Video & Filming
During most of 2020 the Covid pandemic caused the closure of theatres including the Quay and a cessation of our live theatre output. Part of our initiative to continue activities and to help the theatre was in providing filmed content for their digital sister website, Quay Online.
These included a filmed version of Anthony Trollope's The Warden - a play originally planned for onstage performance; a unique take on the mechanicals 'play' scene from A Midsummer Night's Dream; a revival of a promenade style Shakespeare themed stage producion originally performed in 2014; a highly original Christmas entertainment and more.
See below the films we've made or Visit the SDS YouTube channel
The Warden by Anthony Trollope
written, adapted and directed by Pelham Elliott
Originally planned as a stage production for the 2020 season, Pelham Elliott has adapted his stage version of Anthony Trollope's classic novel and the first Barchester Chronicle for film. The result is a beautifully shot circa 45 minutes drama filmed on location in Lavenham featuring several SDS regulars along with some new faces.
In 1850s Barchester, the warden of its almshouses finds his gentle life challenged by claims from the reformer, Bold, that he is overpaid. The archdeacon works to defeat the action but matters are complicated - the warden’s younger daughter is in love with Bold!
Watch SDS bring this drama to life on film.
WATCH THE WARDEN
No 1 Quay Cottage Christmas Entertainment
directed by Belinda Hasler
An online take of an event previously mounted live in the theatre a couple of years ago, No 1 Quay Cottage is a filmed selection of readings, poetry and other linked and themed Christmassy entertainment.
WATCH No 1 QUAY COTTAGE
Shake Spears for the Quay
Produced by Sara Knight
Originally created for the Quay's digital channel, this film is effectively a revival of 2014's Shakespeare Undressed - a promenade style event of scenes from Shakespeare plays performed in and around the Quay Theatre building.
The Three Witches use their smartphones to light themselves; Beatrice and Benedick have a tiff in the audience; Romeo and Juliet perform an altogether earthier balcony scene and much more!
WATCH SHAKE SPEARS FOR THE QUAY
Pyramus and Thisbe in Lockdown
Directed by Annie Eddington
Video production by Amanda and Adam Webster
Using imagination, dramatic licence, home made props and a group of SDS thesps happy to spend time recording themselves at home misbehaving we bring you the famous 'play' scene from A Midsummer Night's Dream as performed by the Mechanicals in the style of a video conference.
WATCH PYRAMUS AND THISBE IN LOCKDOWN
The Seven Ages of Man
Produced and edited by Amanda and Adam Webster
A montage of various SDS members reciting the famous 'Seven Ages of Man' speech from Shakespeare's As You Like It.
WATCH THE SEVEN AGES OF MAN