PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The theatrical brainchild of two Plettenberg Bay thespians are about to delight audiences with their sixth production.
The Bitou Amateur Theatrical Society (Bats) are putting the final touches on their latest production, Agatha Christie's famous play The Mousetrap, which is set to hit the stage from 6 August.
While the society's name might suggest they are amateurs, previous performances have shown that they are able to stage top class shows. Some of the actors are new to the stage, but are supported by several stalwarts including one of South Africa's first television personalities and former professional actor David Hall-Green. As a result, the group has not only garnered a following on home turf, but also beyond Bitou's borders.
When Hall-Green and Roger Davis started the Bats in 2013, they never thought it would endure for so long. From their very first play, Murdered to Death, to their most recent Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward, their productions have proved to be very popular, playing to full houses and providing delight to live theatre enthusiasts.
The new play has achieved iconic status by running nonstop on the London stage for 67 years. The world premiere was at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham in 1952 and it then played continuously at various theatres before transferring to St Martin's Theatre in London where it has been running ever since.
Christie herself once said she believed the play would run for a maximum of eight months and was astounded when it kept on going to even greater global success.
"Many people in Plett will have seen it at some stage of their lives and it was also recently staged by Pieter Toerien in South Africa," Hall-Green said. Hall-Green has gathered a team of energetic amateur thespians around him for his latest venture. This time, some talented young locals will join the more experienced actors who have featured in past productions.
He added that the group has worked very hard over the past few months, learning their lines and were being directed by him in the art of performance.
"They have all discovered the magic of live theatre and can't wait to share it."
Hall-Green, who was a professional actor in the 1950s and 60s and had a 25 year journey with the SABC as radio personality, television presenter and news reader, said despite the fact that most of the actors have no prior acting experience, they work hard and attempt to deliver a professional production.
The gala opening of the latest play is scheduled for 6 August at 19:30 in the St Peter's Anglican Church hall. Tickets are R200. Other performances will then take place at the same venue from 7 to 10 August and will cost R130 per show. Tickets are available at the information kiosk at the Market Square Shopping Centre in Plett. All proceeds will be donated to the Plettenberg Bay Animal Welfare Service (Paws).
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