During the lockdown, Carolyn Spice, a long-time member, and stalwart of Hexagon Theatre Company issued a Writing Challenge to Hexagon members. This has resulted in Hexagon’s next two productions.
Tim Presland wrote Circus of Desertion for the Stroud Theatre Festival and it was all ready to perform when Covid struck and, very disappointingly, the play had to be cancelled at short notice.
However, those who were planning to come will be pleased to hear that this play will now be performed at the Cotswold Playhouse in February with some extra scenes added.
Tim said: “I have written fiction for many years but mainly short stories and novels, some of which are self-published. This was the first time I have written a play with specific actors in mind. I didn’t really know how it would end when I began. It started with the idea of a retired university professor awaiting an interview with a journalist and just went from there. I was delighted with the way it turned out with stellar performances and expert direction from Mary Moore.
“It was bitterly disappointing to have to cancel at the last minute but I am sure we will come back stronger than ever. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I have enjoyed writing and performing in it. It’s been the experience of a lifetime.
“Carolyn rose to her own challenge and came up with a full-length play, Breaking the Ice. For the Mansell family, Christmas is a time of well-established traditions and rituals. Not this year though, as a sudden change in the weather sends them and their unexpected guests along a completely different path. This is a heart-warming and often funny play about friendship, marriage and the prospect of retirement.”
Carolyn added: “Hexagon has some very talented actors in their 60s and it is not always easy to find plays – so I wrote one for them! I have been thrilled seeing how the cast has taken the characters and made them their own – they have really come alive. With plenty of time in lockdown, I set about writing this play – about another sort of lockdown.”
You can see Breaking the Ice at the Cotswold Playhouse from Thursday 9th – Saturday 11th December at 7.30. Tickets (£12) from www.cotswoldplayhouse.co.uk or on the door.
