Flying Feathers
Saltburn ’53 Drama Group Spring Production
We could be forgiven for taking a gloomy view of life at present: there’s a recession; there’s a general election: all those multi-coloured billboards in every field, hedgerow, roundabout and corner plot, hoping to inspire us to reach for that elusive “brave new world”. And even as I write, a vast cloud of volcanic ash has immobilised aircraft over the UK and parts of Europe, stranding passengers and luggage in airport lounges under eerily quiet skies. What can possibly raise our spirits
in these difficult times? One answer is undoubtedly a good evening’s entertainment and that’s precisely what’s on offer at the Saltburn Community Theatre from 26th to 29th May. We guarantee that you can leave your worries behind when you walk through the doors, and make for one of those comfortable red plush seats to watch the ’53 Drama Group’s production of Derek Benfield’s farce Flying Feathers. This is a classic comedy drama, which presents a whole series of absurd situations and outrageous but endearing characters. Benfield was renowned for his wonderfully humorous plays, many of which have proved popular with amateur and professional companies throughout the world. Flying Feathers is set in a grand country house, with
and Sarah are perplexed to find these alluring creatures drifting about the house in gorgeous lingerie and Nora quickly realizes that she must hide the truth, hoping to convince the Pottertons that the girls are in fact looking after the cows, pigs and chickens. Naturally, there are also clients at the house: a bank manager, a window cleaner, and a gentleman dressed as a vicar. Events are further complicated by the appearance of a solicitor on horseback and what could be Bernard’s ghost. The stage is set for a series of confused encounters and hilarious misunderstandings. The play is directed by Maureen
Ivan Limon, as the ‘vicar’
Payne, who has had a distinguished stage career. She trained with the Royal Ballet London and became a
a generous supply of livestock, including (not surprisingly) chickens. Chief Constable Henry Potterton and his sister Sarah arrive to sort out the affairs of their brother, Bernard, who has met an untimely end by falling off a tractor in the Orkneys. But all is not as it seems in the peaceful old mansion. During Bernard’s absence, the new housekeeper, Nora Winthrop, has come up with a plan for increasing cash flow: she has recruited some willing young ladies and is running not a stately home but a “house of sin”. Henry
professional dancer, joining the famous Tiller Girls, for West End and television performances. Maureen has appeared as principal dancer, around the world and has been a successful choreographer and director, as well as acting on stage and screen. She saw a recent production of Flying Feathers which was such a huge success with the audience that she resolved to bring the play to Saltburn. Maureen’s particular interest is in comedy productions, which she considers to be a real challenge in terms of presentation, pace and sheer quality acting. So, forget the economic, political and volcanic
gloom hovering over us, and celebrate our capacity to laugh at ourselves. You won’t be disappointed! Venue : Saltburn Community Theatre Dates : 26th – 29th May 2010 Time : 7.30pm ( doors open 6.45pm) Tickets £6 (£5 concessions) Tickets available : Saltburn Health Food Shop
38
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56