van adaptation of the novel by Mary Webb
by Hightown Writers Workshop members:
Val Pedrick, Kay Yendole and Jennie Hart
planned to be premiered with Bridgnorth Players in 2019 -
rescheduled for performance in 2020, post COVID19
House in Dormer Forest
Shropshire author Mary
Webb (1881-1927) is a popular author with some of High Town Writer members. Val
Pedrick was very keen on Kay Yendole’s suggestion that we write a play based on
one of Mary Webb’s novels. Sadly, after many months of illness, Val left us,
but not before being an important contributor to our play based on Mary’s novel
‘House in Dormer Forest’.This play is
soon to be performed and will be a lasting tribute to Val and the wonderful
memories she created. We are all truly sorry she will not be here to take part.
Val and I worked
together taking different chapters, turning them into dialogue and combining
our efforts when we were satisfied with their content. Kay contributed by
similarly working on the later chapters. Val and I had never done anything like
this before and we became obsessed with the story and its quirky characters.
A House in Dormer Forest in summary, is the story of a failing family where the younger and older members are at bitter odds. Mary Webb was insightful into her characters’ personalities and in her own life must have been a close observer of those around her. Mary’s imagery can sometimes be flowery and elaborate but her own love of nature is projected in her portrayal of Amber, the elder daughter, a quiet, thoughtful young woman with a strong affinity for the natural world. Mary shows Amber’s inner strength of character.
A House in Dormer Forest in summary, is the story of a failing family where the younger and older members are at bitter odds. Mary Webb was insightful into her characters’ personalities and in her own life must have been a close observer of those around her. Mary’s imagery can sometimes be flowery and elaborate but her own love of nature is projected in her portrayal of Amber, the elder daughter, a quiet, thoughtful young woman with a strong affinity for the natural world. Mary shows Amber’s inner strength of character.