A Really Truly generous night at the theatre

FROME’S Really Truly Theatre Company, who had sellout performances of their comedy drama Lockdown Blues recently, are presenting Polly Lamb’s second play Celebrate Me, at the Merlin Theatre on 8th June and the Rondo Theatre in Bath on 9th June. 

Polly wrote Lockdown Blues as a response to the difficulties faced by women at the height the pandemic. Her new play is also a funny, life-affirming and moving look at the lives of another six women, this time with a focus on family relationships and all that comes with them, including caring for someone who isn’t always the easiest of people to have around.

Members of three local charities will have the chance to enjoy a night at the Merlin Theatre to watch the play, along with their volunteer mentors, thanks to four generous local businesses. The groups are Active and In-Touch, Fair Frome and the Frome Carers’ Group which all support people in the town and surrounding villages in various ways, including helping people to feel more connected through mentoring by volunteers and providing access to social activities with support.

Cooper and Tanner Estate Agents, Harris and Harris Solicitors, Bluebird Care Company and Gavin Eddy of The Old Church School are the kind-hearted sponsors of this scheme and have all donated tickets.

A member of the company and cast, and also a volunteer with Active and In-Touch, Suzy Howlett, said, “This is such a lovely opportunity to help more people in the town to engage with fun activities, and we are very grateful to the generous spirit of these local firms. Frome is a warm-hearted community and there is much excitement among the ticket holders, who are so looking forward to their trip.”

The play is set in the present day and in the 1940s. It centres around Barbara who is turning 92 and delighted that her birthday preparations are in full swing. The music will be vintage, the buffet won’t be beige, and the guest list is nearly complete. Dutiful Laura is buckling under the burden while her sister, Michelle, sips herbal tea and aligns her chakras. But behind the party balloons and banners, Barbara and her granddaughter, Sophie, are planning an alternative celebration which could shake up the relationships of six women for good. Visitors to the theatre can find out where the pieces fall as they join Barbara and her family in this engaging, funny and moving new comedy drama.

Really Truly Theatre Company has been attracting the praise of critics. Gaye Pirie Weir, of the Fine Times Recorder, said, “Touches of Alan Bennett in the skill of its writing. An exceptional treat” while John Christopher Wood of The Bath Echo said, “…they all vividly, wittily, poignantly, angrily, tearfully, bring the audience a fascinating glimpse of their individual worlds…never less than riveting insights brought to extraordinary life by six gifted actors. Magic.”

“Rehearsals are in full flow and tickets are selling very fast, so don’t leave it too late,” said Suzy.

Pictured: The Cast of Celebrate Me.