The Lady in the Van coming to The Bear Pit

Coming to The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.

The Lady in the Van by Alan Bennett at The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon from 5 – 13 June 2026. Directed by Jo Knight.

Preview

When a woman in a battered old van is offered a temporary place to stay, it seems like a simple act of kindness. A few days becomes a few weeks. Then months. Then Years.

Alan Bennett’s The Lady in the Van is the remarkable true story of Miss Shepherd, a sharp, stubborn and often infuriating woman who took up residence in Bennett's driveway and never leaves. What unfolds is funny, awkward, and unexpectedly moving.

Pamela Hickson as Miss Shepherd. Photo by Chris Clarke.

At the heart of the production is Pamela Hickson as Miss Shepherd, a true Bear Pit stalwart and one of its founder members. She is joined by Graham Mason and Brian Darnley, sharing the role of Bennett, capturing the writer both as observer and participant in his own story. Around them, a richly drawn world comes to life through Barry Purchase-Rathbone, Nikki Holt, Dominic Rose, Sue Chaperlin and Jill le Mesurier each bringing their own warmth and character to Bennett’s unmistakable world.

For tickets: https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/the-lady-in-the-van/