Carlton Dramatic Society

Director Val Foskett writes:

So you think 'Green Wing' style comedy is a new thing? The apparently stereotypical scene where, suddenly, the dialogue takes a surrealistic turn, the black humour, the switch from cliché to pure fantasy, Joe Orton was writing this way in 1959! 'Fred & Madge' was his first play, written before 'Entertaining Mr Sloane' and 'Loot' which became West End hits, and 'What the Butler Saw', which the Carlton did in 2001.

The title characters appear to be a typical bored couple with routine jobs, but these turn out to be rather unusual after all...

Also, as the action is interrupted by a director-like figure, they seem to be inhabiting a play about themselves – one of Fred's jobs is to change the scenery! Over the course of the play, they part, each plans to remarry, but are thrown together again when each of the new weddings is accidentally prevented. Gradually things become more chaotic as modern buildings are destroyed by laughter and suburban garden plants run wild and turn into impenetrable jungle. Finally the whole cast decides to leave for India – the exotic and unknown other world! Along the way, most of the late 50's establishment and its attitudes are sent up. To quote:

Webber: Do you want to ruin society and civilisation with your laughter?
Madge: Yes, oh yes!

There are ten parts, 5 male, 4 female and one who could be either. The parts are:

• Fred and Madge
• Queenie, Madge's sister
• Gladys, their workmate
• Webber, the director
• Sykes, a member of the audience
• Dr Petrie and Miss Oldbourne, a professional insultor and insultrix
• Old Man, actually Madge's father
• Small Part Player, who acts as a reporter and newsreader among other things

Readthrough is set for Monday 26th February and Auditions are Thursday 1st March and Monday 5th March at the WCC - 8:00 pm Rooms C&D.