Congratulations to Richard Clayton and the cast and crew of 'The Ritual' which won the awards for "Best Director" and "Best Production", as well as nominations for "Best Set" and "Best Actress" at the 2002 Brantham Drama Festival on Friday 25th October.

"Rackheath Players, from Norwich, won Best Production with the company's Richard Clayton winning Best Director. And Rushmere Players were awarded the Best Technical award. Ms Bray (adjudicator) said: "This year's festival, although down in numbers, has produced some of the highest quality theatre seen in Brantham for many years."

(Ipswich Evening Star - November 2, 2002 21:06)

Bottom's Dream

Take the Artisan scenes from A Midsummer Night's Dream and then imagine what must have been going on behind the scenes. What did the actor's wives and girlfriends make of their partner's secret meetings? The author comes up with a highly ingenious and diverting suggestion, considering the proposed performance of the tragedy of Pyramus and Thisbe from the point of view of Bottom - and the women as members of the audience.

Bottom and his wife are discovered settling down for the night - as midnight strikes Bottom dreams "a most rare vision". All the Artisan scenes are preserved intact but here the women also have their say...

The Ritual

Every month a select group of civilised, cultured people meets to discuss the important issues of the day. In the comfort of the home of one of their members they learn of the plight of the less fortunate as they enjoy the hospitality of their hostess.

But are these people really interested in the issues they discuss or do they have other motives? What if someone questions their purpose, are they really as civilised as they seem?

This unpublished, and therefore rarely performed play by the late Albert Jeanes has won much acclaim at drama festivals for its originality.

 

Bottoms Dream, by Alan Poole directed by Keith Dignum Old Watch: Jeff Granger Young Watch: Laura Daynes Nick Bottom: Richard Clayton Ursula Bottom: Emma Cliffe Peter Quince: Daniel Knights Robin Starveling: Ray Tempesta Agnes Starveling: Laura Dignum Francis Flute: Tom Pellew Mrs. Flute: Diane Goldsmith Tom Snout: Stephen Dunstan Mrs. Snout: Jenny Howard Snug: Eddie Allisson Alice Snug: Angie Smith Fairy: Dave Marks Puck: Julie Dignum Titania: Rachel Erskine Fairies: Katie Howard, Karina Duffin, Jasmine Turner, Vicky Hood & Rebecca Heels

The Ritual by Albert Jeanes directed by Richard Clayton Informed Woman: Valerie Webb Hostess: Julie Dignum Young Woman: Rachel Erskine Prosperous Woman: Emma Cliffe Hearty Man: Stephen Dunstan Unpleasant Man: Eddie Allison Cynical Man: Dave Marks Shy Woman: Laura Dignum Jill: Angie Smith

 

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