Fresh adaptation of classic play is to be launched in Harrogate and Ripon by Red Wall Theatre
A cutting edge Harrogate-based theatre group is preparing to present a classic farce by Gogol in Ripon and Harrogate.
Running from April 17-19, Red Wall Community Theatre will present a new production of Nikolai Gogol's 19th century farce Marriage: an Utterly Incredible Occurrence in Two Acts
This rumbustious satire on social mores will be given a progressive update in a free adaptation by writer and director Marie Henderson.
"Marriage perfectly satirises indecision and social pressure and its comedy feels strikingly relevant today,” said Marie, who trained in stage management at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, following an Honours degree, before working in professional theatre and becoming a crime fiction editor.
"My adaptation aims to rebalance the play, placing Agatha at the centre and giving her more agency.
"I've been fortunate to have a brilliant cast who bring it vividly to life.'
Languishing in his bachelor pad in St Petersburg, chronically indecisive civil servant Podkolyosin engages a matchmaker to find him a wife.
She finds young Agatha Tikhonova, who is similarly seeking a husband.
Kochkaryov, the scheming friend of Podkolyosin, must first bat away a line of grotesque rival suitors, before ensuring his dithering companion goes through with the ceremony.
Red Wall Community Theatre will be on stage at Harrogate's St Robert's Club on Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18, including a matinee, and in the afternoon on Sunday, April 19 at Ripon Arts Hub.
Tickets from www.buytickets.at/redwalltheatre
Or buy in person in cash at St Robert's Club.