Rehearsed reading - Things Can Only Get Bitter

The latest in the series of rehearsed readings organised by North West London Equity takes place at the Guild on Wednesday.
Things Can Only Get Bitter will be directed by Nick Simons who introduces the piece below:

I was fortunate enough to be selected to direct the first of this innovative series, in October 2005. Robert Ray, a local playwright had written Haven, a hard hitting black comedy, set in a palatial old persons home, sometime in the very near future.

It provided excellent parts for some of our older members, plus making strong comments about care provision for the elderly in this day and age. Casting involved running round to coffee bars from Golders Green to West Hampstead to read all those interested. Final casting was difficult, so much talent around. One of our cast offered their flat for our first read-through, and blocking rehearsal, then we moved into the Studio space at the New Hampstead Theatre.

I was horrified to discover a massive piece of chocolate brown set against the back wall and insisted it be removed, to the disgruntlement of the stage staff. Our one reading was a huge success, 80% audience and a lively discussion.

I’m back again to direct Mike Coleman’s Things Can Only Get Bitter, at the Writers Guild on Wednesday Feb 13th at 7.30 pm. This very hard hitting black comedy deals with the onset of rapidly developing Alzheimer’s and its effect on three family members. A powerful piece!