Valley Artists

Date: 17-Oct-09
Author: Peter McCloy

Valley Artists end of year production is something for the whole family - A.A. Milne's play The Ugly Duckling. Opening at Laguna Hall  on October 30, with further performances on October 31 and November 1, 5, 6,& 7.

A.A. Milne is best known for his childrens' classics Winnie the Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner, but he also wrote more than 25 plays. Milne wrote "A 'children's book' must be written, not for children, but for the author himself," which no doubt explains why his works are as popular with adults as with children.

The Ugly Duckling contains no bears, tigers, pigs or donkeys, and definitely no ducks or swans. It is to do with the importance (or otherwise) of physical beauty.

It's about a princess who was cursed (some would say blessed) by her godmother to be loved only for herself, not for beauty. When David Kilpatrick directed it in New York, he said  ''It's a hilarious play, and I wanted it to have a life.''

Cordelia Howell's production for Valley Artists is certainly going to give it life.  Also on the program  is Milne's King Hilary and the Beggarman, with further entertainment from the Valley Artists Barbershop Quartet, especially recruited for the occasion.

The cast features the young actors of the Wollombi Valley - none are over 16 - with the exception of course, of the barber shop quartet.

If you see the genius of Milne in writing as much for adults as for children, then note the dates in your diary. Definitely not to be missed!

Tickets are available from the Wollombi & Laguna stores, or via the website.

If you would like to be advised of future Valley Artists productions, send an email to info@valleyartists.org and we'll send you our newsletter.

• Diving for Pearls - Booking Form
  Book your tickets with this form and pick your tickets up on the night at Laguna Hall (44kb xls file)

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