This touching tale of hope and compassion (From Hampshire Chronicle)

This touching tale of hope and compassion

10:12am Thursday 11th October 2007

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NEWLY-FORMED Winchester-based theatre company, Prime Theatre, will stage Aleksei Arbuzov's Old World, at the Chesil Theatre, Winchester, from Wednesday, October 17 to Saturday, October 20.

The company, which formally launched at The Chesil last month, has already attracted considerable interest, not only in theatrical circles, but also from the wider community.

With an emphasis on providing sensibly-paid work for more mature artists and, subsequently, offering projects of interest to senior sections of the community, Prime Theatre has received high-level backing, with patrons including Michele Dotrice, Roy Dotrice and Edward Woodward.

Commenting on the company, Mr Woodward says: "Prime Theatre is a bridge builder in every sense and it is much needed, but the most important thing is that it is here now."

Winchester residents have already experienced the talents of Prime Theatre: it presented Nostalgia Entertainments at St John's Almshouses, The Battery Club, Oliver's Battery, and at the Winnall Community Centre in August this year.

Written in 1975 by Aleksei Arbuzov (1908-1986), translated by Ariadne Nicolaeff and directed by Andy Burden and performed by Kevin Colson (Rodion Nikolayevich) and Ros Liddiard (Lidya Vasilyevna), Old World is a touching story of hope and compassion, with gentle hints of humour, proving that love can blossom in the most unlikely of places.

The year is 1968. Russian tanks have just rolled into Prague, causing yet another Cold War crisis - and in swinging London The Beatles raise eyebrows by recording Back in the USSR.

But in a sanatorium set on the Baltic Sea, the tides of history - political or cultural - mean little to surgeon, Rodion Nikolayevich and patient, Lydia Vasilyevna.

Lydia is an eccentric newcomer to the clinic where Rodion is medical head. They are neither of them youthful, have both suffered in life,and have very different characters, but something draws them to each other and a rapport is built beyond doctor-patient. When her stay is up can Lydia leave him for Moscow?

Founder, Peter Liddiard, comments on their new tour: "In Old World, the characters, the plot, and its intentions and style, fit perfectly with Prime Theatre philosophy; to deny old age' and show that older actors, writers and technicians do not lose the motivation and dedication of their youth. Old World offers the perfect balance and can be enjoyed by theatre-goers, young and old."

This Prime Theatre production promises a heart-warming, poignant performance with a pleasant balance of wit and charm brought to life by some of the finest, talented cast and crew in the country.

Tickets are available from Theatre Royal box office, 01962 840440. Performances at 7.45pm every night, with a 3pm matinée on Saturday.

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