Here you can view the current season, including photographs, and reviews.
Wicked Woods
Written by Paul Regeli
Directed by Rosemary Caswell
"Wicked Woods" is adapted from two traditional Russian folk tales, "Baba-Yaga" and "The Firebird". The plays have been written with the new primary framework in mind and offer a chance for teachers to broaden their pupils' experience of such traditional tales. They are suitable for year 4 upwards.
Baba-Yaga was a terrifying witch who flew through the air in a mortar and pestle. She lived in a hut on chicken's legs, surrounded by a fence of human
bones topped with skulls which glowed at night. You will meet brave Vasillisa as she journeys through the forest to meet Baba-Yaga.
The Firebird was a magical creature that lived deep in the forest. It would scatter jewels to help the poor and needy. In the same forest lived a fearsome demon, Koschei the Deathless, so called because his soul was hidden away from his
body, meaning that he could not be killed! You will also meet Romanov, a depressed horse who won't allow anyone to ride him and Prince Ivan, whose father can only afford to buy him a wooden sword. Oh yes, and, in both stories, you will come across a pair of wolves, who seem to end up being helpful even when they didn't mean to!
Both stories are full of scares, laughs, chases and escapes in the deep, dark wicked woods.
A truly magical evening is promised.. "
4th - 6th February 2010
A Christmas Carol
Directed by Bett Hewlett
Bett's experienced hand guides this new adaptation of Charles Dickens' parable
Everyone knows the story, but it demands retelling and like all works of artistic genius, always rewards with something new.
Rich with atmosphere and a perfect warmer for a chilly winters night.
25th - 27th March 2010
Art
Written by Yazmina Reza
Directed by Tony Edwards
A thought-provoking debate about art, an exercise in serious acting, a funny and engaging play, a tantalising exploration of relationships … all of the above from the director of last season's "Home", featuring Clive Weatherley, David Schacht and Geoff Leeds, this promises to be a seriously good piece of theatre.
Recent reviewers wrote - "A remarkably wise, witty and intelligent comedy . . . has touched a universal nerve." "Chic, short, and wickedly, perceptively funny, it's the perfect play."
6th - 8th May 2010
Bottom's Dream
Adapted by Rosemary Caswell
Directed by Rosemary Caswell
This lively and original adaptation presents the Rude Mechanicals from Shakespear's A Midsummer Night's Dream in starring positions. ,The lovers have been removed and we see the play from the perspective of the players of Pyramus and Thisbe. This is their one chance to get into the theatrical big time and present themselves before their Duke and new Duchess. Lines to be learnt, costumes to be fitted, props to be organised, all under the capable hands of their director and stage manager Peter Quince, who cajoles the reluctant Francis Flute and restrains the ebullient Nick Bottom, and bolsters the confidence of the rest of his reluctant cast. Oberon, Titania and Puck are here to represent the "Fairey World" and to confuse the 'translated' Bottom with his ass's head. Finally the Duke Theseus and his bride, the Amazon Queen Hypollita, provide these artisans with their appreciative audience.
Following the Saturday night performance the players pack up sets, costumes, wigs and their toothbrushes and drive to the town of Donzdorf in Germany where Pyramus and Thisbe will be performed as street theatre around the local small towns as publicity for the Three Yearly International Drama Festival and the play of Bottom's Dream will be given as part of this festival. The Harlow International Theatre Exchange had the pleasure of being a part of this Festival three years ago along with companies from Austria, China, The Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy and The Ukraine and we are delighted to be invited to perform there once again.
&
Rock Bottom
Written by Nina Warner Hook
Directed by Dan Powell
The Brampton Thespians are taking part in a Drama Festival. In a company of personalities and egos, some are better suited to the traumas of competition than others.
A rollicking complement to the chaos of The Dream!
8th - 10th May 2010
Absurd Person Singular
Written by Alan Ayckbourn
Directed by Jon McNamara
A masterful comedy in three kitchens If you know the plot, you'll know what to
expect. If you don't - well, nothing (relatively speaking) beats the delight of discovering the twists and turns as it unfolds. Let's just say that it's a parable of class and attitude in the finest Ayckbourn manner - funny, absorbing and dark, all at once. Produced in the style you'd expect from Mr McNamara!
A not to be missed finale to the season!
