Writer, Producer, Director, Actor
JOHN MANGAN
The Little Bit The Boys Admire
The Marie Lloyd Story
A new play with a few old songs by John Mangan
Marie Lloyd is giving a benefit concert in the fateful year of 1922.
Quite unexpectedly, she is joined by her greatest rival, cross-dressing male-impersonator, Vesta Tilley. They have never been friends.
As the play moves between Marie's dressing room and the Music Hall stage, we learn not just about Marie’s colourful, if chequered, life, but also much about Vesta herself, the Music Hall Strike of 1907, Luigi Marconi and even Dr Crippen.
In this swift moving show, Vesta also performs all the men in Marie's life.
In true Music Hall fashion, Marie and Vesta will sing many of their most famous songs (Don't Dilly Dally, A Bit Of A Ruin That Cromwell Knocked About and Piccadilly Johnny) and joining in will be not only appreciated, but expected!
Take this unique opportunity to relive an era of Glory, Glitter and Gold.
"Every performance by Miss Marie Lloyd is a Command Performance - by order of the British Public!"
Bookings now being taken – call us on 01692 650821 or 07867 573065
REVIEW
"John Mangan’s excellent writing is both funny and emotionally raw. He gives these two characters a voice that stretches back through time, yet their sacrifices, heartbreaks, drive and determination to succeed as women in a world made by men feels fresh and resonant. Not a simple ‘biography’ piece, it is a credit to the writing that the narrative feels reflexive and affecting when characters play the parts in each other’s lives."
Jackie Montague -East Anglian Daily Times
"This is a really enjoyable show telling the story of an amazing woman – how often do you get to celebrate a great working class hero as well as to sit back and join Marie Lloyd in a music hall sing-a-long? All together now; My old man said follow the van…"
Peter Frost - The Morning Star
https://frostysramblings.wordpress.com/2017/03/24/the-little-bit-the-boys-admire/
EDITH CAVELL FACING THE SILENCE
“Standing as I do in view of God and eternity, I realise that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.”
It is 1915 and the Germans have overun Belgium.
English nurse, Edith Cavell, has been captured by the Germans and accused of treason.
Edith Cavell is also facing another trial, alone in her cell. Alone with the only person
who knows who Edith Cavell really is – herself.
Edith Cavell is facing the silence.
This exciting new play with music - written by John Mangan and performed by Judi Daykin -
is a joyous, life-affirming celebration of a woman whose trailblazing life will never be forgotten.
