Our November 2024 production is Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, adapted by Jessica Swale.

Elinor and Marianne Dashwood are left penniless after their wealthy half-brother cheats them of their fortune. They are forced to leave the comforts of Norland Park and relocate to a cold Devonshire cottage. When a devilishly handsome stranger arrives at Barton Cottage with the rain-drenched Marianne in his arms, the Dashwood girls are convinced that their fortunes are changed forever. Whilst the sensible Elinor pines for quiet Edward Ferrars, impulsive Marianne loses herself in the idea of her hero on horseback, and for a girl who feasts on poetry and music, what else is there to do in Devon but dream of rescue?

Jane Austen's subtle and witty novel of secrets and suppression, lies and seduction, brilliantly portrays a world where rigid social convention clashes with the impulses of the heart.

Performances:

Ticket Prices

£13.00, concessions £11.00

Thursday 14th November. Buy one get one half price (on cheapest ticket)

Bench members and Friends: Free

Next productions to be selected in October.

Our September 2024 production was Dear Jack, Dear Louise by Ken Ludwig

Award winning playwright Ken Ludwig's "Dear Jack, Dear Louise" is a poignant and engaging love story, filled with comedy and an uplifting sense of hope. Based on Ludwig's parents and the true story of how they fell in love during World War Two via letters, this play follows two strangers slowly falling for one another over a two year period.

Their letters become a conversation, and as we slowly learn more and more about these lovebirds, we begin to understand what an amazing accomplishment their love was. Not only to fall for each other only through the power of words, but also during one of history's and harshest times. It is impossible not to feel deeply involved in Jack and Louise's journey, and on this, the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, we invite you to join Bench Theatre's production of this wonderful show.

A promotional short can be found on Bench Theatre's Facebook page, see Dear Jack, Dear Louise' promo.

Our July 2024 production was Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw

Eliza Doolittle, a young lady from London’s impoverished streets, has aspirations. After an accidental encounter with Colonel Pickering and Professor Henry Higgins, Eliza approaches Higgins for speech lessons to improve her lot in life. Pickering wagers that Eliza cannot be presented as a lady amongst the upper echelons of London society, and during this life-changing adventure, Eliza learns difficult and often embarrassing lessons that cause her to question Higgins’ preconceived assumptions about gender roles and social class. Eliza is brilliantly irrepressible as she defies the stereotype that Higgins attempts to fit her into, leading to an explosively humourous, caustic, and gentle satire.

Bench Theatre invited you to enjoy Shaw’s wonderful sense of character, his keen ear for dialogue and his sparkling wit as Eliza attempts to shed her humble beginnings. And for all the play’s rumbustious energy, there is a perhaps unexpected poignancy as this very funny play approaches its conclusion.