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 The innovative Peterborough Mask Theatre will become one of the
first amateur companies to stage Alan Ayckbourn's hilarious comedy
Comic Potential at the Key Theatre in May.
Comic Potential is set in the foreseeable future when everything is
changed except human nature.
When Adam Trainsmith, nephew of media mogul Lester Trainsmith, is
given the opportunity to meet his hero the legendary film director
Chandler Tate on the set of the daytime soap Hospital Hearts it
leads him to running off with a malfunctioning android actress!
Chandler, the faded Hollywood film director with a drink problem,
hates his job, is nostalgic for his movie days. His mood is not
helped by a hospital doctor with a serious vowel problem and a nurse
with an unprogrammed fit of the giggles. Adam takes an interest in
the giggling JCF31333, whom he christens Jacie Triplethree. As a
budding TV comedy writer, he decides to pitch a sitcom starring
Jacie, who begins to develop human consciousness . However, Jacie is
deemed to be malfunctioning and potentially dangerous. She is
ordered to be melted down but the lovelorn Adam and Jacie go on the
run pursued by the studio and the press beginning a touching and
comical romance between man and robot!
Unfortunately, in the outside world Jacie has no point of reference
except her own programming and her back catalogue of screen
characters producing bizarre and hilarious situations for Adam. As
the net closes in on the couple, Jacie faces a conflict between her
programming and her new experiences, not least from the lovestruck
and naive Adam.
As ever, Ayckbourn has created a colourful array of supporting
characters including the man-eating superbitch, Carla Pepperbloom,
who runs the studio with ruthless glee. The wheelchair-bound media
tycoon, Lester Trainsmith, who communicates via his 'speaker'
Marmion.
Comic Potential is a fascinating sharp satire and caper comedy that
is both funny and moving at the same time
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Rehearsals
Rehearsals have been continuing at Alwalton Village Hall with the
production switching to Lady Lodge Arts Centre this weekend where
the complete set, designed and built by John Crisp, will be
erected for the first of the dress and technical rehearsals.
Interview with Sir Alan Ayckbourn
An exclusive interview with playwright
Sir Alan Ayckbourn has been secured by Mask's Nick Gibbs. A
version of the interview can be found on the website but will also
feature in the Comic Potential programme. For more details
click here...
Regional College Link
Mask Theatre tied up with Peterborough
Regional College for the Comic Potential production poster and
programme cover. Students submitted a number of proposed designs
but the one by Sarah Corbyn was chosen. For more details about the
Regional College connection
click here...
or visit the College
website
McCain Foods Sponsorship
Mask Theatre's production of Comic
Potential is to be sponsored by McCain Foods (GB) Ltd. McCain is a
big supporter of Alan Ayckbourn's work including the original
production of the play at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in
Scarborough. Mask Theatre is one of the first amateur companies to
stage the play and we welcome the generous support of McCain Foods
(GB) Ltd. For more details on the McCain Foods sponsorship
click
here...
or visit the
McCain Foods
website
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TABLE MANNERS
Maureen Callon, who directs our forthcoming production of
Comic Potential recalls her lesson in timing in the November 1981
production of Table Manners where she played Ruth.
ABSENT FRIENDS
Mask Theatre actress Erica Danvers (Marge) recalls her
award-winning performance in this November 1984 production.
HOW THE OTHER
HALF LOVES
Mask Theatre staged this play in May 1989 at the Key Theatre.
Playwright Alan Ayckbourn reveals his unwarranted concerns about
the play.
GOSFORTH'S
FETE
Mask Theatre actor Martyn Norris (Gordon Gosforth) recalls the
fete at the festival of this 1990 touring production!
A CHORUS OF
DISAPPROVAL
Mask Theatre actress Pauline Hasted (Fay) recalls the sequel
to our December 1991 production of A Chorus of Disapproval!
SEASON'S
GREETINGS
Mask Theatre actor Ian Coundon (Eddie) recalls a festive feast
from this November/December 1994 production!
WILDEST
DREAMS
Director Cheryl McGuire recalls her approach to Ayckbourn's
Wildest Dreams that was staged in Peterborough and Germany in
February/March 1999.
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