THE Castle Players is busy preparing for its annual winter tour which will see the company visiting ten community centres and village halls with one of J B Priestley’s most popular plays – When We Are Married.
Described as a “Yorkshire farcical comedy”, this gentle satire on marriage and relationships is set in a small Yorkshire town in 1908.
Three couples, now local worthies, who all married at the same chapel on the same day 25 years ago have come together to celebrate their silver wedding anniversaries.
All is well until they learn that the minister who officiated at their weddings was not licensed to do so.
Director Laurence Sach said: “It’s a wonderful comic conceit.
“It lets us see the pomposity and self-importance of some of the characters as they become aware of the potential shame and scandal – especially as one is a local alderman and another a councillor. It’s also the perfect opportunity for some home truths to come out about their relationships.”
Anyone who has seen past productions by the Castle Players’ will see some familiar faces, including Ian Kirkbride who is also a local town councillor.
The tour opens at The Witham, Barnard Castle on Saturday, January 12. Tickets are available online at www.thewitham.org.uk or from the box office on 01833 631107.
Other venues include:
Gainford Academy Theatre, Sunday, January 13, 3pm. Contact 01325 733140
Newsham Village Hall, Saturday, January 19, 7.30pm. Contact 01833 621300 or 01833 621019.
Cotherstone Village Hall, Sunday, January 20, 3pm. Contact 01833 651980.
All Saints, Blackwell, Darlington, Saturday, January 26, at 7.30pm. Contact 01325 469891 or email: office@ allsaintsblackwell.org.uk.
Scarth Hall, Staindrop, Sunday, January 27, 3pm. Online: www.ticketsource. co.uk/date/429441, Staindrop Post Office or call 07950 625387.
St Mary’s Parish Hall, Barnard Castle, Saturday, February 2, 7.30pm. Contact 01833 637714/ 07708 586676.
St Cuthbert’s Centre, Crook, Sunday, February 3, 3pm. Contact 01388 205001.
Whorlton Village Hall, Friday, February 8, 7.30pm. Contact 01833 627419.
Romaldkirk Reading Rooms, Sunday, February 10, 3pm. Contact 07921 784690.
