Actonians Drama Group

Synopsis

The action of the play passes in the Convent of Our Lady of Rheims, a French Nursing Order, at Denzil St David, a village some miles from Norwich, England. The time is the beginning of 1947. The breaking of the Great Dyke has flooded roads in the Fen country. At the convent of Our Lady of Rheims, homeless villagers are being housed. The flood has also trapped two prison officials and their prisoner SARAT CARN - convicted of her brother's murder and on her way to the gallows. In spite of the damning circumstantial evidence, SISTER MAY BONAVENTURE is certain of SARAT'S innocence. Against the Reverend Mother's wishes SISTER MARY perseveres in trying to help SARAT. She uncovers a hitherto unknown connection between the doctor who had stood as SARAT'S friend and a woman for whose death SARAT'S brother had been responsible. Just before the police arrive, a confession is forced from the real murderer.[There is some speculation on the internet that Charlotte Hastings is actually Catherine Cookson, but no one seems to be sure or have any proof.]