“Woman in Mind” by Valley Artists

For over twenty years Wollombi’s not-for-profit theatre group, Valley Artists, has brought a range of plays to the stage in the lower Hunter: comedies, mysteries, children’s pantomimes, old plays and brand new ones.

Their first major production for 2019 is WOMAN IN MIND, which opens on June 14 at Laguna Hall.  WOMAN IN MIND is regarded as one of the best and most affecting works of Britain’s popular and prolific playwright, Alan Ayckbourn.

Susan has a perfect life – a loving husband, charming brother and a beautiful daughter.  Or does she?  An unfortunate encounter with a garden rake somewhere between the rose garden and the tennis courts of her palatial home leads her into the twilight zone, where nothing is quite what it seems.  As Susan struggles to come to terms with her altered circumstances she is forced to question what she really wants, who really does love her and ultimately, who she is.

Ayckbourn tells Susan’s story through a series of increasingly humorous interactions with her nearest and dearest.  From gently acerbic to rollicking farce, this lovely piece has a wide comic range and runs at a cracking pace yet deftly avoids the slapstick.

Directed by Micaela Elphick, WOMAN IN MIND features a stellar cast headed by Karen Jones as oppressed housewife Susan.  The other remarkable talents include Bob Philippe, Ross Fletcher, Craig Howe, Sophie Cook, Fi Burless and two newcomers to the VA stage, Andy Nelmes and Jack Roberts.

Audiences can expect another first-rate piece of theatre from the highly-regarded Valley Artists so book early! WOMAN IN MIND opens at 7pm at Laguna Hall, 3734 Great North Road, Laguna on Friday 14 June and continues Sat 15, Sun 16, then Wed 19 through to Sat 22 June 2019. Tickets $30 adult and $25 concession are available at www.valleyartists.org or direct from Wollombi General Store and GNTP (Great Northern Trading Post, Laguna), where bookings can also be made for pre-show dinners.