‘Well rough’ sign inspires new play
WELLINGBOROUGH, The Castle theatre, Castle Way - pic of playwright Deborah Gearing, who is being commissioned to write a play called Well...rough,.
Wellingborough signs which were defaced to read ‘Well rough’ will be the inspiration for a new community show about the town.
In spring last year signs on the way into the town were defaced, with vandals blanking out part of the town’s name. The vandalism was branded disappointing by the town’s Civic Society and went on to receive national media attention.
Now the defaced signs, the national interest they received and the mixture of reactions they evoked is set to form the basis of The Castle theatre’s community production for 2012.
The theatre has commissioned a playwright to create a play called ‘Well...rough’ which will seek to find and present the real Wellingborough, past and present, from the people who know it the best – the locals.
Playwright Deborah Gearing said the ‘Well rough’ idea would give the show a title which would draw peoples’ attention. People can speak to her at forthcoming workshops or send in their memories of the town to help shape the play.
Director Sarah Chiswell-Hornett had the original idea for the play when she heard about the signs. She said: “When I first heard it I did think it was quite funny but that was absolutely mixed with quite a strong standpoint to say actually there’s lots to be proud of and maybe this could be the basis for a community show.”
Wellingborough Council leader Paul Bell said: “The title of the play will certainly get people talking, which is a good thing as it sounds like an interesting project.”
Alan Piggot, chairman of Wellingborough Chamber of Commerce, said: “On a personal note I can see the tongue in cheek side of it.
“Let’s dispel all the fears because we’re not well rough, we’re well cultured.”
Robert Wharton, chairman of Wellingborough Civic Society, said: “I’m pleased The Castle is putting on this community play and using Wellingborough as a theme. Anything that highlights Wellingborough is welcome.”
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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