The play explores some of the most dramatic events in the extraordinary and complex life of Valerie Arkell-Smith aka ‘Colonel Sir Victor Barker DSO’, who veered from tragedy to farce, from fame to obscurity, but always strove to remain ‘a perfect gentleman’.
Colonel Barker’s story is one of identity: gender identity, hidden identities, class identities and the conflict between the public and the private identity.
The rehearsed reading will be followed by a brief Q&A session with writer and cast, and copies of Colonel Barker’s Monstrous Regiment will be on sale (cash only).
The play is written and produced by Rose Collis, performed by Rose Collis, Keith Drinkel, Philippa Hammond and Guy Wah and directed by Thomas Everchild.
Virago published Colonel Barker’s Monstrous Regiment in 2001, to critical acclaim:
Excellent… treads a careful line between sensation and sentiment….Daily Telegraph
A fascinating tale…Collis has researched this book thoroughly, and she writes with a lively sense of humour….Times Literary Supplement
Written with style and feeling….Financial Times
Event: The Trials of Colonel Barker by Rose Collis – a one-off rehearsed reading
Where: The Purple Playhouse, 36 Montefiore Rd, Hove BN3 6EP
When: Sunday March 26
Time: 8pm
Cost: Tickets £8/£6,
To book online, click here:
For more information about Rose Collis, click here: