TROUPE 22 THEATRE COMPANY An evening of two comedies by Steven Berkoff. Troupe22 Theatre Company give their take on two comedic masterpieces by Steven Berkoff, a pioneer of expressionism and physical, stylised, 'heightened' theatre that breaks boundaries and gets 'in the audiences' faces' with bold, expressive language, physicality, and vibrant characters. Troupe22 meets 'Berkovian' theatre to form this unique style of comedy in their interpretation of these two plays. Play 1: Purgatory By Steven Berkoff Synopsis: John, a classically trained Shakespearean actor, is moving into a run-down, dishevelled apartment block, which due to his noble artistic integrity, is all he can afford. Run by the straight-talking, no-nonsense landlady Betty, who is not impressed by John's Shakespeare and theatre spiel, and just wants a tenant that won't cause any fuss, and doesn't want any 'weirdos'. While unpacking, John finds solace in reciting the words of his beloved Shakespeare, which pricks the ears of his neighbouring flatmate, Sarah, who, when she introduces herself to John and expresses how deeply moved and affected she was by his beautiful poetry, takes his breath away, and in Sarah he sees a vision of Heaven in this 'Purgatory'. Cast: John Ben Rath & Harrison Booth (shared role across performances) Sara Bethanie Hayes Betty Chloe Ray Ted Myles Lovell Play 2: Dahling You Were Marvellous By Steven Berkoff Synopsis: The lights come down on a night of rousing theatre performances in London's West End, and the fabulous casts of larger-than-life, flamboyant actors, eccentric directors, producers & wannabes, burst into the nearby highly exclusive restaurant for celebratory drinks and merriment! Echoes of "Dahling you were marvellous!" fill the air, with huge hugs and kisses of adoration all round, while behind their backs tearing apart each other's performance. As glasses of sparkling champagne flow around the room, actors become increasingly obsessive over their performances, desperate for validation and recognition from the directors, producers, critics on the other tables, all vying for their attention by any means. Clumps of pompous producers become increasingly passionate about their next big ego projects, and their 'God-given' right to create 'artistic disasters'. We gain an insight into the world of a 'showbiz watering hole', where behind the glamour and 'Dahling' greetings, the place is full of superficiality, vanity, insecurity and pretentiousness, in this play of chaotic hilarity. Cast Linda Anna Fay Steve Jordyn Linklater Sid Rachel Smith Sycophant Premo Miriki Brick Sot A Sir Michael Myles Lovell Tart - (inflatable prop) Producer Olivia Ruggiero Assistant Agnieszka Wieclawska Terry Adams Jack Gregson Billy Precious Fat Producer Francesca Woods Secretary Chloe Cheung Morris Welder Elise Lambert Would-Be Producer Felix Maramba Sloany Female Pelumi Adedayo-Bamidele Garry Aaron Hayes The Bar Manager Dela Hini & Fenella Watkins Hale 3 Sisters Summer Stringfellow, Chloe Cheung, Olivia Ruggiero Various Ensemble Characters / Guests Multiple cast members sharing roles Creative Team Director & Producer - Bethanie Hayes Director & Producer - Aaron Hayes Producer Assistant - Francesca Woods Producer Assistant - Abbey Devoy Technician / Lighting Designer - Amalia Cohan TROUPE 22 THEATRE COMPANY www.troupe22.co.uk [https://www.troupe22.co.uk/]