You are invited to an informal concert and performance on Saturday 28th June 2014. As part of our research into the history and significance of amateur performance, a group of us under the direction of the acclaimed professional director James Wallace, whose recent work includes the Read not Dead project at the Globe Theatre, will attempt to perform Samuel Foote¹s The Lyar. First performed in 1762, Foote¹s witty farce dramatises the comeuppance of the incorrigible fantasist, Young Wilding. The Lyar is significant because it was performed in 1802 by arguably Britain¹s first amateur dramatic club, The Pic Nic Society. At that time, a pic nic was a meal to which everyone brought a dish. In that spirit, we are pooling our resources and talents in this amateur production. Pic Nic evenings always included music so our entertainment will open with a harpsichord recital. Sophia Russell will perform sonatas composed by William Herschel (1738-1822). Popular at the time of the Pic Nics, Herschel is now better known as an astronomer. At the close of the evening, we hope you will join us in singing suitable catches and glees. Company: Young Wilding: Judith Hawley Papillion: Oskar Cox Jensen Sir James Elliot: Eley Williams Old Wilding: Carolyn Williams Miss Grantam: Alice Shinhall Miss Godfrey: Rhiannon Creffield Kitty: Mary Isbell Director: Abigail Anderson Music: Sophia Russell Venue: University of Notre Dame London Global Gateway, 1 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG. Nearest tube stations: Leicester Square, Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus Doors open 6 pm Please be seated by 6.30. Evening should end 8.15 Please note: Trafalgar Square and its environs will be busy that evening as it is on the route of the Gay Pride march. Please allow extra time to get to the venue. To defray our costs there will be a charge of £5 on the door. CASH ONLY. For further information, email rappt2014@gmail.com