| by Ray Cooney Directed by Ritchard Tysoe
October 10, 11 & 12, 2002
| Mary Smith |
Katy Clifton |
| Barbara Smith |
Alison Marshall |
| John Smith |
Ritchard Tysoe |
| Stanley Gardner |
David Higgs |
| Det. Sgt. Troughton |
Mark Kimsey |
| Newspaper Reporter |
Tag |
| Det. Sgt. Porterhouse |
Malcolm Bentote |
| Bobby Franklyn |
Graeme Gibaut |
Programme Notes
[ Photographs ]
I first saw Ray Cooney's Run For Your Wife at the Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly
in 1983. Fortunately for me, the cast included Robin Askwith, Tessa Wyatt, Bill Pertwee,
Gareth Hunt, Geoffrey Hughes and Barry Howard! The very next day, I went to French's
Theatre bookshop in Fitzroy Street, London and bought a copy of the script and from that
day on, I knew that one day I would either be in the play or direct it somewhere.
Fast-forward to our AGM last year when our chairman asked if any of the members would
like to direct the October production. "I know what I'd like to do", I said, not
realising that my 'offer' would be snapped up!
After several attempts at casting and due to the availability (or not) of members, the
only way to cast the play was to have myself playing John Smith. So, I have fulfilled my
wish of directing and playing the lead (ahem!).
I have appeared in over eighty productions in the last twenty years, but I never
appreciated just how much hard work goes on behind the scenes. I'm sure there's a play to
be written there, about the antics of a play's director! Suffice to say though; I wouldn't
have been able to get us to where we are now without the help and encouragement of my many
friends at Players. However, I really must thank Valerie Clarke, who has assisted me from
the start. Val has directed on many occasions and I'm sure that there were several times
when she wanted to step in and prevent me from finding out the hard way over something!
If you have half the fun watching the play as we have had rehearsing it, then you are
in for a very entertaining evening, enjoy…
Ritchard Tysoe |
