The St. George’s Players, Forest Hill’s amateur dramatic society, are delighted to present their production of Rope by Patrick Hamilton. A gripping vintage thriller made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s screen adaption, the Players invite their audience to a dinner party with a twist as two friends attempt the perfect crime to get away with murder – literally.
Rope cast
Set in London in 1929, Rope tells the story of Wyndham Brandon, an upper-class university student who persuades his weak-minded friend Charles Granillo to assist him in the murder by strangulation of a fellow undergraduate. So assured are they of the astuteness of their plan that they place the body in a wooden chest in the middle of their parlour and invite a group of friends and the deceased’s family to a dinner party – with the chest serving as supper table. All goes according to plan for Brandon and Granillo until one of their guests suspects foul play. As a storm brews outside and the tension builds within, who will be first to crack?
Bringing Rope to life presented an interesting experience for director Stephen Gaskell, chairman of the St. George’s Players, and the 8-strong cast. He explains: “For this particular production, we have decided to stage it “in the round” rather than on a regular stage. This way the audience will get the opportunity to be a fly on the wall in Brandon’s Mayfair home, and we hope to create a more intimate style of performance.”
With the excitement about the impending opening night growing, the St. George’s Players have even more reason to celebrate as this year marks their 80th anniversary. Whilst being a dramatic society with a long-standing tradition, the Players are always looking for new members with all levels of experience who are keen to get involved on-stage and off. Anyone who is interested should mark 30 June in their diary for the group’s AGM at the Honor Oak Pub. Upcoming events include a reading in July as well as auditions for the autumn production in August.
Performances will take place on 28, 29 and 30 May, starting at 8pm and doors opening at 7.30pm at St. George’s Church on Vancouver Road in Forest Hill, SE23 2AG.
Tickets cost £8.50 and include a free show programme (no concessions available).
They can be pre-ordered via email on [email protected] or over the phone on 07941 108 886. Raffle tickets will also be available on the night.
Details on dates and ways to get involved can be found on www.st-georges-players.org.uk as well as www.facebook.com/StGeorgesPlayers and www.twitter.com/StGsPlayers
