The Appley Tower Players will perform their new play entitled ‘Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way’ as part of the Appley Day celebrations hosted by the Friends of Appley on 8th October, at 12 midday.
The play is set in 1878 and tells the story of how Appley Tower was built in 1875. Then called the Watch Tower, it was the idea of Sir William Hutt, who lived at Appley Towers, his stately mansion. The motto of Sir William, which is in Latin above the door to the Tower translates “Where there is a Will, there is a Way!”.
The play is based around the meeting of 2 Ryde historical and important figures Miss Brigstocke, part of the family that was key to the development of Ryde as we know it, and Sir William Hutt. They both have a love of Shakespeare and the poems of Lord Tennyson. The play combines the story of the Tower, Shakespeare and Tennyson.
The play, written and directed by Rebecca Tremain of the Mustard Club based in Ryde, came out of a conversation with the Mayor of Ryde, Councillor Michael Lilley. Michael plays Sir William Hutt.
Rebecca Tremain, writer and director, has said:
“I always knew Appley Tower and beach would make the perfect backdrop for some scenes from Shakespeare and so it is! I’m delighted that we have been asked to revisit the encounter between Sir William Hutt and Miss Henrietta Brigstocke that was such a success in July: we also have some new Appley Towers Players to introduce to our audience. All I would ask is for anyone coming to watch, please wear comfortable shoes and ensure you still leave room for people to pass by along the promenade”.
Maureen Sullivan, who plays Miss Brigstocke, has said:
“Two of my lifelong interests are local history and Shakespeare, so it was wonderful to be asked to contribute to a project that encompasses and promotes both. I was so pleased to see how many people assembled by Appley Tower when we performed this piece for the first time, and gratified by their appreciation and enthusiasm. I look forward to bringing Miss Brigstocke to life again and I very much hope you will come along and enjoy the fun, while reflecting on the importance of Appley Tower to Ryde’s history.”
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The outside production starts at 12:00 on the 8th October by the Children’s Play Area just before the Tower. The production is financed with support from Southern Water.
