Gasping

By Ben Elton

Gasping is a brilliantly funny satire on big business, the media and product exploitation. Lockheart Industries is making serious money, but Sir Chiffley Lockheart needs the buzz that finding a way to make money where none has existed before gives him. Philip, a pushy workaholic executive, suggests selling designer air. Perrier for the nostrils becomes the marketing phenomenon of the decade and millions are quickly made. People start hoarding for a rainy day and oxygen supplies run low. The Third World is plundered, creating a greater divide between the haves and have nots. The world starts gasping and only the biggest suckers survive.

Attic Theatre production: July 2023

The Cast:
Chief – Alan Waterman
Sandy – John Walshe
Philip – Martyn Buck
Kirsten – Sue Waterman
Weather girl – Helen Dawson
Minister of the Environment – Helen Dawson
African Correspondent – Pat Immins
Masseur 1 – Jackie Walshe
Masseur 2 – Kay Buck
Voice Over Man – Roger Smith
Voice of Radio Adverts – Judith Kings

The Crew:
Co-Directors– Kay and Martyn Buck
Light and Sound – Pete Mount
Stage Manager – David Foster
Stage Crew – Helen Dawson, Martin Baker, Jackie Walshe
Prompt – Sarah Frankish
Set Building Crew – Steve Kings, Mark Millward, Alan Waterman, Martyn Buck, Kay Buck
Set Painting – Glenn Ibbitson, Carole King
Costume – Kay Buck and many charity shops!
Props – Lorri Corrigan
Photography – Alec Walker, Glenn Ibbitson
Front of House Team – Kay Margerison and members of Attic Theatre