NOW PREPARED FOR AUDIENCE’S RETURN AT LAST!
Theatre celebrating postponed centenary
STOKE Rep Theatre is belatedly celebrating its centenary - as amateur dramatics returns to the city venue after an interlude lasting 18 months.
The first play in the new season is Peter Quilter’s romantic comedy Duets, which opens on Tuesday, October 12 and runs every evening until Saturday, October 16, when there is also a matinee.
The Stoke-on-trent Repertory Players’ schedule will then continue with Funny Money in December, Agatha Christie’s Spiders Wed in February 2022, Hangmen by the Oscar-winning writer of In Bruges and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Martin Mcdonagh, in April, and Noel Coward’s Present Laughter next June.
Duets sees four couples face crucial moments in their relationships. Jonathon and Wendy are on a blind date hoping to get it right for the first time even though they never have before. Barrie is not really interested in women but Janet sees that as no reason to stop trying. Shelly and Bobby have decided to holiday in Spain whilst divorcing. And Angela is marrying for the third time, to the dismay of her brother Toby.
Production director Rosemary Gresty said: “It’s so exciting to finally have the opportunity to entertain a live audience. There’s nothing quite like their feedback to drive comedy and stretch performers to deliver even greater entertainment.
“After an extremely challenging one-and-a-half years, it is with a great sense of excitement and anticipation that the Rep is finally able to say ‘welcome back, we’ve missed you’.
“We have a packed schedule planned and there is also a very special birthday to be acknowledged as we will be commemorating the Repertory Players’ 100th birthday.”
The theatre will be open in accordance with current covid guidance and, for those who prefer socially-distanced seating, the Thursday evening and Saturday matinée shows are designated socially-distanced performances.
“When everything came to a sudden halt in March 2020, no-one could have foreseen how long we would have to remain closed, but extensive preparations have been taking place to ensure the Rep provides the safest possible environment for our visitors,” said a spokesman.
Tickets are priced £12 (£10 for the matinee, £8.50 for concessions) and are available either from www. stokerep.info and www.ticketsource. co.uk, 01782 209784, or boxoffice@ stokerepplayers.co.uk.
Discount Packages are also available if four or five plays from this year’s season of plays are booked at the same time.
Further information on Duets and the other shows at Stoke Rep this season is available from www. stokerepplayers.co.uk.
Curtain Call - see page 22