Kettering theatre company set for Edinburgh Fringe debut

C&D Productions, which was only formed in 2014, have performed 17 different shows locally and nationally, including performances at other fringe festivals in London and Brighton.

But now - led by artistic director Chris Lynch - the group will perform two plays at the largest arts festival in the world, starting on August 22.

The 24-strong group will perform an original adaptation of Jekyll and Hyde and a comedy drama, Two, written by Jim Cartwright, with a number of preview shows to be held across the county.

Mr Lynch said: “I’m so delighted to be bringing such a fantastic array of talent from across Northants to Edfringe this year.

“This is a huge milestone for the theatre company and I’m proud of everyone attached to the project.

“The acting ability of the casts is really high and these shows shouldn’t be missed by any local theatre-goers.

“We’re performing in Kettering, Corby and Wellingborough, with both plays (50 minutes each) being performed in one evening with an interval in between.”

The theatre group will be bringing some of the county’s best emerging talent with them, including new directors Mia Hannah Nicolaides (Two) and Nicola Piggott (Chris’ co-director for Jekyll & Hyde).

They will also be bringing several work experience students with them from Northampton College and from their own in-house work experience, Future-Proof.

Miss Piggott said: “As a co-director I’m looking forward to seeing the impact of our adventurous production in Edinburgh after a very promising start with our local shows.

“The fringe audiences should find our Jekyll and Hyde as evocative and exciting as I do and the more prolific environment will be beneficial for us and our fabulous actors.”

Two is a comedy drama which follows the story of a landlord and landlady and all the punters who come in and out of their pub.

Miss Nicolaides said: “It’s different because it’s only performed by two people which makes it exciting and fresh, as you see how the actors portray all the characters and highlights the diversity of the performers.

“I’m very grateful to C&D for offering me such an exciting opportunity as Edfringe is the biggest fringe festival in the world.

“To be able to perform and direct at that level will be a special experience I won’t ever forget.”

C&D will be performing in Kettering on Friday, August 12, at the Eden Centre in Montagu Street.

They will also perform at Corby’s Holiday Inn on August 18 and Wellingborough’s Castle Theatre on September 1.

Each show starts at 7.30pm with tickets priced £8.50 & £7.50 (concessions).

They will also be auditioning for their Halloween play Jack The Ripper on August 15 and 17.

To buy tickets or to find out more about the auditions, visit their website by clicking here.