Snow getting away from Company of Ten’s take on next production
On The Piste - Credit: Archant
Where better to learn new skills for a role in a play called On the Piste than a snow centre.
The cast from the Company of Ten included a skiing lesson in their rehearsals for the John Godber play which opens at the Abbey Theatre in St Albans next Friday, November 13.
On The Piste is set in the ski resort of Chamonix, where two couples, Alison and Chris and Bev and Dave, are thrown together, when they are forced to share a French ski instructor, the ultra fit and sexually voracious Tony.
All four holidaymakers are novice skiers - which is just as well as none of the cast have skiied before.
Naomi Jamboretz, who plays Alison, explained: “We had to learn some basic techniques because we actually have to ski down a slope on stage, and perform a snow plough. “
She said the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead, where the cast had their lesson, had lent them boots, skis and helmets and added:: “Unsurprisingly, the Abbey Theatre wardrobe doesn’t stock ski suits either so we have borrowed those as well. Obviously we won’t be having real snow on stage but as usual our wonderful set builders have come up with a clever alternative.”
The play explores one of the greatest tests of a relationship - going on holiday.
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For new “Essex” couple, Bev and Dave, it is an opportunity to spend quality time together and see how they really get on.
Then they meet middle class couple, Alison and Chris, who have been together for 13 years but have not married.
At first the foursome seem to have nothing in common but, as director Roger Scales pointed out, “As always, on holiday, unlikely friendships are formed. One has to cope with being in proximity to one’s partner with all their idiosyncrasies for 24 hours a day. The cracks in any relationship soon begin to show.”
Performances are at 8pm next Friday and Saturday nights, November 13 and 14, and from Tuesday, November 17, to Saturday, November 21. There is also a matinee at 2.30pm next Sunday, November 15.
To book tickets go to www.abbeytheatre.org.uk or call the box office on 01727 857861
At the performance on Thursday, November 19,, an additional free service of audio description is offered for any blind or partially sighted people who would like to attend.
