingbin
Stephen Crane
Monsieur Sorbin/Mr Swingbin
Andrew Frame
Timagene/Tim
Paul Kiernan
Hermocrate/Stockman
Carlene Reed
Persinet/Pearce
Lynne Verrall
Arthenice/Lady Arty Nicey

Production Team

Nona Shepphard
Director
Jenny Carey
Designer
Lindsay Cooper
Music
Peter Higton
Lighting Designer
Rose Sharp
Administration
Mary McCusker
Administration
Jo Angell
Graphics

Places and dates

Salisbury Playhouse Salzberg Studio
19/09/1990 - 06/10/1990
Lipman Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne
19/10/1990 - 20/10/1990
Studio Theatre, Leeds Polytechnic
23/10/1990 - 24/10/1990
Island Arts Venue, Broadstairs, Kent
26/10/1990
Arena Theatre @ Sherman, Cardiff
30/10/1990 - 03/11/1990
Battersea Arts Centre
07/11/1990 - 25/11/1990

”Archer’s rumbustuous farce proves itself to be the perfect companion piece to Gillian Hanna’s wonderfully accessible translation of Marivaux… This is a work of the merit one has come to expect from the always exciting Monstrous Regiment… A beautifully achieved evening’s entertainment.’
Michael Quinn What’s On (London) Nov 1990

Images

Words

Programme

Press cuttings

Script for Act One, The Colony

Script for Act Two, Comes A Cropper

Reviews

Publicity

Sounds

Music from the Show

THE COLONY COMES A CROPPER!