Performer Name: Alison Neil

Show Name: THE FOSSIL LADY OF LYME (the story of Mary Anning)

Show Description

THE FOSSIL LADY OF LYME www.alisonneil.co.uk Award-winning Alison Neil’s plays about extraordinary women from history have enchanted audiences up and down the country for many years. THE FOSSIL LADY OF LYME tells the story of Mary Anning. Imagine - the world is only 6000 years old, and everything was created in six days… This was the England into which Mary Anning was born - just 230 years ago. Then the accepted truths about the world were blown apart by the pioneering work of geologists, studying rocks and fossils. Mary Anning played a key part in the extraordinary time. She discovered the first complete fossil of a prehistoric reptile in Great Britain - at the age of twelve. Throughout her life, she continued to make ground-breaking and spectacular discoveries. In Alison Neil’s one-woman play, Mary Anning tells her fascinating story, and that of the ‘fine clever men of science’ who took most of the credit for her work. The entertaining tale of her life, her friendships, and her struggle to make her mark (and put food on the table) is both amusing and moving. “research meticulous, writing compelling, acting marvellous” Tenby Observer “marvellous show…mesmerizing and richly varied performance bringing Mary Anning to vibrant and sometimes comical life” Fine Times Recorder “Superb. What a thoroughly enjoyable night” Newport Playgoers “Absolutely stunning. Bravo!” Village Hall Promoter, Artsreach Rural Touring

I bring a small PAT tested theatrical lighting rig on three lighting stands. We may use the hall's lighting if it is suitable. We also bring sound equipment.
Performance space: minimum of 4m across and 3m front to back. Staging is preferable but the show can be performed on the floor. Black out or partial black out is preferable but not essential. Three working plug sockets. Free parking for one small van and one car. If access to the doors of the hall is difficult, please let Alison know so she can allow more time. Private room to use as a dressing room with a light and mirror - a walk-in cupboard will do. 'A' frame (free-standing) ladder with minimum height 6ft to top step if possible. GET IN: 5 hours e.g. 2.30pm for a 7.30 show GET OUT: one and a half hours after the audience leaves Tea-making facilities would be appreciated!
20 x A4 posters for overprinting 250 x A5 flyers for overprinting photos press release page of quotes text and images are also available to download from the website: www.alisonneil.co.uk or Alison will email these to you.
Five highly acclaimed one-woman theatre shows. Each play is based on a real historical woman, and tells the story of her life and times in an entertaining, amusing and historically accurate way. Alison Neil has been touring to small venues for over 30 years. Her shows have scenery, theatrical lighting, sound effects and sumptuous costumes. Full details can be found at: www.alisonneil.co.uk The Shows: LARKS AND MAGIC (Story of E. Nesbit) GLOWING BRIGHT (Story of Marie Curie) MRS BEETON, MY SISTER MRS BAKER'S COMPANY, or, Rogues and Vagabonds THE FOSSIL LADY OF LYME (Story of Mary Anning)