PRODUCTION DETAILS

 

TITLE: Stepping Out

PLAYWRIGHT: Richard Harris

PERFORMANCE DATES: 18th - 20th November 1999

DIRECTOR: David Lane

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CAST

Mavis - Nicki Clay

Mrs Fraser - Sadie Ashton

Lynne - Jill Pearson

Dorothy - Pat Davison

Maxine - Alma Belbin

Andy - Carole Money

Geoffrey - David Belbin

Vera - Vicky Stocks

Sylvia - Pam Newsholme

Rose - Jean Wall

Stage Manager’s Voice - Ken Davison

Fairy - Louise Jackson

Nigel - Ian Bithell

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SYNOPSIS

The play chronicles several months in the life of a beginning dance class. Each of the eight students, who come from a variety of backgrounds, has his or her own reason for joining. For instance, Maxine, a confident, fast-talking saleswoman (and former Ovaltine dancer), is there on doctor's orders, while self-sacrificing Andy participates because it is the only thing she does for herself. Whatever the cause, they make a point of coming every week to chat, relax and, if they can manage to, learn a couple of dance steps.

 

Led by Mavis, their eternally patient instructor, and accompanied by the acerbic pianist Mrs. Fraser, the students (who range from hopeless to competent) strive to master the basics of dance. But the steps and routines are just the background for the real focus of the play -- the relationships and interactions of these ten very different people. By their final performance, not only have the class members developed some degree of skill, but they have also overcome the inhibitions, awkwardness and personality conflicts that