It’s a whirlwind of Hitches this Weekend!

Jith Pieris and the Creative Arts Foundation bring ‘No Sex Please, We’re British’

An order for Scandinavian glassware gone wrong, a marriage made susceptible by a torrent of explicit content and ‘Scandinavian escorts’ and a third party who attempts to solve an act of delinquency (as it were) hands-on, are but a few quandaries Peter Hunters and his newly wedded bride will be plunged into, this weekend.  

Where will this mayhem find Peter Hunters and his wife? Will Scandinavian glassware ever be heard of in the Hunter house?  Here’s a look at the inmates of the play, who are about to be consumed by a bewildering receipt: everything else except Scandinavian glassware.
“No Sex Please We’re British” will go on boards on 28 February, 1 and 2 March at the Lionel Wendt at 7.30 p.m. Tickets priced at Rs. 2000, 1,500, 1000, 800 and 500 are available at the Wendt.

Jith Pieris, Director

“I’m confident because my cast is very cooperative… hoping to have a rollicking night of laughter!”

 

Kanishka Herat (Peter Hunter)

“I’m newly married and I live in an apartment on top of the bank with my wife Frances. Getting into character wasn’t too difficult to do and understand. However, the pace of the play and the many things to be done whilst in character was challenging and enjoyable at the same time. The play involved a lot of covering up of situations and misdirection as per a typical British farce. The storyline is very interesting however! There’s still a bit of fine tuning to be done… Looking forward to the three nights!”

Anabela Brochard (Frances Hunter)

“I’m the newly married housewife. I want a house with my husband hence I try a business venture which turns out to be a disaster. Basically, I’m to blame for the mess caused later on in the play. It has been interesting working with Jith. He lets you breathe and live like the character and hence experiment with the role… the cast is young and full of energy and ideas so it feels like we’re all in a creative realm where everybody shares their thoughts. I have been acting since the age of 14 with Jehan Aloysius who has given me a bag of tools that I have used in this production. I have enjoyed every minute of the rehearsal process.”

Nadun Dissanayake (Brian Runnicles)

“It has been amazing to work with such an experienced cast. I am literally the amateur here. Brian Runnicles is the nervous, bit effeminate, hilarious Chief Cashier at a sub branch of the National United Bank of England. Enjoying every minute of playing the role although character wise there is not too much of an emotional depth.”

Imani Perera (Eleanor Hunter)

“Sustaining the momentum of being clueless in the midst of chaos was certainly a challenge but it has been absolute fun working with a great crowd – all very talented.”
 

Abbasali Rozais (Leslie Bromhead)

“Basically, everyone’s trying to hide the going-ons from me. It’s more of an adventure really and overall it has been fun and entertaining to work with the cast.”
 

Anurudha Fernando (Superintendent Paul)

“Superintendent Paul is happy-go-lucky, not interested in solving the issue at hand and arrives at the most inopportune times, adding to the chaos. It has always been fun to work with Jith. This time he has given opportunities to a lot of new actors which is good because that’s how we can ensure English theatre is sustained.”

 

Asela Mendis (Delivery Man)
 

“I play a very small role and come on to stage for a brief moment. The other more experienced members of the cast have been always been there to lend a helping hand. I always wanted to get on stage at least once in my life (apart from school plays) and I must thank uncle Jith for giving me that opportunity.”

 

Avishka De Alwis (Mr. Needham)

“My role is of a bank inspector who comes to find accommodation at Peter’s House and eventually gets caught in the fiasco. It is a tad bit challenging since I have to adopt somewhat of a British accent but the journey thus far has definitely been a treat – I’ve met new people, learnt a lot of stuff and most importantly had lots of fun!”

 

Trinushka Perera (Susan)

“I play a minor role but it raises the climax of the play as Susan is in simple terms of English a hooker/whore but in more formal British form a Scandinavian escort as it is called! Quite a scandalous role turning things inside out within the household coz in the role all she wants to do is satisfy needs no matter who the person is. Bobby played by Eraj is my apprentice and we have quite a hilarious time rehearsing being escorts/hookers! A challenging yet interesting task… being the first time working with Jith, it has been pretty interesting working with a bunch of friends who I’ve worked with before and the new ones who add extra humour to the play as a whole and life! Been in theatre since the age of 10 working with a variety of directors – both Sinhala and English theatre.”

 

Eraj Gunawardene (Bobby)

“I’m one of the two adult entertainers who enter the play and complicate the whole situation while adding a touch of extra humour to the plot. It’s quite challenging because Bobby’s a cross dresser and I’ve never played a cross dresser on stage. This was my first with uncle Jith and so far it has been wonderful. Everyone in the cast is like a small family and we spend most of the time laughing. It has been such an honour to work with uncle Jith and especially with a talented cast!”



Text by Sapthika Jacob

Pics by Nisal Baduge