When P.B.D.S. asked me to direct their spring play I was thrilled but a bit lost as to which play we could do, being so short of men of all ages.
Then I hit upon ‘When We Are Married’ by J.B Priestley.
This is one of his best loved works and has recently had another revival in London starring Maureen Lipman, Roy Hudd, Michele Dotrice among many other well known actors.
The story is that, twenty five years ago, the Helliwells, the Parkers and the Soppits were married on the same day by the same preacher. They gather at the Helliwell home to celebrate their silver wedding.
The new chapel organist tells them that he recently met the preacher who conducted the triple wedding ceremony – he was not authorised to do so.
Pandemonium breaks out when these self styled pillars of society believe they have been living in sin for twenty five years – a definite taboo in 1908, when this play is set.
With fourteen roles in this production I thought I would have trouble casting it but it is such a popular play that I had no trouble at all and everyone of them says how much they are enjoying rehearsals.
I am sure the audiences will enjoy it too.
The play is being adjudicated for Bromley Theatre Guild Festival on Friday 27th April.
Please come and give us your support,
Lestrine Wishart
Director.’