Sue Townsend’s unique ability to wittily chronicle the minutiae of suburban life – and the neuroses suffered by the inhabitants – proved to be the perfect subject matter for Beverley Theatre Company’s first production of 2011.
They are in the middle of staging ‘Bazaar and Rummage’, penned by Townsend, the creator of the engaging Adrian Mole series of books.
The first two nights of the production have been a huge success, with big audiences fully appreciative of every Townsend nuance, lovingly recreated using occasionally ‘course’ language by the all-female cast.
The comedy takes place in the local church hall where a group of agarophobic women have been persuaded to form a self-help group by their domineering social worker Gwenda.
Holding a bazaar and rummage sale is their idea of helping them conquer their phobia – and get out of the house for the first time in years.
With Townsend’s usual wit and ability to make you empathise with her characters, no matter how outlandish, the ladies begin to try to face up to the big wide world and take on the overbearing Gwenda.
Needless to say, this is not a smooth ride for the characters. But it is a roller-coaster of emotions for the audience, acted superbly by the women of the Beverley Theatre Company.
Bazaar and Rummage, directed by Maisie Reynolds, runs for two more nights, tonight (Friday 20) and tomorrow (Saturday 21) starting at 7.30pm and with a licensed bar during the interval.
To check on the availability of tickets, visit the Tourist Information Centre or Haller’s Shoe Shop in Beverley, or just pay on the door.
Ticket prices are £6 adults, £5 concessions or £17 for a family ticket.
Beverley Theatre Company is still actively recruitung for their next production in 2011. Anyone interested can email info@beverleytheatrecompany.co.uk or alternatively, call the membership secretary Yvonne Parkinson on 01964 544491 for an informal chat.
[nggallery id=1485]
