Laughter filled the hall as the audience was entertained by the cast of Busybody. The play is produced by Jack Popplewell and directed by Robin Saywood, and includes a talented and engaging crew.
Performances of Busybody run from October 28 to November 13 (Thursdays to Saturdays at 8 p.m.) with a matinee Sunday, November 7 at 2 p.m., at Bedford Players Theatre (All Saints Church Hall), 1408 Bedford Highway, Bedford.
To purchase a ticket visit www.bedfordplayers.ns.ca.
The story:
A body, an interfering office cleaner, and a Chief Inspector with a bad cold and a worse temper make this a side splitting comedy. The cleaning lady, Mrs. Piper, lives in the basement of the office building she cleans and one night finds a dead body.
More bodies turn up all over the place as Chief Inspector and Constable Goddard try to get to the bottom of a mysterious series of events and murder. Mrs. Piper skillfully hinders the investigation. Needless to say confusion occurs when the supposedly dead Mr. Marshall appears very much alive and as unpleasant as ever.
The cast:
Karen Waterfield (Mrs. Piper) is so happy to be making her stage debut at Bedford Players as Mrs. Piper! After turning her efforts backstage for the past five years, she has taken the plunge; or plunger as the case may be. Mrs. Piper is such a great character, and Karen asserts there is no type-casting… Well, maybe just a little. Sincere appreciation is extended to Robin for taking the risk, to the cast and crew for everything (a list too numerous to elaborate), and to family and friends for considerable support and encouragement. With special thanks to her daughter, Karina, for her help with her lines! ‘Ere’s ‘opin’ yer ‘ave a smashin’ evenin’!.
Ralf Dreimanis (Richard Marshall) is delighted to be making his debut with Bedford Players. He most recently played Canon Chasuble, in Dartmouth Players’ production of The Importance of Being Earnest. He is finding his first occasion to work with Bedford Players a most enjoyable experience. The opportunity to be part of this busy body of work, with a fantastic cast and crew, is very much appreciated. He hopes that you enjoy the challenge and excitement of discovering whodunit.
Matthew Garner (Det. Constable Goddard) became involved with Bedford Players as Tech Assistant for Bedroom Farce, and is now excited to performance on our stage. Matthew, born and raised in Halifax, has always had a passion for acting. This year he played the lead role in Hepburn House, an independent film directed by Dylan Aucoin. Watch for it at next year’s Atlantic Film Festival. Matthew works full time but plans to pursue a Degree in Theatre Arts next fall. He hopes his time on the community stage will help him on his journey. He’s made wonderful friends at Bedford Players and is thrilled to spend time with such a dedicated, talented cast and crew. He thanks family and friends for their never ending support “Lola I love you”, and especially Mom and Dad for instilling a ‘never give up’ attitude.
Jonathan Tyson (Det. Superintendent Baxter) is making his debut at Bedford Players and has greatly enjoyed exploring the depths of frustration and anger, not to mention pneumonia, in D.S.Baxter and working with such a fantastic cast and crew! Jonathan has previously appeared in Oklahoma!, Good Night Desdemona / Good Morning Juliette, and How It Works, all staged at the Theatre Arts Guild. He also appeared in the 2009 Halifax production of A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer. Jonathan has taken Improv training at Second City’s Training School, Toronto, and classes at Equity Showcase Theatre and Neptune Theatre Schools. A great big thank you to Donna for her love and support.
Claire Jardine (Claire Marshall) is very excited to be joining Bedford Players in her first ‘serious acting’ role. She is not, however, a stranger to the stage and is best known for her performances in Aladdin and Dick Whittington with the Seaton Delaval Pantomime Society. Claire furthered her musical talents in numerous Gilbert and Sullivan shows, her favourite role being that of Katisha in the Mikado. She moved on to Amateur Operatics next with the AO Society at the Wallaw Theatre, Blyth starring in Rose Marie and later found she was equally happy back-stage (assisting with wardrobe and make-up to John Hannah in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader at the Newcastle Playhouse). Born in Scotland, raised in England, she now calls Nova Scotia home.
Valerie MacKenzie (Marian Selby) is very pleased to be back on the Bedford Players’ stage. She thoroughly enjoyed performing in The Murder Room and Who’s in Bed with the Butler? On these boards in the past. Valerie performs with many community theatre groups in the HRM: her recent favourite roles being Marie in Marie Antoinette; The Colour of Flesh at TAG and Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest at Dartmouth Players. The opportunity to work with Robin again is truly wonderful, and Val thanks him very much indeed! Thanks also to the cast for being great teachers and friends, and to the dedicated crew for making it all happen.
Michael Taylor (Robert Westerby) is excited to be back with Bedford Players after appearing as Tom Duncan in Maggie’s Getting Married, and then Dr. William Weldon, “registered psychiatrist” in Sorry! Wrong Chimney! Those were such great experiences that he could not wait to get back on stage in front of the wonderful audiences Bedford Players’ productions attract. They always come ready to have a good time. He’s once again thankful to be working with such a talented and helpful cast and crew. Mike wants to thank his wife Lisa and daughters Hillary and Lindsay, who continue to be a source of inspiration and support while he enjoys his hobby. The thing he hopes for most out of this production is that the audience has a truly enjoyable time and they make future Bedford Players’ Productions part of their entertainment plans.
Ellen Oldford (Vickie Reynolds) is originally from Corner Brook, Newfoundland, and first became involved in theatre in 2003 when she joined Off-Broadway Players. She rekindled her love for theatre after moving to Halifax in April 2008. She has most recently been seen in Bedford Players’ production of Bedroom Farce in the spring of 2010. Other past productions include Dartmouth Players’ Don’t Dress for Dinner in 2009, Night of the Living Dead, Backyard Reality, Dinner and a Movie with Off Broadway Players. She is delighted to have the opportunity to play (and well, work) with the wonderful cast and crew of Busybody. A big thank to the Director for casting me, and to everyone involved for our fun times!
For more bios and information on Busybody and other Bedford Players performances, and to purchase tickets, visit www.bedfordplayers.ns.ca.