JASON HUGHES
WAY UPSTREAM
CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE
23rd April 2015 - 16th May 2015
Jason Hughes with Peter Forbes (Keith)
© Simon Annand
Written by Alan Ayckbourn, Jason Hughes plays the role of the demur Alistair. Due to it's technical challenges. the rarely staged 'Way Upstream' makes its debut at the Chichester Festival Theatre. The stage is expertly transformed into part of a river, complete with real trees on the banks and a working motor boat. Clever lighting produces effects from dusk to dawn and even a storm with thunder and lightning.
© Simon Annand
OVERVIEW
Four old friends, one cruising boat, two weeks off work, and the perfect setting of the beautiful River Orb. What could possibly go wrong?
But even before the ignition key is turned, the outlook is not completely calm. Emma is worried about her onboard safety, captain Keith and his shipmate Alistair have trouble brewing back at their novelty goods business, and sun seeker June is far from happy with the standard of the accommodation.
Waters get even choppier when the troubled crew bump into enigmatic seadog Vince, and his bohemian twitcher friend, Fleur. When they invite Vince on board, to hear tales of his remarkable seafaring adventures, relationships between these mismatched shipmates are about to become decidedly rocky.
Way Upstream see the Festival Theatre stage transformed into a river, complete with life-size boat, for an hilarious and searing exposé of the murky depths that lie beneath the glittering surfaces of friendship, love, desire and power.
The Chichester Festival Theatre
Jason with Jill Halfpenny (Emma)
Jason with Nicola Sloane
(Mrs. Hatfield) & Peter Forbes
Jill Halfpenny & Jason Durr
Jill Halfpenny, Jason Hughes & Sarah Parish
PHOTOS - SIMON ANNAND