A new pilot co-production will bring a double-bill of Noël Coward to the stage later this month.
The UK Foundation for Dance, based in Scarborough, has teamed up with Pickering Musical Society to present the show at Pickering’s Kirk Theatre.
It will feature a mix of comedy and music performed by actors from both Scarborough and Pickering.
Luke Arnold, director of the Kirk Theatre, said: "Co-production is the way to go, and we’re delighted to be working with Scarborough-based Tim Tubbs, who has guested in our own shows, notably playing opposite Rachel Anderson in our 2025 sell-out HELLO, DOLLY! We’re already planning the next co-production for 2027, so watch this space."
The evening will begin with a musical revue celebrating the partnership between Noël Coward and Gertrude Lawrence.
This segment, titled Introducing Noël and Gertie, is written by producer Tim Tubbs, who will appear as Coward alongside Rachel Anderson as Lawrence.
They will be joined by musical director Bill Scott.
The revue will feature songs by Coward, Gershwin, Porter, Weill, and Rodgers & Hammerstein.
The second half of the evening will feature Red Peppers, Coward’s comedic "interlude with music" originally written for himself and Lawrence.
Tim Tubbs and Paula Cook will perform as the titular Red Peppers, a bickering song-and-dance duo in the 1930s dying days of music hall.
Tim, who is also producing and directing the show, said: "Coward’s plays sparkle with bitchery.
"He grew up in a family that rowed constantly; and as a struggling young actor witnessed the backstage feuding and finagling of the touring theatre circuit.
"All his comedies, from Hay Fever and Fallen Angels to Private Lives and Blithe Spirit, offer hilarious bickering matches."
Performances will take place at 7.30pm on Friday, August 28, and at 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, August 29.
Tickets are priced at £15 and are available from the Kirk Theatre box office Box Office on 01751-474833 or go to www.kirktheatre.co.uk/events
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