Only Connect: loneliness, secrets and lies
New Era Players are bringing you a box of delights for your entertainment this June.
“We love to stage new talent and showcase some lesser-known dramatic pieces, so we have stitched a trio of comedies together into a tapestry of early summer enjoyment,” says Sally Hall.
The plays are linked by their central theme of human connection: between generations, across society and within marriage. But it’s more than that, too.
“Only connect" is a famous phrase from EM Forster's novel Howards End, signifying the importance of connecting different aspects of life, such as the head and the heart, the intellect and the emotions, or the inner and outer self. The phrase is a call to make connections and to live a life that is unified and meaningful.
Jenni Collins and Mandy Clark did not only choose to direct the one act play And It Makes Me Wonder, but they also wrote it.
It is based on a true story, concerning a chance meeting at the bus stop for 17-year-old Johnny, wondering what to do with his life, and a mysterious old lady who may or may not be who she says she is.
Mandy and Jenni really enjoyed bringing these funny characters to life, creating mystery and nostalgia.
Stephen Bennett is directing a more familiar piece by Alan Bennett (no relation!): Bed Among the Lentils, one of the Talking Heads that are perennially popular. Once again, it strikes a balance of humour and pathos, and Stephen is enjoying bringing out the farcical elements of some of the events that the vicar’s wife, Susan, recounts in her monologue.
In a suitably dramatic plot twist, the third play is a change to the original programme. Due to unforeseen events, Duncan Mack will be directing another of the Talking Heads, A Lady of Letters. Sally has just three weeks to learn the lines, but is looking forward to the challenge, especially as she is having surgery to replace her knee during that period. Recuperation has taken an unexpected turn!
Join in the fun from June 12 to 14 and 17 to 21 at New Era Theatre, Andover Road, Wash Common, Newbury RG14 6NU.
Tickets are £15 each and available online from ticketsource.co.uk/new-era-players. All other enquiries to boxoffice@neweraplayers.org or phone 07919 916009.
