Theatre 64 clash with the Queen!
Yateley based amateur drama group, Theatre 64, promise an evening of wry wit and hilarity with their new production of the Oscar Wilde's classic comedy of manners, 'The Importance of Being Earnest'.
However, rehearsals for the production were briefly disrupted by an intervention of the highest order - the Queen! Composer Neil Casey, who had previously provided music for the group's recent production of 'Dracula', agreed to write an original score for 'The Importance of Being Earnest', before receiving a further request from the Queen. Neil was unexpectedly asked to write some music for the 2003 Commonwealth Day ceremony at Westminster Abbey, forcing him to put his commitments to Theatre 64 on temporary hold.
Director of 'The Importance of Being Earnest', Claire Sergeant said, 'Neil is a brilliant young musician and we were really pleased when he agreed to write something for us again. When he told us that the music would be ready later than expected, we could hardly argue when we found out why!
Wilde's most famous play follows the exploits of friends Jack and Algernon as they pursue the affections of Gwendolen and Cecily, continually risking the wrath of Algernon's aunt, the formidable Lady Bracknell. Containing some the most famous lines in British theatre, 'The Importance of Being Earnest' is as popular now as it was when in was first performed in 1895, having recently beenmade into a film featuring Colin Firth and Rupert Everett as Jack and Algernon - parts played in this production by Theatre 64 regulars Russ Pitcher, of Farnborough, and Scott Basham, of Wokingham .
Claire, of Yateley, directing her third play for Theatre 64, believes the play is as funny now as it as ever been, claiming, 'Rehearsals have been great fun for all the cast - we've spent a lot of the time in stitches, and I think the audience will do too!'
You can see 'The Importance of Being Earnest' at the Main Hall, Yateley Centre, School Lane, Yateley from Wednesday 28th May to Saturday 31st May 2003 at 8.00pm. 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 are 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 the box office on 01252 409509 or the Theatre 64 website (www.theatre64.org.uk).
