Agatha’s Little Secret is revealed in Kirkby Lonsdale pantomime (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Agatha’s Little Secret is revealed in Kirkby Lonsdale pantomime

12:20pm Wednesday 25th January 2012 in Leisure By Adrian Mullen, Arts correspondent

INTRIGUES and goings on in a little town with a bridge over a river underpin a new tall tale being premiered next week.

Agatha’s Little Secret is written by local playwright John Peel and takes to The Institute stage at Kirkby Lonsdale next Thursday, Friday and Saturday (February 2/3/4).

John said the piece came from a request to put on a pantomime in Kirkby Lonsdale after a gap of a couple of years.

So, he and his wife Daphne advertised to see if there was any interest.

He added: “Over 20 turned up at a meeting so we knew we could get something off the ground.

“I decided to write something original in the genre of a traditional panto. I don't know if there was any inspiration behind the final product. I just constructed a piece with a story, a villain, hero, animal, dame, children and comic characters.

“It’s not too long with no self-indulgent or smart political agenda. It’s just an old fashioned panto. And of course tailored by who was available to perform and help.

“And we were amazed at the depth of talent that has emerged. Judging by the enjoyment the cast are getting from the rehearsals we have a very good show.”

John and his wife Daphne are producing the show with gifted young drama graduate, Jenny Best, doing the directing.

Born and bred in Maryport, John left Workington Grammar School for Liverpool University and a degree in economics.

Later, he joined an international contracting company, attended a school of architecture and worked as overseas project manager in the Middle East.

Before retiring in 2000 (aged 60) he was director of a local building company.

“I got into writing when my late wife died suddenly,” he explained.

“The writing was cathartic. I started off with two novels then got into plays through a competition to write five minute plays for pubs. One of these was taken up and developed for Ulverston Outsiders.”

So far John has written eight full length plays and about a dozen one act pieces. He explained that five of the full length ones had been performed - one in Germany. Some are on a website Comedyplays.co.uk.

Also up his creative sleeve is a full length play about two old ladies in a nursing home that has not yet been performed.

Tickets are available from the Arts Store on Main Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, on 015242-71603. Proceeds to St Mary’s Church.