Marilyn taylerson biography

This production is a funny and touching look behind the scenes at the life of Larkin, who shared his life with three very different women.

A brief history of Philip Larkin

Although he is often referred to as the Bard of Humberside, Philip Larkin was actually born in Coventry in 1922, son of Sydney Larkin, the City Treasurer of Coventry from 1922 until 1944.

Larkin attended the Henry VIII School in Coventry where his first published work was a contribution to the school magazine, The Coventrian in 1933.

Larkin went on to help edit the magazine from 1939 - 1940, before leaving for Oxford University.

Larkin With Women

Starring as Philip Larkin is actor John Arthur, who has worked extensively with Alan Ayckbourn, playing central roles in nine of the writer's new plays.

Playing the three women in Larkin's life are Julia Hills, Jessica Martin and Marilyn Taylerson.

Julia who palys Betty Mackereth in this production, is best known for her role as Rona in eight series of BBC1's 2 Point 4 Children.

Jessica who plays Maeve Brennan in this production has recently taken her critically acclaimed one-women show Where Was I to New York.

And finally there is Marilyn, who stars as Monica Jones in this production. Her past credits include appearing in Pericles alongside Sir Derek Jacobi in the West End, and Hermione in The Winter's Tale opposite Sir Ian McKellan for the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).

Writer and Director Alan Ayckbourn, who originally commissioned Ben Brown to write Larkin With Women said:

"Following a remarkable first play, All Things Considered, this was Ben's second commission for the Stephen Joseph Theatre. It confirmed all the considerable promise he had shown - and more.

"Funny and moving, it received uniformly good reviews and delighted audiences. May it do the same at Coventry!"

It's 1956 and Philip Larkin has just arrived in Hull as the university librarian, over the next 30 years his life will be dominated by three remarkable women.

Larkin With Women takes us behind the facade of the Bard of Humberside and into his complex private life, bringing together Larkin's poetry, quick-fire wit and some of his favourite jazz music.

Production details

The production runs from Friday 23 May until Saturday 07 June, 2003 at The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry.

Tickets: They are available from the Box Office on 02476 553 055. Prices range from £6 to £15, and discounts are available