Get ready for a masterclass in comedic chaos as we bring Peter Gordon’s hit play, “Out of Focus,” to the stage. The story begins with a classic disaster: a simple scheduling error at the local church hall. What should be a quiet badminton game, a serious talk on steam locomotives, and a high-stakes Brownie meeting quickly devolves into a hilarious showdown. When the dust settles, this mismatched group of strangers—and bickering spouses—finds themselves strong-armed by the vicar’s very flustered wife into performing an emergency pantomime.

At the heart of the hilarity is a cast of characters you’ll surely recognise from your own neighbourhood—though perhaps slightly more “magnified.” From the formidable, clipboard-wielding Helen Beever to the awkward train enthusiast Leonard, the friction is immediate and electric. Watch as Bob and Kath navigate their crumbling marriage under the watchful eye of a “sexy secretary,” while a sweet, genuine romance blooms between the only two sane people in the room. It’s a comedy of errors where personal secrets are harder to keep than a rehearsal schedule, and the “private” lives of these villagers become very public, very quickly.

As the group attempts to pull together a production of “Super Cinders,” you’ll witness the transformative power of the stage—or at least the hilarity of trying. “Out of Focus” is more than just a farce; it’s a witty, observant look at the quirks of human nature and the unlikely bonds formed in the middle of a mess. Whether you’re here for the sharp-tongued banter, the physical comedy of a disastrous rehearsal, or the heartwarming moments of growth, this production promises an evening of laughter that stays perfectly in focus. Don’t miss out on the most entertaining hall-booking disaster of the season!

And who is in that photograph?

CharacterPlayed by
Helen BeeverDeborah Chivers
Sue DixonEmma Hoban
Evonne DuckworthKathie Wilkinson
Kath EnfieldJane Sharp
Bob EnfieldBen Gardiner
Leonard TrotterBrian Shaw
Wayne BryantDavid Smith
David WrightRichard Oldroyd
Linda HammondHelen Bestley

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International on behalf of Josef Weinberger Ltd.
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