Beryl Cook: A Private View
A celebration of the life of
Beryl Cook (1926-2008)
written and performed by
Kara Wilson
with the support of
John and Teresa Cook
Kara completed this play about the much loved British artist Beryl Cook with the extraordinary good luck of having the artist’s own family to help. Kara had always wanted to portray Beryl but it wasn’t till 2023 that she persevered in finding a contact for the family. After a few zoom sessions with Beryl’s son John and his wife Teresa, Kara went down to Plymouth with her first ideas for the play. Although people feel they know Beryl from her wonderfully funny and affectionate paintings, the real Beryl was a very private person who shunned any kind of publicity and hated giving interviews. It has been a profound pleasure and a privilege for Kara to work with John and Teresa to shed light on this intriguing character. Kara has also appreciated the help received from Sophie Cook, Beryl’s granddaughter who runs the business.
The show has previewed twice in London in the spring of 2024 at the King Alfred Phoenix Theatre, Hampstead.
Comments from preview Audiences for Beryl Cook: A Private view
“a perfect piece—unforgettable in its intimacy –and so very beautifully performed”
“The concept was great! The execution pretty astonishing.”
“a real high-wire act, yet so informal and natural”
“You’ve captured Grandma perfectly” (Sophie Cook)
“left one feeling that one had been granted a unique insight into a very unusual person, humane, warm and indefatigably humorous.”
“two masterclasses for the price of one”
The show will have its premiere at the Attic, Pleasance Courtyard in this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, 31st July – 25th August (excluding 12th and 19th August) at 14.05. daily.
Tickets at www.pleasance.co.uk or 0131 556 6550
And you can buy the painting afterwards!
Contact info@karawilson.co.uk