Bob Hope Theatre Eltham

18/10/2023

Wishing all our Bromley Players friends a great opening night and run with Carrie

01/10/2023

A Bunch of Amateurs.
Tickets available from www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk/bunch.html

27/09/2023

Wishing everyone involved in The Lieutenant of Inishmore a fantastic opening night and run.
If you've not yet booked, tickets are available on

Eltham Little Theatre Limited, Wythfield Road, Eltham, London SE9 5TGRegistered as a Company in England and Wales. Company No. 401481Registered as a Charity. Charity No. 208710

25/09/2023

11/09/2023

We're happy to announce the cast for "Once Upon A Time - A Fairytale Pantomime. Tickets are already on sale. Go to www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk/onceupon.html

06/09/2023

With three weeks to go, don't miss out on this opportunity to be shocked, appalled and tickled. Book your tickets now!
www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk/inishmore.html
‘The Lieutenant of Inishmore’ delivers dark comedy at its blackest. Award-winning writer, Martin McDonagh pushes the brutal extreme, whilst being very funny with it. A blended bloodbath and farcical caper, this rural Irish tale follows the renegade INLA killer Padraic, as he returns, lured back to his isolated family home in order to find out and avenge the mysterious death of his beloved cat, Wee Thomas. Of course, things don’t go quite to plan. What will Padraic do when he uncovers the truth? Packed with shock and humour, Tarantino style, hold on tightly if you dare witness this savage play!
(This production is not suitable for children)

27/08/2023

Keen to boost his flagging career, washed-up Hollywood action hero Jefferson Steele, arrives in England to play King Lear in Stratford only to find that this is not the birthplace of the Bard, but a sleepy Suffolk village and the cast are a bunch of amateurs trying to save their theatre from being bulldozed to make way for executive homes rather than RSC stalwarts. Jefferson’s monstrous ego, vanity and insecurity are tested by the enthusiastic amateur thespians – who are not averse to a spot of ego, vanity and insecurity themselves. As acting worlds collide and Jefferson’s career implodes, he discovers some truths about himself and his relationships with other people… along with his inner Lear!

CONTENT WARNING:

OCCASIONAL STRONG LANGUAGE

PARENTAL DISCRETION ADVISED

Eldorado Musical Productions present "A Bunch of Amateurs" by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman see www.dramagroups.com - you can list your Show at absolutely free!

27/08/2023

With one month to go, our cast are preparing to put on this thought-provoking, shocking and violently funny play. Don't miss out and book your tickets now!
‘The Lieutenant of Inishmore’ delivers dark comedy at its blackest. Award-winning writer, Martin McDonagh pushes the brutal extreme, whilst being very funny with it. A blended bloodbath and farcical caper, this rural Irish tale follows the renegade INLA killer Padraic, as he returns, lured back to his isolated family home in order to find out and avenge the mysterious death of his beloved cat, Wee Thomas. Of course, things don’t go quite to plan. What will Padraic do when he uncovers the truth? Packed with shock and humour, Tarantino style, hold on tightly if you dare witness this savage play!

(This production is not suitable for children)

25/08/2023

AUDITION CALL [25-45] French Maid in "CLUE" - A Roan Theatre Company Production

Performing at the Bob Hope Theatre, Nov 29th - Dec 2nd.
Rehearsals are Monday evenings at the John Roan Club, Kidbrooke Park Rd 7.30-10.00pm and Wednesday evenings at the 1st Royal Eltham Scout Hut off Footscray Rd 7.30-9.30pm, starting Monday 4th September.

Clue is a fast-paced comedy based on the cult classic film, based on the game, Cluedo.
"It’s a dark and stormy night, and you’ve been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well… dead. So whodunnit? Join the iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they race to find the murderer in Boddy Manor before the body count stacks up.”

They are looking for someone to play Yvette, the French maid (playing age between 25 and 45 ish).
Please contact Teresa....[email protected]

30/07/2023

DURING AUGUST THE THEATRE OFFICE AND BOX OFFICE WILL BE OPEN ON TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS ONLY FROM 10AM - 1PM

Normal hours will recommence from Tuesday 29th August

Tickets may be booked on line at any time

13/07/2023

Tickets on sale now!
Ranked by many, as one of the greatest plays ever written, ‘The Lieutenant of Inishmore’ delivers dark comedy at its blackest. Award-winning writer, Martin McDonagh pushes the brutal extreme, whilst being very funny with it. A blended bloodbath and farcical caper, this rural Irish tale follows the renegade INLA killer Padraic, as he returns, lured back to his isolated family home in order to find out and avenge the mysterious death of his beloved cat, Wee Thomas. Of course, things don’t go quite to plan. What will Padraic do when he uncovers the truth? Packed with shock and humour, Tarantino style, hold on tightly if you dare witness this savage play!
(This production is not suitable for children)

07/07/2023

Got tickets?

The New Stagers present a window to history, bringing to life a variety of characters from the eras of Caveman, Romans, Vikings and medieval Kings to our modern-day monarchy.

As we travel through time, meet the historical characters who put Eltham on the map. From its first Doomsday entry to its standing as a favourite residence for many Kings of England, to its experience of the Blitz and two World Wars. Of course, no area's history is complete without the addition of some gossip, over a garden fence between neighbourhood matriarchs. So, sit back and enjoy a history lesson, unlike any you would have received at school!

The New Stagers are the Bob Hope Theatre’s youth drama group for 11 - 16 year olds.

17/06/2023

LAST PERFORMANCE! LAST CHANCE!
Marking the 50th anniversary of the first London production of Sir Alan Ayckbourn's hilarious and renowned play, Round and Round the Garden, The Bob Hope Theatre begins a four-night run on June 14.
It is fitting that this special production takes place in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, precisely 50 years after its inaugural London performance, as the Bob Hope Theatre in Eltham, located within the same borough, sets the stage for this remarkable event.
This week, Sir Alan Ayckbourn, the esteemed playwright known for his remarkable contributions to contemporary theatre, sent a personal letter to the cast, conveying his best wishes for their performance.
Round and Round The Garden is a delightful and uproarious part of Sir Alan Ayckbourn's celebrated trilogy known as the Norman Conquests. This comedy masterpiece brilliantly captures the intricacies of human relationships with wit and charm as Norman and his family navigate the complexities of love, desire, and family dynamics.
“Audiences can expect an evening filled with uproarious laughter and poignant moments that resonate with the universal truths of human interaction,” says director Paul Marshall.
"By setting the production as a nostalgic period piece in 1973, we aim to transport the audience back in time and evoke the spirit of the original production.
“We are honoured to celebrate the 50th anniversary. It was wonderful that Sir Alan took the time to write to us personally.”
In a heartfelt letter to the cast and crew, Sir Alan expressed his delight and fond memories of the play's return to the Greenwich borough.
He wrote: "I’m so delighted to hear that Norman and the gang are returning after all these years to the Royal Borough of Greenwich where I have so many happy memories of seeing them all those years ago.
"I wish you every success with your production, and I will be toasting you all on your first night with dandelion wine! Love and best wishes, Alan Ayckbourn."
Round and Round the Garden will run at the Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road Eltham from Wednesday to Saturday, June 14 to June 17 .
Tickets are available for purchase at the theatre's box office 0208 850 3702 10 and 1 – Tuesday to Saturday or online anytime at www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk.

16/06/2023

AND THE REVIEWS ARE IN!!

*****This is a great show with a thoroughly entertaining cast. It's not the 140 minutes suggested - they probably
should have said 1h 40m!
Lovely little venue with reasonably-priced and tasty ice creams. Staff very friendly. Recommended. :)

*****Wonderful! The Bob Hope Theatre company in Eltham make a brilliant fist of this 50 year old comedy from
Ayckbourn. Sometimes one is a little cautious about revivals from certain time periods. Do they still work or is it
going to be a trifle embarrassing?
No need for such concerns here. The company have polished up the 70s and delivered a very amusing night
of theatre. Credit to Jack Harding for the role of Norman, playing him just the right side of whimsical bohemian.
The remainder of the cast are brilliant in their support. Round and Round the Garden was part of a trilogy of
plays that made up the Norman Conquest and if I had a negative note, it would be that we miss the pieces of
the jigsaw that the other two plays provide.
It’s alway a pleasure to visit this very friendly little venue.
To cap it all, Mr Ayckbourn himself sent a message of goodwill to the cast. Highly recommended!

****Always a pleasure to visit Bob Hope Theatre as the staff are so welcoming and good view from wherever you sit
because of excellent raking. This was an amateur production but all actors extremely good particularly the 3
male leads.

****A light-hearted evening with good performances from the whole cast. Great set. The staff were welcoming as
ever. Lovely small theatre.

***Great set. Light hearted fun

***This is a lovely theatre and great staff. All seats have good views. The play was enjoyable and funny.
However, an Alan Ayckbourn play is difficult to pull off - demanding subtle acting and precision timing. And
perhaps it is unfair to compare this with performances on television and at the National.

Marking the 50th anniversary of the first London production of Sir Alan Ayckbourn's hilarious and renowned play, Round and Round the Garden, The Bob Hope Theatre begins a four-night run on June 14.
It is fitting that this special production takes place in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, precisely 50 years after its inaugural London performance, as the Bob Hope Theatre in Eltham, located within the same borough, sets the stage for this remarkable event.
This week, Sir Alan Ayckbourn, the esteemed playwright known for his remarkable contributions to contemporary theatre, sent a personal letter to the cast, conveying his best wishes for their performance.
Round and Round The Garden is a delightful and uproarious part of Sir Alan Ayckbourn's celebrated trilogy known as the Norman Conquests. This comedy masterpiece brilliantly captures the intricacies of human relationships with wit and charm as Norman and his family navigate the complexities of love, desire, and family dynamics.
“Audiences can expect an evening filled with uproarious laughter and poignant moments that resonate with the universal truths of human interaction,” says director Paul Marshall.
"By setting the production as a nostalgic period piece in 1973, we aim to transport the audience back in time and evoke the spirit of the original production.
“We are honoured to celebrate the 50th anniversary. It was wonderful that Sir Alan took the time to write to us personally.”
In a heartfelt letter to the cast and crew, Sir Alan expressed his delight and fond memories of the play's return to the Greenwich borough.
He wrote: "I’m so delighted to hear that Norman and the gang are returning after all these years to the Royal Borough of Greenwich where I have so many happy memories of seeing them all those years ago.
"I wish you every success with your production, and I will be toasting you all on your first night with dandelion wine! Love and best wishes, Alan Ayckbourn."
Round and Round the Garden will run at the Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road Eltham from Wednesday to Saturday, June 14 to June 17 .
Tickets are available for purchase at the theatre's box office 0208 850 3702 10 and 1 – Tuesday to Saturday or online anytime at www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk.
Photos courtesy of Robert Piwko Photography

15/06/2023

A FANTASTIC OPENING NIGHT AND JUST 3 PERFORMANCES TO GO! DON'T MISS OUT!
Marking the 50th anniversary of the first London production of Sir Alan Ayckbourn's hilarious and renowned play, Round and Round the Garden, The Bob Hope Theatre begins a four-night run on June 14.
It is fitting that this special production takes place in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, precisely 50 years after its inaugural London performance, as the Bob Hope Theatre in Eltham, located within the same borough, sets the stage for this remarkable event.
This week, Sir Alan Ayckbourn, the esteemed playwright known for his remarkable contributions to contemporary theatre, sent a personal letter to the cast, conveying his best wishes for their performance.
Round and Round The Garden is a delightful and uproarious part of Sir Alan Ayckbourn's celebrated trilogy known as the Norman Conquests. This comedy masterpiece brilliantly captures the intricacies of human relationships with wit and charm as Norman and his family navigate the complexities of love, desire, and family dynamics.
“Audiences can expect an evening filled with uproarious laughter and poignant moments that resonate with the universal truths of human interaction,” says director Paul Marshall.
"By setting the production as a nostalgic period piece in 1973, we aim to transport the audience back in time and evoke the spirit of the original production.
“We are honoured to celebrate the 50th anniversary. It was wonderful that Sir Alan took the time to write to us personally.”
In a heartfelt letter to the cast and crew, Sir Alan expressed his delight and fond memories of the play's return to the Greenwich borough.
He wrote: "I’m so delighted to hear that Norman and the gang are returning after all these years to the Royal Borough of Greenwich where I have so many happy memories of seeing them all those years ago.
"I wish you every success with your production, and I will be toasting you all on your first night with dandelion wine! Love and best wishes, Alan Ayckbourn."
Round and Round the Garden will run at the Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road Eltham from Wednesday to Saturday, June 14 to June 17 .
Tickets are available for purchase at the theatre's box office 0208 850 3702 10 and 1 – Tuesday to Saturday or online anytime at www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk.
Photos courtesy of Robert Piwko Photography

14/06/2023

https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/theatre/sir-alan-ayckbourn-round-and-round-the-garden-anniversary-bob-hope-theatre-eltham-b1087782.html

The classic play is celebrating its 50th anniversary

14/06/2023

OUR GARDEN IS OPEN TONIGHT! COME ON ROUND!
Marking the 50th anniversary of the first London production of Sir Alan Ayckbourn's hilarious and renowned play, Round and Round the Garden, The Bob Hope Theatre begins a four-night run on June 14.
It is fitting that this special production takes place in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, precisely 50 years after its inaugural London performance, as the Bob Hope Theatre in Eltham, located within the same borough, sets the stage for this remarkable event.
This week, Sir Alan Ayckbourn, the esteemed playwright known for his remarkable contributions to contemporary theatre, sent a personal letter to the cast, conveying his best wishes for their performance.
Round and Round The Garden is a delightful and uproarious part of Sir Alan Ayckbourn's celebrated trilogy known as the Norman Conquests. This comedy masterpiece brilliantly captures the intricacies of human relationships with wit and charm as Norman and his family navigate the complexities of love, desire, and family dynamics.
“Audiences can expect an evening filled with uproarious laughter and poignant moments that resonate with the universal truths of human interaction,” says director Paul Marshall.
"By setting the production as a nostalgic period piece in 1973, we aim to transport the audience back in time and evoke the spirit of the original production.
“We are honoured to celebrate the 50th anniversary. It was wonderful that Sir Alan took the time to write to us personally.”
In a heartfelt letter to the cast and crew, Sir Alan expressed his delight and fond memories of the play's return to the Greenwich borough.
He wrote: "I’m so delighted to hear that Norman and the gang are returning after all these years to the Royal Borough of Greenwich where I have so many happy memories of seeing them all those years ago.
"I wish you every success with your production, and I will be toasting you all on your first night with dandelion wine! Love and best wishes, Alan Ayckbourn."
Round and Round the Garden will run at the Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road Eltham from Wednesday to Saturday, June 14 to June 17 .
Tickets are available for purchase at the theatre's box office 0208 850 3702 10 and 1 – Tuesday to Saturday or online anytime at www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk.

13/06/2023

JUST ONE DAY TO GO!...
Marking the 50th anniversary of the first London production of Sir Alan Ayckbourn's hilarious and renowned play, Round and Round the Garden, The Bob Hope Theatre begins a four-night run on June 14.
It is fitting that this special production takes place in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, precisely 50 years after its inaugural London performance, as the Bob Hope Theatre in Eltham, located within the same borough, sets the stage for this remarkable event.
This week, Sir Alan Ayckbourn, the esteemed playwright known for his remarkable contributions to contemporary theatre, sent a personal letter to the cast, conveying his best wishes for their performance.
Round and Round The Garden is a delightful and uproarious part of Sir Alan Ayckbourn's celebrated trilogy known as the Norman Conquests. This comedy masterpiece brilliantly captures the intricacies of human relationships with wit and charm as Norman and his family navigate the complexities of love, desire, and family dynamics.
“Audiences can expect an evening filled with uproarious laughter and poignant moments that resonate with the universal truths of human interaction,” says director Paul Marshall.
"By setting the production as a nostalgic period piece in 1973, we aim to transport the audience back in time and evoke the spirit of the original production.
“We are honoured to celebrate the 50th anniversary. It was wonderful that Sir Alan took the time to write to us personally.”
In a heartfelt letter to the cast and crew, Sir Alan expressed his delight and fond memories of the play's return to the Greenwich borough.
He wrote: "I’m so delighted to hear that Norman and the gang are returning after all these years to the Royal Borough of Greenwich where I have so many happy memories of seeing them all those years ago.
"I wish you every success with your production, and I will be toasting you all on your first night with dandelion wine! Love and best wishes, Alan Ayckbourn."
Round and Round the Garden will run at the Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road Eltham from Wednesday to Saturday, June 14 to June 17 .
Tickets are available for purchase at the theatre's box office 0208 850 3702 10 and 1 – Tuesday to Saturday or online anytime at www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk.

12/06/2023

Marking the 50th anniversary of the first London production of Sir Alan Ayckbourn's hilarious and renowned play, Round and Round the Garden, The Bob Hope Theatre begins a four-night run on June 14.
It is fitting that this special production takes place in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, precisely 50 years after its inaugural London performance, as the Bob Hope Theatre in Eltham, located within the same borough, sets the stage for this remarkable event.
This week, Sir Alan Ayckbourn, the esteemed playwright known for his remarkable contributions to contemporary theatre, sent a personal letter to the cast, conveying his best wishes for their performance.
Round and Round The Garden is a delightful and uproarious part of Sir Alan Ayckbourn's celebrated trilogy known as the Norman Conquests. This comedy masterpiece brilliantly captures the intricacies of human relationships with wit and charm as Norman and his family navigate the complexities of love, desire, and family dynamics.
“Audiences can expect an evening filled with uproarious laughter and poignant moments that resonate with the universal truths of human interaction,” says director Paul Marshall.
"By setting the production as a nostalgic period piece in 1973, we aim to transport the audience back in time and evoke the spirit of the original production.
“We are honoured to celebrate the 50th anniversary. It was wonderful that Sir Alan took the time to write to us personally.”
In a heartfelt letter to the cast and crew, Sir Alan expressed his delight and fond memories of the play's return to the Greenwich borough.
He wrote: "I’m so delighted to hear that Norman and the gang are returning after all these years to the Royal Borough of Greenwich where I have so many happy memories of seeing them all those years ago.
"I wish you every success with your production, and I will be toasting you all on your first night with dandelion wine! Love and best wishes, Alan Ayckbourn."
Round and Round the Garden will run at the Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road Eltham from Wednesday to Saturday, June 14 to June 17 .
Tickets are available for purchase at the theatre's box office 0208 850 3702 10 and 1 – Tuesday to Saturday or online anytime at www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk.

02/06/2023

The New Stagers present a window to history, bringing to life a variety of characters from the eras of Caveman, Romans, Vikings and medieval Kings to our modern-day monarchy.

As we travel through time, meet the historical characters who put Eltham on the map. From its first Doomsday entry to its standing as a favourite residence for many Kings of England, to its experience of the Blitz and two World Wars. Of course, no area's history is complete without the addition of some gossip, over a garden fence between neighbourhood matriarchs. So, sit back and enjoy a history lesson, unlike any you would have received at school!

The New Stagers are the Bob Hope Theatre’s youth drama group for 11 - 16 year olds.

25/05/2023

Wishing all our Ferrier friends a fantastic opening night and run with Princess Ida.

24/05/2023

3 WEEKS TO GO!! You won't want to miss out on this hilarious comedy and great cast.

14th, 15th 16th and 17th June from 7.45pm.

Norman has apparently only one desire - he wants to make people happy. He may not look exactly like Casanova as an Assistant Librarian with beard, but he has a twinkle in his eye. Over the course of a weekend in the Summer of 1973 in the garden of an old English vicarage house Norman ends up causing disruption and wreaking havoc on existing unhappy marital relationships.
He has arranged to take Annie, the sister of his career-driven wife Ruth, to East Grinstead for an illicit weekend away from her cantankerous Mother. The oblivious Reg with his controlling wife Sarah have arrived to allow Annie a weekend away. Add Tom, the lovesick-but-uncommitted vet, and you have a recipe for a hilarious, farcical and dramatic weekend.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the very first performance of Round and Round the Garden, join us this summer at the Bob Hope Theatre Eltham, as laughter and chaos ensue, with Norman’s attempts to end up in the arms of Annie, Sarah and even Ruth.
Tickets from www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk

18/05/2023

Booked YOUR tickets? 14th - 17th June. www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk for details

14/05/2023

NODA LONDON PRODUCTIONS – 14 May to 25 June 2023

Many thanks to Jacqui O'Brien and Maidenhead Operatic Society for this photo from their production of Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

To have a production or rehearsal photo of your group featured next week please email [email protected]

14/05/2023

With just ONE MONTH to go, now's the time to be thinking about booking your tickets for this Ayckbourn Classic!.

14th, 15th 16th and 17th June from 7.45pm.

Norman has apparently only one desire - he wants to make people happy. He may not look exactly like Casanova as an Assistant Librarian with beard, but he has a twinkle in his eye. Over the course of a weekend in the Summer of 1973 in the garden of an old English vicarage house Norman ends up causing disruption and wreaking havoc on existing unhappy marital relationships.
He has arranged to take Annie, the sister of his career-driven wife Ruth, to East Grinstead for an illicit weekend away from her cantankerous Mother. The oblivious Reg with his controlling wife Sarah have arrived to allow Annie a weekend away. Add Tom, the lovesick-but-uncommitted vet, and you have a recipe for a hilarious, farcical and dramatic weekend.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the very first performance of Round and Round the Garden, join us this summer at the Bob Hope Theatre Eltham, as laughter and chaos ensue, with Norman’s attempts to end up in the arms of Annie, Sarah and even Ruth.
Tickets from www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk

29/04/2023

Well done Lauren! Congratulations!

29/04/2023

Congratulations Maria! Great news!

29/04/2023

Fantastic news for the Vincent in Brixton scenic team!

29/04/2023

Congratulations to everyone on the Red Riding Hood & the Eternal Winter Team! Well Deserved!

29/04/2023

The Lieutenant of Inishmore
By Martin McDonagh
Read-through & Auditions
Thursday 4th May at 7.30pm – an opportunity to participate in an informal read-through of the play in the Bob Hope Theatre bar area.
Audition dates: Thursday 11th May at 7.30pm & Sunday 14th May, 2pm at The Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Rd, Eltham, London, SE9 5TG
‘The Lieutenant of Inishmore’ delivers dark comedy at its blackest. Award-winning writer, Martin McDonagh pushes the brutal extreme, whilst being very funny with it. A blended bloodbath and farcical caper, this rural Irish tale follows the renegade INLA killer Padraic, as he returns, lured back to his isolated family home in order to find out and avenge the mysterious death of his beloved cat, wee Thomas. Of course, things don’t go quite to plan. What will Padraic do when he uncovers the truth? Packed with a mix of shock and humour, Tarantino style, this is theatre not for the faint-hearted.

29/04/2023

So proud. Well done David!

19/04/2023

Wishing all our Bromley Players friends a great opening night and run with Grease. Break a leg!

29/03/2023

Wishing all our Eldorado Musical Productions friends a fangtastic opening night and run with The Addams Family!

19/03/2023

Beethoven on a Sunday at BHT tonight with Yana Burova (Violin) and Birsen Ulucan (Piano).

18/03/2023

Last performance tonight. Don't miss out on this brilliant piece of comedy-drama. Here are a few more audience reviews...

An unusual play which pulled in the audience from the start. A lot of laughs and all the actors in this amateur performance appeared
to be enjoying themselves too. It was nice to see a full audience and the Bob Hope Theatre was friendly and comfortable. A very
enjoyable evening.
4 stars

What a lovely community theatre where you receive a lovely welcome throughout your evening
The play was very enjoyable with the second half over before you knew it
You could see the actors were enjoying their roles and lead actor was excellent
If you’ve got a spare evening go and enjoy yourself
4 stars

First half was OK, but really enjoyed 2nd half. Liked the backdrop. Cast looked like they were enjoying performing.
4 stars

16/03/2023

The reviews for Up n Under are in. And the crowd went wild!...

John Godber has been writing quality popular theatre for forty years; at one time he was the third most performed playwright in the UK, after Shakespeare and Alan Ayckbourne. You can see why with this crowd-pleaser. ‘Up’n’Under’ is the story of a team of chronically unfit amateur rugby players from the Wheatsheaf Pub, who pride themselves on never winning a seven-a-side match and never fielding a full team. Arthur, an ex-pro hung up on past glories, bets he can train any team to beat the crack squad in the local league, the Cobblers. The play follows the process of moulding the layabouts into a serviceable unit, and climaxes in the epic game itself. On the way they acquire a woman trainer who also joins the team. This is a warm, big-hearted play. A simple David-and-Goliath set-up serves as an exploration of the large hopes of small people, and the way that sport, team sport, can make people better than themselves. The parts of the five rugby players are filled out with imaginative direction from Melanie Wray. All the cast deliver passionately committed, wholly believable performances. It’s a challenge for actors to go from slobby wastrels to match-ready, and a certain suspension of disbelief is needed in the cases of the short Bailey Assenjee-Muir and impressively ripped Ollie Kenny. But the audience want to believe in these characters with a vengeance. The last scene, the match, becomes exhilarating with audience participation, This is an amateur production, but there is amateur and amateur. No pay certainly doesn’t mean no talent, and the Bob Hope Theatre Actors’ Company are far from being bottom-feeders. Most have professional training or experience. Those who aspire to a career in theatre can, from this production, take hope. Invidious to single out individuals in such an ensemble piece, but the interplay between Bailey and Ollie as the exuberant babies of the team lifts the energies of the show.

Rating: 5 stars

What a lovely community theatre where you receive a lovely welcome throughout your evening The play was very enjoyable with the second half over before you knew it You could see the actors were enjoying their roles and lead actor was excellent If you’ve got a spare evening go and enjoy yourself

Rating: 4 stars

A brilliant, laugh out loud performance by the Eltham players. We thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced play and were captivated from beginning to end. The venue was also excellent; the staff could not have been more helpful. Would thoroughly recommend a visit to see this rip roaring performance.

Rating: 5 stars