KNOCKING ON THE WALL
If only, some day, somebody knocked back to me.
Three women on the edge of society; three chance encounters; three tales of isolation, reconciliation and hope from one of Scotland’s greatest playwrights.
Towards Evening. Siblings Leonard and Edie have been estranged for many years, but – in search of companionship in their advancing years – have now decided to move in together.
Walkies Time for a Black Poodle. Ella has moved up in the world. From a working-class background, she and her husband Bob have made it and moved to a posh suburb out of town. She should be happy, but she’s not.
Knocking on the Wall. Former teacher Dorothy has had a nervous breakdown, and moved in with her sister, Isobel. When young Alec, the plumber’s apprentice, turns up, he and Dorothy strike up a very unlikely connection…
From the author of Men Should Weep, one of the most iconic Scottish plays of the twentieth century, the three plays that make up Knocking on the Wall display Ena Lamont Stewart’s profound sympathy, humour and razor-sharp social observation.
Reviews
Nominated for a Standing Ovation Award by London Pub Theatres
★★★★ The Observer "An exemplary staging of short plays by overlooked Ena Lamont Stewart."
★★★★ The Stage "Absorbing and intimate revival of three rarely staged Ena Lamont Stewart shorts... I would gladly have lingered longer in all three. It’s a treat to see them on stage."
★★★★★ LondonTheatre1 "Finlay Glen is obviously a hugely talented and imaginative young director... Very highly recommended to those who enjoy searching out unfairly neglected plays of the past."
★★★★★ Everything Theatre "This captivating evening from director Finlay Glen is a must see for theatre-goers citywide... Knocking On The Wall truly deserves its return to the London stage."
★★★★TheatreWeekly "A combination of the astute writing and Finlay Glen’s smart direction ensures that... Ena Lamont Stewart’s rich characters come to life in this sublime evening of Scottish plays."
★★★★London Pub Theatres "Finlay Glen’s direction has mined the dialogue for truth, and this comes through strongly in the performances... Every part of the production feels considered, with nothing left to chance."
★★★★London Living Large "The work of Ena Lamont Stewart deserves to be seen more often, particularly when it is interpreted at this high standard."
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Produced by Georgie Polhill for Dryad Theatre
in association with Neil McPherson for the Finborough Theatre
Cast
Edie in 'Towards Evening', Maggie in 'Walkies Time for a Black Poodle': Janette Foggo
Ella in 'Walkies Time for a Black Poodle', Isobel in 'Knocking on the Wall': Joanne Gallagher
Leonard in 'Towards Evening', Mr Brown in 'Knocking on the Wall': Robert Hands
Dorothy in 'Knocking on the Wall': Jasmine Hyde
Alec in 'Knocking on the Wall': Matt Littleson
Creatives
Director: Finlay Glen
Executive Producer: Michelle Dykstra
Set and Costume Designer: Delyth Evans
Lighting Designer: Zoé Ritchie
Sound Designer: Hattie North
Stage and Production Manager: Sophy Leys Johnston
Press: Susie Safavi
Artwork Design: Ciaran Walsh
Photography: Craig Fuller
