CURTAIN SET TO RISE ON PREMIERE OF BRAND NEW BEHIND THE SCENES DRAMA

The premiere of a brand new play written by two local actors who first worked together more than 20 years ago at the Chester Gateway Theatre is set to take place at an historic city centre venue.

Staged by theatre company Against The Grain, the play, 'Curtains' written by Stuart Evans and Mark Newman is set to receive its premiere at St Mary's Creative Space in Chester from Monday 1^st - Wednesday 3^rd and Friday 5^th July at 7.30pm. The play will be directed for Against The Grain by Marian Newman.

Curtains' marks the first script writing collaboration between Stuart and Mark who first worked together some 21+ years ago in a production of classic John Godber comedy "Bouncers" at the Chester Gateway Theatre. Having worked together numerous times over the years since and with more than 50 years’ experience between them in professional and amateur theatre as actors, directors and writers, they have drawn on their experience and those of others to write the play which tells the story of actors Dominic and Percival who meet an audition. 20 years later, having become close friends, they share a dressing room when appearing in an 'innovative' production of 'Hamlet', swapping anecdotes with older colleagues and complaining about younger ones, but still waiting for their big break. 

The play lifts the lid on what really goes on "behind the scenes" from inflated egos and professional jealousy to backstage gossip, love affairs and first night nerves. Featuring an 8-strong cast, ‘Curtains’ is by turns hilarious and poignant, with characters who are immediate, relatable, funny and genuine. 

'Curtains' will the 10th production to be staged by the company since its debut production "Worldy Women" by Jan Bengree at Stoyhouse in 2019. Since then, the company, founded by Mark Newman, Stuart Evans, Marian Newman and Paul Crofts has gone on to stage productions at venues including Chester Little Theatre and The Live Rooms including most recently 'Agnes of God' and 'Roleplay' at Chester Little Theatre. 

Speaking about the play, Director Marian Newman said:

"Drawing on their 21+ years of experience working together in local theatre, Stuart and Mark have created a touching and funny play which reveals a great deal about the intrigue that goes on backstage, which is often a mystery to many audiences. The play explores all sorts of relationships, great friendships amongst actors and others not so amicable, and shows us hilarious 'faux pas' which are often all part of putting on a play. If you thought it was all glamour, think again, the play shows many of the hopes, dreams, aspirations and disappointments which are all part of an actor's life. It's proved to be an interesting experience directing a play which draws on the fascinating world of theatre and working with actors who will be familiar faces to Against The Grain's audiences as well as some newcomers to the company who bring their own experiences to their characters in the play." Marian added "We are looking forward to introducting our audience to Stuart and Mark's brand-new play in what is a new venue for us at St Mary's Creative Space."

Full details of 'Curtains' can be found at: 

www.ticketsource.co.uk/against-the-grain 

...where tickets can be booked online.

Pictured - Actors Laura Smith (centre), Fiona Wheatcroft, Craig Woodcock, Thomas Parry, Ray Bengree, Mark Newman and Stuart Evans rehearse a scene from 'Curtains' 

Photo credit: Paul Crofts/Against The Grain.