Hidden agenda in farce rewrite

THE Watermill Theatre in Bagnor is to stage a new adaptation of a 19th century farce next month.

Charley’s Aunt, written by Brandon Thomas and first performed in Bury St Edmunds in 1892, has been adapted by Rob Madge, the creator of My Son’s a Queer (But what can you do?).

The story follows the antics of two students, Charley and Jack, who have to get around the character of Spettigue before they can each declare their love, to Amy and Kitty.

Charley’s aunt is expected to arrive imminently, but when she is delayed, a few mix-ups involving mistaken, new and true identities follow.

Finally, all the confusion is unravelled to great triumph at a riotous dinner party.

Rob says: “We are still setting the piece firmly in Victorian England but there might be one or two surprises along the way. I can guarantee a night of laughs, joy and pride.” The cast includes Jonathan Case as Charley Wykeham, Richard Earl as Spettigue, Elijah Ferreira as Eli Delahay, Max Gill as Babbs, Mae Munuo as Amy Spettigue, Yasemin Özdemir as Kitty Verdun, Maggie Service as Donna Lucia d’Alvadorez and Benjamin Westerby as Jack Chesney.

Directed by Sophie Drake, set and costume design is by Alex Berry, lighting by Ben Jacobs and sound by Russell Ditchfield. The music score is composed by Lauryn Redding.

Stage management is by Cat Pewsey, CSM, Fern Bamber, DSM, and Natalie Toney, ASM, with casting by Cydney Beech.

Charley’s Aunt is at the Watermill in Bagnor, near Newbury, from Friday, October 3 to Saturday, November 15.

For more information, call the box office on 01635 46044 or visit www.watermill.org.uk