IT’S BEEN called Downton Abbey with gardening tips - and now the play of beloved classic Old Herbaceous is being performed this week at Bordon.
The poignant one man show, adapted from the novel by Reginald Arkell, focuses on the life of an ageing gardener based at a Gloucestershire manor house.
He has worked there all his life, and sees the world change from the Victorian age through Edwardian, up to the 70s when the play, at the Phoenix tomorrow (Thursday), Friday and Saturday, is set.
“Although it is the story of one man’s life, it encompasses so many different little stories and sub-plots,” says director Simon Downing.
“It has been a joy to discover this man’s journey, which centres around a platonic unrequited love story across social boundaries.
“And what surprised me most was how moving the piece is. So bring your tissues, you may need them.”
Giles Shenton stars as ‘Herbert’. Director Simon has been working as an actor and director for many years, and has had successes with many Phoenix shows.
To book and for more visit www.phoenixarts.co.uk