Archives - November 2004
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Archives - November 2004 |
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Produced by Ann Burfoot
THE PLAY
Ironic
black comedy. It is
Christmas at Belinda and Neville’s house and they have invited their family for
a traditional Christmas celebration: Neville’s sister Phyllis and her husband
Bernard, Neville’s dim friend Eddie and his pregnant wife Pattie, somewhat
senile and belligerent Uncle Harvey, Belinda’s unmarried sister Rachel and her
friend, author Clive.
Clive arrives late by train, is missed by Rachel, and is instead welcomed by
Belinda, who is immediately attracted to him. Harvey, as a result of a
misunderstanding, takes an immediate dislike to Clive, believing him to be a
homosexual and prospective thief. Clive falls for the frustrated Belinda, after
Rachel tells him she is looking for no more than friendship. He and Belinda
almost fulfil their passions beneath the Christmas tree, but are discovered when
they accidentally set off various electronic toys.
On Boxing Day, Bernard’s interminable puppet show of The Three Little Pigs
causes explosions of temper amongst all the guests and a miserable atmosphere
for all. Very early the following morning, Clive, who is leaving, is intercepted
and shot by Harvey who believes he is a thief taking all the presents. The
ineffectual Bernard wrongly pronounces Clive dead - until the "corpse"
deliriously calls out for Belinda! In the end, though, it is Rachel who takes
him to hospital. Belinda and Neville are left together, she knowing nothing will
change and he choosing to ignore all that has happened.
FROM THE GROUP
A play we all enjoyed so much we did it twice. Ayckbourn's set demanded a
hall, a dining room, a sitting room, staircase & landing. No problem, I told the
doubting set builders, just make it one big room. And we need a decorated
Christmas tree, 1001 wrapped presents, a puppet theatre, a drumming bear & a
full Christmas dinner for 6 with all the crockery etc.
This was one play where the back stage crew had as much to do & played just as
important a role as the actors.
Rehearsals were not much fun as I recall. Too many bodies to choreograph. But
the end result was a triumph with very appreciative audiences.
Twenty years later we did it again. Just as well & in some parts even better.
The press loved it, remarking on the 'bright set, where even the skirting board
was real'..
Ann - Producer
Press Photo L -R Back: Lyndsey Kite
(Belinda), Tim Walder (Eddie), Dave Holden (Bernard), Clare Buckland (Pattie),
Gareth Jones (Neville) and Stella Russell (Rachel)
Front: John Maplesden (Uncle Harvey) and Cheree Buckler (Phyllis)
PREVIEWS & REVIEWS
Previews from the Worthing Herald and Guardian, November 2004
Review from the Worthing Herald, 25th November 2004
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