An old comedy for a new audience

Nestled in the embrace of Nelson’s historic Fairfield House courtyard, summer evenings in Nelson are set to become a symphony of fun and frivolity.

Award-winning talents Molly Clarke and Matthew Edgar, along with Imogen Vlugter and Myles Smalley, are bringing their talents to the fore in Piece of Work Productions’ performance of ‘The Servant of Two Masters’.

“There’s something very quintessential summer-in-Nelson about enjoying a picnic tea while watching a live performance,” says director Anton Bentley. “Last year we enjoyed five sell-out shows.”

Identities are mistaken, engagements are broken, and lovers are reunited in this uproarious comedy masterpiece. Fuelled by witty dialogue, improvisational madness, and slapstick humour, it promises laughter at every twist as the wily and chronically hungry servant Truffaldino hatches a zany scheme to double his wages (and his meals) by serving two masters at once.

“It’s an hilarious farce,” says Anton, “and such an entertaining and memorable way to spend a couple of hours on a summer’s evening with family or friends.”

Anton says he’s also delighted that Matthew Edgar, Myles Smalley and Imogen Vlugter – the trio from last year’s Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged – are back again this year with the addition of award-winning actress Molly Clarke.

Molly says she’s delighted to be joining the cast having previously acted with Anton and Matthew in last year’s ‘Horton hatches a controversy’ at the Nelson Fringe Festival.

“I loved watching the Complete Works so much last year, it was so funny,” she says, “so I’m really looking forward to being part of such a physical and high-energy show.”

Molly says she’s also looking forward to being part of a live performance after immersing herself in film production for the past few months. But all of her hard work paid off, taking home awards for best actor, best screenplay and best film for her film ‘The anniversary effect’ in the recent Top of the South Film Festival awards.

“There’s nothing quite like being able to tell people’s stories, engage audiences and inspire and entertain them,” says Molly.

‘The Servant of Two Masters’ is on at the Fairfield House courtyard, January 9 – 13 and 15 – 17 at 6.30pm (doors open 6pm). Bring a picnic or purchase something from the Fairfield bar and food truck. Get your tickets here.