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6 - 11 March 2023: Maskers presents: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
6 - 11 March 2023
Maskers presents
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Eternal Youth at a cost!
In Victorian high society, Dorian Gray is beautiful, wealthy and adored. He agrees to pose for a portrait by Basil Hallward, who has become obsessed with him, and comes under the bad influence of Basil’s friend, Henry Wotton. The final portrait is a masterpiece and, struck by his own appearance, Dorian pledges his soul for eternal youth and beauty.
It works for many years....
...until he looks at the painting.
Dorian is drawn into a corrupt double life, indulging his desires in secret, while remaining a gentleman in the eyes of polite society.
With no apparent consequences to his actions...
...how far will he travel down the road to hell?
This contemporary adaptation concentrates on the Gothic themes, and uses physical techniques to create a dark backdrop to what is now regarded as a Literary Classic, this story will provoke thought, challenge and shock.
His portrait absorbed his sins, but at what price?
14 - 18 March 2023 : RAODS presents: Calendar Girls by Tim Firth
14 - 18 March 2023
RAODS presents
Calendar Girls by Tim Firth
When Annie's husband John dies of leukaemia, she and best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. They manage to persuade four fellow WI members to pose nude with them for an "alternative" calendar, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer Lawrence. The news of the women's charitable venture spreads like wildfire, and hordes of press soon descend on the small village of Knapeley in the Yorkshire Dales. The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie's friendship is put to the test under the strain of their new-found fame.
Based on the true story of eleven WI members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukaemia Research Fund, Calendar Girls opened at the Chichester Festival Theatre and has since become the fastest-selling play in British theatre history.
This amateur production of “Calendar Girls” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
22 - 25 March 2023: Totton Drama presents: Totton Festival of Drama
22 - 25 March 2023
Totton Drama presents
Totton Festival of Drama
Experience an unparalleled variety of live theatre as some of the best community drama groups from across the South compete at the 44th Totton Festival of Drama for silverware plus a chance to represent their county through the All England Theatre Festival.
With expert opinions from Jan Palmer Sayer from the Guild of Drama Adjudicators, groups and audiences alike a guaranteed a brilliant week of quality drama.
For more information of the festival and the running order please visit www.tottondrama.co.uk/2023
23 - 25 March 2023: Curdridge Amateur Dramatic Group presents: Home. I'm Darling by Laura Wade
23 - 25 March 2023
Curdridge Amateur Dramatic Group presents
Home. I'm Darling by Laura Wade
Sometimes we all crave the simplicity of bygone years, a gentler time without the demands of modern life. Judy & Johnny have made a conscious choice to retreat into the halcyon era of the 1950's and all the gingham-draped bliss that period represents. Judy has thrown herself in to the role of domestic goddess and housewife whilst Johnny has become the sole bread winner. Is this the fantasy world idyllic marriages are made of, or the result of delusion? It's a funny and timely reminder of the gender divide and what it means to us today.
This amateur production of 'Home, I'm Darling' is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
Be advised, this play contains adult themes, strong language and sexual references and may not suit everyone.
25 March - 1 April 2023: Chesil Theatre presents: Nasty Neighbours by Debbie Isitt
25 March - 1 April 2023
Chesil Theatre presents
Nasty Neighbours by Debbie Isitt
From behind the net curtains of their semi-detached home, Mr and Mrs Peach scrutinise their new neighbours, the Chapmans, ambitious young professionals, vociferous in their dissatisfactions.
Friendly overtures are met with resistance and small tensions rapidly escalate out of all proportion. Fuelled by the expenses and frustrations of everyday life in the suburbs, Mr Peach seems headed for a melt-down. He’s not the only one…
Contains adult themes, some strong language and moderate violence.
18 - 22 April 2023: RAODS presents: Our House by Madness/Labbi Siffre/Tim Firth
18 - 22 April 2023
RAODS presents
Our House by Madness/Labbi Siffre/Tim Firth
Based in 1980s Camden Town, Our House tells the story of London lad Joe Casey, who, on the night of his sixteenth birthday, takes Sarah, the girl of his dreams, out on their first date. In an effort to impress her with bravado, he breaks into a building site overlooking his home on Casey Street, which is owned by Mister Pressman, a high-end property developer. The police turn up, at which point Joe’s life splits into two: the Good Joe, who stays to help, and Bad Joe, who flees.
Featuring a collection of Madness hits including House of Fun, Baggy Trousers, Driving in my Car, It Must Be Love and of course Our House, the show is a huge hit for anyone looking for a very British musical.
An amateur production by arrangement with MTI Europe.
24 - 29 April 2023: Maskers presents: Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake
24 - 29 April 2023
Maskers presents
Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake
Mervyn Peake's twisted gothic drama!
This stage adaptation of Mervyn Peake's classic “Gormenghast” by John Constable captures the brutal essence and wondrous charm of the original books. The focus of the stage adaptation is placed on the richness of the characters and the physical storytelling of the performers to transport the audience through the epic catacombs of Gormeghast’s corridors, guiding them through this twisted gothic drama.
Two young souls born worlds apart in society; one the heir to Gormenghast and the other a lowly kitchen porter; each desperate for a different fate that could shake the very foundations of the castle, built on sacred traditions and rigid social order. Whilst Titus, the 77th Earl of Groan and heir to Gormenghast prefers to ignore his duties and spit on the stones; Steerpike slithers into the lives and minds of the hierarchy, crawling higher and higher towards power.
25 - 29 April 2023: Cheriton Players presents: The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary! by Peepolykus
25 - 29 April 2023
Cheriton Players presents
The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary! by Peepolykus
From the creators of the hilarious adaptation of The 39 Steps comes this zany comedy, The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary!, again for a bijou cast playing multiple characters. Laugh and cry in equal measure as Emma Bovary chooses the wrong husband. Lose yourself in mesmeric love scenes featuring a procession of devastatingly attractive men. Rail at the fate of women in a patriarchal society, if you will. Prepare yourself for vermin, moustaches, wild animals, lots of French people and a nun.
Craig Robb is directing this daringingly different 19th century farce and will be holding a reading on Monday 9th January and auditions will be held on Wednesday 11th January. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Craig soon so he can compile a list of interested parties. Don't forget we need backstage people too – costume designers, set makers, stage assistants, production managers and so on. So it's not all about the actors!
27 - 29 April 2023: Chameleons presents: Spring Trio
27 - 29 April 2023
Chameleons presents
Spring Trio
A collection of three one-act plays that offer both drama and comedy.
Searching by Matthew Mehan
A lighthearted story about seeking answers from the afterlife.
Can't Stand Up for Falling Down by Richard Cameron
Award-winning witty and compelling stories of three women in the 60s
Murder in Little Grimley ny David Tristram
The hapless drama group are at it again in this sharp and witty comedy
Licensed bar
27 - 29 April 2023: Swanmore Amateur Dramatic Society presents: Curl Up & Die by Anna Longaretti
27 - 29 April 2023
Swanmore Amateur Dramatic Society presents
Curl Up & Die by Anna Longaretti
Curl Up and Die is set in the antiquated salon Ruth inherited from her aunt along with the ageing clientele who pay a mere £5 per appointment. Struggling to keep the salon open, Ruth's only hope is to win a £50k hair dressing competition run by Fab Hair Magazine.
At Swanmore Village Hall
Curtain 7.30pm
Tickets on sale from April
www.ticketsource.co.uk/swanmoredrama
or the Box office next to Barnaby's Coffee Shop on Saturdays 10-12
All tickets £10
9 - 13 May 2023: RAODS presents: Hi-de-Hi!: by Paul Carpenter and Ian Gower
9 - 13 May 2023
RAODS presents
Hi-de-Hi! by Paul Carpenter and Ian Gower
A stage adaptation of the hugely popular British TV series, which revisits the 1950's and Maplins Holiday Camp with its host of colourful characters.
It's the start of a new season and founder Joe Maplin announces that he is setting up a camp in the Bahamas and needs female yellowcoats (entertainers) to go and work there. The annual "Miss Yellowcoat" competition will decide who. Imagine the rivalry! Camp cleaner Peggy, meanwhile, is thrilled at the prospect of a vacancy for a new yellowcoat and convinces Entertainments Manager Jeffrey that she is the ideal candidate for the job. Ted is forced to employ numerous money-making schemes when his ex wife turns up at the camp with a bailiff in tow and Yvonne and Barry Stuart-Hargreaves send the rumour mill into its usual overdrive when Gladys is overheard escorting Jeffrey into his chalet late one evening. Hi-de-hi, campers!
This amateur production of “Hi-de-Hi!” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
13 - 20 May 2023: Chesil Theatre presents: The Thrill of Love by Amanda Whittington
13 - 20 May 2023
Chesil Theatre presents
The Thrill of Love by Amanda Whittington
A heart-breaking drama about the last woman to be hanged in Britain in 1955.
Ruth Ellis is no stranger to the 1950’s underworld. A nightclub hostess with a history of chaotic relationships, she now manages a little place in Knightsbridge where people go to forget their troubles – but meeting hard-drinking racing driver David Blakely brings only greater tragedy for them both.
Amanda Whittington’s play offers a window into Ruth’s world and the society that sought to convict her.
Contains adult themes including depiction of domestic violence.
There will be a 'talk back' session following the Tuesday performance on 16th May. Talk back sessions are a chance for the director and cast to discuss the play with the audience and take their questions.
10 - 15 July 2023: Chesil Theatre presents: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (Freely adapted by Phil Wilmott)
10 - 15 July 2023
Chesil Theatre presents
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (Freely adapted by Phil Wilmott)
This new and ingenious adaptation reworks the familiar classic tale of treasure-seeking and piracy. Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver and Ben Gunn are here of course but alongside them, powerful women, mischievous rats and magical mer-folk - all accompanied by full-throated song, imaginative puppetry and the general jollity of pantomime. Perfect fare for an outdoor summer production to entertain young and old alike.