Flurry of mix-ups in Service Players’ comedy
Relatively Speaking cast members Sarah Radcliffe, Chris Caine, Lisa Creighton and Tom Cain
IN celebration of its 70th anniversary, island drama group the Service Players will be presenting Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy Relatively Speaking at the Gaiety Theatre next week.
This latest production stars Tom Cain (Blackadder Goes Forth) as Greg, Lisa Creighton (TWO) as Ginny, Chris Caine (Service Players’ chairman) as Philip and Sarah Radcliffe (vice chairman) as Sheila.
The story features Greg and Ginny who are about to get engaged but Ginny has some unfinished business with Philip, unbeknownst to his wife Sheila.
A flurry of misunderstandings, half-truths and mix-ups make this a delightful comedy.
This 1965 play was Ayckbourn’s first West End hit and made him into a household name.
It continues to be a popular choice with both professional and amateur groups, and a production starring Felicity Kendall and Kara Tointon has recently finished a tour in England.
The island’s Service Players have a long tradition of performing Alan Ayckbourn plays, making it a fitting choice for their 70th year of treading the Gaiety boards.
A new element to the society however is their director for this production, Shawn Sturnick.
Originally from Pennsylvania, USA, Shawn moved to the island in April and the actor/writer/director was quickly snapped up by the Service Players to direct their autumn show.
Shawn’s acting credits include the international hit show Blue Man Group, and two films premiering in the Cork Film Festival next month.
His writing has been published and performed across the globe, and one of his projects has been considered for film.
Shawn has directed several musicals but this is his first foray into the world of British comedy, of which he has long been a fan.
‘I don’t know how it happened,’ he said, ‘I was a rural kid from a blue-collar family, and yet here I am with an affinity for British comedy.
‘And I’ve landed myself in the perfect spot!’
‘The Service Players are an excellent example of the concentration of talent on this island,’ concluded Shawn.
‘It’s a crucible for creativity.’
The show will run between Thursday (October 18) and Saturday (October 20). The curtain is up at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £12 with concessions available. Call 600555, visit the Welcome Centre or the Villa Marina or go online at www.villagaiety.com
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Sunday 19 May 2013
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