Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Mistaken identities, unrequited romances, riotous plot twists and hilarious confusion take centre stage at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge in One For The Pot, a brilliant British farce that will have audiences laughing out loud from July 26 to August 12.
The story behind this side‐splitting tale revolves around Billy Hickory Wood, a young man determined to prove that he is the only surviving child of a rich mill owner in order to claim a hefty inheritance.
Because this is a farce, it turns out that there are indeed several other would‐be heirs to the Hickory Wood fortune ... all of whom emerge from the woodwork to vie for the money. Trouble is, each successive arrival looks exactly identical to Billy Hickory Wood, which naturally leads to an ever‐escalating series of mix‐ups, faux pas, and hare‐brained schemes.
“One For The Pot is one of the best farces ever written – it’s relentlessly funny, full of outrageous characters, and packed with clever plot twists that keep audiences guessing... and laughing,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “The show is executed with brilliant comic finesse by a terrific cast of performers – audiences are in for a treat.”
Director Marcia Kash brings this madcap farce to life with the razor‐sharp wit, and frenetic pacing required to maximize the bountiful humour in the script. Kash trained as an actor at The Drama Centre in London, England, and began her career at the Royal Court Theatre in the West End. She has directed both musicals and plays across the country including The Ladies Foursome, Boeing Boeing, Run For Your Wife, Too Many Cooks, Who’s Under Where? and See How They Run for Drayton Entertainment.
The creative team also includes Set Designer Allan Wilbee, who in typical farcical fashion ensures there is a dizzying array of entrances and exits on the elaborate set; Costume Designer Ivan Brozic, whose period attire distinguishes each of the comical claimants; and Lighting Designer Lyle Franklin, who skillfully illuminates the abundance of tomfoolery on stage.
Audience favourite Eddie Glenn brings his signature hyperkinetic energy to the stage as Billy Hickory Wood. The chameleonic Glen not only plays Billy, but convincingly portrays four
different Hickory Wood characters – each complete with different personalities and regional accents – with seeming ease and undeniable stage presence. Glen charmed audiences earlier this season in The 39 Steps at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse where he also played multiple comedic characters. Other Drayton Entertainment credits include It Runs in the Family, The Pirates of Penzance, Spamalot, Les Misérables, and Man of La Mancha.
Tim Funnell is the crafty, cockeyed ‘solicitor’ Charlie Barnet. With deceit dripping behind every devious smile, he manages to be both cunning and charming as he slyly pursues his secret agenda.
David Leyshon rounds out this comedic trio as the coy house servant, Jugg. He delivers the laughs through long‐suffering looks, contorted facial expressions, and exaggerated silent body language.
Veteran actor Brian Tree assumes the identity of Jonathan Hardcastle, the rich mill owner who is trying to stay in control of his chaotic household. Tree spent twenty‐seven seasons at the Stratford Festival playing roles like Touchstone in As You Like It, Stephano in The Tempest, Erronius in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Oswald in King Lear and more. Sarah Higgins is suitably wide‐eyed and innocent as Jonathan’s daughter, Cynthia Hardcastle, whose love life and every move are scrutinized by her overprotective father.
Accomplished actress Andrea Risk is his wacky sister, Amy Hardcastle, while Kyle Golemba finds a terrific balance between stuffiness and suaveness as the beguiling art critic Clifton Weaver. Amanda Leigh mines laughs as Billy’s histrionic wife, Winnie, and Douglas E. Hughes is the ever‐amusing amusing solicitor, Arnold Piper. Newcomer Jason Huska rounds out the cast.
Written by Ray Cooney and Tony Hilton, One for the Pot is British farce at its finest – or perhaps more aptly, richest. It was the first collaboration for Cooney and Hilton and its original 1959 London production ran for four and a half years. One for the Pot was the start of a long and successful writing career for Cooney who was also no stranger to the stage. He penned many classics of the genre, including Not Now, Darling and his most famous work, Run for you Wife.
One for the Pot is proudly sponsored by Document Imaging Partners and Frank’s Maintenance Products. Media Sponsors are the Jewel 92, CJCS 1240, The Cambridge Times and The Expositor. Design Sponsors are Bugs or Us, Cambridge Hyundai and Bells & Whistles Solutions. The 2017 Media Season Sponsor is CTV.
One for the Pot runs at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge from July 26 to August 12. Tickets are $46 for Adults and $27 for Youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for groups of 20 or more and select Discount Dates are $37. HST is applicable to all ticket prices. Tickets can be purchased online at www.draytonentertainment.com, in person at the Box Office, or by calling 519‐621‐8000 or toll free at 1‐855‐DRAYTON (372‐9866).
Photo: Eddie Glen. ©2017 Hilary Gauld Camillieri.
2017-07-20
Cambridge: British farce "One for the Pot" starring Eddie Glen runs July 26-August 12