Brief Synopsis

A musical collaboration from Ray Cooney and rockney legends Chas. and Dave, Stop Dreamin’ is based on a true story. Opening at the Theatre Royal Windsor, the show also enjoyed a season at the Yvonne Arnuad Theatre, Guildford on its prior to West End run.

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Set in Edmonton, North London in the 60’s, Stop Dreamin’ is a collaboration between master of farce Ray Cooney and rockney legends, Chas and Dave. The plot revolves around Fred and Doris White, their two teenage children, Nick and Olive and Grandad. In short a typical London family. Their lives take a dramatic turn for the unexpected during a day trip to Margate where Olive is involved in an accident on the roller coaster, condemning her to life in a wheelchair.

While mum, Doris deals with the situation in what is best described as ‘the true spirit of the blitz’, Fred struggles to come to terms with the family’s plight, preferring to drown his sorrows at the local pub.

Don’t be misled by the somewhat potentially dramatic overtones of the storyline. Stop Dreamin’ is a joy from beginning to end, packed full of inspiration, hope and courage all bouncing along at a light-hearted pace

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Character Analysis

Vi Collins is everybody’s favourite pub landlady! Something of a tour de force, she can handle herself in a pub full of tipsy punters and is the life and soul of the party. Vi is uncompromising, seductive but just very occasionally, a little vulnerable.

Director

Ray Cooney

Cast have included

Cliff Parisi, Susan Jameson, Trevor Bannister