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# PREVIEW: Wanting the moon by Rose Collis
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/preview-wanting-the-moon-by-rose-collis/
- Published: 2015-11-22T11:01:03.000Z
- Updated: 2015-11-22T11:01:03.000Z
- Description: Local author Rose Collis will be appearing in a new play she has written, Wanting the moon at the Marlborough Theatre in January in a production directed by Keith Drinkel.
- Author: Contributor
- Tags: Arts, In The South, Previews, Theatre, Marlborough Theatre, Rose Collis

## Local author Rose Collis will be appearing in a new play she has written, Wanting the moon at the Marlborough Theatre in January in a production directed by Keith Drinkel.

![Photo: Amanda Baker](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web-60052.jpg)

Photo: Amanda Baker

### ‘If I really had a free hand I’d wish to broadcast on my hundredth birthday, fly round the world…Oh, I forgot — I have often wanted the moon…’

The eminent author, artist, playwright, journalist and Oscar-winning screenwriter, **Clemence Dane** − is asked by her great friend **Noel Coward** to revive her acting career and play the famous role he once created for her: eccentric medium **Madame Arcati** in *Blithe Spirit*.

As she prepares to give him her answer, she reflects on their long personal and professional relationship − as well as memorable episodes from her chequered career, including penning the controversial early 20th century lesbian novel *Regiment of Women*, her experiences in both World Wars, and her adventures in Hollywood with **Greta Garbo**, **Marlene Dietrich**, **Walt Disney**, **James Whale**, **Vita Sackville-West**… and **The Marx Brothers**.

However, her favourite role was being the devoted and doting ‘den mother’ of the ‘Tavistock Set’ − the circle of friends and acquaintances who gathered in her ramshackle Covent Garden flat and her caravans in Sussex for 30 years, including Coward himself, **Ivor Novello** and **Joyce Grenfell**.

**Rose Collis** a writer, alternative historian and performer has lived and worked in Sussex since 1997\. Her writing credits include *Death and the City* (Hanover Press 2013), *The New Encyclopaedia of Brighton* (2010), *‘This Effing Lady’: Coral Browne* (Oberon Books 2007), *Colonel Barker’s Monstrous Regiment: A Tale of Female Husbandry* (Virago 2000 & 2001); and *A Trouser-Wearing Character: The Life and Times of Nancy Spain* (Cassell 1997 & 1999).

This new production has been made possible with financial support from Arts Council England, and with match-funding and funding-in-kind from Blueprint 22, Pink Fringe/Marlborough Theatre, Jill Gardiner, Krazy Kat Theatre and Raine Pavey-Dorn.

In 2012, Rose created the critically acclaimed *Trouser-Wearing Characters*, the first one-woman musical cabaret show written and performed by a female author, which continues to tour.

In November 2014, Arts Council England funded the successful Research & Development of ‘Not Wanted on Voyage’, a new play about Nancy Spain and Gilbert Harding. **For more information, [click here:](http://www.rosecollis.com/not-wanted-on-voyage-2/?ref=scenemag.co.uk)**

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**Event:** *Wanting the moon* a new play by Rose Collis

**Where:** Marlborough Theatre, 4 Princes Street, Brighton, BN2 1RD.

**When:** January 8 and 9

**Time:** 7.30pm

Tickets: £7

**To book tickets online, [click here:](http://www.marlboroughtheatre.org.uk/events/?ref=scenemag.co.uk)**

You can also see *Wanting the moon* at Arundel Jailhouse, Duke’s Path, off High St, Arundel on Tuesday, January 12, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets £7.

**To book for Arundel performance online, [click here:](https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/rosecollis?ref=scenemag.co.uk)**

**For more information about Rose Collis, [click here:](http://www.rosecollis.com/?ref=scenemag.co.uk)**