TWO amateur theatre groups stage their latest productions next week and, by chance, both are mysteries.
Emley Drama Group has chosen The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins.
It’s a classic 19th-century mystery, adapted for the stage by Constance Cox, a scriptwriter and playwright and one of the first adapters for television.
She was a bit of an expert when it came to putting the classics on stage and happily tangled with the texts of the likes of Dickens, Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte and in this case, Collins.
Karen Kirkup directs this often staged piece and her extensive cast includes one professional actress (Helen Fullerton), plus many Emley regulars as well as those enticed to join the group from other societies.
The play opens at Emley Methodist Church hall next Wednesday and runs until Saturday. Performances start at 7.30pm.
And a word of advice for those not accustomed to Emley’s approach to amateur theatre; they do quality shows but also have lots of fun.
Programme reading is essential when you visit Emley - but remember this is a thriller and any laughing out loud at John Emms’s programme notes could easily be taken the wrong way!
Not too far away as the crow flies, at Shelley, the Pierrot Players are back in action with a production of supernatural thriller The Haunting Of Hill House.
The production at Shelley Village Hall shares the same nights and starting time as the Emley show.
The play is directed by actor and director Gareth Dickinson, well-known around the district for his acting skills and his musical talent.
He’s no slouch as a director either.
Here Gareth has been directing an experienced ensemble of actors that he has appeared with on stage himself.
Tickets cost £5 and are available from Shelley’s Spar Stores, Shepley Newsagents or by ringing 01484 608900.
The last two productions resulted in several full houses, so people are advised to book.
