The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of MACBETH
About the play
The Farndale Macbeth is a delightful comedy about a group putting on a play. But this not just any old group, this is the Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society, and this isn’t just any old play. Mrs. Reece and her troupe of enthusiastic actors and backstage crew are about to embark on one of their greatest theatrical challenges – performing the ‘infamous Scottish play’ written by the one and only William Shakespeare. They’re hoping to reach the finals at Welwyn Garden City and are pinning their hopes on impressing the festival adjudicator, Mr. Peach. Under his scrutiny, the Farndale ladies are going to perform their hearts out, despite the curse that every thespian has heard of what surrounds ‘the Scottish play’. Unfortunately, for the Farndale ladies, the curse is alive and kicking when everything that possibly can go wrong, does.
Watch the Farndale ladies break every rule of theatre and some that haven’t even been written yet.
Behind the scenes…
Our cast members have been enjoying their time in rehearsals recently. Here are some of our favourite images so far!
Let’s Meet the Cast
Mrs Reece played by Helen Royle
“I love live theatre but my absolute favourite is pantomime (oh yes, it is) and I am lucky enough to have been in many (I've lost count) with the Players, and indeed directed a few too.”
George Peach played by Ashley Hamp
“I spent many years in the West End as a tour booker for Bill Kenwright and as a theatre manager at The Dominion Theatre.”
Henry played by Ian Loi-Mason
“I played a servant in Macbeth in a company production many moons ago and this is the first time I’ve touched on Shakespeare since. This production Farndale Macbeth is fun, and I hope you enjoy it.”
Thelma played by Ruth Hambleton
“The Farndale Avenue Macbeth is a gripping and absolutely ‘Laugh Out Loud’ play, only made better by my wonderful fellow actors and the epic talent which is my sister’s direction! I really do hope that you come to watch - as I’m sure you will have as much fun in the audience as we are having on stage!”
Plummer played by Peter Cliffe
“I had done very little acting, apart from school, until joining the Festival Players in 1996. Since then, I got the bug and was given a leading role in Hobson's Choice and went on to perform in Hedda Gabler and various pantomimes.”
Minnie played by Stephanie Evans
“I've been with BFP since I was 12 and over the (many) years have played many roles in plays and pantomimes. My favourite plays have 'Once a Catholic' and 'Calendar Girls', where yes, I did bare all tastefully on stage!”
Felicity played by Pia-Zara Warburton
“A little history; I have been in productions throughout my childhood, such as Aladdin, Annie, dance school shows and the King and I at Tameside Hippodrome, all of which I loved!!
I even auditioned to be Jane in Mary Poppins in the West End.”
Dawn played by Samantha Wightman
“I’ve recently joined the Festival Players after 20 years since last stepping foot on stage. My first role with them was in the January 2023 Cinderella where I played Hagan the Horse (the whole horse before you ask if I was the front of the back!).”
Kate played by Amanda Rosenberg
“I have no drama experience but the BFP made me feel so welcome, I stayed. 2020, Hansel & Gretel, I moved onto playing the smaller role of Klaus the Ringmaster, with an assortment of moustaches which made the character.”
Our Director
Rebekah Tomkinson
'Hi, I’m Becky and I’ve been with the Festival Players for 7 years, both on the stage and off it. Joining for the pantomime Sleeping Beauty in 2016 as part of the band, I moved up to Musical Director the following year. Eventually, I joined the cast of the pantomimes in various roles, including Sinbad (Sinbad the Sailor), Wally (Hansel & Gretel) and most recently Buttons (Cinderella).
I’ve decided to take a step back from treading the boards and take on the challenge of directing 'The Farndale Macbeth'. I took part in this show many years ago and it’s always been one of my favourites, and, when given the chance to put it on, I snapped it up! I can’t wait to show our audiences how amazing, funny and just brilliant this play and our cast is. Make sure you get your tickets! The Farndale Macbeth will have you laughing out loud!'
Production Gallery
Here are some wonderful photo’s from the production!
Photo Credits: Brittany Miralles and Rebekah Tomkinson
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