​Sean O'Casey's Juno and the Paycock is the next production at the Chesil Theatre, Winchester. The Boyle family is struggling for survival in a Dublin tenement room during the Irish Civil War. “Captain” Jack Boyle - the “peacock” of the title - spends his time avoiding work and drinking with his sidekick, Joxer, while his wife, Juno, tries to keep her family together. The news of an unexpected inheritance promises to bring about a change for the Boyle family - but will it?
 
Director Cecily O’Neill said: “2016 is the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising and its violent aftermath is still affecting the family at the centre of the play. The hilarious philosophising of the Paycock and Joxer pitched alongside the courage and strength of the women in the face of misfortune have made this one of the classic dramas of the 20th century.  


​Saturday March 12-19 at 7.45pm;  matinee Saturday 19 at 2.30pm
Tickets from £11 chesiltheatre.org.uk

​Two groups from Winchester’s Chesil Youth Theatre performed new plays on 4th and 5th February 2016 – each topical and relevant to the age group.
 
Chesil Theatre juniors, aged 8 to 11, looked at the changing nature of children’s playtime, comparing 1970 to 2016. Through a time portal, youngsters glued to their mobile phones, tablets and computer games met their counterparts with skipping ropes and space hoppers. When the reverse took place and the 1970s children were catapulted into today’s generation, they found themselves puzzled. Why did no one go outdoors to play? What had happened to chatty family mealtimes together? Play was written for the Chesil Youth Theatre by their director, Corinne James, herself a Drama Therapist and the theme gave rise to interesting discussions during rehearsal. Corinne commented: “Given the choice, all the children opted for playing with others rather than relying on electronic gadgetry.”
 
I’m Spilling My Heart Out Here by Stacey Gregg was the choice for the senior group, performed as part of the National Theatre Connections 500 project. This was the story of a group of secondary school students, involving typical teenage themes – virginity and how to lose it, being “outed” at school, the activities of a creepy man at the local cafe and his attempts to lure girls through free drinks. The writing was not easily accessible and presented a challenge to the nine-strong cast. Gemma Wilson and Helen Kearns came over particularly well with their strong yet sensitive performances. The play will be performed again at St John’s Church in March with the possibility of being chosen for one of the National Theatre’s partner venues later in the year.
 
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​Reading:    Friday February 26      7.45pm
Auditions:   Saturday February 27    11am
                  Sunday February 28     7.45pm

Performances Saturday May 21-28

With signs that Spring is well on its way the Chesil Theatre, Winchester, is holding auditions for Amy's View, its fifth production of the Season to be performed at the end of May  This strong, rich play is the saga of a family’s complex relationships and varying fortunes over 16 tumultuous years.
 
First performed at the National Theatre in 1997 with Judi Dench, Ronald Pickup and Samantha Bond in the cast, Amy's View shows David Hare at the height of his powers. As Amy is buffeted along on a rollercoaster of love, fame, betrayal and integrity, the audience  feels ever more drawn into the life of a family that is immersed in the attitudes and values of the 1980s and 1990s. It also has shrewd observations on celebrity and the role of theatre.     
 
Director Caroline Helcke says: "There are strong parts for three men and three women, five of whom have the enjoyable challenge of showing changes in personality and maturity as time passes."

The reading is on Friday February 26 at 7.45pm followed by open auditions on Saturday 27 at 11am and Sunday 28 at 7.45pm, all at the Chesil Theatre. Newcomers are always welcome.

The Chesil Theatre in Winchester is pleased to announce that its fifth biennial 10x10 Playwriting Competition is now open for submissions. Playwrights have until midnight, 22 April 2016 to submit a ten-minute play on a theme inspired by the life, lyrics and/or legend of David Bowie.
 
Ten winning plays will receive their premiere over one weekend in October 2016 at the 10x10 New Writing Festival, where they will be produced, directed and performed back-to-back at the Chesil Theatre. Each play will receive at least three performances.
 
Deborah Edgington, Chesil Theatre’s 10x10 Producer, said: “This year’s 10x10 will pay homage to David Bowie, one of the most creative geniuses of our time, who inspired many generations with his music, fashion and different personas.” She goes on to say “The aim of 10x10 is to discover, promote and produce the very best new writing of 10-minute plays.
 
In 2008, the Chesil Theatre hosted its first 10x10 event, showcasing the work of the local Nuffield Theatre’s Writers’ Group. Since then 10x10 has grown to become a national competition attracting entries from all over the UK. We are looking forward to receiving a rich and diverse range of plays.”
 
Guidelines and a submission form are available to download from the Chesil Theatre’s website: www.chesiltheatre.org.uk Follow 10x10 on twitter @ChesilTheatre #10x10Plays
 
For further information please email 10x10@chesiltheatre.org.uk