philip’s theatrical

fireworks

BUSINESSMAN and local playwright Philip Gillmor has taken his historical pen out again.

Philip, former president of the St Albans Chamber of Commerce and member of the Company of Ten, has penned several historical dramas and has now turned his attention to the events of November 5, 1605

Penny for the Guy is being performed by the Company of Ten at the Abbey Theatre (Friday) and Saturday nights, 4 & 5 November.

Recalling the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot, the first half of the evening consists of a monologue by Tony Sidoli, The Bonfire of the Profanities, where Aunt Maisie's outrageous behaviour at a bonfire party causes fireworks of a different kind. That will be followed by a short playlet by Anne Stafford-Murray,

Following the Recipe, which looks at the friction in the air as mother prepares the cooking for a bonfire party which again causes fireworks to fly. After the interval, the Company will be putting on Philip's one-act play Cause to Remember about the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

Posing a number of questions about the famous story, the performance takes the form of a rehearsed reading - the type of device used frequently on BBC Radio. Said Philip: "You don't have to see people acting — words can just as easily send shivers down the spine at times. What went on in the Tower certainly will!"

Performances in the Abbey Theatre Studio begin at 8pm tomorrow and 8.30pm on Saturday after the St Albans firework display in Verulamium Park.

Tickets can be booked by calling 01727 812742.