The Winslow Boy is set just before the start of WWI and this production at the People's Theatre is being directed by Clive Hilton, a business administrator and long standing member of the theatre. | "You learn a lot by stretching actors and yourself." | | Clive Hilton, director |
Clive’s passion for drama started at school, at St. Peter’s York where he had an excellent drama teacher, “I used to act alongside Judi Dench’s brother,” Clive says. Clive came to direct the play which charts the fight of a young naval cadet’s family to clear his name, after being asked by the theatre's Production Committee. “I direct a play every year and I’m fortunate the production committee give me excellent plays. I didn’t know anything about this play and had to learn a lot,” Clive remarks.
 | | Clive and John rehearsing |
This production is “a particular pleasure to work on” says Clive adding, “directing is a learning process.” “You learn a lot by stretching actors and yourself. You have to work well with the cast to get the best out of them. I’m learning a lot from this play.” Young talent The title role of Ronnie Winslow is played by 14 year old John Dawson. He got the role after the theatre contacted his school looking for a suitable, young leading actor. “My teacher suggested me and I had to go to an audition with Clive, who said I was fine for the role,” says John. John probably wants to become a lawyer (possibly similar to Sir Robert who fights to clear Ronnie’s name in the play), though John adds “I haven’t decided yet.” Starring in The Winslow Boy is “really good and enjoyable,” says John. "It’s a dream of mine to be in a period drama because I’m really interested in history.” The Winslow Boy, described by Clive as a “play based on fact with fictitious characters”, will be shown at the People’s Theatre in late January.
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