Stepping Out (Harris)

This good-natured comedy from Richard Harris chronicles several months in the life of a beginners' dance class. Each of the eight students, who come from a variety of backgrounds, has her...or his... own reason for joining. For instance, Maxine, a confident, fast-talking saleswoman is there on doctor's orders, while self-sacrificing Andy participates because it is the only thing she does for herself. Whatever the cause, they make a point of coming every week to chat, relax and, if they can manage it, to learn a couple of dance steps.

Led by Mavis, their eternally patient instructor, and accompanied by the acerbic pianist Mrs. Fraser, the students (who range from hopeless to competent) strive to master the basics of dance. But the steps and routines are just the background for the real focus of the play - the relationships and interactions of these ten very different people.

By their final performance, not only have the class members developed some degree of skill, but they have also overcome the inhibitions, awkwardness and personality conflicts that have kept them out of sync.

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Cast:

Mavis          Netti Hayes

Lynne         Phoebe Hayes

Dorothy      Sue Grant

Maxine        Jennifer Scott-Reid

Andy           Judy Curry

Geoffrey     Keith Nuttall

Sylvia         Teresa Hennessy

Rose          Sandra King

Vera           Liz Stewart

Mrs Fraser  Jenny Whyte

Director: Jennifer Scott-Reid

Assistant Director: Emma James