The Algarveans Experimental Theatre Group is going back to the seventies for their next production. ‘How the Other Half Loves’ by Alan Ayckbourn tells the story of three couples as their lives become hilariously entangled in a web of intrigue over the course of a few days.
David Butler-Cole, who is directing the play, is making sure that the set, costumes and cast are all looking like they are from the time of bell-bottom trousers and Abba. “We have been digging out old photos of ourselves and having a great laugh in our bid to recreate the seventies on stage in Lagoa in November,” he said.
The original production ran in the West End at the Lyric Theatre, with the classic English comic actor Robert Morley in the lead role of Frank Foster and was the best of a bunch of plays at the time which dealt with what was then called ‘The Permissive Society’ within the middle classes.
Algarveans’ actor Chris Winstanley, who is taking the part of Frank Foster in this production, said: “I have been fortunate to see the show twice in the UK and laughed my socks off both times.”
The rehearsals are well underway for the six cast members with David and his assistant director Ian McCullagh putting them through their paces. The Algarveans always like to welcome new members on stage and for this show Kevin Robinson is treading the boards for the first time playing the socially hopeless and confused William.
The play opens for three performances at 8pm from November 21 to 23 at Lagoa Auditorium. Tickets at €10 will be available soon.
