FromeDrama are thrilled to return to The Merlin stage with two plays that explore the complex relationships between couples in very different ways.
Conceived while we were all in deep lockdown these plays have just two in the cast and have been rehearsed on zoom and outdoors.
The first play, which will be on 16th & 18th June is Constellations by Nick Payne. Director Andy Cork says “Have you ever wondered how your life could have turned out if those key events in your life had been different? What would your life have been like if you had gone to a different school; had different teachers even?
“The slightest change in circumstances can have the most profound effect. Constellations is the play that takes to those possibilities; makes you think about your own life. In the play we see the same scenes played out with different outcomes. Marianne, a cosmologist, played by Stephanie Mitchell and Roland, a beekeeper played by Ben Hardy-Phillips, meet at a barbeque.
“But what happens is different depending on which universe they are in. You will be profoundly moved as we see their relationship unfold over time; become engaged and moved as events take over their lives leaving them in different places. A magnificent play.”
The second play, which will be on 17th & 19th June is Two by Jim Cartwright.
Director Calum Grant says, “It is seven years to the day since tragedy hit a small pub. The landlord is played by Terry Butler. The landlady is played by Liz Hume.
“The husband and wife have each kept mute over the tragedy for seven years. The nicest things they throw at each other are insults. The very issue they try so desperately to avoid comes to a head in the final confrontation of the play.
“The Landlord and Landlady’s story is played out alongside a series of vignettes, also played by Liz and Terry, that show the different customers who drift in and out of the pub.
“Every vignette shows a different aspect of relationships and love. Some are very funny, some are much darker, but the play ends with a positive conclusion.”
Both Liz and Terry are new to FromeDrama but come with a wealth of acting experience.
Tickets available at £12/10 from www.merlintheatre.co.uk
