World ‘first’ for Littlehampton theatre’s next show

Hilarity is promised in Stage-Doors latest production, Four Weddings and an Elvis, which follows the weddings of four couples at a Las Vegas chapel L29806H13

The company is proud to announce that it has secured what is believed to be the first rights to perform Nancy Frick’s romantic comedy, Four Weddings and an Elvis in a UK theatre – Littlehampton’s Windmill Entertainment Centre.

The play, opening on Wednesday (July 24), is set in a wedding chapel in Las Vegas, and follows the marriages of four couples.

Director Micki Darbyshire said she was very excited to bring the comedy to the town and described it as a ‘bag of laughs’, with ‘jokes for all ages’.

“We have been rehearsing this since May and we’re really looking forward to our first performance,” she explained.

“This play has not yet been published in the UK, so we are very proud to be holding, what we believe to be its UK premiere, right here in Littlehampton.

“We had to contact the New York office of the publishers and were over the moon when we were given the one-off leasing to perform it in the UK.”

The play tells the stories of four of the most memorable weddings at the chapel, owned by Sandy (played by Micki).

It opens with couple Bev and Stan (Elana Healy and David Griffin) tying the knot as a revenge on their exes. They are married by John, an Elvis impersonator (Jamie Griffiths).

“Jamie has performed as Elvis in one of our previous productions, so naturally this was the perfect part for him,” Micki said.

Other couples to get married in the chapel include Vanessa and Bryce (Pennie Billinghurst and Vic Moss), two arrogant and ageing stars who are tying the knot as a publicity ploy to regain public interest in them: and Marvin and Fiona (Barry Tinkler and Fiona Humphrey), a gentle postal worker and a tough ex-con, who couldn’t be more different personalities, or more in love.

The final wedding is Sandy’s, who, having been married four times before, is hoping that this time will be the last time.

Performances of Four Weddings and an Elvis are from Wednesday to Saturday (July 27), starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available by calling the Windmill’s box office on 01903 722224, Monday to Friday, between 10am and 4pm, or on the night.

Prices are £10, with concessions available for pensioners and group purchases.