Andrea Dunbar Memorial Collection

Description

Press cuttings documenting the life and work of Dunbar and the lives of her children, a letter from Liane Aukin about her discovery. Dunbar authored the plays 'The Arbor', 'Rita, Sue and Bob too' and 'Shirley'. The collection also contains play progammes, a play typescript and a letter from Jalna Hanmer.


In 2017 a copy of the book Black Teeth and a Brilliant Smile by Adele Stripe was added to the collection. This is a fictional book based on the life of Andrea Dunbar. It was published in 2017 and is signed by Stripe. Also added was a press cutting from the Guardian dated 27/06/17 on the making of the film of Rita, Sue and Bob too.


Added in 2017:

- a press cutting from the Guardian dated 24/11/07 about the death of Dunbar's grandson, together with a handwritten note by Jalna Hanmer correcting some errors in the account.

- a programme, flyer and ticket from Square Chapel Halifax's production of Dunbar's third and final play Shirley - only the third time that this play has been performed.

- a flyer from the 2017 theatre production of Rita, Sue + Bob Too at Theatre Royal, York


Added in 2019

- A copy of the script for the play Black Teeth and a Brilliant Smile adapted from the novel written by Adelle Stripe by Lisa Holdsworth. The inside cover has a post-it note written by Holdsworth.

Biography or history

Andrea Dunbar was in Airedale Women's Aid accompanying a friend when she asked if Jalna Hanmer would like to read her play. This was sent to Liane Aukin in London who submitted it to the Royal Court which was running a competition for plays from under-18-year-olds. Andrea won the competition and her play, The Arbor, was performed.

Access and usage

Access

This material is open for consultation but we require at least 5 working days notice to retrieve from this collection.

Related material

LA - Liane Aukin Collection


AWA - Airedale Women's Aid Collection