asmagazine THE INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE FOR COMMUNITY THEATRE
WWW.ASMAGAZINE.CO.UK MAY 2009 £2.40
News * Play Produced - Clochemerle * ABTT Theatre Show Sponsorship * West End Reviews * UK Show Diary Mar09_1-11.indd 1
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NEWS
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AS MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2008
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asmagazine may09 from the EditorIAL TEAM Welcome to the May issue of AS. We’ve attempted this month to begin to showcase more of your productions both editorially and pictorially. We’ve been impressed with the quality of material that you have been sending us and we wanted to make sure that your shows were showcased in the best way possible. As the credit crunch deepens we are also pleased this month to begin sharing information on getting sponsorship. Funding is still out there but there is no doubt that you need to be clever to get hold of it. Finally, for all you techies out there we encourage you to register and pay a visit to the ABTT show. This year is looking good with lots of great exhibitors and new technology to look at. Kind regards The Editorial Team
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THIS MONTH 5
NEWS
News from around the country.
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FIRST NIGHT INSURANCE
15
Robert Israel discusses swine flu.
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ABTT THEATRE SHOW
All you need to know about the ABTT show.
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SPONSORSHIP PART ONE
AS looks at how your group can benefit from sponsorship.
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THE PLAY PRODUCED
A restrospective index to The Play Produced 1946 - 2009
18
SOUND
Dan Herbert looks at the pitfalls of being second hand gear.
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THE PLAY PRODUCED
We look at the Titchfield Theatre production of Clochemerle.
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WEST END
We review Bernarda Alba, Little Night Music and Last 5 Years.
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DIARY
38
HELLO MY LUVVIES
Our new monthly correspondent diarises her current production.
COVER PHOTO: Darlington O.S - Anything Goes
28 credits
Published monthly by Next Phase Media Limited Suite 404 Albany House, 324/326 Regent Street, London W1B 3HH P: 0870 233 2040 www.asmagazine.co.uk Editor : editor@asmagazine.co.uk Advertising :sales@asmagazine.co.uk Subscriptions/ Diary Listings : diary@asmagazine.co.uk All rights reserved throughout the world. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the written consent of AS Magazine. The views and opinions expressed by the contributors to this magazine may not necessarily represent the views of AS Magazine. (c) 2009 Next Phase Media Ltd
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NEWS
NODA NORTHWEST AWARDS 2009 The NODA North West Awards were held on Sunday 3rd May. Winnder’s included:BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR (MUSICAL) Jason Weightman - The Scarlett Pimpernell Birkenhead O.S.T. BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR (DRAMA) Simon Johnson - Arsenic & Old Lace Guilden Sutton Players BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS (MUSICAL) Zoe Tomkins - West Side Story First Stage Theatre Company BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS (DRAMA) Katie Griffiths - Stepping Out Chorley A.D.O.S. BEST MUSICAL DIRECTOR Paul Firth - 42nd Street Ashton A.O.S. BEST STAGING (MUSICAL) Adlington Music and Arts - Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum BEST STAGING (DRAMA) Centenary Theatre Co - Hobson’s Choice BEST CHOREOGRAPHER Gillian Edwards - The Music Man Stockport A.O.S BEST ACTOR (MUSICAL) Gary Harvey - Barnum Walmsley Church A.O.D.S
BEST ACTOR (DRAMA) Tony Lancaster - Blood Brothers Fylde Coast Players BEST ACTRESS (DRAMA) Jane Rigby - Hobson’s Choice Centenary Theatre Co BEST ACTRESS (MUSICAL) Kimberley Fisher - Oliver! Workington A.D.A.M.S. BEST ARTISTIC DIRECTION (MUSICAL) Liz Ritson - Lucky Stiff Chorley A.O.D.S. BEST ARTISTIC DIRECTION (DRAMA) John Cummmings - Art Colne Dramatic Society BEST PANTO St Herberts A.D.S. - Cinderella BEST YOUTH PRODUCTION Barnum - Walney A.O.S. BEST PLAY Blood Brothers - Fylde Coast Players BEST MUSICAL Scarlett Pimpernell - Birkenhead O.S.T AS Magazine sends its congratulations to all the winners. www.nodanw.co.uk
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NEWS
CAMBRIDGE YOUTH DRAMA AMONG THE BEST “The overall standard of the youth companies in this festival is amongst the best I have ever seen” said GODA adjudicator Andrew Rawlinson at the last night of the 2009 Cambridge Drama Festival, held at the Mumford Theatre in April. Two Cambridge youth companies – Arbury Senior Drama Club and Estrella Theatre Company - collected eight of the sixteen awards between them, and Arbury equalled the highest ever placing of a youth company in the festival, by coming third. Arbury’s play “The Garden of Fallen Tales” was a new play by young Cambridge author Tom Penn, and Estrella also offered a new play ‘Swimming with Goldfish’ by 17-year-old Hills Road Sixth Form College student, Sean Abbs of Bar Hill who also played the lead and won the award for best Youth Actor, a prize he had also captured in 2007, when appearing for Swavesey
Village College Theatre Company.
Clavering Players (Tissue)
The winners of the festival were Clavering Players, with Jennifer ScottReid’s production of a moving drama about breast cancer, Tissue, by Louise Page. Second were regular Cambridge visitors, Wilstead Players from Bedfordshire, with Lucy in the Sky by Tony Layton, directed by Andy Calvert.
Best Youth Actor: Sean Abbs of Estrella Theatre Company(Swimming with Goldfish)
Cambridge Drama Festival 2009 Awards 1st Place: Clavering Players with Tissue by Louise Page 2nd Place: Wilstead Players with Lucy in the Sky by Tony Layton 3rd Place: Arbury Senior Drama Club with The Garden of Fallen Tales by Tom Penn Audience Appreciation Award: Arbury Senior Drama Club Best Actor: Guy Holmes of Bawds (Dispatches from Hell) Best Actress: Siobhan Brunwin of
Best Youth Actress: Katreeya Smith of Waterbeach Community Players (For Starters) Best Cameo Role: Philip Chapman of Dramawise (There is no End) Best Junior Group: Arbury Senior Drama Club Best New Play: Swimming with Goldfish (Estrella Theatre Company) Best Stage Presentation: Estrella Theatre Company Best Lighting: Clavering Players Best Costume: Wilstead Players Best Sound: Arbury Senior Drama Club Backstage Excellence: Estrella Theatre Company
Avon actors at the All England Theatre Festival: Try for triumph again Following their success in the newlyformed Wessex Division of Western Area, St Paul’s Players of Avon compete in the All England Theatre Festival Semi Final at The Carlton Theatre, Teignmouth, Devon on Saturday, 16 May. St Paul’s hail from the Bedminster district of Bristol, not far from the centre of town. They were formed 55 years ago. For the last decade, they have performed in St Paul’s Church, transforming it into a theatre by the clever use of portable staging and lighting. They perform two major productions a year and chairman Andy Williams states that their loyal audiences prefer comedy to drama. This successful group within recent times have varied the norm by staging Dracula and The War of the Worlds as ‘radio’ readings. Like many other groups they rue the difficulties that rise from not having a ‘home of their own’. This is their first appearance at the AETF Semi Final stage ‘within recent history’. Playwright Gillian Plowman’s writing cleverly examines the motivations of her characters and reflect her thoughtful, intelligent and warm understanding of human relationships. Beata Beatrix has two people meeting at an art gallery. Each has a ‘past’, each has an uncertain
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future. In an enigmatic and evocative situation, their pasts may broker their futures. In adjudicator Colin Dolley’s praise of this performance was the observation that Beatrice’s retelling of her life with her parents was delivered with real emotional truth and gradually (the audience) could begin to sense Jon’s increasing emergence from his despair as he sees her as a real woman. To be successful at the Semi Final, groups will need to produce a peak
performance. They are up against three other groups who have also already twice won awards in previous rounds of this national Festival. Western Area adjudicator is Michael Kaiser, GODA. This is a wonderful opportunity to see directing, acting and stage presentation at its most polished level. Further details available at www.carltontheatre.co.uk. Tickets are £8 for one session or £14 for both sessions. Box Office 01626 778991.
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NEWS
MORE FESTIVAL RESULTS
Following their success at the Somerset Preliminary round festival Taunton Thespian’s production of Two Gentlemen of Soho by A.P.Herbert met up with Weston-in Gordano Players production of The New Quixote by Michael Frayn and two plays by Gillian Plowman (the current flavour of the month in one act festivals)
Cicely, performed by St Alban’s Players and Beata Beatrix performed by St Paul’s Players. St Paul’s Players were the winners and go forward to Western Area Semi Final at Teignmouth on May 16th. The other festival is an off-shoot of the AETF It is called The Five Counties Youth Drama Festival and youth teams from the Bristol, Avon, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and Somerset AETF preliminary round festivals meet together in a very friendly way to compete for the Mike Bishop Trophy. This year Avon organised it with the help of hosts The Court Players at Rangeworthy Memorial Hall on April 25th with Marie O’Sullivan, GODA adjudicating. Both the spirits and the standards of the youth teams were high. The topics covered in the performances were varied and stimulating, Redland Green School’s entry explored what it might be like to be teenagers in 2055 in a military-style camp, Oldland Youth’s concerned three foetuses waiting to be born, Sodbury Players Youth Section’s was about a misunderstood young woman condemned as a witch, Pewsey Vale’s Youth Section’s was a wellresearched piece on the effect on their local community of World War II and St Gregory Youth Theatre’s dealt with the all too familiar topic of bullying. This play - Thin Skin by Mike Kenny - was a vivid and moving account of bullying seen from the point of view of the bullied boy and gave St Gregory the trophy.
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NEWS
Celebulite 45 mins 1M 3F We live in a celebrity-obsessed society. So when C-list celebs Victoria and Russell realise that, overnight, they have aged 20 years and put on 5 stone in weight respectively they are devastated. Is something sinister happening, or is this reality TV gone mad? “Thought-provoking and very funny.� Swansea Evening Post
TWO GREAT ONE ACT COMEDIES BY DEREK WEBB Man's View 45 mins 1M 3F After a reunion in a wine bar Carol, Ann and Judy are the worse for drink. So, when Carol suggests a sort of truth game, secrets they have kept hidden for years emerge with disastrous consequences.
Both plays are available, with free evaluation copies, from New Theatre Publications
www.plays4theatre.com
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NEWS
www.asmagazine.co.uk Applications are currently being accepted for this years Training In Musical Theatre Scheme. Grants of up to £8,000 are available through the scheme which is open to people who are in need of financial support towards their training. Applicants have until 10am on May 18 to apply and should visit www.bbc.co.uk/performingartsfund for more information.
ILKLEY PLAYHOUSE REFIT LLOYD WEBBER DONATES TO PERFORMING ARTS FUND Royalties from this year’s Eurovision single, penned by Andrew Lloyd Webber are being donated to the BBC’s Performing Arts Fund. Performing Arts Fund Manager, Miriam O’Keeffe said “We are delighted that Andrew Lloyd Webber will be donating his royalties from the Eurovision single to the fund. His generous donation will ensure that we will continue to provide crucial support to talented performers and musicians, helping them to achieve their dreams.” The BBC Performing Arts Fund is a registered charity which aims to help aspiring musicians and performers. The fund is primarily supported by revenues raised through various Saturday night BBC entertainment shows and funds a variety of initiatives designed to nurture new talent. One of these is the BBC’s Training in Musical Theatre scheme which helps students aged 17 or over with their fees on a professional musical theatre training course. This scheme will be joined this year by two new schemes, one of which will be specifically aimed at helping choirs, whilst the other will be designed to assist young amateur performers interested in musical theatre. Details of the later scheme have yet to be finalised but the aim is to offer amateur children’s theatre groups up to £5,000 to stage a musical.
Ilkley Players are preparing to refurbish the Ilkley Playhouse. The 78 year old venue is home to the group which stages eight main productions a year, plus several other studio and fringe performances in the venue. The venue is one of the central venues for the Ilkley Literature Festival each autumn and serves as a venue for community groups and public meetings.
AMATEUR DRAMATIC TRIPLE BILL
MORE MONTY The Full Monty has become one of the suprise amateur hits across the country this year. Seeing how much their wives enjoy watching male strippers during their “Girls’ Night Out,” unemployed steelworkers in Buffalo New York come up with a bold way to make some quick cash. In the process they find renewed self-esteem, the importance of friendship and the ability to have fun. As the guys work through their fears, selfconsciousness, feelings of worthlessness and anxieties and come to discover that not only are they stronger as a group, but that the strength they find in each other gives them the individual courage to face their demons and overcome them. There is great heart to THE FULL MONTY, and the ultimate themes expressed in the show, about taking charge of one’s life and following one’s dreams are great lessons for all of us. The Geoffrey Whitworth Theatre. 18 - 27 June. BOX OFFICE: 01322 526390, Tickets £12, www.thegwt.org.uk
The Intimate Theatre in Palmer’s Green is playing host to a triple bill of amateur performances over the next few months. The programme will commence with Risley Musical Theatre Company’s production of My Fair Lady which will be running when this magazine is published. Suessical The Musical will provide a half term treat when it is presented by Acorn Theatre from 29 to 31 May. Based on the popular stories of children’s author Dr Zuess, the show is a musical nonsense that is sure to delight. June will see the presentation of Disco Inferno by St Monica’s Players. Running from 17 to 20 June, the show is a high octane journey back to the 70’s. St Monica’s are also the praised for offering a signed performance of Disco Inferno on the 18th. Tickets for Zuessical can be booked on 02088071810. Tickets for Disco Inferno can be booked on 0844 4142731 or email tickets@smptheatre.co.uk.
PUBLICISE YOUR SHOW OR EVENT HERE EMAIL YOUR STORY OR PRESS RELEASE TO editor@asmagazine.co.uk
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NEWS
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NEWS
www.asmagazine.co.uk
The play is being directed by Jane Tudor and produced by Melvyn Carter. Jane said “I have wanted to direct this play for a long time. It is a fascinating story and the cast and production team has thoroughly enjoyed researching and rehearsing the play. We have had several bookings from schools, as this play is interesting for anyone involved with History from the war period.” Jane continues “This is an emotional play that addresses some horrific issues, but ultimately the message has to be one of hope that such events should never happen again, and pride that British families opened their home and hearts to German children in their time of need.”
WOODLEY’’S KISS ME KATE
Woodley Light Operatic Society are presenting ‘Kiss Me, Kate’ by Cole Porter and Bella & Samuel Spewack, running from the 9th to the 13th June 2009 at the Kenton Theatre in Henley. This ‘show within a show’ reunites the egotistical performer Fred Graham and his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi as the roles of Petruchio and Kate in The Taming of the Shrew and, although obviously still in love, they continue to treat each other with contempt and their fights and bickering spill over onto the stage throughout the production! At the same time, Fred is being harassed by two gangsters who are mistakenly chasing him for a gambling debt, while two other performers in the company, Lois Lane and Bill Calhoun, struggle to keep their romance alive. This all action production has been directed by Jill Lawes with John Lawes as musical director and choreography by David Parsonson. The show is packed with well loved songs including ‘Another O’pnin, Another Show’, ‘I hate men!’ and ‘Brush Up your Shakespeare’ and an exciting variety of dance routines that promises to provide a wonderful evening of entertainment. Tickets (priced £11 and £12) are available from WLOS box office: 0870 770 5899
MURDER MOST FOUL
The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society Murder Mystery Anyone who has ever taken part in amateur dramatics will know the horror of what can go wrong on the night. The ladies of the Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild are no
exception – in fact everything that can possibly go wrong does – scenery falls down, lines are forgotten, cues are missed, even the furniture and props take on a life of their own. Undaunted, the ladies battle through to stage their cunning, if unfathomable, murder mystery. In the unlikely event that the audience gets bored with the play, there is also a fashion show and a murder mystery quiz complete with Prize. The performances take place at 7.30pm in Merchistoun Hall, Portsmouth Road, Horndean. Tickets will be available on the door or you can phone Merchistoun Hall on 023 9259 7114 to book. They cost £5/£4 (concessions). See our website - www.horndeanamdram.com, or email horndeantheatre@yahoo.co.uk.
KINDERTRANSPORT HITS PRESTON Between 1938 and the outbreak of war, almost 10,000 children, most of them Jewish, were sent by their parents from Germany to Britain. To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Kindertransport, The Broughton Players are presenting Dianne Samuels play “Kindertransport” at Preston Playhouse on 13th-16 th May. The play is based on fact, but is not one person’s biography, the story weaves together the memories of numerous Kindertransport children.
Jane has assembled an experienced cast, which includes Veda Gordon, who has been involved in amateur theatre for the last 70 years. Veda’s contribution has been invaluable as she has been able to advise the cast on the accuracy of costumes and events from her own experience! The play will be performed at The Playhouse from 13-16th may at 7.30pm, and tickets can be booked on 01772 463122
TALENTED MR RIPLEY AT LINDISFARNE
Lindisfarne continue their 40th anniversary year, with the play adaptation of the book by Patricia Highsmith “The Talented Mr Ripley” featuring Rob Stow as Tom Ripley the amoral psychopathic killer who impersonates the happy go lucky Rickie Greenleaf played by Trevor Corner. The ultimate anti-hero Tom Ripley is suave, scheming and thoroughly without remorse. A thriller with a difference at the Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, London Road, Westcliff on Sea Weds 17th – Saturday 20th June Contains material not suitable for young children. Box Office: 01702 351135.
In the play, nine year old Eva ends up in Manchester, and when her parents fail to escape Germany, she begins the process of accepting her new life. New Yorker magazine said of the play “It is a powerful contribution to Hollocaust literature… presented with emotional clarity and intense sympathy”
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ONLINE
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www.asmagazine.co.uk SUBSCRIBE ONLINE VISIT THE AS ARCHIVE WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY REPRESENT OUR ENTIRE 64 YEARS OF PUBLICATION ORDER BACK COPIES SUBMIT ARTICLES AS Magazine would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who have contributed to the magazine over its history. Their efforts and editorial contributions that have combined to make this site possible have proven invaluable. To George Taylor, Roy Stacey, Charles Vance, Mark Thorburn, Dawn Kellogg, Irene Rostron GODA (Hon), & Jill Streatfeild and innumerable others we offer our thanks
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AS MAGAZINE | MAY 2009
13/05/2009 01:18:11
www.asmagazine.co.uk
FIRST NIGHT INSURANCE
IF PIGS COULD FLY...
The previous editor of Amateur Stage, Charles Vance, always told me to try and keep my articles as interesting as possible and when I was a little boy Arthur Heliwell, who at the time worked for The Sunday People, told me that the first two paragraphs of any article must attract and keep the interest of the reader, which is very difficult when writing about the boring subject of Insurance.
The role of an Insurance Company Underwriter is to assess a risk and charge a premium commensurate with that risk. There are many people who actually call themselves Underwriters but, in this day and age, there are in fact very few true Underwriters left in our industry and, in my opinion, a Contingency Underwriter has to be at least semi-crazy and have nerves of steel. As an example, a Fire Insurance Underwriter will have various statistics at his or her fingertips that will enable him to decide on the fire rate for a particular building. In its simplest form, he needs a sufficient premium to cover known risks such as fire, lightning, water damage, malicious damage, etc. The important words here are “known risks” because a Fire Insurance Policy responds to specific named perils. A Contingency Underwriter has a completely different set of rules because a standard London Market Contingency Policy covers anything and everything that is not excluded so, with this in mind, how many Contingency Underwriters would have factored into their premium calculation the potential risk from Swine Influenza?
“Swine and Avian Influenza: Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, it is understood and agreed that any loss(es) arising directly or indirectly in consequence of Swine and Avian Influenza are excluded under this Section.” Some of you may be wondering why insurers are excluding Swine Influenza in the first place. Well, there are primarily two reasons:Firstly, would you insure a house that was already on fire? i.e. as the cat is already out of the bag, would you be prepared to provide cover and the answer, unfortunately, is obviously no. Secondly, if the insurers did not take any action and the government had to close all places of entertainment, you can see that the aggregation risk (i.e. all of the sums insured for all of the amateur societies added together) would cause Underwriters a massive loss. I hope that this brief synopsis goes some way to explaining to you the reasons for the amendments in cover that you will all, I suspect, be experiencing, both on the amateur insurance side and also in your everyday business because it is almost sure that adjustments to business loss of profits policies will follow in the very near future.
If I had written my article last month saying that I was really concerned about Swine Influenza, none of you would have known what I was talking about. If I was to ask all of the City Underwriters today what was their main concern regarding their existing book of business, they would say Swine Influenza. People think that insurance moves at a very slow pace, but I can tell you that influenza exclusions have started to appear on all new Contingency quotes from the beginning of last week. We have, of course, been through this scenario in the fairly recent past regarding Avian Flu and it now seems that, for the Underwriters who relied on specific exclusions in their Policy such as SARS and Avian Flu are now tending to move towards a blanket Infectious Disease Exclusion. First Night does, of course, have to respond to current market conditions and therefore, with immediate effect, our Avian Flu exclusion is being amended to Avian “Influenza”. This is just a cosmetic change because continuity needs to be shown, bearing in mind that a new exclusion is now operative relating to Swine Influenza. So the new endorsement will, with immediate effect, be incorporated within the Cancellation Section of all new quotations and will affect all renewals effective from 1st June 2009 and is as follows:
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PANTOMIMES By JOHN CROCKER
The Smaller Cast Versions ALADDIN “PEAK OF PANTO PERFECTION” Exeter Express & Echo MOTHER GOOSE “FUN FILLED SCRIPT” Western Morning News SLEEPING BEAUTY “ A RIP-ROARING SUCCESS” Exmouth Herald CINDERELLA “TRADITIONAL PANTO AT IT’S BEST” Hampshire Gazette DICK WHITTINGTON “A CRACKER OF A PANTO” Evening Herald, Plymouth BABES IN THE WOOD “WONDERFUL NEW CHRISTMAS PANTO” Herald Express and the latest JACK AND THE BEANSTALK “GIANT CHRISTMAS TREAT” Tiverton Crediton, Culm Valley Gazette PLUS the much loved favourites with music and lyrics by ERIC GILDER CINDERELLA, PUSS IN BOOTS, DICK WHITTINGTON, ALADDIN, BABES IN THE WOOD, SINBAD THE SAILOR, MOTHER GOOSE, ROBINSON CRUSOE, SLEEPING BEAUTY, HUMPTY DUMPTY, QUEEN OF HEARTS, RED RIDING HOOD, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK And a zany potted panto sketch POTTY PANTOMIME Also a Rock Musical THE FRANKENSTEIN MONSTER SHOW By JOHN CROCKER and TIM HAMPTON Music by KEN BOLAM Lyrics by LES SCOTT All obtainable from SAMUEL FRENCH LIMITED 52 Fitzroy St, London W1P 6JR Ph: 020 7387 9373
A t l a st ! N o w r e l e a se d !
Warner/Chappell Music presents
t h e N E W V E R SI O N o f
Half A Sixpence A sparkling new version of the classic show, fresh from Bill Kenwright’s national tour, featuring “Flash, Bang, Wallop!” and all the old favourites plus NINE new songs. Ultra-flexible casting and bigger minor roles make it a great choice for large and small societies! Be among the first to perform this newly-released classic in its great new form. CALL NOW FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND PERUSAL MATERIAL Tel: 020 7054 7200 or email: musicals@boosey.com Warner Music Group
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www.asmagazine.co.uk
ABTT THEATRE SHOW 09 This year’s ABTT (Association of British Theatre Technicians) Show will have everything for staging a production, from the brightest lighting effects to stage machinery, seating and flooring. Among the leading companies that will be exhibiting are White Light, Stand Lighting Europe, Electronic Theatre Controls, Stage Electrics and Hoist UK. Joining these stalwart supporters of the show are several newcomers, including Rigging Projects, a
specialist in rope, cord and twine, French LED lighting and digital signage company Naotek, light and sound equipment supplier Terralec and LSC Lighting Systems. The Australian lighting console and dimmer manufacturer will be showing a full range of products, including the Redback 12 and RDM DMX splitters. LSC will be sharing a stand with White Light, which was recently named as approved supplier to the Natural History
Presenting the latest in theatre technology
ABTT
THEATRE SHOW
09
Museum and published a Green Guide, featuring advice on how to light shows while doing as little harm to the environment as possible. During the show White Light will display the Fusion 672 LED lighting effect. Lighting control developer Zero 88 will be exhibiting its new theatrical console, the ORB, along with the Jester TLXtra, the newest member of the Jester family, and Version 2 of the LightFactory PCbased software program. LED technology has made a great impact on the theatre and presentation sectors in the last few years and Stage Electrics will show its LED screens, alongside the new QMAXZ moving lights and Prolyte truss. Stage Electrics represents Arri and will have its Fresnels on the stand, plus the SPLNet sound monitoring system and Altair intercom. The ABTT Show is a showcase for education
and training installations, as shown by AC Lighting recently supplied a lighting rig to the Cass Business School, a department of City University based in Moorgate. The college’s auditorium is used for lectures and lessons and now features Spotlight Mini Series lamps, MiniFresnel luminaires and 18 RGB LED battens. Black Cat Music supplies music stands, lights, ergonomic chairs, risers and other staging gear to the education and performance markets and will have its new catalogue available during the exhibition. The company also offers noise control expertise through its Acoustics division. On the mechanical side of things Doughty Engineering will introduce off-the-shelf and custom-built fabricated facility panels, which are designed to complement its Internally Wired Bar and Cord Patch products. Hoist UK will launch the Grid Stand, a portable grid mounted aluminium frame conforming to BS8118 that can be configured as either an adjustable single hang point or two additional shackle points. Hoist UK is now European distributor for JR Clancy theatre winches and equipment and will show the full range of products, including the PowerLift and PowerAssist. The ABTT Theatre Show takes place at London’s Royal Horticultural Halls, June 1011th 2009. Pre-register for free at http://www.abtt.org.uk/
10th & 11th June Royal Horticultural Halls London SW1
Register NOW for free admission: www.abtt.org.uk/theatreshow If you are unable to register online please call the helpline on 01628 789052
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SPONSORSHIP
www.asmagazine.co.uk
SPONSORSHIP A THREE PART GUIDE
In these tough economic times many groups across the UK are looking for ways to help access extra income to keep them afloat. Many will look to sponsorship as the answer to their problems, but do groups fully understand how to take best advantage of sponsorship or even how to access sponsorship funds. Let’s dismiss the biggest myth first. Companies do not just hand out large amount of cash to theatre groups without incentive or some form of return. In order to be successful with sponsorship, it is important that you treat it like any professional business deal. Assemble a group of people to help your group achieve sponsorship success. Ideally about three or four people. They should be literate, well presented and above all be able to think creatively often the best solutions and approaches come outside the box so-to-speak. This group can then liaise with other committees to make your sponsorship dreams come true. So let’s begin. 1. WHO CAN WE APPROACH FOR SPONSORSHIP? Often some of your most supportive sponsors will be closer to hand than you think. Firstly it’s often a good idea to ask your members to fill out an information form on a regular basis. Ask members really basic questions like where they work, do they know people at any major companies who might be interested in programme advertising or sponsorship you will often be suprised that you have a sponsor under your very nose. I’m not advocating hassling members because they work at big companies but it’s often worth asking the question to see what possibilities exist. Sometimes companies have community funds which they issue to groups that staff are involved in. Take a look around your area and see what businesses are based nearby. Have a think about how those businesses
might benefit from an association with your group. There are many ways that companies can link to your group and it’s your job to discover what those may be. Grab a copy of any local business directories, telephone directories and find contact details for any local business groups like your local Lions club. Go through these guides and make a list of possible sponsors. These guides can often be helpful as there may be companies that you may not have thought of. But don’t be impatient. This is a process, keep thinking and compiling a hit list of possible sponsors. If you are using a professional venue to stage your shows don’t be afraid to talk to management about your sponsorship needs. Quite often they may know someone who wants to help but can’t be utilised by the venue themselves. Don’t think that it will come to you, quite often you will need to prompt management for them to think of your needs. Take a look around at which companies are sponsoring community groups and other theatre companies in your area. Maybe the answer lies with those companies, or possibly with their competition. If one company is achieving positive results from sponsorship you can be assured that their competitors will be interested in knowing how they can get some of the action. Do some lateral thinking, sponsorship doesn’t always have to be in the form of cash. Does your group have any needs or do you use certain supplies that are costly and chew up your budget? Think about things like hardware supplies, office consumables, phone bills, electricity costs, advertising costs etc... 2. WHAT CAN YOU OFFER A SPONSOR? This part of the equation can often be as time consuming as compiling your list of potential sponsors. As a group you need to consider what tangible benefits you can offer a potential sponsor. Potential
benefits include things like:• Tickets to your productions. • Meet and greet functions with your cast and crew; • Special VIP areas in your foyer during performances with drinks; • Free advertising in programme; • Corporate logos on posters, flyers and even on the tickets themselves; • Venue signage; • Access to mailing lists - can you include a flyer for your sponsor in your next mail out? If you mail out tickets can you include something from your sponsor? The possibilities here are endless. It’s important not to close your mind to the possibilities. More often than not the sponsor won’t realise what possibilities exist and will have their eyes opened when you present a list of thoughts that might appeal. Be aware that your biggest asset is your group itself. Even the smallest of drama groups impacts on a relatively large number of people. Count your members, the number of family members associated with each member, the number of people who see your shows, the number of flyers and posters you print, how many people read about your shows in the local press, and how many people view your website. This number soon amounts to hundreds if not thousands of people who can affect the goodwill that is directed towards a sponsor. This goodwill is your greatest asset. Think of the youth theatre group that was sponsored by a Used Car Business. They offered special deals for group members when it came time for them to purchase their first cars and not only got great business out of it, but tremendous goodwill from the families because of the care they took with the customers whose group they had supported. Think on these factors. Next month we will look at structuring your approach to get the best results.
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THE PLAY PRODUCED THE PLAY PRODUCED
Since the inception of this magazine back in 1946 we have featured a series of articles called The Play Produced and The Muiscal Produced where we invited directors to discuss their recent productions in the hope that their experiences may provide insight to others wanting to stage a number of plays and musicals.
Here at AS Central we are consistently getting calls and emails from all over the world asking if we could publish a master list of all of the articles in this series. An index was published a few years ago but we decided to update it for the benefit of new subscribers.
A Few Good Men April 2000 Abelard and Heloise March 1974 Abigails Party August 2008 Abigail’s Party May 1982 The Absence of War April 1997 Absent Friends November 1999 Absurd Person Singular January 1978 Accidental Death of An Anarchist Feb 94 The Accrington Pals March 1998 Agnes of God December 1986 Alarms & Excursions September 2001 Albert Make Us Laugh Sept 2007 All for Mary January 1958 All In Good Time February 1969 All My Sons May 1991 All Things Bright and Beautiful Nov 1966 Allo Allo February 1994 All’s Well That Ends Well March 1997 Almost An Angel June 2002 Alone It Stands July 2007 Alphabetical Order November 1978 Amadeus March 1986 Amber for Anna October 1966 The Amorous Prawn April 1963 Amy’s View November 2004 An Audience With Murder April 2009 Anastasia September 1956 And A Nightingale Sang October 1982 Animal Farm June 1994 Annie June 1997 Annie Get Your Gun September 2008 The Anniversary September 1968 Arcadia January 2000 The Arcadians November 1995 Arsenic and Old Lace October 1997 As Long As They’re Happy March 195
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As we seek to modernise AS Magazine we are actively seeking new submissions for this series particularly from directors who are tackling plays and musicals that have only just been released for production.
you require is not online as yet two options exist:1. If back copies are still available you can purchase a back issue.
The format of the series is standard and quite easy to follow and it’s a great way to promote the work of your theatre company.
2. If the issue preceeds 2006 we will be able to email you a scan of the article for your perusal. If you require a scan please email your request to editor@ asmagazine.co.uk.
Over the next few months we will be endeavouring to put the entire series of The Play Produced onto our website and this index will help you to find the relevant issue to look information up. If the issue
We welcome any enquiries or any submissions for inclusion. Please contact us on editor@asmagazine.co.uk if you’d like to take part in the ongoing articles in this series.
The Aspern Papers November 1989 Assassins July 1994 The Atheist’s Tragedy April 2002 Babes In The Wood February 1995 Background May 1952 The Bad Samaritan April 1957 The Baker’s Wife December 1996 Bar Talk October 2008 Barefoot in the Park November 1968 Barefoot In The Park September 2006 Beauty and the Beast December 1991 Becket May 1966 The Bed Before Yesterday April 1980 Bed of Roses September 1951 Bedroom Farce May 1981 Bell Book and Candle June 1958 The Bells of Hell May 1980 Below Stairs May 2005 Bequest to the Nation September 1972 Beside the Seaside March 1957 The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas March 1994 Beyond Reasonable Doubt Mar 91/Feb 92 Billy Liar Feb 63/ Dec 01 Birds on the Wing July 1972 The Birthday Party July 1966 Black Chiffon January 1953 Black Comedy October 1971 Bless This House December 1955 Blinded By The Sun August 2002 Blithe Spirit Sept 47/May 01 Blitz October 1991 Blondel January 2002 Blood Brothers September 1986 Blood Money October 2005 Blue Remembered Hills February 1990
Boeing - Boeing The Bolt Hole Bonaventure Book of the Month Born in the Gardens Born Yesterday A Boston Story Both Ends Meet The Boy Friend Brassed Off Break Out Breaking the Code Breaking the Silence Breath of Spring The Bride & the Bachelor The Brides of March Brighton Beach Memoirs Britannia’s War Brush With a Body Building Blocks Burning Glass Busybody But Once A Year Butley Butterflies Are Free Cabaret Calamity Jane Call Me Madam Camelot Candide Candied Peel Can’t Pay, Won’t Pay Canterbury Tales Captain Carvallo The Card The Caretaker
June 1969 September 1974 October 1951 April 1956 January 1983 December 2004 August 1970 January 1957 October 1962 December 2005 September 1963 May 1990 May 1988 June 1960 April 1960 January 1964 February 1991 January 1997 September 1964 September 1997 February 1957 March 1967 October 1950 June 1976 January 2009 August 1990 June 1993 June 1996 November 1990 April 1992 May 1948 January 1986 Jul/Aug 80 February 1952 September 1999 January 1963
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THE PLAY PRODUCED
www.asmagazine.co.uk Carousel March 2000 Cat Among the Pigeons April 2003 Cat On A Hot Tin Roof November 2007 Cat On the Fiddle February 1965 Cat’s Cradle May 1983 Caught In The Net May 2006 Caught Napping February 1961 Cause Celebre Jul/Aug 79 Celebration July 1962 The Cemetary Club April 1996 The Chalk Garden May 1960 Charley’s Aunt August 1993 Chess Aug 94/Aug 99 Chicken Soup With Barley October 1961 Children of a Lesser God April 1987 Children of Eden June 1999 The Chiltern Hundreds June 1950 A Chorus of Disapproval June 1989 A Christmas Carol (The Musical) June 02 Christmas Rose October 1958 City of Angels March 1996 Clara November 2001 Clean Kill November 1961 Close the Coalhouse Door April 1970 Coarse Acting Jul/Aug 78, Dec 80 A Coat of Varnish May 1985 Collapse of a Stout Party August 1968 Come As You Are October 1972 Come Back To the Five and Dime Oct 88 Come Blow Your Horn March 1990 Come Into The Garden Maud May 1968 Come Laughing Home November 1967 Come On Jeeves June 2008 Communicating Doors March 2001 Company February 2001 Conduct Unbecoming December 1973 Confusions September 1979 Corpse April 1988 Coward, Noel November 1965 Cowardy Custard April 1982 Cradle of Willow December 1957 Crazy for You December 1997 The Cripple of Inishmaan June 2001 Crown Matrimonial June 1975 The Crucible Jul 64/Jul 87 The Crucible January 2006 A Cupful of Sugar February 2000 The Curious Savage September 1961 Curtain Up On Murder May 2003 Cyrano de Bergerac April 1990 Daisy Pulls It Off October 1989 The Dame of Sark April 1977 Dancing at Lughnasa July 1995 Dandy Dick May 2002 Dangerous Obsession December 1994 Dark of the Moon August 1989 Darling I’m Home September 1977 Daughter of the Left Hand May 1973 David Copperfield March 2008 The Day After the Fair May 1975 A Day in the Death of Joe Egg Feb 05 A Day in the Death of Joe Egg Oct 69 Dead Funny March 2000 Dead Guilty July 2000 Dead of Night March 2006 Dead on Nine September 1957 Dead White Males February 2004 Deadlock December 1992 Deadly Nightcap March 1993 Dear Charles December 1956 Dear Delinquent December 1959 Death and the Maiden March 1996 Death By Fatal Murder Dec 06
Deathtrap October 1984 Deathtrap April 2007 The Deep Blue Sea January 1955 Delicate Business February 1972 Desire Under the Elms October 1992 The Devil at Midnight November 2002 Dial M For Murder January 1956 The Diary of Anne Frank Nov 59 Dick Barton Special Agent June 2005 Dickens Christmas Carol Show December 1981 The Dining Room November 1998 Doctor in the House August 1959 A Doll’s House November 1991 Donkey’s Years September 1982 Don’t Dress for Dinner February 1999 Don’t Mess With The Curtains Jan 2008 Don’t Utter a Note June 1968 Down Came a Blackbird Sept 1955 The Dresser June 1983 Dry Rot June 1959 Dusa, Fish Stas and Vi February 1980 Eden End August 2004 Educating Rita January 1985 Eh? December 1967 Eighty Four (84) Charing Cross Road Jul/ Aug 85 The Eleventh Commandment Nov 1977 The Enquiry March 1972 Epitaph for George Dillon March 1960 Equus June 1979 The Erpingham Camp March 2003 Escapade April 1955 An Evening with Gary Lineker Jan 1995 Exorcism January 1993 Expresso Bongo February 1962 Fallen Angels October 2002 Fame November 2006 Family Circles April 1998 The Family Dance June 1978 The Fantastiks October 1996 Farndale Ladies Jul/Aug 86 Festen May 2008 A Few Good Men April 2000 Fiddler on the Roof July 2005 A Fiddler on the Roof January 1993 The Fifteen Streets March 1992 Filumena March 1954 First Gentleman December 1949 Five Finger Exercise March 1962 Flare Path May 1995 A Flea in Her Ear May 1971 TheFlip Side March 1971 Flowering Cherry January 1961 Flowers for the Living December 1950 Fools August 1988 Fools Rush In November 1949 For Better or For Worse July 1955 Forget Me Not Lane February 1974 The Forsyte Saga February 1993 Forty Years On December 1972 Friends and Neighbours October 1960 Frost at Midnight December 1962 Full Treatment February 1968 Funny Money November 1997 A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum March 1993 Fur Coat and No Knickers June 1990 Gaslight December 1989 Gathering Storm September 1949 Gazebo July 1963 The Geese are Getting Fat June 1962 The Gentle Hook March 1978
Getting On December 1976 Gigi October 2008 Gioconda Smile September 1950 Girls’ Night Out December 1999 Glad Tidings October 1953 The Glass Menagerie July 1999 Gleam September 1948 Go Back For Murder August 1962 Go Bang Your Tambourine June 1972 Godspell December 2005 Godspell February 1982 Good Morning, Bill October 2003 Goodnight Mrs Puffin June 1965 Gothic Plays July 1973 The Government Inspector April 1974 The Grass Is Greener June 1961 Great Expectations June 1997 The Guilty Party January 1965 Guinea Pig February 1950 Gypsy January 2001 Habeas Corpus November 1976 Hadrian The Seventh February 1975 Half a Sixpence April 2002 Half a Sixpence October 1997 Halfway Up The Tree September 1970 Hamlet March 1990 Hamp September 1966 The Happiest Days of Your Life Dec 51 The Happy Apple December 1971 Happy Family March 1952 Happy Home December 1965 Happy Marriage May 1959 Happy Prisoner May 1955 Hard Times October 1996 Hard Times April 2006 Harvey December 1953 Harvey March 2007 Haul for the Shore January 1966 Hay Fever November 1965 Heaven and Charing Cross Dec 47 The Heiress Oct 52/Sept 98 Hello Dolly April 2000 Henceforward April 1992 Here We Come Gathering February 1954 The Hired Man May 1987 His Excellency December 1952 HMS Pinafore September 2000 The Hollow January 1954 The Holly and the Ivy November 1952 Hollywood Heaven January 2004 The Homecoming July 1967 Honk! June 2004 The Hostage May 1964 Hot Summer Night September 1960 Hotel in Amsterdam May 1974 Hotel Paradiso January 1972 House and Garden March 2005 House by the Lake April 1959 House Guest April 1985 The House of Bernarda Alba Sept 1987 The House on the Bridge July 1997 How Are You Johnnie August 1965 How Green Was My Valley October 1994 How the Other Half Loves Dec 1974 Humble Boy June 2007 I Thought I Heard A Rustling Mar 1994 An Ideal Husband October 1987 I’ll Get My Man September 1969 I’m Talking About Jerusalem Oct 1961 The Imaginary Invalid May 2000 The Importance of Being Earnest July 1990 In For the Kill July 1991
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THE PLAY PRODUCED In Praise of Love September 1980 Inherit the Wind May 1962 An Inspector Calls Aug 50/Jun 98 Into the Woods Jul 95/May 98 Irma la Douce October 1989 It Runs in the Family February 1996 It’s Never Too Late November 1956 Jack The Ripper October 1978 Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell August 2006 Job For the Boy October 1955 Joking Apart February 1983 Joy Ride January 1973 Just Between Ourselves April 1991 Justice is A Woman January 1971 Katherine Howard November 2001 Key for Two March 1997 The Killing of Sister George April 1968 Kindertransport October 2000 King Lear September 2004 King Lear Jan 90/Jun 99 King’s Rhapsody April 1991 Kiss Me, Kate September 1995 Kiss of the Spiderwoman Nov 1999 Lady from Edinburgh June 1949 The Lady’s Not For Burning March 1951 Lark Rise November 1980 Last of the Red Hot Lovers January 1989 The Last Word August 1961 The Late Edwina Black April 1952 The Late Mrs Early February 1978 A Laughing Matter April 2005 Les Liaisons Dangereuses Dec 2008 Les Liaisons Dangereuses August 1995 Les Miserables - School Ed August 2005 Let Sleeping Wives Lie June 1971 Let’s All Go Down the Strand Oct 1970 Let’s Get A Divorce May 1969 A Letter From the General Nov 1963 The Lights are Warm and Coloured Jul/Aug 82 Lilac Time July 1991 The Linden Tree March 1950 The Lion in Winter March 1988 The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe July 1989 The Listening Hills January 1951 Little Boxes February 1970 A Little Night Music September 1998 Little Shop of Horrors January 1989 Little Women December 2000 Live and Let Love July 1957 Living Together February 2007 Lloyd George Knew My Father Dec 1975 Local Affairs October 1985 Lock Up Your Daughters November 1970 London Cuckolds November 2000 Long Sunset December 1963 The Long, The Short and the Tall July 60 Look Back in Anger September 1959 Loot December 1970 Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime August 1973 Losers May 1996 Love Begins at 50 August 2001 Love Match March 1958 The Love Nest April 2004 Lucky Strike May 1958 Lunatic View July 1968 Luthur September 1967 Macbeth August 1991 Mack & Mabel May 2001 A Mad World, My Masters July 2005 The Madness of George III January 1996
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The Maintenance Man May 1993 Make Way For Lucia August 2003 A Man For All Seasons June 1963 The Man in the Glass Booth July 1970 The Man In The Iron Mask Feb 2006 The Man Most Likely To... Nov 1972 Man of La Mancha May 1999 Man of Mode April 1989 Man of the Moment August 1994 Mary, Mary June 1966 The Matchmaker April 1993 Matilda Shouted Fire March 1963 Meet Me By the Moonlight July 1961 The Memory of Water February 2002 Middle Age Spread June 1985 A Midsummer Night’s Dream March 1992 The Militants April 1971 The Miracle Worker October 1963 Miranda January 1949 Mist Over the Mistletoe October 1954 Mixed Doubles November 1981 Moby Dick September 1997 A Month of Sundays April 1989 Move Over Mrs Markham February 1977 Mr Cinders February 1998 Mr Wonderful November 2003 Much Ado About Nothing October 1991 Murder at the Vicarage Sept 1952 Murder in Company November 1974 Murder in the Cathedral February 1997 Murder is Announced September 2005 A Murder is Announced March 1995 Murder Mistaken November 1954 Murder on Arrival April 1961 Murdered to Death August 2000 Music Hall (Edwardian) August 1974 Music Hall (Victorian) November 1969 Music Man June 1991 My Brilliant Divorce December 2007 My Fat Friend January 1999 My Own, My Native Land August 1975 My Three Angels August 1957 The Mystery of Edwin Drood July 2001 Neville’s Island December 1997 Nicholas Nickleby October 1990 Night Maxie Tortellini Hit Big Lola.. Dec 89 Night Must Fall November 1990 No Sex Please, We’re British Aug 1990 The Noble Spaniard September 1954 Nobody’s Perfect July 2003 Noises Off November 1988 Norman December 1964 The Norman Conquests Sept 1978 Northanger Abbey October 2001 Not Now Darling May 1972 Nude with Violin January 2001 Nunsense August 2006 Off the Hook April 1972 Off the Rails July 1977 Oh Kay July 2007 Oh What a Lovely War February 1967 Oklahoma July 1997 The Old Country June 1981 On Golden Pond April 1986 On Monday Next April 1951 On the Razzle Jul/Aug 84 Once a Catholic Jul/Aug 83 Once in a Lifetime August 1991 One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest November 2005 One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest December 1988
One O’Clock From the House Jan 1987 Open Verdict September 1953 Orchard Walls February 1955 Orpheus and the Underworld June 2000 Our Country’s Good Oct 95/Feb 96 Out of Focus June 1992 Out of Sight, Out of Murder Sept 2003 Out of the Crocodile March 1965 Out of the Question February 1971 Out of Thin Air November 1962 Outside Edge March 1982 Pack of Lies May 1987 Packet of Three February 1998 Pageant Plays April 1973 The Pajama Game September 2001 Pantomime Dec 78/Dec 79 Paper Chase May 1956 Paragon November 1950 Paris The Musical March 2009 Party Piece May 1994 Passage to India May 1963 Passion Play December 2003 A Passionate Woman October 1998 Patrick Pearse Motel September 1973 Peacock Must Go May 1968 Peggy for You January 2005 Person Unknown June 1967 Photo Finish April 1966 Physicists January 1967 Piaf March 1989 Pinafore! September 2000 Pink String and Sealing Wax April 1948 Pinocchio February 1984 Pinter January 1981 The Pirates of Penzance Sept 1989 Plaintiff in a Pretty Hat Dec 1960 Play On January 2004 Playbill February 1951 Plaza Suite October 1975 Plotters of Cabbage Patch Corner March 1976 Pools Paradise May 1964 The Portrait of a Lady June 2003 Portrait of a Queen August 1969 Power January 2007 The Price July 2002 Prime of Miss Jean Brodie May 1970 Princess Ascending March 1977 Private Ear & Public Eye July 1965 Promise December 1969 Proof of the Poison May 1965 Quartermaine’s Terms February 1985 Quartet April 2001 Quest for a Golden Key March 1980 Question of Fact July 1956 Quiet Weekend August 1947 Racing Demon April 1995 Radio Days January 2003 The Railway Children June 2004 Rape of the Belt February 1960 The Real Thing June 1987 Rebecca June 1991 The Rehearsal October 1965 Relative Values March 1955 Relatively Speaking March 1970 The Reluctant Debutante Dec 1977 Reluctant Heroes August 1956 Restless Evil December 1977 Return to the Forbidden Planet Nov 1997 The Ride Down Mount Morgan July 1998 Ring of Truth May 1961 Ring Round the Moon May 1954
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www.asmagazine.co.uk The Rise and Fall of Little Voice August 1999 The Rivals July 1994 River Line April 1954 Roar Like A Dove December 1961 Rock Nativity April 1981 Roleplay July 2006 Romanoff & Juliet November 1958 Romeo & Juliet September 1988 Roots October 1961 The Rose and the Ring January 1988 Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead February 1973 Royal Hunt of the Sun July 1969 Rumours February 2000 Run For Your Wife November 1993 Running Riot February 1959 Sabrina Fair November 1957 Sail Away December 1998 Sail Away September 2007 Sailor Beware March 1959 A Saint She Ain’t August 2004 Salad Days Aug 64/May 91 Saloon Bar October 1947 Same Sky November 1953 Sandcastles December 2002 Saturday Sunday Monday January 1977 Saving Ardley July 2004 Say Who You Are January 1969 The Scatterbrained Scarecrow of Oz December 1990 School for Scandal May 1999 The Scottish Play August 1992 Seagulls Over Sorrento October 1956 Season’s Greetings December 1985 Second Spot September 2000 Secondary Cause of Death Feb 03 The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Feb 89 The Secret Rapture November 1996 Secret Tent June 1956 See How They Run January 1950 Semi-Detached February 1964 Separate Tables July 1958 Serious Charge August 1958 The Servant of Two Masters Sept 75 Seussical The Muiscal March 2008 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers April 99 Shadow in the Sun April 1969 Shadows of the Evening May 1968 Shakespeare Country December 1993 The Shakespeare Revue May 2003 Shaw Feb 66/Mar66 She Stoops to Conquer August 1967 Shock May 1989 Shock Tactics May 1967 The Shop at Sly Corner February 1949 Show Boat April 1998 Shred of Evidence January 1962 Simon & Laura June 1957 Simple Spymen August 1963 Sing a Song of Sixpence Dec 1979 Sisterly Feelings May 1984 The Sisters Rosensweig March 2004 A Skull in Connemara May 2005 Slice of Saturday Night October 2000 Small Craft Warnings July 1993 A Small Family Business July 1992 Small Hotel October 1957 Some Canterbury Tales February 1988 Someone Waiting November 1955 Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me Jun 96 Something to Hide July 1959
THE PLAY PRODUCED Something’s Afoot May 1979 Son et Lumiere Sept 65/Sep 66 Song at Twilight May 1968 The Sound of Music February 1993 South Pacific July 1988 Sparklers February 2009 Spell of Virtue April 1965 Spring and Port Wine June 1970 Stags and Hens September 1996 Stanley October 1999 Steaming January 1991 Steel Magnolias October 1993 Stepping Out September 1990 Stone In His Pockets Nov 2008 Straight and Narrow June 1995 Such Things Happen Dec 1948 Suddenly at Home May 1975 Suite in Three Keys May 1968 Summer Holiday July 2006 Summer of the Seventeenth Doll Aug 60 The Sunshine Boys August 1997 Sweeney Todd June 1988 Sweet Charity February 1992 Taking Steps January 1994 Tartuffe August 1996 Teahouse of the August Moon Nov 60 Ten Times Table Jul/Aug 81 The Graduate July 2008 The Snow Queen February 2008 The Talented Mr Ripley October 2007 The York Realist May 2007 Theft March 1999 There Goes the Bride May 1978 There’s a Girl in My Soup January 1974 They Came From Mars & Landed Outside the Farndale Ave Church Hall... March 2002 They’re Playing Our Song February 1987 The Things We Do For Love Jan 02 This Blessed Plot May 1950 This Happy Breed July 1947 This Happy Home December 1965 Thoroughly Modern Millie Nov 2007 Time and the Conways September 92 Time and Time Again February 1976 Time of My Life December 1998 Tom & Viv July 2001 Tom Jones Jan 68/Nov 87 A Tomb With A View September 1994 Tons of Money January 1992 Top Girls November 1984 Torch Song Trilogy April 1994 Touch of Danger September 1991 Touch of Fear January 1959 Touch of the Sun January 1960 Toys in the Attic November 1994 Trafford Tanzi February 2001 Translations January 1998 Trap for a Lonely Man Dec 1968 Travels With My Aunt May 2004 Travesties January 1979 Treasure on Pelican June 1955 Twelfth Night September 1989 Two and Two Make Sex (Sextet) May 76 Two Into One December 1995 Uncle Harry October 1949 Under Milk Wood Oct 59/Aug 71 Underneath the Arches July 1999 Uproar in the House October 1973 The Venetian Twins August 1998 Veronica’s Room August 2007 Victorian Melodrama Oct 64/Nov 74
La Vie Parisienne August 1992 View From the Bridge March 1961 Vincent In Brixton October 2006 The Visitors August 2005 Vivat Vivat Regina June 1974 A Voyage Round My Father Jan 1975 Wait Until Dark January 1970 Waiting for Gillian February 1956 Wanted - One Body December 1966 Waters of the Moon December 1954 The Way of the World June 2000 Wedding of the Year May 1997 The Weekend October 2004 West Side Story December 1987 The Whales of August September 1995 What The Women Did June 2006 When Did You Last See Your Trousers February 1992 When the Wind Blows July 1996 When We Are Married Nov 1947 While the Sun Shines June 1947 The White Devil September 1999 White Falcon April 1967 White Sheep of the Family March 1954 Who Goes Bare? May 1998 Who is Sylvia? March 1953 Who Killed Santa Claus? March 1973 The Whole Truth April 1958 Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? October 68 Whose Life is it Anyway? January 1982 Wife Begins at Forty November 1992 Wild Goose Chase May 1957 Wildest Dreams January 1997 The Will Rogers Follies August 1995 The Wind in the Willows Sept 1993 The Winslow Boy April 1950 Wise Children August 1955 Wishing Well October 1948 Without the Prince August 1948 The Wiz July 1989 Wolfsbane October 1983 Woman in a Dressing Gown Aug 66 Woman in Mind January 1990 The Woodcarver September 1962 The Wrong Side of the Park Mar 1969 Wuthering Heights May 1992 You Can’t Take It With You July 1950 You Never Can Tell March 1966 The Young Elizabeth January 2003 Your Obedient Servant April 1962 Zodiac April 1979
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Sales Whatever your sound, video or lighting needs, we are sure that we can help with our extensive portfolio of products, all at competitive prices. Going that extra mile makes a huge difference, that’s why we provide excellent after sales support and advice.
Installations From conception through to installation and after sales support, we can offer you a complete audio & visual solution designed to fulfil your unique requirements. We offer a free site survey and will provide you with an extensive report and quotation usually within 24 hours.
Servicing & Repairs We have a dedicated team of engineers who are on hand to service and repair your current systems and equipment. We can arrange a visit to evaluate the situation, make recommendations and deliver a solution that works for you.
CALL US ON 0800 917 4345
Registered Office: 46 Ashby Drive, Rushden, Northamptonshire, NN10 9HH Company Reg. No. 5737512 - VAT Reg. No. GB 884 1177 06
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can ur
eport
www.asmagazine.co.uk
TECHNICAL
WHY BUY BUDGET
EQUIPMENT???? Often I’ve found that many enquiries we get are from potential customers requesting the lowest price for a low end model of equipment. To many people it seems important to get the most amount of equipment with the least amount of money which means that more often than not the quality of the equipment is compromised. I think it’s important for us to look at the implications of this and also what our responsibilities should be to the organisations for which we are a part of, the quality of the equipment and the environment. Personally I have a passion for ensuring that whatever equipment we specify is the following; a known brand (a professional make), known for making that particular type of equipment (not a company known for its microphones making speakers for example) and is not from the lowest range. This does mean that the client is paying more for what they could in reality get for less but, you get what you pay for and any system is only as good as its weakest link. Let’s be honest, you can’t expect a £35 microphone to sound good through a £50 loudspeaker! Also, often the features available in the lowest ranges can in the longer term often be prohibitive of any future system, for example if you buy the lowest range of radio microphones with one fixed channel you can only end up with a maximum of four of the same model before you have to buy the next range up when you decide to mic up five performers!
sent to be repaired. Budget brands or unknown brands do not have such a service and therefore should any fault occur you would have no option to replace your equipment rather than repair it. With such a heightened awareness of the environment around us and the implications of the disposal of electrical goods, surely we should be looking to reduce the amount of electrical waste we produce. Part of this should be to purchase equipment with a known track record, where we know that the equipment will last for many years rather than just a couple. This is also important when it comes to the life span of the equipment in relation to your organisation, why spend hard earned cash on equipment which in reality will only last 2 seasons? Many theatres and other venues who have invested in well known brands with a proven track record successfully use the equipment for over 20 years with minimal servicing or faults
occurring.
We mustn’t forget that how we store our equipment should also be important, when you buy an MP3 player for what could be hundreds of pounds, you wouldn’t then not keep it in its carry case so why would you keep a £300+ mixing desk on a shelf in the garage where moisture and dust can settle and cause erosion and damage? Surely a flight case would be worth the investment in the long term? If you’d like further advice on any of this or a visit to your venue to discuss how you could plan for the long term investment of your equipment, then please do not hesitate to contact us on 0800 917 4345.
Buying budget equipment more often than not is false economy. Due to the design and manufacture of the lowest ranges they are normally not as sturdy or hard wearing as the mid to top end ranges, this normally also means that you can’t buy spares for them or that it is more cost effective to replace them, rather than repair them should they develop a fault. Many well known manufacturers are also known for their after sales support and repair service and will have UK operations or service centres where faulty equipment can be
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CLOCHEMERLE CLOCHEMERLE by GABRIEL CHEVALLIER. Adapted for the stage by Maggie Hall and Julian Sluggett. Kevin Fraser discusses his production of CLOCHEMERLE for the Titchfield Festival Theatre which ran for 10 performances in the Great Barn from November 29thDecember 6th, 2007. The production played to 85% capacity with many performances selling out. This was their final production of their first season in The Barn. The company converted the space into a 180 seat theatre, with permission of the owners , Portsmouth Football Club. Luckily the only surviving writer, Julian Slüggett, was at hand for rehearsals and the run. INTRODUCTION- THE THEATRE Coverting one of the largest barns in Europe into a theatre is not the easiest of tasks in the first place, particularly when it is a listed monument of national importance with potential links to Shakespeare himself. The Barn was built in 1409, next to Titchfield Abbey, near Fareham, in Hampshire.It was built to house the supplies for Henry V’s army before he set sail from Southampton for the campaign which led to the Battle of Agincourt. Titchfield Abbey which was under the caretakership of a local association, successfully housed 5 years of the Titchfield Festival Theatre. The five years had seen seasons consisting of at least 3 back to back Shakespeare productions and a series of local oscar awards from The Daily Echo based in Southampton. Then disaster struck and English Heritage took the Abbey
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back under their wing and decided to move the goal posts! Luckily Portsmouth Football Club bought the barn and some 50 surrounding acres to build a training ground. We successfully gained permission to stage our Summer and Winter productions in the Barn. INTRODUCTION- THE PLAY The production was first staged at South Hill Park Arts Centre in Bracknell where Julian was Director of Theatre in 1982. This sell out production later transferred to Edinburgh where it again sold out. The play was revived at the Vicar’s Hall, Chichester (1993 - capacity 90) where it sold out with a professional cast for three weeks. It was staged again at the famous 1000 seater open air Minack Theatre. It was the most successful stage play presented there since the war and including matinees played to 86% capacity. The Titchfield production is the fifth. Ray Galton and Alan Simpson created a highly successful adaptation of the novel for television. PLOT CLOCHEMERLE is set in a sleepy 1922 provincial Beaujolais French village. It is a wonderfully candid Rabelasian comedy, looking at the lives, loves, plottings and ambitions of the villagers and politicians. When Mayor Barthemey Piechut decides that his village of Clochemerle requires a monument that will extol the virtues of the Republic and his own administration, he ponders long and hard for something suitable. He follows the lead of the ancient
Romans, famed for hygiene and noble edifices. He decides that the perfect expression for these two concepts would be a public urinal. Little was he to dream that this would lead to scandals that would shatter the peacefulness of the village with repercussions no less than world wide. CASTING There is a rich variety of characters to be played with some very good cameo roles ( including a speaking horse!) these range from the gossips to schoolmaster Tarfardel, Cure Ponosse, Dr Mouraille and the moralizing Justine Putet. The two prinicipal business’s run in the square are the Café ( the Torbayon’s) and the general store ( the Tourmingnon’s) and to this must be added the Notary Girodot, The Baroness de Courtbiche and finally the Mayor himself. Casting for the production was a nightmare, due to the late authority from Portsmouth Football Club to re-use the barn. Hurried read throughs, with people dropping out at a minutes notice, led to some fraught evening rehearsals. The cast only finally got together as an ensemble two nights before the dress! There are 40 speaking parts in the script with a balanced mix between male and female. There is an opportunity to expand the cast with youth theatre members playing Fadet’s gang, the Army, the Daughters of Mary and villagers, depending on the size of the stage. The Chichester production had a cast of 9, whilst the Minack production staged 29. The Titchfield production had a cast of 18 with
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THE PLAY PRODUCED
www.asmagazine.co.uk ages ranging from16 – 72! REHEARSALS Rehearsals took place in a large room over a pub, where we worked on Monday’s, Thursdays and Sunday mornings. During this time the cast spent a good deal of time absorbing the atmosphere and characters of the village of Clochemerle. Vaux en Beaujolais is the real village of Clochemerle ,with 946 inhabitants with its main industry of wine and tourism. It was the village of Vaux that inspired the writer Gabriel Chevallier to write his novel Clochemerle. The play, which has a running time of 2hours 25 minutes, is complex in language and plot, but when it runs together, it takes the form of a play in blank verse. The action is fast and furious, comprising 28 scenes. Rehearsal time was short, so the blocking was completed over two nights for each half (on a Monday and Thursday) with a complete run of the blocked half on the Sunday morning. Cast also had to cope with a changing set design and additional notes not only from the Director but also from adapter of the novel. This however, was all taken in good heart and the cast, once settled, knuckled down to some hard work very very successfully, with a lot of laughs and improvised moments and dialogue cropping up and being added to the show. SET AND SCENERY The action is set in the principal square of Clochemerle in October 1922, beneath its shady limes. Surrounding the square are the Torbayon Inn, the Beaujolais Stores, Dr Mouraille’s surgery, and Fadet’ s bicycle shop. The upper level of the stage represents Justine Putet’ s room, overlooking the square, the bedroom of the Torbayon Inn and Cure Ponosse’s pulpit. Hyacinthe Girodot’ s solicitors office, the vestry, the Archbishop’s Palace, the confessional, the town hall and the Minister’s office in Paris are represented on trucks which come on from down stage left and right. The designer, Andy Bumfrey, created a massive impressionist painting of the village
which looked very beautiful and reflected the wonderful colours you would expect. He used impressionist paintings of the countryside and villages for inspiration. The set was adorned with advertisements of the period. The major problem he had was that the entire set, stage and auditorium had to be free standing, given that nothing must touch the building itself. LIGHTING The action takes place during the course of a year, includes interiors and a massive storm sequence. This posed problems mainly due to the fact that the building is single phase and prone to power cuts. A major problem during the dress rehearsal occured when we lost power just as we were due to start. Power was not reconnected until 3.30pm the following day, and the dress rehearsal took place was a word run back stage. using torchlight. The cues are fast and furious totaling 49. However the lighting team brought out the rich colours of the Beaujolais countryside, the heat of the long summer days and the depths of despair during the storm sequences. One interior scene, representing the church ,was successfully handled with a wonderful gobo effect projected on the upper wall of the square. COSTUMES The costumes are of a provincial village of 1922, with clothes that had been worn for many years and certainly not of high fashion. The play requires many quick changes and requires detailed thinking both in casting and organisation. The majority of costumes were supplied by the RSC, with additions from the cast. We tried in general to keep a base of black trousers/skirts and white shirts/blouses so that costume changes often reflected only one piece of costume or prop to signify a different character. MUSIC/SOUND French Cafe music of the period set the atmosphere throughout, carefully linking scenes where required. The total number of sound/music cues we used totaled only 15,
with the storm sequence being of particular significance. There are, however plenty of opportunities for additional music and even to have the cast singing in order to prop up the overall soundscape. There are a few sound effects required but nothing that should baffle a well equipped sound department. SPECIAL EFFECTS/PROPS The major special effect is the building of the urinal which takes place during the inaugration scene. This has to take place in around a minute amongst village celebrations. In act two the urinal is blown up, by a rival gang. We used a smoke machine, to great effect, but there were restrictions on the pyrotechnics we could use. Research on the urinal itself showed that there were multifarious designs in existence, many complicated and difficult to replicate. We chose a needle like central column surrounded by a hexagonal surround. The design of the urinal is a prop persons delight. Just remember it has to be moved quickly and it has to blow up! Other props were reasonably easy to obtain and we were lucky in that our local pub, where we rehearsed lent us, some very nice iron based café tables of the period. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS A great sense of humour, an appreciation of language and the ability to move fast and concentrate on a large number of characters in a very short space of time! Due to our special circumstances, playing in a very cold draughty barn in the middle of winter would not be recommended unless your audience are kitted out with winter thermals and fur coats. The cast kept their concentration throughout or froze where they stood! CONCLUSION If you want to produce an epic play, with many opportunities for male and female actors, that will guarantee you large houses, CLOCHEMERLE is the play for you. The show would also be ideal for an older youth theatre. KEVIN FRASER
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PLAYSCRIPTS
www.asmagazine.co.uk There’s no doubt that recent West End successes including Alan Bennett’s Enjoy, Entertaining Mrs Sloane, Dancing At Lughnasa, A View From The Bridge and War Horse have done much to encourage drama audiences back into the theatres. There’s also a raft of new productions on the horizon including Helen Mirren’s Phedre, McKellen and Stewart’s Waiting For Godot, Jude Law in Hamlet, amongst many others which are sure to keep the quality product flowing. Perhaps Michael Billington is right when he emphasises that audiences want quality over mindless escape. With West End prices rocketing, audiences are prepared to look at new works if the assurance of quality is forthcoming. So are we doomed to a season of celebrity led productions of classics and audience favourites? Let’s hope not. I think it is important thought that the current bouyancy is used to help develop new work and to revive work that may not normally get an airing. There certainly seems to be signs that some risks are being taken with productions of Michael Frayn’s Alphabetical Order, Shaw’s Too Good To Be True and The Apple Cart, and Pinero’s The Second Mrs Tanqueray. Producers seem to be looking creatively at productions pairing interesting directors with productions which they hope will spark audience interest. It can only be hoped that this formula continues to create much needed drama success stories. For amateurs, the box office success of drama can often depend on the hype garnered by a West End run or a major tour so any revival of dramatic fortunes in the West End can only be of benefit.
A View From The Bridge Photo: Catherine Ashmore
A DRAMATIC COMEBACK It has been said of late that the West End is going musical mad, but have you taken the time to stop and really take a look. In recent months there has been a subtle shift in the status quo. Not only are plays staging a comeback, but the publics appetite for quality drama seems to be returning with a vengance.
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Michael Billington, the respected West End theatre critic recently put this resurgence down to two factors: - The demolition of trendy dogma that theatre is a dying art form derived from the notion that younger audiences crave only interactive shows that have taken them on a visual and physical spectacle. Secondly he argues that quality is king.
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www.asmagazine.co.uk
PLAYSCRIPTS
WHAT’S NEW THIS MONTH! PARLOUR SONG
By Jez Butterworth Cast : M2, F1 Published by Nick Hern Books ISBN 9781848420267 Demolition expert Nick lives in a nice new house on a nice new estate on the edge of the English countryside. He loves his job. Barbeques. Car-boot sales. Fitness Programmes. Outwardly his life is entirely unremarkable. Not unlike his friend and neighbour Dale. So why has he not slept a wink in six months? Why is he so terrified of his attractive wife Joy? And why is it every time he leaves on business, something goes missing from his home? Parlour Song is a blackly hilarious exploration of deceit, paranoia and murderous desire, as the spirit of the Blues lands in leafy suburbia.
MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS GOT HER HEAD CHOPPED OFF By Liz Lochhead Cast: M4, F4 Published by Nick Hern Books ISBN: 9781848420281
Here is the familiar tale of the enmity between Elizabeth I of England and Mary Queen of Scots, retold with ferocious iconoclasm and boundless wit by Scotland’s most popular playwright. A modern classic first staged in 1987, Liz Lochhead’s Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off is republished here with a spirited new introduction by the author. Praised by critics nationwide, this play abounds with great characters so beautifully drawn by the playwright. WEll wortha read.
CINDERELLA
A Pantomime by Paul Reakes Cast: Large! Published by Samuel French ISBN: 9780573164286 The popular fairy tale of Cinderella has been bought to new, magical life. Whilst poor Cinderella is being forced to carry out the every wish of her cruel stepmother and ugly stepsisters, Mattie and Hattie, Prince Charming has left to travel the world and Pantomania is governed by the selfish Duke Of Verruca. However, upon learning of his father’s death, the Prince returns to take up his duty as king, but there is one problem - the Duke is not willing to relinquish his power. The Duke bullies his henchmen, Nip and Tuck, into bopping the Prince over the head and he subsequently loses his memory. The Duke then manipulates his naive nephew, Archie, into posing as the Prince, and causes havoc for anyone who may get in his way. Luckily, faithfull Buttons and his friend Kathy are trying everything they can to sort out the confusion, while Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother is working wonders to bring Cinderlla together with her true love.
Samuel French Ltd The play publisher
NEW RELEASES!
Reflections a one-act comedy by Colin and Mary Crowther CAST M2 F2 SCENE A hotel room A couple are nervously dressing for a party in the hotel downstairs. Each glumly despairs of being able to live up to their partner’s expectations. The person they see in the mirror is very different from the person their partner sees but gradually each comes to recognize and accept how different they can be. Price £4.75
And Evermore Shall Be So a full length play by Norman Robbins CAST M5 F5 SCENE A living room Taking its title from the traditional song “Green Grow the Rushes O”, the play explores the events surrounding a murder in Athelston village four years previously. An author arrives in the village to research a book about the murder and old tensions and suspicions are brought to the surface. Offering ten good acting roles, the play leaves the audience guessing until the very end. Price £8.50
The Long Road a full length play by Shelagh Stephenson CAST M2 F3 SCENE Various simple settings When eighteen-year-old Danny is fatally stabbed in a random attack his family struggles to find meaning and forgiveness. His mother’s determination to understand the atrocity brings her face to face with his killer and forces the family to confront the bitter senselessness of their loss. Price £8.99 The 93rd Edition of The Guide to Selecting Plays for Performance is expected in July 2009. Please note the 92nd Edition and its supplements are available for £8.50.
French’s Theatre Bookshop 52 Fitzroy St London W1T 5JR Tel: 020 7255 4300 Fax: 020 7387 2161 Email: theatre@samuelfrench-london.co.uk
www.samuelfrench-london.co.uk AS MAGAZINE | MAY 2009
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WEST END
Hannah Waddingham Photo: Catherine Ashmore
BERNARDA ALBA Bridewell Theatre
The London School of Musical Theatre are to be applauded for choosing to stage new work to showcase their students. Bernarda Alba is a new musical with words and music by Michael John LaChiusa whose previous credits include The Wild Party and Marie Christine. Its been widely reported that LaChiusa is no fan of current musical theatre works and with this production his alternative is on display in this one act work. The music in the show has elements
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of Sondheim and Philip Glass in its construction. It’s most certainly not melodic and I found it quite uncomfortable to listen to. It’s a tribute to the students involved that they managed to perform the score with style. The school took the admirable move of utilising West End Production staff to realise this musical and full marks must go to Matt Ryan (Director), Torquil Munro (Musical Director) and Charles Quiggin (Production Designer) for a professionally polished production which was beautifully designed and executed. This is a difficult work and it could easily be turned into a complete disaster in the wrong hands.
Staged in traverse at the Bridewell, Matt Ryan showed yet again that alternative staging styles can provide an interesting and effective solution to venues than can often be difficult by nature. The intimacy gained by the traverse setting was quite startling and used to great effect. At the end of the day though, the material is unmemorable. Perhaps as with Sondheim in his early career, La Chiusa is ahead of his time. I suppose that only time will tell.
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC Garrick Theatre
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WEST END
www.asmagazine.co.uk With so many musicals opening in the West End, many people are getting a little more picky when it comes to musical fare. So many good shows are opening that others that are not so good stand out just that little bit more. Such is the case with the revival of The Menier Chocolate Factory of A Little Night Music which has recently transferred. One of Sondheim’s early works, Night Music is written in Waltz Time and relates to relationships, love and lust. It’s incredibly adult in its themes and shows Sondheim at his witty best. I found this revival though to be sadly lacking with most of the problems coming from poor casting. Hannah Waddingham (Desiree), Maureen Lipman (Madame Armfeldt) and Alexander Hanson (Frederik Egerman) carry off their roles with ease and good humour. The scenes between Waddingham and Hanson are pure delight. Unfortunately, the support cast struggle to keep up. The casting of reality TV actress Jessie Buckley just doesn’t cut it. Trevor Nunn’s direction shows that he is still the undisputed king of modern musical theatre. It’s just a pity on this occassion you got the impression that he was limited by budget constraints. Something that was especially obviously with the cut down orchestra which lacked some of the lovely orchestral richness of previous incarnations.
THE LAST FIVE YEARS Duchess Theatre
It was great to see Jason Robert Brown back in the West End this month with a week long season of his autobiographical one act musical The Last Five Years. The Last Five Years is fast becoming a popular piece with students and amateur groups across the country and it’s easy to see why. This two hander is a real showcase for performers and it is certainly in good hands with Julie Atherton and Paul Spicer. Atherton can do no wrong here. She is perfectly at home in a role which encompasses both the dramatic and comedic in equal measure. Her comedy numbers are like watching a masterclass in timing and delivery. Pure joy!! Spicer takes on the role of Jamie. It’s beautifully delivered, thoroughly honest and incredibly touching. This is a show though, that presents its
characters warts and all. There are times where neither are particularly likeable as ego and jealousy destroy a relationship. Brown has devised a structure for the musical where each participant in the relationship start the show at opposite ends of the plot, he, at the beginning of the romance, and her, at the end, meeting only briefly in the middle for a
moment of true happiness. Torquil Monro helms the orchestra in this production and the six piece ensemble are just sensational. Hopefully, more groups will take a chance on this show, it deserves to be seen and enjoyed.
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DIARY
DIARY JUNE - JULY 2009 “Celebrate” - A 90th Anniversary Celebration 06 - 06 June 2009 North Manchester AODS Middleton Arena, Corpration Street Middleton, Manchester 0161 662 4000
A Bolt from the Blue 09 - 13 June 2009 Highbury Players St Phillip’s Hall Cosham, Portsmouth 023 9238 9359
A Man of No Importance 23 - 25 July 2009 St Peter Players Chalfont St Peter Community Centre Chalfont St Peter, Bucks 01753 892310
A Month in the Country 01 - 04 July 2009 The Chichester Players The Theatre - New Park Centre Chichester, West Sussex 01243 786650
A Musical Revue
10 - 13 June 2009 Blaenau Gwent Young Stars - Youth Musical TC Beaufort Theatre Beaufort, Ebbw Vale, Gwent 01495 301049
A Walk Through The West End 11 - 12 June 2009 County Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society Lincoln Drill Hall Lincoln, Lincs 0845 652 5021
Alice In Wonderland
13 - 14 June 2009 The Uptown Players Hampden Park Community Centre, Brodrich Road Eastbourne, E Sussex 01323 722895
Allo ‘Allo
01 - 06 June 2009 HIADS Station Theatre West Town, Hayling Island 023 9246 6363 11 - 13 June 2009 Little Theatre Donnington The Little Theatre Telford, Shropshire 01952 603231
Annie
11 - 13 June 2009 Kaleidoscope Players Guildhall Theatre Derby, Derbyshire 01332 281900 18 - 20 June 2009 The Harlequins Palace Theatre Redditch, Worcs 01527 65203
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Back to Front
15 - 18 July 2009 Thornton Cleveleys Youth Theatre The Little Theatre Thornton, Lancs 01253 860856
Back to the 80’s
01 - 04 July 2009 Thurrock Thameside Musical Society Thameside Theatre Grays, Essex 01245 471675 15 - 18 July 2009 Performing Arts Company The Point Eastleigh, Hampshire 02380 652333
Beauty and the Beast 17 - 18 July 2009 Purbrook Amateur Theatre Deverell Hall Purbrook 023 9261 0856
Big Top Underworld 20 - 26 July 2009 Nomad Theatre Group Nomad Theatre East Horsley, Surrey 01483 284717
Blithe Spirit 01 - 04 July 2009 Shawbury Village Players Acton Reynald Hall Shrewsbury, Shropshire 01743 281281
Blood Brothers
10 - 12 July 2009 Littleport Players Littleport Village Hall, Littleport, Cambs 07799 604209
Boogie Nights
01 - 04 July 2009 Southport Amateur Operatic Society Southport Little Theatre Southport, Merseyside 01704 228936
Book of the Month 11 - 13 June 2009 Dollar Drama Club Devonvale Hall, Tillicoultry 01259 742173 www.dollardrama.org.uk
Bugsy Malone
08 - 11 July 2009 Walmsley Church AODS Walmsley Parish Hall Egerton Bolton, Greater Manchester 01204 305812
Busybody
22 - 27 June 2009 Newmarket Operatic Musical & Dram Soc (NOMADS) Kings Theatre, 16 Fitzroy St Newmarket, suffolk 01638 663337
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29 June - 04 July 2009 Newmarket Operatic Musical & Dram Soc (NOMADS) Kings Theatre Newmarket, Suffolk 01638 663337
29 June - 4 July 2009 Droylsden Little Theatre Droylsden, Manchester 0161 370 7713
By Jeeves
30 - 30 July 2009 Just Good Friends Mynydd y Garreg Hall Mynydd Y Garreg, Camarthenshire 01267 237386
www.asmagazine.co.uk Cruisin’
01 - 04 July 2009 Highbury Little Theatre Highbury Theatre Centre, Sheffield Road Sutton Coldfield, W Midlands 0121 373 2761
Dad’s Army
13 - 18 July 2009 South Shields Westovian Theatre Society Pier Pavilion South Shields, Tyne and Wear 0191 456 0980
By Jeeves
Darling buds of may
Calamity Jane
Disco Inferno
Carmen - The Musical
23 - 27 June 2009 Argosy Musical Theatre Company Crescent Theatre Birmingham, West Midlands 0121 643 5858 www.crescent-theatre.co.uk
Carousel
15 - 18 July 2009 Kingston Vale Operatic & Dramatic Society Performing Arts Centre, Kingston Grammar School London Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey 07789 344063
31 July 2009 Just Good Friends Llangain Hall Llangain, Carmarthenshire 01267 237386
30 June - 04 July 2009 Ebbw Vale Showstoppers Beaufort Theatre Ebbw Vale, Gwent 01495 308135
25 - 27 June 2009 Matlock Musical Theatre Pomegranate Theatre Chesterfield, Derbyshire 01629 582473
01 - 07 July 2009 Swanage Musical Theatre Company The Mowlem Theatre Swanage, Dorset 01929 422239 08 - 11 July 2009 Promenade Productions The Bacon Theatre Cheltenham, Glos 01242 224144
Caught in the Net 28 July - 27 August 2009 Exmouth Players Blackmore Theatre Exmouth, Devon 01395 269013
Chess
02 - 06 June 2009 Bournville Musical Theatre Company Crescent Theatre Birmingham, W Midlands 0121 643 5858 10 - 13 June 2009 West Kirby Light Opera Society Floral Pavilion New Brighton, Wirral 0151 342 2143
Children of Eden
10 - 13 June 2009 Chadsmoor Choral Society Chadsmoor Methodist Church, Cannock Rd Chadsmoor, Staffs 01543 574679 17 - 20 June 2009 Bromley Players Bob Hope Theatre Eltham, London 0208 466 5832
Copacabana
25 - 27 June 2009 Coventry Musical Theatre Society Belgrade Theatre Coventry, West Midlands 02476 553055 15 - 18 July 2009 Friends of Abbeydale Picture House Abbeydale Picture House Sheffield, S Yorks 07775 966106
Copenhagen
24 - 28 June 2009 The Harrogate Dramatic Society The Harrogate Theatre Harrogate, North Yorkshire 07770 630299
28 July - 01 August 2009 Western College Players Drum Theatre, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Devon 01752 267222
17 - 20 June 2009 Saint Monica’s Players The Intimate Theatre, 521 Green Lanes Palmers Green, London N13 4DH 0844 414 2731
Don’t Dress for Dinner 04 - 06 June 2009 Theydon Bois Drama Society Theydon Bois Village Hall Theydon Bois, Essex 01992 812250 www.theydondrama.co.uk
Fame
16 - 18 July 2009 Footloose Musicals Civic Hall Ellesmere Port, Cheshire 07841 230921
Farndale Housing Estate Dramatic Society Murder Mystery 25 - 26 June 2009 Horndean Amateur Theatrical Society Merchistoun Hall, Horndean 023 9259 7114 www.horndeanamdram.com
Fiddler on the Roof 15 - 18 July 2009 Bradford Youth Players Dixons City Academy, Ripley Street Bradford, W Yorks 07504 745220
Fish Out of Water
18 - 20 June 2009 Crofton Amateur Dramatic Society Theatre Hall Crofton Community Centre, Stubbington 01329 661143
Follies
14 - 18 July 2009 Gallery Players The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, Suffolk 01473 295900
Fur Coat and no Knickers 01 - 04 July 2009 Kibworth Theatre Company Kibworth Grammar School Hall Kibworth, Leics 07730 955159
Glamorous Night - A Sparkling Evening of Operetta 09 - 10 July 2009 Southgate Opera Intimate Theatre, 521 Green Lanes Palmers Green, London 020 8441 5309
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DIARY
www.asmagazine.co.uk Glorious
Guys and Dolls AND Jungle Book (two shows, one night!)
25 - 27 June 2009 Porchester Players Ashcroft Arts Centre Fareham, Hampshire 01329 223100 www.portchesterplayers.co.uk
Godfather’s Gondoliers 09 - 11 July 2009 Sunningdale Savoy Chorus The Cordes Hall, High St, Sunninghill Ascot, Berks 01344 626591
Godspell
10 - 11 July 2009 Riverside Theatre Company Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre Huntingdon, Cambs 07928 947479
Hello Dolly! 03 - 06 June 2009 Over Players Over Community Centre Over, Cambs 01954 230056
10 - 13 June 2009 Manor Operatic Society City Hall Sheffield, South Yorkshire 01709 365108
23 - 27 June 2009 Wimborne Musical Theatre Society Tivoli Theatre Wimborne, Dorset 01202 885566
Gondoliers
14 - 18 July 2009 Torbay Operatic & Dramatic Society Princess Theatre, Torquay, Devon 01803 290371
03 - 06 June 2009 Harrogate G & S Society Harrogate Theatre Harrogate, N Yorks 01423 502116
High School Musical
04 - 06 June 2009 Chester Operatic Society Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, Flintshire 0845 330 3565 09 - 13 June 2009 Cotswold Savoyards The Everyman Theatre Cheltenham, Glos 01242 572573 16 - 20 June 2009 Southampton Operatic Society The Nuffield Theatre Southampton, Hants 023 8067 1771
13 - 17 July 2009 Tenbury Amateur Operatic Society Tenbury High School, Tenbury Wells, Worcs 01584 810304
High School Musical 2 07 - 11 July 2009 Coventry Youth Operetta Group Heart of England School Balsall Common, Nr Coventry, West Midlands 02476 490939 08 - 11 July 2009 Class Act Youth Theatre Pen-yr-heol Theatre Gorseinon, Swansea 01792 422349
High Society
Iolanthe
08 - 11 July 2009 College Amateur Operatic Society Kenneth More Theatre Ilford, Essex 020 8553 4466
It’s Another Swing Thing
23 - 27 June 2009 Morecambe Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society Lancaster Grand Theatre Lancaster, Lancashire 01524 64695
HMS Pinafore and Trial by Jury 17 - 19 June 2009 Hull Savoyards Amateur Operatic Society Middleton Hall Hull, E Yorks 01482 876918
11 - 13 June 2009 Matlock G & S Society Medway Centre Bakewell, Derbyshire 01246 277698
29 July - 01 August 2009 Stage Door Theatre Company Windmill Entertainment Centre Littlehampton, W Sussex 01903 722224
Jack the Ripper 16 - 20 June 2009 Abbots Langley G & S Society Henderson Hall Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire 01923 676120
Jekyll & Hyde
Honk!
03 - 06 June 2009 Clacton Amateur Dramatic Society West Cliff Theatre, Clacton on Sea, Essex 01225 433344
03 - 06 June 2009 Richmond Operatic Society The Georgian Theatre Royal Richmond, N Yorks 01748 825252 16 - 18 July 2009 Shooting Stars Youth Theatre Company Chipping Sodbury Town Hall Chipping Sodbury, S Gloucs 01454 883445
Hotbed Hotel
16 - 18 July 2009 South Downe Musical Society Ferneham Hall, Fareham, Hampshire 01329 231942
Jungle Book for Kids/Into the Woods Jnr
11 - 13 June 2009 New Mills Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society The Art Theatre, New Mills, Derbyshire 01298 25750
02-04, 09-11 July 2009 Pump House Children and Youth Theatre Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre Watford, Herts 07903 411150
Humble Boy
King and I
04 - 11 July 2009 Rugby Theatre Society Rugby Theatre, Henry St, Rugby, Warks 01788 541234
23 - 27 June 2009 Bilston Operatic Company Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, W Midlands 01902 429212
Darlington OS - Anything Goes Images by Visual Photography, Darlington
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DIARY
www.asmagazine.co.uk
Blackburn Arts Club - The Killing Of Sister George Photos: Jonathan Mallinson Kiss Me, Kate
Mack and Mabel
Oklahoma!
21 - 25 July 2009 Nogal Pear Tree Players Lowther Pavilion Lytham St Annes Lancs, Lancs 01253 658666
L’Elisir d’Amore (The Elixir of Love) - Donizetti
Maskerade
14 - 18 July 2009 Somerset Opera King’s College, Taunton, Somerset 01823 336344
09 - 11 July 2009 Havering Music Makers Queens Theatre Hornchurch, Essex 01708 762256
Our Scotland
04 - 06 June 2009 Hounslow Light Opera Company St Mary’s Church Hall, Church St Hampton, Middlesex 020 8892 2597
La Boheme
Much Ado About Nothing
09 - 13 June 2009 Woodley Light Operatic Society Kenton Theatre Henley-on-Thames, Oxon 0845 521 3459
08 - 13 June 2009 Barnsley Amateurs Musical Theatre Group The Lamproom Theatre Barnsley, S Yorks 01226 200075
24 - 27 June 2009 Southgate Opera Wyllyotts Theatre, Darkes Lane Potters Bar, Herts 01707 645005
24 - 27 June 2009 GHosTs Electric Theatre, Guildford, Surrey 01483 444789
Lend Me a Tenor
17 - 20 June 2009 Chingford Amateur Dramatic & Operatic Society Mornington Hall, Chingford, London 0208 529 2123
27 - 28 June 2009 Oundle Gilbert & Sullivan Players The Stahl Theatre, West St Oundle, Peterborough 01832 273830
Lili - the History of a Song
My Cousin Rachel
19 - 27 June 2009 Teflonstage Amateur Group Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl, Bridgend 01656 815995
Little Shop of Horrors 24 July - 02 September 2009 Kidz R Us St Ives Theatre, St Ives, Cornwall 01736 797007
Loot
17 - 20 June 2009 Southsea Shakespeare Actors 3rd Flr Arts Centre Portsmouth Central Library, Portsmouth 023 9268 8070
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Musical Moods
09 - 20 June 2009 Highbury Little Theatre Highbury Theatre Centre, Sheffield Road Sutton Coldfield, W Midlands 0121 373 2761
My Fair Lady
02 - 06 June 2009 Brighton Theatre Group Theatre Royal, Brighton, E Sussex 0871 297 5454
My Own Show 22 - 27 June 2009 Arundel Players Priory Playhouse Arundel, West Sussex 01243 542221
06 - 14 June 2009 Rugby Theatre Society Rugby Theatre, Henry Street Rugby, Warks 01788 541234
29 July - 01 August 2009 Billboard Ensemble Barry Memorial Hall Barry, Vale of Glamorgan 01446 733625
Old Time Music Hall 14 June 2009 Stevenage Lytton Players Gordon Craig Theatre Stevenage, Herts 0870 777 7619
Oliver!
09 - 13 June 2009 Springers Civic Theatre, Chelmsford, Essex 01245 606505 09 - 13 June 2009 Farnham Amateur Operatic Society Farnham Maltings, Farnham, Surrey 01252 722233 09 - 13 June 2009 Forefront Children’s Theatre Town Hall, Alloa, Clackmannanshire 01259 750394 16 - 20 June 2009 Bacup Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society The Royal Court Theatre Bacup, Rossendale, Lancashire 01706 814080
18 - 20 June 2009 MSD Productions Wyness Hall Inverurie, Aberdeenshire 01467 621861
Out of Focus
03 - 06 June 2009 St Bernadette’s Players St Bernadette’s Church Hall Bispham, Lancs 07846 629766
Outside Edge
02 - 11 July 2009 Cowes Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society Trinity Theatre, Cowes, Isle of Wight 01983 295229
Pack of Lies
22 - 25 July 2009 New Forest Players Performing Arts Centre, Ballard School New Milton, Hants 0845 166 8775
Pajama Game
03 - 06 June 2009 Maghull Musical Theatre Company The Little Theatre, Southport, Merseyside 01704 530521
Pandemonium 03 - 05 July 2009 NOMADS The Nomad Theatre East Horsley, Surrey 01483 284747
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DIARY
www.asmagazine.co.uk Parade
03 - 07 June 2009 Spotlight Theatre Company - Treorchy Coleg Morganwg Llwynypia Rhondda, RCT 01656 732280
Prescription for Murder 11 - 13 June 2009 Curtain Up Amateur Dramatic Society Totland Church Hall Freshwater, Isle of Wight 01983 755160
Return to the Forbidden Planet 10 - 13 June 2009 Crossed Keys Musical Theatre Company The Old Rep Theatre Birmingham, West Midlands 0121 603 5970
Pirates Of Penzance
Princess Ida
09 - 11 July 2009 Southampton Operatic Society Hanger Farm Arts Centre, Aikman Lane Totton, Hants 023 8066 7683
18 - 20 June 2009 Dryburn Theatrical Workshop Park View Theatre Chester-le-Street, Durham 0191 388 9709
26 - 27 June 2009 Livewire Opera Company Wymondham High School, Folly Road Wymondham, Norfolk 01953 851543
Pygmalion
Roald Dahl double bill - James and the Giant Peach/The Witches
09 - 13 June 2009 Shenfield Operatic Society Brentwood Theatre Brentwood, Essex 01708 700625
03 July 2009 Livewire Opera Company Queen Hall Watton, Norfolk 01953 851543 04 July 2009 Livewire Opera Company Public Hall Beccles, Suffolk 01953 851543 10 - 11 July 2009 Livewire Opera Company Corn Hall Diss, Norfolk 01953 851543 17 - 18 July 2009 Livewire Opera Company Norwich Playhouse Norwich, Norfolk 01953 851543
12 - 20 June 2009 Exmouth Players Blackmore Theatre Exmouth, Devon 01395 269013
Rent
19 - 27 June 2009 Whitworth AM & Dramatic Society Curtain Theatre Rochdale, Lancs 01706 342821 19 - 27 June 2009 Chorley Amateur Dramatic & Operatic Society Chorley Little Theatre Chorley, Lancs 01257 264362 30 June - 04 July 2009 Halifax Amateur Operatic Society Halifax Playhouse Halifax, W Yorks 01422 365998 03 - 06 June 2009 CCADS New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth 023 9264 9000
Seussical
04 - 06 June 2009 Wells Operatic Society Ltd The Little Theatre, Wells, Somerset 01749 672611
Showcase
22 - 25 July 2009 Ranger Productions The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage, Dorset 01929 422239
Songs of the Seasons
04 - 06 June 2009 Stevenage Lytton Players Nobel School Stevenage, Herts 0870 777 7619
27 June 2009 Great Witley Operatic Society Norbury Theatre Droitwich Spa, Worcs 01905 770154
Stage Struck
30 June - 04 July 2009 Farnworth Performing Arts Company Farnworth Little Theatre Farnworth, Bolton 0750 726 9090
Role Play
15 - 18 July 2009 Runnymede Drama Group Riverhouse Barn Theatre Walton-on-Thames, Surrey 01932 253354
Stepping Out 24 - 27 June 2009 The Festival Players Loughborough Town Hall Loughborough, Leics 07855 248832
Ruddigore 01 - 04 July 2009 Havant Light Opera Havant Arts Centre Havant 023 9247 2700
Summer Holiday
Separate Tables
17 - 20 June 2009 Waterloo & Crosby Theatre Company Little Theatre Southport, Merseyside 0151 924 0231
02 - 06 June 2009 Blackpool & Fylde Light Opera Company The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, Lancashire 01253 884969
Summer Musical Revue 04 - 06 June 2009 Alton Operatic & Dramatic Society Assembly Rooms Alton, Hampshire 01730 827200
Hampton Amateur Theatre Society - Stags & Hens Photos by Hugh L. Philps Photography. www.hughp.co.uk
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Summer Variety Show 05 - 13 June 2009 Otterbourne Village Hall Committee Otterbourne Village Hall Winchester, Hampshire 023 8036 3205
Sweeney Todd
09 - 13 June 2009 Pepper Pot Hill Theatre Group Darwen Library Theatre Darwen, Lancs 01254 706006 23 - 27 June 2009 Spotlight Musical Theatre Group The Public Hall Beccles, Suffolk 01502 717417
Sweet Charity
09 - 13 June 2009 Colin Smith Luton Youth Music Theatre Library Theatre Luton, Beds 01582 547474 16 - 20 June 2009 Leatherhead Operatic Society The Theatre Leatherhead, Surrey 07787 870012 17 - 20 June 2009 Burgess Hill Musical Theatre Society Martlets Hall Burgess Hill, W Sussex 01444 242888
Taking Steps 06 - 11 July 2009 Littte Theatre Gateshead Gateshead, Tyne & Wear 0191 478 1499
Tempest in a Teacup (dance/drama) 17 - 19 June 2009 Side By Side Theatre Group Stourbridge Town Hall Stourbridge, W Midlands 01384 395350
The A-Z of Musicals
01 - 04 July 2009 Nuneaton Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society Abbey Theatre and Arts Centre Nuneaton, Warks 02476 738007
The Affairs At Meddler’s Top 12 - 13 June 2009 Clockwork Theatre Group St Johns C/H, Dixon Lane Leeds, W.Yorks 07989 063987
The Beaux Stratagem 15 - 18 July 2009 Second Thoughts Drama Group The Shakespeare Institute, Church Street Stratford-upon-Avon, Warks 01789 207100
The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas 23 - 27 June 2009 Handsworth & Hallam Theatre Company University of Sheffield Sheffield, South Yorkshire 0114 247 6179
07 - 11 July 2009 Birmingham & Midland Operatic Society (BMOS) The Old Rep Birmingham, West Midlands 0121 303 2323
The Boyfriend
The Full Monty
08 - 13 June 2009 Pershore Operatic & Dramatic Society (PODS) Number 8 Community Arts Centre Pershore, Worcs 01386 555488
08 - 13 June 2009 Leicester Amateur Operatic Society Curve Theatre (www.curveonline.co.uk) Leicester, Leics 0116 2423595
The Circle of Life
09 - 13 June 2009 Congress Players Oldham Coliseum Oldham, Lancs 0161 626 1747
02 - 06 June 2009 Centenary Theatre Company The Brindley Theatre Runcorn, Merseyside 0151 907 8360
13 June 2009 Godalming Operatic Society The Electric Theatre, Guildford, Surrey 01252 703376
The Crucible
18 - 20 June 2009 Compton Little Theatre Compton Village Hall Guildford, Surrey 01483 415526 tickets@comptonlittletheatre.org.uk
The Deep Blue Sea 08 - 14 June 2009 Littte Theatre Gateshead Gateshead, Tyne & Wear 0191 478 1499
The Demon Headmaster 09 - 11 July 2009 KYDZ (Keighley’s Youth Theatre) Christchurch Oakworth, Keighley, 01535 219705
The Fifth Elephant 14 - 18 July 2009 Collingwood RSC New Theatre Royal Portsmouth 023 9264 9000
03 - 11 June 2009 Grimsby & Cleethorpes AOS Parkway Theatre Cleethorpes, Lincs 01472 290100
09 - 13 June 2009 Overton Dramatic Society St Mary’s Hall, Overton Basingstoke, Hants 01256 770333 28 July - 01 August 2009 Overtures Productions Wyllyotts Centre Potters Bar, Herts 0208 360 1957
The Government Inspector 05 -13 June 2009 The Crescent Theatre Company Ron Barber Studio Theatre Birmingham, West Midlands 0121 643 5858
The Likes of Us
08 - 13 June 2009 Great Horton Theatre Company Cleckheaton Town Hall Cleckheaton, W Yorks 01274 544405
Droylsden Little Theatre - Blood Brothers Photos: Tony Birch
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12/05/2009 11:10:34
DIARY
www.asmagazine.co.uk
Oedipus The King - Edward Alderton Theatre Photos: Paul Lay 15 - 20 June 2009 Concordia Youth Theatre Concordia Theatre Hinckley, Leicestershire 01455 637700 23 - 27 June 2009 York Light Opera Company Ltd. Joseph Rowntree Theatre York, North Yorkshire 01904 791714 06 - 10 July 2009 Weston-Super-Mare Operatic Society Playhouse Theatre Weston-Super-Mare, North Somerset 01934 628707 14 - 18 July 2009 St Annes Parish Church Amateur Operatic & Dram Soc Lowther Pavilion, Lytham St Annes, Lancs 01253 658666 23 - 25 July 2009 Llandudno Youth Music Theatre Venue Cymru, Llandudno, Conwy 01492 872000
The Matchgirls 02 - 04 July 2009 Orchard Players Capel St Mary Village Hall Capel, Ipswich, Suffolk 07761 782456
The Producers
The Wizard of Oz
Treasure Island
09 - 13 June 2009 Portsmouth Players Kings Theatre, Southsea 023 9266 0880
22 - 23 July 2009 Centre Stage North East Sunderland Empire Sunderland, Tyne & Wear 0870 602 1130
Utopia Limited
17 - 20 June 2009 Ipswich Operatic & Dramatic Society The Regent Theatre Ipswich, Suffolk 01473 433100
The Rise and Fall of Little Voice 23 - 27 June 2009 East Berkshire Operatic Society Pinewood Theatre, Pinewood Leisure Centre Wokingham, Berks 01189 733464
The Sorcerer
10 - 14 June 2009 Sheringham Savoyards Sheringham Little Theatre, Sheringham, Norfolk 01263 822347
The Tempest
08 - 11 July 2009 Castle Players Grounds of the Bowes Museum Barnard Castle, Durham 0800 074 7080
09 - 13 June 2009 Plymouth G & S Fellowship Athaenaeum Theatre, Plymouth, Devon 01566 775557
19 - 20 June 2009 The Crescent Youth Theatre Company Ron Barber Studio Theatre Birmingham, West Midlands 0121 643 5858 www.crescent-theatre.co.uk
The Permanent Way
The Wiz
The Merry Widow
22 - 25 July 2009 Stage 2 Youth Theatre Company The Crescent Theatre Birmingham, W Mids 0121 643 5858
04 - 06 June 2009 Neath Amateur Operatic Society Briton Ferry Community Centre Neath, Neath Port Talbot 01639 639726
13 - 18 July 2009 Tynemouth Amateur Operatic Society Priory Theatre Tynemouth, Tyne & Wear 0191 2521827
Thoroughly Modern Millie 23 - 27 June 2009 Cheltenham Operatic & Dramatic Society Everyman Theatre Cheltenham, Glos 01242 572573
22 - 25 July 2009 Swansea Little Theatre Ltd Dylan Thomas Theatre Swansea 01792 473238
09 - 13 June 2009 Tynemouth G & S Society Tynemouth Priory Theatre Tynemouth, Tyne & Wear 0191 252 6714
West . . .
09 - 13 June 2009 Humdrum New Theatre Royal Portsmouth 023 9264 9000
West Side Story
06 - 11 July 2009 Appeal Theatre Group The New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich, Suffolk 01473 295900
07 - 11 July 2009 Stampede Theatre Company Yeadon Town Hall Yeadon, Leeds 07947 535536
08 - 11 July 2009 Centre Stage (Pinner) The Steiner Theatre London 07722 323221
Three Ps Suite
08 - 11 July 2009 Retford & District Amateur Operatic Society The Majestic Theatre Retford, Nottinghamshire 01777 706866
27 July - 01 August 2009 Ringwood Musical & Dramatic Society Greyfriars Community Centre Ringwood, Hants 01425 470837
15 - 18 July 2009 Frome Community College & Merline Theatre Co. Merlin Theatre Frome, Somerset 01373 465949
Tons of Money
Wind In The Willows
18 - 20 June 2009 Bungay Theatre Group The Fisher Theatre Bungay, Suffolk 01986 897130
09 - 11 July 2009 Jopsox The Plowright Theatre Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire 01724 277733
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THE LAST WORD
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Wisteria Cottage Garrick Road Campton Royal
Hello darling ones, You will be pleased to hear that after a shaky start, Compton Royal Amateur Players have finally started rehearsals of Blithe Spirit. The vicar’s, less than public spirited, departure from the role of Dr Bradman, left me with a hole that was proving difficult to fill. Actually, since he forbade his housekeeper to join us, two holes, rather like the pavement outside my cottage. I cannot tell you how many letters I have written to complain about the risk of accidents, I mean, it could bring new meaning to the phrase ‘Break a leg’. However, I met a charming little woman in the library, Vera Derby, and since she had a copy of The Cherry Orchard in her basket, I naturally assumed she was of the theatrical persuasion. By the time I discovered that she was a keen amateur gardener, she had been firmly embraced by the cast. Embraced in more ways than one, let me tell you. Jeff, my Charles Condamine, was more effusive in his greeting than was, in my view, appropriate. A similar thing happened when he was introduced to Nikki, now I come to think of it. Personally, I consider this continental double kissing behaviour unnecessary and unhygienic - a quick peck at the air is all that is required to denote affection. Our little troupe of artistes usually meets in the church hall, but in the current circumstances I doubt we’d be welcome. I don’t need much time since I only rehearse two, maybe three times in the first month. It is so important that your cast do not peak too soon. Anyway, I managed to find a couple of hours at the community centre which normally has to be booked well in advance to avoid clashing with hordes of women in pink track suits or men in white pyjamas hurling each other to the floor. The meeting was problematic. Nikki, who of course opens the play, was unavailable. She said she was working on the fringe that week. I made a note to ask her if she would do the ladies’ hair for the show. As if her absence was not inconvenience enough, we found ourselves sharing the hall with tables already set up, complete with exhibits, for the Flower Arranging Society the following morning. Still, we pressed on, until Vera had an uncontrollable attack of sneezing, went red in the face and ran from the room with tears streaming down her cheeks. Marjorie announced that she must be allergic to the pollen and I said that this was most unlikely since she spent most of her time up to the elbows in horse manure and hedge clippings. It was then that the caretaker arrived. I was much surprised because the wretched man is never around when you need him. I was further surprised when he dropped to his knees and began crawling about under the tables and calling for a taxi. I was about to summon medical help when he emerged with a large black cat in his arms, who apparently rejoiced in the name of Taxi and turned out to be the cause of Vera’s distress. All was not lost and we got through the first four pages in under two hours. It is amazing how fast one can work when the cast do not argue back. As I was leaving, I saw the caretaker again and thought he would do nicely for Dr Bradman. Unfortunately, he did not appear to recognise me for he turned and scuttled off in the opposite direction. So there you have it. Yours
Doris Richardson-Hall
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13/05/2009 01:56:00
Wisteria Cottage Garrick Road Campton Royal
Hello my luvvies! After many years of writing to Amateur Stage, sorry, AS magazine – why does everybody use initials these days? Pure laziness if you ask me. As I was saying, after more letters to the editor that I care to count, pointing out little discrepancies, all of them unpublished, this darling man has finally invited me to share my extensive experience of amateur dramatics with you. And it is extensive, I have been responsible for every production in our village for almost thirty years, so there’s not much that I don’t know. Well, there are some things, anything that has a plug attached is a mystery and my stage manager refuses to let me anywhere near his tool box. How was I to know that his hand was on the other side of the flat when I nailed in a picture hook? So, that’s me. My little group, Campton Royal Amateur Players are about to embark on a delicious production of Blithe Spirit. Auditions were held in my living room last week, over tea and cakes. Shop bought I’m ashamed to say, but my life is so taken up with my art that my mixing bowl has not seen the light of day for a very long time. When I say auditions, it was more of a read through, you don’t have to be Madame Arcarte to know well in advance exactly who you are going to cast, now do you? It all went relatively smoothly, then this twenty something blonde creature arrived on my doorstep. She’d ‘done acting’ at some central school, presumably in the Midlands, and a man in the Post office had told her about our group. I have to say I was not best pleased, who needs a newcomer who says she feels more like an Elvira than a Ruth? Not that it matters, Marjorie will play Ruth and Kath will take Elvira, Kath won’t see 50 again, but there’s nothing that a good layer of 5 and 9 won’t hide. Anyway, Miss Enthusiastic, who likes to be call Nikki, with two k’s, turned out to be useful and I cast her as the maid. Rehearsals start next week and should be quite straightforward, particularly since I still have my copy from eighteen years ago, complete with all the moves. Slight problem when I realised that it was designed for the Junior School hall, not the smaller community centre stage where we now perform, but I’m sure the Stage manager can squeeze the French windows in somehow. There you have it – onwards and upwards. More soon. Yours Doris Richardson-Hall
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FIRSTAGE presents
SIDEbySIDE bysondheim The musical that brings together all your favourite songs by Sondheim
Music by STEPHEN SONDHEIM Continuity by Ned Sherrin with Aisling Green Madden Liz Madden Naoimh Penston Owen Clarke Robert O’Connor Seymour Cresswell Directed by Derek Pullen Musical Director – Russell Smith Choreography – Barbara Donnelly
MERMAID ARTS CENTRE, BRAY 3rd – 6th June 2009 at 8.00pm TICKETS €18 & €16 (concessions) Tel 01- 2724030 This production is presented by arrangement with JOSEPH WEINBERGER LTD on behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of NEW YORK SUPPORTING BRAY CANCER SUPPORT AND INFORMATION CENTRE Untitled-2 1
13/05/2009 01:46:53