'Bold choice' for Red Wall Community Theatre's next production in Ripon
A classic farce by Ukrainian-born Nikolai Gogol will be Red Wall Community Theatre's bold choice for their Spring production.
Founded in 2023, this progressive Harrogate-based theatre group will present Marriage: an Utterly Incredible Occurrence in Two Acts in Ripon from April 17-19
To do so, they have overcome a drama of their own.
Fortunately, the group's call for a new leading lady, after the original actor had to withdraw, was ably answered by Harrogate librarian Isabel Trigosa, whose lifelong passion has been theatre.
Former drama student Izzy sits on Harrogate Theatre board and sings with acclaimed choir Vocalis.
Gogol’s story is set in 19th century St Petersburg where chronically indecisive minor civil servant Podkolyosin engages a marriage-broker to find him a wife.
She alights on young Agatha Tikhonova, living with an aunt and likewise seeking a husband.
Director Marie Henderson's free adaptation adds a modern twist to what equates to speed-dating in Imperial Russia.
Red Wall also welcomes Colin Beveridge, a veteran of amateur theatre, as elderly suitor, Omelet.
Three more new members complete the cast: Gary Philpott, as effete suitor Anushkin, with Toby Holbrey and Jacqueline Adshead, as manservant and maid.
They join established players Joel Dean, James Reilly, Ray Black, Allison Clarke and Jan Williams.
Red Wall Community Theatre will present three performances in St Robert's Club Loft and a final performance with wheelchair access on Sunday afternoon at Ripon Arts Hub.
Tickets from www.buytickets.at/redwalltheatre or in person from St Robert's Club in Ripon, Monday to Friday, 7-10pm