A former Emmerdale star has been confirmed for the forthcoming Stevenage production of Alan Ayckbourn’s Bedroom Farce.
From Singin’ in the Rain director Catherine Lomax, the outrageously funny Alan Ayckbourn comedy opens at the Gordon Craig Theatre on Wednesday, October 5.
And creatives at the theatre in Lytton Way have confirmed that Gemma Oaten will be playing the role of Jan in the production.
Hull lass Gemma is best known for playing Rachel Breckle in ITV soap Emmerdale from 2011-2015.
Her other TV credits include Casualty and Doctors.
She tweeted: “So excited!!!! Can’t wait to get started @GCTStevenage x”
Also announced for the Alan Ayckbourn comedy is Ben Roddy, who will be playing Nick.
Ben trained at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art.
Since graduating he has worked extensively in all areas of the profession including theatre, radio, television and film.
He has appeared in 19 consecutive pantomimes, and will perform his eighth this season at The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, as the resident Dame.
This year Ben appeared in National Tours of Ayckbourn’s Round and Round the Garden, Ghost Train, Party to Murder, Blithe Spirit and co-produced and appeared in Don’t Dress for Dinner at Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne.
This summer he also appeared in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie.
Two of the stars of the Gordon Craig’s recent hit musical Singin’ in the Rain will also return to the Stevenage theatre for Bedroom Farce.
Cameron Leigh and Mike Denman have both been cast in next month’s production, with rehearsals due to start on September 19.
Cameron, who starred as Lina Lamont in Singin’ in the Rain, will be playing the part of Susannah.
Mike – Don Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain – will play Susannah’s husband Trevor.
Cameron tweeted: “So thrilled to be working with such talented actors in Ayckbourn’s Bedroom Farce @GCTStevenage!!”
Bedroom Farce is the story of four couples during one hectic and hilarious night.
It explores with pinpoint accuracy the trials and tribulations of married life, plus all of the humour and stresses it brings.
The action passes between the bedrooms of three married couples.
Delia and Ernest, both in their late 60s, are a stiff upper lip couple who are getting ready to go out for a meal to celebrate their wedding anniversary.
Malcolm and the big-hearted Kate are a ‘normal’ contented couple who are about to host a housewarming party, to which the other two couples, Jan and Nick, and Susannah and Trevor have been invited.
At the last minute Nick, having hurt his back, is unable to go.
The complicating factor is that Jan used to be Trevor’s girlfriend, and after Susannah and Trevor have a blazing row, Susannah finds Trevor kissing Jan.
Chaos reigns in their wake.
• Bedroom Farce opens on Wednesday, October 5 and runs until Saturday, October 8, with six performances in all.
Tickets cost £21.50, £19 and £16, with concessions £2 off. Tickets for the matinees on the Thursday and Saturday cost £17.50.
Evening performances are at 7.45pm and the two matinees at 2.30pm.
Call the box office on 01438 363 200 or book online at www.gordon-craig.co.uk
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