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

'Bright Ideas' Community Arts Production in Kidsgrove, Staffordshire

It was great to capture this super community installation along the canal in Kidsgrove, Staffordshire. Working with Appetite, Canal & River Trust and B Arts the community came together to produce this amazing installation.

Appetite in partnership with Canal & River Trust are excited to be taking another trip Down the Rabbit Hole!

Over two nights the stretch of canal from Kidsgrove railway station to the north entrance of Harecastle Tunnel will come to life. The experience will include two stunning projections created by story, projection and sound artists, Illuminos, with students from The King’s Church of England Academy. Illuminos have been back to the school this year to work with students to create a brand new projection, with last year’s projection also being part of the evening.

Since January the Bright Ideas project, made up of women of Kidsgrove and young women who are students from The King’s, have been working together with lighting award-winning New Vic lighting designer Daniella Beattie. The culmination of their project will be unveiling a lit art installation that they have created from concept to build, which can be viewed alongside the light show.

As you walk along the towpath you will also Follow the Rabbit, led by a trail of 50 jars decorated with fantastical beasts and magical creatures made by artists and community with B-Arts in 2022.

One of Them Ones - Pentabus March 2023

It was great to photograph for the wonderful touring theatre company Pentabus earlier the week.

Their new show tours till May and is a corker:

“Pentabus are delighted to present One Of Them Ones an inspiring and celebratory new play by rising star Charlie Josephine who wrote the critically acclaimed I, Joan - ***** The Times, **** The Guardian, **** Independent

An uplifting new play about two siblings living in a rural community trying to get their heads around gender identity. Frankie is desperate to be understood, accepted, loved. But LGBTQ alphabet soup has got Michael’s head spinning.  Why's it gotta be so complicated? Why can't they understand? Why can't things go back to the way they always were? Unpicking the complexities of identity and the fierce family love that hopefully holds us together.

"Frankie said we should do this, tell our story, cus yeah, it’s a mad one, and maybe someone might like it, and find it useful or whatever? So, that’s why we’re here...."

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.