“Private Lives”, thought by many to be the greatest comedy ever written, premiered in London in 1930 and has been produced around the world ever since. The plot resembles that of a tragedy, but Coward fashions from it a fast-paced story, moving from misfortune to full-blown absurdity.

Prone to cynicism and irreverence, Coward’s glamorous upper-class characters seem incapable of taking much of anything seriously for long – a condition which usually proves contagious for the audience as well. He firmly believed the theatre existed for people’s amusement, not to teach or reform.

Glamorous, rich and reckless, Amanda and Elyot have been divorced from each other for five years. Now both are honeymooning in a French resort with their new spouses. When, by chance, they meet again across adjoining hotel balconies, their insatiable feelings for each other are immediately rekindled. They hurl themselves headlong into love and lust (the second act love scene was nearly censored in Britain) without a care for scandal, new partners or memories of what drove them apart in the first place.

In the past the play has attracted such names as Laurence Olivier, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Maggie Smith and John Gielgud. The Gweek Players’ production, directed by the irrepressible Guy Watson, will star Michelle Dickson as Amanda, Sandy Pulfrey as Sibyl, James Care as Elyot and Alan Perry as Victor.

The cast and enthusiastic backup crew aim to recreate the ambience of the 1930’s in Gweek Village Hall. The stage and auditorium will become an exquisite French Art Deco Hotel with a pianist playing the music of the era.

“Private Lives” will open on April 18th for three nights only. Performances at Gweek Village Hall. For tickets – £8.00 including a delicious dessert – call 0845 0948874 or from Heathercraft, Helston.

In the 28 years since the group was founded, Gweek Players have offered Cornwall two plays per year, usually in April and November. Comedies have been the mainstay of the repertoire – they know how much their audiences enjoy a good laugh – but straight plays, thrillers, mysteries, even the occasional classic, have all been included.

Over the years they have established a reputation for putting on high quality, professional-standard shows, and intend to continue doing so for many years to come.

By Phil Woods with Michael Bogdanov

GASP with horror as the Fox snatches Chanticleer, the Cockerel;
THRILL to the hunt for ‘what women most desire’;
SING-A-LONG with the chorus of Peterkin’s fall from grace;
DELIGHT AS May outwits her ancient husband and most of all
ROLICK WITH LAUGHTER at this ‘colourful, boozy, good-spirited, compelling entertainment.’

In modern English this is a great way to revisit or get to know a classic of English Literature. It is a bit naughty so we are not recommending it to under 12s! Think medieval saucy seaside postcard!

Gweek Village Hall
Wednesday 16th – Friday 18th November st 7.30
Tickets £8.00 (includes interval dessert)

0845 0948874
www.gweekplayers.co.uk
or Heathercraft, Coinage Hall, Helston.

Supper, Singing and Splendiferous Entertainment

£8 including pasty supper (£5 for under 16s)

Friday 14^th May 2010 at 7.30 pm

We hit some technical problems – of which the snow was but one – with our plans to put on a Farndale (panic not – we will do it eventually!).  However we came up with the whizzo idea of a Music Hall and Variety Evening with supper.  Please come along and join the fun – but book your ticket in advance please. Included in the programme are the Pantaloons; the Manacles Singers; a short comic Melodrama; several sketches and songs – it’s shaping up to be a great evening for us all but

CHIEFLY YOURSELVES!!

Why are we Fund Raising?

We are raising money to buy our own set of ‘RAISERS’ – the staging that raises the audience up so that you have had such a good view!  We have been hiring from another drama group and as they have now put their prices up we have decided that it is time to buy our own set which will be of benefit to everyone who uses the hall. Some members of the Gweek Players have kindly agreed to advance the Players £2,400 interest free so that we can buy a set now but they need paying back as soon as possible!

A psychological thriller

by Richard Harris

A comedy by Olwen Wymark

Directed by Vanda Trotman

Cast:

Reg has invited his pompous boss to dinner; his wife, Geraldine, feels that their marriage is getting dull and is ripe for mischief.  Their daughter, Billie, wants to marry the boss’s son.

No-one is prepared for Geraldine’s decision to liven things up by impersonating Reg’s imaginary brother Rollo.  Reg retaliates by dressing up as Rollo’s eccentric wife Lilian.  When domineering Granny returns unexpectedly the scene is set for a great deal of comic misunderstanding.

This comedy is a rebel’s fantasy; a hostess’s nightmare and an hilarious treat for the audience.

April 2008

Directed by Vanda Trotman

Cast

Directed by Janet Jones

Cast

Cast

November 2004

Directed by Janet Jones