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SINCE 1931
PLAY READINGS
Play readings are held regularly at Manor Gardens and are great opportunities for members and non-members alike to relax in friendly company and read through a play that we are thinking of producing in the future or simply want to read!
There is no compulsion to read any of the parts, if you just want to listen, but it is a fun chance to read and enjoy parts that you wouldn't be able to audition for, because of age, gender or other reasons!
GOODNIGHT MR TOM
by Michelle Magorian
A heart warming, moving and ultimately life affirming story set during World War II about a young evacuee, William Beech, who is placed in the care of a reclusive widower, Tom Oakley.
Tuesday 4th November 2025 at 7.30pm
At: Manor Gardens
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (the recent RSC version)
by Charles Dickens
This acclaimed version by the RSC has a massive cast, so lots of opportunities to read. A busy month for us all, so this will only go ahead if there is sufficient interest, but bear in mind that this festive favourite will come with seasonal refreshments - perhaps even a mug of smoking bishop!
Tuesday 9th December 2025 at 7.30pm
At: Manor Gardens
Members Only for this one
Past Play Readings this year:
WHEN THE RAIN STOPS FALLING
by Andrew Bovell
Family, secret legacies, betrayal and forgiveness seen across four generations and spanning two continents.
Tuesday 30th September 2025 at 7.30pm
At: Manor Gardens
AMADEUS
by Peter Shaffer
An epic play about Mozart seen through the eyes of his contemporary and rival, Antonio Salieri.
Tuesday 2nd September 2025 at 7.30pm
At: Manor Gardens
AND THEN THERE WERE NONE
by Agatha Christie
This well-known Agatha Christie murder mystery (requested by several members) is already renowned for a plot which is twistier than a left-handed corkscrew - but trust Vince to come up with a slightly different take
Tuesday 12h August 2025 at 7.30pm
At: Manor Gardens
222-A GHOST STORY
"There's something in our house. I hear it every night at the same time." Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but husband Sam isn’t having any of it. Along with their dinner guests, old friend Lauren and new partner Ben, they argue. Can the dead really walk again? Belief and scepticism clash, but something feels strange and frightening, and that something is getting closer... until 2:22. A brilliantly funny and adrenaline-filled West End hit by Danny Robins. Let Vince know if you're coming along to read - svince009@gmail.com
Tuesday 22nd July 2025 at 7.30pm
At: Manor Gardens
MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
by William Shakespeare
Monday 19th May 2025 at 7.30pm
At: Manor Gardens
1984
by Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan based on the novel by George Orwell
Tuesday 29th April 2025 at 7.30pm
At: Manor Gardens
OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE
based on the book by Neil Gaiman and adapted for stage by Joel Horwood and Katy Rudd
A thrilling feat of storytelling in which fantasy, sci-fi, myth and imagination combine in an adventure that unfolds right here, in our world
Returning to his childhood home, a man finds himself standing beside the pond of the old Sussex farmhouse where he used to play. When he meets an old friend, he is reminded of a name he has not heard for many years. Lettie Hempstock. He is transported back to his 12th Birthday when Lettie claimed the pond was not a pond at all, but an ocean.
Monday 31st March 2025 at 7.30pm
At: Manor Gardens