Cresta ADS are presenting their 2015 spring production
"CONVERSATION WITH THE TREES"
On a Spring Sunday morning, a group of people come together to do some voluntary renovation work on a local park. That is, it’s voluntary as far as Trevor is concerned.
The others in the group? – not so keen.....Hypochondriac Sidney has been dragged there by his wife Katy, missing her sons who’ve flown the nest.
Barbara’s going along with it for something to do on a long empty day.
As for Layla, she’d rather be in the pub, but she’s making a half-hearted attempt to give her wayward son Darren something constructive to do.
In the course of a day they find out a lot about themselves and each other....
The Cast
David Irwin
David plays Trevor, the pompous, pedantic, self-appointed leader of the volunteer group who are going to clean up the local park.
David has been acting since he was very young when he was first involved with a drama group in York. Following his move to Scarborough in 1985 he was involved with several drama groups until joining Cresta ADS in the early 90s when he took the lead in Billy Liar. He has been involved with nearly every Cresta production since. He has participated for the last 20 years in drama festivals at both Saltburn and Sedgefield, acting mostly in plays written by Sue Wilding and has been lucky enough to win many acting accolades. David very much enjoys the variety of roles he has played over the years, but prefers the darker more sinister roles. He is very excited to be back at the YMCA, the spiritual home of amateur theatre in Scarborough, and is looking forward to many more years at this great venue.
Leigh Swift
Leigh is Barbara. Single. Childless. Not really got much else to be doing on a Sunday morning.
Although a long-standing member of Cresta who has been part of many productions, Leigh recently took several years’ break, and returned to act for them in “I’ll be watching you” at Burniston Village Hall June 2013. Leigh previously performed in “Reclaiming Simon” which won Best Production at the Saltburn Drama Festival and for which she received a Best Actress nomination. She is looking forward to playing the part of Barbara in “Conversation with the Trees”, but hopes that the onset of her menopause will not cause her to forget all her lines!
Phil Gunton
Phil plays the homeless man. Not a man of many words. Wouldn't mind a cup of tea though!
Phil has been with Cresta for only the last four years and has mostly been involved on the technical side and prompting. He made his acting debut just two years ago, appearing in the Cresta production of Sue Wilding’s ‘I’ll be watching you’ in which he was seen wearing nothing but a silk Kimono...well someone had to do it. Is very much looking forward to appearing in many more productions in the future.
Chris Curtis
Chris takes on the role of Sidney, an annoying little hypochondriac.
“The Award-Winning Chris Curtis” as he insists on being referred to these days, has been acting in amateur drama since 1988. (The fact that it took him 26 years to win the award is hardly ever mentioned!)
Chris and Sue Wilding together swept the board at the 2014 Saltburn Drama Festival, in a 2-hander play by American playwright Albi Gorn. As well as winning the Northern Regional final, they also took both Best Actor and Best Actress awards.
Sue Wilding
Sue is Katy, the long-suffering wife of Sidney. They have 2 sons.
Sue discovered drama in 1983, with the College Repertory Players in Doncaster, before moving to Scarborough and joining The Outsiders, then Cresta Players. She has also appeared in many festival productions for Statement Drama. Two of her plays – “Flash Bam Alakazam” and “Hello Darkness, My Old Friend” – were published by Samuel French Ltd in 2010 and 2013 respectively. Cresta’s entries for festivals, performing Sue’s plays, have earned them many awards along the way for acting, production, interpretation and writing; and Sue has picked up nine Best Actress awards for her performances with Statement Drama.
Rae Yaldren
Rae is Layla. Potty-mouthed, single mother. Opinionated. Aggressive. Enjoys a lager too.
Rae is a singer-songwriter, musician and artist who resides in Scarborough with her daughter. She played Nancy in 2009 for Scarborough Musicals, a performance for which she received a review in Noda magazine. Rae joined with Sue Wilding to win a combined Best Actress award in 2011 for 'Commencing' with Statement Drama ADS. Since joining Cresta, Rae has secured several principal parts, playing many different characters. She is currently recording an album which is due to be released in 2016.
Hugh Stanway
Hugh is Darren. Son of Layla. Monosyllabic, disinterested, ill-mannered. Lovely lad!
Hugh is 12 years old and attends Scalby school in Scarborough. He is an active member of Scarborough musicals and has appeared in many of their productions including The Sound of Music, Oliver, Fiddler on the Roof, Calamity Jane and he is currently working on Hairspray. His first love is guitar and songwriting, which he one day hopes to be able to do professionally. This is his first production with Cresta and he has really enjoyed working on a non-musical drama piece.
Rehearsal Photos (March 2015)
