A BRAND new production of Pulitzer Prize, Academy and Tony Award-winning playwright Alfred Uhry’s acclaimed comedy drama, Driving Miss Daisy, open at The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham on October 9, some 30 years since the play first premiered.

From its landmark off-Broadway production in 1987 to the remarkable success of the 1989 film version, which was the winner of four Academy Awards, Driving Miss Daisy has touched the hearts of millions worldwide.

This production stars Dame Siân Phillips as Daisy and Derek Griffiths as Hoke with direction by Richard Beecham.

It tells the story of elderly widow Daisy Werthan who crashes her car one day in 1948 leading to her son hiring her a chauffeur, an African-American named Hoke Colburn.

Daisy and Hoke’s relationship gets off to a rocky start, but as times change across a 25-year backdrop of prejudice, inequality and civil unrest, a profound friendship blossoms.

Dame Siân Phillips has enjoyed a dazzling career from her award-wining performance in I, Claudius to the film Dune, from a Tony nominated performance of Marlene on Broadway to Cabaret in the West End.

RSC actor and legendary presenter, Derek Griffiths’ numerous West End credits include the original production of Beauty and the Beast and the Child Catcher in the West End run of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

The production is directed by Richard Beecham, designed by Simon Kenny and produced by Theatre Royal Bath Productions.

  • Driving Miss Daisy is at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham on Monday, October 9-Saturday, October 14. Tickets from Box Office on 01242 572573 or everymantheatre.org.uk