May 27th 2023- Jazz Concert
The Ken McCarthy Trio featuring Art Themen on Saxophone
The Ken McCarthy Trio featuring Art Themen on Saxophone
June 20th - 24th 2023
"Educating Rita" by Willy Russell
This Willy Russell play is an entertaining and engaging story of Rita's attempts to escape from what she views as her mundane life as a hairdresser. She chooses to embark on an Open University course in Literature rather than agree to her partner's demands for her to start a family. Frank, her OU tutor, is disillusioned with his career and has become alcohol-dependent. The frequently humorous and ever evolving interaction between the two provides a fascinating tale, made famous by the film starring Julie Walters and Michael Caine.
"Educating Rita" by Willy Russell
This Willy Russell play is an entertaining and engaging story of Rita's attempts to escape from what she views as her mundane life as a hairdresser. She chooses to embark on an Open University course in Literature rather than agree to her partner's demands for her to start a family. Frank, her OU tutor, is disillusioned with his career and has become alcohol-dependent. The frequently humorous and ever evolving interaction between the two provides a fascinating tale, made famous by the film starring Julie Walters and Michael Caine.
September 26th - 30th 2023
"Night Must Fall" by Emlyn Williams
The landmark early psychological thriller in my opinion, which set the standard for so many following works. Although it premiered in 1935 it is as contemporary and vital as ever. Keeping with the milieu of the time it races on like an early Hitchcock adaption of an Agatha Christie.
Set, not surprisingly, in a remote country house ruled by an embittered and narcissistic woman who keeps her household in thrall including her ostensibly retiring and frustrated niece. Added to this is a dull but likeable buffoon of a suitor to the niece and of course the ubiquitous detective a highly shrewd and patient man.
The news of a missing woman from a local hotel and the advent of a brash, captivating young man throws everything into the melting pot and the play positively races to a gripping climax.
Whilst it will be set in the period in which it is written I think it is equally relevant now in its pace, depth of characterisation and the portrayal and examination of the mindset of the psychopath. I’m very gratified to have the opportunity to direct this show, a favourite of mine since I played in it myself in 1984.
"Night Must Fall" by Emlyn Williams
The landmark early psychological thriller in my opinion, which set the standard for so many following works. Although it premiered in 1935 it is as contemporary and vital as ever. Keeping with the milieu of the time it races on like an early Hitchcock adaption of an Agatha Christie.
Set, not surprisingly, in a remote country house ruled by an embittered and narcissistic woman who keeps her household in thrall including her ostensibly retiring and frustrated niece. Added to this is a dull but likeable buffoon of a suitor to the niece and of course the ubiquitous detective a highly shrewd and patient man.
The news of a missing woman from a local hotel and the advent of a brash, captivating young man throws everything into the melting pot and the play positively races to a gripping climax.
Whilst it will be set in the period in which it is written I think it is equally relevant now in its pace, depth of characterisation and the portrayal and examination of the mindset of the psychopath. I’m very gratified to have the opportunity to direct this show, a favourite of mine since I played in it myself in 1984.
October 14th 2023- Jazz Concert
Martin Hart Trio plus Alan Barnes
Ken McCarthy Piano
Andy Crowdy Double Bass
Martin Hart Drums
Alan Barnes is a prolific international performer, composer, arranger, bandleader and touring soloist. He is best known for his work on clarinet, alto and baritone sax, where he combines a formidable virtuosity with a musical expression and collaborative spirit that have few peers.
His range and brilliance have made him a “first call” for studio and live work since his precocious arrival on the scene more than thirty years ago.. https://www.alanbarnesjazz.com/bio
Martin Hart Trio plus Alan Barnes
Ken McCarthy Piano
Andy Crowdy Double Bass
Martin Hart Drums
Alan Barnes is a prolific international performer, composer, arranger, bandleader and touring soloist. He is best known for his work on clarinet, alto and baritone sax, where he combines a formidable virtuosity with a musical expression and collaborative spirit that have few peers.
His range and brilliance have made him a “first call” for studio and live work since his precocious arrival on the scene more than thirty years ago.. https://www.alanbarnesjazz.com/bio
November 28th - Dec 2nd 2023
"Two" by Jim Cartwright
Behind the bar of their Northern Pub, the Landlord and Landlady welcome their regulars with open arms. Lending an ear for stories of celebration, of loss, of love and of despair, the bickering couple work together to keep the locals in high spirits, with drinks, conversation and laughter.
Each vignette skilfully combines pathos and humour and when a little boy is left behind, a fragile reconciliation occurs as their own dark tragedy is revealed.
Performed by the two actors playing all 14 characters, Jim Cartwright’s poignant play takes audiences into the world of a working -class pub over the course of one night. Weaving together rich stories full of human emotion, this dark comedy gives an intimate insight into a variety of characters and will make you laugh, and cry in equal measures.
"Two" by Jim Cartwright
Behind the bar of their Northern Pub, the Landlord and Landlady welcome their regulars with open arms. Lending an ear for stories of celebration, of loss, of love and of despair, the bickering couple work together to keep the locals in high spirits, with drinks, conversation and laughter.
Each vignette skilfully combines pathos and humour and when a little boy is left behind, a fragile reconciliation occurs as their own dark tragedy is revealed.
Performed by the two actors playing all 14 characters, Jim Cartwright’s poignant play takes audiences into the world of a working -class pub over the course of one night. Weaving together rich stories full of human emotion, this dark comedy gives an intimate insight into a variety of characters and will make you laugh, and cry in equal measures.