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Public Houses
and
Private Lives 


Written by Derek Elsby
​
Who doesn’t enjoy a good night out? Drinks and chat at the pub, dancing at the club, all in a swirl of alcohol and social intoxication. In the next offering of plays by The Linlithgow Players, we explore the funny and unfortunate ways that a night out can unfold.

The evening starts with on a high with the raving antics of 40-something Kenny (played by an energised Mark Eggeling), in Hardcore Never Dies by Stephen Cristopher. Middle age has not quelled the raving fire within, and we follow him and his lumber, Teddie (Erika Oulton), through their drink, drug, and adrenaline fuelled evening. Then, continuing with the adults behaving badly theme, Like Whiskey on the Breath of a Drunk You Love by Andrew Bovell follows two couples from bar to bedroom in a twin tale of adultery. Both the courtships and consequences are played out simultaneously on stage, exposing every nerve to the audience. Finally (after a break to top up your drinks), Two by Jim Cartwright, focuses on the nightly cast of characters in a Northern pub. Liz Drewett and Derek Elsby play the couple who own the public house, but between them they also play the twelve other characters who are out having a drink. Set in 1989, the play is a snapshot of a busy evening in the most social of settings and explores the two sides of each character and couple we encounter.  
​​All in all, following on from The Players’ last offering of plays, “Murder & Merlot” which was themed on death and murder, this round of performances looks at the richness and complexity of simply being alive. Most of us are social creatures, whether we like it or not. Our lives can and should include plenty of celebration, but what happens when we focus too much on the highs and ignore the lows? Most of us hide secrets, but are some secrets are too big to hide without consequences; for both ourselves and for those around us? However, it’s not all existential dread and reflection. There are plenty of laughs to get you through the pain of living. And, of course, there will be drinks available to help quell any ennui.

All three one-act-plays are being produced and directed by Thérèse Gallacher. When asked for comment, Thérèse said, “What!? Why are you bothering me? I’ve got three plays to produce, rehearse, and direct! Have you learned your lines, yet!?” Clearly, she is hard at work, inspiring her actors and pulling everything together for the June performances, which will fittingly be performed at Code (The West Port Hotel). The shows will take place on Friday 6th and Saturday the 7th in the evening and include all three plays. In addition, there will be a Saturday matinee performance of “Two”, for a reduced price.

See you at the pub!

​​Tickets, £13 (plus booking fee) from the link above or you can call on 07849 448 999

Warning: These plays have adult themes and some contain strong language.
In Rehearsal!
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