This evening at the Unicorn Theatre in Abingdon we were lucky enough to have tickets to see the final performance of The Elephant Man, directed by Terry Atkinson. Terry remembers the film version from an early age, and has been so captivated by the story that he directed it at the Unicorn Theatre in Abingdon.

The portrayal of the Elephant Man, John Merrick, by Duncan Blagrove, was excellent – both moving, and a feat a strength.

The play begins with Merrick, as an exploited act in a Victorian ‘freak show’ who comes under the protection of Dr Frederick Treves. Treves introduces him to Mrs. Kendal, an actress, in whom he finds a soul mate.

The first half ended movingly with Merrick remembering his hard life in the workhouse, banging out the punishments he had received on the soap shelf of his bathtub.

Lighting and special effects transformed the dream sequences in the second half of the play. Merrick always had to sleep sitting up, but the final dream sequence ended with Merrick laying down on his bed like normal people do, and dying as a result.

It was a play that made us have to rethink how we treat people who are very different from us.

Pictures were taken from the Abingdon Drama Club. Many more pictures are on the Abingdon Drama Club Facebook Page.

The 29th annual Festival of One Act Plays is taking place in the Unicorn Theatre this week. Each evening from Monday to Thursday two different groups perform. Three are then asked back by the adjudicator to perform at the gala evening on Friday.

The gala evening is usually on a Saturday but this year the festival has been cut short because of a clash with Music in the Park – organised by Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council. The resulting road closure means that the acting groups are not being allowed to drive their vehicles and props to the theatre.

At the end of each play the adjudicator goes on stage to give constructive criticism to the amateur dramatic groups Then directs a short scene showing how the play could be made even better. This year’s adjudicator gave a good assessment of both plays and his suggested improvements worked.

Next year the festival organisers will run the festival a week later to avoid the clash with Music in The Park.

Abingdon Drama Club will be celebrating their 70th anniversary this year. There will be special celebratory events and an exhibition, as well the usual three annual theatrical productions.

Their next production is Dangerous Corner by J. B. Priestley at the Unicorn Theatre (Wednesday 26th March – Saturday 29th March).

“Have you ever wished you hadn’t said something and as you watch the results of your careless words, wish you could turn back time?” This play does just that.

Some of the cast, and the director, are seen here at the Guildhall a few days ago.