Performer Name: Alison Neil

Show Name: MRS BAKER'S COMPANY or, A Tale of Rogues and Vagabonds

Show Description

Alison Neil's one-woman plays have been entertaining audiences around the country for years. This is her latest... Amid the precarious world of make-believe and slapstick, with a touch of magic thrown in, Sarah Baker tells the story of how she rose from an illiterate fairground performer to be the most successful self-made woman of her time - the early 1800s. Her family toured the country as entertainers, classed as 'rogues and vagabonds' who could be run out of town at the whim of the local magistrate. She later formed her own company and cheerfully fought for respectability against almost impossible odds. This inspiring and rivetting tale proves, as Mrs Baker herself would say, what you can do with just three things: good luck, hard work, good health and some very good friends... She couldn't add up, either. This one-hour show can be followed by a break and then a relaxed Q&A with Alison. Alternatively, the show works well if followed by a tea or supper. Audience and promoter comments: "a fantastic performance as always" "Alison is a really clever writer, not only writing a captivating story but performing it too" "really interesting... a complete eye-opener" "I hope it has a great run for many years to come"

I can bring my own PAT tested sound and lighting, on three lighting stands. Or I can use the hall's theatrical lighting if it can do a dimmable general cover to fit my scenery.
Minimum performance space: 4m across, 3m front to back. Stage is preferable, but the show can be performed on the floor. Black out or partial black out is helpful but not essential. Three working plug sockets Private room to change in with light and preferably a mirror (walk-in cupboard will do). Free parking for one small van. If access to the doors is difficult, let Alison know in advance so she can allow more time. 'A' frame ladder if possible, minimum height 6ft to the top step. GET IN TIME: 4 hours e.g. 3.30pm for a 7.30 show GET OUT TIME: 1 hour 30 mins
20 x A4 posters for overprinting 250 x A5 flyers for overprinting photos press release page of quotes text and images can also be downloaded from Alison's website or she can email them 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)