“My father would mischievously try and shock people at social gatherings by telling them that he met his wife ‘in bed’”. Playwright Simon de Cintra tells us the truth behind that story and how it inspired his first play, Bed Seven.
Staged by Act Naturally Ltd, the story of wooing on a hospital ward runs at Tristan Bates Theatre from 19 to 23 November 2019.
Patricia, a ‘country girl’ from Bristol, has surpassed her family’s expectations to become a State Registered Nurse at King’s College Hospital. Gerald, her patient, is a graduate from Trinity College, Dublin, living in leafy South London, and is expected to take over the successful family business, importing watches. Patricia and Gerald would probably never have met, if it hadn’t been for bed seven. Opposite sides of a sharp class divide, united by a friendship born out of a life-threatening dilemma. Will they treat each other’s self-doubts and find a love that crosses convention?
Chloe Wigmore stars as nurse Patricia Voisey, with Jesse Rutherford as Gerald.
In addition to writing Bed Seven, de Cintra also directs the production. He’s supported by a creative team including choreographer Lily Howkins, composer Adam Gerber, assistant director Nicola Wright and dramaturg Lizzie Mounter.
Simon de Cintra on creating Bed Seven
Where did you get the inspiration for Bed Seven?
Bed Seven is based on how my mother and father met; as a child I remember my father would mischievously try and shock people at social gatherings by telling them that he met his wife ‘in bed’. More recently, I’ve come to appreciate the significance of their story and how it still resonates.
What excited you about writing at piece set in the 1950s in a hospital?
Primarily, it was when Patricia and Gerald met, but also it was a time of accelerated change, the sixties were just around the corner. The Second World War had challenged traditional roles and class divides, brought technological advancement and challenge as communities rebuilt.
Hospitals make a great setting for any drama! Kings College Hospital was particularly important for Patricia, because it took so much determination for her to get there. Also, the NHS was still very young and growing into the institution that is envied around the world. A timely reminder!
You’re holding a matinee where all proceeds go to the Lilypad appeal. What is that appeal and why is it important to you?
Lily Pad Appeal
The Lily Pad appeal is fundraising £750K for the refurbishment of the New Children’s Oncology Department within the New Integrated Paediatric Unit at Croydon University Hospital.
I’m a Croydon boy, born and bred, and particularly wanted to support the Lilypad appeal because of the very practical way they support everyone involved in the treatment of Cancer in children.
You worked in sales before training as an actor in your late 30s, what prompted that move?
I got a place at Drama School at 19, but unfortunately passed my A Level resits and Patricia and Gerald thought I should go to University in the hope of securing a proper job! In my late thirties, I realized that there was no such thing as a ‘proper job’, so auditioned again. Absolutely no regrets, I took a great deal from my career in the corporate world and now find ways of combining both areas.
Why did you want to make the step into writing as well?
I’ve always created lots of characters and stories in my head and thought it was time to get them down on paper! Bed Seven was a realistic project to start off with because I know the background of the story and characters so well.
How are you finding directing the production as well as writing it?
I’ve had a lot of help! Lily Howkins has been brilliant as our Movement & Co-Director and Lizzie Mounter as our Dramaturg. Bed Seven has truly been a collaborative project. Hopefully I kept my promise to leave the writers ego at the rehearsal room door!
How are you feeling about staging it at the Tristan Bates Theatre?
I absolutely love the Tristan Bates Theatre. Will Mytum and his team are a pleasure to work with and the location is perfect for the ‘try out week’ of a new play.
What can audiences expect from a trip to see Bed Seven?
A fifty-minute dose of ‘feel good’ at a time of uncertainty that should send you home feeling just a little bit uplifted and with a smile of your face.
