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One for the Road by Willy Russell September 19-26 7.45pm

28/8/2015

Dennis is less than enamoured with his gift from Jane and Roger. His wife Pauline looks on, concerned. Photo: Tony Rogers

The 2015-2016 season at the Chesil Theatre, Winchester, opens with a witty, observant comedy, One For The Road. Written by Willy Russell, the Liverpool playwright is best known for Shirley Valentine, Educating Rita, Our Day Out and Blood Brothers.

All is not well on the Castlehills Estate, where the new homeowners vie for social status. Puerile vandalism in this upwardly mobile area has resulted in decapitated garden gnomes, foaming water features and a Venus de Milo statue with added arms.

Only Dennis and Pauline's garden has escaped so far. Roger and Jane, their pretentious neighbours, are determined to uncover the culprits. Could it be the Parnes kids… or could Dennis’ dread of his approaching 35th birthday, along with his dissatisfaction of his life and its John Denver records and poshed-up cottage pie, offer any clues?

The play has all Russell's signature flair for humorous dialogue with the underlying darkness of people knowing their youth has past and with it their wild ambitions.

Director Jim Glaister is tackling his first full length play at the Chesil. As well as directing for 10x10 between 2010-2014, he has directed several short films, winning awards at the Winchester Short Film Festival in 2013 and 2014.

Jim said: "As well as being very funny, One For The Road is rich with subtext about lost dreams, mid-life crisis, materialistic aspirations and disillusionment - which makes it all the more enjoyable to direct."

One For The Road opens on Saturday September 19th 7.45pm and runs until 26th with a matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday 26th

Tickets from £11 available online at chesiltheatre.org.uk or by calling 03336 663366.

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Chesil announces 2015 - 2016 Season packed with journeys through time and place

18/8/2015

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'One for the Road' (September 19 - 26), is a comedy set on a new housing estate, where all is not well. Decapitated garden gnomes, foaming water features and new neighbours vying for social mobility make this a witty commentary on life in the mid 1980s. Written by Liverpool playwright Willy Russell it has all his signature flair for humorous dialogue with underlying darkness.

Then it's off to Yorkshire for J. B. Priestley's classic of small town life 'When We Are Married' (November 14 - 21). A silver wedding anniversary celebration for three respectable couples is brought to a sudden halt by a shocking revelation. Priestley's sharp observations on marriage, class and keeping up appearances at all costs results in mayhem as they try to stop the embarrassing secret coming out. 67

The adventures of Richard Hannay follow in 'The 39 Steps' (16 - 23 January 2016) Hitchcock's film, based on Buchan's novel, has been adapted by Patrick Barlow for four actors who play 130 characters. Out hero's travels take him from London to the wilds of Scotland and dangerous encounters with secret agents and beautiful women as he seeks to save his country. Hilarious and gripping in equal parts the play ran in the West End for nine years.

'Juno and the Paycock', by Sean O'Casey (12 -19 March) is set in 1920s Ireland, a country torn apart by Civil War. Juno tries to keep her family together while "Captain" Jack - the peacock - avoids work, drinks, and philosophises with the ne'er do well, Joxer. News of an unexpected legacy brings hope of better times. The courage and strength of the women makes this one of the great dramas of the 20th century.

'Amy's View' by David Hare (21 - 28 May) is a heady mix of social comedy, politics, complex financial arrangements and trenchant opinions on culture which show David Hare at the peak of his powers. Written in 1997 it is a saga of a family's complex relationships and fortunes over 16 tumultuous years. Amy is buffeted along a roller coaster of love, fame, betrayal and integrity but will her very personal view prevail?

For 'Robin Hood' (July 12-16) the company makes their second appearance at Wolvesey Palace with the gardens standing in for Sherwood Forest. The swashbuckling version of the legend has been written by the Chesil's own Jonathan Edgington. The play combines all the traditional elements with brand new material in an exciting fun filled adventure.

"We aim to give our audiences a season of high quality theatre with something to appeal to everyone," said Martin Humphrey, the Chairman of the Society. "With our two youth groups and visiting productions the Chesil makes a vibrant contribution to Winchester and Hampshire life."

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Proud members of the Little Theatre Guild and the National Operatic and Drama Association

The Winchester Dramatic Society, registered company 1621492 in England & Wales at the Chesil Theatre, Chesil Street, Winchester SO23 0HU. Registered Charity 285043, limited by guarantee.

One for the Road by Willy Russell September 19-26 7.45pm

Chesil announces 2015 - 2016 Season packed with journeys through time and place

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