ou shall go to the theatre’ was the message from members of a Dumbarton drama group, who staged their first show since lockdown.
St Augustine’s Church was the venue for the Dumbarton People’s Theatre’s (DPT) Previews, Premieres & Prosecco – a selection of play excerpts, sketches and music specially selected for the associate members of DPT.
The club members thanked them for their amazing support and encouragement during the difficult days of lockdown and assured them they would be back to entertain in the not too distant future.
The church was transformed for the occasion with theatrical lighting, cleverly hung drapes, and appropriate sound effects which ensured the maximum theatrical experience for the audience.
A company of 33 members took part in the production and the creation of a theatre out of a place of worship was certainly a triumph for the backstage team.
Scenes from Ladies Day – the play that was halted by Covid, The Haunting from the ghost stories of Charles Dickens and The Thirty Nine Steps from John Buchan to name but a few were all performed.
The sketches were funny and topical, with A Charming Affair giving a nod to pantomime.
Janette Barnes from the DPT explained that the event was one of the biggest challenges the group has faced in their lengthy history, but won’t be the last faced by the DPT this year.
She said: “DPT stopped all live productions in February 2020.
“Members did their best to keep the club alive with Zoom events. When public entertainment became a possibility again they faced the difficulty of the Denny Civic Theatre not reopening due to renovation work being required.
“Although West Dunbartonshire Council has agreed that the work will proceed they are still unable to provide a date when bookings can be taken.
“Rumours of late summer or early autumn are becoming increasingly unlikely.
“At the DPT AGM last week a programme was discussed for season 22/23 – but where will it all take place? This is the question being asked by all theatre lovers in our area who appreciate the value of the Denny Civic where entertainment of all sorts including sell-out pantos are available at very affordable costs with few transport problems.
“This evening of entertainment was one of the biggest challenges in the club’s 77-year history.
“The members of St Augustine’s were delighted to welcome DPT – they enjoy participating in all community events.
“But the members of DPT are longing for the reopening of the Denny Civic and are determined to find a way to say to their supporters ‘you shall go to the theatre’.”
