Playing with uplifting words

By Rosalind Gibb

Last updated 11:46, Thursday, 09 October 2008

CARLISLE Green Room will be serving up an entertaining slice of theatre next week, with a farcical comedy by PG Wodehouse.

Wonderful: Frank Cosgrove, left, as Almady and Mark Davidson as Albert Adam in The Play’s The Thing

Set in a castle on the Italian Riviera, The Play’s The Thing tells the story of two playwrights and a composer working on an operetta. They overhear a conversation which has wide-ranging implications and becomes incorporated into their production.

The play is directed by theatre stalwart John Metcalfe, who also plays Sandor Turai.

Other cast members include Sharron D Bulman as Ilona Szabo, Frank Cosgrove as Almady, and John Newbery, who plays Johan Dwornitshek.

“We had never done any PG Wodehouse, and one day I was in the library and found a book containing four of his plays,” explained John. “I thought I would see if they have dated and read The Play’s the Thing, and was quite taken with it.

“It’s quirky and different. It’s about how to write a play and then becomes a play within a play. It’s very funny. The English is immaculate, and as I get older I like to be lifted up by language, not taken down.”

John was originally only going to have the role as director, but due to casting problems he now has one of the leading roles. “We have had problems casting this year, and again couldn’t get enough men,” he explains. “It is not ideal, but it is a lovely part. I am retired now so I have the time, and fortunately I am still able to remember my lines!

“The audience can sit back and relax, and enjoy the play and the wonderful use of English.”

The Play’s The Thing runs at West Walls Theatre from Monday to Saturday. Tickets £7/£6, available from Carlisle TIC. Call 01228 625600.