Drama group prepares festive fun

Coping with a Christmas catastrophe

Mask of horror: Yvonne Cranny and Erin Stott, 10, rehearsing Comfort and Joy at the Lawn Community Centre

Theatregoers will be given "pantomime's nemesis" at Swindon Arts Centre next week.

The Old Town Theatre Company's production of Comfort and Joy tells the story of a disastrous family Christmas.

First-time director Paul Felix said: "it's about a northern dysfunctional family Christmas.

"Old relationships come to a head, the dog runs down the garden path with the turkey, the neighbours are even weirder.

"It's the complete opposite of a friendly family panto, which is what people would have got at the Wyvern.

"I've had my own fair share of Christmas catastrophes and I'm sure most people will be able to relate to the usual family chaos of the season, whether it's a burned turkey, unexpected guests or relatives from hell."

The Old Town Theatre Company have been rehearsing Comfort and Joy since the start of October.

The finishing touches will be put on the set and costumes this weekend, before the curtain goes up next Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

"It has been quite a big production," said Paul, who is looking forward to a relaxing Christmas after the hard work of the last three months.

"For my first directing role I would have chosen a three or four man show, not a cast of 12 adults, two children, a dog, two cats and a stick insect."

Paul warned the play may not be suitable for young children as it contains some mild swearing and innuendo.

Comfort and Joy will be performed at the Arts Centre by the Old Town Theatre Company from December 14 to 16. Shows are at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £6, or £4 for concessions and are available from the Arts Centre box office or by calling 01793 614837.

The Adver launched Support our Shows in October after the closure of the Wyvern Theatre.

The campaign aims to keep drama in the town alive by telling people about the wealth of other performances being staged around Swindon.

Emily Walker

Have a laugh this festive season

OTTC's Steve Johnson, Stephen Wheeler and Jane Ovens

A Swindon theatre company brings Comfort and Joy this Christmas. The Old Town Theatre Company presents the play about relatives arriving for the festivities.

There are inappropriate presents, culinary disasters and long-buried resentments as the alcohol flows and tongues are loosened in Mike Harding's new comedy at 7.30pm in the Swindon Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Swindon. Tickets are £6/£4 from 01793 614837.

Flicky Harrison

The above photos were taken by the Swindon Advertiser and are used with their kind permission.

BBC Radio Interview

See BBC Radio...

Director Paul Felix and actress Jane Ovens, who plays Margaret, gave an insight into our production of 'Comfort and Joy' when they were interviewed by BBC Radio Swindon's Mark Seaman, on his afternoon show on Tuesday 12 December 2006.