New play to raise funds for Seaton's Hospice at Home service

Local playwright Chrissy Evans has put pen to paper to create a one-off comedy which will be performed in Colyton Town Hall on September 23 and 24 September in aid of Seaton & District Hospital League of Friends' Hospice at Home service.

'SOS does Shakespeare' follows poor, hapless director Phil, of the Seaton-on-Sea am dram group, who's about to put on 'Romeo and Juliet', his last show, before he reluctantly retires.

If only the cast could keep focussed. If only they could find suitable costumes. If only Juliet wasn't pregnant. If only the prompt could find her hearing aid and her glasses.

Producer Christine Newton said: "As someone who's experienced the wonderful work of the Hospice at Home service, which need in excess of £250,000 per annum to function, I'm delighted to be working with Chrissy."

The Hospice at Home charity exists to make sure people in our community have an end of life experience that is pain-free, stress-free and managed with dignity.

They provide expert nursing care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for those who, for the final weeks or months of their life, would like to be cared for a home as well as providing advice and support for the end of life care needs of carers and families.

Christine continued: "We are now calling all locally-based actors to express their interest. We'll be holding auditions at the end of April."

Director Steve Miller is a professional with more than 40 productions under his belt in locations from London to Liverpool.

He said: "I'm really up for this project from two points of view – one, I'm glad to support such a worthwhile charity and, two, I'm pleased to be working with such a good piece of writing.

"Chrissy has produced a piece of work that will give our local am dram enthusiasts something to get their teeth into.

"At the front end they'll have to master quick-paced farce and at the back end deliver some exquisite Shakespeare.'

To find out more, visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/Evansaboveproduction

To contact Steve about auditions, email him on [email protected] or call 07903 868 017.

For more information about the Seaton & District Hospital League of Friends Hospice at Home service visit: the website http://www.seatonlof.co.uk