The photograph shows Sam and Amanda Dales (his wife, who plays the Duchess) with Scarborough College teachers, past and present who had a super evening out at York Theatre Royal. Sam (Lisvane & Lodge 85-99) directed the play which is notorious for being bloody and demanding. John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi (1612) is not an obvious choice for an amateur group to perform. With a pared down plot and modern dress, Sam (Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre actor) directs an accessible, fast-paced and engaging rendition of the ultimate Renaissance revenge. Sam directed York Settlement Community Players which was established 100 years ago and was the theatre group with which Dame Judy Dench worked when living in York. It was a powerful and gripping two hours drama and enthusiastically received by the audience.
