previous productions - phoenixdramagroup

Previous Productions from 2006 - 2010

Hobson's Choice

a comedy by Harold Brighouse
Directed by Marilyn Gebbett
Autumn 2010

‘Hobson’s Choice’ is a comedy set in 1880 and first published and performed in 1916.

Henry Horatio Hobson, widower and boot-shop proprietor, is much incensed at the ‘general increase of uppishness' among his three daughters. The climax comes when he taunts Maggie (the eldest and the ringleader) on her being past the marrying age.

Maggie’s retaliation involves Hobson’s best boot-hand, Will Mossup, and leads Harold to regret his underestimation of both Maggie and Will.

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Dangerous Corner

by J. B. Priestley

Directed by Patricia Melluish

Spring 2010

At their stylish country retreat set in 1931, Freda and Robert Caplan host a dinner party for their colleagues and friends, all are executives at a publishing company. Young, beautiful and successful they have the world at their feet. The conversation turns to speaking the “whole truth”, and whether this should always be the case. A cigarette box is opened and plays a tune which causes a remark to be made that leads to a series of revelations about the suicide of Martin, Robert’s brother. Everyone begins to give their understanding of why this happened. Slowly their cosy world begins to crumble as everyone begins to “tell the truth” and we are left with the question – is the “whole truth” always a good thing?

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Laying the Ghost

by Simon Williams

Directed by David Griffiths

Autumn 2009

This fast moving, witty play is set in Yew Tree House, a retirement home for a group of eccentric, charming and "growing old outrageously" threatricals.

The plot revolves around an ex-actress, Margot Buchanan, who does not want to be reminded that it is her birthday. Unfortunately for her, most of the residents around her are keen on celebrating it. Especially her psychic friend Freda, who is in touch with ghosts while endeavouring to finish her jigsaw puzzle of The Full Monty! Adding to Margot's great displeasure, she receives three birthday visitors: her ex-husband Sir Leo Buchanan, a well known actor and philanderer, his second wife and his current mistress.

Thus the scene is set for much chaos and hilarity. But where does the ghost fit into this?

All is revealed in the second act!

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A play by Bettine Manktelow

Directed by Mary Margetts

Spring 2009

Livia, a romantic short story writer, and her husband Stan, arrive at a country hotel for a "Murder Mystery" weekend. They are joined by Patsy and her husband Ashley, who have won the weekend in a competition, and Vi and Dorothy. Each receives an anonymous "Murder Mystery" game envelope. Someone has left extra notes for Patsy and Stan exposing Livia's and Ashley's illicit affair. Next, Shelley, the chambermaid, mysteriously disappears and everyone is left to determine whether this is all part of the game. However, intrigue and suspicion deepens when one last uninvited guest arrives.

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Pride and Prejudice

An adaptation of Jane Austen's novel

Directed by Christine Bate

Autumn - 2008
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Ladies of Iniquity

A comedy by David Appleford

Directed by Mary Feeney
Spring - 2008

Susan Foster has made dishonest insurance claims in

the past and now is burgled again.

Brian, her husband, is currently unemployed and

they have a cash crisis.