Edward Alderton Theatre Home | News | This Season | Next Season | Bookings | Auditions | Members | Archive | History | Location | Links | Contact Us   The Lark by Jean Anouilh Directed by Sue Higginson 7-14 March 1987 (7 performances) The play covers the trial, condemnation, and execution of Joan, but has a highly unusual ending. Joan remembers important events in her life as she is being questioned, and is subsequently condemned to death. However, Cauchon realizes, just as Joan is burning at the stake, that in her judges's hurry to condemn her, they have not allowed her to re-live the coronation of Charles VII of France. The fire is therefore extinguished, and Joan is given a reprieve. The actual end of the story is left in question, but Cauchon proclaims it a victory for Joan... Cast Beauchamp Brian Kemp Cauchon Tony Donnelly Joan Lesley Wright Father Derek Goulding Mother Maureen Hardwen Brother John Beveridge Promoter David Hampton Inquisitor Dave Phillips Brother Ladvenu Peter Howard Robert de Beaudricourt Martin Heard Boudousse Ian Brian Agnes Sorel Jane Darling The Young Queen Susan Hampton Charles Mike Higginson Queen Yolande Catherine Bateman Archbishop of Rheims Paul Lay M de la Tremouille Steve Marshall, Andy Blackburn Page  John Beveridge Captain La Hire Paul Jennings Hangman Steve Marshall, Andy Blackburn Soldier  Derek Goulding Peasant Freda Phillips Crew Stage Manager Janet Henderson Assistant Stage Manager Carol La Roche Set Design Mike Higginson Set Construction Steve Marshall, Andrew Jackson, Lisa Mitchell, Mike Higginson, Sue Higginon, Claire Kingshott, Eleanor McEnery Costumes RSC  Properties Lisa Mitchell, Alan Heard Lighting  Dennis Kingshott Sound Bernard Tilley  Programme Design Justin Bateman Review The Lark, by Jean Anouilh, is considered by many to be the definitive stage version of the Joan of Arc story. For those who like their theatre from the classiest of moulds it can be seen until this Saturday at the Edward Alderton Theatre, Bexleyheath. Sue Higginson's direction has provided one of the best balanced productions I have seen for some time. There is not a weak link in a large cast. The composite setting provided a pleasant shape to the proceedings, the lighting plot is excellent and the costumes — all from RSC at Stratford — are stunning. Space prohibits a detailed account of individual performances but mention some I must. Lesley Wright is a memorable Joan and Dave Phillips is immaculately sinister as her Inquisitor. Mike Higginson adds a lovely wimpish quality to the role of Charles, the Dauphin. As Robert De Beaudricourt, Martin Heard is better than I have seen him before and Tony Donnelly's Cauchon, Bishop of Beauvais, is carefully measured and completely convincing. David Hampton, Brian Kemp, Paul Lay — and everyone else — add their own touch of class to a remarkably good production. Colin Shaw Kentish Times | 12 March 1987