Nineteen years ago when Forum Players first staged 'The Owl and the Pussycat' Brenda Phelps took on the role of the Plum Pudding Flea (always hungry and will eat anything). Then her young daughter Emily was one of the Jumblies and, as committed supporters of amateur drama, it saved on baby-sitters when all the family were involved in shows.
For this current production there's a role reversal as daughter Emily takes on the role of the Plum Pudding Flea. Brenda dons a cassock to play the Reverend Turkey who lives on the hill. Dad Steve made both costumes - with 19 years in between. For the current show he's in charge of lighting. Now Emily has some sympathy for her mother 'Mum said that it was hot inside the costume but I didn't take much notice then. Now I know how right she was.'
The Pussycat (Emily Walters) has the honey and is relying on
Once again local youngsters take leading roles in the production and there's fabulous costumes made by Wendy Keeble. You are transported into the wonderful world of nonsense with a host of delightful characters including the Quangle Wangle, the Dong with a luminous nose, Professor Bosh, the Runcible Spoon, the Jumblies and the villainous, ever hungry Plum Pudding Flea. Their journey to make a honest cat a legal bride takes them across the Syllabub Sea to Bong Tree Island and the Turkey who lives on the hill.
Supporting cast members (l-r) are Jade Robinson, Rachel Hufflett, Lauren Macaree
and Carin Ryall. Their characters are a silver fish, a Jumblie, a bird and another fish
The show dates for the 'Owl and the Pussycat' are Friday 21st May 2010 at 7pm and Saturday 22nd at 2.30pm and 6.30pm. Tickets can be bought on the door. Ticket prices are £8 adults, £6 concessions or a family ticket for £25 (two adults and two children).
Daughter Emily (left) takes on the role played by her mother Brenda (right)
19 years ago. Brenda dons a cassock to play the Turkey who lives on the hill
The Centre Theatre in Wakeman Road, Bourne End, has excellent facilities for shows. There is a bar and refreshments are served during the interval. There is a public car park in front of the Community Centre (pay and display).