The Monkey’s Paw + Little Grimley Presents…Strictly Sex Factor On Ice
A double-bill of one-act plays!
5 Oct 2023-7 Oct 2023
This October, Twyford Drama presents a double bill of two very contrasting one act plays.
The Monkey’s Paw
Adapted by Jonathan Holloway from the short story by W.W. Jacobs.
Have you ever thought what it would be like if you could have whatever you desire? Would you feel the same way if there were conditions attached to that? ‘The Monkey's Paw’ is a dark, spine-tingling tale of magic and unimaginable power. How does an ordinary struggling working-class family deal with the terror inflicted by ‘the monkey's paw’? What horrific consequences might follow and how can they live with them? ‘The Monkey's Paw’ is a haunting tale of the supernatural. Let's leave it there!
- Peter King (Director)
Little Grimley Presents…Strictly Sex Factor On Ice
by David Tristram
Ever wondered if the Saturday night reality TV is killing a night at the theatre? Well, that is exactly what Little Grimley Amateur Dramatic Society has been thinking. They have decided to take on the TV reality show giants to bring back ‘bums on seats’ for their Saturday evening production. Follow Gordon, Bernard, Joyce and Margaret as they come up with a talent show to end all talent shows. However, with no budget, no heating, no ice, no sex factor and no talent whatsoever, will they win over the critic Simon DuPont … or will it all end in disaster?
- Charlie Poulter (Director)
Rehearsal updates...
Producing these two one-act plays is proving to be a delightfully challenging mission on and off stage for the two directors, Pete King and Charlie Poulter, as the paradoxical elements of the spine-chiller, on the one hand, and the comedy drama, on the other, are being skilfully crafted to produce an evening of startling and entertaining contrasts.
Our band of industrious actors are indulging in creating two entirely different casts of characters which range from a shocked, maniacal mother and wife, in the first play, to an ambitious Amateur Dramatics Society Treasurer who hilariously ventures on to the stage, in the second play. Cast and Directors are enjoying witnessing the characters and their relationships evolve and become realised within the two respective plays. Pete King states, “’The Monkey’s Paw’ is progressing well and the cast are currently perfecting their knowledge of the script and lines. Characterisations are coming along nicely too.’ Charlie Poulter acknowledges, ‘Along with enjoying the great English weather this summer, the cast have been busy learning their lines, mastering their dance moves and digging out their most glittery glad rags! Rehearsals are progressing well.’
Parallel to the acting rehearsals, our Twyford Drama’s talented backstage crew are also creating their own magic, cleverly designing and constructing a set which can be adapted and used for both plays – a challenge in itself! Our experienced light and sound technicians are also keen to create two very diverse atmospheres in two very diverse plays, accentuating the salient actions of personae with incredible light and sound trickery. We also have a busy team of costume and choreography advisers to hand, to add an extra layer to the authenticity of our plays and to cap this, our knowledgeable team of stagehands are clued up to the action to ensure the seamless running of the separate shows.
Twyford Drama are really enjoying joining together the separate pieces of this complex production puzzle, leaving no gaps unfilled. We all hope the audiences will appreciate an evening of mixed emotions - from spine-tingling sensations and dramatic tension to heart-warming hilarity. All avenues will be explored! In Charlie Poulter’s words, ‘Everyone is working their socks off to rival the best of the TV shows!’
