DIRECTOR Caroline Heppell picked Bazaar And Rummage for Rowntree Players’ summer production on account of Sue Townsend “writing things just as they are and for that I really admire her”.

Penned by the author of The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ and Groping For Words, Townsend’s play relates the story of a neurotic former agoraphobic, Gwenda, who coerces three housebound agoraphobics to join her self-help group to run a church-hall bazaar and rummage sale in Acton, London.

Margaret, played by Marie Louise Surgenor, is a tough cookie; Katrina (Nancy Brooks), a ditzy ex-cabaret singer; and Bell–Bell (Gemma Williams), a hygiene-obsessed widow.

One by one, do-gooder Gwenda (Chris Higgins) pays each a visit to bully them into breaking out of their insularity to help at the bazaar, assisted by trainee social worker Fliss (Claire Horsley).

“As the stories of Margaret, Katrina and Bell–Bell unfold, the audience will learn the roots of their problems and each character has a different story to tell, sometimes sad, sometimes funny,” says Caroline.

“Sue Townsend writes things just as they are and for that I really admire her, and her play is different and thought provoking and I liked that!”

The lives of the agoraphobic women are central to the drama, but then comes a twist. “Bazaar And Rummage has plenty of direct and colourful language and the play really reflects the Eighties era in which it was written,” says Caroline.

“Nothing has been altered in any way for our production, although some of the social references are clearly now so archaic. As a cast we talked about this a lot and we all agreed how much our lives have really altered since the Eighties.

“During rehearsals, we’ve laughed but we’ve also been shocked at some of the lines, but that’s how it was back then.

“It really has been a fun and rewarding rehearsal period for us all and so wonderful for me to work alongside six talented actresses.”

• Bazaar And Rummage will be performed at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, from Thursday to Saturday, June 14 to 16, at 7.30pm nightly. Tickets cost £11, concessions £9, on 07927 026071, online at rowntreeplayers.co.uk or on the door.

• THE Rowntree Players’ centenary celebration ball will be held on September 29 at New Earswick Folk Hall.

To request a £25 ticket, email centenaryball@rowntreeplayers.co.uk

If you have been a member, or have any stories or memorabilia of any of the productions over the years, please phone Caroline Heppell on 07816 935160 or email caroline@rowntreeplayers.co.uk