Yours Affectionately, JOHN KEATS
John Keats was a gentle man, very caring of his younger brothers and sister and always receptive to the beauties of life all around him. He expected so much from a woman that he was convinced he would never fall in love ... until it happened! This promised happiness - and gave the world some of the most beautiful and unguarded love letters ever written. But by that time he was fighting the consumption that had already claimed so many of his family. Throughout his life, he retained his quick sense of humor, his ability to laugh at others - and often at himself. The bravery shown in his final letters is very moving.
From a wealth of material - Keats' letters, his poetry, and the memories of those who knew him - a fascinating and compassionate narrative has been compiled. The story covers a young man's struggle to find himself and his vocation and his fight against poverty and ill health. Keats also had to withstand some of the most vicious critical attacks in the history of literature: "With much sorrow we contemplate the case of Mr. John Keats. The frenzy of his early poems was bad enough; but it did not alarm us half so seriously as the calm, imperturbable driveling idiocy of this latest work." This was actually written about one of the exceptionally few poets that responsible critics of today have spoken of in the same breath as Shakespeare!
Yours Affectionately, JOHN KEATS takes its title from the complimentary close he used in many of his letters. The presentation, which adapts well to large meeting rooms, lecture halls, and Stately Homes as well as to small and medium-size theatres, lasts 90 minutes plus intermission. A shorter version of 60 minutes is also available.
A TRIUMPH!
Herald Express, Newton Abbot
IAN FROST SURPASSED HIMSELF IN THIS COMPLEX PIECE OF STORY TELLING.
Kirkby Stephen Messenger
STILL HEARING RAVES ABOUT YOUR PERFORMANCE!
Program Vice President, The English-Speaking Union, Central Florida Branch
IAN FROST In a New Presentation Yours Affectionately, JOHN KEATS By BILL STUDDIFORD Keats' letters and poems tell the story of a young man finding himself and his vocation with extraordinary candour. With charm and a lively sense of humour, Keats makes some of the most profound comments on the human condition ever written.
|
The HERALD and EXPRESS, Torquay
Ian Frost's one man show, Yours Affectionately, JOHN KEATS , was a triumph! ... The agony of his love for Fanny Brawne came to life so well, as did a strong feeling of the times in which the young poet lived. ... There was a large and appreciative audience.
The Kirkby Stephen Messenger
IAN FROST is no stranger to epic parts, but he surpassed himself in this exciting piece of story telling. Yours Affectionately, JOHN KEATS, is a triumph!
Keats' letters tell of his adoration for Fanny Brawne. They also reveal his poetic and philosophical insight. Throughout his life, he retained his quick sense of humour and remarkable courage.
The audience was held spellbound.
CENTRAL FLORIDA BRANCH
Dear Ian,
I'm still hearing rave reviews of your performance here last week. Your journey through the South must have been in the nature of a triumphal march as you repeated your success everywhere you went.
We thought too that Bill's script was a fine piece of work. The combination of the two of you is unbeatable. I'm glad that we could arrange this appearance, and hope that we can bring you to our chapter again.
Thank you again for a memorable evening with you two and John Keats.
Yours sincerely,
Barbara Kennedy
Vice President, Programs
|
TO REPEAT: If you are interested in a performance, or can suggest a contact by name who might be, please get in touch with us. We travel and our fees are flexible - relating to the venue and the funding available. |
 |
... And
now presenting ... |
 |
TO GO TO ONE OF THE NINE PLAYS, CLICK ON THE ICON ABOVE
all look forward to hearing from you ... and hopefully arranging a booking !
[ Photos and Comments
| Home | Performance
Schedule]