Tell Tale Theatre’s “The Chairs” @St George’s Hall

Last week I was invited to a top secret hideaway to see the rehearsals for Tell Tale Theatre’s new production of Eugène Ionesco’s The Chairs.

Tell Tale Theatre is a not-for-profit Liverpool-based community and voluntary company set up in June 2010 by drama specialists Emma Whitley and Leanne Jones. At rehearsals the group took my breath away with their vitality, fun and endless enthusiasm.

Director Rob Kavanagh – a veteran of the RSC, West End, BBC, Anthony & Cleopatra at The Liverpool Playhouse – worked a charm on his excitable young cast to shape a tragic farce that still includes a whole load of fun.

The Chairs is usually a two-person cast – the Old Man and the Old Woman – who may, or may not have lost their aged minds, but TTT gives us a unique take on the traditional with six guys and six girls playing the old couple preparing for guests who may or may not be there.

If you’re not familiar with the story, the ending is both ironic and shocking; but ultimately the old man and the old woman take the most positive step they can in the face of their existence.

The Chairs is on at St George’s Hall on Saturday 8 February at 2pm and 7.30pm. Phone up and book a ticket for this lively and unique performance.

The cast with Director Rob Kavanagh at rehearsals –  click for bigger pics!

Tell Tale Theatre – Great News!

Tell Tale Theatre the new local amateur theatre company has now reached the final 8 of the Sky Arts ‘Stagestruck’ competition.

Huge congratulations to Emma, Leanne and the rest of the team at Tell Tale.

‘Break a leg’ for the next stage.

Tell Tale Theatre – From Strength to Strength

I blogged about these guys a few months ago when they produced 1984. They have now been shortlisted for Sky Arts latest competition to find the best amateur theatre group in the country!

The prize is to perform a play on a West End stage and have the performance beamed into millions of homes across the country.

They are now in the final 20 which will be whittled down to a final 8 over the coming weeks. The choice is by a public online vote so let’s see those fingers fellow Liverpudlians!

You can watch Tell Tales 5 minute performance at www.skyarts.co.uk/theatre-drama/stagestruck/ and cast your vote. The deadline is 6-00am on 30th August so no time to lose.

Congratulations to Emma and Leanne from Tell Tale who have had the gumption and guts to start a drama group in the middle of a recession and make it happen! Truly inspiring!!