For nearly half of the Peninsula PlayersB次元官网网址� existence, Sid Clarke has directed plays for the community theatre company. The group marks 60 years this season, and this weekend, Clarke celebrates opening his latest production, How The Other Half Loves by Alan Ayckbourn. ItB次元官网网址檚 the grand finale of the PlayersB次元官网网址� season.

B次元官网网址淭his play is one that the English dramatist wrote for the New York stage and is considered one of his most innovative,B次元官网网址� Clarke said. B次元官网网址淭here are three married couples with the men all working for the same firm. The problem is that one of the younger man is having an affair with the wife of the boss. When each returns home early one morning, there is a need to invent an acceptable explanation that is based on their cooked up story of trying to smooth over infidelity in the marriage of the third couple.B次元官网网址�

An unusual stage set provides difficulty for Clarke, but intrigue for the audience.

B次元官网网址淭he living rooms of two couples are shown on one set with a common dining area that serves as the place for two dinners simultaneously taking place on two different nights,B次元官网网址� Clarke explained. B次元官网网址淲hen the third couple shows up, the fat is in the fire with the real reason for the all-night absences being gradually exposed.B次元官网网址�

The play opens at Berwick Theatre on Friday, May 18 for three shows and goes to the Saanich Peninsula on May 25.

B次元官网网址淎 part of community well-being and community health is the artistic content. This is really a healthy community and the theatre wants to be part of that,B次元官网网址� said Clarke, who has been with the Players for 26 years. B次元官网网址淐ommunity theatre, probably because of its voluntary nature and potential to entertain and foster local artistic talent, has been a constant feature in many Canadian communities.B次元官网网址�

In the past 60 years the Peninsula Players troupe added almost 150 productions to the health of the community, and Clarke anticipates things could go well for decades more.

B次元官网网址淚f weB次元官网网址檝e got venues we can survive,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淵ou can always get people to do the artistic stuff.B次元官网网址�

Find links to online ticket orders for performances at Berwick Theatre and Charlie White Theatre at peninsulaplayers.bc.ca.