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:
“He takes interesting to another level. I feel a bit boring in comparison. There is definitely pressure to become one of the most uber human beings that has ever walked the planet. The guy was simply amazing.
“I think the people of Harrogate are definitely in for a treat. We’ve put the work in and we now get to play in this astounding theatre. Samson paid for a fair dollop of the place. We are ready now to project this piece.
“It’s part biopic, part period drama. The language in it is absolutely delicious and it’s surprisingly funny.”
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:
“I’ll just say I’m perfectly fine with it. There’s no pressure at all performing in front of one of the greatest acting dynasties in the whole history of cinema and the theatre.”
Mr Standerline said the people of Harrogate had been extremely welcoming. He added:
“It’s been great spending the last few weeks here, integrating ourselves into the community that we are representing. It is a responsibility and we are taking it seriously and we can’t wait to get people in these seats.”
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:
“What I wanted to do is show his human side, show his family, show his heart. I wanted to show everything he risked, which was his considerable fortune, to clear his name. I also wanted to look into his ambiguities. Was he a good man? Hopefully that’s something the play explores.
“When the opportunity came up to tell his story, it was something I couldn’t refuse.
“The Fox family have read the script and they were incredibly kind. I hope they enjoy it tomorrow.
“I’m in awe of all the cast. I just sit there and write the lines but they bring it to life.
“I hope the people in Harrogate will enjoy the play. It’s a cast of Northern voices. There’s a reality and celebration of where we are from and I hope people embrace that.”
Cause UK, the Harrogate-based creative agency, has produced and sponsored the play.
The Man Who Captured Sunlight premieres in Harrogate’s Royal Hall tomorrow, with the matinee at 2.30pm and evening performance at 7pm. Buy tickets here.