Christmas was indeed a very busy time for us both. Rachael was Deputy Stage Manager for the successful pantomime "Peter Pan" in Hayes managed by Qudos, which began it's run in December, while I've been drumming for the local pantomime at Louth Playgoers. I also took time out from the essay writing to write a pantomime, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", for my secondary school to perform. I'm pleased to say it was very well received, and I thoroughly enjoyed writing it.
During the Summer, when "An Apple a Day" was behind me, I was wondering what would I want to do with Hambledon Productions next. With the pantomime writing and various writing assignments for University, I wasn't too keen to begin writing a new play straight away. I was fortunate enough to stumble upon an old copy of the farce "Charley's Aunt" by Brandon Thomas. I snapped it up immediately! It held a lot of memories for me, as it was the very first production I saw at my local amateur dramatics society, Louth Playgoers, back in 1996. I was mesmerised by the funny performances, the eccentric characters, and the outlandish plots. Within two days of buying it, I'd read it. Within a week, I'd already begun revising the script. And now, we are about to begin the rehearsal process for what will ultimately be taken on a short tour of Lincolnshire this April!
"Charley's Aunt" is one of the most reverred farces. It's a classic example of the genre, and contains the most basic ingredients; communication problems, several doors, innuendo and slapstick, all wrapped up in the fantastic premise of a man masquerading as a woman. It's forever being performed worldwide, receiving big screen versions starring the likes of Jack Benny and Arthur Askey, and remains a popular effort since it took the West End by storm.
We're currently compiling a few venues and publicity for the show and all the details will be up on this website shortly!
Watch this space!