A NIGHT OF SUPPER AND STELLAR THEATRE
Saturday 5th April at 18.30 | Coffee Room | £95 Per Person
As the pathologist, Dr. Laura Robson, first in “Morse”, then “Lewis”, Clare Holman was a hugely welcome fixture in our living rooms for over two decades. On April 5th she will be joined in the Rag Coffee Room by Royal Shakespeare Company actor Stephen Simms, for the much-anticipated return of Stellar Theatre, after the company’s triumphant debut here last November.
The pair will be principals in a new Paul Greenwood play – like “Two-Shot” that was centre stage in November – specially commissioned from him for the night. The evening will begin with an rehearsed reading by Holman and Simms of this fresh new work, then all those involved with putting on what is sure to be another acclaimed performance will join members for supper and a chance to share thoughts on the evening’s drama. Proceedings conclude with the cast and crew answering some questions for the benefit of all in attendance.
November was a bit of history, as the first time Clubland had hosted such an event, bringing theatre of the highest calibre to a corner of St James’s Square. If you came then you’ll no doubt be back, if able. If you missed the Rag’s mould-breaking endeavour, book early to avoid disappointment this time.
Clare is best known as for her role as DR Laura Hobson in Morse and Lewis. More recently she was in Sherwood for the BBC and the Netflix series Treason and Cursed. She has had a career of 30 years spanning theatre, TV and film. Plays at the RSC include Two Gentleman of Verona and Measure for Measure. She was nominated for an Olivier for her performance in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf and her performances at The National Theatre include Angels in America and The Crucible. Other TV work has been very diverse such as The Lakes and Henry VIII with Ray Winston and her film career has included Let Him Have It, Suite Francaise, Blood Diamond, Censor and Killer Heat. She is also in the greatly anticipated King and Conqueror series, which airs on the BBC this Autumn, starring James Norton. Clare teaches, directs (Doctors, Holby City, four short films) and writes.
Stephen has played seasons at the Chichester Festival Theatre, including leading roles in Bernard Shaw’s Misalliance, and The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder. As well as appearing in London’s West End, Stephen has made extensive international tours of plays, appearing in numerous major cities, including Tokyo, Los Angeles, Paris, Buenos Aires, and Manilla. Stephen can be seen in Sir Kenneth Branagh’s Oscar-winning film of Henry V, and Ken Russell’s movie, Prisoner of Honour, as well as in the leading role of Rosco in the French language cinema release Rêve de Siam.
Stephen won international praise for his digital theatre production of Macbeth Projeto #6, a modern variation on the play by Shakespeare. He most recently played Andy Warhol in Looking for Andy, with the avant-garde theatre company “Os Satyros”, performing in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
Stephen is the Vice Principal of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where he is the Head of Acting. He is also a full Professor of Actor Education and directs and teaches on RBC’s acting courses.