Frame Story

In a change to the published programme, June 30th brings us Frame Story by Joanne Bhouri.

"East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet…

It is 2010. Carl du Bois, once wunderkind auteur of 80’s epics – Dogs of War; Speedy Driver; Alien–ated; etc – is down on his luck. Fired from the studio following a run of turkeys, he hits on the idea of making one last film – a remake of El Cid.

"In search of funding, he and reluctant wife Sandra head out to the tiny North African state of Dharia to gain the friendship, trust, and, most importantly, the money of dictator President Azid Ben Amed.

"Against a backdrop of the Arab Spring and with washed-­‐up, ex-­‐alcoholic onetime film star Brandan Kennedy and pregnant girlfriend McCayla in tow, Carl sets out on his quest to create a truly special movie and realize his dream…"

7.30 at the Three Stags.

Winnie & Son

Last September Carmen Harris brought us Babylicious which proved to be a tremendous success. Now she's back with a tv comedy entitled Winnie and Son, which concerns "Winnie, a vagrant pensioner" who forges an unlikely alliance with "Sonny, an alcoholic suidical" type, "in a London squat of motherless souls".

 I may be wrong but it sounds like black comedy to me. Come along to the Three Stags on Monday 23rd to find out. The usual time, 7.30.

Back For More

Monday 16th June brings us a radio comedy by new writer Michael Barry.

"Charles Fraser M.P. relishes every moment of his life, and finds he is perfectly  placed as a Government minister to find ways to feed his large appetites for sex, food, and money.

It's a job to die for...and then come back for more?"

7.30 at the Three Stags.

Chris Campbell Speaks & Ping Pong

Can it really be more than four years since Chris Campbell last came to give us a talk? Seems so. Last time, he was the Literary Manager for the Royal National Theatre, where, among other things, he said they read every script that was sent there way. Do they operate such a regime at the Royal Court, where Chris now works? Come along on Monday at 7.30 to find out.

Then, after you've hit him with your questions and loaded him with scripts, there will be a short play by Eddie Coleman.

"Tanya wants to improve her game while Simone just wants to watch EastEnders. Walter thinks he’s a champion while Mark fears he’ll never be one. Ping Pong – a comic tale of teenagers, tantrums and table tennis."

Thus far I'm with Tanya.

The Three Stags. June 9th.