Previous Productions > 2010s
Previous Productions from the 2010s
It Could Be Any One Of Us
by Alan Ayckbourn, directed by Marlene Poole
January 2010 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
In a crumbling country house, an aspiring composer lives with his dysfunctional family, all dependent on the tyrannical head of the household. When a murder is committed, suspicion falls on everyone. A darkly comic thriller from the master of modern British drama.
| Cast | |
| Mortimer Bendish | Colin Wilkins |
| Amy | Sandra Gilbert |
| Norma | Marlene Poole |
| Brinton | David Jell |
| Charlie | Steve Keogh |
| Det. Insp. Doreen Trotter | Jean Belt |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Sandra Gilbert |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
Rough Crossing
by Tom Stoppard, directed by Sally Lovejoy
May 2010 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
Set aboard an ocean liner in the 1930s, two playwrights are desperately trying to finish their new musical comedy before the ship docks in New York. A hilarious farce of mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and theatrical chaos on the high seas.
| Cast | |
| Sandor Turai | Colin Wilkins |
| Alex Gal | Steve Keogh |
| Adam Adam | David Jell |
| Natasha Navratilova | Sandra Gilbert |
| Ivor Fish | Joey Stevens |
| Dvornichek | Martin Lawrence |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Marlene Poole |
Come Blow Your Horn
by Neil Simon, directed by Gill Brain
September 2010 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
Neil Simon's first Broadway hit tells the story of two brothers - one a swinging bachelor, the other still living at home. When the younger brother moves in with his older sibling, family chaos ensues in this warm and witty comedy about growing up and breaking free.
| Cast | |
| Alan Baker | Joey Stevens |
| Buddy Baker | Danny Robins |
| Mr Baker | Colin Wilkins |
| Mrs Baker | Marlene Poole |
| Connie Dayton | Sandra Gilbert |
| Peggy Evans | Sue Whiteley |
| A Visitor | Jean Belt |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
Dead Guilty
by Richard Harris, directed by Marlene Poole
January 2011 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
A woman recovering from an accident begins to suspect that her husband and her best friend are having an affair. As she investigates, she uncovers a web of deceit that leads to a shocking and deadly conclusion. A gripping psychological thriller.
| Cast | |
| Julia Darrow | Sandra Gilbert |
| Gary Prescott | Steve Keogh |
| Margaret Doyle | Marlene Poole |
| Anne Clark | Jean Belt |
| D.I. Hallam | Colin Wilkins |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
Nobody's Perfect
by Simon Williams, directed by Sally Lovejoy
May 2011 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
A successful novelist discovers that his wife has been writing his books for him. When she decides to write under her own name, the battle of the sexes takes a hilarious turn. A sharp comedy about marriage, ambition, and the price of success.
| Cast | |
| Leonard | Colin Wilkins |
| Harriet | Sandra Gilbert |
| Simon | Joey Stevens |
| Maria | Marlene Poole |
| Doris | Jean Belt |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
Lend Me A Tenor
by Ken Ludwig, directed by Gill Brain
September 2011 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
A world-famous Italian tenor is due to perform at a local opera company but passes out after taking too many tranquillisers. A young assistant is persuaded to take his place, leading to a riotous evening of mistaken identity, slamming doors, and operatic mayhem.
| Cast | |
| Saunders | Colin Wilkins |
| Max | Joey Stevens |
| Tito Merelli | Steve Keogh |
| Maria | Sandra Gilbert |
| Maggie | Sue Whiteley |
| Diana | Marlene Poole |
| Julia | Jean Belt |
| Bellhop | Danny Robins |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
What Is Susan's Secret?
by B.C. Horsfall, directed by Marlene Poole
January 2012 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
Susan has a secret that threatens to disrupt the lives of everyone around her. As family and friends try to discover the truth, a series of comic misunderstandings and revelations unfold. A light-hearted comedy of manners with a surprising twist.
| Cast | |
| Susan | Sandra Gilbert |
| Gerald | Colin Wilkins |
| Mrs Frobisher | Jean Belt |
| Rosemary | Marlene Poole |
| Derek | Steve Keogh |
| Janet | Sue Whiteley |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
Oh! What A Lovely War
adapted by Joan Littlewood, directed by Sally Lovejoy
May 2012 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
A satirical musical about the First World War, told through the songs, sketches, and statistics of the conflict. Originally created by Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop, this powerful piece contrasts the jingoistic songs of the era with the horrifying reality of the trenches.
| Cast | |
| Ensemble cast including: Colin Wilkins, Sandra Gilbert, Steve Keogh, Marlene Poole, Joey Stevens, Jean Belt, Sue Whiteley, Danny Robins, David Jell, Deborah Watkins, Martin Lawrence, Clare Brown |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
Entertaining Angels
by Richard Everett, directed by Gill Brain
September 2012 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
Grace, a vicar's widow, is struggling to come to terms with her husband's death and the discovery of his secret life. As she sorts through his belongings with the help of friends and family, she confronts some uncomfortable truths. A moving and often funny exploration of grief, faith, and forgiveness.
| Cast | |
| Grace | Sandra Gilbert |
| Sarah | Marlene Poole |
| Ruth | Jean Belt |
| Bardolph | Colin Wilkins |
| Nick | Steve Keogh |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
Cat's Cradle
by Leslie Sands, directed by Marlene Poole
January 2013 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
A suspenseful thriller set in a remote cottage where a young woman finds herself caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Nothing is as it seems, and as the tension builds, the audience is kept guessing until the very end.
| Cast | |
| Helen | Sandra Gilbert |
| Tom | Colin Wilkins |
| Eunice | Jean Belt |
| Andrew | Steve Keogh |
| Mrs Carter | Marlene Poole |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
Curtain Call
by Peter Quilter, directed by Sally Lovejoy
May 2013 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
An ageing actress prepares for one last comeback performance, but backstage dramas threaten to upstage the show itself. A witty and affectionate comedy about the theatre, the egos of its inhabitants, and the show that must go on.
| Cast | |
| Vera | Sandra Gilbert |
| Geoffrey | Colin Wilkins |
| Mabel | Marlene Poole |
| Robin | Joey Stevens |
| Paula | Sue Whiteley |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
Dead Man's Hand
by James Cawood, directed by Gill Brain
October 2013 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
A group of friends gather for a poker evening, but the stakes turn deadly when old secrets are revealed. As the evening progresses, the tension rises and alliances shift in this gripping thriller where nothing is quite what it seems.
| Cast | |
| Jack | Steve Keogh |
| David | Colin Wilkins |
| Rachel | Sandra Gilbert |
| Tony | Joey Stevens |
| Lucy | Jean Belt |
| Mike | Danny Robins |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
The Enchanted April
adapted by Matthew Barber, directed by Marlene Poole
January 2014 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
Four very different women escape post-war London to spend April in an Italian castle. As they bask in the Mediterranean sunshine, each woman undergoes a personal transformation. A charming and uplifting comedy about friendship, renewal, and the healing power of beauty.
| Cast | |
| Lotty Wilton | Sandra Gilbert |
| Rose Arnott | Sue Whiteley |
| Mrs Graves | Jean Belt |
| Lady Caroline Bramble | Marlene Poole |
| Mellersh Wilton | Colin Wilkins |
| Frederick Arnott | Steve Keogh |
| Antony Doyle | Joey Stevens |
| Costanza | Deborah Watkins |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
House Guest
by Francis Durbridge, directed by Sally Lovejoy
May 2014 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
A charming stranger arrives at a couple's home claiming to be an old friend. But as the evening wears on, his true motives become apparent and the hosts find themselves drawn into a dangerous web of intrigue. A classic Durbridge thriller full of twists and suspense.
| Cast | |
| Robert | Colin Wilkins |
| Stella | Sandra Gilbert |
| Victor Doyle | Steve Keogh |
| Mrs Lancaster | Marlene Poole |
| Inspector Doyle | Joey Stevens |
| Janet | Jean Belt |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
Ladies of Spirit
by Alan Melville, directed by Gill Brain
October 2014 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
A group of spirited ladies find themselves in an unexpected situation that tests their resourcefulness and wit. With sharp dialogue and comic timing, this play celebrates the indomitable spirit of women who refuse to be overlooked.
| Cast | |
| Mrs Templeton-Doyle | Marlene Poole |
| Sylvia | Sandra Gilbert |
| Constance | Jean Belt |
| Dorothy | Sue Whiteley |
| Margaret | Deborah Watkins |
| The Major | Colin Wilkins |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
Par for the Course
by Deryck Guyler, directed by Marlene Poole
January 2015 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
Set in the clubhouse of a golf club, this comedy follows the misadventures of the members as they prepare for their annual tournament. With rivalries, romances, and a fair share of cheating both on and off the course, it is a light-hearted romp through the world of amateur sport.
| Cast | |
| Captain | Colin Wilkins |
| Vera | Sandra Gilbert |
| George | Steve Keogh |
| Dorothy | Marlene Poole |
| Jim | Joey Stevens |
| Mrs Henderson | Jean Belt |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
The Accrington Pals
by Peter Whelan, directed by Sally Lovejoy
May 2015 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
Set during the First World War, this powerful drama follows the women left behind in Accrington as their men march off to join the famous Pals battalion. A moving portrayal of hope, loss, and the devastating impact of war on a small Lancashire community.
| Cast | |
| May | Sandra Gilbert |
| Tom | Joey Stevens |
| Eva | Sue Whiteley |
| Ralph | Steve Keogh |
| Sarah | Marlene Poole |
| Reggie | Danny Robins |
| Annie | Jean Belt |
| Bertha | Deborah Watkins |
| Arthur | Colin Wilkins |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
Prescription for Murder
by Norman Robbins, directed by Gill Brain
October 2015 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
A doctor's seemingly perfect life begins to unravel when a mysterious visitor arrives at his surgery. As dark secrets come to light, the prescription turns deadly in this classic whodunit from the pen of Norman Robbins.
| Cast | |
| Dr Richard Doone | Colin Wilkins |
| Barbara Doone | Sandra Gilbert |
| Eric Doone | Steve Keogh |
| Julia Fenwick | Marlene Poole |
| Inspector Dodd | Joey Stevens |
| Mrs Hammond | Jean Belt |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
Recipe for Murder
by Norman Robbins, directed by Marlene Poole
January 2016 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
Another fiendish thriller from Norman Robbins. When a family gathers at a grand country house, old grudges and new tensions simmer beneath the surface. The recipe calls for revenge, and the ingredients prove to be deadly.
| Cast | |
| Doris | Jean Belt |
| Evelyn | Sandra Gilbert |
| Victor | Colin Wilkins |
| Charles | Steve Keogh |
| Marguerite | Marlene Poole |
| Roger | Joey Stevens |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
Round and Round the Garden
by Alan Ayckbourn, directed by Sally Lovejoy
May 2016 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
Part of the celebrated Norman Conquests trilogy, this comedy is set entirely in the garden of a large Victorian house. Norman's attempts to organise a romantic weekend away lead to a hilarious chain of misunderstandings, jealousies, and comic confrontations among the assembled family members.
| Cast | |
| Norman | Joey Stevens |
| Annie | Sandra Gilbert |
| Sarah | Marlene Poole |
| Reg | Colin Wilkins |
| Ruth | Sue Whiteley |
| Tom | Steve Keogh |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
The Ladykillers
adapted by Graham Linehan, directed by Gill Brain
October 2016 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
Based on the classic Ealing comedy film. A gang of criminals rent rooms from a sweet old lady, using her house as a base to plan their heist. But when she discovers their plot, they decide she must be silenced - only to find that the old dear is more than a match for them all.
| Cast | |
| Mrs Wilberforce | Marlene Poole |
| Professor Marcus | Colin Wilkins |
| Major Courtney | Steve Keogh |
| Louis | Joey Stevens |
| Harry Robinson | Danny Robins |
| One-Round | David Jell |
| Constable MacDonald | Martin Lawrence |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Sandra Gilbert |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
The Perfect Murder
by Peter James, directed by Marlene Poole
January 2017 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
Victor Smiley has endured years of marriage to his nagging wife Joan. When he begins planning the perfect murder, he discovers that someone else may have beaten him to it. A darkly comic thriller based on Peter James's bestselling novel.
| Cast | |
| Victor Smiley | Colin Wilkins |
| Joan Smiley | Sandra Gilbert |
| Don | Steve Keogh |
| Kamila | Sue Whiteley |
| Inspector Roy Grace | Joey Stevens |
| DS Branson | Danny Robins |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
The Reunion
by Ben Elton, directed by Sally Lovejoy
May 2017 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
A group of former university friends gather for a reunion dinner, expecting a pleasant evening of nostalgia. But as the wine flows, old wounds are reopened and long-buried secrets come tumbling out. A sharp, funny, and ultimately moving comedy-drama from Ben Elton.
| Cast | |
| Bob | Colin Wilkins |
| Jenny | Sandra Gilbert |
| Paul | Steve Keogh |
| Laura | Marlene Poole |
| Rick | Joey Stevens |
| Tina | Sue Whiteley |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
A Letter from the General
by Maurice McLoughlin, directed by Gill Brain
September 2019 - The Arts Centre, Swindon
A mysterious letter arrives at a country house, setting in motion a chain of events that will change the lives of everyone within. As the contents of the letter are gradually revealed, family loyalties are tested and long-held assumptions are challenged.
| Cast | |
| The General | Colin Wilkins |
| Margaret | Sandra Gilbert |
| Henry | Steve Keogh |
| Elizabeth | Marlene Poole |
| Captain Forbes | Joey Stevens |
| Mrs Jenkins | Jean Belt |
| Backstage Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Steve Keogh |
| Lighting | David Jell |
| Sound | Martin Lawrence |
| Properties | Deborah Watkins |
| Prompt | Clare Brown |
