Actor's welcome return to theatre

A professional actor from Collingham takes a starring role in the next play at Nottingham Playhouse.

Robin Bowerman plays Frank Oddie in Zoe Waterman’s production of Amy’s View, written by David Hare.

A small cast star in this tragic but funny play set in England corroded by political forces of the 1980s.

Amy’s View begins with Amy’s visit to her mother, Esme, a successful West End actress revelling in traditional theatre. Amy has a big favour to ask and a brash boyfriend in tow.

Esme questions Amy’s relationship with Dominic and his career interests, an aspiration to move into media arts — something Esme frowns upon.

This is the beginning of an on-going argument over 16 years that will test Amy’s views and dramatically change their lives forever.

Robin, who plays Councillor Ledbetter in Emmerdale, plays Esme’s neighbour and financial consultant.

He said he was pleased to be working at the Playhouse again, having appeared there in Vertigo, Double Indemnity and The Day That Kevin Came.

He is joined by Julia Watson as Esme Allen, Kirsty Besterman as Amy, Ryan Early as Dominic, Margaret Robertson as Evelyn and Thomas Eyre as Toby.

Zoe Waterman said: “Nottingham is close to my heart and I am delighted that I’m back at the Playhouse.

“My assistant directing experience came from an eight-month residency here, and it’s great to be back with my own production of an acclaimed play.

“The cast have been fantastic to work with. You have your own ideas and what you want from the script, but it’s great to see how the actors will interpret things and incorporate it all into the show.”

Amy’s View was first performed in 1998 at the Royal National Theatre in London, before transferring to the West End and Broadway.

The play runs in Nottingham from Friday, November 5, until November 20.

There is a post-show discussion on November 16 and a free lecture on David Hare before the show on November 17.