In the dark

Published Monday 18 August 2008 at 17:20

I read with interest about Eastbourne Theatre’s extreme frustration over the cancellation of Ian Dickens’ production of Daphne du Maurier’s Don’t Look Now (August 14, page 4).

This play was, in fact, due to hold its production week at the Garrick Theatre in Lichfield, followed by two performances (Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26) prior to the national tour. However, I received a letter from the theatre dated July 17 informing me, as a ticket holder, that the producers (Ian Dickens) had that day informed the theatre that they were experiencing major technical difficulties with the completion of the set.

Now, I have seen several Ian Dickens productions at different theatres and I must admit to being slightly puzzled by this.

They are, after all, a professional production company with, I am sure, vast experience in the theatre. I know I am only a humble theatregoer so there may be a valid and plausible reason for the problems being experienced with the set.

Maybe someone with knowledge of such things could throw some light on it?

Incidentally, the performances at the Lichfield Garrick have been rescheduled for March 2009 at the end of the tour and I look forward to seeing what promises to be another excellent production from Ian Dickens.

Howard Parker

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