Paperless Play Readings
The Burgess Hill Theatre Club is introducing some new initiatives to help grow and broaden our members' knowledge of and passion for plays.
Here at BHTC our play readings are very informal and relaxed. Please feel free to bring snacks and drinks. We’ll gather around some tables in the theatre. There will be some paper scripts available as well as digital copies,
Throughout the evening (normally between scenes) we will re-assign characters so anyone who wants to has an opportunity to read. There is no obligation to read and you are welcome to simply sit back and listen. The evening will close with a general discussion of the play where you are encouraged to share your thoughts on the script we have read.
If anyone has suggestions or requests for future play readings, please do let me know.
2025
Frankenstein adapted by Christine Davey
Date: Wednesday 29th October – 7.30pm
A startling, unsettling and hugely theatrical adaptation of Mary Shelley’s timeless classic. A funny, thoughtful, horrific and remarkable story of love, power, friendship, betrayal and every emotion in between.
Frankenstein is a larger-than-life (and death) production celebrating and unleashing the monster in all of us. A visceral piece of theatre that grabs at your heart and soul and never lets go.
The future is female and here she comes, ready or not.
Allo Allo by Jeremy Lloyd & David Croft
Date: Wednesday 19th November – 7.30pm
Rene and his wife have stashed a priceless portrait stolen by the Nazis in a sausage in their cellar, where two British airmen are also hiding until the Resistance can repatriate them. Communications with London using the wireless that is disguised as a cockatoo add to the many embarrassments this intrepid proprietor endures in the company of his patrons. News that the Führer is scheduled to visit the town inspires tricksters disguised as Hitler to frequent the cafe. Meanwhile, Rene summons all the wit he can muster to save his café and his life.
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, adapted by Glyn Robbins (8m, 5f)
Date: Wednesday 10th December – 7:30pm
Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy embark on a magical mystery tour of the Land of Narnia through the wardrobe. There they encounter the wicked White Wtich, representing the forces of evil, and the King of the Beasts, Aslan the lion, representing all that is good and right. The White Witch is destroyed, allowing good to triumph over evil in the time-honoured way.
2026
Much Ado About Mean Girls by Ian Doescher (3m, 6f)
Date: January 2026
Power struggles. Bitter rivalries. Rampant jealousy. Betrayals. Star-crossed lovers. When you think about it, it’s pretty surprising William Shakespeare DIDN’T write Mean Girls. But at last, readers will be treated to the epic drama and epic hilarity of the classic teen comedy rendered with the wit, flair, and iambic pentameter of the Bard. The action unfolds as our heroine Cady disguises herself to infiltrate the conniving Plastics, falls for totally-off-limits Aaron, struggles with her allegiance to newfound friends Damian and Janis, and stirs up age-old vendettas between the factions of the high school. Bestselling author Ian Doescher brings his signature Shakespearean wordsmithing to one of the most revered stories of our time. Fourteen years after its release (feel old yet?) Mean Girls has become a cultural phenomenon and cult classic among generations of teen girls and other fans, and is more than apt for an Elizabethan makeover.
Please note: the plays are not vetted in advance. Some may contain strong language or scenes of an adult nature.
Free for members. Non-members are welcome and encouraged to give a small donation to the Club.
Venue
Burgess Hill Theatre
98 Church Walk
Burgess Hill
RH15 9AS
