Past Productions

About the play

Woody Allen's classic comedy "Play it Again, Sam" hits the stage of Derby's Guildhall Theatre this September courtesy of one of the city's most innovative and exciting amateur companies, Derby Theatre in the Round.

The play follows the misfortunes of neurotic film critic Allan Felix as he struggles to find love in 1970s New York. Recently dumped by his wife, Allan has to contend with the dubious advice of his best friends Dick and Linda and a string of increasingly disastrous blind dates. And then there's the ghost of Humphrey Bogart with his own personal brand of relationship guidance to offer! Or maybe the love Allan's looking for has been right under his nose all along…

"Play it Again, Sam" bristles with Woody Allen's razor-sharp wit and will delight not only fans of Allen's many movies but all lovers of great comedy.

About the production

Director Simon Partridge is a professional actor who has both acted (most recently the lead in "Our Town", January 2004) and directed (including "Educating Rita" by Willy Russell) for the group as well as serving as Chairman for three years.

"I'm thrilled to be directing again with Derby Theatre in the Round," says Simon, "It's a tremendously funny play and we've got a terrific cast who have really connected with the material."

The cast includes many of the new members who debuted in January's critically acclaimed production of Thornton Wilder's "Our Town".

Says Simon, "Their energy and humour have made rehearsals enormous fun and I just know that audiences will get that same buzz when they see the show."