The Shelley Theatre, Boscombe (7:30pm, £10 / £5 students)
The Shelley Theatre in Boscombe kicks off its programme of events in the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival with ‘Death of a Model Citizen’ a play by BAFTA award-winning writer John Foster, directed by Sharon Muiruri.
‘Death of a Model Citizen’ is the gripping story of Myles Treherne – late-thirties, family man, good neighbour and upstanding citizen – murdered by thugs in a woodland glade. The ghost of Myles, played by Jon Nicholas, returns to the crime scene and recounts the events surrounding his death to a group of mourning neighbours who have gathered at the spot and laid flowers.
Like many before him who have suffered tragic death in war or as victims of violent crime, Myles is almost canonised by the community. Yet as he describes his inner life to the assembled crowd, it becomes clear that the reality of his existence sustained its fault lines and that Myles was not a virtuous saint-like hero but a flawed human being like the rest.
Playwright John Foster comments: “My play satirises the false public laudation and
idolatry of the victims of violence, celebrating instead the very human faults and
imperfections of these so-called model citizens”.
Following it’s debut at the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival in 2012,
Death of a Model Citizen comes to Boscombe’s historic Shelley Theatre, once home to the late Mary Shelley – author of the gothic horror novel Frankenstein. The theatre is currently experiencing a rejuvenation following the appointment of a new director earlier this year, with goals to provide a first class platform to support performing arts in the region, providing a setting that is stimulating to both audiences and artists.
In addition this month’s run of ‘Death of a Model Citizen’, The Shelley Theatre is also due to play host to more events from Doppelganger Productions, including the company’s upcoming showcase of plays to celebrate Black History Month this coming October.
Tickets for Death of a Model Citizen are available now from
For more details please contact Liam Toms on 01202 962020 or by e-mail
Audience reviews:
“A thought-provoking piece. Theatre at its finest…”
“Jon Nicholas dazzles as the ghost of Myles Treherne”
“Brilliant piece which tackles many important issues. Everyone should watch this play
– it will make you question your own life.”
In association with Doppelganger Productions Dorset Eye is offering 2 free tickets to the first person to contact us offering to review this play. The review must be sent to us within 3 days of the performance. Please contact us at https://dorseteye.com/contact
