DAVID Mazza’s new play about living, loving and shopping takes place in a large Scandinavian household superstore which may or may not be IKEA.

Definitely the world premiere of Circling will be staged by the Dunnington Players in the Dunnington Reading Room tomorrow, Thursday and Saturday (no Friday performance) at 7.30pm.

Introducing his premiere, writer, director and producer David Mazza says: “The esteemed local drama company the Dunnington Players have rashly agreed to allow me to direct a play I’ve written. The first act takes place in the showrooms of the store, and after a suitably refreshing interval the action moves to the store’s coffee shop.

“We meet two couples at different times in their lives during a 20-year-period. We see them grow older, we hear about their hopes and dreams and we watch them attempt to match dreams with reality.”

To guide the audience through the story, three shop assistants – or are they guardian angels? – will be “here to help”. “However, they sometimes can become a little over-excited so it’s a good thing that Raphael is on hand to tidy up,” says David. “And then there is Joy, an 11 year old who may not be all she seems. Who is she? The cast have been asking that for weeks but I will leave you to come to your own conclusions.”

Helen Glendinning, Colin Macdonald, James Rourke and Maria Mazza will play Eileen, Len, Joseph and Joanne respectively, while Lorraine Bradshaw, Rose Mazza and David Hammond will be the assistants Gabriel, Michael and Raphael and Sophie Walmsley will star as the mysterious Joy.

“Circling attempts to draw on the drama which can play out during shopping expeditions to Scandinavian Retail Heaven,” says David. “People visit places like IKEA at many different times of life: some happy times, such as setting up home as a couple, some less happy, such as down-sizing after a relationship.”

David promises a wonderful soundtrack, a touch of dance and even a sword fight in a show choreographed by Fran Garvey. “IKEA have even given us some furniture for our set,” the director reveals. “I’d also like to thank the Dunnington Players for their sense of adventure in agreeing to the production of a new and untried play. The cast and crew have been extraordinary in their enthusiasm and commitment to the project. Any success is down to them.”

Tickets are available at £6 on 01904 488246 or 01904 489541 (Dunnington News), or on the door. Refreshments of mulled wine or fruit juice and mince pies will be served between the two acts.

Tickets update: only a few are still available for Thursday and Saturday.