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22
Sept 2022
Play exploring life of Harrogate inventor Samson Fox to premiere tomorrow
A play exploring the life of one of Harrogate's most famous citizens premieres at the Royal Hall tomorrow — a theatre he helped to build.
Samson Fox, who died in 1903, was an inventor, philanthropist and Harrogate mayor, whose legacy is evident throughout the town.
The Man Who Captured Sunlight explores Samson's life and controversial legal battle with author Jerome K Jerome.
Yorkshire actor Joe Standerline stars as the inventor, whose ideas had a major impact around the world.
His greatest creation, the corrugated boiler flue, saved thousands of lives and revolutionised engine construction.
His philanthropic legacy to the arts includes the creation of the Royal Hall and the Royal College of Music in London.
Speaking to the Stray Ferret at the dress rehearsal, Mr Standerline said:
As the great grandfather to actors Edward and James Fox, Samson also helped to create the UK's most famed theatrical acting dynasty.
His grandchildren and great-grandchildren have starred in major TV shows and movies, from Edward Fox in the Day of the Jackal, to Emilia Fox in Silent Witness, and Freddie Fox in The Crown.
Read more:
- Famous acting family set for play premiere in Harrogate
- Royal Hall Proms returns to Harrogate next month
Freddie Fox will attend the matinee performance and take part in an audience Q&A. The actor Joanna David, Freddie’s mother, will also attend.
Freddie Fox (photo by Tavistock Wood) and Samson Fox.
Mr Standerline, who has appeared in TV series such as ITV's Victoria, joked:
Mr Standerline said the people of Harrogate had been extremely welcoming. He added:
Born into poverty
Samson was born into poverty in Bradford in 1838 and worked in the mills from the age of nine. An impresario of his day, he famously ‘bottled the sun’ as Harrogate’s streets became the first thoroughfares in the world to be lit with his Fox Water-Gas.
Samson Fox and his family.
The play, written by Doctor Who writer Gavin Collinson, charts Samson’s meteoric rise, followed by the 19th century libel trial involving the author and editor, Jerome K Jerome.
Mr Collinson told the Stray Ferret:
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