The Lady In the Van

Miss Shepherd used to drive ambulances in the war. She might also have been a nun. Now, she sells pencils and pamphlets, frequently hears voices and enjoys regular visits from the Virgin Mary. Oh, and she lives in a clapped-out, hand-painted Bedford van. Which one day she decides to park in Alan Bennett’s front garden in Camden Town.

Caught in two minds about his uninvited guest, Mr. Bennett debates with himself – quite literally – about the moral implications of playing landlord to such a tenant, whilst Miss Shepherd subjects him to bizarre observations, questionable hygiene practices, unusual (to say the least) political opinions and her very own brand of Catholicism: she was hoping to phone Mother Teresa for a chat, but Directory Enquiries drew a blank.

Friends, neighbours, relatives, doctors and social workers all come and go, yet Miss Shepherd’s van is still wedged tightly onto Mr. Bennett’s property fifteen years later. And Miss Shepherd clearly has no plans to leave, unless it’s in a van-shaped box...

Alan Bennett’s award-winning play from 1999 is a fascinating, true life story of a complex relationship, an experiment in tolerance and a unique tale of British eccentricity. If you enjoyed our production of Habeas Corpus in 2008, you’ll love this acclaimed, thoroughly entertaining play from one of Britain’s – and PFT’s – best loved playwrights.