Northumberland Touring Theatre (NTC) has just set off on its own “road trip”, touring a play about a road trip to Monte Carlo, based on the experiences of writer Stewart Howson of taking part in vintage car rallies and of touring the country in the company of younger actors.
“I belong to the Saltire Rally Club,” he said, “and have driven old cars across France and have had some real adventures like conquering the Col de Torini with snow banks 10 foot high and not much wider apart. I’ve also met some amazing people along the way, like the two 80-odd-year-old Scotsmen on a tour in a TR2 who had done the Monte Carlo rally in their younger days but still exuded a wicked youthfulness, despite their age.
“These experiences coupled with those gained as the ‘older man’ touring around in a van with younger actors set me thinking about a play in which young meets old and the trials, tribulations, fun and laughter they share on a road trip together.”
In his new play Rallying Round old soldier Airchie, played by Howson, cons his young ‘carer’ Mo (Umar Ahmed) into giving him a lift to Monte Carlo. It’s a journey that Airchie used take in his classic rally car with his old oppo Dougie, although as the journey progresses Airchie increasingly becomes confused about the route and the even the destination.
The play tours to:
- Wednesday 6th November – 7:30PM
Etal Village Hall, Northumberland - Saturday 9th November - 7:30PM
Robinson Institute, Esk Valley Theatre, Glaisdale, York - Sunday 10th November - 7:30PM
Alnwick Playhouse, Alnwick, Northumberland - Monday 11th November - 7:30PM
Wall Village Hall, Northumberland - Tuesday 12th November – 7:30PM
Kirkwhelpington Village Hall, Northumberland - Wednesday 13th November – 7:30PM
Spittal Parish Church, Berwick on Tweed - Thursday 14th November – 7:30PM
Washington Arts Centre, Tyne and Wear - Saturday 16th November – 7:30PM
Dinnington Village Hall, Northumberland