Autumn and Winter Treats at the Theatre Royal

Events, Local Theatre
14th October 2019
Stephen Murphy

Comedians – 15th to 19th October

The Workington Playgoers are planning to take audiences back to the Bad Old Days of the 1970s. Trevor Griffiths’ ground-breaking play ‘Comedians’ was first performed in 1975 when comedy largely consisted of racist and sexist jokes.

Set in a Manchester evening class run by ageing ex-music hall comic Eddie Waters, the play follows six would-be comedians who are desperate to make a name on the circuit. They are about to perform in front of an agent but how low will they go in search of fame and fortune?

Director Stewart Grant says: ‘Our production of this astonishing play will be as true to the original performance as we can get. By staging it in this way we are asking how much attitudes have really changed in 44 years.’ He warns that the play contains frequent swearing, as well as language and attitudes which are now socially unacceptable but were current at the time.

Featuring a strong cast of seasoned actors, this promises to be an entertaining and thought-provoking show.

Swallows and Amazons – 31st October to 2nd November

Younger theatregoers will love Theatre Royal Youth’s production of Arthur Ransome’s much-loved children’s classic which is set in the Lake District and brought to life in Helen Edmundson’s theatrical adaptation. When John, Susan, Titty and Roger are granted their wish to set sail on their beloved boat Swallow, they know it will be the summer holiday of a lifetime!

The Vicar of Dibley – 3rd to 7th December

Finally, everyone’s favourite female vicar needs no introduction! This hilarious play (adapted from the popular 1990s TV comedy) is set in the sleepy village of Dibley, where the elderly local vicar has just died and the parish council members, led by their pompous, opinionated chairman David Horton, are waiting to greet his replacement. Although female vicars are no longer considered particularly unusual, the play’s humour has remained fresh, partly thanks to the wonderfully eccentric characters who make up Geraldine’s congregation.