ShortCuts are back at the Priory for Arundel Festival - how to get your tickets

As Stuart explains: “Carrying on the Barnum circus theme, Joey tells the parallel stories of the historical character Joseph Grimaldi, the 18th-century father of modern clowning, and a present-day fictional character, Sidney Hollister.

"Sidney is nearing the end of his failing professional clowning career inspired by his idol and role model, the celebrated Grimaldi. The play is set in a run-down community centre on the outskirts of Leeds as Sidney prepares to entertain at a children’s party. This is not exactly the highlight of his long career…”

As with the previous nine plays in the ShortCuts series, Joey is written by Stuart.

This year’s play will be performed by Stuart alongside Gill Medway, who plays his long-suffering wife Barbara.

Stuart said: “ShortCuts at the Priory started in 2012 with my first short play, Poor Visibility, about a homeless woman taking up residence in the offices of the DVLA in Brighton. Fast forward to 2022, and I am proud to present my tenth play in the series, Joey, a comedy tinged with pathos.

“I am fortunate to have as my director, Muriel ‘Bunny’ Carnegie, who also directed my play A Long Way Down in 2018. Having the writer as one of the cast can be daunting for any director, but I have given her carte blanche to do as she thinks fit. Bunny has a wealth of experience and I know my play is safe in her hands.

“Gill Medway, playing my wife, is a very experienced and talented actress with whom I have been privileged to act in a number of productions in the recent past.

"It is a joy to be performing with her once again.”

The play runs from Monday to Saturday, August 22-27 at the Priory Playhouse, London Road, Arundel. Performances begin at 11am; tea and coffee available from 10am.

Tickets £5 on the door or on 07917 834456 with payment collected on the day.