We are proud to look back on the success of our original production All Bar One, a wonderfully crafted comedy drama written by one of our very own members, Keith Irons.
Set in the bar of the Gainford Park Hotel, this thoughtful and entertaining production struck the perfect balance between humour and emotion, keeping audiences engaged from start to finish.
An Original Story Full of Character
At its heart, All Bar One is a play about relationships, old and new, lost and found, real and insincere. Set against the backdrop of a busy country house hotel, the story invites us into a world where people come and go, each with their own story to tell… or conceal.
At the centre of it all is Lucy, the barmaid (Lissy Rawlings), who never quite seems sure what’s going on around her. In contrast, Bob (Keith Irons) appears to know far more than he lets on, but why is he so interested in everyone else’s lives?
As the evening unfolds, we meet a wide range of intriguing characters: from complicated relationships and hidden affairs to those simply looking for company, or escape. Among them is the unforgettable Lady Winston (Ronnie Lowry), who prefers the comfort of the hotel bar to the quiet of home, proving that some nights are far more eventful than others.
Stories That Intertwine
With guests passing through the hotel, some seeking peace, others avoiding it, the play cleverly weaves together multiple storylines. What begins as a series of separate encounters reveals deeper connections between the characters.
As truths come to light, audiences are left to question who is genuine, who is hiding something, and what really connects them all.
Blending sharp humour with moments of real poignancy, All Bar One explored adult themes with honesty and wit, reminding us that sometimes the most revealing conversations happen when we’re not quite sure who’s listening.
A Fantastic Ensemble Cast
This production featured a strong and versatile cast who brought depth and personality to every role:
- Lucy – Lissy Rawlings
- George – Peter Storr
- Penny / Amber – Emma Simpson
- Bob – Keith Irons
- Lady Winston – Ronnie Lowery
- Ted – Cameron Wallace
- Dawn – Alison Ivanec
- Paul – Lawrence Chandler
- Madeline – Ellie Pettit
- Poirots – Scarlet Storr, Stefan Curtis, Joan Sadler, Glyn Casswell
Each performance contributed to the rich tapestry of the play, capturing both the humour and the underlying emotion of the story.
A Special Farewell to Ronnie Lowery
This production was particularly poignant as it marked the final performance of Ronnie Lowery as Lady Winston.
Ronnie has been a valued and much-loved member of Gainford Drama Club since the late 1980s, appearing in a wide variety of productions and bringing countless memorable characters to life on our stage. Not only a talented performer, Ronnie has also directed several productions including Murder in Play, Spring and Port Wine, One Day I’ll Fly Away, and London Suite, as well as serving as club secretary for many years.
Her contribution to the club over the decades has been truly remarkable. While she will be greatly missed on stage, we are incredibly grateful for everything she has given to the club and its members.
Audience Response
All Bar One was warmly received by audiences, who enjoyed its clever writing, engaging characters, and seamless blend of comedy and drama.
The mix of humour and thoughtful storytelling created a production that resonated with many, sparking laughter one moment and reflection the next.
Thank You
A huge thank you goes to our talented cast, dedicated crew, and of course to Keith Irons for writing such an engaging and original piece.
And to our wonderful audiences, thank you for your continued support. It means everything to us and helps keep local theatre thriving.
What’s Next at The Academy Theatre
We’re excited to announce that our next production will be the ever-popular Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced this November.
Be sure to keep an eye on our website and social media for updates, we look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Final Curtain
With its engaging characters, intertwining stories, and thoughtful exploration of human relationships, All Bar One proved to be a truly memorable production.
One bar. Many stories. And plenty to think about long after the curtain fell.
