There are tricks and treats, plus laughs aplenty, in store for theatre-goers attending the latest production from Penrith Players, which begins a four-night run on Wednesday, February 16.
A world premiere to kick off the Players’ 100th anniversary season, The Mandrake is based on a play written by the Dominic Cummings of his day – Niccolò Machiavelli – called La Mandragola.
Often referred to as the father of modern political philosophy and political science, Machiavelli’s La Mandragola, first performed in the 1520s, features a protagonist, Callimaco, who desires to sleep with Lucrezia, the young and beautiful wife of an elderly fool, Nicia.
Fast forward 500 years and Kevan France, of North Cumbria Scriptwriters, has written a play based on a translation of the Medieval Machiavellian farce which is packed full of modern day fun and frolics.
In Kevan’s version of The Mandrake, Callimaco becomes Callum, played by Kyle Summers, who was last seen on the Penrith Playhouse stage in The Hound of The Baskervilles which welcomed back audiences to the theatre in October last year, for the first time following the lockdown shutdown.
The role of Lucrezia, or Lucy as she is known in this 2022 update, is taken by Players’ newcomer Kate Taylor.
Taking the part of Nicia, or Mr Nixon, as he is called in this production, is Kelvin Dixon, who is no stranger to the Penrith stage, having performed in a number of well received comedy roles over the years.
When trickster Callum returns to his hometown after some dodgy dealings in California turn sour, he espies his childhood crush, the “luscious” Lucy, and decides to try and pull off the ultimate scam – while pulling her at the same time.
Enlisting the help of school friends, Ligger and Steve, played by Andy Keogh and Oliver Tallis, Callum sets about concocting a ruse of wicked proportions with hilarious consequences.
Director Tash Binder says The Mandrake has been a delight to direct right from the start.
“It’s hilariously funny from start to finish and has never failed to cheer me up during rehearsals.
“The comedy comes from the Carry On-style mischievous humour; there are double-entendres and visual gags aplenty.
“If you want to beat the cold February blues, there will be nothing better than coming along to Penrith Playhouse to have a genuine giggle at Callum, his friends, and the ludicrous situations they get themselves into in the pursuit of wickedness,” said Tash.
Tickets can be booked by visiting www.ticketsource.co.uk/penrithplayers, they are also available at Penrith tourist information centre, telephone 01768 867466, or on the door.
