Sparklers - A Play by Frank Gibbons
Directed by Steve Hyde
Monday 26th to Saturday 31st January 2009
Armed with dustbin lids and iron railings, Rachael, Susan and Tommy are prepared to guard their modest bonfire pile against an expected raid by the dreaded Dawson Twins. But an even greater danger threatens to engulf them when one of the group is lured away by the Firework Man.
The Cast
Rachael - Joanne Bell
Mrs Ten Cats - Joanne Bell
Policeman - Eddie Bradbury
Travis - Eddie Bradbury
Grandad - Eddie Bradbury
Susan - Connie Brooksbank
Angela - Connie Brooksbank
Lisa - Shelley Ridler
Sandra - Shelley Ridler
Pauline - Shelley Ridler
Martin - Mat Hepplestone
Steve - Mat Hepplestone
Colin - Mat Hepplestone
Tommy - John Carroll
Billy - Anthony Dunne
Mark - Anthony Dunne
Reg - Anthony Dunne
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Photography by: Jessie Wright & Tony Birch
A CD of photographs from the show are available for 1.00, please contact us using the form on the contact page
Production Team
Set Building Team - Steve Hyde, John Carroll, Tracy Ireland, Marion Hurst, Irene Parker, Tony Birch, Mike Jordan, Freddie Pitts, Frank Gibbons
Set design - Steve Hyde
Theatre Artist - Tracy Ireland
Wardrobe Manager - Marion Hurst
Lighting Design - Tony Birch
Sound Operative - Norma Raif
Lighting Operative - Sue Thorp
Stage Manager - Mike Jordan
Properties - James Schofield
Continuity - Pat Hatton, Lynn Henry
Bar & Front Of House Staff - DLT Members
Artistic Director - Norma Raif
Production Co-Ordinator - Lynn Henry
Ticket Secretary - Peter Larkin
Marketing - Claire White
Poster Design & Production - Claire White
Programme Compilation - Alan Crozier
Review from The Tameside Reporter:
Play's a Sparkler
The fireworks aren't just in the sky in a sparkling new Droylsden Little Theatre production lighting up the stage. A modest bonfire pile is the backdrop for a tale of family strife and growing pains in the 1970s themed Sparklers.
While young sister act Rachael and Susan and nervous pal Tommy set out to protect their stack of wood from the dastardly Dawson twins, a bigger threat soon emerges.
While th eplay started life as a 20 minute script, the hard-working cast ensure the near two-hour show never drags or loses direction. The hapless haul of wood, and a lack of fireworks, is symbolic of the woes of the impoverished trio.
Lacking parental love and guidance, the three must make a tough journey to maturity with the frightening Firework Man on the loose.
Playing youngsters who have not reached double figures in age is a challenge the adult cast meet with skill. The script is laced with jokes - and even a smattering of industrial language - to keep the action moving swiftly.
Comedy distractions are plentiful - from brash bully Mark to conniving chancer Reg through to sneaky journalists who will do anything for a good story.
Beneath the good-humoured veneer lies a heart warming story of children standing together and making the best of the poor hand they ahve been given.
The talented team of thespians work at break-neck speed to ensure that the plays 17 characters are portrayed by just seven performers.
Eddie Bradbury, Shelley Ridler, Mat Hepplestone and Anthony Dunne all take on three characters each (ranging from grandsons to grandads to mothers and daughters) while its double duty for Connie Brooksbank and Joanne Bell.
Although John Carroll gets a breather by performing just one character (timid Tommy) he made up for it by helping with the set building.
Like the characters they become, the team work together in challenging circumstances to make for a firecracker performance that heats up a winter January evening.
You can see Sparklers which will be at Droylsden Little Theatre until Saturday, with performances starting at 7.45pm. To book your seat, call (0161) 370 7713.
Review by Chris Maxwell
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