Theatre: Kiss Me Quickstep......

 A sequin-studded warm-hearted ballroom drama

Three young couples are striving for glory on the competitive dance circuit - having finally made it to Blackpool's National Amateur Championships, via the motorway hard shoulder. But there's pain and heartbreak beneath the dazzling glitter ball when you're dancing to other people's tunes and hiding secrets. And with the world at your feet, it only takes one false step... 

This bittersweet comedy reveals the backstage stories behind the fabulous frocks, fixed smiles and fake tan, looking at the real lives of those for whom dancing is everything. 

Please note that we have an exciting new seating plan for Kiss Me Quickstep with an additional bank of seats behind the stage. This show will be performed in the round, with actors performing to all sides.

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Well as if going to the theatre Tuesday and Thursday this week wasn't enough I also had my ticket for a Wednesday matinee at The New Wolsey Theatre. There always used to be four of us going together, sadly one of our group has died. This time another had double booked and was away on holiday. The other was expected but didn't show (I found out later she had just forgotten) so I went in alone.

As mentioned above the seating had been arranged around the floor level stage and the extra ones were temporary folding seats and not particularly comfortable for sitting on for two hours.

The show itself was really very good. Not a subject I've seen on this stage before so made a nice change. The actors were all very suited to their characters and all were really good dancers too. In fact a woman behind me said "I wish they'd just get on with the dancing and not bother with all this arguing in between" hahaha.
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Theatre: Private Lives.....

Directed by Joanna Carrick
At Red Rose Chain Avenue Theatre

Here come the fireworks! And the martini cocktails!

It’s Noël Coward’s best loved and multi-award winning comedy – new and 

re-imagined! Private Lives follows the escapades of former lovers Amanda and Elyot as they suddenly reunite…while on their honeymoons to other people! But is it new love or true love? And can they really live with(out) each other? Featuring popular songs of the era, prepare to see sparks fly in Joanna Carrick’s interpretation of this wickedly funny Spring time comedy.

Our love-struck stars of Much Ado About Nothing – Fizz Waller and Ricky Oakley – reunite this March! Joined by multi-talented newcomer to Red Rose Chain Harriet Leitch alongside Red Rose Chain favourite Ryan Penny (The Elves & The Shoemaker, As You Like It, Treasure Island).

Also introducing Rei Mordue from our youth theatre as Louise the Housemaid.

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This was so good Daughter and I saw it twice!
Actually we bought tickets for first night as this is R's debut in her first professional play, then Daughter was invited to press night and I was her guest.

As this is an arena stage or theatre-in-the-round (which is more square than round) we sat on opposite sides of the stage each time and got very different perspectives.
I'll not say too much that might spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it yet and I hope you do get to see it.

First night on Tuesday was very funny and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. R was brilliant, of course, and made the wonky trolley wheel look like it was meant to be a bother to her. Very proud Grandma 😊
Press night on Thursday was packed with invited guests who are not all press. It started with a reception in the foyer with drinks and nibbles. The actors seemed more relaxed into their characters and the audience were loudly enthusiastic. Another hilarious performance by them all.
After Thursday's we were also given a performance by members of the Youth Theatre called 'Marvellous Moments' based on memories of those living with dementia. The young actors had gathered the information by visiting local care homes and talking to dementia sufferers then writing their own script. R was part of this too. It was very moving. I'm not sure if this is being performed again or when.

More very proud Grandma moments when I read the reviews. Here are links to just two of them and they say lovely things about R 😊
Ipswich24
Theatre Cat
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