Stubbs, aka Mrs.Trevor Nunn, swapped learning lines for writing them with the wartime yarn, which opened July 2. The show tells the true-life story of die-hard thesp Henrietta Oaks, who led a theatrical company during World War Two. Producers Bill Kenwright and Thelma Holt have produced the play at the Gielgud. It followed Barbara Cook’s solo show there, which itself followed Judi Dench’s turn in All’s Well That Ends Well, both also Kenwright properties.
The Stubbs play stars Juliet Stevenson. One of Britain’s most in demand stage actresses, recent years have seen her concentrate more on screen work, including the 2002 movie “Bend It Like Beckham” and 2003’s “Nicholas Nickleby." Also in the cast are Marcia Warren, Kate O’Mara, Patsy Palmer, Caroline Blakiston, Paul Bentley, Rosemary McHale, Adam Davy, Cat Simmons and Emma Darwall-Smith.
John Napier is the designer, David Hersey supplies the lighting, Elise Napier the costumes, Steven Edis the choreography and Colin Pink the sound. Trevor Nunn directs his wife’s play.