Run-in with the Bill for Fair City theatre group in their latest offering
The cast of Ad -Lib are getting ready for their upcoming drama Ad-Lib Theatre Arts are best known for belting out the bestloved musical hits – but this time round they are looking forward to staging an intimate play.
The Fair City group’s upcoming production ‘Bill’ follows the stories of five main characters, however, in the drama’s second half their stories come together, in a script that promises serious notes as well as a touch of comedy.
Bill has five main characters, Bill (Mike McMahon), David (Mark Murphy), Rita (Ann Melville), Audrey (Gail Stewart) and Constance (Alice Sutherland), and will be directed by Ad-Lib’s community arts coordinator Vicky Glennie is directing the hourlong drama.
Vicky said she is relishing the opportunity to take on directing the popular theatre group.
She said: “I have not directed a theatrical play before, so it is all very interesting. There are only five characters and you are introduced to their individual stories in the first act.
“In the second act it becomes apparent how their stories all come together.
“It has serious moments in it, but it is more comedic. But, it is very, very different because with a drama there is nowhere to hide and you have to concentrate on the characters so much to make sure you get it all correct.”
Another new element to next month’s production is the setting – rather than in a theatre auditorium, this drama will be held in their very own rehearsal studios in the city centre.
Their Scott Street studios in Drummond House will be transformed into a cabaret style stage for the performances, which will include a licenced bar.
Everyone involved in this intimate dramatization is looking forward to taking on a new challenge, as they are all more familiar with musical theatre.
Vicky continued: “I have a lovely cast, they are very supportive.
“There was an interest in drama from a number of people at Ad-Lib who had not really tried it before. I said I would take it over and we started off with a very big group.
“But, some people decided it was too difficult or they missed the singing in musical theatre, but the five in Bill have been coming in every single week to rehearse.
“We have been rehearsing hard – one of the biggest challenges is mastering the Yorkshire accent! Everyone has been working hard to learn the accents. We could have changed it, but everyone said they want to take on the Vicky Glennie will direct
challenge.”
Vicky is also looking forward to receiving a helping hand from husband Steven and son Jack with her set and sound production.
Bill by Ad-Lib Theatre Arts will be on stage from Wednesday, March 7, until Saturday, March 10, with a performance at 7.30pm each night. Tickets are £10 each, visit www. ticketsource.co.uk/adlibtheatre