Tiverton Dramatic Society presents My Blessed Uncle

A COMIC play which is more than 45 years old has been updated by the son of its late author in order to be brought to the stage in Tiverton next month.

Andy Lockyer has revised My Blessed Uncle by Bob Lockyer for Tiverton Dramatic Society’s latest production.

Andy said: “The play was originally written by my father for Brian Rix’s BBC Television series, and was first performed by the Tiverton Dramatic Society in 1965. Since then it has been an ambition of mine to bring it back to the New Hall stage.”

The BBC had expressed an interest in producing the farce play Andy said, but when the format of the programme was changed from an hour to 30 minutes, My Blessed Uncle was overlooked for more concise plays.

Playwriting was a great passion of Mr Lockyer Senior, although he worked as a director of Lowman Manufacturing Group, his ambitions were such he had an agent in London at one stage. He was also chairman of the Dramatic Society for around 30 years, during which time he treaded the boards as well as coming up with script ideas.

Andy said: “I have many happy memories of performing with my father on stage, especially in comedies and farce and I am sure he would have approved of me altering his play to bring it right up to date.”

Andy said he had also sought permission of his mother to adapt his father’s script but said there were more ‘lost’ plays of his father’s which he might turn his attentions to, if the new show tickles the funny bone of Tiverton.

My Blessed Uncle is the story of social embarrassment in the stilted environs of polite society. Cecil and Joan Gregg have their hands full running Moorland Gate Country Club under the watchful eye of club president Sir Hector Shunter. On the day of the important Hunt Ball with guests arriving and fancy dress costumes to organise, plans are thrown into turmoil with the unexpected arrival of Cecil’s long lost American uncle Brigadier Theodore Hyams. With mistaken identities, lost or stolen jewellery and everyone running around in fancy dress, there are multiple opportunities for mirth.

The play is on at the New Hall, Tiverton, from Wednesday, April 13 to-Saturday, April 16 at 7.30pm each night.

Tickets are £6 (Wednesday), £7 all other nights. Available from Andy Lockyer’s business Twyford Photography and Print in Bampton Street.