Director's Notes

"I'll Be Back Before Midnight" is a spine-chilling mixture of suspense and shocks, with just the right amount of comedy added. After several months in hospital following a nervous breakdown, Jan is brought to an isolated farmhouse by her husband Greg, ostensibly to complete her recovery. But unsettling things start to happen almost as soon as they arrive....."

I love this play! It is a thriller with a good dash of comedic moments thrown in - but it is definitely more of a thriller than a comedy. I am fortunate to have four talented actors playing the four characters, and then I have another "character" created by all the various effects required in this play and also the set itself and various specific props. It is always difficult to rehearse with a person missing and the effects and props are so important in a play like this. During rehearsals, we have had stage manager and all props people pounding the desk with their fists, going "bang" or "boom" and humming - trying to work out the timing for various moves. Also the props themselves have been a challenge - tricky gadgets, and quirks of the staging, thunder and lightning etc etc. So a big thank you to all those who have slaved away behind the scenes - from Set Design (not to mention all the health and safety issues we have covered!) to the excellent Effects, Props and Lighting teams and superb Stage Manager.

Also a big thank you to the team from the Arts Centre who have been so helpful in working out the H & S aspects of this production.To you, the audience - there ARE some BIG BANGS, EXPLOSIONS and quite a number of BIG "JUMPS" - so be ready for them, and above all - ENJOY IT!

As they say on "Crimewatch" - "don't have nightmares!" Very best wishes, Gilly.

Gilly Rogers