PREVIEW:

Whisky Galore, The Haymarket, Basingtoke

As Britain marks 100 years since women first gained the right to vote, Oldham Coliseum Theatre, Hull Truck Theatre and New Vic Theatre present a brand new, all-female adaptation of Compton Mackenzie’s hilarious Whisky Galore by Philip Goulding at The Haymarket from Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 April.

Partly inspired by the true story of the Osiris Players, a troupe of female actors who toured the British Isles from 1927 to 1963, this new production is a tribute to the feisty, fearless all-female touring companies of the post war years.

The islanders of Great and Little Todday are dismayed to find their whisky supply dwindling, as the government diverts the precious stuff to the Americans in an attempt to bribe them into supporting the British war effort. When a 50,000 whisky bottle cargo shipwrecks close by, welcome relief seems to be at hand. Conflict is guaranteed, however, once stuffy Paul Waggett of the Home Guard takes it upon himself to try and prevent the thirsty islanders from taking advantage of their good fortune.

Meanwhile, as in the finest of Shakespearian comedies, two weddings are planned; one hinges on timid George Campbell finding the (Dutch) courage to stand up to his disapproving mother; the other involves a leading English Officer’s love for the daughter of a leading whisky filcher.

Tickets for Whisky Galore are priced between £13 and £24.

For more information or for tickets, call the Anvil Arts box office on 01256 844244 or visit, anvilarts.org.uk.