EXCITING theatre is on the cards for audiences at Helmsley Arts Centre with Common Ground Theatre bringing the highly-acclaimed Kitty Bridges' Pocket Book of Tunes on Friday at 7.30pm.
Written and performed by Hannah Davies, with music from Over the Yardarm musicians Paul Baldwin (mandolin, banjo, bouzouki, cittern) and Moira Clarke (recorder, melodeon, concertina), the play was inspired by the poem and folk music found in a small pocket book from 1745, this is a lively and lyrical piece of storytelling, with a playful and irreverent nod to the era that bore it.
Kitty’s adventure begins in her beloved Yorkshire, as she travels further afield she encounters scoundrels, rogues and vagabonds in ballrooms, gin-sodden back streets and on the open road. A play about music, freedom, greed and ownership. A lively mix of contemporary storytelling, poetry and song, with handpicked melodies for dancing and cavorting.
Meanwhile final rehearsals are under way for the arts centre's resident 1812 Theatre Company, which will be staging one of Britain’s best known and favourite plays when they perform Oliver Goldsmith’s masterpiece She Stoops to Conquer from Wednesday, July 6 to Saturday, July 9, at 7.30pm.
The play was first staged in 1773 and is a wonderful showpiece for all the elements of popular theatre – a great story, terrific characters, comedy, romance, satire and farce.
John Lister, who is making his directing debut for the company, said: “She Stoops to Conquer has stood the test of time because it’s an absolutely marvellous play and gives opportunities for a wide range of age and experience for both actors and actresses.”
Sophie Brown, fresh from her success in Neil Simon’s “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” plays Kate Hardcastle who does the actual stooping to conquer the heart of Charles Marlow.
Charles will be played by Joe Gregory who many Helmsley theatre-goers will remember as a brilliant pantomime villain in last year's pantomime. 1812 favourites Charlie Grumbley and Liz Cox enjoy a hilarious and tempestuous marriage as Mr and Mrs Hardcastle while 16 year old youth theatre member Henry Petch makes a seamless transition to the senior company in the role of Hastings.
Newcomer John Hawker creates absolute mayhem as Tony Lumpkin while Donna Kitching’s portrayal of demure Constance Neville is, well, anything but demure. Add a mischievous gang of “blockheads and dunces” to the mix and the play’s an absolute riot.
Tickets for all HAC events are available from the box office on 01439 771700 or online at helmsleyarts.co.uk
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