Actresses lock on to tips 
from Cell Block H

When actresses Diana Halstead and Ann McArdle started researching for their roles in a forthcoming Stoke Repertory Theatre production, little did they expect to meet an Australian TV star. Diana and Ann will make up the entire cast of The Shoe Horn Sonata when it is performed in Stoke-on-Trent in September.

But as well as being regarded as something of a national treasure in Australian acting circles, the production is also renowned for boosting the acting career of Prisoner Cell Block H star Maggie Kirkpatrick, who played prison officer Joan "The Freak" Ferguson.

So when producer Rob Cope heard Maggie was in Britain, he organised for her to pass on tips to Diana and Ann.

Rob, who works in the box office at The Regent Theatre, in Hanley, said: "When Prisoner Cell Block H was at the height of its popularity, I arranged a personal appearance tour of Britain for Maggie and we have remained friends since.

"It so happened that she was in London to appear on the Paul O'Grady Show and I told her we were putting on the play and I asked her to meet the actresses.

"I saw Maggie in The Shoe Horn Sonata years ago in London and since then it has been a dream of mine to put it on, it is such a brilliant play.

"It's taught in schools in Australia but it has never been shown in Britain outside London.

"I'm quite proud that we have got it in Stoke."

During the meeting, Diana and Ann pressed Maggie for any help on succeeding in the role.

Diana, who lives in Hanchurch and will play Australian nurse, Bridie, said: "We spent two hours talking to her and sponging up as much information as we could."

The play is based on a novel by John Misto, which tells the story of an Australian nurse and an English schoolgirl sent to a prisoner of war camp in Singapore in 1942. The play deals with the hardships and daily battle to survive suffered by the two women, through their memories and authentic photographs, after the pair are reunited years later by a documentary crew.

Diana said: "It is such an important play. Apart from the two characters, who are fictional, it is a true story. It is an amazing story that needs telling and we have a real responsibility to do it justice."

Ann, who lives in Walley Drive, Basford, and will play Sheila, said: "We have started rehearsals early because when you have got a true story like this, where people have lived through this nightmare, you have a real responsibility to do it properly."

* The show runs from September 5 to 10. Further information can be obtained by calling 01782 713540.

By Richard Ault.

Maggie attended rehearsals for The Shoe-Horn Sonata, with Ann McArdle (far left) who plays Sheila and Diana Halstead (middle) who plays Bridie, Maggie's role in the play, in Stoke last 
Sunday, just a few hours before her 'An Evening with....' event in Manchester.

Please check back soon for further information on this production of The Shoe-Horn Sonata.

ON THE INSIDE's 'An Evening with... MAGGIE KIRKPATRICK', at the FAB Cafe
 in Manchester, was a big success, with a Maggie showreel, Q&A session, and a "meet
 & greet" photo/memoribilia signing corner.

Many THANKS to Scott, Barry, Rob, and, of course, Maggie.

Read various reports from those who were there over at ON THE INSIDE's 
Rec Room forum...

ON THE INSIDE will also be running a feature on the event very soon.

[ Thanks to Barry Campbell for the above picture ]

Screen caps from Maggie's appearance on The Paul O'Grady Show

Maggie surprised her old mate Paul on his tea-time entertainment show, on Friday
27th May. Earlier in the show they had spoken briefly via a, supposed, satellite
 link. Then Maggie entered the studio much to Paul's shock, bringing him to tears.
 

Cell Block H star in Manchester

The actress who played officer Joan 'The Freak' Ferguson Prisoner Cell Block H is coming to Manchester to make a rare public appearance.

An Evening With... Maggie Kirkpatrick, on Sunday 29th May, is likely to be the only UK appearance for quite some time from the actress, who appeared in over 400 episodes of the cult Aussie TV drama. 

The frivolity takes place from 5pm to 7pm at Fab Cafe on Portland Street in Manchester.