Current Production

Mr Gayton	....................	John Maplesden
Mrs Gayton	....................	Gill Fielding
Cleve	....................	Martin Lardner
Mr Lanscombe	....................	Stevie Lambert
Mrs Lanscombe	....................	Clare-Louise Mitchell
Edward Dunning	....................	Zahir White
Karswell	....................	Dave Holden
John Harrington	....................	Gareth Jones

Choosing the spring production was surprisingly simple this year - I was put in touch with a friend of a friend some while ago who was working on a script adaptation of this MR James short story. It's one I am familiar with, in both written and film form (Hammer produced it as "Night Of The Demon" in 1957), so we corresponded over various aspects of staging and the resulting script grew from a one-act play to a full-length version. Checking around for available actors at the end of last year, the male-heavy (and female-light) set of volunteers proved a close match for the necessary cast, so this leapt several places up the list of possibilities. And when rehearsals started last week with the perfectly-timed appearance of both Gill and Stevie to complement our more familiar faces, it became a definite.
It's interesting at this point, as we're still looking to develop the technical side of the play and perhaps refine the script a little for maximum effect: all of which is new ground. But I think Robert's already done most of the hard work in providing a well-written and believable interpretation of this classic period tale and it's thoroughly deserving of putting on stage. I'm looking forward to producing our first ever world premiere, at any rate. Should be fun.

This is a very interesting play we are doing. I find it difficult to usually enjoy plays that are not either romantic or humorous, yet this one is a slightly scary drama type and yet I liked it immediately. Also when I first read it was just written and by a friend to the group, I almost wondered of its quality but then remembered Mike reviewed it and thought it must be good. I was not proven wrong, the writing is very good. A nice distribution of characters so everyone gets an equal go, a great storyline and a fun script. Overall I was very impressed. Other bonuses included it having just the right number of parts for those actors interested in taking part, so no disappointed faces, we even managed to have decent parts available for the two newcomers to the group. A lovely, easy and enjoyable way to start production. A great script, good director, nice bunch of actors (all seeming happy with their parts) well I call that Pimms O'Clock. Oh I have to say I am pretty impressed that I am playing the part of a normal wife, not a character part or slovenly, bossy, childish etc. Just a great normal part with the potential to do anything, a nice subtle opportunity. I like that. Got a good looking husband and the promise of a new dress (or other interestingly feminine outfit) so hey I am happy as Larry.
Rehearsals have started and I am enjoying the lack of stage direction in the script. It gives so much more room for thought and discussion. It probably adds a few minutes here and there to how long things take, but I like the pace, plenty of time to smile or giggle. The two new people to the group are lovely and I find it very interesting watching them adjust to doing the play, they seem so natural and yet still sort of feeling things out.
I must admit to some concern regarding the chaise longue. I am not a small lady and this is a rather short, overly soft piece of furniture. I am thankful that I will be wearing a long skirt as I would be fearful of the issue of flashing getting off the thing. I am finding it very difficult to be a refined lady when I cannot sit up straight and may require a crane to get me out, but that is theatre for you, full of interesting challenges :-)
Thoroughly enjoying myself and I would very much recommend attendance to this production. You will enjoy!
With continued mirth - Clare-Louise (aka Mrs Lanscombe)

		How The Other Half Loves November 2011	Funny Money July 2011
Kindly Leave The Stage April 2011	Look Behind You November 2010	An Inspector Calls July 2010	Run For Your Wife April 2010
The Importance Of Being Earnest November 2009	Death By Fatal Murder July 2009	Curtain Up On Murder April 2009	Curtains November 2008