DRAMA: A Chorus of Disapproval in Arundel

Sir Alan Ayckbourn’s A Chorus of Disapproval will be directed by Chichester’s Muriel Carnegie, supported by musical director Michael Waite and choreographer Kate Bennett, with performances running until January 22 in the Players’ very own Priory Playhouse.

Set in the rehearsal space of a third-rate amateur operatic society, the play sees Sir Alan draw parallels between John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera and the day-to-day activities of the society who are performing it.

“It’s one of Ayckbourn’s earlier plays. It was first produced in 1973,” Muriel said.

“But it is still as fresh and relevant today as it was all those years ago.

“It tells the story of a young widower who joins a very third-rate amateur operatic society who are rehearsing The Beggar’s Opera.

“Through various machinations, he starts with a one-line part and ends up with the lead.”

The cast of 12 are all skilfully-drawn Ayckbourn characters which anyone with amdram experience will instantly recognise;

Ayckbourn is a master of character study.

But alongside the laughs, the play also has its share of pathos, says Muriel, who appeared in the play in the 1990s in a production directed by her son.

She has also appeared in two of Ayckbourn’s Norman Conquests, one at West Dean and one with the Snowdrop Theatre Company.

The latest production is the latest chapter in Muriel’s 15-year association with the Arundel Players.

Aside from the group’s friendliness, she relishes the “joy of having our own theatre and being able to rehearse there.

“Our theatre is our theatre.

“We don’t have to hire a village hall or somewhere.

“We can build our own set. Everything is done as we rehearse”.

Tickets on 01903 889645. Prices are £10 (£8 for members).