The latest bad deed by ‘the Buggane’ is the central theme of this year’s Manx Gateway Drama Group summer production.
The Great Fairy Bridge Robbery will be performed at Ballakermeen High School’s Studio Theatre on Wednesday, May 20.
The Manx Gateway Drama Group was founded in 2008, and the cast is made up of adults from the island’s learning difficulties community.
By conceiving, producing and directing its own productions, the group works with its performers to build their self- confidence, improve their communication skills and ensure they have fun and enjoy performing in front of a live audience.
Elan Karran said: ‘Great improvements have been made in all three areas and much of this is due to the commitment and support of family, friends and volunteers, who each contribute their own talents and skills to the productions.
‘Over the last seven years, the group has grown as performers and as a company, with newly developed acting, dancing and singing skills being incorporated into their performances. ‘The group’s regular performers are all people with learning difficulties.’
The play has been devised and written by Anne Clarke and Elan, and as usual, it showcases the talents of group members.
The Manx-themed plot involves the little people, the fairies, the Manx constabulary, the Buggane and even Sherlock Holmes.
The audience can also expect cameo appearances from some very well-known TT and media faces.
Directing the performance will be Jill Hyde and Carol Glover, with support from Ballakermeen Studio Theatre and in particular technical assistance from Steve Brookes and Ballakermeen student Tom Baggaley.
Douglas Choral Union, who have adopted the group as their charity, are helping to prepare the cast for the big night and will be providing stage hands.
Local film-maker Glenn Whorral is providing audio-visual content while Jane Norris is looking after make-up.
Val Bathgate and Vicky Powley have provided the costumes and additional scenery has been made specially by Roy Kneale.
The group’s work is supported by the Arts Council.
The play will start at 7pm.