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June 3rd at 7 p.m. and June 4th at 4 p.m. [in 2006 -ed.]
The Finnish-British Society, Puistokatu 1 b A, 00140 Helsinki
Tickets 3€

During the past 25 years, the Players have amassed a variety of set, props and costumes from over 30 productions - all of which are to be found in the glory hole that is the FBP attic.

Our anniversary microfestival set the following challenge: write a ten to twenty minute play making use of these treasures and the bare minimum in terms of lights, sound and stage.

Here are the Tales From the Attic:

TITLE

Stuck, written by Nigel Quinlan, directed by Fionna O'Sullivan
T, written by Rebecca Clamp, directed by Bruce Marsland
Miller Punch, written and directed by Vello Ruus
Duck and Cover, written by Joe L. Murr, directed by Joel Kuntonen
Successful Living, written by Johanna MacDonald, directed by Matti Keltanen
Instructions Manual, written by Oana Velcu, directed by Karolina Sveiby & Oana Velcu
The Space Shop, written by Lari Noresvuo, directed by Bruce Marsland & Lari Noresvuo
Closet Space, written and directed by Zoë Chandler

See original page on old site >>
First produced in May 1956, in the midst of the Cold War, the theme is a variation on Romeo and Juliet, with Romeo the son of the Soviet Ambassador and Juliet the daughter of the American Ambassador. The scene is a small neutral country "cringing in the centre of the political arena, in economy largely dependent on printing stamps with deliberate anomalies." The near-traditional love story is interspersed with elements of comedy and farce that reflect Ustinov's brilliant use of language and eye for the ridiculous. The political message nevertheless remains.

All this gives us a frivolous play of substance, an entertainment, and plenty to talk about afterwards. Co-directed by Joan Nordlund and Angie Hämäläinen.

Peter Ustinov (1921-2004) was well known for his role in the film Spartacus, and as Hercule Poirot. There was a lot more to him than that. He was a prolific writer and dramatist, a respected television and film director, and with his multi-ethnic background was a tireless worker for UNICEF and the UN. Of his work as a UN Ambassador he said: "My God, I spend my time in America trying to explain the Russians to them to the best of my ability and I spend my time in Russia trying to explain the Americans to them. Despite their fiscal and military collusion, they understand each other not at all."

Venue: Narri Näyttämö, Hietaniemenkatu 9 C

Showtimes:

Saturday 1st April at 19:00
Sunday 2nd April at 14:00 & 19:00
Saturday 8th April at 14:00 & 19:00
Sunday 9th April at 14:00 & 19:00

Tickets €8

The Finn-Brit Players performed Stephen Briggs' adaptation of Terry Pratchett's Wyrd Sisters in November-December 2005. Directed by Jack Leo. The play was performed in Narri Näyttämö.

Cast, in order of appearance

Matilda Sisättö as Magrat Garlick, a Witch
Karolina Sveiby as Esmerelda ‘Granny’ Weatherwax, another Witch
Fionna O’Sullivan as Gytha ‘Nanny’ Ogg, a third Witch
Roxana Sharma as A Servant
Mark Stenbäck as Bentzen, Duke Felmet’s Bodyguard
Lauri Kivi-Koskinen as A Soldier
Jonathan Hutchings as King Verence of Lancre, Deceased
Matti Keltanen as Death, an Anthropomorphic Personification
Jack Leo as Voice of Death
Bruce Marsland as Duke Leonal Felmet, Usurper of the Throne of Lancre
Zoë Chandler as Lady Felmet, His Wife
Hanna Meriläinen as The Chamberlaine of Lancre Castle
Esko Oksanen as Sergeant Champett Poldy
Joel Holmberg as Bedlin, an Actor
Perttu Lipsanen as Olwyn Vitoller, Manager of a Group of Players
Laura Robinson as Mrs. Vitoller, His Wife
Matti Keltanen as Verence, the Duke’s Fool
Esko Oksanen as A Demon, a Foul Being from an Other Dimension
Roxana Sharma as A Peasant Woman
Joel Holmberg as A Guard
Mark Stenbäck as Another Guard
Lauri Kivi-Koskinen as A third Guard
Jonathan Hutchings as A Robber
Joel Holmberg as Another Robber
Lauri Kivi-Koskinen as Tomjon, an Actor and Heir to the Throne of Lancre
Nisse Laiho-Murdoch as Hwel, a Dwarven Playwright
Mark Stenbäck as Wimsloe, an Actor
Roxana Sharma as An Actress Playing a Witch
Hanna Meriläinen as Another Actress Playing a Witch
Nelli Hankonen as A third Actress Playing a Witch
Perttu Lipsanen as A Guard

Crew

Stage Manager: Jack Leo
Stage Hands: Heli Laiho, Sean McLoughlin
Set: Stewart Gray
Props: Laura Nyman
Lighting: Robert Mandara, Tommi Lujanen, Fionna O’Sullivan
Sound: Perttu Lipsanen, Nick Meinke
Costumes: Zoë Chandler, Heli Laiho, Victoria Gray
Make-up: Meikki- ja Maskeerauskoulu Profilo OY
Front of House: Anna Karlsson, Arabella David, Paula and Greg Steele, Eeva-Mari Haapala-Laitinen
Programme layout & Press photos: Matti Keltanen

Programme, back and front cover by Matti Keltanen

Poster by Stewart Gray