Dick and Lottie, the popular Huddersfield theatre group that specialises in the work of Alan Ayckbourn, is to perform its latest offering, Private Fears in Public Places, to the world-famous and Yorkshire-based playwright himself.
“I can’t tell you how thrilled I am,” says John Cotgrave, a founding director of the company, “it’s a lifelong dream of mine.”
But before Ayckbourn gets to critique his work by the mixed team of amateur and professionals that make up Dick and Lottie, the play will be seen by audiences at the Lawrence Batley Theatre.
Private Fears in Public Places opens on Wednesday, May 27, for four nights, and then on Sunday, May 31, the company will travel to Scarborough, where Ayckbourn has his own rehearsal rooms, to give a private show.
John, who teaches drama at Honley High School and worked with Ayckbourn 15 years ago, says the writer has always been supportive of Dick and Lottie (the company is named after two characters from an Ayckbourn play). He explained: “His wife said they would come and see us perform but since Alan had his stroke (back in 2006) his health hasn’t been brilliant, so we are taking the play to them. The cast are very nervous but it’s going to be amazing.”
Private Fears in Public Places is Dick and Lottie’s 26th production in 11 years. It was premiered back in 2004 at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, where Ayckbourn was artistic director for 37 years. It is, says John, “incredibly different from the majority of Ayckbourn plays.”
“It is 90 minutes without an interval and made up of 54 scenes. It’s very cinematic and that appealed to me,” he added. “It marks a successful gear change in his writing career and is something really different for audiences. The play examines six characters who in some way come together and go through daily life over four days. Their decisions and actions affect each other even though they may not been in contact directly. It’s very cleverly written and a documentary of human behaviour at its core – that’s what makes it so strong.”
Dick and Lottie has a large membership of Ayckbourn enthusiasts, ranging from members of the teaching profession, including drama teachers, to ‘resting’ professional actors.
They perform during school half-term holidays and in July will be taking Private Fears in Public Places on tour to the South of England. This summer will also see the premiere of Ayckbourn’s 79th play, Hero’s Welcome.
Tickets for Private Fears in Public Places at the LBT are from £6 to £9 from 01484 430528 or www.thelbt.org
