Weds 26 th – Sat 29 th April 2023
The Hospital Players are shortly performing ‘Haywire’ at the Plowright Theatre in Scunthorpe,as part of their 80th Anniversary Celebrations.
The comedy sees how Alec has craftily organised his life so that he can nip off with his assistant, Liz while his wife Maggie is away. However, unexpectedly, Maggie acquires a puppy and various ailing and injured members of the family arrive in rapid succession. They all require his attention. Can Alex resolve these problems and
make his escape?
The author, Eric Chappell, was born in Grantham in the 1930’s and passed away, in Grantham, only last April. His notable works include ‘Rising Damp,’ ‘Only When I Laugh’ and ‘Duty Free’. These are much loved sit-coms from the late 70s and early 80s. Jan Gregory, the director, chose the script because ‘it’s a gentle comedy with events that can happen to anyone’ she also says ‘at least, it sometimes takes me an age to
get out of the house through phone calls, forgetting something, people turning up unexpectedly, lost keys etc’. Jan is impressed how well the rehearsals are going, especially considering the short time that we have had to rehearse and prepare everything since our last play.
‘Haywire’ was also performed by the group in 2005 where Graham Wells, who plays the part of Alec the bookshop owner, plays the same part again. Melanie Mason, who plays Maggie, was also in this 2005 production playing a different part. Jan, the director, has been a member of Hospital Players for 45 years. She joined in 1978 when she was dragged along by a ‘new best friend’. There she found a group of like – minded, similar aged, people with a good sense of humour and they had many social events such as meals, parties, quizzes, theatre trips etc.
Jan has performed in many, many plays during this time and has also directed about 18 plays, while passing on her knowledge and experience to others. ‘All of the plays I have directed have been very enjoyable’ she says ‘but I have to say that our 200th production – ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ will always be special because the group were unexpectedly asked to do Shakespeare and they trusted me to give them a play they could remember.
Every active member took part and the Drama Federation groups agreed to staff each night. It was a joy! I have to say that it is always a joy to see people enjoying what they are doing and sending others home with a smile. I said I would take the group to the 80th year and here we are!’
Jan also says ‘The Hospital Players give people a wonderful hobby and a place to make long lasting friendships’.
‘Haywire’ can be seen at The Plowright Theatre, Laneham Street, Scunthorpe, DN15 6JT from Weds 26 th – Sat 29 th April 2023 at 7.30pm.
You can buy tickets from the Box Office or from Haywire – The Hospital Players -Scunthorpe Theatres at £10 each (plus booking fee)
OR we have a special offer of buying 2 tickets for £15.75 on The Hospital
Players’ website https://www.thehospitalplayers.co.uk/apps/webstore/ The
offer closes on the 13 th April 2023.
Scunthorpe Nights 