Playwright
Alan Ayckbourn
Director
Craig Robb
Overview
Our Spring 2018 production was Communicating Doors by Alan Ayckbourn, a comedy with several twists including murder, intrigue, suspense and a time travelling portal!
We had a complete sell-out for the whole run and, it being a warm week (an unusual April heatwave arrived for the first night) we nearly ran out of ice creams!
Set in modern day in a hotel room, a professional dominatrix arrives to service a dying man and inadvertently gets transported back in time where she meets the man’s first two wives. In order to survive herself, she must warn the wives that they are in grave danger. Complicated but easy to follow, this masterpiece from the master of dark comedy excels.
We welcomed a new face to the stage – Isobel Wolf – and a returning player, Sam Griffiths who last appeared on the Cheriton stage over 13 years ago!
The theatre goers loved it:
“Many congratulations to all those involved on stage and behind the scenes for a terrific performance of Communicating Doors. Thrills, laughter, drama, great pace, superbly designed set, lighting, costume, make up and special effects. Lines confidently and clearly delivered. Totally gripping from start to finish. A wonderful play from Mr Ayckbourn brought to life by some truly brilliant individual performances and a great ensemble” – Richard Perkins, member of audience
“Communicating Doors was truly entertaining on many levels, we had a wonderful evening! Congratulations to all involved” – Geoff & Jenny Ellis, members of audience
“Yet another triumph” – Kevin Gover, Winchester Today – full review here
“The energetic entertainment meant that 40 years passed in a shot!” – Rebecca Case, independent reviewer
Producer: Jan Conway
Stage Manager: Angela Ledsham
Set Designers: Craig Robb, Paul Hellard, Dave Wright, Pete Reay
Lighting Designers: Jamie Herdman, Graham Arnott
Cast
Julian – Tim Conway
Phoebe (Poopay) – Fiona Mackay
(Older) Reece – David Cradduck
Ruella – Helena Gomm
Harold – Sam Griffiths
(Young) Jessica – Isobel Wolf
(Young) Reece – Charlie Hellard
(Older) Jessica – Rebecca Leadley
Photos: Craig Robertson (colour/show b&w/rehearsal), David Cradduck (backstage/preshow)