A theatre group is preparing to stage the play they were rehearsing two years ago when covid struck.
In fact Twyford and Ruscombe Theatre Group managed to perform the play, Ladies’ Day by Amanda Whittington, in 2020 – by Zoom.
Director then Frank Kaye said: “Covid halted our normal rehearsals but somehow we managed to find this thing called Zoom. It meant everyone could rehearse [and perform] in their own homes.”
They went on to produce a highly successful radio play type performance, via Zoom, with up to 130 in the audience.
“It was absolutely amazing,” said Frank.
But now they’re getting ready to perform a traditionally staged version of the play at Loddon Hall, Twyford on May 12, 13 and 14.
The play tells the story of four women having what seems an innocuous chat in a factory. They burst out of their monotony and go off to the races, encountering a wide range of men and revealing a lot about themselves.
There’s growing interest in the outcome of the day’s races as the play progresses.
The group says the play “maintains a bubbling humour throughout. The young cast is excellent, and we are having a lot of fun playing with the many different vignettes of the ladies’ lives.”
Frank has stepped in to the stage manager’s role, which was hard to fill this time, and is also assistant director. Hazel Evans is the director.
“It’s delightful to put the play on stage properly,” added Frank. “Two of the original cast’s ladies are in it, along with two new ladies.
“The play has been staged professionally with one actor playing all six men. We have two playing three each. It’s absolutely brilliant.
“It’s a comedy all the way through. But each of the four ladies has a more serious aspect to their lives. Amanda Whittington is a modern playwright, who knows exactly what she is doing.”
In January this year the group managed to get back on stage to perform their panto, Rapunzel, which proved a big hit.
Tickets for Ladies’ Day are £10 – £12 and available by calling 0118 328 2825, or log on to twyrusdrama.org.uk
