The Killing of Sister George - New Vic Theatre / Told By An Idiot

By Frank Marcus
Directed by Paul Hunter

A much-loved character on Applehurst, the BBC soap opera, Sister George is a cheerful nurse who cycles around the countryside singing hymns and doing good. In reality June Buckeridge, the actress who plays her, is a swaggering, foul mouthed loose cannon who has very little in common with her radio persona.

Due to low ratings, cut backs and June’s own bad behaviour, the BBC decides “Sister George” has to go…
for good!

The Killing of Sister George is an iconic black comedy shot through with surprising moments of tenderness. Famously adapted into a film in 1968 with Beryl Reid in the title role, the New Vic and Told by an Idiot will bring to life this bittersweet play with a unique visual flair and an audacious blend of raucous humour and compelling drama.

Join us as we premiere this ‘60s cult classic on our extraordinary stage!

‘Their work is never less than sublime’
The Independent on Told by an Idiot

Rehearsal Photography - 'Quality Street', Northern Broadsides

Here’s some rehearsal photography I did at the New Vic Theatre for Northern Broadside during their production of ‘Quality Street’ in 2023.

As always with rehearsal photography my approach is to not interrupt the session, work in a way that captures process and the flavour of the performance.

I’ll typically send an hour or so in the rehearsal room and look for images that let the viewer inside the rehearsal process, are useful for marketing the show and act as a record of the production.

Marvellous - SohoPlace Theatre + New Vic Theatre

Marvellous @SohoPlace Theatre

This is the second time I’ve photographed this production at The New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-lyme and it remained as fresh and enjoyable as ever.

Here’s a selection of images from the show and I’m so pleased that it is going to be the opening show at a new theatre in London’s West End - SohoPlace Theatre.

39 Steps - New Vic Theatre

I love a good piece of theatre and this is a fabulous piece of theatre.

And one that can only exist on stage as the joy is in the theatricality and conceit of 4 actors playing 120 roles between them….

From the New Vic Website:

Following on from our hugely successful productions of Around The World In 80 Days and Astley’s Astounding Adventures, thrilling spy drama The 39 Steps gets the New Vic treatment!

Richard Hannay, upstanding gent and all-round good guy, finds himself in a bit of a pickle when he wakes up to find a mysterious woman in his apartment. Dead. Now on the run, pursued by all manner of suspicious characters, can Hannay evade capture and clear his name of murder before it’s too late? Will he fall in love along the way? And what exactly are The 39 Steps?

A thrilling, inventive, fast-paced caper, four actors will play over 120 characters in this side-splitting comedy based on John Buchan’s famous  spy novel.

Starring New Vic favourites: Rebecca Brewer (Playhouse Creatures), Gareth Cassidy (Treasure Island), Michael Hugo (Around The World In 80 Days) and Isaac Stanmore (Peter Pan In Scarlet).

Theatre Photography : Anna of the Five Town - New Vic Theatre

On the 150th anniversary of Arnold Bennett the New Vic Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent mounts a new adaptation of his most famous novel adapted by Deborah McAndrew.

Directed by Conrad Nelson it's a lovely version of the book that uses not only a cast of professional actors but members of a local community choir - The Phoenix Singers - to populate the stage and add a musical accompaniment.

" Anna Tellwright’s 21st birthday brings with it newfound responsibilities, wealth and a suitor for her heart.

Courted by desirable bachelor Henry Mynors, Anna struggles to gain her independence. She finds herself torn between trying to please her tyrannical father and a desire to help young Willie Price and his family from the brink of ruin.

As pressure mounts, tragedy strikes, and Anna must discover where her heart truly lies before it’s too late. "