Preview: Spotlights

Following the success of last year’s performance, Drama Soc’s Spotlight returns to the LCR this Sunday.

Showcasing a night of fresh drama, Drama Soc’s Spotlight performance is dedicated to getting new people into the theatre. Demonstrating how easy and enjoyable it is to get involved, the variety of cast and crew are sure to entice the nervous into the UEA drama scene.

Freddie Van der Velde begins the night with The Ghost Writer. Eager to make his mark in the theatre world, Vincent is mid way through pitching his final chance at success to a panel of Hollywood big wigs. Unfortunately for him, his ex writing partner Alice chooses this moment to burst in and demand credit for his screenplay, “The Bell of Bengal”. Armed with a worrying amount of explosives, Vincent must placate Alice and negotiate a deal before his final shot at stardom goes “up in flames”.

Next up is Charlotte Spencer’s, Second Midnight. Trapped in a hotel room following a fatal accident, chart toppers Second Midnight spend the evening contemplating their success. With conversations dancing between fans, fame and relationships, the band come to realise the down sides of their world renowned stardom.

Beaming us down the science fiction route is Sam Day’s, Fargle! The Earthlings are coming. Having spied on earth for nearly a century, the aliens of planet Marr have been discovered by “the earthlings”. Unsure about how to react, we see the planets two contrasting approaches to the human’s imminent arrival. Cabinet ministers call parliament meetings, whilst martian stargazers wait eagerly on craters with cake.

Beginning the second trio of plays is Stephan Drury’s Queue For Paradise. Down and out Brenda has never won anything in her life, until now. Seeing an advertisement at a local supermarket, Brenda is desperate to be first in and claim her prize. Hungry and Determined, the play tells of the lengths a woman will go to in “the Essex hunger games” in a bid for fame and glory.

Next up is Ellie Whitaker’s Quiet Night In, telling an all too familiar story in the world of student accommodation. Knowing her housemates are out for the night, Claudia invites her sophisticated and mature new boyfriend over for the evening. Eager to impress, her plans are ruined when her housemates stumble back through the front door. Desperately trying to salvage her evening, in light of his disgust, tensions run high as the girls attempt to contain their drunken behaviour.

Returning to the theme of contemplation for the final piece is Harry Denniston’s, Phoney. After stealing a woman’s handbag, two thieves realise her phone is still receiving messages. Reading the texter’s words, they begin to doubt themselves and their confidence slowly starts to disintegrate.

So get yourself down to the LCR on Sunday March 23rd for a night of original UEA drama. Doors open at 7.30 and tickets are available at the door for £4.