Shades of MATES: A multi-threaded journey of comedy and music

MATES Theatre Society invite patrons to partake in an evening of laughs and music at their upcoming production Shades of MATES which will open at the Birkdale School of Arts Hall on Friday, 2^ND July.

Celebrating their twentieth year, MATES will blend some familiar faces with those who are new to the group when they present two, one-act plays and showcase some of the group’s exceptional singing talent in an exciting format which is perfectly suited to the relaxed, theatre-restaurant atmosphere offered by MATES Theatre Society.

MATES’ veterans Mark Harrison, Gary Annable and Marnie Went are in charge of Shades of MATES’ three components: two, hilarious one-act comedies and a selection of favourite songs from movies like Fame and Grease.

Mark Harrison opens the evening with the Ian Austin one-act play titled Be Prepared, a comedy about a dotty old lady who is desperate to sell her home fully furnished, however her plans go astray when her sister gives all her furniture away to the Boy Scouts.

Shades of MATES blends familiar faces such as original MATES member, Marnie Went, in the lead role of Calliope Syndrone; and appearing in her first show with the group we are pleased to welcome Charlotte Hoffman to our stage as the prospective buyer for Calliope’s home.

Gary Annable will close MATES’ multi-threaded evening of entertainment with the Frank Vickery comedy Split Ends, a comedy which takes place on the day when couple Cyril and Nancy are meeting their son Norman’s new girlfriend Susan.

Cyril is in denial about his baldness, and when he loses his wig behind the lounge he is forced to don one of his wife’s turban hats before he can come downstairs for a family lunch.

The story spirals into hilarity when Susan loses a contact that Cyril accidentally swallows and immediately starts choking; as they are preparing to take Cyril to the hospital they find his missing wig – or so they think which leads the story towards its hilarious conclusion.

MATES’ ticket prices include a light supper at interval and group bookings are encouraged to take advantage of the group’s relaxed theatre-restaurant atmosphere where a licensed bar is available.

2010 is MATES Theatre Society’s twentieth year and the management committee of the group extend a special thank you to their friends and supporters, with whom MATES have shared a special bond with since 1990 and they look forward to welcoming you and your friends to one of their performances of Shades of MATES.