by Hazel Stevens
The tiniest theatre in Scotland are hosts to some marvellous entertainment from comedies, tragedy to musical evenings. A warm welcome is always given by the owners Paul and Helena.
I recently went to see Dominic Goodwin and Cal Stockbridge in ‘The Kaiser and I’ written by Stuart Fortey. Who knew that all German officers invited to attend the Kaiser’s balls had to be able to dance and were sent for dance lessons to Bella – a very able English teacher. Gerhard was a very reluctant pupil realising he must undertake the lessons to gain promotion to Captain in the German Army. He falls in love with Bella and is devastated to find she has an English husband at home in London. War breaks out and Gerhard is taken away from Berlin. Bella is refused passage home and must stay in Berlin. Where after the war their paths crossed again. The play is very moving yet has the Goodwin magic and a sprinkle of humour.
The company Pyramus and Thisbe Productions are taking a summer break but this delightful play will be back on stage in October at the Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond North Yorkshire 4th and 5th and Ropewalk Barton on Humber on the 6th. Dominic will be back at the Swallow in November with his tribute to the imitable Kenneth Williams.