This week I journeyed to a remote village, east of Silves, to meet a well-known writer and director, David Butler-Cole. David and his good lady, Sue, have been involved with theatre all their lives and now David is appearing in the forthcoming Old Time Music Hall production, Down at The Old Bull & Bush, and he is also directing the melodrama in the same production.
How Melodrama is defined I asked David. “Well, it’s a sensational drama with exaggerated characters and exciting events, intended to appeal to the audience’s emotions. Needless to say, this melodrama, Tram Track Tragedy, will undoubtedly appeal as it has everything to make them laugh, cry, boo and cheer as the story unfolds and the actors bring their characters to life.”
Would you tell me what the storyline is? “Most certainly not,” says David, “but I will tease you by saying it involves a dastardly character trying to commit murder”.
So does he or she succeed? “Now that would be telling! Timing is what makes good melodrama. If the actors don’t get that right the audience knows. It involves being late, or early, so that it’s meant to look like it’s wrong but when done correctly the audience know it’s right.”
I see! So in essence a character entering too early or late can be on time?
“Indeed. You have to keep the audience’s attention as melodramas are traditionally included in the second half of the show. We’re also doing Gone with the Wind in a few minutes.”
But there isn’t anyone else here so it will be more than a few minutes before you start!
“No, no” says David, “not a few minutes from now! It’s another Melodrama sketch, only somewhat shorter. So timing is everything hence “IN A FEW MINUTES”.
Ah! Now I get it!
“Good and before you ask, no I am not going to tell you who the chairman will be so please excuse me, I have to get back to work. Nice to meet you Mr Trevors.”
He knows! He does know who will be Chairman, so the identity is known. I’ll have to keep searching...
Down at The Old Bull and Bush Old Time Music Hall will be performed at the Teatro Mascarenhas Gregório in Silves on March 31, April 1 and 2.
Tickets can be ordered via email algarveansboxoffice@gmail.com or telephone 966 211 634 or 282 496 635.
A prize will be awarded each night for the Ladies’ best Hat, and each member of the audience will receive a complimentary glass of wine on arrival.
By Stephen Trevors
