Two Teachers Take on ‘Two’: “A Tale of Love, Loss, and Laughter”

Next month, Director of Drama, Mrs Jilly Witcomb and Teacher of Drama, Mr Jak Garrity will take to the stage to perform in Jim Cartwright’s play ‘Two’.

‘Two’ tells the story of a husband and wife behind the bar of their northern pub, the Landlord and Landlady. The pair welcome their regulars with open arms, lending an ear for stories of celebration, of loss, of love and of despair. The bickering couple work together to keep the locals in high spirits – with drinks, conversation and laughter. But what is their story? As a lost boy turns up on their doorstep looking for his Dad, the couple must confront their own demons and perhaps, for the first time in years, talk to each other. Performed by the two actors playing all 14 characters, Jim Cartwright’s poignant play takes audiences into the world of one working-class pub over the course of one night. Weaving together rich stories full of human emotion, this dark-comedy gives an intimate insight into a variety of characters and will make you laugh, and cry, in equal measure.

This production of ‘Two’ will be a charity performance in aid of Meningitis Now and Betel UK. All proceeds from this performance will be donated to the charities.

Meningitis Now has fought relentlessly by funding research, raising awareness and providing support to people whose lives have been affected. Research and campaigning has helped the development and introduction of five life-saving vaccines now available on the NHS – reducing the number of UK meningitis cases every year since the 1990s. Betel UK restores broken lives through work, well-being and worship. Betel UK is an independent Christian charity for men, women and families affected by drug and alcohol addiction and homelessness.

Mrs Jilly Witcomb comments: “I am returning to the stage after a very long time and am incredibly nervous about it! But ‘Two’ is a beautiful play which I adore and preparing has put me through my paces – especially the line learning – time to practice what I preach. Thank you for your support by helping us raise money for ‘two’ charities that mean an awful lot to both our families. I really hope you enjoy the performance.”

Mr Jak Garrity comments: “I was able to experience being back on the stage last year appearing as the ‘Ghost of Hamlet’s Father’ in the DIY Scholars’ production of ‘Hamlet’ which was a great experience but this evening it is just Mrs Witcomb and myself on stage with no ensemble, sword fights or Viking make-up to hide behind! ‘Two’ is a fantastic play which means a lot to me as I performed as the ‘Landlord’ back in Year Eleven, then again at university where I performed as all the other male characters, but this will be the first time performing it in its entirety and in its intended format, two actors playing all the roles. I hope you enjoy the show.”

‘Two’ will be performed in the RGS Performing Arts Centre for two nights, from Thursday 9 May 2024 until Friday 10 May 2024. Tickets are now on sale and to purchase your ticket, please do so online at trybooking.com/uk/DHKP.