An emotive memory play is being worked into life
As amateur performers, we strive to present the closest thing to professional theatre that we can, but nothing is more exposing than drama. Miscast and a drama, particularly a romantic play, can catch you out.
With this in mind, Dudley Little Theatre, who perform at Netherton Arts Centre, has worked extremely hard to bring their very best version of Abi Morgan’s emotional play, Lovesong to the stage.
By the author who also wrote the TV hit drama The Split, the play charts the life of one married couple, Billy and Maggie, through the use of two pairs of actors; one pair representing the couple as they are in the present day, in their late sixties or early seventies and the other as they were as newly-weds in their late twenties.
Lovesong is a memory play seen mostly through the reminiscences of the older man, Billy, but in which the couple’s older and younger selves intertwine continuously and seamlessly as they occupy the same stage space, though at different times.
The production is at times an example of non-naturalistic theatre, employing music and semi-balletic dance movement to emphasise the powerful emotion experienced by the characters.
In this production, Frank Martino appears as the older Billy, with Lyndsey Parker as his wife Maggie and Ray Curran and Flora Deeley appear as the couple when younger.
Catch Lovesong from Wednesday 13th to Saturday 16th March at 7.30pm.
There are two for one ticket deals on the Wednesday and Thursday performances if you contact Rebecca on 07954 424555 before March 10. Otherwise, for tickets priced at £9 and £8 for concessions), visit www.dudleylittletheatre.org, or call 01384 872583, 07582 318017. Tickets will also be available on the door on the night.
I am so pleased to see that the Grange Players from Walsall are back on their feet following the horrible experiences they had last year with their venue, the Grange Playhouse.
Their next production is Patrick Hamilton’s play, Gaslight, which they will perform from March 14-23, with performances at 7.45pm nightly.
First produced in 1935, this classic Victorian mystery sees Jack Manningham slowly, deliberately driving his wife, Bella, insane. He has almost succeeded when help arrives in the form of a former detective, Rough, who believes Manningham to be a thief and murderer.
Aided by Bella, Rough proves Manningham’s true identity and finally Bella achieves a few moments of sweet revenge for the suffering inflicted on her.
Directed by Louise Farmer, it promises to be an edge of the seat thriller guaranteed to entertain as well as shock.
For tickets, visit www.grangeplayers.co.uk or call 07909036835.
Brierley Hill Musical Theatre Company’s next production will be Jekyll and Hyde the musical, which they will perform in October, but in the meantime, the group is seeking new members for the show.
They will be meeting for their first read-through on March 14 at St. John’s Church, Brierley Hill at 7.30pm, so if you are interested in taking part in this classic musical visit the group’s Facebook group or the page for Tye Harris their director.
I do like to see am dram groups taking chances with their productions and one of my regular groups, Sutton Arts Theatre, is certainly no stranger to controversy. Their latest production, Jerusalem by Jez Butterworth will no doubt cause a stir and challenge audiences, with strong language and adult themes throughout.
Considered within the top 20 plays of the 21st century, Jerusalem is hailed as an instant modern classic.
First performed in 2009, it has enjoyed two successful West End runs before transferring to Broadway with Mark Rylance in the lead role.
Forget the W.I connection. There are no pots of jam or knitting circles here.
The story concerns local waster, Johnny “Rooster” Byron who lives in a caravan in the woods. He is an opinionated eccentric, ex-daredevil and teller of highly improbable stories. He holds parties attended by the local youth where drugs and booze are a plenty. Johnny is both the most and least popular person in town. The local authorities want to evict him, the local town thug wants to teach him a lesson and his ragtag group of young friends just want to party with him. Although he may be harassed, blooded and bruised, Johnny is not a man to be beaten down.
Directed by Emily Armstrong, this exciting production brings to the stage a comic, contemporary vision of rural life in England’s green and pleasant land and is not to be missed.
“Jerusalem” runs from 14-23 March 2019. Tickets are available priced £11-£5, with discounts on student group bookings of 10 and over for performances on 18, 19 and 20 March.
Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.suttonartstheatre.co.uk or from the box office on 0121 355 5355. For further information or to arrange a student booking please email info@suttonartstheatre.co.uk
Finally this week, Tettenhall Operatic Company will present their concert version of Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II at Codsall Community High School from March 2-3, with performances at 7.30pm on Saturday evening and 2.30pm on Sunday afternoon.
Rosalinde is looking forward to a few days carefree time with her lover, while her husband is facing time in prison. Her maid asks to be excused in order to care for a sick aunt.
In truth all four characters are planning to spend the evening at a magnificent masquerade ball given by the prince. As the characters are brought together in various guises, we set the scene for a hilarious story of mistaken identity full of splendour.
Centred around the extravagant ball, the events of Die Fledermaus are set to a rich, romantic score featuring the irresistible melodies Drain a Glass of Wine with Me, And Must I Live Eight Long Days?, and O Fledermaus, Old Flittermouse.
For tickets call 07817365485 or visit www.tettenhalloperatic.weebly.com
That’s all for this week. Please send me your news and photos to a.norton@expressandstar.co.uk, call me on 01902 319662 or follow me on Twitter @AlisonNorton
Break a leg!
