Angela’s grumpy summer

That’s a question which has often been put to actress Angela Nesi this summer.

Angela takes the granny role in Illyria’s open air production of George’s Marvellous Medicine at Lytham Hall next Sunday afternoon.

Nearing the end of Illyria’s summer tour of 84 performances in 127 days Angela feels the reaction of audiences throughout the country has been surprisingly positive.

She said: “I think the children are gripped and fascinated that I am so grumpy and grotesque.

“Roald Dahl’s adult characters are often attractive because they are simply completely over the top and ghastly. Granny is certainly one of those. She’s just appalling. ”

Chris Sawalha, who plays George, is a graduate of London’s Academy of Live and Recorded Arts and is in his first open air season with Illyria. Chris is looking forward eagerly to the visit to Lytham Hall.

He said: “The cast have told me that the venue and the Lancashire audience are always first-class.

“My partnership with Angela and the rest of the cast of five has been a real education throughout the summer. She really knows how to crank up the grumpiness which carries the production superbly.”

Julian Wilde, organiser of Lytham Hall’s outdoor season, promises a spectacular finale to the last open air show of the summer.

“I am sworn to secrecy, but it’s a brilliant coup de theatre, right up there with Illyria’s previous spectaculars.

“We have had a wonderful season at Lytham Hall and this show will round off the very varied programme with – well, just wait and see!”

Advance tickets for Sunday’s show which starts at 4pm can be booked at www.illyria.uk.com or from Lytham Hall box office on 01253 736652.