PRODUCTION DETAILS

 

TITLE: Stepping Out

PLAYWRIGHT: Richard Harris

PERFORMANCE DATES: 14th - 16th May 2026

DIRECTOR: Carol Drinkwater

​

CAST 

Andy - Carolyne Jensen​

Lynne - Jenny Bourke

Rose - Katie Greene

Vera - Linda Baillie

Mavis - Nicki Clay

Mrs Fraser - Jill Pearson

Maxine - Sally Lewis

Sylvia - Julia Millington

Dorothy - Fiona Berry

Geoffrey - Robbie Howe

​

Click HERE for production programme

​

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 inhibitions, awkwardness and personality conflicts.

​

CHAIR’S PRODUCTION NOTES

Welcome, and thank you for joining us for this production of Stepping Out. This is a cheerful,  hopeful play, squished together with warmth, 
humour, and a little bit of chaos!

It’s always a pleasure to see people come together  to support local theatre, and this show feels particularly special. 
 

Putting on a production like this is never a small task. From the dedication of our cast, who have worked tirelessly to bring these characters to life, to the creativity and commitment of our backstage and front of house team, this performance is the result of many weeks of hard work and collaboration. In fact, adding in learning to tap dance, and ‘mastering’ the choreography, a whopping 30 rehearsals have taken place. At the helm is our very experienced and creative Director, Carol Drinkwater. It has been a pleasure for us all to work alongside Carol; her approach is organic, collaborative, engaging, and supportive. Thank you Carol, we very much hope you will direct again for us!

​

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our new members – Carolyne, Jenny, Sally, Fiona, Katie and Robbie. We are delighted to have you as part of our group and look forward to seeing you all flourish in your roles and shine brightly on the stage. 

We are also incredibly grateful to you, our audience. Your continued support keeps community theatre alive and thriving, and we hope tonight’s performance brings you laughter, enjoyment, and maybe even a little inspiration!
​​

Nicki Clay

 

DIRECTIOR'S PRODUCTION NOTES

Good evening, welcome to The Monday Players and tonight’s performance of Stepping Out. 

​

At the heart of the play is its ensemble cast. The humour comes from personality clashes, sharp one-liners and the awkward realities of adult beginners trying to master how to tap dance. Although light in tone, the play explores self-esteem, loneliness, friendship and resilience.

 

It has been a pleasure to direct the amazing cast who have worked so hard to learn their lines as well as learning how to tap dance. Tap dancing is central to the story and some of the cast have never tap danced before. Their commitment has been outstanding and I am very grateful for their dedication. Rehearsals have been hard work (and a few bad backs and sore knees!) but we’ve had a lot of fun along the way. 

​

Special thanks to Nicki for her help, advice, knowledge of all things Monday Players, her support and for being my sounding board. She has worked so hard to steer the tap dancing sessions along with Ruth and to help me to co-ordinate the music. 

Thanks to Chris for choreographing and teaching the final dance routines. 

​

Thank you to The Monday Players group who have come together to support this production. 

​

Finally, to you, our audience, we thank you for your support. 

We hope you enjoy the show.
 

Carol Drinkwater

​

​