From Script to Stage
Did you know that Open All Hours was actually inspired by a real-life shop? Sir Roy Clarke fell in love with a small store called LE Riddiford while travelling through Gloucestershire, and that quirky layout eventually became the iconic shop we know and love today. Our director, Elspeth Fisher, has spent months “knitting together” classic scenes from all four series to create a brand-new stage experience at the Little Theatre Southport that feels like a warm hug from an old friend. Part of that magic comes from the wonderful local characters who pop in and out of the shop, starting with the lady who always keeps Arkwright on his toes!
Karen Parkinson as Nurse Gladys Emmanuel
You can’t have Arkwright without the object of his affection, the sharp-witted Nurse Gladys Emmanuel. Karen Parkinson is absolutely thrilled to be bringing this no-nonsense character to life. Karen is a true talent, having performed on stage from an early age across all three art forms, and she even brings her professional experience as a choreographer and youth theatre director to the production. She perfectly captures Gladys’s firm attitude and quick wit—providing the perfect foil to Arkwright’s constant advances.
Zoe Findlay as the Milk Woman
Next up, we have the lovely Zoe Findlay, who plays our Milk Woman. Zoe is practically part of the furniture here, having started her journey at the “tender age of 8” with her first play, The Herbal Bed. Since then, she has appeared in a massive variety of shows, including Blackadder, Jane Eyre, and plenty of our famous pantomimes. Zoe has had “lots of fun” in rehearsals, and her bright energy is exactly what you need for a morning delivery in Doncaster!
Whether you’re after a fresh delivery or just want to see if Arkwright finally seals the deal with Gladys, we can’t wait to welcome you. Just watch out for that till!
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