Acting Up in Rye put on a double bill of comedies on June 22 and 23. First on the boards, was the Ladybirds.
Written by Tony Layton, amateur production by Stagescripts Ltd, the play is set in Upper Plumtree Church Hall in the summer of 2004.
A meeting of the Plumtree amateur dramatics group is underway at the church hall, amid gloom and despondency. Along comes help in the form of a visiting director who, with a wave of her wand attempts to contemporise the group and the fun begins with scandalising lesbian motifs. Directed by Dilys Mayor, who also acted in it, the all-female cast included Janet Stott, May Mayor, Carole Gasson, Sandi Bain, Clare Murray, Fay Steadman, Trish Tyson and Jackie Burren, who played their parts with great humour.
The second offering was Gosforth’s Fete.
Written by Alan Ayckbourn, with amateur production by Samuel French Ltd, the scene is the tea tent of the fete, with much action and fun in the distance beyond the tent but a lot more fun within.
The hilarious and chaotic events of the very well meaning helpers and organisers reflected any village fete, but elevated to a farce. It proved to be a laugh a minute with good performances all round by Hector Nelson-Smith, Rachel Kimber, Janet Stott, Steve Blattman, Oliver Brookes and David Bentley, directed by Pat Driver. A sensational evening’s entertainment.
I must say thanks to all behind the scenes in all forms.
Acting Up are also performing a one-act play, Cathedral – Ten Minutes, by Peter Preston, as part of Rye Arts Festival. Auditions will be held on June 26 and 28 at 7pm in The Old Scout Hut, The Grove, Rye, (Entrance by the Rye Leisure Centre car park). The play will be performed on September 15 at 4pm in St Mary’s church.
A pantomime is also planned – a sea swashbuckler! So if you fancy yourself as a Cap’n Jack, auditions are on July 24 and 26 at 7pm at Rye Community Centre. The pantomime will be on November 30 and December 1 at the Rye Community Centre, Conduit Hill.
If you would like any more information email info@actingupinrye.co.uk or telephone Helen Gray on 01797 223216
Step right up for fun and hilarity and please be aware that the treading of the boards is not a contagious disease, it is great fun.
Photos: Carol Macdonald and Fraya Bing
Milly Jenner, one of our regular young actors, was also in this production and as always gave a great performance.