Archives - November 1996
|
|
Archives - November 1996 |
|
Produced by Ann Burfoot
THE PLAY
Modern farcical comedy. Kate and Charles have a big win on the Pools and Kate immediately sets out on a shopping spree that includes a new house, servants and an antique four-poster bed with peculiar markings. Closer inspection shows these to be the faint indentations of a coat of arms, for Kate has bought the very bed in which Nell Gwynn "entertained" Charles II. Rather awkwardly for Charles - and Kate - it comes with not just history, but with Nell thrown in, summoned by an antique locket!
Being the sort of woman she was, Nell's interest - once
she has established where and when she is - turns towards Charles. Given the
state of his marriage, he is not altogether reluctant to respond in turn! Kate
gets increasingly suspicious of Charles' behaviour and even calls in the local
vicar to perform an exorcism. Something happens, though...and although Kate
still looks like Kate, she talks and behaves like Nell...and she is wearing
Nell's locket as she drags Charles into bed...!
FROM THE GROUP
What a frolic! A four-poster bed and a buxom Nell Gwynn in a low cut
nightdress.
I think we all enjoyed rehearsals but set build was a little more demanding. Two
escape hatches and that bed presented some head scratching, but thanks to our
ingenious set builders it was achieved.
Rehearsals did have a few problems but I was assured 'it would be alright on the
night'. And it was, it was better than all right, it was very, very good and
enjoyed by all who took part and all who watched. This was one play I enjoyed
more once it was on the stage.
Ann - Producer
This was a
last-minute call-up for me. I don't recall the chap who was meant to do Charles,
but think he was a friend of Steve's who had to pull out for a good reason.
Anyway, it was a sudden elevation from figuring out various cunning flaps to get
Lyndsey on and off stage (and into and out of bed!) unseen to being set upon by
both Linz and sister Sam. Still, it would be churlish to complain about being
forced under the covers with both of them - see, there are some perks to this
acting lark!
It was the first time I'd had to take over a part at short notice, but I've
always been lucky enough to pick up lines easily and I had a whole month for
this one, so it really wasn't that difficult to do. For a light play by a
relative unknown, it was well-written and enjoyable.
Mike - Actor
PREVIEWS & REVIEWS
Previews from the Worthing Herald and Guardian, November 1996
Return To Year