Claybody adapts Arnold Bennett novel The Card

Published: 9 April 2022
Reporter: Steve Orme

“The great cause of cheering us all up”: The Card

Stoke-based Claybody Theatre is to present the world première of Deborah McAndrew’s adaptation of Arnold Bennett’s 1911 novel The Card.

The Card “follows the adventures of loveable rogue Denry Machin as he makes his way up from humble beginnings to become the most celebrated 'card' in the Five Towns”.

The Five Towns make up Bennett's fictional Stoke-on Trent—each identifiable with one of the real towns. However, he left one out: Fenton. Bennett had nothing against Fenton—he just felt that, from a literary point of view, Five Towns sounded better than six.

In the novel, the character of Denry Machin is identified with “the great cause of cheering us all up”. This is the inspiration for the new production which will feature a professional cast of seven actors-musicians and will be supported by the Claybody Community Company and championship brass band Acceler8.

Conrad Nelson from Claybody who will direct The Card said, “after almost three years without creating a full production, it’s wonderful to be back with a show that will lift all our spirits and celebrate a local literary hero—Denry Machin.

“For a number of years, local people have been asking us if we would do an adaptation of The Card and it feels that this show has arrived just when we need it the most. It’s a story that demands music and celebration, and I’m particularly excited to be collaborating with actor-musicians and the Acceler8 brass band to create a show full of life and fun.”

The Card will be performed at Fenton Town Hall from Wednesday 29 June until Saturday 9 July.

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