'Margolyes’ brilliant, cantankerous, all-conquering bag-lady is a force to be reckoned with, and sure to be one of the year’s stage highlights.'
'Miriam Margolyes is irresistible'
'Margolyes is the undoubted star. She is extraordinary.'
About the play
The Lady in the Van is a mostly true story of the fascinating relationship between the award-winning British writer and his long-term guest. Was she a fugitive on the run? A talented pianist? A nun? Or a lady who simply refused to move her van?
Touching, uplifting and heartbreakingly honest, The Lady in the Van is classic Alan Bennett. Share the fondness and frustrations of the legendary writer as he navigates life with a very peculiar tenant in this moving, bittersweet comedy.
Best-known for the celebrated 2015 film starring Maggie Smith, this incredible new stage production stars international icon Miriam Margolyes (I’ll Eat You Last) as Miss Shepherd and Matilda the Musical co-stars Daniel Frederiksen and James Millar as the dual Alan Bennetts, directed by Dean Bryant (An Ideal Husband).
Accessibility
Learn more about access services at MTC-
Wheelchair Accessible
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Hearing Assistance
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Audio Described
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Tactile Tour
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Open Captioning
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Auslan Interpreted
| Performance Type | Performance Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Audio Described | Saturday 16 February at 2pm Tuesday 19 February at 6.30pm |
| Tactile Tour | Prior to the Saturday 16 February performance at 1pm |
|
Open Captioning
via screen |
Saturday 23 February at 2pm |
| Auslan Interpreted | Saturday 2 March at 2pm |
Credits
Fiona Choi
Pauline
Daniel Frederiksen
Alan Bennett 1
Claire Healy
Social Worker / Pianist
Miriam Margolyes
Miss Mary Shepherd
James Millar
Alan Bennett 2
Jillian Murray
Mam / Interviewer
Richard Piper
Underwood / Leo Fairchild / Doctor
Dalip Sondhi
Rufus
Dean Bryant
Director
Alicia Clements
Set & Costume Designer
Matt Scott
Lighting Designer
Mathew Frank
Composer & Sound Designer
Leith McPherson
Voice & Dialect Coach
Learn more about The Lady in the Van
Go Backstage-
Feature
Building the van
How did designer Alicia Clements — with a dedicated team of contracted and permanent MTC staff — build two life-size vans for the stage?
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Interview
Meet the Bennetts
Daniel Frederiksen and James Millar reflect on their shared character and how they relate to the famous British playwright, novelist, essayist and actor – Alan Bennett.
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Feature
Marking time
When Mary Shepherd commandeered Alan Bennett’s Camden driveway, an unlikely 15-year friendship ensued.
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Programme
The Lady in the Van programme
Learn more about Alan Bennett's bittersweet comedy, The Lady in the Van in our production programme, which can be purchased at the theatre for $2 or downloaded for free online.
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Feature
Empathy and apathy
Actor Dan Frederiksen discusses privilege, performance, and preventing our peers from falling through the cracks.
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Feature
In conversation with Miriam Margolyes
Miriam Margolyes – icon of film, TV and stage – shares her passion for stories that connect people.
