Bob Eveleigh: The Bitou Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) from Plettenberg Bay is in PE with “Old Actors Never Die” at the Pemads Little Theatre.
When past familiar TV personality, David Hall-Green, joined his friend, Roger Davis, for an outing to a model aircraft competition in Oudsthoorn in October 2012, little did they know that this was to be the start of an exciting new adventure for both of them.
Both men were resident in Plettenberg Bay and, on the way back home, Roger confided in David that he had always dreamed of starting an amateur theatrical group in Plett.
David’s immediate response was: “Let’s do it!” and so the Bitou Amateur Theatrical Society (now known as the BATS) was born!
Where to start? With a suitable play, of course, and after doing an extensive Internet search they found just the thing for a group of first-time amateur actors – a trilogy of plays written by a British playwright named Peter Gordon, which were clever spoofs of Agatha Christie’s murder mysteries, featuring all her typical characters.
Next, the search was on for local Plett residents who would be willing (and able!) to play these wonderful parts.
A few advertisements in local publications uncovered a treasure trove of talent – and very soon five men and five women were cast, under the direction of David Hall-Green.
Roger took on the all-important role of producer, responsible for the organisation of a myriad activities behind the scenes but, when one of cast fell out, he very reluctantly agreed to become Inspector Pratt in the play – and the rest is Plett theatrical history!
After mounting two of the three thriller send-ups in 2013, last year the Society presented a very different play under the title Old Actors Never Die – they just lose the plot!
It turned out to be a hilarious farce by contemporary British playwright, Lynn Brittney, dealing with what goes on in a genteel “home for retired theatricals” where old actors and actresses continue their lives of high drama, although their theatrical careers are long gone.
Enter Edmund, former well-known actor (and philanderer), only to discover that his three ex-wives are resident there – and have become close friends …
With ten other roles in the play, which is again directed by David Hall-Green, who also appears in the production, it was presented to excellent houses in Plett last September and now, for the first time, BATS is “touring” it to Port Elizabeth, for a short season , presented by Pemads, in the Little Theatre this weekend.
With the original cast, performances will be at 7.30pm on Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28, and at 2.30pm on Saturday and Sunday, March 28 and 29.
Tickets are priced at R70 may be purchased at all Computicket outlets and at the door at all shows.
When David Hall-Green and Roger Davis established BATS in 2013, they had no idea how many talented people would come forward to try their hand at acting. Says David: “Although some of them had had some experience of amateur theatre in the past, the majority had no acting experience. As the director, I am.
From its very inception, the BATS mission was threefold : To have fun indulging their acting aspirations; to bring the magic of live theatre to the community; and, to donate any proceeds to the Plett Animal Welfare Service for their important work of providing a primary health care service to the neglected dogs and cats of the Bitou area.
And surely that is what genuine amateur – or community – theatre is all about?
Welcome to PE, BATS!
Bob Eveleigh
beveleigh@centrestage.co.za
