Couples in search of the suite life

2:21pm Friday 9th May 2008

FIVE couples, plenty of comical mishaps and one hotel suite make for a "fantastic" bittersweet comedy and the latest offering from the Chesham-based New Penny Theatre.

Written by Neil Simon, California Suite opens at The Elgiva, Chesham, on Tuesday night and marks New Penny's tenth production.

"If you like American comedy, there’s almost nothing better than this."

Jeff Eales

Co-director and actor Jeff Eales says: "We like to do good theatre and Neil Simon is certainly one of the foremost American playwrights.

"California Suite is beautifully written and very funny."

Written in 1976, the play revolves around the relationships of five very different couples, who, at different times, stay at the same hotel suite in California.

The first couple, played by Christian Evans and Susie Bullock, a long-time member with Chesham Theatre Company, hail from New York City and are engaged in a bitter custody battle.

In the second playlet, Jeff Eales portrays a man who wakes up with an unconscious prostitute in his bed.

His panic grows when he realises his wife (played by Lin Instone) is on her way up to the room.

The third act revolves around an eccentric actress, played by Caroline Russell, who has been nominated for an Academy Award and her "special" relationship with her gay husband (Jonathan Carter).

Last, but not least, the fourth playlet is a "madcap moment of physical comedy" that focuses on two affluent young couples who are best friends - until they go on holiday together.

The couples are portrayed by real-life husband-and-wife Mark and Adele Bolkonsky, as well as Jeff Eales and Debbie Taylor.

According to Neil Simon's own admission, the last scene is based on his real life experiences, when he and his wife went on a much-anticipated holiday with their two best friends and chaos ensued.

Jeff, who has been involved with local drama groups since he was a teenager, says: "Neil Simon always writes about things that have happened to him, and as a result he writes slice of life incredibly well."

Founded in 2003, the New Penny Theatre is one of the area's youngest theatre companies.

Good Morning television presenter and Bucks resident Fern Britton currently serves as the group's patron.

Jeff says: "She has been fantastically supportive and attended seven out of our last nine productions."

Now looking ahead to the opening night, which Jeff will co-direct with Paul Egan and Mark Thorburn, the company is hopeful that the light-hearted California Suite will prove popular with Chesham audiences.

Jeff adds: "If you like American comedy, there's almost nothing better than this, and there's nothing that beats live theatre comedy."

New Penny Theatre's California Suite arrives at The Elgiva, Chesham, from Tuesday, May 13 to Saturday, May 17, 7.45pm. Tickets: 01494 582900 or www.elgiva.com

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