Portsmouth amateur drama group, the Phoenix Players, gear up for summer comedy performance
The pandemic destroyed many things but a Portsmouth amateur dramatic group made sure the curtain didn’t come down on their performances.
After a turbulent two years, the Phoenix Players are ready for their next performance, Agatha Crusty and the Health Spa Murders.
The shows will take place from 1st to 4th June and will be performed at the Trinity Theatre, Albert Road, Southsea, which can accommodate 150 people.
The comedy follows a group of friends on a trip to a spa, who are joined by famous crime novelist Agatha Crusty. After some characters are murdered, Agatha must investigate who is responsible.
Phoenix is a non-profit charitable organisation founded in 1953 to provide entertainment to the people of Portsmouth. Members’ ages range from 12 to 80 years old.
The show’s director Peter Clarke, 70, a member for 15 years, said that all the members have full time occupations or are retired and that Phoenix puts on three productions a year.
He added: “The pandemic affected us in a big way, we had no income and could only rehearse on Zoom.”
Due to Covid-19 the Players missed three performances and were unsure if they could continue.
The organisation’s treasurer and member of 25 years, Paul Clasby, 57, said: “We did get grants from Portsmouth City Council which helped us out a great deal.”
“We have 30 paying members who are very keen to get up on stage.”
The Phoenix Players rehearse every Wednesday from 7:30pm — 10pm.
The show’s technical director Peter Marcus, 24, said: “It’s a great group of people from different backgrounds, supporting each other with acting but also when people just need some support in life.”
Tickets cost £12 and can be purchased via Ticketsource.