Drama group seeks Gulliver

CELIA WIGG

A new musical production of Gulliver is due to make its public debut at Harleston in January.

But there is still one major problem to be overcome.

For amateur drama group Harleston Players has a shortage of men and is looking for a volunteer to play the title role.

The new work, written by local playwrights Alan Huckle and David Black, features Gulliver's adventures in Lilliput when the hero of the story is captured by the tiny people who inhabit the land, and think he is a giant.

But the Players' chairman, David Cumming, said they were not necessarily looking for a strapping six-footer to

fill Gulliver's shoes as a variety of techniques will be used to create the illusion of size.

"For most theatre groups, getting the men they need is difficult. Certainly somebody with a little bit of acting experience would be useful, rather than throw them in at the deep end. But it would also be great if we could find somebody new, and it is quite good because Gulliver is not on stage all the time," he explained.

"We hope to use some film elements to make him very big on the screen, so he doesn't have to be larger than life - average size would be fine."

Mr Cumming said they did have somebody in mind to play the part, but this did not work out. They are keen to recruit a replacement quickly as they have already started reading through the script at rehearsals.

He added: "We do need someone who can commit to Monday and Thursday rehearsals in the evenings from now until the performance, plus three Sundays in January, and I am optimistic. Whatever happens we will still do the show, which would mean the director taking the role which he doesn't particularly want to do."

One of the longest established drama groups in the area, Harleston Players are celebrating their 80th anniversary this year.

Mr Cumming can be contacted on 01986 788439, or get in touch via the website www.harlestonplayers.co.uk