A group of local actors who perform together as part of RFM Productions are gearing up to present their third British farce.
The show is called Cash on Delivery, a comedy about keeping your story straight. The script was written by Michael Cooney, a British playwright, and tells the story of a con artist who has duped the welfare authorities for years by claiming every type of benefit for the innumerable people he claims live at his address. He's sent scrambling when welfare investigators show up and he is forced to prove all of his boarders are in fact real.
“All British farces are meant to be funny. This one I find especially is a lot of laughs,” said Chris Boulter, one of the actors in the show.
Like most British farces, it’s a high action comedy with five different doors on stage to create a bit of craziness about it.
People who come can expect a lot of laughs, he said, with humour that will appeal primarily to an adult audience.
“It’s going to be a fun night out. Hopefully we’ll receive some community support.”
What the audience will see on opening night is the result of months of work for the cast. Boulter said they typically choose a script in the spring by ordering between six and eight they think might be of interest to people and then make their final decision based on what they think will best appeal to the audience and that they can pull off with the number of actors they have and set supplies.
Rehearsals began in August and have become progressively more frequent.
“It’s a lot of work, but the audience reaction for the final product is always great,” he said.
The majority of the actors have been together for about six years as part of RFP, but many have performed in community theatre productions for even longer.
“It’s a great way to pursue a hobby and give back to the community,” Boulter said.
This year proceeds from the performance will go to help support breast cancer research and awareness. Boulter said they decided to do that with the proceeds because one of their cast members is currently battling the disease.
While they will be happy with whatever they’re able to raise, he said it’d be nice to reach about $4,000.
Want to go?
What: Cash on Delivery
When: 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 24 and Nov. 25
Where: Northumberland Regional High School, Alma
How much: $15, tickets available at the door
