www.southenddrama.co.uk

Don't Dress for Dinner

Author: Marc Camoletti

Adaptation: Robin Hawdon

Director: Graham Smerdon

Production: 12th-15th November 2008

Theatre: The Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, Westcliff

Gourmet cooking and sexy shenanigans provide the sizzling setting to Southend Drama Society's next production.

Hot on the heels of the society's successful Dixon Studio performances of Family Circles and Play It Again Sam, the amateur group is proud to present Mark Camoletti's uproarious farce, Don't Dress For Dinner.

Set in a stylishly-converted farmhouse, this breathtaking French farce - Camoletti's sequel to Boeing, Boeing - has all the ingredients for a delicious evening of fun.

Take one husband, Bernard, who is packing his wife, Jacqueline, off to her mother's for the weekend.
Then add one life-long friend, Robert. He has been invited to the couple's weekend retreat as the perfect alibi for Bernard's saucy plans.

Stir in one chic, Parisian mistress, Suzanne, who Bernard is hoping he can bring to the boil while his wife is away. Whip up a little double adultery as Jacqueline cancels her trip when she learns Robert - her secret lover - is on the weekend menu.

Just as the heat is turned up, Bernard hits on the perfect way to explain the arrival of Suzanne - she's really Robert's girlfriend.

Finally fold in a cordon bleu cook, Suzy, who Robert persuades to act as his lover because he thinks she is the mistress.

As the subterfuges collide, Robert and Bernard have no choice but to improvise at breakneck speed resulting in a hilarious comedy.

Director Graham Smerdon said: "What can possibly go wrong when the plot is based on lies, deceit and relationships!

"The pace is fast and furious and it presents a great challenge, for all involved. "I know that everyone is having a great time rehearsing this production and I am lucky to have such a talented cast.

"I am also confident that this will result in performances that will sparkle. It will certainly be a great way to spend an evening and forget the recession!"

Production: Don't Dress For Dinner, presented by Southend Drama Society
Author: Mark Camoletti (adapted by Robin Hawdon)
Venue: Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, London Road, Westcliff, SS0 9LA
Performance dates: Wednesday, November 12, to Saturday, November 15
Times: 8pm and 3pm Saturday matinee
Ticket prices: £8 Wed and Sat matinee, £10 all other times
Box office: 01702 351135