For three nights only do not miss out on a chance to witness one of the classics of modern American drama based on the novel of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey adapted for the stage by Dale Wasserman. You’d have to be completely mad to not see this one. Now let’s meet some of the main cast and see what they have to say.

Meet Jack Readyhoof as Randle P. McMurphy.

“The thing that drove me most to the role was the diversity of McMurphy. So often he will be coarse and abrasive with his fellow patients but still has a deep care within it. His war with Nurse Ratched begins as a selfish gambit but inevitably becomes a mission to help his fellow man.

The rehearsals have been tough to do over such a short span of time. Especially with so many lines to learn! But the cast are so hardworking and committed that we’ve found great use of that time and created something that we’re really proud of.

‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’ is classic story which even when presented in modern day, still holds so many applicable values. The show delves deep into mental health and offers a chilling insight to how mental health was treated in the not-so-distant past. With a light touch of comedy the show is sure to provoke thoughts and entertain alike.”

Classic line: Mc Murphy. “Yeah, then you could add some other things. Like how I’m part of a plot to overthrow the government, and how I think life on your ward is the sweetest fuckin’ thing this side of Hawaii.”

Meet Desrick as Chief Bromden

Desrick is fairly new to performing but has had a strong start with a few strong roles in ‘Ragtime’ and ‘Parade’. This is the first play and he is really passionate about his role. 

One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest resonates with Des on a personal level. He appreciates the complexity and dynamics of the different characters. He has been working hard to bring a depth to Chief; an inmate who has been torn down emotionally and physically.  

Des believes that once you believe in and use your abilities, the only barrier you have is your limitations… Come and see him in action next week.

Classic line: Chief Bromden “… Papa, each night they tip the world on its side and everybody loose goes rattling to the bottom. Then they hook ’em by the heels and then they hang ’em up and cut ’em open.”

Meet Andrew as Billy Bibbit

Andrew has been performing in dance since he was ten, when he left school he moved onto musicals and plays. Previous Regis roles include “Ernst Robel” in Spring Awakening, and “Tommy Ross” in Carrie. Some of his favourite roles to have played so far have been “Will” in American Idiot (Streetlight, Creatio), “Teen Angel” in Grease (LEOS), and most recently “The Squip” in Be More Chill (BJW).

One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest has been one of Andrew’s most challenging plays to face. As a masters student of psychotherapy, and already having a degree in creative expressive therapy, the play runs close to Andrew’s daily practice. He’s hopeful that his portrayal of Billy Bibbit is sensitive and allows the audience to connect to the very real mental struggles that so many go through.

Classic line: Billy Bibbit ” No! I d-d-didn’t mean, she m-made me do it!”

Meet Kathryn McAuley as Nurse Ratched

Kathryn has had a busy year, already having performed in Parade with The Cast and in Henry VI: Rebellion with the Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford (a lifetime’s ambition fulfilled!) She is also Chair of LEOS Musical Theatre Company, so there’s no rest for the wicked.

Kathryn is delighted to be working with Regis again, though after playing Margaret White in Carrie, is starting to wonder if she’s slightly typecast … She’s nice really!

Classic line: Nurse Ratched ” Boys, I’ve given a great deal of thought to what I am about to say. I’ve talked it over with the Staff and we all came to the same conclusion – that there should be some form of punishment for the unspeakable behaviour of yesterday. Most of you are here because you could not adjust to the outside world. You broke the rules of society…”

Meet Adam Guest as Mr Dale Harding

Adam is extremely proud to be performing in Regis’ production of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.

He loves being involved in theatre with a variety of different groups and societies around the area, performing in shows such as The Hired Man, Sweeney Todd and Of Mice and Men. He’s also directed numerous shows including Jesus Christ Superstar, The Vicar of Dibley, And Then There Were None and Chicago.

Adam is thrilled to be performing with his friends once again…even if it is inside a mental institute!

Classic line: Dale Harding. “They strap you to a table. You are touched on each side of the head with wires. Zap! Punishment and therapy in one shocking package. Chief Broom there, he’s had two hundred treatments.”

Meet Megan as Candy Star

Megan has been performing in amateur dramatics since a young age and is now a theme park entertainer. 

She has mainly performed in Stoke-on-Trent but since moving to Derby has been involved in several shows including American Idiot with mtexperiments and also Avenue Q with HMTC which unfortunately got cancelled due to Covid-19. 

This will be Megan’s first show after the pandemic and she can’t wait to be back on stage!

Meet Rob as Aide Williams  

Rob has been performing local musical theatre in youth groups and adult groups alike for several years, taking on many roles, most recently Jake in “Be More Chill” and Jason in “Bare”.

Rob most recently performed in LEOS’ “Wizard of Oz” with many of his patients performing alongside him!

Rob is excited to be doing his first play with so many talented actors surrounding him, especially with his mum playing the strict Nurse Ratched!

Meet Evie as Aide Warren

Evie Burke has recently graduated from the University of Cumbria with a BA Hons in Musical Theatre. This september, she will begin further studies in London at The Bridge Theatre Training Company, studying Professional Acting. 

Her theatre credits include: ‘American Idiot’, Jas in ‘Girlfriends’ , ‘Bring It On’ (Ensemble/Understudy Bridget) and Norma in ‘Carrie’ with Regis Theatre Company. 

Evie is looking forward to performing in her first on stage play. 

Meet Milly as Nurse Flynn

After five happy years in Scotland, Milly Clover has now returned to Nottingham to complete her PhD in sustainable food systems. It was in fact musical theatre that ignited her passion for all things sustainable, following a primary school production of “The Bumblesnouts Save the World”, which she was rather taken by at the grand old age of 10. Whilst her day job lends itself more towards the sciences, she is no stranger to the Arts, having spent many years on stage at school and university with both student and amateur dramatic groups. 

Her favourite role to date was that of Tess Moffat in Jessica Swale’s ‘Bluestockings’, but more recently she has been involved in ‘My Fair Lady’ with St Andrews Musical Society and ‘Homemade Fusion’ with University of St Andrews Theatre Group. This is her first performance with Regis but she has loved getting to know the cast and is excited about getting back on stage after the last two years of restrictions.

Meet Ben as Dr Spivey

Ben Sherwin will be taking on the role of the Doctor of the mental institution. He has been performing on stages in and around Derbyshire for many years, most recently with Heanor Musical Theatre Company in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ and ‘Chess’. Also with Fourblokes in ‘The Ladykillers’ and ‘The History Boys’.

In amongst work to support theatre companies he has directed two productions, most recently the musical comedy ‘A Chorus Of Disapproval’.

Book for One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest HERE.

See the cast discuss their roles on this Facebook Video