THE "last ever... possibly" showing of Dead Ernest Theatre Company's award winning production of Bouncers comes to Stroud's Subscription
Rooms this weekend and the SNJ caught up with three of the cast members to reflect on the play's success.
The Stroud performance is the culmination of a recent tour, which took in Bedford, Sutton Coldfield, Reading and Bridport. The company also represented Gloucestershire in the All England Drama Festival earlier in the year.
"It was great to take Bouncers out on tour," said Gary Gallagher. "It's something most of us have never done before."
"It was nice not to be playing to mates as well," added John Ferguson, although Dead Ernest are looking forward to a final blowout in front of a home crowd for their version of the brilliant black comedy.
"It really is going to be the last performance though..." began Rob Thom. "Possibly!" interrupted John.
At this point, Gary took the SNJ aside and muttered: "Could you just put that I'm not ruling out another show because I don't wanna look stupid next year."
It's easy to see why the production worked so well. The cast members play off each other like somewhat gentler, nicer versions of the formidable bouncers they play in the show.
It is hard to believe, when they take the stage, that they are an amateur company and that three of them had not acted seriously before Bouncers hit Stroud three years ago.
The company will also be selling the props from Bouncers on E-Bay in a bid to end the show's run: two empty beer barrels, five dickie bows and four handbags, although the tuxedos appear to be a matter of debate.
"What about selling the tuxes?" asked Rob. "No," replied Gary. "What would I get buried in?"
"And I'm not selling either," added John. "I'll need something to wear to his funeral."
Either way, it is worth checking www.ebay.co.uk, if only to see how the bidding, which closes at midnight on September 4, is going.
Bouncers allegedly plays for the last time at Stroud's Subscription Rooms on Sunday, September 4 at 8pm. Doors open at 7pm and tickets, which are selling well already, are £8 from the box office.
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