Blog post from the 2020 production of Our Lady of Blundellsands

Storm Ciara proved no match for the hardy crew of Our Lady of Blundellsands. The six-person cast plus director Nick Bagnall and key Everyman crew had a blustery day out on the Sefton coast to check out the setting of the brand new Jonathan Harvey play coming exclusively to the Everyman from 6 March. Cast member Gemma Brodrick (who plays Rainhill native Alyssa) penned a dispatch from their travels.

So, last week the cast of ‘Our Lady Of Blundellsands’ enjoyed a wonderful field trip to, you guessed it, Blundellsands. The sun was shining, the birds were singing... Oh hang on, I have just been informed I’m supposed to be telling the truth, soz, let me try that again... The wind was howling, the birds were sporting ski suits and the sea was rougher than a hedgehogs back. However we had a wonderful time, with the wind in our hair and the sand in our eyes, we got the chance to see the actual house that Jonathan based ‘Daddy’s’ house on. The opportunity to see the house, get a feel for the area and experience the beautiful view was invaluable to us.

There are many references to the sea, the view and the brisk seaside air throughout the play and it was important for us as actors to be able to grasp a clear image of what we are looking at when we look out of our window. We discussed our different interpretations and painted a picture that satisfied all of our visions. Sorry I got a bit actory then didn’t I dahhhrling. I promise it won’t happen again. We then went to the lovely Carol and Gordon's house. The view of the sea from their living room was on fleek and the teas, coffees and garibaldies were flowing much to our delight. If our hostesses with the ‘mostesses’ are reading this I’d like to say thank you from all 20 of the freezing, dramatic, luvvies that burst into your home. You made us feel very welcome, were very generous with your loo and helped avoid several frost bite-related dramas. 

Now on to the tough bit... ‘Let’s go to Blundellsands’ they said. ‘Let’s have some top notch, seaside fish and chips’ they promised. Yes... PROMISED. How very dare the chippy be closed at 11am on a Tuesday morning. The cheek of it! Tony [Maudsley] and I are seeking professional help for the trauma we experienced as our extra salt and vinegar dreams came crashing down. Then all 20 freezing, dramatic, AND NOW STARVING luvvies hit the train station. After shielding Tony from several crazy Benidorm fan girls we piled sardine style into the luxurious Merseyrail carriage. #showbizvibes 

In a nutshell: freezing, dramatic, starving, ‘YES HE WAS IN BENIDORM’. luvvies ONE - Storm Ciara NIL! It will take more than 79mph winds and a fish and chip drought to dampen our tough as old boots northern spirit. 

Hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our little adventure. Kindly note that all fish and chip donations will be greatly appreciated. See you in March, Gemma x

Our Lady of Blundellsands was originally at the Everyman theatre in March 2020, until it was paused as theatres across the country closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Our Lady of Blundellsands is BACK at the Everyman theatre, Fri 17 Sep to Sat 9 Oct 2021.