History Lesson Part II  Lope de Vega was one of the most important playwrights and poets of the Spanish Golden Age. About 1,800 (yes 1,800!) plays are attributed to him, making him one of the most prolific authors, well, ever. Somehow he also found time to serve as Secretary to the Duke of Alba, marry twice, father several children (even after taking holy orders!) and serve in the Spanish Navy. In fact his ship, the San Juan , was one of the few survivors of the Spanish Armada to make it back to Spain. The Dog In The Manger was written in 1615 and newly translated by David Johnston for the RSC as part of their Spanish Golden Age season in 2005.

Director's Commentary  The Dog In The Manger has been a pet project of mine (I'm sure you noticed my little joke there) ever since I left the RSC production raving in 2005. That's raving in the really enthusiastic sense rather than the stark staring bonkers sense. This was no flowery period piece; David Johnston's wonderful and witty modern translation made Lope de Vega's themes relevant for a contemporary audience  - falling in love with someone you shouldn't've never really goes out of fashion, does it? I knew this would be the perfect piece for the Chameleons.
Though it took nearly five years to actually put on, it was well worth the wait - although it did give me  plenty of time to deliberate over the casting! And it provided a much needed change of mood after the gloom-fests of Miss Julie and Nineteen Eighty-Four. This was one of those fortunate productions where, apart from a few minor hiccups along the way, everything went really smoothly culminating in three first-rate performances.
The two things I will remember from this play are 1) Stan's posh pronunciation of "Count" getting more and more obscene each night and 2) The lighting board failing two minutes into the performance on Friday night leaving the stage in complete darkness - apart from my candle. Like troupers, we soldiered on - Mike even had the line "I'll get a light"! Then he walked into the scenery making his exit. Then the lights came up again. It only lasted about forty seconds but it felt like forever! David

Quote, Unquote  I was excited to be cast but then instantly petrified by the amount of lines I had to learn! Ali and I had a little competition to see who could learn it first… he won!!! But I loved it. The play is also so funny and he language is fantastic - all that verbal sparring, the energy. I loved the changes in Diana’s personality as she realises that the one thing in her life she cannot control are her feelings. She comes across as being incredibly unpleasant at the start - that was fun - and then you realise there’s more to her than that, she’s stuck in a prescribed rut because of who she is and her place in society. She’s also strong and intelligent and the author doesn’t wimp her out at the close of the play.  Everyone was so well cast. I loved Paula’s, Mike’s, Ed’s and Jane’s comic timing. Louise was so poignant as Marcela. The ‘Chuckle Brothers’ (Stan and Ray) made it really hard to keep a straight face. I loved Ali’s Geordie trader and his interplay with Mark. And Andy… I reckon this was your best ever, mate and I’m sorry I beat you up (but my friends thought it was ever so convincing) and I did quite enjoy it. It was great to bounce off someone who always gives so much. I think it says a lot that before we kicked off on each performance night, we told each other to "have fun". You know that feeling on the Monday when you want to do it again, well I felt like that until Wednesday!! It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of this production - running around in a big dress and shouting at people, what can beat that!! Sharon
Another great experience full of laughter and joy; emotions that extended up to and including the actual performances. After the intensity and seriousness of Nineteen Eighty-Four, it was smashing to be able to camp it up outrageously. It was also a lot of fun creating a kind of 17th Century Spanish Dastardly and Muttley with Stan. As an observer, I thought it was beautifully cast with strong performances from everyone, particularly Ali who did an amazing job. The costumes were also extraordinary - kudos to Sharon and Helen Ray
Loved getting to wear the posh frock; in fact all costumes were superb, and a real credit to Sharon's hard work and creativity. Huge performances from everyone, and a very funny play. Loved Stan and Ray's double act, and Ali's - ahem - accent. Managed to crochet nearly a whole bedspread in the dressing room by the third night!! Ailsa
On the first night, I got my words right, but the lights went out and I walked into the scenery. The following nights went much better. Ray's performance as Marquis Ricardo was one of the highlights for me, and not forgetting Ali's 'Greekopolou' scene. It was great to work with such wonderful people again Mike