Westcliff Director Returns - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Westcliff Director Returns – A DIRECTOR who grew up in Westcliff, before going on to set up The Arches, Glasgow’s long running multi-arts venue, is returning to his home town to direct one of the greatest plays of the twentieth century.

Westcliff Director Returns - A DIRECTOR who grew up in Westcliff, before going on to set up The Arches, Glasgow's long running multi-arts venue, is returning to his home town to direct one of the greatest plays of the twentieth century.

A DIRECTOR who grew up in Westcliff, before going on to set up The Arches, Glasgow’s long running multi-arts venue, is returning to his home town to direct one of the greatest plays of the twentieth century.

Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman explodes onto the stage of The Palace Theatre for one week only.

Director Andrew Arnold is looking forward to returning to The Palace– where he was introduced to theatre by watching theatre productions in the 1960s.

He explained: “’I was born and grew up in Westcliff, and I lived a short walk from the Palace.

“I used to sit in the ‘Gods’ at the Palace and I remember I paid Two shillings and sixpence (12p) for my ticket. Now, some sixty years later, I will be returning with a show of my own!”

Mr Arnold reflected on how formative his upbringing in Southend was: “I played a number of leading roles in school plays when I was at Westcliff High School. It was watching actors on the Palace stage that inspired me to become a professional actor. The theatre had a repertory company then like so many other English towns in those days.

“My mother was also born and brought up in Leigh, and attended St Bernard’s Convent, and she encouraged my theatrical interests – buying me the complete works of Shakespeare when I was a young teenager.”

Mr Arnold encourages young people to come to this new production: “In my view, it is essential that school children visit the theatre and not just the annual pantomime. There is a special quality to live theatre that can’t be replicated through television or film.”

This Pulitzer Prize and multi award-winning classic play is not to be missed as it comes to Southend for one week only, from Tue 8th April to Sat 12th April.

Mr Arnold added: “Although it was written in the middle of the last century, the play completely resonates with modern audiences as the issues of job insecurity, family battles, love, and betrayal affect people as much now as they ever did and will continue to do so.

Tickets are £16.50 – £46.00 and a transaction fee of up to £3.95 may apply. Purchase via the box office on 0343 310 0030, or visit: https://trafalgartickets.com.

Picture: local boy – director Andrew Arnold.

REPORT BY SOPHIE SLEIGH-JOHNSON

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