Surrey Little Theatre’s production of The Last Lifeboat won top honours at the Fraser Valley Zone Festival and will now go on to represent the zone at Theatre B.C.’s provincial finals – Mainstage – in Chilliwack on July 4.
The play, written by award-winning author, producer and actor, Luke Yankee, was chosen as the outstanding production by festival adjudicator, Stephen Drover. The play’s director, Dale Kelly, was also given the top award for his direction.
The Last Lifeboat was one of seven plays presented at the festival, hosted by the Langley Players Drama Club the week of May 22-28.
The Last Lifeboat, which features a cast of 15 playing multiple roles and a demanding succession of scenes, also won the award for Outstanding Backstage Cooperation, honouring the team of 25 crew, production team and actors.
Surrey Little Theatre is inviting everyone to come and see the show before they take it to the provincial competition in July. Three showcase performances will be given at Surrey Little Theatre, 7027 184 St. on June 23, 24 and 25. The funds raised at these extra shows will help offset the costs of taking the show to Chilliwack.
“I’m extremely pleased and excited that our show has won Theatre BC’s Fraser Valley Zone,” said Mike Busswood, production manager and actor in the play.
“It gives us an opportunity to do our show again in a much bigger venue for an audience of our peers from all over the province.”
Tickets are $15. For reservations call 604-576-8451; email reservations@surreylittletheatre.com; or go to www.brownpapertickets.com. Tickets are also available at the theatre with cash or Interac. Visit www.surreylittletheatre.com for more information.
The Last Lifeboat is a drama centred around the sinking of the Titanic. In his research of this event, playwright Luke Yankee uncovered new and stunning revelations which inspired him to write the play.
This epic tale which explores not only the tragedy itself, but the sensationalized trials and aftermath of the night that the huge, thought-to-be unsinkable passenger liner collided with an iceberg during her maiden voyage on April 14, 1912.
The Last Lifeboat reveals the untold story of J. Bruce Ismay, the owner of the White Star Line at the time of the sinking of the Titanic. Ismay’s decision to save himself rather than go down with the ship made him the scapegoat for one of the greatest disasters of all time.
This play addresses the issues of corporate greed, commercial success-vs-human safety, survivor’s guilt, and how making the choice not to follow one’s heart can destroy a life, even if it is “saved.”
