'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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