Claire Evans writes for the Herald.

The finale to the Summer Play Festival is Ben Hur, reuniting the team who last year performed the very popular 39 Steps, another of Patrick Barlow’s hilarious adaptations of a classic work.

It opens at the Manor Pavilion on Monday 16 September 2024. Holly Ashman, Charlie Bryant, Josh Coley and Dom McChesney are all looking forward to working together again.

Josh Coley said, “It is always a delight to be working with actors you have enjoyed working with before and a sort of short-hand develops which enhances what goes on in the rehearsal room. “

The show achieves the seemingly unachievable with just four actors, playing multiple roles, bringing to the stage the greatest book ever written with a series of dizzying costume and set changes.

Andrew Beckett, who is Associate Producer of the Summer Play Festival and has designed all the sets for the twelve-week season, returns to direct this final show of 2024.

The small-scale take on Lew Wallace’s Ben Hur brings a chariot race and sea battle to the stage as the company of thespians also navigate rivalries and off-stage romances.

Last year’s 39 Steps was a huge favourite with audiences and Ben Hur looks set to bring the Festival to a successful end with gales of laughter.

Full details can be found at the Manor Pavilion Whats on page.