CURTAIN SET TO RISE ON A HEARTWARMING COMEDY

Final rehearsals are underway and roles are up for grabs as a popular Chester city centre theatre prepares to stage the first play of its new season.

Chester Little Theatre is preparing to open its doors for the launch of its new season with heartwarming comedy 'Ladies Day' by Amanda Whittington which will be staged in the Liz Stafford auditorium from Saturday 14^th September - Saturday 21^st September at 7.30pm. The play will be directed for Chester Little Theatre by Jonathan Johnston (Waiting for Godot) and Dani Zebrowska (Road).

Set at Royal Ascot the year it took place at York, 'Ladies Day' tells the story of four women from Hull as they swap their factory overalls for fancy hats and attempt to attend the iconic event and end up on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and the enduring strength of friendship, placing their bets on life, love, and each other. First produced in at Hull Truck Theatre in 2005, 'Ladies Day' has become a firm favourite with theatre audiences.

Speaking about the play, Dani Zebrowska said: 

“This audience-favourite show is the perfect way to start the new season at Chester Little Theatre, with its gentle humour, twists and turns, and heartwarming moments. It’s such a fun play to direct, and our cast are wonderful – Jonathan and I are really looking forward to welcoming you all to Ladies’ Day.”

Producers at the theatre are also looking to cast a crucial role in their upcoming production of 'Translations' by Brian Friel. Set in 1833 in Ireland, it tells of the British army's campaign to survey the country and in the process, replace the native Gaelic place names with English ones in order to bring about a political union. 

The play's director Jane Barth is looking to cast the role of Manus, a male character in his 30s.

Speaking about the role, Jane said:

'Manus is a kind, thoughtful man who is engaged to Maire, but she is impatient with him because he still works for a father who takes him for granted. The chance comes for Manus to leave home and get a good job but the fate of the missing English soldier gets in the way. Will the soldier be found? Will Manus be able to marry his sweetheart and start a teaching career unfettered by his father?  Manus is an interesting character in a complicated historical setting."

Anyone interested in auditioning for the role of Manus should contact director Jane Barth at:

info@chesterlittletheatre.co.uk

... to register their interest.

Other plays in the theatre's new season include 'Hansard' by Simon Woods staged by visiting company Against The Grain from Wednesday 9^th  - Saturday 12^th October and an adaptation of 'The 39 Steps' which runs from Saturday 11^th  - Saturday 18^th January.

Full details of 'Ladies Day', 'Translations' and all upcoming plays in Chester Little Theatre's new season can be found at: 

www.chesterlittletheatre.co.uk 

...where tickets cab be booked online.

Pictured - Cast members rehearse a scene from 'Ladies Day' which is set to be staged at Chester Little Theatre.