Playing Jane paves the way for future live performances at The Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington
Teddington's Landmark Arts Centre is celebrating the success of its fundraising production of Playing Jane, which premiered last night to a full socially distanced audience, and hopes that the event will provide a blueprint for the future of live performance so that entertainment, theatre and arts can return to the community.
The sell out special production of 'Playing Jane', which is running over 4 and 5 September, is being performed by a stellar line up of actors from stage and screen including: Amanda Root, Tim McMullan, Abigail Cruttenden, Gaia Mondadori, Rebecca Cardinali, Felicity Duncan, Julia Webber and Kate Chambers, who have formed The Playing Jane Company in support of The Landmark's fundraising appeal to stage plays from Rosina Filippi's adaptation of Jane Austen's novels, 'Playing Jane'.
At last night's premiere event, the audience was treated to an exquisite performance of three parlour plays from Pride and Prejudice and Emma; The Proposal of Mr Collins, The Reading of Jane Fairfax's Letter and Lady Catherine's Visit in a socially distanced environment with seating around tables of 2 or 4 people. Costumes were lent by Teddington Theatre Club, who also assisted with the production.
Martin Nicholds, Landmark Chair of Trustees, said: "This has been a wonderful event, watching some of the country's leading actors put on live theatre for us. To see a live performance is very special after so many months of lockdown and to see a performance from such a talented cast and production team for the benefit of The Landmark is a privilege. We hope that tonight's production may provide a model of how we do live events going forward."
Lesley Bossine, Arts Centre Manager, commented: "This really has been a great success for all involved and may provide a blueprint for future collaborations. Not only has the production helped with our fundraising appeal but it has enabled the actors to form a company of players and develop a show from scratch which they now hope to tour in other venues."
'Playing Jane Austen' was the first dramatic adaptation of Austen' Victorian feminist Rosina Filippi who was a progressive actor, novelist and director. She established a People's Theatre in 1913, advocating affordable theatre for all.
Rosina published "Playing Jane Austen" in 1895 and the idea of compiling these pieces arose from the dearth of good duologues and one-act plays suitable for amateur performance so her skilfully adapted iconic scenes meant that both amateurs and professionals could enjoy 'playing' Jane.
Play director, Amanda Root, commented:
"The Landmark is a unique venue offering pioneering arts events and activities for a wide range of people. As with many arts venues the Covid pandemic has left The Landmark struggling to survive. Rosina believed that the arts should be for everyone, and we feel passionate to uphold her vision, to help the Landmark continue its vital work and bring live and vibrant theatre back to Teddington at a time when so many are unable to enjoy this experience." Playing Jane runs on 4 and 5 September from 7.30 pm and all profits will go to the Save The Landmark fundraising appeal. The performance will be in the round, with audience seating around tables of 4 people. Tickets cost £50 and each table will include a bottle of wine per couple. Waiter service and bar will be available. Box office www.land-markartscentre.org or for telephone bookings call: 020 8977 7558.
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