NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS     14th - 16th May   Co-Produced and Directed by Janet and Caroline Astley

 

An evening journeying through the best West End Shows.

 

 

 

 

 

THE HOLLOW   By Agatha Christie   16th - 18th April Directed by Colin Astley

 

 The Hollow, home of Sir Henry and Lucy Angkatell, is the setting for a weekend country house party.

Based in the book by the same name, it centres around Dr John Cristow who, within 24 hours of arriving at The Hollow, is murdered. With all other attendees having reasons to see him dead, it's down to Inspector Colquhoun to solve the crime.

 

 

 

 

 

ENTERTAINING ANGELS   By Richard Everett   12th - 14th February Directed by Sandra Branfield

 

Recently widowed vicar's wife, Grace, has spent a lifetime on her best behaviour but she now has a new freedom to do and say exactly as she pleases.

However, with the return of her eccentric missionary sister and some disturbing revelations, Grace is forced to confront her husband's ghost and the truth of their marriage.

 

 

 

 

Oh What A Lovely War   By Joan Littlewood 11th - 13th December 2014   Directed by John Fidell

  

 

 

 

OLIVER! - THE MUSICAL

  By Lionel Bart         Directed by Kim Cheasley

 ALL 4 PERFORMANCES SOLD OUT - 10th to 12th April 2014

 

 

 

 

And Evermore Shall Be So by Norman Robbins 25th - 27th April 2013 Directed by Janet Astley

This is a murder mystery, with more than a touch of humour. Taking its title from the traditional song "Green Grow The Rushes O", the play explores the events surrounding a murder which took place four years previously, and how strangely the song lyrics seem to fit so well with the circumstances.

The action centres around the vicarage into which the Rev. Edwin Summerfield and his wife, Lydia, have recently moved.  An author, cousin of the vicar's wife, arrives having been encouraged to write a book about the murder.  Old tensions and suspicions are brought to the surface as not everyone is in favour of raking up the past.

 " . . . there is something wrong with the village . . . a sense of evil about it . . ." 

 

The Cast

The Cast and Crew

 

 

Snow White By Alexandra Slater 14th - 16th February 2013 Directed by Kate Strong

 

The story of Snow White and her jealous stepmother inspired Disney to create an iconic cartoon classic - so great was its success that they still control all the rights to the names of the little forest dwellers and the music.

Portishead Players, in their 90th season, are taking on the challenge to stage a new version of this story by Alexandra Slater in true pantomime style, with a sparkling new score.

 

 

 

Wife After Death By Eric Chappell 12th, 13th & 15th December 2012 Directed by Sandra Branfield

 

It may not sound like it but Wife After Death is a very funny comedy. 

Dave Thursby, comedian and national treasure, has died and friends and colleagues have gathered on the day of his funeral to pay their last respects. Amongst those assembled is Dave's young widow who has arranged a flamboyant funeral.  

However, things start to go awry when a stranger turns up with some revelations about Dave's dubious past. Dave seems to have the last laugh though, when everyone meets for the disposal of his ashes three weeks later.

Wife After Death was first presented in March 2010, starring Tom Conti.   

 

    

 

 

Hobson's Choice by Harold Brighouse 11th - 13th October 2012 Directed by John Fidell

'Hobson's Choice' tells the story of a daughter's rebellion against the expectations of her overbearing, tight fisted, and alcoholic father. Hobson has his own business and counts himself as someone in the town. He is therefore put out when his daughter defies his wishes, marries a common young working chap, and beats him in his own line of business.

It is a comedy set in a family with strong personalities, but the setting of the 1880s puts it at a time of increasing trade union activity, the coming of the Labour party, stirrings of the suffragette movement and a feeling of social change, although it would take a war to change the order of things.

The play was first produced in England in 1916, but could equally well relate to a modern family where a dominant father, or mother for that matter, suddenly finds that, like Hobson, he doesn't have any choice at all.