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These are examples of three diverse characters Eileen has portrayed. View the photograph and listen to her version of these characters.
Or let Eileen tell you about herself.
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This versatile
actor can deliver:
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| It's been a long and fascinating journey from working as a twelve-year-old story teller for BBC Radio to touring New Zealand with masterpieces by Yorkshire playwright Alan Bennett. Eileen has enjoyed every step of the way. There's been work with various repertory societies, organising and performing in Leeds St James Hospital Revues while doing her nursing training and appearing as an extra in four episodes of Coronation Street in the then fledgling television industry. |
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The Nelson Repertory Theatre production of Geraldine Aaron's "The Donahue Sister's" won the New Zealand Theatre Federation One Act Play Festival and represented New Zealand at the 1993 World Festival in Monaco, playing at the prestigious Salle Gamier Theatre in Monte Carlo. This was a highlight of Eileen's acting career and prompted her to establish her own theatre company, Spotlight Productions, to share her passion for theatre with the people of New Zealand. |
Eileen has played various diverse roles such as:
| Character | Author | Play |
| Kate Keller | Arthur Miller | All My Sons |
| Dolly Levi | Jerry Herman | Hello Dolly |
| Lady Rumpers | Alan Bennett | Habeus Corpus |
| Mrs. Meadow | Nell Dunn | Steaming |
| Annie | Geraldine Aaron | The Donahue Sisters |
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In addition, are the 3 national tours of New Zealand, with her own Company "Spotlight Productions". Eileen fulfilled her mission of "taking the theatre to the people", performing monologues by British Playwright Alan Bennett, from his "Talking Heads" series. She appeared at over 50 venues per tour to approximately 5,000 people. |
The characters she has portrayed in Alan Bennett's plays are as follows:
| Character | Play |
| Peggy Scholfield | A Woman of No Importance |
| Irene Ruddock | A Lady of Letters |
| Muriel | Soldiering On |
| Doris | A Cream Cracker Under the Settee |
| Susan | Bed Among the Lentils |
| And the Duologue: | |
| Miss Prothero | A Visit From Miss Prothero |
National Tours
At the inception of her Company, Eileen employed her eldest son Andy Williams as Tour Manager, an obvious choice, having learned "the ropes" from an early age. Andy is skilled in lighting and sound, and proved to be an exceptionally competent and professional manager. Due mainly to his friendly manner, Andy has since been formally engaged to work as Theatre Manager in the Capital, for the biennial International Festival, as well as by other well know Artistes as Tour Manager.
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A feature of the Eileen's tours has been the sponsorship by the prestigious British Company, Rover New Zealand. The General Manager of Rover recognising her exceptional talent, offered not only to supply a vehicle but as well, their logo "The Best of British" on all advertising material. |
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Like the troubadours of old, Eileen's Company travels with all their necessary staging equipment, lighting, sound and wardrobe. Using the Range Rover, complements Eileen's sense of humour, describing this modern day mode of transport as simply 'an up market version of the horse and cart'. |
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Eileen's experience, skill and adaptability has enabled her to portray many different characters. She is very keen and enthusiastic, and is in her element in a studio, behind a microphone or best of all, on stage, taking on the role of some other character. |
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