Connecting professional and amateur theatre in Newbury, West Berkshire and beyond

New Era Theatre Club

The New Era web site is at www.neweraplayers.org.

Last Production

Present Laughter, 13th to 21st March 2009
By Noel Coward. Popular actor Garry Essendine revels in being a temperamental prima donna. Now separated from wife Liz he still remains under her control. When he becomes more deeply involved with Joanna, his manager's wife, and it becomes clear that it will be difficult to extricate himself, Liz returns and takes him again under her control.

Sorry, we can't give you the details of the dates of future productions! That's because we're a Theatre Club, and you have to be a member (there are good reasons for this). See Audience Membership below for how to become a member.

Box office

07919 916009.

Review of Present Laughter

13th to 21st March 2009.

Here is the NWN review.

Brave move to play Coward

Noel Coward's Present Laughter, at New Era Theatre, Wash Common, from Friday, March 13 to Saturday, March 21

"A nice setting" exclaimed a member of the audience as the plush red curtains swept open to reveal a most impressive interior. The tasteful green walls were adorned with 15 framed photos, all of one man - Gary Essendine.

We couldn't wait to see how Stephen Bennett portrayed the great man, a challenging role written by Noel Coward for himself. Of course we had to wait. The build-up to Gary's entrance was well done. When he eventually came on stage, in one of his 18 silk dressing gowns, Bennett rose to the challenge.

Janet Bennett's direction presented a credible support-group around the star. His cool, manipulative wife Liz was played by a haughty Kathleen Ray. Liz and the other women were most elegant and fashionable, except for funny, cigarette-drooping Miss Erikson from Scandinavia, in her trainers and white socks.

Were we really in 1954 as the programme stated or 1939 when the play was first penned? Miss Erikson told Gary about her German medium. He asks "Is she a spy?" In the 50s the friend would probably have been Russian. The delightful continuity tunes between acts also suggested 1930s.

Instead of being bombarded by Cowardly verbal wit, the audience derived most laughs from visual comedy. Gary amused by repeatedly smoothing his hair in front of the mirror. The tuning of farcical entrances and exits was precise. Fred was a singular butler. There were giggles every time the excellent David Tute appeared as the nutty "young" writer Roland Maule, with his excruciating handshake: mad, wearing bright yellow and very keen on Chekhov.

The end of the third scene was most satisfying. The final scene opened with a rather dull office session. Maybe we missed the jokes. However, the high point of the play was reached when each character in turn announced that he or she was to accompany Gary on his theatrical tour of Africa. "The great man" ends up on floor in a temper tantrum.

EILEEN CASTER

About New Era

This small, friendly and very successful theatre club was established in Wash Common in 1978 (click here for a map). We produce several plays each year covering a wide variety of theatrical styles.

Players membership

Share the experience of performing on stage; join the challenge of set-building or the creativity of costume design; enjoy the teamwork in whatever direction your talents take you. You could be an active participant in our future productions, or join us for play readings, workshops, theatre outings and a variety of social events. Whether you are experienced or just have bags of enthusiasm, you can be assured of a warm welcome.

If you are interested in becoming an acting member contact the secretary on 01635 47839 or email

Audience membership

To see our productions, you have to be a member of the New Era Theatre Club. Please contact our Box Office on 07919 916009 for more information.

Past productions