Cheadle Amateur Theatrical Society 
Philip and Rowena
Cheadle Amateur Theatrical Society (CATS) took part in the All England Drama Festival with the play, “Philip and Rowena,” written by Gillian Plowman in Spring 2003. The play is a journey of reconciliation and hope, a sensitive, poignant and intensely human exploration of a tragic, yet wonderful relationship. Philip (Warren Leese) and Rowena (Marjorie Stokes) are terminally ill. Philip seeks a divorce from his bitter wife Lillian (Jackie James). Rowena longs for the unity of her son Jeremy (Daniel Ede) and her daughter Heather (Caroline Sturdy). Together they find friendship, romance, consolation and an amazing capacity of fun. In their hospice they share an imaginary holiday in Florence; wine, dine, visit the opera and even go on scooter rides before deciding to marry whilst the nurse (Caroline Stokes) and the doctor (Peter Langford) watch in amazement. An acceptance of death is coupled with an extraordinary devotion to life.
The director Marge Stanley said,
“The cast and crew worked very hard to perfect the play and I know that the performance that we gave reflected this.”
Press Release:
LOCAL DRAMA GROUP SET TO SWEEP THE BOARDS AT DRAMA FESTIVAL
Cheadle's top drama group are set to take on other local talent this week in an area drama festival.
Cheadle Amateur Theatrical Society (CATS) will take part in the All England Drama Festival with the play, “Philip and Rowena,” written by Gillian Plowman. The play is a journey of reconciliation and hope, a sensitive, poignant and intensely human exploration of a tragic, yet wonderful relationship. Philip (Warren Leese) and Rowena (Marjorie Stokes) are terminally ill. Philip seeks a divorce from his bitter wife Lillian (Jackie James). Rowena longs for the unity of her son Jeremy (Daniel Ede) and her daughter Heather (Caroline Sturdy). Together they find friendship, romance, consolation and an amazing capacity of fun. In their hospice they share an imaginary holiday in Florence; wine, dine, visit the opera and even go on scooter rides before deciding to marry whilst the nurse (Caroline Stokes) and the doctor (Peter Langford) watch in amazement. An acceptance of death is coupled with an extraordinary devotion to life.
Following last year's competition, in which they won a merit certificate and four nominations for prestigious awards, CATS are confident that they can sweep the boards with this year's entrant. The director Marge Stanley says,
“We were delighted with the outcome of last years competition and we are very confident that we can continue that success onto this year. We have all worked very hard to perfect the play and I know that the performance that we give will reflect this, so hopefully we will come away with an award to prove it.”
The society have been rehearsing for this play following the success of their February pantomime, “There Was An Old Woman Who Lived In A Shoe,” which had audiences rolling in the aisles.
Later on in the year the society will be performing their October comedy, which is expected to take place in the half term holidays, but dates are to be confirmed. However, a great night is guaranteed to be had by all.