Comedy on a shoestring (From Bucks Free Press)

Princes Risborough group put on comedy on a shoestring

3:10pm Saturday 4th February 2012 in Freetime By Jade Coulon

AN AMATEUR dramatics group from Princes Risborough hope for sell out audiences with their version of a 1950’s comedy classic.

For their 10th play since they began in 2000, Shoestring Productions’ will stage Peter Coke’s Breath of Spring, at Whitecross Hall in Monks Risborough this February.

The period comedy takes place at the home of Dame Beatrice Appleby, who houses a group of middle-aged guests and maid Lily. To repay Dame Beatrice for her employment, despite her criminal past, Lily gives her a fur cape she stole from neighbours.

One of the guests, a retired Brigadier, deploys fellow guests to return the filched fur. The campaign is so successful and thrilling, they want to keep the excitement in their lives so steal fur, sell them and give the proceeds to Dame Beatrice’s favourite charities.

Last year’s performance of Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit sold out and the group are hoping to repeat success this year. Theo Read, who will play Dame Beatrice, said: “We really need people to come and see us. Last year we had our highest audiences ever with four full houses so we’re hoping this year we can match that.

“If you come to see us, audiences can expect a pleasant evening of gentle comedy.”

Funded entirely by ticket sales, the group chose Coke’s comedy because of their tight budget.

Mrs Read said: “We’ve done a previous play by Peter Coke before, we did a Fool’s Paradise two-years-ago and we really enjoyed it and got positive feedback from our audience.

“Also like our name suggests, we do things on a shoestring and his plays suit that.”

With less than four weeks to go until opening night, the group are looking forward to getting on stage.

Mrs Read said: “All the nerves and anxiety have passed and now we’re just really excited to perform.

“I will still get nervous on the night though.”

The group will be performing on the evenings of February 16, 17 and 18 with a matinee performance on the 18th.

To book tickets call David Shuttle on 0843 289 7501.