Behind the Scenes Archives – Page 2 of 2

Q&A with ‘The Government Inspector’ director – Thomas Joy

The world-famous comedy The Government Inspector opens in December, and we caught up with director Thomas Joy to find out more about the show, how rehearsals have been going, and why the show is just as relevant in 2021 than it ever has been! Tell us a little about The Government Inspector – what can audiences expect to see? I think it’s best to start by saying that above all, The Government Inspector is fun. It’s an absolute riot, filled with preposterous characters, silliness, and innuendo, it really is a comedy that caters for all. Set in a small provincial town ‘in

Anne Boleyn: The Costume Challenge

Wokingham Theatre is no stranger to period productions and the requirement for many beautiful costumes. In March 2020, Anne Boleyn was due for curtain up at the dress rehearsal when COVID pulled the plug. Costumes were made, altered, hired and allotted to the actors. Dressing rooms were laid out with all the accoutrements and we were set to go. Fast forward 19 months and here we are again, but many of the costumes look a little different. Rosemary Matthews was the costume lead on this show and, together with her team, had packed the costumes into storage. Those hired pi

Q&A with ‘Abigail’s Party’ director Liz George

The classic Mike Leigh comedy Abigail’s Party opens later this month, and in advance of the drinks party from hell, we caught up with director Liz George to get her take on the play, her approach, and the songs she’d add to the perfect 70s party playlist! Abigail’s Party is such a classic – when did you first see it, and what made you so interested in directing it? I first discovered Mike Leigh when my sister took me to see his film Life is Sweet at the Hexagon in Reading, over thirty years ago. I remember feeling at the time this was completely different to anything I

Q&A with ‘September in the Rain’ director Alan Long

With September in the Rain opening in early July, we had a (socially distanced) sit down with director Alan Long to find out more about his approach to directing the first show back at WT in over a year! What is it about John Godber’s script for September in the Rain that drew you to the play? Being married to a Yorkshire girl, Rachel, with a large extended Yorkshire family, I recognised the authenticity of John Godber’s writing. The straight talking, blunt humour, and the ability to disagree about everything is very familiar! The pictures on the website for September In Th