The Second Tri-Theatre Adventure
Tonight at 8:30 10 One-Act Plays
by Noel Coward
15th July - 31st July
Performances start 19:45 or 15:00
The Archway Theatre will again be joining the Oast Theatre, Tonbridge, and the Lewes Theatre Club, this time to produce all ten plays written by Coward in the early 1930s. Not since 1936 has the entire collection been brought together in the UK
Archway Theatre: - View Production Photos
WAYS AND MEANS Director: Peter Westmacott
On the Cote d’Azur Stella and Toby Cartwright are penniless, professional guests. They move elegantly around, sponging on one host after another, until it is made clear that it is time to pass on.
STAR CHAMBER Director: Felicity Westmacott
A committee of actors meets to discuss the refurbishment of Garrick Haven, a home for retired thespians. However, the agenda is quickly forgotten as it becomes clear that everyone would really rather talk about themselves and the meeting quickly falls into comic chaos.
SHADOW PLAY Director: Bradley Barlow
Victoria and Simon are going through a difficult time in their marriage. She takes some sleeping pills and, in her drowsy state, begins to confuse past, present and her fear for the future. Coward describes it as a musical fantasy.
Oast Theatre, Tonbridge: Director for all three: Mike Mattey
WE WERE DANCING
Set in Samolo, a mythical South Sea Island, two married people fall in love whilst dancing. Unfortunately they are not married to each other. Coward describes it as ‘a light episode, little more than a curtain-raiser’.
HANDS ACROSS THE SEA
A satire on the confusions of a London society woman faced with the unexpected arrival of two colonials with whom she once stayed while travelling in the Far East, and now mistakes for another couple.
STILL LIFE
Entitled ‘Brief Encounter’ in the film, a couple, Laura and Alec, accidentally meet in a station refreshment room. Their paths cross again the following week…and the week after that…….
Lewes Theatre Club: Director for all three: Cathryn Parker
THE ASTONISHED HEART
A happily married psychiatrist falls ‘madly’ in love with his wife’s friend.
He gradually becomes unbalanced, with tragic results.
‘RED PEPPERS’
George and Lily Pepper are a music-hall act, still using the same third-rate routine of his parents, and slipping further and further down the bill. After a disastrous performance, Lily tells George just what’s wrong with the act.
FAMILY ALBUM
Set in 1860, family members ‘celebrate’ their unlamented father’s passing. Then the new will is revealed…… Coward describes it as ‘a sly satire on Victorian hypocrisy’.
The Tenth play will be FUMED OAK directed by Jo Ord and Michael Beach.
Henry Gow is seen to be living a life of silent desperation, nagged by his wife, daughter and mother-in-law alike. Finally he rebels……..
