Sell Out Play ‘DiVA’ Returns To Town

DiVA, a play by George Gunby, is back in Belper, one year after its last sell out performance.

The director, Fliss Goldsmith, said “When I read the new script with the original cast we all felt we had to bring it back. George has rewritten and edited DiVA and that has resulted in a brilliant play. The story revolves around an English actress, Virginia Wilson, who has been in Hollywood being fabulous. She returns to England to appear on stage but things don’t go as planned. DiVA includes a film that highlights Virginia’s past and that is quite a revelation.”

The original cast of Sali Gresham (Karen), Mik Horvath (Michael) and Kay Facer Swann (Virginia Wilson) had no hesitation in getting back together for further performances.

Kay Facer Swann said: “It’s every actresses dream. Virginia Wilson is a dream part in a brilliant, gritty, funny play.”

Sali Gresham added: “You’ll laugh, cry and be shocked. The relationships are complex and we are having great fun getting below the skin of the characters.”

Mik Horvath, who plays Michael, said: “George has rewritten parts and he’s made a good play brilliant. Rehearsals have been fun, not work.”

DiVA can be seen at the Unitarian Chapel, Front Row, Off Field Lane, Belper on 9 June at 7:30pm.

Tickets are available from OXFAM BOOKS, Belper and online belperartsfestival.org.

Further performances are scheduled for the Playhouse, Storforth Lane, Hasland, Chesterfield on 23 June and the Medway Centre, Off New Road, Bakewell on 14 July.

Further information is available from nonnel@sky.com