DO YOU HAVE A SECRET CRUSH (SLEEPING WITH STRAIGHT MEN)? to Play the Landor Theatre

Who hasn't had a secret crush at some point in their lives?

Stanley certainly has. A young man living with his mom in a mobile home on a trailer park, he dreams of escaping to a big city, becoming famous and falling in love. His dreams are a far cry from living in Pontiac, Michigan, and running a follow-spot in a local cabaret nightclub.

When an advert comes on television for guests to be flown 1st class to New York City to reveal their secret crush he jumps at the chance, jumps in the limo, jumps on a plane and jumps himself centre frame into the bright lights of the TV interview couch.

But is this what he really wants? Can TV chat shows go too far? Is it a good idea to reveal your secrets on national TV? In this hilarious comedy based on true events come see what happens when Stanley does just that!

This play is presented on the 21st anniversary of an event that should never be forgotten!

Creatives:

Written by Ronnie Larsen
Directed by Robert McWhir
Produced by LAMBCO Productions
Designed by Lisa Berrystone
Lighting Design Richard Lambert
Video Consultant Maximilien Spielbichler
Musical Director Inga Davis-Rutter
Costume Designer Paul Nicholas-Dyke
Photography and Graphic Design PND Photography

Cast:

Sally Dave Lynn
Stanley Chris Britton
Lee Richard Watkins
Brian Louie Westwood
Mom Helen Stirling
Jill Johnson Camilla Simson
Judy Lucy Dobson
Karen Ruth Petersen

Synopsis:

On March 6th 1995, 21 years ago, a young American guy, Scott Amedure, was flown to New York by the Jenny Jones Show a TV Chat show. He'd responded to a callout advert to come to their studio to "Reveal Your Secret Crush". During a Recording filmed in front of a live studio audience he was presented to his Secret Crush, Jonathan Schmitz, who had no idea who his admirer was, and certainly didn't realise it was a guy. The consequence for all involved was immense: 3 days later, back in Michigan, Jonathan gunned down Scott, and the Jenny Jones Show was taken to trial.

According to footage of the murder trial, it was later stated by a friend of Amedure's that Amedure and Schmitz went out drinking together the night of the taping and an alleged sexual encounter had occurred.

According to the testimony at the murder trial, three days after the taping, Amedure left a "suggestive" note at Schmitz's house. After finding the note, Schmitz withdrew money from the bank, purchased a shotgun, and then went to Amedure's mobile home. There, he questioned Amedure about the note. Schmitz then returned to his car, got his gun, and returned to Amedure's trailer. He then shot Amedure twice in the chest, killing him.

Schmitz was found guilty of second degree murder and sentenced to 25-50 years in prison, but his conviction was overturned on appeal. Upon retrial, he was found guilty of the same charge once again and his sentence was reinstated.

The Jenny Jones Chat Show was shut down after an intense Media Storm.

IF YOU GO:

"Do you have a Secret Crush"? (Sleeping with Straight Men)
Performance Dates: Tuesday 26th July - Sunday 21st August 2016, 7.30pm
Previews Tues 26th - Thurs 28th July
Press Night Friday 29th July
Warning: the play is 16+ and contains nudity.

For more information, visit sleepingwithstraightmen.co.uk. Ticketing: www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/122027 or Facebook.

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