Measure of the maestro

THE Stanthorpe Little Theatre is rehearsing its 10th production in the series, Shakespeare Under the Stars.
Measure for Measure is one of the Bard’s lesser played comedies and is proving a challenge for both directors and cast as they grapple with the task of developing comedy and drama without letting one form detract from the other.
Vincentio, (Malcolm Gamble) Duke of Vienna, takes a break from his duties leaving Angelo, (Michael Britten) to administer the law in his place.
With fanatical ardour and against the advice of his counsellor, Escalus, (Gerald Embery) Angelo sentences Claudio, (Lauren Kelley) to death for getting his betrothed Mariana, (Kate Learmonth) pregnant.
The lower end of town is up in arms as brothels are destroyed and the low-life is thrown in jail.
Amid all this clamour, Vincentio returns disguised as a friar to see what kind of job Angelo is doing in his absence.
Not laughing yet? Well that will change as the antics of Elbow, (Chris Watt), Pompey Bum, (John Lindsay) Mistress Overdone, (Kerry Marie) and others strut their stuff.
Lucio, (Matt Leigh) straddles both the comedic and dramatic scenes and draws the story together.
There are new faces among the regular performers and Chris Desgrand and co-director Veronica Hammond are looking forward to presenting the finished product at Bungawarra Winery, Bents Road, Ballandean, from Friday and Saturday 31 October and 1 November at 7pm and Sunday 2 November at 6.30pm.
It is also being performed at Tenterfield School of Arts on Wednesday 5 November at a time yet to be decided but whatever, it will be NSW time.
Bookings are available through Bungawarra Winery on 4684 1128.
For more information phone Pauline Leigh on 4681 2725.