COMPLEAT FEMALE STAGE BEAUTY
by Jeffrey Hatcher
Directed by Gabrielle Soskin & Christopher Moore
During England's Restoration period (c. 1661), Ned Kynaston is famous for his portrayal of female characters in a time when it is illegal for women to take to the stage. When King Charles II amends the law, finally allowing women to act onstage, Margaret Hughes becomes the first woman to legally do so. As her star rises, Ned must struggle to keep his from fading.
Based on entries from the diary of Samuel Pepys, Jeffrey Hatcher provides a script that is both hilarious and heart breaking.
Based on entries from the diary of Samuel Pepys, Jeffrey Hatcher provides a script that is both hilarious and heart breaking.
CAST & CREW:
THOMAS WILKINSON-FULLERTON - Ned Kynaston
Thomas is thrilled to be making his Persephone Productions debut in Compleat Female Stage Beauty. Since completing his degree from the Dawson Professional Theatre Program in 2014, Thomas has focused on gaining experience in film and television; having been fortunate enough to be featured in the title role of Willem in the short film POOL ,and appearances on Bravo’s 19-Two namely. This marks Thomas’s first theatrical performance since appearing as Irwin in the Dawson Theatre production of The History Boys. He could not be more excited and thankful to be back on stage and bringing life to such a compelling story with a truly inspiring cast.
Thomas is thrilled to be making his Persephone Productions debut in Compleat Female Stage Beauty. Since completing his degree from the Dawson Professional Theatre Program in 2014, Thomas has focused on gaining experience in film and television; having been fortunate enough to be featured in the title role of Willem in the short film POOL ,and appearances on Bravo’s 19-Two namely. This marks Thomas’s first theatrical performance since appearing as Irwin in the Dawson Theatre production of The History Boys. He could not be more excited and thankful to be back on stage and bringing life to such a compelling story with a truly inspiring cast.
EMELIA HELLMAN - Margaret Hughes
Born in Montreal and raised on Vancouver Island, Emelia graduated the Dawson College Professional Theatre program in 2014. She appeared most recently as Viola in Repercussion Theatre's production of Twelfth Night, and can be seen in the Spring as Grace in On This Day at the Centaur. One half of the comedy duo Employees of the Year, other selected credits include: Woman with the Notebook in Chamber Music (We Are One/Fringe Festival) Marie-Ange Brouillette in Les Belles Seours, Joanne/Ellen in Lion in the Streets, Irene Molloy in The Matchmaker (Dawson), and Biondello in Taming of the Shew (Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival). She is thrilled to be working with Persephone for the first time, and hopes you enjoy the show.
Born in Montreal and raised on Vancouver Island, Emelia graduated the Dawson College Professional Theatre program in 2014. She appeared most recently as Viola in Repercussion Theatre's production of Twelfth Night, and can be seen in the Spring as Grace in On This Day at the Centaur. One half of the comedy duo Employees of the Year, other selected credits include: Woman with the Notebook in Chamber Music (We Are One/Fringe Festival) Marie-Ange Brouillette in Les Belles Seours, Joanne/Ellen in Lion in the Streets, Irene Molloy in The Matchmaker (Dawson), and Biondello in Taming of the Shew (Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival). She is thrilled to be working with Persephone for the first time, and hopes you enjoy the show.
ALEX PETRACHUK - Nell Gwynn
Alex Petrachuk is a recent graduate of the BFA Theatre Performance program at Concordia University. Born and raised in the nations capital, she grew up performing alongside her trumpet playing Grandfather. She has made her home in the vibrant city of Montreal where she serves the city's fine diners and performs in the beloved Fringe Festival (VANITASX3). During her degree, Alex had the opportunity to explore a variety of theatrical forms ranging from movement based performances (Idem Eadem Idem) to classical texts (Islands of Love, Marivaux), to the world of puppetry (The Saint Plays, Clea Minaker). When not acting, directing (Mavericks and the Monokini) or writing, she is also a vocalist who will not take her mother to karaoke.
Alex Petrachuk is a recent graduate of the BFA Theatre Performance program at Concordia University. Born and raised in the nations capital, she grew up performing alongside her trumpet playing Grandfather. She has made her home in the vibrant city of Montreal where she serves the city's fine diners and performs in the beloved Fringe Festival (VANITASX3). During her degree, Alex had the opportunity to explore a variety of theatrical forms ranging from movement based performances (Idem Eadem Idem) to classical texts (Islands of Love, Marivaux), to the world of puppetry (The Saint Plays, Clea Minaker). When not acting, directing (Mavericks and the Monokini) or writing, she is also a vocalist who will not take her mother to karaoke.
MARTIN LAW - King Charles II
Martin Law is from Calgary, but since studying here, has made Montreal theatre his home. He co-founded Chocolate Moose Theatre Company in 2014. Recent directing credits include The Zoo Story at TSC, Doctor Faustus and The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine at Mainline. Recent acting credits include Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Richard III, Much Ado about Nothing with Jubilee & Raise the Stakes Theatre, and Jekyll and Hyde with Persephone. He will be appearing in the one-man show An Iliad at Mainline in November, and Moby Dick in February. He would like to thank Persephone for another wonderful opportunity!
Martin Law is from Calgary, but since studying here, has made Montreal theatre his home. He co-founded Chocolate Moose Theatre Company in 2014. Recent directing credits include The Zoo Story at TSC, Doctor Faustus and The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine at Mainline. Recent acting credits include Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Richard III, Much Ado about Nothing with Jubilee & Raise the Stakes Theatre, and Jekyll and Hyde with Persephone. He will be appearing in the one-man show An Iliad at Mainline in November, and Moby Dick in February. He would like to thank Persephone for another wonderful opportunity!
BRYAN LIBERO - Samuel Pepys
Bryan received his DEC in Professional Theatre Acting at John Abbott College where he performed in 12 Angry Jurors, HAIR, You Can’t Take it With You, Romeo & Juliet, and The Rose Tattoo. He is also a graduate of Concordia University receiving his BFA in Theatrical Performance. He has appeared at the Segal Centre in their Yiddish productions of The Pirates of Penzance, Tales From Odessa, and Soul Doctor, Geordie and the Rialto Theatres` versions of A Christmas Carol as Bob Cratchit, the Montreal Fringe Festival in the Frankie nominated I Like Cowboys, Lakeshore Players productions of Steve Martin's Picasso at the Lapin Agile, The Butler Did It, and Agatha Christie`s And Then There Were None, Infurnace Theatre`s production of Stone Cold Dead Serious and at Place Des Arts Cinquième Salle theatre in Village Scene Production`s Bathhouse: The Musical/Bain- Sauna: Le Musicale. He made his debut with Brave New Productions in Done to Death and recently in 33 Variations.
Bryan received his DEC in Professional Theatre Acting at John Abbott College where he performed in 12 Angry Jurors, HAIR, You Can’t Take it With You, Romeo & Juliet, and The Rose Tattoo. He is also a graduate of Concordia University receiving his BFA in Theatrical Performance. He has appeared at the Segal Centre in their Yiddish productions of The Pirates of Penzance, Tales From Odessa, and Soul Doctor, Geordie and the Rialto Theatres` versions of A Christmas Carol as Bob Cratchit, the Montreal Fringe Festival in the Frankie nominated I Like Cowboys, Lakeshore Players productions of Steve Martin's Picasso at the Lapin Agile, The Butler Did It, and Agatha Christie`s And Then There Were None, Infurnace Theatre`s production of Stone Cold Dead Serious and at Place Des Arts Cinquième Salle theatre in Village Scene Production`s Bathhouse: The Musical/Bain- Sauna: Le Musicale. He made his debut with Brave New Productions in Done to Death and recently in 33 Variations.
CHLOE GIDDINGS - Maria
Born and raised in Lennoxville Quebec, Chloe Chloe moved to Montreal to pursue theatre. This is Chloe's first show since graduating from the Professional Theatre program at John Abbott College. At the college she played The Doctor's Wife in Blindness, The Girl in Hot L Baltimore and Mama in I Remember Mama. She is very excited to be working with Persephone for the first time, on this hysterical, historical play.
Born and raised in Lennoxville Quebec, Chloe Chloe moved to Montreal to pursue theatre. This is Chloe's first show since graduating from the Professional Theatre program at John Abbott College. At the college she played The Doctor's Wife in Blindness, The Girl in Hot L Baltimore and Mama in I Remember Mama. She is very excited to be working with Persephone for the first time, on this hysterical, historical play.
LUCAS DI TECCO - Sir Charles Sedley
Lucas has had a passion for performance for as long as he can remember, and is very excited to take part in this production, his first with Persephone. Since graduating the Dawson College professional theatre program in 2014, Lucas has focused on comedy, both as an original member of WFIIA Improv team, the sketch troupe Swagetti Yolonaise (MTL Sketchfest), and such roles as Hugo in No One Like Hugh (Playwright Hero) and Glaucon in Form of Flattery (Heart of Gold). Lucas cannot wait to showcase his love for comedy and character work here in Compleat Female Stage Beauty, and for many years to come.
Lucas has had a passion for performance for as long as he can remember, and is very excited to take part in this production, his first with Persephone. Since graduating the Dawson College professional theatre program in 2014, Lucas has focused on comedy, both as an original member of WFIIA Improv team, the sketch troupe Swagetti Yolonaise (MTL Sketchfest), and such roles as Hugo in No One Like Hugh (Playwright Hero) and Glaucon in Form of Flattery (Heart of Gold). Lucas cannot wait to showcase his love for comedy and character work here in Compleat Female Stage Beauty, and for many years to come.
JAMES HARRINGTON - George Villiars, Duke of Buckinham
James Harrington, a born and raised Montrealer, has always had an attraction to storytelling. With a penchant for the provocative, he draws on himself and his experiences to better any production that he’s involved in; even if it means leaving an audience sobbing at the end. With a passion for all manner of acting, he is also an investigator of human nature and carries a great admiration for the world of film making. This will be his 4th production with Persephone.
James Harrington, a born and raised Montrealer, has always had an attraction to storytelling. With a penchant for the provocative, he draws on himself and his experiences to better any production that he’s involved in; even if it means leaving an audience sobbing at the end. With a passion for all manner of acting, he is also an investigator of human nature and carries a great admiration for the world of film making. This will be his 4th production with Persephone.
NICKY FOURNIER - Lady Meresvale
Nicky graduated from the Dome Theatre this year and is really excited to be performing in one of Persephone's productions for the first time. Originally from Vernon, BC she has fallen in love with the city of Montreal's arts and theatre culture. Nicky continues to grow more and more passionate about comedy as well as honing her improvisation skills. She is a student at Montreal improv and occasionally performs at Theatre St. Catherine in the odd play. This summer you may have seen her in Montreal improv's 50/50 show or A fat man dancing at Theatre St Catherine, if not, well, she's very happy you get to see this one!
Nicky graduated from the Dome Theatre this year and is really excited to be performing in one of Persephone's productions for the first time. Originally from Vernon, BC she has fallen in love with the city of Montreal's arts and theatre culture. Nicky continues to grow more and more passionate about comedy as well as honing her improvisation skills. She is a student at Montreal improv and occasionally performs at Theatre St. Catherine in the odd play. This summer you may have seen her in Montreal improv's 50/50 show or A fat man dancing at Theatre St Catherine, if not, well, she's very happy you get to see this one!
RIVA ROSE - Miss Frayne
Riva Rose is a graduate of the Dawson Professional Theatre program and an actor currently working in both theatre and film in Montreal. Compleat Female Stage Beauty will mark her first production with Persephone Productions. Her past Theatre credits include Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice, Dawson), Lily (Lion in the Streets, Dawson), Girl in Gossamer Dress (Chamber Music, We Are One), Ginette (Les Belles Soeurs, Dawson) and Brenda (Hairspray, Cote St. Luc Dramatic Society). She is very excited to be working with the Persephone team and extremely talented cast. A huge thank you to all involved in the production and our wonderful directors Christopher Moore and Gabrielle Soskin. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Riva Rose is a graduate of the Dawson Professional Theatre program and an actor currently working in both theatre and film in Montreal. Compleat Female Stage Beauty will mark her first production with Persephone Productions. Her past Theatre credits include Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice, Dawson), Lily (Lion in the Streets, Dawson), Girl in Gossamer Dress (Chamber Music, We Are One), Ginette (Les Belles Soeurs, Dawson) and Brenda (Hairspray, Cote St. Luc Dramatic Society). She is very excited to be working with the Persephone team and extremely talented cast. A huge thank you to all involved in the production and our wonderful directors Christopher Moore and Gabrielle Soskin. She hopes you enjoy the show!
DAVID HUDON - Sir Peter Lelly / Thug / Ensemble
David Hudon Is a recent graduate from the Professional Theatre Program at John Abbott College and he can´t wait to begin his emergence as a professional actor in Montreal. He most notably just ended his run of This Day In December, a collective creation piece by Jac Theatre Mtl that they brought to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Other past productions include: Zach Frasier´s staged adaptation of Blindness by José Saramago, both The American Clock and Hot L Baltimore directed by Terry Donald and an original improv show called Save The Date that he mounted for the Montreal fringe festival.
David Hudon Is a recent graduate from the Professional Theatre Program at John Abbott College and he can´t wait to begin his emergence as a professional actor in Montreal. He most notably just ended his run of This Day In December, a collective creation piece by Jac Theatre Mtl that they brought to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Other past productions include: Zach Frasier´s staged adaptation of Blindness by José Saramago, both The American Clock and Hot L Baltimore directed by Terry Donald and an original improv show called Save The Date that he mounted for the Montreal fringe festival.
BENJAMIN ROY - Mistress of Revels / Thug / Ensemble
Benjamin Roy is a graduating student from the John Abbott College Professional Threatre program. His credits include Our Town by Thornton Wilder, I Remember Mama by John Van Druuten, American Clock by Arthur Miller, The Hot L Baltimore by Landford Wilson, and Queen Lear; a steam punk version of Shakespeare's King Lear where he played the great and evil Cornwall. Benjamin has also done some background work for Film and TV. He has traveled a little bit for modeling contracts abroad like New York and Mexico, but mainly is focused on his dancing when he is not busy acting. The various styles include; popping, electro, hiphop, top rock. Benjamin is also musically inclined, if he is not beat boxing, his brothers and him have a studio where they create new age informative conscious rap music.
Benjamin Roy is a graduating student from the John Abbott College Professional Threatre program. His credits include Our Town by Thornton Wilder, I Remember Mama by John Van Druuten, American Clock by Arthur Miller, The Hot L Baltimore by Landford Wilson, and Queen Lear; a steam punk version of Shakespeare's King Lear where he played the great and evil Cornwall. Benjamin has also done some background work for Film and TV. He has traveled a little bit for modeling contracts abroad like New York and Mexico, but mainly is focused on his dancing when he is not busy acting. The various styles include; popping, electro, hiphop, top rock. Benjamin is also musically inclined, if he is not beat boxing, his brothers and him have a studio where they create new age informative conscious rap music.
PATRICK RYAN - Mr Hyde / Thug / Ensemble
Patrick has been acting ever since the young age of 12. He enjoys diving into his characters in order to let audiences forget about their own lives, and focus in on the lives of those on stage. This is his first role outside of his school shows, and he is super excited to break into Montreal’s renowned theatrical atmosphere. His passion for acting has allowed him to participate in many theatrical pieces over the past 6 years. Most recently, he was seen on stage at John Abbott College’s production of Cabaret, playing the role of the devious and seductive Emcee. Patrick also has a great love for Shakespeare, appearing as the role of Silvius in the Hudson Player’s Club production of As You Like It. With such a great diversity in his roles, Patrick’s future on the stage is one of crime, romance, or anything in between.
Patrick has been acting ever since the young age of 12. He enjoys diving into his characters in order to let audiences forget about their own lives, and focus in on the lives of those on stage. This is his first role outside of his school shows, and he is super excited to break into Montreal’s renowned theatrical atmosphere. His passion for acting has allowed him to participate in many theatrical pieces over the past 6 years. Most recently, he was seen on stage at John Abbott College’s production of Cabaret, playing the role of the devious and seductive Emcee. Patrick also has a great love for Shakespeare, appearing as the role of Silvius in the Hudson Player’s Club production of As You Like It. With such a great diversity in his roles, Patrick’s future on the stage is one of crime, romance, or anything in between.
CHRISTOPHER MOORE - Director / Betteron
Christopher is the current Artistic Director of Persephone Productions, having taken over from Founding Director, Gabrielle Soskin in 2013. He is a graduate of John Abbott College's Professional Theatre program. Selecting directing credits include Spring Awakening: The Musical (Persephone), Fiddler on The Roof (JAC) , and Bard Fiction (Beyond the Mountain). Selected acting credits include: Hamlet in Shakespeare's Hamlet (Persephone), Brutus in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar (MSTC), and Frank in Arthur Miller's All My Sons (Montreal Theatre Ensemble).
Christopher is the current Artistic Director of Persephone Productions, having taken over from Founding Director, Gabrielle Soskin in 2013. He is a graduate of John Abbott College's Professional Theatre program. Selecting directing credits include Spring Awakening: The Musical (Persephone), Fiddler on The Roof (JAC) , and Bard Fiction (Beyond the Mountain). Selected acting credits include: Hamlet in Shakespeare's Hamlet (Persephone), Brutus in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar (MSTC), and Frank in Arthur Miller's All My Sons (Montreal Theatre Ensemble).
GABRIELLE SOSKIN - Director
Gabrielle came to Montreal from her native England in 1970. A graduate of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre school, Trent Park College and Concordia University, Gabrielle started her theatrical journey as an actor before becoming a teacher and a director. She has had a challenging and fascinating career over the years, participating in the training of many vital young artists in the community and directing every genre imaginable.
In 2000 she created Persephone Productions a not for profit theatre company mandated to give emerging Theatre artists work opportunities. The Company has won several awards over the years. In December 2007 Gabrielle was a recipient of the Myron Galloway award for Distinction given by the Montreal English Critics Circle Association for her special contribution to Montreal English Theatre. Gabrielle has staged three shows as fundraisers for the company: in 2005 A Room of One's Own, in 2007 The Loves of Shakespeare's Women and in June 2010 she directed and performed in a special Gala event to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the company.
Gabrielle came to Montreal from her native England in 1970. A graduate of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre school, Trent Park College and Concordia University, Gabrielle started her theatrical journey as an actor before becoming a teacher and a director. She has had a challenging and fascinating career over the years, participating in the training of many vital young artists in the community and directing every genre imaginable.
In 2000 she created Persephone Productions a not for profit theatre company mandated to give emerging Theatre artists work opportunities. The Company has won several awards over the years. In December 2007 Gabrielle was a recipient of the Myron Galloway award for Distinction given by the Montreal English Critics Circle Association for her special contribution to Montreal English Theatre. Gabrielle has staged three shows as fundraisers for the company: in 2005 A Room of One's Own, in 2007 The Loves of Shakespeare's Women and in June 2010 she directed and performed in a special Gala event to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the company.
CHRIS UPSDELL - Stage Manager
SONYA VALLIS - Costume Designer
RACHEL QUINTERO FAIA - Set Designer
PETER VATSIS - Set Desginer
ROBERT MOODY IV - Lighting Design
KEVIN CONFORTI - Sound Designer