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CUBA
March 1997
March 1997
Cumbernauld News –
“Making a drama out of a crisis” 1 | 2 | 3 | Top
A new play by Liz Loach head is the
vehicle for Cumbernauld Junior Youth Theatre’s entry into a prestigious national
drama competition.
“Cuba” is a theatrical extravaganza for a large cast, written by one of
Scotland’s leading playwrights, poets and screenwriters.
The play is being entered in the Royal National Theatre’s BT National
Connections project, which brings together writers and youth theatre groups nationwide and
is sponsored by British Telecom.
The Youth Theatre production can be seen at Cumbernauld Theatre from Thursday,
March 27, to Saturday, March 29.
“Cuba” is set in the 1960s and is about Barbara and Bernadette, two
14-year-old girls. Both are deeply affected by the Cuban missile crisis and truly
believe that the world is about to end.
Suddenly the usual business of hair dying dressmaking, horoscopes and magazine
consultation – not to mention their romantic obsession with their teacher Mr Shaw and
his fiancée Miss Arthur – pales into insignificance beside their highly imaginative
fears of the coming Apocalypse.
They decide to spend their last days taking on the Establishment and making a stand
for women and peace, forming a campaign which is spectacularly effective but which has
unforeseen consequences for their friend ship and their futures.
In 1995 Cumbernauld Junior Youth Theatre took part in BY Nation Connection with a production of “School Journey to the Centre of the Earth”. Production for the group since then have included the sci-fi musical “Dazzle” and the appearances in the community plays “Neebours” and “The Crisp Poke Effect”.
Cumbernauld Junior Youth Theatre
makes a Cuban connection with their latest entry into a prestigious nation competition.
Liz Lochhead’s play “Cuba” is their entry in the Royal National
Theatre’s Nation Connections Project.
The play, which looks at the Cuban missile crisis form the point of view of two
14-year-old girls, can be seen at Cumbernauld Theatre from tomorrow, (Thursday) until
Saturday, March 29.
“Cuba is a theatrical extravaganza for a large cast, written by the acclaimed
Scottish playwright, poet and screenwriter for the competition, which brings together
writers and youth theatre groups nationwide.
The show begins at 7.45 p.m. each night, with the tickets priced £4 or £2 for concessions on Thursday and £4.50 or £3 for concessions on Friday and Saturday.
Cumbernauld Junior Youth Theatre
could be in line for award-winning success with “Cuba”.
Liz Lochhead’s one act play is the group’s entry into the prestigious BT
National Connections competition.
Only 12 youth theatre companies of the 150 participation win a chance to perform
their chosen play at the Royal National Theatre.
And, Judging by Friday night’s performance the show’s young performers
and their director, Evelyn Wallace, stand a strong chance of taking “Cuba” to
the RNT in July.
Set in 1962, “Cuba” looks at the Cuban missile crisis through the eye of
a pair of schoolgirls, best friend Bernadette and Barbara. Their infatuation with teacher
My Show is replaced by growing terror as the crisis deepens, leading to confrontation
which changes their friendship forever.
As well as the duo’s fears about The Bomb, this short and sweet drama touches
on issues like friendship, betrayal, families and snobbery – with a little comedy
stirred in.
To give everyone a chance to take the spotlight, some key roles were played by
different cast members on each night of the show’s three night run.
On Friday, Corin Mackenzie played Bernadette, with Louise Dunn as doctor’s
daughter Barbara.
Both were outstanding in a pair of demanding roles, handling with ease and
conviction their characters’ progression from girlish infatuation to concern over the growing missile crisis and, finally, defiant
protest.
Suzanne Thomas, Ross Gunn, Charles Scullion and Rachel Leishman provided solid
support – and plenty of laughs – as the pair’s respective partners,
mouthing parental guidance in unison and re-enforcing the differences between the two
girls.
Charles Scullion also doubled as the earnest English teacher Mr Shaw, once again
showing the skills which have made him one of the Youth Theatre’s finest actors.
Charles was well match by Laura Griffith as Miss Griffiths the warm-hearted modern studies
teacher, while Mark McKinley made a hilarious and all-too-brief appearance as the aged Mr
Prentiss.
Alan MacDonald provided one of the show’s highlights in the pivotal role of
head teacher Mr Cairncross. Alan created a memorable character in the snobbish,
class-conscious Cairncross, but still packed all the dramatic punch the role demanded.
In this show, though, everyone is a star. Evelyn Wallace has ensured that everyone,
from the main cast to the school pupils and chorus members, has a chance to shine.
Whatever happens with BT National Connections, “Cuba” is already a winner
for this reviewer.
Cast: Heather Fulton, Corin
Mackenzie, Natalie Connell, Louise Dunn, Laura Gordon, Kirsty Jack, Suzanne Thomas,
Christina Pattoni, Rachel Leishman, Ross Gunn, Charles Scullion.
Teachers: Tony Graham, Charles
Scullion, Laura Griffith, Mark McKinley, and Alan MacDonald.
Pupils: Sharon Logan, Katriona
Wilson, Gillian Thomas, Angus Thompson, Chris Quinn, Mark Smith, Ian Robinson.
Chorus: Kirsty Shields, Erin Docherty, Marie Claire Wallace, Kevin McMail, Katriona Wilson, Cheryl Smith, Jennifer Stewart, Joanna Wilson, Amy Corcoran, Suzanne Lennie, Simon Kirk, David McKay, Laura Henry, Martin McAlinden, Karen Brown, Chris Quinn, Scott Hand, Jacqueline Frew, Ian Robinson, Donna Stewart, Sara Kellie, Mark Smith, Carine Donaldson, Evelyn Tonner, Paul MacWard, Amy McLaughlin, Gordon Wat, Craig Gallacher, Daniel Cumming, Angus Thomson, Ashely Cole, Rachel Leishman, Naomi Trayner, Nicola Smith, Jennifer Grace, Kirsty Barr.
