Am-dram group asks audience to imagine a much better show than the one they could actually put on

THE Fabricated Players have announced a groundbreaking experimental production in which absolutely nothing happens and the audience is instead asked to imagine the best show they have ever seen.

The new work, entitled Theatre of the Mind, will feature no actors, scenery, costumes, music, lighting effects or discernible theatrical activity of any kind.

Instead, audiences will sit in an empty auditorium for two hours and mentally construct a lavish West End production considerably beyond the society’s abilities.

Director Simon Jones said: “Theatre has always required imagination. We’re simply asking the audience to do all of it.

“Imagine the greatest actor you’ve ever seen delivering the greatest speech ever written on the most spectacular set imaginable.

“Already that’s better than our Guys and Dolls.”

The production begins when the house lights go down and absolutely nobody comes on.

Audience members are then encouraged to imagine whatever they like, including flawless performances, breathtaking choreography, a 40-piece orchestra and actors who know their lines.

Jones added: “Traditionally, amateur theatre places enormous restrictions on the audience’s imagination by constantly showing them what we’ve actually managed to achieve.

“We’ve removed that problem.”

The society believes the concept will also eliminate many longstanding production difficulties.

There can be no forgotten lines because there are no lines, no missed entrances because there are no entrances, and no arguments about casting because audience members can privately imagine themselves in the lead if they really want to.

Set designer Martin Cooper described it as “the most ambitious production I haven’t built”.

He said: “The imaginary set has a revolving stage, a waterfall, two helicopters and a full-scale recreation of Victorian London.

“We’d originally budgeted £380 for MDF.”

Early rehearsals have reportedly gone extremely well, with the cast successfully completing the entire show from the pub.

One member was briefly criticised for imagining themselves giving a slightly wooden performance, but was told to have more confidence.

Tickets will cost £18, which organisers insist is essential to the artistic experience.

Producer Deborah Mills said: “Some people have asked why they should pay £18 to sit in a dark room and imagine something.

“But they’re not paying for what’s on stage.

“They’re paying for what could be on stage.”

Critics attending a preview described the imaginary acting as superb, although several felt the imaginary interval drinks were overpriced.

The production received a standing ovation after one audience member imagined one and everyone else joined in.