24/01/24
Welcome to the web site / blog for a new play celebrating the the childhood of Alison Uttley.
Alice Jane Uttley (1884-1976) was born Alice Taylor at Castle Top Farm, Cromford, Derbyshire, and was educated at the Lea School in Holloway and the Lady Manners School in Bakewell. There she developed a love for science which culminated in a scholarship to Manchester University to read physics. In 1906 she became only the second woman to graduate with honours in Physics at the university.
Her return to Castle Top Farm after graduation is where the play, ALISON UTTLEY’S DERBYSHIRE CHILDHOOD, begins.
Adapted for the stage by George Gunby, two of Alison’s books – ‘The Country Child’ and ‘Country Hoard’ – were the inspiration for ‘Derbyshire Childhood’. In them Alison vividly recalls life on the farm and beyond the drystone walls that encased the land. The Circus, the Wakes, the harvesting Irishmen and a wedding are amongst the ‘chapters’ featured.
ALISON UTTLEY’S DERBYSHIRE CHILDHOOD premieres at Derby Theatre Studio on 17 / 18 May.