Focusing on the ladies

Conversations between women on deckchairs form three short pieces, part of Jean McConnells’ Deckchairs collection, which will take the stage first.

Directed by Wendy Anderson, who also worked on the theatre’s recent productions of Fawlty Towers and Are You Being Served?, the lively and comical pieces display the author’s keen-eyed view of human nature and the foibles and fancies of ladies in particular.

A hospital gynaecological clinic sets the scene of the second part of the evening, Womberang by Sue Townsend, the writer behind the ever popular Diary of Adrian Mole.

A grim afternoon session in hospital is enlivened by the arrival of the confident, loud-mouthed Rita Onions (Dawn Lewis) who soon breaks all the rules and spreads her own brand of joyous anarchy throughout the waiting room. This play turns tragedy on its head to provide the audience with a warm, funny and life-affirming play. It is directed by Rachel McArthur, who joined the theatre as part of the very successful Bedroom Farce cast.

The evening was selected for the theatre’s March offering because Talisman director of productions, Christine Carpenter, felt it was important to ensure that there is a balance of opportunity for the sexes in theatre.

Ladies Night is running at the venue in Barrow Road from Monday until Saturday March 12 at 7.30pm. For tickets, call 856548.