Vita and Virginia by Eileen Atkins
By Eileen Atkins, based on the correspondence of Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf
May 22-26th 2012, Lady Margaret Hall, Norham Gardens, Oxford
"We are SO glad we came" "Enchanting" "Beautifully understated brilliance" "Marvellous! So moving!" - audience comments
‎"Helen Taylor and Ida Persson are captivating as Virginia and Vita respectively, breathing freshness and vitality into their words" -- Nicola Lisle, Oxford Times
"an excellent example of small-scale performance done well, and promises an evening that is moving, educational, and entertaining"
Four stars from Whatsonstage.com
http://www.whatsonstage.com/reviews/theatre/central/E8831337778494/Vita+and+Virginia+%28Oxford%29.html
A forbidden affair and a lasting friendship... the relationship between novelist Virginia Woolf and aristocratic socialite Vita Sackville-West spanned two decades and had a profound impact on both their lives. From unlikely beginnings, the tempestuous romance between the passionate diplomat’s wife and the troubled author developed to become an extraordinary relationship – and the inspiration for a masterpiece of modern literature: Orlando.
“Helen Taylor is a towering presence as Viv, portraying her mood swings with exceptional clarity; this is a really powerful and moving performance.†- Oxford Times on ElevenOne Theatre's production of Tom and Viv
“Ida Persson … so effortless and natural that you forget she is performing†- Daily Information, Oxford Theatre Guild's production of A View From a Bridge
“ElevenOne are to be congratulated for taking the risk and for bringing a challenging piece of drama (with some impressive performances) to the audiences of Oxford.†- Whatsonstage.com, ElevenOne Theatre's production of Tom and Viv
Eileen Atkins’ supremely skillful adaptation takes the letters Virginia and Vita exchanged and weaves them together into a witty, intimate conversation, telling their story in their own words. Revealing and searingly honest, Vita and Virginia sheds light on the inner lives of two remarkable women, and the fascinating worlds they lived in.
For its fifth production, ElevenOne Theatre has set Vita and Virginia in the elegant surrounds of Lady Margaret Hall's Old Library: a romantic room with glorious views over the gardens towards the Cherwell river.
Listen to Helen Taylor being interviewed on the Jo Thoenes radio show on Radio Oxford.
Buy tickets:
- from the Oxford Playhouse on 01865 305305,
- from the Oxford Playhouse website, and
- in person from the Oxford Playhouse.
Tickets for the Saturday afternoon (2.30pm) and Saturday evening (7.30pm) performances are only on sale via the Oxford Playhouse website
Tickets will also be available on the door, subject to availability.
Standard tickets are £13, concessions (over 65, students and under 18s, disabled) are £11.
Premier seating is exclusively available at £20 from the Oxford Playhouse. This includes reserved seating, a programme and a production-specific edition of Orlando.
We regret that access to the Old Library is via stairs and there is no lift.
Vita Sackville-West: Ida Persson
Virginia Woolf: Helen Taylor
Director: Cate Field
Designer: Vince Haig
Lighting designer: Chris Cooper
Producer: Mike Taylor (mike@111theatre.co.uk, 0798 505 8945)
