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  Are You Lonesome Tonight?

 Buxton and Edinburgh Fringe Festivals 2010 Brighton and Camden Fringe Festivals 2011
 
Performance dates: 21-24 July 2010 , 14-18 August 2010 , 23-24 May 2011, 16-18 August 2011 
Cast and crew
Leanne: Alison Green
   Dwight: AndyMoseley
Director: Howie Ripley
   Set Design: Jessica Andrews 
Light and Sound Technician: Michelle English (Buxton, Brighton and Camden) Graham Easterlow (Edinburgh)
Stage Manager: Michelle English (Buxton) Liz Evans (Brighton) 
 
 Thanks to Jon Constant for publicity photos, Sarah Andrews for set painting and design support, and Stuart Moore for light and sound on the last night in Camden
 
'Are You Lonesome Tonight?' is a one act play by Andy Moseley. It tells the story of Dwight and Leanne, an ordinary American couple about to celebrate their twentieth wedding anniversary in 1977. Dwight's special present for his wife is tickets for every date of an Elvis Presley tour, after all he was the man that got them together in the first place, so what better present could there be? The only problems are his wife is no longer as fond of Elvis as he is, and today is August 16, and Elvis is about to leave the building for the last time. 
 
Critics comments:
'The life and death of Elvis informs the drama in a fascinating way. The feud between the actors swells as they have tumultuous rows and then gradually subside as the solid basis of their love is re-established. Whilst one rejects the profundity of Elvis’ presence in their marriage the other is enveloped in the world of the pop star. This makes for an interesting contrast between the characters. A very interesting performance which utilises the work of Elvis in a refreshing way.' On The Fringe
 
'A well-written study of two people learning to redefine themselves and their relationship, as well as a relevant look at fanaticism and the loss of one’s idols. The production adds to the deadbeat 70s feel of the play, while the actors supply humour and pathos' Three Weeks
 
 'witty, charming and compelling. I thoroughly enjoyed it' Love Fringe.com 
 
'This is a warm-hearted and thoughtful play about what happens to our dreams and how to reconnect to them, how sometimes we lose touch with what brought us together, and what it takes to make a relationship work. 33 years after his death, the Pauper's Pit was full in the mid-afternoon for this play about Elvis-fanatic Dwight's attempts to rescue his faltering marriage.'  Buxton Fringe Review
 
 Other Productions
The play was originally a half hour piece, and was first performed at the 2009 One Acts play festival at the CornerHOUSE in Tolworth, Surrey. It was subsequently performed in the 2010 Elmbridge Drama Festival at Walton on Thames, where it won the Stagecoach Trophy for Original Work. It was then performed as a double bill with 'Heart Shaped Box' at Oxfringe 2010.
 
The full length version of the play premiered at Buxton Fringe Festival and was then taken to Edinburgh for a five day run including the 33rd anniversary of Elvis' death and 33 years to the day when Elvis was due to start the tour referred to in the play.
 
 OHADS also performed Are You Lonesome Tonight, in a double bill with A Bridge Game Too Far, at Hampton Hill Playhouse from 6 to 9 April 2011
 
 Cast, crew and reviews for other productions

  One Act Festival - The CornerHOUSE, Surbiton

Performance dates: 10, 12 and 14 November 2009
Cast and others:
Dwight: Tony Milburn
Leanne: Debra Shephard
Writer: Andy Moseley
Director: Chris Burton
Stage Manager: Carrie Henderson
 
Critics comments:
Sensitively and skilfully written.
Excellent conversational dynamics.
It really does feel as if you are witnessing a real conversation between a married couple of several years standing.
The death of Elvis at the end, adds a note of poignancy and tragedy.
Couples married for 20 years will relate!!
The plot is intriguing and draws you in straight away.
It opens out, with real quality dialogue, into a tense, poignant and wryly comic tale.
An excellent play!
 
Elmbridge Drama Festival - Walton on Thames Playhouse, 
Performance dates: 4 March 2010
Cast and others:
Dwight: Nigel Cole
Director: Chris Burton
Stage Manager: Carrie Henderson
 
Critics comments:
Winner of Stagecoach Trophy for original work. 

  Elmbridge Drama Festival - Walton on Thames Playhouse, 

Oxfringe 2010 - OFS Studio
Performance dates: 7 April - 10 April 2010 
Performed in association with Teddington Theatre Club
Cast and others
Dwight:  Nigel Cole
Leanne:  Lizzie Brignall
Director:  Chris Burton
Technician: Mike Ward
Stage Management: Andy Moseley and Chris Burton
 
Critics comments:
'...a very well written piece; the dialogue is filled with wit and pathos. Highlights include lines such as 'The real deal! It's a wedding anniversary not a car sale!' - Fringe Report.com
'...The audience can readily relate to it' - Daily Info, Oxford 
 
Hampton Hill Playhouse Studio 
Performance dates: 6 April - 9 April 2011 
Performed by Old Hamptonians Amateur Dramatic Society
Cast and others
Dwight:  Andy Smith
Leanne:  Jane Marcus 
Director:  Andy Moseley
Sound: Liz Evans
 
Critics comments:

Andy Smith gave a sympathetic and passionate performance as Dwight,  with Leanne, played by the versatile Jane Marcus, once again demonstrating the ability to deliver a simple line in a memorable way. The play's tender balance of comedy and pathos never tipped into mawkishness.  (Harry Medawar, OHADS review)