The Lady in the Van

I have been fortunate in this my first year as NODA E12 Rep, to see some outstanding productions and this is up there with the best of them.

Lady in the Van, written by Alan Bennett, adapted for stage in 1999, with the film which followed in 2015.  It tells of Alan Bennett’s mainly true story of his strained friendship with Miss Shepherd in the early 1970s, when living in Camden Town. She was homeless and living in her Bedford van, parking it in the streets and eventually moving it onto his driveway. A religious women; she had been a talented concert pianist,  and drove an ambulance in the war but because of mental health issues, had ended up living a destitute and lonely life. After 15 years, she eventually passed away inside the van which had become her home.

Jenni Horn as Miss Shepherd really immersed herself quite brilliantly into the character of this crabby and eccentric, totally unhygienic woman, whose health gradually deteriorates during the course of the play.  Bennett, who unlike the film, was played by both Steve Taplin and Darren Nunn, between them capturing the two sides of Bennett’s character beautifully.  Firstly the creative writer, and secondly the man having to deal with issues of the day and  interacting with Miss Shepherd.  They both worked extremely well together dealing with what Bennett’s heart, conscience and practicality were dictating to him, whilst mirroring his stances.  Cameo parts include his mother, played by  Maggie Mudd; she  captured the essence of this  delightful, gentle  old lady in her declining years. The patronising social worker, well portrayed by Petra Risbridger and the two unsympathetic neighbours, Rufus and Pauline (Phil Cory and Sam Horsfield).   Indeed there was a large cast, giving lots of the experienced, regular members of Gallery the chance to show their talents, albeit in very small roles.

Big mention must also be given to Dave Borthwick, the set designer who built Miss Shepherd’s Bedford van from scratch using plans from the original specifications.  An incredible feat of dedication and skill.  The rest of the set and lighting worked well onstage, along with the original photos Steve Wooldridge and Mike Kwasniak took on a visit to Camden of Alan Bennett’s house and surrounding features, used as slides for a backdrop. 

Steve says himself, that he strives for  a sense of professionalism and he has certainly achieved that with this show. Well done to all his cast and crew for an excellent production. Thank you for inviting us, we will certainly look forward to Gallery’s next show ‘A New Brain’

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