The Heiress - performed May 2013

By Ruth and Augustus Goetz, based on the novel Washington Square by Henry James

Performed with the kind permission of Samuel French

Director - John Roberts

Cast

(in order of appearance)

Maria (The parlour maid)
Chris Sadd

Dr Austin Sloper
Nigel Rowe

Mrs Lavinia Penniman
Leigh Wood

Catherine Sloper
Caroline Roberts

Mrs Elizabeth Almond
Rosamund Pettett

Marian Almond
Lauren Mercer

Arthur Townsend
Daniel Carter

Morris Townsend
Paul Reed

Mrs Montgomery
Amanda Rowe

Voice of Coachman
Gordon Prior

Production Team

John Roberts, Gordon Prior, Diana Luckie, Bruce Emeny, Andy Terry, Derek Butcher, Nigel Rowe, Caroline Roberts, Gloria Streames, Yvonne Cobbold, Val Taylor, Nancy Dines, Glyn Hill, Patience Ling, Viv Wheatley, Amanda & Nigel Rowe, Steve Sadler, June & Alan Wheeler and other volunteers not mentioned.

Awards & Nominations

The Heiress has been nominated in the Best Play Category by the National Operatic and Dramatic Association - East Region District Eleven.

The Play

Compared to her mother, the heiress Catherine Sloper seems dull and lifeless, or at least that's what her father believes. With her lack of confidence Catherine becomes easy prey for fortune hunter Morris Townsend who deserts her on finding out she has been disinherited. Two years later, we see Catherine, her father dead, having matured considerably after her experiences and prepared to take revenge on Morris Townsend.

Reviews

This latest offering from Manningtree's Manifest Theatre Grouop was just about perfect, with beautiful dresses, an impressive set and some fine acting, although over the years it is what everybody expects from this talented group.
Only the ending, for those not familiar with the story, was somewhat disappointing, but nevertheless it all added up to an entertaining night out.
John Roberts directed the cast of nine, his wife Caroline playing the title role - a shy and rather plain girl who falls in love with a man her father strongly suspects is only after her money. Nigel Rowe brilliantly portrayed the father, still grieving for his wife, whose death in childbirth he still blames on his daughter. Light relief came in the shape of the doctor's widowed sister Lavinia, played by Leigh Wood. She takes an active interest in the couple, trying to promote the romance and marriage but only making it worse.
Lesley Pallett