Performer Name: Alison Neil

Show Name: MRS BEETON, MY SISTER

Show Description

MRS BEETON, MY SISTER 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. MRS BEETON, MY SISTER is set many years after Isabella Beeton’s untimely death, as Bessie Mayson muses on the extraordinary life of her famous big sister. They were the eldest of 21 children, brought up in the Grand Stand at Epsom Race Course. Quiet, obedient Isabella fell for a charming publisher called Sam Beeton, and joined his rackety life in journalism, culminating in her world-famous “Beeton’s Book of Household Management”. Her family disapproved. But were they right? Thirty years on, Bessie is not so sure… This one-hour show can be followed by a break and then a relaxed Q&A with Alison. Alternatively this show works well if followed by a tea or supper. “Not to be missed! Alison Neil’s performance was lively, humorous and engaging.” Pewsey Heritage Centre “A lovely evening, a very entertaining performance and a sell-out audience!” Tenby Arts Festival “A splendid performance…I was totally engrossed” “Many congratulations - you brought Mrs Beeton’s sister to life” “You have a captive audience wanting more!” Audience emails

Alison brings PAT tested lighting on three lighting stands. She may use the hall's own theatrical lighting if a dimmable general cover is available and suitable. She brings her own 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. 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 preferably a mirror - a walk-in cupboard will do. 'A' frame (free-standing) ladder with minimum height 6ft to top step if possible. GET IN: 4 hours e.g. 3.30pm for a 7.30 show GET OUT: one and a half hours after the audience leaves
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)