Pratchett magic at Towngate

GOING Postal is the latest story by the much-loved Sir Terry Pratchett to be staged by Thalians – the Basildon drama group.
Mike Betteridge, chairman and founder-member of Thalians, says: “Our regular Pratchett  productions are always a big  attraction for local audiences, who really warm to Sir Terry’s humour, storytelling skills, amazing characters and wonderful imagination.”
Going Postal has proved one of  Pratchett’s most successful tales, both as a book and as a well-received 2010 TV production.
The story revolves around the central character of Moist von Lipwig;  a con artist,  natural-born criminal, fraudster and habitual liar. So, who better to be appointed Postmaster of Ankh Morpork’s ailing Post Office?
With the help of a clay “golem” monster,  who has spent the last 200 years at the bottom of a deep pit, and also aided by the fascinating, if unattainable Adora Belle Dearheart, head of the Golem Trust, Lipwig has to ensure the mail gets through.
Other members of the team supporting him are the 100-year-old Junior Postman Groat and his pin-obsessed assistant Stanley.
Unfortunately, success means taking on the gargantuan, money hungry Grand Trunk Clacks Communication Company and its bloodthirsty piratical head, Reacher Gilt.
“Still,” says Mike, “If the bold and impossible are the order of the day,  then Moist von Lipwig will do it – in order to move the mail, get the girl and, hopefully, continue breathing.”
Mike adds: “Every Pratchett play creates a technical challenge. This time it has been the need to create the character of the Golem, who is made of pottery.
“Our resident whiz on inventive solutions, Ian Stewart, is constructing a whole head mask from latex and a body designed to look like pottery.”