King Lear by William Shakespear
presented by The Barn Theatre Club
Love, duty, power, loss, good and evil are all called into question as one man descends into madness.
Lear's empire is one of the largest in New York State, built out of hard work, lyalty and single-mindedness. His sudden decision to retire and hand over power to his three daughters is both surprising and uncharacteristic, and leads to an irreparable rift betwen families and friends. The Barn Theatre's production of King Lear sees Sharkespeare's classic tragedy transposed to the late 1920s and an America that finds itself gripped by depression, prohibition and organised crime.
Shining City by Conor McPherson
presented by Be-Jou Proudctions
Set in present day Dublin, Shining City takes place in the office of Ian, a former priest turned therapist. Ian is visited by John who has recently lost his wife in a tragic accident. John is having trouble sleeping and is desperate for help, but Ian has his own troubles, including a new bably and a crumbling relationship. John soon reveals that the source of his insomnia is being visited by the ghost of his dead wife, and he is now terrified to return home. The autor explores what it means to lose faith in God, in relationships and in oneself.
Awarded the Mercury Challenge Cup for Winner
A Few Good Men by Aaron Sorkin
presented by The Company of Players
Two marines are on trial following the death of a colleague, and lawyer Daniel Kaffee is assigned to defend them. Kaffee generally plea bargains for his clients rather than bring them to trial, but when JoAnne Galloway is detailed to assist, she is convinced there's more to the matter than they've been led to believe and convinces Kaffee that the case should go to court.
When the marines reveal the death occurred during a hazing ritual performed under direct orders, tough-as-nails Colonel Jessup denies any knowledge of the order, but the lawyers have their doubts and have to find a way to prove it.
Awarded the Ted Harden Rose Bowl for Runner-Up
Awarded the Roy Seamen Hart for Stage Presentation
Awarded the Freston Salver for Audience Award
The Office Party by John Godber
presented by Sawbridgeworth Players
Leeds advertising agency Chapman and Howard are hard at it in th erun-up to the Christmas bash, desperate to win a valuable contract.
A new recruit has brought a fresh perspective the the department, along with the resurgence of some rather bad habits on the part of the established staff and clients.
It all starts innocently enough after another hectic day at the office, but as the drinks begin to flow and the good times roll, the party - and private lives - soon threaten to get out of hand when underlying tensions rise to the surface, coupled with a photocopier and fax machine working on overdrive...
Terra Nova by Ted Tally
presented by Heath Players
2012 marks the centenary year of Robert Falcon Scott's last tragic expedition to the South Pole. This play, Terra Nova by Ted Tally, is drawn from the journals and letter found on the frozen body of Captain Scott. The play features Scott, his wife Kathleen, his fellow explorers Wilson, Evans, Oates and Bowers and his Norwegian rival Roald Amundsen, whose party beat him to the South Pole.
It is a gripping drama that reminds us of the incredible bravery of these truly heroic explorers.
The action of the play takes place in Antarctica and various places in England as seen through Scott's mind. Perhaps these fleeting scenes went through Scott's mind in the days, hours or even minutes before his untimely death.
Awarded the Tony Bentley Tankard for Adjudicators Award
Side by Side by Sondheim by Stephen Sondheim
presented by The Barn Theatre Club
A sleek, sophisticated musical revue showcasing the early work of the greatest lyricist-composer of the 20th Century, Stephen Sondheim.
His lyrics combined with the melodies of Leonard Berstein, Richard Rodgers and Jule Styne - West Side Story, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Gypsy - are followed by his own memorable selection of songs from Company, Follies and A Little Night Music plus some less familiar numbers. The music is accompanied by a humorous narration to create a wonderfully entertaining piece, the original of which played in the West End and on Broadway.
In extreme circumstances this programme may be subject to change without notice. Refunds on tickets will only be given if there is no performance.