Cast

Synopsis

Joe Lampton is a northern working class lad, hardened by experience. He is also intelligent, ambitious, determined to get the good things in life. Joe moves to Warley to work at the Town Hall where his aptitude and attitude are noted by local men of influence. He also meets Alicia and Susan, two women who greatly influence his life. John Braine’s strong, gritty story of how people use each other for their own ends has lost none of the impact which so shocked Britain when it first appeared on our screens in the 1950s.

Directors Notes

Set in the late 1940s, early 50s, this evening’s play is somewhat of a coup for BL.T., not only because of the association the theatre has had in the past with John Braine, but as many older members appeared as extras in the film. The film won two academy awards and B.L.T. have done well to present the amateur première of this play, adapted from the book and, I suspect, the film by Andrew Taylor. The original professional production was performed in the tiny theatre “The King’s Head” in London.

The play is of an episodic nature causing problems in setting, but also provides an element of nostalgia and a good evening’s entertainment. The story is of an ambitious office clerk, struggling to climb the ladder of success, who for financial and social status forsakes his true love and marries his boss’s wealthy daughter,

The play perfectly captures the atmosphere of an era. Whilst watching, ask yourself – is Joe Lampton the alter ego of John Braine? The piece includes scenes of violence, bad langauge, sex and some nudity, which some patrons may find offensive, but are an essential and integral part of the play’s structure.

I do hope that you enjoy the show as much as our excellent and enthusiastic cast and stage team have enjoyed rehearsals and the performance.