Richmond Amateur Dramatics Society (RADS) will present two short performances in Richmond Town Hall as part of the 950 Years of Communications exhibition this Bank Holiday Weekend.
At 1pm, 2pm and 3pm on Sunday and Monday, Mr and Mrs Dangle (Gregan Davis and Barbara Hughes) will be reading their morning newspapers and discussing the state of theatre.
Enter Mrs Sneer (Kath Torbet) with two new playscripts for The Critic to consider.
This opening ten-minute scene from Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s The Critic will be assisted by postmaster Albert Morton (travelling back in time) from whom Mr Dangle will collect his papers in the 950 Years of Communications Exhibition 1907 Post Office.
Postmaster Morton will be making further appearances at 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm when he delivers three letters from Jane Austen to her sister, Cassandra, which were written between 1796 and 1813.
Cassandra Austen will be played by Martha Templeton — past winner of the Raymond Corbelly Memorial Youth Award for the best performance in a RADS production by an actor under 25.
Jane Austen’s letters will be interspersed with a poem Hymn to the Moon by Lady Mary Wortley Montagu [1689-1762]. Lady Mary is also known for introducing and advocating smallpox inoculation in Britain in 1721 – some 50 years before Sir Edward Jenner found fame!
Barbara Hughes, well known from folk nights around Richmond and RADS actor, will read Lady Mary’s poem and also sing (a capella) My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose, the late 18th century Robert Burns’ poem set to music.
Costumes for the occasion have been provided by The Georgian Theatre Royal.
The 1904 Post Office set in the Town Hall was created by RADS.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, the Pigeon race planned for this Saturday has been postponed.
For information on Celebrate Richmond 950 and other planned events please visit www.richmond950.co.uk or pick up a leaflet in Richmond Information centre and other outlets in the Town Centre.
The Celebrate Richmond 950 organisers are grateful for the support of Richmondshire District Council through the Community Investment Fund and other sponsors and organisations.
