Trapped in Time

These three one-act plays were all linked by the examination of a short episode in time. The writing contrasted a range of styles with new works by society members complementing previously published works.

Quintinshill by David Paine told the tragic story of the 1915 rail disaster which occurred on 22 May 1915 at Quintinshill near Gretna Green in Scotland and the mistakes that led to the accident. The action takes place inside a signal box and portrays the conversations had by the main protagonists.

Mint Tea in Marrakesh by Vanessa Cutts took us to a busy Moroccan market place where various travels arrived to take tea. We met student travellers, a mysterious Englishman looking to arrange a collection and one who was memorised by the philosophy of the Arabic story tellers. I fascinating piece, cleverly written.

The highlight of the trio was the award-winning Goldfish Girl by Peter Souter, an extraordinary piece concerning the amnesia of a woman who is visited in hospital by her husband each day but doesn’t recognise or remember him. This wonderful duologue was performed by two first class actors and gave us forty minutes of dramatic joy. 

Performing three one-act plays gave an evening of contrast for the audience and separte projects for the members.

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