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2026 Productions, Productions at The Tower Theatre, Productions written by Michael Frayn

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{{Infobox FHODS Production
{{FHODS Banner
| title = [[The Mirror Crack'd]]
| eyebrow = FHODS Production · 2026
| image = [[File:The Mirror Crackd (2026).jpg||300px|center]]
| title  = Noises Off
| caption = The Mirror Crack'd promotional image
| sub    = By Michael Frayn · The Tower Theatre, Folkestone
| dates = 12 - 15 March 2026
| venue = [[The Tower Theatre]]
| director = [[Graham Jeffery]]
| producer = [[Karen Prineas]]
}}
}}


The [[Folkestone-Hythe Operatic and Dramatic Society]] presented Agatha Christie's [[The Mirror Crack'd]] on 12th 15th March 2026 at [[The Tower Theatre]], Folkestone. An amateur production by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.
{{Infobox Production
| title    = Noises Off
| image    = Noises_Off_(2026).jpg
| caption  = Noises Off promotional image
| dates    = 14–16 May 2026
| venue    = [[The Tower Theatre]]
| director = [[Aaron Birks]]
| writer  = [[Michael Frayn]]
| producer = [[Rebekah Reynolds]]
| license  = Amateur production by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd
}}


=Foreword=
The [[Folkestone-Hythe Operatic and Dramatic Society]] presented [[Noises Off]] by [[Michael Frayn]] on 14–16 May 2026 at [[The Tower Theatre]], Folkestone. An amateur production by arrangement with [[Concord Theatricals Ltd]] on behalf of [[Samuel French Ltd]].
Welcome to The Tower Theatre, and thank you for coming to see our production of Agatha Christie's ''The Mirror Crack'd''.


Agatha Christie's novel, ''The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side'', was published in 1962 and set in England where a wind of change is blowing, even in the sleepy village of St Mary Mead. Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and first produced in 2019, the stage version brings real emotional depth and psychological insight to a classic mystery of revenage and dark secrets; it explores how we all colour our own memories, our own truths, to disguise the darkness that lies within. Not so much a 'whodunnit' as a 'whydunnit'.
{{FHODS Section|Synopsis}}


Jane Marple, confined to a chair after an accident, is wondering if life is passing her by, when a fading American film star buys the local manor house and there is a vicious murder. While others search for material evidence, Miss Marple conducts a very different investigation - into human nature, unravelling a web of lies, tragedy and danger.
Called "the funniest farce ever written," ''Noises Off'' presents a manic menagerie of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop called ''Nothing's On''. Slamming doors, on and offstage intrigue, and an errant herring all figure in the plot of this hilarious, high-energy comedy.


I have enjoyed working with a great producer and superb creative team to present our version of the iconic Miss Marple and her world. We hope you enjoy sifting your way through all the clues and red herrings to finally solve the mystery. We also look forward to welcoming you again in September when the same team present ''Gypsy'', the outstanding musical by Stephen Sondheim and Jule Styne.
{{FHODS Section|Inspired by the 'Backside'}}


The action takes place in several locations, including Miss Marple's home, Gossington Hall, Hellingforth Film Studios and Marina Gregg's dressing room. Time July 1962.
Playwright Michael Frayn conceived the idea while watching one of his own farces from the wings, noting that the backstage chaos was funnier than the play in front.


'''[[Graham Jeffery]]''', ''Director''
{{FHODS Section|Foreword}}


=Agatha Christie=
{{FHODS Foreword
Born in Torquay, England in 1890, Agatha Christie is the best-selling novelist of all time. With over one billion books sold in English and another billion in over 100 languages, she is outsold only by the Bible and Shakespeare. She wrote 80 crime novels and collections of short stories, over 25 plays (including The Mousetrap, the world's longest running play), and six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. Her first novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, introduced the world to the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, followed a decade later by the shrewd and often-underestimated Miss Marple.
| text  = There are few who will deny that Theatre is funny. It's full of funny people with funny ideas that do funny things. That bloke whose birthday it is today as I write this knew a thing or two when he said all the world's a stage.


=Cast=
Theatre is also serious. It's full of serious people with serious ideas that do serious things.
{{div col}}
* [[Charmian Heselden]] ''as Miss Jane Marple''
* [[Stephanie Pittam]] ''as Marina Gregg''
* [[Chris Henry]] ''as Chief Inspector Dermot Craddock''
* [[Kelly Yarrow]] ''as Dolly Bantry''
* [[Graham Burgess]] ''as Jason Rudd''
* [[Andrea Reid]] ''as Heather Leigh''
* [[Olivia Coley]] ''as Lola Brewster''
* [[Stephanie Plumb]] ''as Ella Zielinsky''
* [[Natalie Cornish]] ''as Cherry Baker''
* [[Richard Hawkins]] ''as Giuseppe Renzo''
* [[Paul Milton]] ''as Cyril Leigh''
{{div col end}}


=Production Team=
The inevitable comedy that ensues when these two sets of people meet up and put on a play is almost beyond parody. Almost.
* '''Director''': [[Graham Jeffery]]
* '''Producer''': [[Karen Prineas]]
* '''Stage Manager''': [[Michael Pearce]]
* '''Deputy Stage Manager''': [[Leigh Chambers]] and [[Michael Pearce]]
* '''Lighting''': [[Eleanor Boyle]]
* '''Sound''': [[Konrad Eke]]
* '''Set Design''': [[Eleanor Prineas]]
* '''Set Construction''': [[Stuart Parry]], [[Michael Pearce]], [[Andy Hartley]], [[Mike Manton]], [[Karen Prineas]], [[Mark Prineas]], [[Eleanor Prineas]] and [[Graham Jeffery]]
* '''Props''': [[Myra Collingridge]] and [[Eleanor Prineas]]
* '''Costume''': [[Sheelagh Blackham]]
* '''Costume Alterations''': [[Kate Richmond]]
* '''Prompt''': [[Jeanette Lewis]]
* '''Design/Media''': [[Malcolm Laye]]
* '''Illustrations''': [[Eleanor Prineas]]
* '''Photography''': [[Graham Jeffery]]
* '''FHODS Marketing''': [[Merewyn Forrest]]
* '''Wigs''': [[Davey Lewis]]


=For The Tower Theatre=
So, with all that in mind, welcome to FHODS' production of ''Noises Off'', wherein this seriously funny cast have worked tirelessly to do what this frankly peculiar but determined director told them to do, and have produced something seriously good.
* '''Events and Marketing Manager''': [[Michelle Hartley]]
* '''Front of House Manager''': [[Gary Ingoldby-Spate]]
* '''Theatre Operations Lead''': [[Andy Hartley]]
* '''Technical Theatre Lead''': [[Eleanor Boyle]]


FHODS extends its thanks to the Front of House volunteers and Bar Team, Anyone interested in volunteering at the theatre can contact Joanne Pearce at foh@towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk.
Enjoy the show!


=Kent Drama Association Full-length Play Festival=
'''Quick Director's PS:''' I've made this production immersive, so whilst it has two intervals of twenty minutes each, performing onstage and throughout the theatre will take place during the intervals and the set changes will happen for your entertainment too. I'd therefore recommend you pre-order drinks at the bar for both intervals in advance.
We are very excited to have entered our production of ''The Mirror Crack'd'' into KDA's Drama Festival.


The Kent Drama Association was established in 1935, to help amateur drama societies in Kent. KDA run a Full-length Play Festival each year, an occasional Radio Play Festival, and help societies to publicise their productions and to share useful information.
* Clackett's Agony
* The Sex Maniac
* Selsdon's Old and Peculiar
| author = [[Aaron Birks]]
| role  = Director
}}


For our performances, we are delighted to introduce Jack Davidson as our adjudicator.
{{FHODS Section|Cast}}


==Jack Davidson - Theatre Director and Mentor==
{{FHODS Cast
Jack Davidson has been immersed in the world of theatre for over 25 years, transforming a childhood passion into a career. His extensive experience spans various facets of the industry, including adapting and producing productions, directing, choreographing, and educating. Jack's diverse portfolio showcases his versatility and dedication to the art form, with numerous plays, musicals, pantomimes, and concerts under his belt. His commitment to theatre is evident in every project he undertakes, always striving to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the stage.
| group1_label = Cast
| group1_style = leads
| group1 =
[[Vivienne Pattison]];;Belinda Blair / Flavia Brent
[[Rose Briggs]];;Brooke Ashton / Vicki
[[Clair Ellerby]];;Dotty Otley / Mrs Clackett
[[Will Dean]];;Frederick Fellow / Phillip Brent
[[Anthony Leyton]];;Garry LeJeune / Roger Tramplemain
[[Murray Wilkinson]];;Lloyd Dallas
[[Rebekah Reynolds]];;Poppy Norton-Taylor
[[Paul Milton]];;Selsdon Mowbray / The Burglar
[[Dylan Bryan]];;Tim Allgood
}}


Throughout his career, Jack has had the privilege of collaborating with a wide range of talented individuals and organisations enriching his understanding and approach to theatre.
{{FHODS Section|Production Team}}


His current focus is on building new relationships and connections within the industry, continually seeking opportunities to contribute his expertise. Jack is available for directing and producing roles, as well as offering his skills in troubleshooting and mentoring. Whether through one to one sessions, group workshops, or corporate engagements, Jack is dedicated to fostering growth and excellence in every endeavour.
{{FHODS Crew
| section1_label = Direction & Production
| section1 =
Director;;[[Aaron Birks]]
Producer;;[[Rebekah Reynolds]]
Stage Manager;;[[Michael Pearce]]
Deputy Stage Manager;;[[Leigh Chambers]] & [[Aaron Birks]]
Prompt;;[[Deborah Birks]]
| section2_label = Design & Technical
| section2 =
Set Design;;[[Aaron Birks]] & [[Michael Pearce]]
Technical Set Consultant;;[[John Perrin]]
Set Construction;;[[Murray Wilkinson]], [[John Perrin]], [[Liz Perrin]], [[Michael Pearce]], [[Vivienne Pattison]], [[Paul Milton]], [[Anthony Leyton]], [[Andy Hartley]], [[Clair Ellerby]], [[Mark Ellerby]], [[Ben Forrest]], [[John Kennett]], [[Will Dean]], [[Dylan Bryan]], [[Rose Briggs]], [[Tony Birks]], [[Andy Argyll]], [[Aaron Birks]], [[Marion Reynolds]] & [[Rebekah Reynolds]]
Lighting Design;;[[Eleanor Boyle]]
Lighting Operation;;[[Andy Hartley]]
Sound Operation;;[[Eleanor Boyle]]
Backstage;;[[Michael Pearce]], [[Andy Hartley]], [[Dylan Bryan]], [[Tony Birks]], [[Aaron Birks]], [[Camilla Bebell]] & [[John Kennett]]
| section3_label = Wardrobe & Props
| section3 =
Props;;[[Myra Collingridge]], [[Wendy Allum]] & [[Emma Franks]]
Costume;;[[Kate Richmond]] & [[Sheelagh Blackham]]
| section4_label = Media & Marketing
| section4 =
Design/Media;;[[Malcolm Laye]]
Photography & Marketing Media;;[[Aaron Birks]] & [[Rebekah Reynolds]]
FHODS Marketing;;[[Merewyn Forrest]]
}}


In addition to his professional achievements, Jack has a deep-rooted passion for theatre education. He has spent many years working in schools and educational settings, sharing his knowledge and nurturing the talents of both children and adults. His commitment to providing top quality educational experiences in reflected in his ability to inspire and develop the next generation of theatre professionals. Jack's educational work is a testament to his belief in the power of theatre to transform lives and build a vibrant future for the performing arts.
{{FHODS Section|For The Tower Theatre}}


"My approach to having the honour of being the KDA adjudicator is rooted in fully engaging with the incredible work presented on stage. As an adjudicator, I am not one to sit back and read from a script while performances unfold. Instead, I immerse myself in the production, appreciating the dedication and effort that each group has poured into their work. I see it as my role to encourage and support the development of groups and societies at every level - from directors and actors to stage crews and set designers. A successful production is the result of all these elements coming together in harmony, and I aim to recognise and nurture that collaborative spirit." -
{{FHODS Venue|
'''Jack on his approach as KDA adjudicator'''
Events & Marketing Manager;;[[Michelle Hartley]]
Front of House Manager;;[[Gary Ingoldby-Spate]]
Theatre Operations Lead;;[[Andy Hartley]]
Technical Theatre Lead;;[[Eleanor Boyle]]
}}
 
<div class="fhods-footer-note">FHODS extends its thanks to the Front of House volunteers and Bar Team. Anyone interested in joining the team can contact Joanne Pearce at [mailto:foh@towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk foh@towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk].</div>
 
{{FHODS Section|Thanks and Acknowledgements}}
 
{{FHODS Crew
| section1_label = With Thanks To
| section1 =
[[Emmie Rhodes]];;for supplying an outraged girlfriend and Dotty's suitcases
[[Marion Reynolds]], [[Rebekah Reynolds]] & [[Aaron Birks]];;for alternative rehearsal acquisition
Cheriton Baptist Church & Hawkinge Village Hall;;for their excellent rehearsal spaces
Burnap & Abel;;for Garry's office surroundings and incredulous co-worker Daryll
Cargill's Folkestone;;for Brooke's myopic surroundings and worried optician Lauren
Sammi;;for being the beat to our nonsense
Sound FX;;BBC Sounds Archive [https://bbc.co.uk bbc.co.uk] © copyright 2026 BBC
}}


[[Category:Productions]]
[[Category:2026 Productions]]
[[Category:2026]]
[[Category:Productions at The Tower Theatre]]
[[Category:Agatha Christie]]
[[Category:Productions written by Michael Frayn]]

Revision as of 14:48, 16 June 2026

Noises Off
By Michael Frayn · The Tower Theatre, Folkestone


Noises Off
Noises Off promotional image
Production Details
Dates14–16 May 2026
VenueThe Tower Theatre
DirectorAaron Birks
WriterMichael Frayn
ProducerRebekah Reynolds
Amateur production by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd

The Folkestone-Hythe Operatic and Dramatic Society presented Noises Off by Michael Frayn on 14–16 May 2026 at The Tower Theatre, Folkestone. An amateur production by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.


Synopsis

Called "the funniest farce ever written," Noises Off presents a manic menagerie of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop called Nothing's On. Slamming doors, on and offstage intrigue, and an errant herring all figure in the plot of this hilarious, high-energy comedy.


Inspired by the 'Backside'

Playwright Michael Frayn conceived the idea while watching one of his own farces from the wings, noting that the backstage chaos was funnier than the play in front.


Foreword

There are few who will deny that Theatre is funny. It's full of funny people with funny ideas that do funny things. That bloke whose birthday it is today as I write this knew a thing or two when he said all the world's a stage.

Theatre is also serious. It's full of serious people with serious ideas that do serious things.

The inevitable comedy that ensues when these two sets of people meet up and put on a play is almost beyond parody. Almost.

So, with all that in mind, welcome to FHODS' production of Noises Off, wherein this seriously funny cast have worked tirelessly to do what this frankly peculiar but determined director told them to do, and have produced something seriously good.

Enjoy the show!

Quick Director's PS: I've made this production immersive, so whilst it has two intervals of twenty minutes each, performing onstage and throughout the theatre will take place during the intervals and the set changes will happen for your entertainment too. I'd therefore recommend you pre-order drinks at the bar for both intervals in advance.

  • Clackett's Agony
  • The Sex Maniac
  • Selsdon's Old and Peculiar
Aaron Birks, Director


Cast

Cast

Vivienne Pattison Belinda Blair / Flavia Brent Rose Briggs













Production Team

Direction & Production

ProducerDesign & Technical

Technical Set ConsultantWardrobe & Props

CostumeMedia & Marketing

Photography & Marketing Media


For The Tower Theatre

Events & Marketing Manager
Michelle Hartley Front of House Manager




















FHODS extends its thanks to the Front of House volunteers and Bar Team. Anyone interested in joining the team can contact Joanne Pearce at foh@towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk.


Thanks and Acknowledgements

With Thanks To

  • Emmie Rhodes – for supplying an outraged girlfriend and Dotty's suitcases

Marion Reynolds, Rebekah Reynolds & Aaron Birks

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