www.southenddrama.co.uk

Play it Again, Sam

Author: Woody Allen

Director: Kay Banning

Production: 9th - 11th December 2004

Theatre: The Focus Theatre, Southend

A mild mannered film critic finds himself alone when his wife leaves him, crushing his ego. His Hollywood idol is Humphrey Bogart, whose ghostly apparition begins showing up to give him advice. With the encouragement of his two married friends the critic tries to get on with his life again, with less than satisfactory results.

Not in the mood for a pantomime? Then try a play about a neurotic New York film critic.

From Thursday, Southend Drama Society is staging Woody Allen's Play It Again, Sam.

Film critic Allan Felix has just broken up with his wife and it causes him to spiral in to a deep depression.

He searches for solace in the classic movies he loves so much - particularly Casablanca.

During the course of his dispair, Allan begins to have conversations witht he imaginary ghost of the film's leading man, Humphery Bogart, who gives him advice on his love life.

Meanwhile, Allan's pals encourage him to start a new life and meet new women - which leads to a series of disasterously funny blind dates.

His love life is going nowhere until his search for romance leads him in to the arms of a close friend.

Tickets for the show, at the Focus Theate, Short Street, Southend, are £7 and £6 concessions.

- Evening Echo 5th December 2004