MAY PLAY
A message from our very own Skettle:
Now that Panto performances are over and done with, it is time to look forward to our next production. As most of you know I am taking on the mantle of director for May Play and I have chosen Ray Cooney's 'It Runs in the Family'. I have seen it performed twice and I have a lot of faith in it, I think we can do it well and have a good time putting it on; hopefully the audiences will agree! At this stage I wanted to just give you a run down of what the play is about, the characters and the logistics of when it will run. So here goes....
Synopsis:
Dr David Mortimore is about to address a neurologists' convention, which will probably earn him a knighthood. While putting the final touches to his speech an old flame, Jane Tate, arrives and announces their liaison years ago resulted in a son, Leslie, who is downstairs desperate to meet his dad. Frantic to hide this catastrophic news from his wife and the hospital authorities, David is forced to invent not one, but two non-existent husbands for Jane and enlist the help of his colleague Hubert Bonney. Events are further complicated by the presence of a police sergeant, a wandering senile patient, an assortment of matrons (real and otherwise), a syringe full of tranquilizer and the costumes for the hospital pantomime! This is a funny, fast-paced farce with some really good parts to get your teeth into.
Characters:
Dr David Mortimore - the central character and a whopper of a part! On stage a lot of the time. Initially a little pompous, confident and in control, Dr Mortimore slowly unravels and becomes increasingly frantic as his world falls apart around him. Needs to be someone who will take on a big part and who looks old enough to have an 18 year old child!
Dr Mike Connelly - a medium-sized, comedic role. The hapless young doctor gets dragged into the chaos and helps keep the plot ticking, with some interesting costume changes.
Rosemary Mortimore - David's wife and a largeish part. Poised, calm and well-mannered, Rosemary is the perfect Doctor's wife and tries to help her husband but is increasingly confused by the bizarre goings on. She is also a lady with a secret.
Dr Hubert Bonney - David's side-kick and a large comedic role. Hubert is increasingly put upon by his friend David and ties himself in knots tying to hide the truth. This character has the sympathy of the audience.
Matron - the stereotype we all imagine but with a saucy-side. A medium sized part that does have some physical acting to do. In the words of Cooney she is "Ahoy in front and a vast behind"
Sir Willoughby Drake - a small to medium part. Drake wanders on from time to time throughout the play to find out what is going on with David's speech and helps himself to a whiskey. Think posh doctor. You must be able to act drunk!
Jane Tate - a decent size part. Must be able to combine being seeing as an old flame but also a caring mother.
Sister - a small walk on part (think a bit like Edith in Blithe Spirit) who pops on throughout the play.
Leslie - David's love child. A mixed up, emotional and grumpy teenager. A medium sized part. Can be played by a girl or a boy.
Police Sergeant - a 'straight' role. An increasingly confused person who struggles to keep things together. You will get wet in this part!
Bill - a senile old man who appears in Act 2. Keeps getting in the way (physically and verbally) and putting a spanner in the works for all concerned. A scene-stealing role. Be warned - he is wheel chair bound!
Mother - David's mother, a small part who gets wrapped up in the chaos and takes her grand child under her wing.
Performances:
Fri/Sat 18th/19th & 25/26th May
Technical rehearsal 10th May and full dress on 15th May - please be available for these
Auditions:
Read through Thursday 9th February - for people to get to know play and characters
Auditions: Tues 21st February - a chance for people to get on stage and read extracts so I can see people in roles and match people up.
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