Alex von Saxe Productions ʻWhen The Lilac Blooms, My Loveʼ, a new romantic play by acclaimed novelist Jane Huxley, is to get its world premiere, starring Judy Cornwell and Sally Farmiloe-Neville, at London’s Leicester Square Theatre from Wednesday April 14 to Saturday 1 May 2010.
Jane Huxley’s play is set in modern-day suburbia, Nicky is a young woman who returns to the family home to break the news that she is pregnant, taking along Darius, the reluctant father-to-be. But as the family is reunited, a web of hidden passions starts to unfold, challenging the bonds between them.
Simon Beyer directs a cast for ‘When The Lilac Blooms, My Love’ that includes Polly Banwell, Steve Smith and Aidan Stephenson.
Judy Cornwell
Judy Cornwell is best known as Daisy, the long-suffering sister of Hyacinth Bucket, in five series of the hugely popular BBC series ʻKeeping Up Appearancesʼ. Judy was born in London in 1940 and educated in England and Australia. Judy actually began her theatrical career as a dancer and singer in pantomime, revue/ vaudeville, cabaret and musicals. From there, Judy changed course and secured roles as juvenile leads and juvenile characters in theatre repertory companies, which soon lead to exciting TV work and leading roles in theatre productions. Throughout her career Judy has embraced a broad spectrum of media: stage work, TV, radio and films both for cinema and television, including ʻSanta Claus The Movieʼ (Mrs Claus), ʻMoody And Peggʼ (Daphne Pegg/ITV), ʻEastEndersʼ (Queenie/BBC), ʻDoctorsʼ (BBC), ʻMidsomer Murdersʼ (ITV) and Richard Attenboroughʼs movie ʻCry Freedomʼ. Additionally, in recent years, Judy has lectured on the cruise ship QE2, has written four novels: ʻCow And Cow Parsleyʼ, ʻFishcakes At The Ritzʼ, ʻThe Seventh Sunriseʼ, ʻFear & Favourʼ; and her autobiography, ʻAdventures of a Jelly Babyʼ.
Sally Farmiloe-Neville
Sally Farmiloe-Neville is best known for playing scheming bitch Dawn Williams for three years in the BBCʼs ʻHowards’ Wayʼ. She began her career as a fashion and advertising model to finance her training in the performing arts independently. Her theatre credits include Miss Gotobed in ʻDirty Linenʼ (Arts Theatre/lead), Naomi in ʻBonkersʼ (National Tour/lead), Mrs Barker in ʻA Bit Between The Teethʼ (National Tour) and Evelyn in ʻAbsent Friendsʼ (National Tour). Sallyʼs first TV role was Vicki in the iconic ʻSteptoe And Sonʼ and she has appeared in numerous ʻtelliesʼ, the most popular being ʻBergeracʼ and ʻCasualtyʼ for the BBC and ʻThe Billʼ and ʻFunny Manʼ for ITV. Her many film parts include Lady Evelyn in ʻIn Search Of Tutankhamenʼ (Fox), Francesca in ʻSpanish Flyʼ (Columbia Tri-Star), Mrs A in ʻHell To Payʼ (Miramax) and Margot in ʻDear Rosieʼ (Film Four). Sally is also an accomplished presenter and author. She is Senior Presenter for W6 Studio and B Well TV and has just launched Kazzy And Sally TV with producer/director R. KAZ. Her latest best-selling book, ʻSensual Pleasures And The Art Of Morphing Into A Health Goddessʼ has been praised as “the ultimate health and beauty directory” (NICKY CLARKE). Sally is a member of Mensa.
Jane Huxleyʼs published novels include ʻMorganʼs Castleʼ, ʻFor The Love Of Penny Whistlerʼ (“Glitter and gutter…lovelorn, war-torn. A compelling read” – Simon Cowell) and ʻSummer Night, Winter Moonʼ (“This is a thrilling, cleverly constructed story of love distorted by jealousy” – Dame Beryl Bainbridge). She lives and works in New York, London and the South of France.
Simon Beyer (Director) has worked on over 50 productions in London, national tours, major city venues and the West End. His most-recent theatre credits include: ʻMy Fifteen Minutesʼ (Writer) – New Wimbledon Theatre; ʻWake Up!!ʼ By Houlton & Jordan (Director) – The Cock Tavern Theatre; ʻFeralʼ by Toby Clarke (Producer) at the New Wimbledon Theatre; ʻStudies For A Portraitʼ by Daniel Reitz (Producer) – White Bear and Oval House theatres (Time Out ‘Critic’s Choice’ both productions); and ʻThe Tempestʼ (Adaptor/Director).
Alex von Saxe Productions is an independent film and theatre production company. ʻWhen The Lilac Blooms, My Loveʼ is the companyʼs first production in the West End and the company is currently in pre-production for two films.
For more information about ‘When The Lilac Blooms, My Love’ call the box office on 0844 847 2475 or visit: www.lilacbloomsplay.com
Popularity: 1%
March 24th, 2010 at 3:10 am
A new play! At last. There are so many repeats. Look forward to seeing it. Cannot wait. Will go on preview on 14th April. Will be the first to see it.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
This is possibly the worst play I have *ever* seen (and I’ve even seen Love Never Dies!)
We are supposed to believe that this woman pushing 60 with an awful wig is attractive to a 20yr old guy. She’s clearly had more tucks than a gymnast!
The acting is awful, writing is stilted, direction has lost its way … I only stayed for the second half (all 30 mins of it) because I wanted to see if it could get any worse … and it apparently could!
Judy Cornwell is the only saving grace, but even she isn’t worth paying to see this show!
April 23rd, 2010 at 12:16 pm
What a VICIOUS attack by Adam. I could not make it on 14th April – but after reading this chap’s hatred words, I wanted to see Lilac more than ever. My friends and I thought it to be a very good old-fashioned play. We thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it.
It deals with issues faced by a lot of people and in case Adam did not get it there is more than just criticising the actors personally for the sake of having something to do or get rid of one’s own frustrations that way.
He missed the whole point! There is a morale to the story.
Don’t miss it. Go and see it now as it is a 3 week season and finishes on 1st May.