‘Darling Buds of May’ by H E Bates

Directed by Anna Bowerman

Playing dates 3rd - 6th March 2010

Based on the novels by H E Bates, this stage play takes us back to the 1950's, Britain is still recovering from the after effects of the war and everyone is having to make economies. The lovable, irrepressible Larkin family who live in Kent 'somewhere at the end of the rainbow' made their debut in the novel 'The Darling Buds of May' in 1957 and went on to further delight and beguile audiences both on stage and screen. Pop, who makes a fortune from a variety of deals but has never paid income tax lives in rural idyllic bliss with generous hearted Ma and their six children. When a young earnest tax official, Mr Charlton, turns up one hot May afternoon in 1957 to investigate, he is bewitched immediately by eldest daughter Mariette and it isn't long before he succumbs to the boisterous Larkin family charm and largesse.

'The Darling Buds of May' TV show made in the 1990's was unique in more ways than one. Devoid of car chases, gunplay, sex and bad language -it was pure family viewing as well as a smash hit series that won the ratings war over previous untouchables: 'Coronation Street' and 'Eastenders'. In the process it also made British TV history when all six of its first season episodes made number one in the ratings, for never had the British taken a series so instantly to their hearts. We hope that you will take our offering to your heart.