Shelagh Stephenson’s play, The Memory of Water is being presented at the Frank Collymore Hall in April, 2010. The Gale Theatre of London and Barbados is a non profit charitable organisation founded in 2007 by Melissa Simmonds. Actor Paul McGann is also a company director of Gale Theatre both in London and in Barbados. All work is developed, rehearsed and produced in Barbados.

Mixing the best of the two locations, The Gale Theatre it brings in UK expertise where necessary while embracing Barbadian talent. Gale intends to build on the exchange, by taking productions and actors from Barbados to London.

From the Gale’s website:

Gale Theatre of London and Barbados present, ‘The Memory of Water’ by AWARD WINNING Shelagh Stephenson. A great success in both the West End and Broadway ‘The Memory of Water’ has been critically acclaimed both sides of the Atlantic. The play is to be directed by the island’s Thom Cross and produced by Melissa Simmonds artistic director of Gale Theatre. As with the previous two seasons, Gale Theatre will be uniting talent from both countries. This Olivier award winning comedy about three sisters, who all convene for their mother’s funeral, is poignant, touching, and very funny. The production will also have Olivier award winning actress Suzan Sylvester amongst its cast and Calypsonian Anderson “Blood” Armstrong.

Thom Cross, who brought Echo in the Bone, Equus, Vagina Monologues and The Final Truth to the Barbados stage to critical acclaim, will direct this talented cast and offer Barbados audiences a memorable theatrical experience.

The cast also includes:

Drew Mckensie (Barbadian), Endy Mckay (UK), Nailah Cumberbatch (Barbadian), Caroline Gardiner (UK living in Barbados).

The Memory of Water will open in the Frank Collymore Hall, Bridgetown with performances as follows:

April 10th at 8pm; April 11th at 8pm
April 15th at 2pm; April 16th at 2pm (Schools only)
April 16th at 8pm; April 17th at 8pm

Ticket prices: 50 Barbados dollars on Gala night and 40 dollars on all other evening performances. Tickets will officially be on sale from Supercentre Warrens, Big B and Oistins as well as CS Pharmacy from March 14th

Previously plays were Blithe Spirit by Noël Coward in 2007 and Macbeth in 2008, both produced by Melissa Simmonds and directed by Glen Walford.

For the future: In 2011 Gale is in the process of acquiring the rights to a modern play that is in development. During 2012 Gale intends to produce A Midsummer’s Nights dream by William Shakespeare