Beryl Cook: A Private View

Name: Beryl Cook: A Private View
Start: 2026-09-10T20:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-09-12T21:30:00+01:00
Location: Barbican Theatre

Schedule

Thu, 10 Sep, 2026 at 08:00 pm to Sat, 12 Sep, 2026 at 09:30 pm

UTC+01:00

Location

Barbican Theatre | Plymouth, EN

Beryl Cook at 100: a sell-out play returns to Plymouth, revealing the woman behind the bold, joyful paintings.
About this Event

On the weekend that would have marked her 100th birthday, we’re proud to bring back this sell-out celebration of Plymouth’s most beloved artist.

BERYL COOK: A PRIVATE VIEW offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the private world of Beryl Cook as she completes one of her bold, playful oil paintings live on stage.

Her exuberant, instantly recognisable works — inspired by people she encountered in pubs, shops and on lively nights out — are loved around the world. Yet behind the laughter and colour was a deeply private woman.

Working closely with Beryl’s family, acclaimed playwright and performer Kara Wilson brings Beryl’s voice to life, revealing the wit, warmth and quiet determination behind the canvas.

This is Kara’s fifth play exploring the lives of painters — a body of work that has toured galleries, auction houses and theatres across Scotland, England, Poland and New York.

Presented in the city she called home, during her centenary weekend, this is a heartfelt, funny and moving portrait of an extraordinary Plymouth woman.

Book early — last time, it sold out.

Seating Information

For this performance, seating is unreserved to allow us to welcome everyone smoothly and keep the atmosphere relaxed and informal.

The auditorium is intimate, with good sightlines throughout, so there isn’t a “bad seat” in the house. Our Front of House team will be on hand to guide you to suitable seats when you arrive.

If you have specific access requirements — for example, you need an aisle seat, step-free access, or space for a wheelchair — please contact us in advance and we’ll be very happy to help.

Doors open in good time before the performance, so arriving a little earlier will give you the widest choice of seats.

Pride & Joy

Plymouth is celebrating the life and work of Beryl Cook across the city.

Alongside this special performance, visitors can also experience Pride & Joy, a major exhibition of Beryl’s work at The Box, running until 31 May. More details can be found on their website: THE BOX