Only If You Dance – SOLD OUT

Simon Mendes da Costa’s touching, feel-good comedy, ‘Only If You Dance’, as part of the Centre’s on-going series of fundraising events.

Come down and bring your friends for a truly magical summer’s night of food and entertainment!

Doors will open at 6.30pm for food (included in ticket price), and there will be a licensed bar until 11pm.

After a two-course buffet dinner we will invite you to turn your chairs around to face the stage to enjoy a performance of ‘Only If You Dance’, a brand new play from local playwright Simon Mendes da Costa.

We have recently been successful in negotiating and signing our new 20 year lease at St Mary’s Hall. This is part of a series of events, with the aim of raising funds to purchase St Mary’s Hall from the council for the community of Whitstable. Registered charity no.1097884.

The Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre: https://www.umbrellacentre.co.uk/

Tickets are £22.50 per person, tickets include a 2 course buffet by @skepkitchen, licenced bar on the night, get yours here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/whitstableumbrellacommunitysupportcentre/1274719

The Play

‘Only If You Dance’ is a new play set over a midsummer night by West End & Broadway playwright, Simon Mendes da Costa and directed by Raymond Coulthard.

Simon’s first play, Table for One was performed at Hen & Chickens Theatre in 2001 and earned him a spot in Time Out’s ‘Critics’ Choice’. He was nominated for the Evening Standard’s ‘Most Promising Playwright’ award for his second play, Losing Louis, which opened at London’s Hampstead Theatre. The play went on to tour the UK and receive a West End run, followed by a separate production on Broadway. Most recently his play A Better Woman premiered at the Marlowe, Canterbury.

The Cast

Emma Dewhurst has enjoyed a long and varied career as an actress working with a number of outstanding directors, including Richard Eyre (National Theatre), Roger Michell (Almeida) and Nancy Meckler for Shared Experience. TV work includes Parade’s End, Holby City and Trust Me. Emma is alternatively known for founding and running ‘WOW Kent’, an award-winning arts magazine, from 2010-2016.

Simon Mendes da Costa trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and worked as an actor for a number of years before turning his hand to writing. He is delighted to be returning to his first love to play opposite Emma, who also happens to be his wife.

Director

Raymond Coulthard is best known as an actor, having worked extensively in TV, film and theatre, with leading roles at the RSC, National Theatre and Donmar Warehouse. In addition to his acting credits, Ray has directed multiple projects in both the theatre and corporate world.

Simon, Emma and Ray all live in Whitstable, and are thrilled to bring Simon’s play to their local community as a fundraiser for the Centre.

The Buffet

A delicious, inclusive two-course buffet dinner will be served, created by our very own Centre chef David of ‘Skep Kitchen’ fame. All dietary preferences will be catered for, including vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan.

Post-Show

The show finishes around 9.20pm. We will be running the bar until closing time, so we invite you to stay in the Hall and enjoy a drink with the cast!

Accessibility: There is a ramp up to St Mary’s Hall and we have a disabled toilet. If you have any other access needs, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Parking: There is a Pay and Display car park directly behind Whitstable Umbrella Centre.

Please note: ‘Only If You Dance’ is not suitable for children