BILL BRYSON'S NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND

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A witty exploration of Britain’s quirks and culture

Book by Bill Bryson

Adapted by Tim Whitnall

Directed by Steve Smith

Embark on an insightful journey through Britain’s eccentricities in this stage adaptation by Tim Whitnall from Bill Bryson’s much-loved novel “Notes from a Small Island.”

Bill Bryson’s smash-hit memoir “Notes from a Small Island” spent three years on The Sunday Times bestseller list, sold over two million copies, and was voted the book that best represents the UK.

Tim Whitnall’s hilarious stage adaptation was first produced at the Watermill Theatre, Newbury, in 2023.

The stage adaptation weaves around the character of Bill Bryson, an American expat, who takes the audience on a charming and affectionate tour of Britain, from its picturesque villages to its quirky landmarks. Along the way, he encounters colourful characters, unravels the mysteries of British culture, and delivers a witty, unforgettable exploration of this small island.

With this multi-roling ensemble cast, prepare to discover the heart and humour of Britain like never before.

An amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.

N.B – please note this is a stage adaptation of Bill Bryson’s novel “Notes from a Small Island” – all parts are played by performers. Bill Bryson will not be appearing in person.

Moderate adult language used for comic effect throughout. Recommended for age 12 years and above.

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Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre
Barrow Road, Kenilworth CV8 1FN

CAST & CREW

The cast will be playing nearly 80 roles between them, so get ready for a truly ensemble company approach to keep the audience on their toes throughout the night!

Cast (In alphabetical order)

Matt Baxter

Amelia Fewtrill-Webster

Sam Harris

Alex Holmes

Rob Jones

Paige Phelps

Paul Sully

Sharon Sully

Alan Wales

Crew & Creatives

Director – Steve Smith

Production Manager – Wendy Elliott

Set Designer – Michael Seeley

Set Builders and Painters – Talisman set building team

Lighting Design and Operation – Nigel Elliott

Sound Design and Operation – Dik Thacker

Props Manager – Amanda Jones, assisted by Laura Henderson

Wardrobe – Corrina Jacob

Wardrobe Assistants – Sue Harris, Susan Payne and Nikki Habbits

Stage Crew – Michael Seeley and Steve Sanday

Publicity – Sharon Sully

Photography – Robert Warner and Peter Weston

DIRECTOR'S NOTES

In 1973 Bill Bryson, a young man who came from Des Moines, Iowa (well, somebody had to!), disembarked a ferry at Dover, after backpacking across Europe, and set out on a tour of this country. Little did he know that, within a very short time, he would fall in love with Britain, eventually becoming a fully paid-up anglophile.

Twenty years later, having married the lovely Cynthia and settled here, he retraced his steps, with a view to writing a book. The result was the smash hit ‘Notes from a Small Island’ which sold two million copies, spent three years on the Sunday Times bestseller list and was voted (admittedly by Radio 4 listeners) the book which best represents the UK.

Tim Whitnall’s adaptation of the book for the stage, first presented at The Watermill Theatre, Newbury only last year, is a faithful and hilarious distillation of the original. We follow Bill both on his initial tour and as he re-traces his steps in 1994. He has to come to terms with a new language (what the hell are belisha beacons, lemon curd and counterpanes?), and discover and understand our idiosyncrasies and eccentricities, as he gradually falls in love with both a people and a landscape. What the play adds is further reflection on our diffidence and reluctance to recognise our enormous achievements, as well as some of the losses over time.

The 88 (yes,88!) roles are played by just nine intrepid, versatile and talented actors portraying landladies, Welsh trainspotters, usherettes, hippies, even soft-porn stars (!) – the list goes on.

Enjoy an uproarious summer’s evening at The Talisman!

Steve Smith