directed by Phyllida Lloyd
designed by Anthony Ward
Bristol Old Vic
Phyllida’s next production was as remarkable as the previous one. Again, beautiful sets and costumes by Anthony Ward, and a wonderful cast, headed by Eleanor David as Blanche DuBois, and featuring in a small role a young Christopher Ecclestone in what may have been his first job out of drama school.
There was no acting work for me to do, but, having established I would be composing the production’s music, Phyllida somehow or the other persuaded the theatre to let me play live for all the performances — even though it would have saved on the budget if the music had been recorded. I sat in the wings, producing quiet jazz on an electronic keyboard. I repurposed a lot of it 35 years later in a piece for clarinet ensemble called La Bonnet de Benny, in honour of Benny Goodman. I dedicated it to Phyllida.
