July 2004 Production

Twilight Tales

Three one-act plays

Cards, Cups and Crystal Ball

Written by David Campton and Directed by Gee Rook

A Cut in the Rates

Written by Alan Ayckbourn and Directed by Ashley Dunn

After Midnight, Before Dawn

Written by David Campton and Directed by Ashley Dunn

Synopses

Cards, Cups and Crystal Ball

The Weerd sisters try to make ends meet through fortune-telling. When Lady M calls, Flora discovers she indeed has the gift of foresight, although she does not like what she sees. The sisters' fortunes are turned. Lady M returns to learn more but this time the truth is held back.

A Cut in the Rates

When Miss Pickhart visits the illusionist Ratchet on official Town Hall business, she discovers a sinister secret. Alone in the cellar after Ratchet is called away, she confronts the ghost of Rosalinda who met an untimely death during the saw the woman in half trick. The ghost believes it was not an accident and calls upon Miss Pickhart to release her. To do this Miss Pickhart must relive that fateful night and climb into the cabinet. It seems as though she too is to meet a grim death until the play takes an unexpected twist.

After Midnight, Before Dawn

The characters await death, having been sentenced for witchcraft. It is the late 1600s or early 1700s. Only the Calm Woman remains unmoved. On being questioned, she replies she will not hang. The Devil will look after his own. The others conclude she is indeed a witch-- and beg her to tell them how they too may gain Satan's protection. Only the girl protests-- and they set on her and kill her. But the Calm Woman then informs them she has not after all offered them any guarantee of safety. In a wild fury they set on her also, and her prophecy is fulfilled, she will not hang. A great success in England.