Stage is set for return of live indoor theatre to Lytham

The Fylde Coast Players are to present the Alan Ayckbourn comedy Relatively Speaking at the Lytham venue in October and rehearsals are well under way.

Director Rosie Withers agreed to research, cast and plot a play which can be rehearsed and performed under strict social distancing restrictions - and to aid the current Covid regulations, the four characters in the production will be played by two real-life couples.

Kath and Tim Greenwood will feature as Sheila and Philip and Tim Withers and his partner Sophie Cartmell as Greg and Ginny.

“I spent quite a lot of time reading small cast plays until I remembered this one, and realised that all the challenges could be overcome,” said Rosie.

“By casting two actual couples, it meant that they are two households, which is workable on stage, and each pair are able to be close physically where necessary. “The stage hands are also a couple in real life, so they can work together and there are no real costume changes needed, so dressing rooms are hardly required.

“The set can be built and taken down while distancing too, and one technician will be able to cover both lighting and sound, as the requirements for those are minimal.”

With much of the action set in a garden, rehearsals have been taking place in Rosie’s garden when the weather permits, while the theatre auditorium, when not in use, has been made available by Tim Lince of the managing Lowther Trust, who is keen to promote the return of live theatre.

Tim said: “The rebooting of amateur theatre at Lowther is a significant step forward to a full reopening. This has always been a community venue and it is really important that the community is represented as we reopen the venue.

“We are tremendously thrilled to be able to encourage and provide a safe venue for the amateurs when so many other theatres in the country are closed,”

With social distancing in place for the audience, the capacity has reduced from 450 to 120 people per show, which means a very tight budget and no spare money to buy costumes or props, so everything we need has to come from existing stores or borrowing from Society members.

“Directing the play under all the restrictions has certainly been a huge challenge, but I’m really enjoying trying to find ways to overcome all the obstacles,” said Rosie. “Society chairman Teresa Mallabone is so supportive and determined to keep amateur theatre alive and kicking.”

The play will run from October 21 to 24. Ticket details from 01253-794221.