York Theatre Royal Studio, 5 – 15 April
York Settlement Community Players (YSCP) return to York Theatre Royal’s Studio this Easter with one of Tom Stoppard’s wittiest and most moving plays, The Real Thing.
This award-winning play of surprise and wit has beguiled audiences since it was first performed in 1982. It follows Henry – possibly the sharpest playwright of his generation – who is married to Charlotte, an actress. Max is married to Annie. Henry has written a play about a couple whose marriage is on the brink of collapse. Charlotte and Max, his leading couple, are about to find out that sometimes life imitates art. This exploration of love and infidelity will have audiences questioning: “What is the real thing…?”
YSCP’s last production was Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike at Theatre@41 in November. The company presented Alan Ayckbourn’s Woman in Mind in the York Theatre Royal Studio last year.
The Real Thing is directed by Jacob Ward, who said, “I’m very excited for an audience to interact with our modern-day version of this play. Its subject seems simple but, as we see through the eyes of various characters, we realise its complexity, and enjoy having our views on love and relationships broadened. The writing is nothing short of genius – it really is; even after twenty plus times of reading, I am still finding impossible connections and meaning. It is a joy to direct and will be a thrill to watch – hilarious, heart-warming and thought-provoking all in one. We have a brilliant cast of actors to take you on the journey and a truly dedicated production team to bring the play to life. I can’t wait to add the audience.”
Alan Park, chair of Theatre@41, takes on the role of Henry. Alice May Melton, last seen in York Mystery Plays Supporters Trust’s 2022 production of A Nativity of York, plays Annie. She is joined by a cast of both YSCP regulars and newcomers; Victoria Delaney (Charlotte), Mike Hickman (Max), Rebecca Harrison (Billy), Hannah Waring (Debbie), and Alexandra Logan (Brodie).
This amateur production of The Real Thing is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.