Past Ratae Productions
2024/25
The Ghost Train
Written by Arnold Ridley and directed by Russell Hughes
In October 2024 we performed Arnold Ridley's classic comedy-thriller, The Ghost Train. It was first produced in 1925 and has been a firm favourite with professional and non-professional theatre companies ever since.
Six passengers find themselves stranded late at night in the waiting-room of an isolated Comish railway station. Ignoring the ghostly tales and dire warnings of the stationmaster, they decide to stay where they are until morning - with terrifying consequences. Finally, all is revealed and the details of a fiendish plot are laid bare.
2023/24
A Night at the Musicals
In August 2024, we performed 'A Night at the Musicals' presented by Leicester Events Choir and ratae
Inspector Drake and the Time Machine
Written by David Tristram and directed by David Parker
Our June 2024 production was a farcical comedy in the style of Blackadder and Baldrick where inspector Drake and his dim witted sidekick, Sergeant Plod, end up 3000 years in the future and chaos ensues.
Aladdin
Written by John Shaw and directed by David Parker
In January 2024, Ratae performed Aladdin, a thrilling Panto full of laughs, songs, dances and magic. Including all his admirers in this magical adventure which journeys from the deserts of mystical Arabia to the streets of Old Peking. Will Aladdin find his true love, or will the evil Abanazar have other plans for the beautiful Princess Borobudur?
Featuring Showstoppers Academy of Dance
2022/23
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
In October 2023, Ratae Cooperative Players presented a retelling of the classic thriller "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.".
The story was adapted and the production directed by David Stevens.
When brilliant scientist Dr Henry Jekyll creates an elixir to explore the darker side of human nature, he finds much more than he bargained for. Enter Edward Hyde, murderer, seducer and terror of Victorian London. Can Jekyll defeat his other self and save his soul; and at what cost?
Rapunzel - a magical panto!
In January 2023 we encouraged our audience to come and let their hair down with a fun packed Family Pantomime, Rapunzel!
Deadly Nightshade, the Witch has Rapunzel locked in a Tower in the deep dark woods! How will she gain her freedom? Will Silly Billy, The Village Idiot save her or the dashing young Prince with an surprising name? Come and find out and join our magical cast of characters who include Goldilocks and The Three Bears. We invite you to enjoy all the songs, jokes and laughter on an exciting adventure of Pantomime proportions!
2021/22
Living Together
In October 2022, we performed Living Together written by Alan Ayckbourn
Directed by Russell Hughes
In Living Together, Annie, the Cinderella of the family, lives in the shabby Victorian vicarage type house where the family was brought up looking after her formidable mother.
Reg, her brother, and his wife Sarah come to stay for weekend so that she may go away for a "rest". Annie ought to pair off with Tom. But for this weekend it is Norman, the raffish assistant librarian husband of Annie's sister Ruth, with whom she planned to go.
They were to meet secretly but Norman turns up earlsy. When Annie calls the whole thing off Norman decides to stay on at the house and gets roaring drunk.
This amateur production was presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.
Time, Murderer, Please
In April 2022, we performed Written by Time, Murderer, Please, written by Charles Raymond Dyer and Directed by Sam White
'A murder has been reported. An ‘abominable’ murder with some other concerning news… The killer is still out there!!! Suspicions arise when a stranger arrives at “The Round Table Hotel” in Hornsey, London. After crucial details have become unclear, time is of the essence to remember the facts. The race is on to straighten out the truth.
The biggest concern is, if you really are innocent... Why are you on the run?
Piecing together this murder mystery will have audiences suspecting everyone. Is the culprit of the murder in hiding, on the run or actively looking for others to take the blame? What lengths will the killer take to convince you of their innocence? What measures will the killer take to convince you of your guilt?'
This amateur production was presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd.
Dick Whittington and his Cat
In December 2021, after a pause due to the global coronavirus pandemic, Ratae performed the traditional family Pantomime, 'Dick Whittington and his Cat', written by John Shaw and directed by Mary Jones.
What adventures are in store for Dick Whittington as he travels to London to seek his fortune? Will he find the streets paved with gold or plagued with Rats? Only you can find out when you witness this year's exciting Ratae Panto. Meet Dick, his faithful cat, Tommy and all their friends as they all seek to outwit the wily Queen Rat and take a perilous journey across the sea.
2019/20
As Long as They're Happy
Ratae started our special 70th Anniversary Season with 'As Long As They're Happy' written by Vernon Sylvaine and directed by Mary Jones. This classic 1950's Comedy is chock full of hilarious family characters who find themselves in even more of a tizz with the arrival to their home of ultra famous 'Crying Crooner', Bobby Denver!
This was an amateur production presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH LTD.
There Was An Old Woman Who Lived in A Shoe
Written and directed by John Shaw, There Was An Old Woman Who Lived in A Shoe was a wonderfully colourful, fun family pantomime chock full of all your favourite Nursery Rhyme Characters!
Old Mother Hubbard has so many children she doesn't know what to do! Life is further complicated for her son Simple Simon with the arrival of beautiful Bo Peep. The evil and dastardly Crooked Man also has his crooked eyes on her too and the race is on to save poor Bo Peep from his clutches! All helped of course by The Mother Goose Fairy, Buttercup the Cow and all their friends. Full of songs, dances and comedy was a real treat for all the family!
2018/19
Leicestershire and Rutland Drama Festival
We submitted two performances in the One Act play festival. The first performance was "Things Couldn't Get Any Worse", an original comedy written and directed by John Shaw. The second performance was "The Kidderminster Affair", a farce by Alan Ayckbourn and directed by Mary Jones.
We ran an evening of both One Act plays with a light supper served during the interval.
Snow White and the Evil Queen
2019 began with a fun packed family Pantomime, written and directed by John Shaw and entitled 'Snow White & the Evil Queen'.
We were delighted to win 'Pantomime of the year' at the PAL awards for this production, amongst many other awards for the director, cast and crew.
2017/18
The 39 Steps
Ratae's final performance of the season was 'The 39 Steps' directed by Tony Faithfull-Wright. Adapted by Patrick Barlow, from an original concept by Simon Corble and nobby Dimon.
Valentine: The Quintessential Vampire
Directed by Gary Lee McLaughlin, Ratae performed Valentine: The Quintessential Vampire by Peter Brammer. A Romantic Comedy with vampires.
Valentine, a 100-year-old human-vampire hybrid, late-night florist living in Putney, is waiting for his full vampiric traits to kick in. He lives with his sister Natalia and is incredibly lonely until the bubbly Hayley wanders into his shop. Things between vampire and mortal develop quickly, and as things become serious, Valentine begins to question his identity and whether Natalia's advice is in his best interests.
Can a vampire have a healthy relationship with a mortal that doesn't end in blood being spilt? Can vampires eat garlic bread? Why is that waiter wearing a gas mask? And just how easy is it to turn into a bat? These are the questions that plague Valentine, the quintessential vampire.
A Christmas Carol
Ratae started it's 2017/18 season with 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens, adapted and directed by John Shaw.
2016/17
Lion in Winter
Ratae's final production of the 2016/17 season was Lion in Winter written by James Goldman and directed by David Smith.
'Cinderella' the pantomime
Written and directed by John Shaw. Cinderella is determined not to lose her cool with her Ugly Step Sisters and Baron Hard-Up is determined not to lose Hard-Up Hall. Buttons is desperate to find true love and the Ugly Sisters are just...well...desperate! Hopefully the Fairy Godmother can sort it all out before the Curtain Falls on Ratae's latest fun packed Panto!
It Runs in the Family
For the first play of 2016 Mary Jones directed the classic hilarious farce "It Runs in the Family" by Ray Cooney.
2015/16
Exit The King by Eugene Ionesco
Directed by David Smith, "Exit The King" was Ratae's final play of the season. "Exit The King" is Absurdist Theatre at its best: King Berenger has only the life of the play to live as his ancient Kingdom is dying with him. With overtones of Monty Python, I Claudius, Black Adder and Walter Mitty all rolled into one, Ratae's latest production is a zany dark comedy with a suprising spark of sanity.
Dial 'M' for Murder
Ratae's second play of the season was Dial 'M' for Murder by Frederick Knott, directed by John Shaw. A step by step lesson in how to get rid of your wife… until your meticulous plans suddenly go into a complete frenzy.
Written by Frederick Knott, made notori us on film by Hitchcock, this stunning and carefully plotted thriller is packed with suspicion and fateful twists which will keep you spellbound, without a shadow of a doubt, until the torn curtain falls.
Move Over Mrs Markham
Directed by Maggie Law, Ratae started it's 2015/16 season with the riotous farce 'Move Over Mrs Markham' by Ray Cooney and John Chapman.
2014/15
Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure
David Smith directed his first play for Ratae in May 2015 entitled "Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure", based on the original 1899 play by William Gillette and Arthur Conan Doyle.
It could be any one of us
For the first play of 2015 Mary Jones directed the comedy thriller "It could be any one of us" by Alan Ayckbourn.
The Anniversary
John Shaw directed "The Anniversary" by Bill MacIlwraith
2013/14
Breezeblock Park
Directed by David Parker, Breezeblock Park by Willy Russell was the first play for the 2013/14 season.
Do Not Disturb
In May 2014 Ratae performed "Do Not Disturb" by Michael Pertwee. It was directed by Colin Woods.
Murdered to Death
Malcolm Wardle and Alison Harding co-directed Peter Gordon's "Murdered to Death".
2012/13
Not Now Darling
Ray Cooney & John Chapman are the authors of "Not Now Darling". The classic farce "Not Now Darling" has been a staple for Ratae over the years and so director Malcolm Wardle made it his choice for the first production at the new venue of the Leicester College of Performing Arts.
Cast
Miss Whittington | Charlotte Parker |
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Arnold Crouch | Adam Jones |
Miss Tipdale | Mary Jones |
Mrs Frencham | Carole Law |
Gilbert Bodley | Philip Norman |
Commander Frencham | Brian Heathcote |
Harry McMichael | David Parker |
Janie McMichael | Anne Crocker |
Sue Lawson | Hannah Benbow |
Maude Bodley | Eleanor Davidson |
Mr Lawson | David Smith |
Sugar Daddies
Director Margaret Wood took a small cast of just 5 actors to deliver Alan Ayckbourn’s humorous play. Only recently made available for amateur productions, this modern play had a depth to challenge the discerning theatre-goer.
Murder with Love
Author Francis Durbridge was born just over 100 years ago, which prompted director Mary Jones to select one of his plays for the May 2013 production. Murder with Love was billed not so much as a ‘whodunnit’ but more as a ‘will he get away with it?’
2011/12
Hay Fever
It was Noel Coward’s play Hay Fever that was the choice of director Alan Chambers for the October 2011 production. The cast featured 2 new members plus another member returning after a break of a number of years.
Cast
Judith Bliss | Jacque Hamilton |
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David Bliss | Mark Glover |
Sorel Bliss | Alison Harding |
Simon Bliss | David Smith |
Sandy Tyrell | David Parker |
Myra Arundell | Anne Crocker |
Richard Greatham | Keith Rowe |
Jackie Coryton | Rachel Lawson |
Clara | Trish Kenyon |
Return of the Ring
Ratae stalwart David Parker made a big commitment to the February 2012 production- a ‘pantomime for all ages’ entitled Return of the Ring, he not only wrote and directed it but also took a leading role. After all that hard work it is no wonder that in the next production all he could manage was to be an understudy for being a dead body!
Cast
Bilbum Boggins | An amiable Bobbit | David Parker |
---|---|---|
Freedo Boggins | A Bobbit and our hero | Rachel Lawson |
Spam Boggins | A Bobbit and Freedo’s best friend | Ali Crocker |
Glendelf the Grey | The Dame | John Shaw |
Elround the Elf | Prince of Elves | Howard Kendall |
Elpless | Elf Servant | Hannah Benbow |
King Wisheehad | The Elf King | Pete Crocker |
Queen Boodisia | The Elf Queen | Doreen Pollock |
Aregwen | Elf Princess | Claire Parker |
Ghouhum | The pet monster | Charlotte Parker |
Sourman the White | A thoroughly rotten wizard | Malcolm Wardle |
Merry | A lady Bobbit | Trish Kenyon |
Pipsanall | A man Bobbit | Keith Rowe |
Aragaunt | The Ranger | Anne Crocker |
Glumby | A dwarf | David Smith |
Orcs | A band of nasty monsters | Ellie Parker, Meg Sharp, Dani Smith and Kirsty Baxter |
Legandass | The Elf Minstrel | Alison Harding |
The Wood Elves | Members of the company | |
Gladuwill | Queen of the Wood Elves | Jan Baxter |
Teanrum | King of Rodan | David Martin |
The Unexpected Guest
Agatha Christie’s "The Unexpected Guest" was chosen by director Mary Jones for the May 2012 production. This proved to be the last production at the Wheatsheaf theatre before Ratae was on the move to pastures new.
In addition to all the normal challenges faced by a director, for this production Mary was confronted a few days before the production by illness causing cast member Malcolm Wardle being unable to set foot on stage. Fortunately the role was that of the dead body, so Ratae member David Parker was able to fill in for 3 of the performances with Pete Crocker being there for the final evening.
Cast
Richard Warwick | David Parker/Pete Crocker |
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Laura Warwick | Alison Harding |
Michael Starkwedder | Phil Norman |
Miss Bennett | Tracey Gosling |
Jan Warwick | David Smith |
Mrs Warwick | Maggie Law |
Maddox | Keith Rowe |
Cadwallader | Catherine Dunn |
Inspector Thomas | Adam Jones |
Julian Farrar | David Martin |
2010/11
They Came from Mars and Landed Outside the Farndale Avenue Church Hall in Time for the Townswomen’s Guild’s Coffee Morning
The play with one of the longest titles was the choice for director Malcolm Wardle in May 2011
The Farndale Avenue ladies attempt lift-off with their Dramatic Society’s unique production of this sci-fi thriller. But, needless to say, high-tech effects (that have some reassuringly homely touches), coupled with the inability and disability of certain members of the group, ensure that the cast remain firmly on the ground - some more than others.
As ever, the resourceful Mrs Reece brilliantly circumnavigates the pitfalls as she steers the company into orbit, through space to genteel tea on Mars where the nail-biting action is interrupted to present the Flower Arranging Award.
Cast
Mrs Reece | Shannon Woods |
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Felicity | Tracey Gosling |
Norah | Sue Horner |
Gordon | Colin Woods |
Thelma | Patricia Shacklock |
Mrs Wigglebottom | Carole Law |
2009/10
Plaza suite
The fifteen streets
Don’t dress for dinner
2008/09
Blithe spirit
Pack of lies
Theft
2007/08
The Shoebox Mystery
Murder in company
The house of Frankenstein!
2006/07
Cash on delivery
That’s life
The day after the fair
2005/06
Pride & Prejudice
Out of order
Something to hide
2004/05
Natural causes
This happy breed
Pretzels for dinner
2003/04
The curious savage
Run for your wife
East Lynne
2002/03
Sweeney Todd the Barber
Photo from 2002: Sweeney Todd: Andrew Wardle
Photo from 2002: Sweeney Todd: Patricia Shacklock
Photo from 2002: Sweeney Todd: Doreen Pollock, Shabaaz Parwez and Claire Parker (Cockshaw)
Wildest dreams
Inspector Drake & the perfect crime
2001/02
Happy families
Photo from 2001: Happy Families: Mary Jones, John Shaw and Adam Jones
Photo from 2001: Happy Families: No, not the cast but a mural for the scenery by Malcolm Wardle
Move over Mrs Markham
Love affair
2000/01
Pantomime – Babes in the wood
Photo from 2000 Babes in the Wood: These particular babes being David Parker and Brian Heathcote
Photo from 2000 Babes in the Wood: David Parker as Barnaby with daughter Ellie (chorus)
Arsenic and old lace
Photo from 2001: Arsenic and Old Lace
Photo from 2001: Arsenic and Old Lace: Jim Salmon as Teddy Brewster
Photo from 2001: Arsenic and Old Lace: Long-serving Ratae member Walter Cockshaw as Mr Gibbs
The ghost train
Ratae youth theatre group
In addition, the Ratae youth theatre group also ran between 2000 and 2005, and the group’s productions included:
- Jabberwocky
- Nativity
- Father Christmas - The Pantomime
- A Midsummer’s Night Dream
- The Famous Five Christmas Show
- The Trials and Tribulations of Miranda Marchant
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
1999/2000
The happiest days of your life
Not now darling
Habeas corpus
1998/99
It was a dark and stormy night
Two into one
Abigail’s party
1999: Abigail’s Party: The cast including Chrissy Fletcher, Anne Crocker, Pete Crocker, David Parker, Anne Marjoram and others.
1997/98
The importance of being earnest
Funny money
Dangerous corner
1998: Dangerous Corner: Doreen Pollock, Maggie Law, Anne Crocker, David Parker, Philip Royley, Mary Jones, Adam Jones
1996/97
Pantomime – the sleeping beauty
Key for two
The drunkard
1995/96
Celebration
One for the pot
3 one act plays
1994/95
The anniversary
Out of order
Present laughter
1993/94
Sailor beware
Run for your wife
Old time music hall
1992/93
East Lynne
Ghost train
3 one act plays
1991/92
Man alive
Bedful of foreigners
3 one act plays
1990/91
The enquiry
Not now darling
Who’s who
1989/90
Maria Marten
No sex please we’re British
1988/89
Harvest
When we are married
Wild goose chase
1987/88
Suddenly at home
Key for two
Tomb with a view
1986/87
Tables manners
One for the pot
Farndale…. Macbeth
1985/86
Speaking of murder
Rumpus in regalia
As long as they’re happy
1984/85
Two & two makes sex
Quest for a golden key
The drunkard
1983/84
A murder is announced
Night must fall
Chase me comrade
1982/83
Separate tables
The heartless princess
Bang Bang Beirut
1981/82
Murder in company
Photo from Murder in Company: Susan Collins (Anderson), Doreen Pollock, Margaret Wood (Bradley), Richard Bradley and David Parker
Photo from Murder in Company: Malcolm Wardle, Doreen Pollock, Anne Marjoram, Margaret Wood (Bradley), Susan Collins (Anderson) and Richard Bradley
Photo from 1981 Murder in Company: Margaret Wood (Bradley), Anne Marjoram, Doreen Pollock, Adam Jones, David Parker and Richard Bradley
Dry rot
Wanted one body
1980/81
Uproar in the house
Waters of the moon
Photo from 1981 Waters of the Moon: Rex Mountain, Doreen Pollock, Sue Ault and Celia Leader
Photo from 1981 Waters of the Moon: Celia Leader, Doreen Pollock, Susan Collins (Anderson) and Sue Ault
Photo from 1981 Waters of the Moon: George Barder, Doreen Pollock, Margaret Wood (Bradley), Adam Jones, Richard Bradley, Celia Leader
Photo from 1981 Waters of the Moon: Rex Mountain and Doreen Pollock
Photo from 1981 Waters of the Moon: ?, Doreen Pollock, Richard Bradley, Adam Jones, Susan Collins (Anderson), Sue Ault, Celia Leader
1979/80
Tomb with a view
There goes the bride
When we are married
1978/79
Panic stations
Move over Mrs Markham
Fringe benefits
1977/78
The tax payers waltz
Man alive
Bonaventure
1976/77
Halfway up the tree
Not now darling
A murder has been arranged
1975/76
White sheep of the family
The happiest days of your life
What an exhibition
1974/75
Fish out of water
Wanted one body
Brides of march
1973/74
Uproar in the house
Murder mistaken
1972/73
The irregular verb to love
Tons of money
Trespass
1971/72
The full treatment
Not now darling
Bang Bang Beirut
1970/71
Tom jones
The heartless princess
East Lynne
1969/70
The drunkard
Photo from 'The Drunkard'
Photo from 'The Drunkard': Doreen Pollock and David Harris
Photo from 'The Drunkard': Sue Ault, Robert Moore, Adam Jones and Ireme Bailey
Lord Arthur Saville’s crimes
Anne frank
1968/69
Post horn gallop
Dead on nine
The love birds
1967/68
Blithe spirit
Letter from a general
See how they run
1966/67
Ladies in retirement
Photo from Ladies in Retirement: Alexe Keymer and Doreen Pollock
Wild goose chase
The browning version
1965/66
Something to hide
Laughter in the dark
Cat on the fiddle
1964/65
Man alive
The happiest days of your life
Sweeny Todd
Photo from Sweeny Todd: Rex Mountain and Stand Lund
1963/64
Death takes a holiday
Tantuffe
Hotel Paradiso
1961/62
Simon and Laura
The house by the lake
Yes & no
1960/61
The hollow
As long as they are happy
Dear Charles
1959/60
The man who came to dinner
1959
Separate tables
Scanarelle (fp)
Random harvest
The crucible
1958
The ass and the philosopher (fp)
Madam tic tac
The white sheep of the family
You can’t take it with you
1957
Love from a stranger
The admirable Crichton
Poison pen
Wild goose chase
1956
As long as they’re happy
Still life
Murder trial
Harlequinade
Bed board and romance
One wild oat
1955
Will any gentlemen?
Heaven and Charing cross
Black chiffon
1954
Hobson’s choice
The white sheep of the family
Rain
High temperature
1952
The browning version & orange blossom
The good young man
The drunkard
Worm’s eye view
The paragon
Tons of money
Strained relations (fp)
This happy breed
Little lambs eat ivy
Dear Evelyn
1951
high tea (fp)
The road
The happiest days of your life
Playbill
1950
See how they run
Programme from ‘See How They Run’ (1950)