Improbable Fiction at The Curtain Theatre - a great evening’s entertainment at very reasonable prices.

Review by Seamus Kelly

The Curtain Theatre opened its latest production, Improbable Fiction, on December 13th and the show runs until 20th.

The Alan Ayckbourn play takes place at a meeting of the Pendon Writers Circle, most of whom are struggling with writer’s block. In the first act the group meet in the home of Arnold (Paul Dawson), who lives with his poorly mother, who is confined to bed. During their meetings “Mother” is looked after by Ilsa (Coral Bradley) who also makes coffee for the writers. Arnold tries valiantly to deal with clashing personalities, encourages everyone to share their work, get on with their writing, and collaborate.

The members write in different genres, although perhaps “try to write” might be more appropriate. Arnold lacks imagination and translates instruction manuals into English. Grace (Jessica Bradley) wants to write a children's book but has not yet put words onto paper. Jess (Helen Schutzmann) tries to write historical romance. Vivvi (Chloe Sweeny) is a prolific writer of 1930s crime stories having written several, not yet published, novels. Brevis (Peter Fitton) is a teacher who hates children and Clem (Jon Cockroft) reads and writes science fiction, which he describes as real science. At the end of Act 1 a shocking appearance by Ilsa holding a knife, leaves the audience in suspense.

In Act 2 the whole performance bursts into life as three mysteries, historical romance, alien abduction and a 1930s detective story imagined by the various writers interweave. The chaos, changes of era, and characters, create much confusion for Arnold and amusement for the audience. Here the actors excel with all, other than Arnold, playing multiple roles to great effect. For me the standout performance of the show was Paul Dawson as Arnold, portrayed beautifully as a man unable to escape the house where he looks after his mother, plagued by nervousness and trying to please everybody.

I attended this performance with several colleagues from Riverside Writers. Did we see ourselves in the Pendon Writing Circle? Yes, lots of recognisable traits and characters, although we spend more time actually writing. Did we enjoy the performance? Yes, we all had a good time with plenty of laughter and lots of chatter after the show. Riverside Writers hold weekly creative writing sessions every Thursday morning in Rochdale Central Library (see www.riversidewriters.org.uk).

The production is directed by Karen Knox, well supported by the whole production team looking after the set, the music, lighting, sound etc.

The Curtain Theatre is one of Rochdale’s hidden gems. Walk through the doors into a traditional theatre that harks back to a more glamorous era. The building has seen better days and deserves support and care to restore some of its fading glory. The best way to support the building and the dedicated people who run it is to go along to their shows and events - on tonight’s experience you’ll get a great evening’s entertainment at very reasonable prices.

Visit: https://curtaintheatrerochdale.uk/

The Curtain Theatre47 Milkstone RoadRochdaleOL11 1EB

Tel: 01706 642008

Email: bd@curtaintheatrerochdale.co.uk