Double Bill of New Plays
Yateley-based amateur drama group, Theatre 64, presents local audiences with its third showcase of new work: a double bill of plays that promises both laughter and tears as well as the chance to see the best of up-and-coming writing talent.
'Bad Faith' is written by David Lewis, a writer who has had success with the international hit 'Misconceptions', a play first staged at the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond. The play also sees the directorial debut of David's brother, Martyn, who is based in Camberley.
'Bad Faith' follows Helen, a writer whose new play about her family isn't coming together as she'd hoped. Played by Claire Sergeant of Yateley, Helen struggles to reconcile conflicting family values in this play about religion, morality and the terrible truth about pink socks...
The second play, 'Horst Buchholz and Other Stories', is written by Matthew Wilkie from Ash, a regular Theatre 64 member who has had six plays previously produced by the group.
'Horst Buchholz', which also features at this year's Woking Drama Festival, follows the action at a pub quiz where George and his team often take part, but never win. However, on this particular evening, the stakes have been raised. Defeat, therefore, is not an option...
Mike Hills, of Farnborough, plays the part of George and is the current Chairman of Theatre64. He says he is pleased that the group is showcasing new work once more, admitting, "The problem with amateur theatre is that you often see the same plays over and over again. In the last three years, Theatre 64 will have produced nine new plays. This not only gives us, as performers, an exciting new challenge, but also gives our audiences the chance to see something a little bit different."
You can see both plays at the Main Hall, Yateley Centre, School Lane, Yateley from Wednesday 29th October to Saturday 1st November 2003 at 8pm. Tickets cost £6.50 (£4.50 concessions), with a 10% discount if bought in advance, and are available by telephone 01252 409509, by email (tickets@theatre64.org.uk) or in person from Travallen Travel, Yateley.
Theatre 64 is always looking out for new members of all ages to get involved in a whole range of activities, including acting and working backstage. Anybody who would like to find out more should contact Nick Felgate on 01252 677496 or the Theatre64 website (www.theatre64.org.uk).
Theatre 64 enjoy success at Woking Drama Festival
Yateley-based amateur drama group, Theatre 64, enjoyed success at the Woking Drama Festival of One Act Plays, where they won two major awards. The October festival is the largest of its kind in Britain and featured twenty four local amateur dramatic societies battling out at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre in Woking.
Theatre 64's entry, 'Horst Buchholz and Other Stories', is a comedy drama which follows the exploits of a pub quiz team during one particular evening. The production was awarded Best New Play and writer Matthew Wilkie, from Ash, said, "I am really pleased - the cast have worked so hard at bringing my words to the stage, so it's great to have some recognition for all our work". Matthew, who also directed the play, was commended by adjudicator Paul Fowler for his "good ear for dialogue".
The group also won an award for Best Stage Crew, and this was accepted by Carole Fowler, the play's stage manager. Carole, of Yateley, has been involved with Theatre 64 for many years and was delighted with the efforts of her stage team in what had been a demanding and competitive festival.
Performers Mike Hills, of Farnborough, and Nikki Smith, of Yateley, were also nominated for best acting awards.
Local audiences have another chance to see 'Horst Buchholz', when it is featured with 'Bad Faith', by David Lewis, as part of a double bill of new plays later this month.
The double bill can be seen at the Main Hall, Yateley Centre, School Lane, Yateley from Wednesday 29th October to Saturday 1st November 2003 at 8pm. Tickets cost £6.50 (£4.50 concessions), with a 10% discount if bought in advance, and are available by telephone 01252 409509, by email (tickets@theatre64.org.uk) or on the door, subject to availability.
