Open air theatre returns to Cuckfield

Professional Theatre Company Rain or Shine is set to delight family audiences once again this summer when they return to Cuckfield. This year the theatre company are performing ‘The Recruiting Officer’, a rakish Restoration comedy by Irish playwright George Farquhar. One of the most popular plays of its time, this is a delightful romp through 18th Century Shrewsbury. The story follows the mischief of crooked army recruiting officers, Captain Plume and Sergeant Kite, as they head to the county town of Shrewsbury to persuade men to take the Queen’s Shilling by any means, legal or otherwise! Plume has set his cap at the vivacious Sylvia, and their bumpy path to true love is mirrored by their closest friends, nervy, melancholy Worthy, and haughty, comically self-important, heiress, Melinda. Help and hindrance come in equal measure from Captain Brazen, the foppiest of fops. Suitable for audiences of all ages, the performance will take place at Cuckfield Recreation Ground on Friday 5th August at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on the door or in advance online via rainorshine.co.uk or by ringing Rainorshine’s hotline 0330 660 0541. Audiences are requested to bring along lowbacked seating or rugs, and a picnic to maximise their enjoyment of the al fresco performances.