asmagazine maga THE INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE FOR COMMUNITY THEATRE
NOVEMBER 2008 £2.40
STONES IN HIS POCKETS
THE PLAY PRODUCED
NEXT STAGE HITS WEST END VOLUNTARY ARTS REPORT NEWS ROUND UP BOOK REVIEWS WEST END REVIEWS
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WELCOME
WELCOME TO AS MAGAZINE!! Welcome back to AS Magazine. This month sees the publication of the report by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport into the voluntary arts sector in England. Take the time to get a copy of the report (you can download it online). It makes for some very interesting reading and for the first time officially clarifies just how many of you there are out there working in voluntary arts groups. We’re taking the time to look at the effects of the credit crunch on amateur theatre. Recently in the press we’ve noticed various stories about amateur groups feeling the pinch so we thought we’d throw it open for discussion. Please take the time to let us know if the crunch is affecting you. We’ve started looking for new contributors, photographers and various other helpers for AS Magazine. If you think you could help please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Finally, we need to issue an apology to about 100 of you who had problems with the delivery of last months magazine. Our mailing officer miscalculated the post on your subscription mailout. We managed to catch the problem early on but a small number of you got charged excess postage and for that we sincerely apologise.
TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS
5
News stories from the theatre world.
VOLUNTARY ARTS REPORT
11
AS looks at a new government report on voluntary arts in the UK.
THEATRE INSURANCE
13
Robert Israel talks about panto related insurance.
THE PLAY PRODUCED
16
Richard Parish talks about his production of Stones In His Pockets.
NEXT STAGE HITS WEST END
20
Next Stage Theatre Company hit the West End after a season in The Big Apple.
NEW PLAY RELEASES
23
AS looks at new plays and musicals available for performance.
BOOK REVIEWS
27
The latest new theatre related reading.
Regards
AS DIARY
The Editorial Team
asmagazine
28
Who’s doing what and where.
CLASSIFIEDS
38
Published monthly by Next Phase Media Ltd Suite 404 Albany House. 324/326 Regent Street London W1B 3HH P: 0870 233 2040 www.asmagazine.co.uk We would like to thank the following for their contributions to this magazine:Jeffrey Jones, Robert Israel, Richard Parish
Business Development Manager PAUL WEBSTER
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BACK COPIES
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 prior written consent of AS Magazine. The views and opinions expressed by the contributors to this magazine may not necessarily represent the view of AS Magazine. (c) 2008 Next Phase Media Limited
HOLIDAY DEADLINES December Issue Deadline 3rd December 2008 January Issue Deadline 3rd January 2009
Back copies of the magazine are available for £3 per issue which includes postage in the UK.
AS MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2008
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Samuel French Ltd The play publisher
NEW RELEASES!
The History Boys a full length play by Alan Bennett CAST M11 F1, extras. SCENE A classroom. PERIOD 1980s. An unruly bunch of bright, funny sixth-form boys in pursuit of sex, sport and a place at university. A maverick English teacher at odds with the shrewd supply teacher. A headmaster obsessed with results; a history teacher who thinks he’s a fool. In this award-winning play, staff room rivalry and the anarchy of adolescence provoke insistent questions about history and how you teach it; about education and its purpose.
Money Makes You Happy a one act play by Francis Beckett CAST M3 F4 SCENE A living-room. Jeremy is a writer who is low on ideas and money but when he learns from his ex-girlfriend, Ruth, that he may well be a father he needs financial stability as quickly as possible! Proving it’s not what you know but who you know, he soon has three important clients eager to hire him for some freelance editing. But is that really all they are after, or do they have ulterior motives? A funny, fast-paced and witty play that comments on modern society.
Cinderella a new pantomime by Paul Reakes CAST 16 Principals. Chorus. SCENE Various settings. Cinderella is being forced to carry out the wishes of her cruel stepmother and ugly stepsisters, Prince Charming has long left to travel the world, and Pantomania is now governed by the selfish Duke of Verruca! When the prince returns, the duke refuses to relinquish power and a right royal battle ensues. Luckily, faithful Buttons and his friend Kathy are there to help, while Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother is working wonders to bring her together with her true love. The choice of music is left to the individual director.
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
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NEWS
WATERMILL REACHES £3 MILLION TARGET CAMPAIGNERS battling to secure the future of a threatened theatre are celebrating after hitting their multi-million pound fundraising target. As reported in the Newbury Weekly News, thousands of supporters backed an appeal to raise £3m for The Watermill Theatre after its long-term existence came into question. The Bagnor theatre’s backers this week announced the target has been reached,
securing its immediate future. The chairman of the Save the Watermill Appeal, Ralph Bernard, said it was a “staggering” achievement. He said: “This has been an extraordinary time in the theatre’s history. This is a tremendous achievement for us all and I am very grateful to everyone who has given so generously to the appeal. The theatre is in a terrific position. We can now look forward to an even more
exciting future ahead.” The collection was launched back in 2005 to help sustain the Grade Two Listed theatre, which has gained a reputation as a leading playhouse over the past few years. More than 4,000 individuals, businesses and other donors have contributed to the collection and the appeal inspired enterprising fundraising antics, including sponsored slimmings and amateur dramatics. Money also came through Arts Council donations and other community groups. About £1.6m of collected funds was spent on purchasing the building for trustees, The Watermill Theatre Limited company. New car parks, rehearsals, actors’ accommodation and production and administrative units were all paid for with the donation. It is hoped the campaign, which has been backed by supporters including David Suchet and Dame Judi Dench, will help sustain the theatre’s long-term future. Artistic director Hedda Beeby said: “This is a tremendous achievement and I’d like to thank everyone on behalf of The Watermill team who helped with the appeal. Now The Watermill can continue to build on its heritage, creating a place that will continue to support emerging talent, lead the way in delivering artistic excellence and welcome our very supportive audience.”
ROSE BOWL AWARDS 2008 The annual Rose Bowl Awards Ceremony for amateur drama and music was held on Saturday 19th October 2008 at The Winter Gardens Pavillion at Westonsuper-Mare with around 450 people in attendance. From one hundred and one entries comprising 39 plays, 55 musicals, 4 opera/operettas and 3 Shakespeare productions, nominations in each category had been previously identified by the team of adjudicators who had visited each production at its home base. This year again saw entries received by the Rose Bowl Competition organisers representing five amateur theatre companies ranging from Exeter and Taunton in the West of the region to Dursley in the north and Bath and Bradford-on-Avon to the East. Guest of honour Catherine Johnson, Bristol-based playwright and acclaimed writer of Mamma Mia, presented the awards. BRISTROL HIPPODROME AWARD FOR BEST VARIETY REVUE/PANTO: Failand Drama Circle Bristol - Robin Hood; COUP deTHEATRE AWARD - Neil Bonnett
(Waiters in The Time Of My Life), Kelvin Players Bristol; AARDMAN ANIMATIONS AWARD FOR BEST OPERA/ OPERETTA - Pirates Of Penzance, Yeovil Amateur Op Society; STAGE ELECTRICS AWARD FOR TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT - Girlfriends (Lighting and Sound Fx) Ship & Castle Bristol; BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE - DRAMA - Kate Palmer as Sally Quickly in The Merry Wives Of (Holt) Windsor; BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE -MUSICAL - Dylan Cheasley as Neville Craven in The Secret Garden; WALTER HAWKINS AWARD FOR CREATIVITY & DESIGN - Alice (Costume/Set) Minis Theatre Club; THE EVENING POST AWARD FOR BEST PUBLICITY MATERIAL - Whose Life Is It Anyway?, Kelvin Players; YOUTH AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR - Josh Carter (Scarecrow) The Wizard Of Oz; BARBARA MACRAE AWARD FOR BEST ACTRESS - Lauren Clinch (Bobbie) The Railway Children; JEAN FENNELL AWARD FOR BEST YOUTH PRODUCTION - Titanic, Zenith Youth Theatre Company; JOAN HAWKINS AWARD FOR BEST SHAKESPEAREAN PRODUCTION - As You Like It, Brad-
fordians; JOHN LEWIS AWARD FOR BEST DRAMA ACTOR - Julian O’Sullivan (Anthony Blunt) Single Spies; EILEEN HARTLY HODDER AWARD FOR BEST ACTRESS - Jane Edwards (Mrs Malaprop) The Rivals; CAMERON MACKINTOSH AWARD FOR BEST MUSICAL ACTOR - Ed Creswick (Billy) Carousel; MELANIE EVANS AWARD FOR BEST MUSICAL ACTRESS- Jo McCartney (Katisha) Hot Mikado; JOHN COE AWARD FOR BEST DRAMATIC PRODUCTION - Habeas Corpus, St Albans Players; EVENING POST AWARD FOR BEST MUSICAL - A Chorus Line - Bristol Amateur Operatic Society.
AS MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2008
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NEWS
MARTIN TAKES HIS FINAL BOW MARTIN Vander Weyer has taken his final curtain call after 15 years as director of Helmsley Arts Centre. The new Director is David Powley. During that time Martin has seen it grow from very simple beginnings in a semi-derelict building to become a hub of artistic and social life for the community of Helmsley and its surrounding towns and villages. He has steered the centre through good times and bad - including the fire in August 2000 which destroyed much of what had been achieved in the development of the former Quaker Meeting House over the previous seven years. But within eight months it was rebuilt and it reopened, busier and better than ever, in April 2001. Mr Vander Weyer was also a founder member of the 1812 Theatre Company, the resident amateur drama company of the centre, and one of the instigators of the latest development – the extension to the western end of the building which was officially opened by HRH The Duke of York in October last year. As a farewell and thank you gift, staff and friends at the centre gave him a tree for his garden in Helmsley, where he will continue to live and be involved in many aspects of community life. He now plans to concentrate on his professional careers as a journalist and editor of Spectator Business magazine. Mr Powley is a former head of drama, film and television at the College – now University – of Ripon and York St John in York, and a drama therapist.
PHILLIP FLYS THE FLAG FOR STAGECOACH
Top TV presenter, Phillip Schofield took time out from his busy schedule to help Stagecoach Theatre Arts commemorate its 20th anniversary. Phillip who is Stagecoach’s patron, joined Stephanie Manuel
and David Sprigg, co-founders of Stagecoach at the London Television Centre to mark the occasion. The Walton-on-Thames based Company was formed by actor Stephanie and former banker David in 1988. They franchised the business and today preside over a world - wide business empire with 640 schools in the UK, with operations in Australia, Canada, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Ireland, Malta, Spain and the USA. Stagecoach is all about teaching young people valuable “training for life” through singing, drama and dance. To date some 120,000 students have passed through its doors and amazingly many of them have attended for ten years or more. There are now 40,000 students in the UK. Stephanie says two of the highlights of the past 20 years were in 1996, when Stagecoach won The British Franchise Association’s, Newcomer Award and then in 2000 went on to win the Sir Bernard Ingham Trophy. www.stagecoach.co.uk
PORT TALBOT LITTLE THEATRE HELP VICTORIA WOOD REALISE DINNERLADIES STAGE POTENTIAL Victoria Wood is to launch a stage version of her sitcom Dinnerladies next year. Her new play is based on the second series of the BBC sitcom, which originally aired in 1999, and original stars Shobna Gulati and Andrew Dunn will be reprising their roles as Anita and Tony. The script revolves around the ‘reluctant love story’ between Tony and colleague Bren, egged on by the rest of the kitchen staff. The production will be staged at the Theatre Royal, Windsor, in April 2009 as part of a national tour, although no other dates have yet been announced. Wood, 55, has previously enjoyed West End and touring success with Acorn Antiques: The Musical, which was staged in 2005. She gave permission for the first amateur stage show based on Dinnerladies earlier this year, when Port Talbot Little Theatre performed three episodes of the TV series.
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NEWS
KENT YOUTH HITS THE STREETS To mark the beginning of the 2008 Canterbury Festival a group of talented thespians from the Kent Youth Theatre (KYT) rocked up to entertain the people of Canterbury City. A mere stone’s throw from the Cathedral, outside Cafe Rouge, the StageBugs, the youngest members of Kent Youth Theatre, were the first to dazzle the crowds. With no audio help, the three to seven year old budding actors had to raise their voices to the limit to be heard among the bustle of the city activity. They asked the crowd to “watch us stepping out in style all suited and booted and spangly dangly” before they triumphantly powered through the musical numbers, ending with their show stopping New York, New York dance complete with canes. Hearing the rapturous applause at the end of their fifteen minute performance was the icing on the cake for the children. Next up with their chance to shine were the older children. Instead of putting on a perfected performance, they decided to begin with the attention grabbing rugby style Hakka and then continued to perform improvised pieces and showcase their team building theatre games, all of which involved audience participation. Founder of KYT, Richard Andrews enjoys going against the grain and showing people that there are no rules in art; no reason why people watch while others perform, people listen while people play. He explains: “The arts are there to be shared and enjoyed. Some people do not have the time or money to visit a theatre or go to a concert so it was a pleasure to be able to bring the performance to the people. The KYT kids are positively bursting to find an eager audience and share the joy of experiencing the arts and the
Oxford car plant hosts a brand new Christmas show in a 100 year old Mirror Tent! Han’s Christian Andersen’s Magical Tales 25 November 2008 – 17 January 2009 A fairytale Christmas is on the way as Oxford’s leading theatre company announces its latest show. Following its open-air summer season, Creation Theatre Company’s Christmas show this year will be, Hans Christian Andersen’s Magical Tales performed in the beautiful 100-year old Mirror Tent (Spiegeltent) at BMW Group Plant Oxford from 25 November 2008 until 17 January 2009. After the sell-out success of the company’s Tales from the Brothers Grimm last Christmas this new show will again be performed ‘in the round’, with the action taking place on a circular stage in the centre of this amazingly opulent and unusual tent. The cabaret-style seating allows the audience to sit at small individual candle-lit tables to watch the performance, adding further to the spell-binding experience and audiences can also enjoy refreshments at their table before the show or in the interval.
Canterbury Festival provided the perfect opportunity for them to do this!” With KYT’s 10 year anniversary approaching, Canterbury Festival marks only the first of many ventures that the group has in store for the city and the county. There are a number of exciting developments in the pipeline which will not go by unnoticed! Look out Canterbury, you haven’t seen anything yet! Kent Youth Theatre and Agency was founded by Richard Andrews nearly ten years ago and is committed to giving the students the gift of confidence and the freedom of expression through the arts. Kent Youth Theatre prides itself on nurturing talent but places more importance on the encouragement of individuality, confidence and self-esteem. Christmas 2005 play, The Snow Queen, and most recently she also stepped in to save the show when the company’s leading actress fell ill and Lizzie took over the role of Beatrice at very short notice in Creation’s summer’s production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing at Oxford Castle. The velvet canopies, mirrored roof and ornate pillars and booths of the very special antique Mirror Tent will make the perfect setting for Han’s Christian Andersen’s Magical Tales, creating an enchanting ambience for these well-loved stories. Fantastic adventures, incredible characters and mysterious magic are produced in Creation Theatre Company’s unique and dynamic way. Tickets (which start at only £8.50) for Han’s Christian Andersen’s Magical Tales are on sale now from the Box Office on 01865 766266 or at www.creationtheatre.co.uk.
This Christmas show promises to be a rollercoaster ride through some of Hans Andersen’s best-loved fairytales – including The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Little Mermaid and The Princess and the Pea – as you’ve never seen them before. The brand new script has been written by actress/ writer, Lizzie Hopley, who wrote Creation’s hugely popular
AS MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2008
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as magazine.pdf
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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
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NEWS
The media is full of stories about the credit crunch at the moment. We’ve noticed several stories, such as those below starting to creep into the press, and wondered how the crunch was affecting your company. Please email your stories or feedback to editor@asmagazine. co.uk.
TICKEST SALES DECLINE THREATENS H.O.A.D.S HORSHAM Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (HAODS) could be forced to close after 54 years unless sales pick up significantly for its latest show. Society members say that generally they average 40 to 50 per cent attendance at their performances – but in credit-crunch times it will take 60 per cent to save them now. Their show ‘Crazy For You’ at Horsham’s Capitol Theatre from November 11 to 15 will either bring the curtain down for good or give them the chance to fight another day. Committee member Philip Chadwell said everyone had to believe they had a future but he admitted times were very tough. A 60 per cent attendance would see them break even and would be enough for the moment. But even 60 per cent is difficult to achieve unless you’ve got a show packed with children keen to be seen by parents and grandparents – which ‘Crazy For You’ isn’t. “The issue that we have is that historically we used to be able put posters up in shops around the town,” explained Mr Chadwell. But these days, more and more businesses are chainstores which have to adhere to national policy on posters and increasingly, particularly in credit-crunch times, the stores are keen to focus solely on their own promotions. A further problem is the company can’t just stick posters up on lamp posts in the way other companies do. “As part of our hire arrangement with the council, we undertook not to put posters up in the street. “Year after year after year it gets more difficult,” said Mr Chadwell, who added that they could also end up homeless. They are currently renegotiating their lease on their rehearsal premises at the Broadbridge Heath sports centre and fear it could become too expensive. The budget for the show is around £20,000 which needs to be met by ticket sales. Part of the cost is around £4,000 to £5,000 to perform at the Capitol with hire fee, additional expenses and percentage of tickets. Mr Chadwell said: “The alternative is that we look for a cheaper venue but that would not be as attractive to our audiences.” In more profitable times the society has donated many thousands to local charities and continues to supply reduced price tickets for its productions via the Horsham Lions SCOAP performances. Pictured - HOADS Crazy For You. .
COUNCIL RATE HIKE WOULD CRIPPLE AMATEURS North Berwick Drama Circle has hit out at proposals for a nearly 400 fold increase in the cost of its annual theatre license. The group currently pays a nominal 35 pence a year, but East Lothian Council is considering increasing this to £137.50. This would be one of several increases in public entertainment licences to bring the council’s fees into line with other local authorities. But director and president Margaret Cruik said the price hike would lead to substantial increases in ticket prices for their shows. She is urging other community groups to write to the council and object to the plans. She said: “What they are proposing is absolutely ridiculous. Like most amateur groups, we beg and borrow to keep our costs down and this is an eyewatering increase.” The group is currently rehearsing JB Priestley’s An Inspector Calls, to run from November 25 - 28 at St Andrew Blackadder Church Hall. A council spokesman said he was unable to comment as the council had not yet made a final decision on the licence fees.
AS MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2008
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WIN THE GIFT OF THEATRE
This Christmas dazzle your friends and loved ones with the magical gift of theatre. Theatre Tokens present a limited edition Christmas gift box which promises the recipient an unforgettable experience. The gift box elegantly presents the Theatre Tokens alongside an exclusive leather look 2009 pocket diary and a £10 Superbreak voucher. Theatre Tokens is the national theatre gift voucher product accepted at 230 theatres nationwide, including London’s West End. AS Magazine has 2 Christmas gift boxes to give away, each retailing at £105. To win one of these gifts, simply answer the following question: How many theatres accept Theatre Tokens throughout the country? Send your answers to the AS offices or email your entry to editor@asmagazine.co.uk In addition to the Christmas gift boxes, Theatre Tokens are available in £5, £10, £20 and £50 denominations and can be purchased online at www.theatretokens.com, by calling Tokenline on 0870 164 8800, or in person at participating theatres and a range of retail outlets including selected branches of WHSmith, Waterstone’s, Borders and Booksetc. Christmas gift boxes are only available through Tokenline and www.theatretokens.com.
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10/11/2008 09:29:40
NEWS
GOVERNMENT REPORT ON AMATEUR ARTS RELEASED Following an extensive consultation process, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport have recently released a 92 page report into Amateur Arts groups across England. OUR CREATIVE TALENT: THE VOLUNTARY AND AMATEUR ARTS IN ENGLAND looks at Craft, Dance, Literature, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts for the first time in an effort to understand and analyse this diverse and complex sector of our society. The research looks at the size, make-up and impact of formally organised voluntary and amateur arts groups. There are nearly 50,000 groups across the country with a total of 5.9 million members. An additional 3.5 million people volunteer as extras or helpers – a total of 9.4 million people taking part. The sector has an income of £543m a year. In general, it is not looking for core public funding. Groups are entrepreneurial about generating income, including ticket income, subscriptions, selling programmes, local sponsorship and other fundraising. Groups take pride in this remarkable ability to be self-sustaining and deliver quality artistic product. In 2006/07 groups put on 710,000 performances or exhibitions which attracted 159 million attendances. On average a voluntary and amateur group attracts 220 people to each performance or exhibition. Many of you are heavily involved in a number of ways, 564,000 people have management roles in voluntary arts groups. Planning and developing creative activity which is high quality, engaging and meets the needs of members is complex and challenging. The time, expertise and commitment these individuals invest in the sector is a real asset that, if not delivered for free, would come at a high price. The voluntary arts sector is embedded in the grass roots of local communities and has a complex impact on developing vibrant and inclusive communities. At a time when there is huge competition for time and money, voluntary and amateur groups rely heavily upon the expertise, experience and relationships of their members, their friends, families and the local community, highlighting the value placed on voluntary arts activity.
An additional 3.5 million people participated in voluntary and amateur arts groups in an auxiliary capacity as extras or helpers. 3.5 million women and 2.4 million men are engaged in voluntary and amateur arts. 1.8 million people aged between 45 and 64 take part in voluntary and amateur arts compared to only 506,700 people aged between 16 and 24. 97,100 members of voluntary and amateur arts groups are from a black or minority ethnic (BME) background. 154,000 members of voluntary and amateur arts groups consider themselves to have a disability. 2.4 million voluntary and amateur arts group members are employed (including self-employed). 147,000 people contribute to voluntary and amateur arts groups on a paid basis. 564,000 people undertake a management role within a voluntary or amateur arts group.
Voluntary and amateur groups provide opportunities for people who would not otherwise participate in the arts to do so within their local community. Arts groups are often associated with other groups and activities (such as learning, religious groups, older people’s groups and women’s organisations) and are particularly well placed to engage new audiences and participants in the arts. Appreciation of the artform is the main motivation for participation in a group. There is a belief that the amateur arts are low quality, which is totally at odds with the ambitions of groups who strive for the highest standards and take pride in the quality of their work. This first section of the report provides an overview of the key information about the size and scale of the sector produced by the study. In summary the report found the following:There are approximately 49,140 voluntary and amateur arts groups in England. 5.9 million people participate in voluntary and amateur arts groups across England. Voluntary and amateur arts groups generated a total income of £543m in 2006/07 and incurred expenditure of £406m.
AS MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2008
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FIRST NIGHT INSURANCE
Panto Matters
Robert Israel ACII looks at Pantomime and the imprtant insurance factors that must be taken into consideration when planning your Christmas production. For once in my life I am pleased I am an Insurance Broker and not, for instance, a Stock Broker. From the brief conversations I have had with some of my friends who are Stock Brokers, they have never in their business life ever experienced anything like what has happened to the markets in the last week to ten days. Obviously, the whole thing is very worrying and, to a large extent, completely beyond everybody’s control. If, however, you think that it will not have an effect on the insurance world then I suspect that over the next few years we may find that that is anything but the truth of the matter. The chances of the insurance market escaping without any claims coming in are, in my view, remote. I would think that a number of insurers must be quite concerned but, as with all these things, I am sure the saga will run and run once the dust has settled. This brings me on to the financial strength of the insurers themselves. There are major rating agencies such as Standard & Poors, Moodys and Fitch who produce tables showing the strength of the insurers and all we can do, in my opinion, is to keep watching and take action as and when it is appropriate.
Generally, pantomimes utilise quite a lot of equipment so, if you have an annual Policy and you are hiring in additional equipment for the pantomime season, don’t forget to temporarily increase the sum insured under the Material Damage section of your Policy. Similarly, you may also have Cancellation Insurance cover as a separate section under your Policy and again the costs involved in mounting the pantomime may be higher than for your other productions during the year, so make sure that your limit per production is adequate. It has been brought to my attention that a number of Local Authorities are now requiring incoming theatrical companies to carry a Public Liability Limit of Indemnity of up to £10,000,000. You should therefore check your contract with the Local Authority, if appropriate, to see exactly what indemnity limit they require. It is almost certain that their minimum requirement will now be £5,000,000. The whole financial community in the UK appears to be undergoing massive changes and therefore all I can suggest is that you keep your eye on the ball.
Now on to a happier subject – Pantomime. I would assume that all of your plans are now far advanced and that rehearsals have either commenced, or will be commencing shortly. At around this time of the year, every year, my article is aimed at pantomime productions to try and remind you of any unusual risks that you should remember to declare to your Insurers. I am sure that Amateur Stage have new readers every year so some of what I will now say you will have seen before but I make no apologies for this as, if my notes help just one of you, then I feel that it is a justified use of my article. A lot of the pantomimes we act as Brokers for, admittedly the professional productions, will involve sword fighting and, to a lesser extent, flying. If this is the case with your pantomime you must remember to tell your Insurers and, if you are hiring in flying equipment, you must make sure the equipment comes with the necessary Statutory Inspection Certificates. You need to make sure because, if there is an accident, the Health and Safety Executive will require to see an up-to-date Certificate. If there is sword fighting then I would suggest that you may need to consider increasing any Personal Accident cover your Amateur Insurance Policy may automatically include. There is a chance that there may be no Personal Accident cover in the Policy that you carry and therefore I would strongly suggest that this class of cover is arranged. The benefits may be difficult to decide upon, and a lot will depend on the individuals who you are trying to insure. As far as the Public Liability Insurance section of your Policy is concerned, if you are intending to use animals in your pantomime you must tell your Insurer because there could be a livestock exclusion. If you are using pyrotechnics, again you will need to tell your Insurer, but first check to make sure that you are using theatrical pyrotechnics and that the person using the pyrotechnics is experienced in their usage.
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TECHNICAL
Sound Advice
Dan Herbert examines how your choice of radio microphone can be one of the most crucial production decisions. In the past providing every actor with a radio microphone was something only shows in professional theatres could do. The cost of purchasing or hiring more than one or two systems, along with having enough mixer channels, made this almost impossible except in a few instances outside of these environments.
microphones in front of the performer’s face, as most of the costume designs had headgear. With the microphones placed directly in front of the performers’ mouths, it wasn’t so far removed from conventional studio techniques but with movement.
Nowadays, the cost of radio microphone systems has dramatically reduced with more and more manufacturers making low cost systems, capable of switching between up to 16 channels. Suddenly providing every actor with their own personal radio microphone is possible (gone are the days of swapping the only two microphone systems you have between the two leads and everyone else).
It has been noted in recent years that being able to see the microphone on the performer is becoming more acceptable, with West End shows opting to use EarSet or headset microphones as part of the design and look of the show (like in Tonight’s the Night - The Rod Stewart Musical). As a result this provides opportunities for amateur shows to make the same choices. Proel make an EarSet mic similar to that of the Countryman alternative but again for a 1/3rd of the price.
Now that it has become possible to mic up so many actors, the next question facing the sound designer/operator is which model do you choose? Many designers would opt for the directional model, although this may not be the most suitable and has its draw backs, an omni may give a better performance because of its sonic qualities, low wind and pop noise and lack of proximity effect. The directional model will give you a higher gain-to-feedback ratio, although is more likely to feedback at high frequencies where omni’s commonly feedback in the lower mid-range or bass.
Most West End shows are using either DPA, Countryman or Sennheiser microphones with their radio systems and each has a different sound, this comes down to the sound designers personal opinion of the manufacturers microphones and their uses. Countryman microphones are available with all mainstream connector types and come in a variety of colours (black, cocoa, grey, light beige, tan and white), and the B3 is half the price of their Sennheiser equivalents. Gone are the days of using the standard black cabled omni-directional lavalier microphones shipped with the system!
Another factor when choosing which microphone to use is sensitivity, a microphone more sensitive to catch soft sounds means it will overload sooner for loud sounds. Sound pressure levels vary between individuals and applications, some manufacturers such as Countryman, provide three sensitivities with three overload or clipping characteristics. Each is more suited to specific requirements, for example purely for speech or for powerful vocals, if you were to use too high a sensitivity for powerful vocals then you would experience clipping or overload.
It’s worth noting that you generally get what you pay for when it comes to audio equipment and with microphones it’s the same, the cheaper the microphone the less quality the sound . What you have to remember is that a system will only sound as good as its weakest item, you may have good quality speakers but if your microphone is budget it will sound like a budget system.
The position of the microphone is imperative, there are many tricks of the trade for microphone placement, from attaching the capsule to a hair clip, to attaching the mic to a hat. The musical Starlight Express presented a chance to place lavalier
If you have any questions relating to this article or you are after advice on another subject, I’d be only to happy to advise you. You can contact me by email at dan@dsavltd.co.uk
For further details on Countryman microphones, visit www. countryman.com or www.dsavltd.co.uk
AS MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2008
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THE PLAY PRODUCED
STONES IN HIS POCKETS The Company
I formed Lighted Fools Theatre Company in 2002 following an early retirement from teaching. I had been involved in amateur theatre, in the Guildford and Woking area, where I’d been a member of a number of groups for over 40 years but after a move to West Sussex, I decided to start my own company, using experienced performers and technicians with whom I had worked in the past. The aim was to mount small scale productions to ‘tour’ to smaller venues across the two counties and to enter the occasional festival. We began with a festival production of Kathy Mead’s ‘Reckoning’ and met with a good deal of success, reaching the Divisional Final of the AETF where we went out as Runner-Up to the eventual winner of the English Final. Productions of ‘The Beauty Queen of Leenane’, ‘Noel and Gertie’, ‘Skylight’, ‘The Shakespeare Revue’, ‘Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell’, ‘A Number’ and ‘April in Paris’ followed. In 2006, our production of Caryl Churchill’s acclaimed play on human cloning, ‘A Number’, was first presented as a main production but then entered for a number of festivals where it won nine awards and received seven nominations on its way to an invitation to take part in the NDFA’s, 2007 All-Winners Festival at Llandrindod Wells.
The Competition
I had seen a touring production of ‘Stones In His Pockets’ in 2003 and knew that the play, although a tremendous challenge for both cast and production team, would be a terrific choice for Lighted Fools. The competition, run by Nick Hern Books in conjunction with ‘Amateur Stage’ to celebrate the amateur release of the play, was an attractive proposition and we were both surprised and delighted to win the prize of five royalty-free performances.
The Play
The play tells the story of a rural community in Ireland which is used as a location for a Hollywood epic. Many of the locals are recruited as extras. As the filming takes over the village and the leading lady decides to do some character research and meet the locals down the pub, the differences in lifestyle between Hollywood and the small village in County Kerry become painfully clear. Narrated through the eyes of Charlie and Jake, two extras who have secret ambitions of their own, this is basically a very funny play. However, the exploitation of land and people is exposed in the tragic storyline of a young man from the village whose disillusionment with his own future is aggravated, with devastating results, by the insensitive and arrogant attitude of the film crew. Marie Jones has written, “The play’s about how the film affects people’s lives when it’s there, when it goes. The two cultures are entirely different. You have a small town mentality and you have big major stars coming in from Hollywood. When you’re
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in a movie, there could be a major war going on, but that would not matter. The most important thing is getting the movie made. These poor people in the play are going, ‘It’s only a film. Why is everyone getting so carried away?’ In my play, when an important thing happens to the town, that’s where there’s a clash and a conflict between the cultures.”
Casting
A good deal of the play’s humour derives from the fact that just two actors play all fifteen characters. The two players must be superb technicians who can create many different characters both male and female and utilize a number of different accents. The transitions from character to character should be seamless without the assistance of changes in costume or make-up. They must be able to cope with, in one case, a Northern Irish accent and in the other, a Southern. I also felt that there should be physical contrasts in appearance and size. If that is not enough, they must be skilful enough dancers to carry out an Irish dance which prompts the remark from one character in the play – ‘At least the Irish know how to dance!’ Casting for Lighted Fools productions is always by invitation. David Webb, who had played a number of roles with the Company and who is an extremely able and versatile performer was a ‘natural’ for Charlie. To join him, I was lucky enough to secure the services of Adam Roberts, an equally gifted player whose performances I had often admired but with whom I had not worked before. An advantage of casting these two was that
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THE PLAY PRODUCED
they had recently performed together with another company and obviously had a good rapport. One thing about which I was very clear right from the start was that this was going to be a rehearsal process which would require a good deal of input from the actors. I certainly got that – their creative input was invaluable - we worked superbly as a team and enjoyed, along the way, a great deal of fun! I can foresee, in companies where the open audition is the more normal method of casting, some long and soul-searching sessions but so long as the director has in mind the essential playing qualities I have outlined here and which I achieved in my ready-made ‘package’, he or she should be well on the way to making the right choice.
Staging
The keyword with ‘Stones’ and some, perhaps, would argue with any play is – simplicity. One quickly realises when approaching this piece that all the technical elements have to work simply and subtly in order to allow the actors to tell the story. It is pretty complicated for the audience to follow the swift character changes anyway, so everything should be there to help the actors tell the story, not to overwhelm or confuse the storytelling with too much needless technical business. Our setting was an open stage with somewhat of a ‘pastoral’ feel to it. An open cyclorama with projected clouds, a ground row depicting fields, the ocean and the distant Blasket Islands,
a couple of large lanterns on stands and some clutter of cable sufficed to give the open-country / film-set feel. I debated about using the collection of a variety of boots and shoes that had been a feature of the original production’s setting and finally decided they did add something by giving an ever - present impression of the many ‘extras’ on the film. The only furniture we used was a traditional lighting flight box. Being on castors, this had the enormous advantage of being pushed or placed anywhere on set, swiftly and as part of the action to become, chair, table, teacher’s desk, costume basket, bed, coffin, minibus seat, church pew or whatever.
Lighting
Lighting changes were kept to a minimum. I felt it would be distracting to be continually changing the lighting to follow the ever changing locations, so decided to use a general outdoor wash with clouds projected on to the cyc for most of the scenes and only subtly changing the colour wash, removing the clouds, using an appropriate window gobo and restricting the acting area a little for interior scenes like the pub, chapel, schoolroom and Caroline’s bedroom. The filming sequences were highlighted with full, harsh lighting snapping on and off utilising the lanterns on stands. Sean’s reading of his essay on cows was played in a shaft of light and the flashback to when Sean and Fin were kids, in an area highlighted with a leaf gobo.
Sound and Music
Sound effects were, as with lighting, kept to a minimum.
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THE PLAY PRODUCED
To assist the pastoral setting I wanted to establish at the beginning, I used birdsong rather than music to open the play and the second act. The only other effect used was a school bell when Jake visits Father Gerard. Suitable music for the film sequences is essential, particularly that which is used as background to, turf-digging, galloping horses, eviction and ‘looking dispossessed’! I was lucky enough to find a tape of traditional Celtic music and was able to choose a suitable track or short phrase for all the specific requirements, including the romantic music for Caroline’s bedroom. A couple of Country and Western songs were used as background to the pub scene, organ music for the chapel scene and a track from a CD entitled ‘Serenity - Voyage of Fantasy’ for the scene when Jake discovers Caroline practising yoga. I delayed the moment for Caroline to turn this off so that it was played under a very seductive and amusing sequence of ‘her’ preparing his coffee and persuading him to assist her with her accent! A track entitled ‘The Three Tunes’ from a ‘Best of Irish’ CD provided the variety needed for the dance.
Properties
An early and perhaps obvious decision taken was that there would be no props – everything would be mimed. Having said that, however, the one prop that is central to so much of the story is Charlie’s film script and this we decided to have, enabling him to produce it as a prominent feature at the appropriate moments.
Costume
There is no time at all to make costume changes to show the different characters. However, ‘They start to undress and get into their day clothes during the following dialogue and ‘They take their extras clothes off’ are clearly asked for in the script. With this in mind, we gave Charlie and Jake a basic costume of shirt, trousers, waistcoat, jacket and boots which contrasted in
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colour. When they became extras they changed the waistcoat and jacket donning something older in style and certainly more moth-eaten. This happened a total of three times so a little dramatic licence is called for, all the requests Marie Jones makes being nigh on impossible to achieve. Charlie had a cap which he wore most times he was an extra and hid in his jacket pocket when it was not needed.
Rehearsals
Wherever possible, I like to rehearse in all-day sessions from 10.30am to 4.30pm with a half-hour lunch break at around 1.00pm. These sessions are planned for either Saturday or Sunday and where cast work commitments allow, and on ‘Stones’ they did, during the week as well. Occasionally, the weekday evening two-hour rehearsal is slotted in but nothing beats the luxury of being able to rehearse all day. The rehearsals for ‘Stones’ were challenging, exhausting but above all, highly creative and enjoyable. This is not a play where the Director can arrive at the first rehearsal with the moves all neatly plotted and follow a schedule of blocking rehearsals, blocking runs, character interpretation sessions and finally full act and whole play runs. This is a play that develops on the rehearsal floor. Although I had a basic shape to the piece in mind and had made one or two pre-rehearsal decisions about the staging and presentation, we were developing, creating and pruning all the time. We started the schedule with four or five readings. Normally I would plan for one, at the most two, before beginning to block the play. These readings were invaluable in helping the two actors to ‘find’ the voices and accents for the different characters they portray. It was interesting to note that by the time we reached the fourth and fifth reading, they were wanting to begin to stand and to make some preliminary attempts at
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THE PLAY PRODUCED someone who is not actually there, dancing with other people who are not there, waiting in a chapel, with other members of the congregation, for a funeral to start, greeting other guests at a wake and so on and so forth all need careful attention. Finally, the dance. This is not a comic turn badly done but an exhilarating and hilarious set piece where Charlie and Jake dance an elaborate wedding jig for the movie, dancing as different characters as well as themselves. This must be set and rehearsed by an experienced choreographer and a good deal of time needs to be put aside for it. I used a part of this for the curtain call as well! Putting all these aspects of rehearsal together into whole act and complete play runs where the actors are able to make the piece their own, find some continuity and run with it, then formed the more conventional final stages of the schedule.
Conclusion
After one performance, we held a ‘Talkback’ session for those from the audience that night who wished to stay to discuss what they had seen. This is something we’ve done before when the content or style of the play warrants some discussion. It was an interesting half hour in which the focus was on our rehearsal process. During the course of the discussion both actors revealed something the three of us had realised all along – this was perhaps the most challenging project any of us had ever undertaken. movement. This I allowed as a natural progression into our early blocking rehearsals. Now I introduced the ‘shape’ I had in mind but this was only very basic and we found ourselves constantly developing and changing it. It was a good three or four weeks into rehearsal before we settled on the final moves allowing ourselves the luxury of cementing these but never afraid to hone and change right up to the last minute. We took this production to two venues. At the second, there was a thrust stage and we had to do some re-blocking before our first performance there. We set aside two or three sessions early in the schedule when we rehearsed only those scenes involving Charlie and Jake. We felt it important to establish the development of the relationship between these two before worrying how the other characters fitted in with them. This was a very valuable part of the process. Having got Jake and Charlie pretty well established, time could then be spent on ‘fixing’ the other characters, their walks, physical appearances, mannerisms etc. It is so important that these characters are as real as Jake and Charlie. In no way must they be allowed to become caricatures. One of the most important parts of rehearsal was discovering ways of assisting the actors in their sometimes instant character changes. To be convincing, these must be virtually seamless. The main method we used was for one character to pass behind another, so emerging the other side as a different character or for one to pass in front of the other, allowing the one behind to change. It is amazing how effective such a simple movement can be. Another way was for there to be a turn or larger sweeping movement for the transformation to take place. On one or two occasions there was nothing else for an actor to do but change instantly ‘before our very eyes’, as it were! Doing away with properties and other actors to play the other characters takes away the conventional props of acting and it is well worth spending some sessions on mime. Preparing a cup of coffee, getting into, out of and riding in a minibus, talking to
How successful were we? We played to excellent houses at our first venue and sold out, with a waiting list for returns at the second. During the days that followed our final performance I received so many positive comments. It’s difficult to improve on - ‘Congratulations on a wonderful production – what a treat to go and see an amateur show that had flare, talent and creativity in spades!’ and ‘It was a fabulous play and a wonderful evening’s entertainment!’ I can offer no better recommendation than ‘Stones In His Pockets’ to a company who likes a challenge. It’s a wonderful vehicle for two versatile actors prepared to work tirelessly on a piece where the imagination need know no bounds. Thank-you Nick Hern Books and ‘Amateur Stage’ for making it possible for us! Richard Parish - Lighted Fools Theatre Company http://lighted-fools.co.uk/
.%7 $6$
3UCCESS WITH 7IGS
%DUCATION AND 4RAINING AS MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2008
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NEWS
NEXT STAGE TAKES ON LONDON’S WEST END AFTER OFF-BROADWAY TRIUMPH
Ann Garner formed the company almost 15 years ago with aim of producing the sort of cutting edge drama which at that time amateur dramatic groups just did not do.
Max Appleton will take the lead role with Richard Matthews as his bisexual lover. Gill Kirk will play the long-suffering girlfriend while Kay Franksen will play the Jewish mother. The three plays, which also star 18-year-old Tom Ash-Miles will be directed by Mrs Garner herself. She said: “I still cannot quite believe that 15 years on we will actually be playing in London’s West End. Fifteen years ago I could not have done this play. It is a measure of how the climate has changed that we can now stage this sexually explict play in Bath. The other thing is of course that you could not do the play without such good young actors as Tom Babbage and Tom Ash-Miles.”
Torch Song Trilogy, three interlinked plays about a drag queen, will be performed first at the company’s home in Bath - the Mission Theatre in Corn Street. Then on Monday May 18 the group will transfer to the Jermyn Street Theatre just off Haymarket and Picadilly for a two-week run. The cast of non-professional actors includes 15-year-old schoolboy Tom Babbage from Bathford, who walked into the theatre off the street last year and said he wanted to be an actor. He appears in the third and the least sexually explicit of the three plays. Harvey Fierstein’s play portraying the alternately moving and funny life and loves of a drag queen provided actor Anthony Sher with both the London Standard and Olivier awards for Best Actor in 1985.
The invitation to perform in London’s West End came as a result of the company’s recent hugely successful off-Broadway run in New York. At the end of July Next Stage opened to rave reviews when it took an Alan Ayckbourn production to the prestigious Midtown International Theatre Festival in the heart of New York theatreland. There on the first night watching the Bath actors performing Intimate Exchanges was Margot Astrachan, a key producer but more importantly the woman who is responsible for bringing key off-Broadway shows into the West End. Ms Astrachan said that the Next Stage production was one of the best things to be seen in the festival. And when the company returned home to Bath, negotiations for the West End opening began.
An ambitious Bath theatre group is to perform on the West End stage. The Next Stage Theatre Company will be making its debut in London’s theatreland next May with a trilogy of sexually explicit plays about homosexuality. The group will be in London on the very day that its members celebrate its 15th birthday.
Next Stage Off Broadway
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AS MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2008
10/11/2008 09:37:24
Love grows in the most unexpected places
NEWS
Poland 1942. Where freedom was found through imagination. Where hope and laughter could conquer fear. Where love knew no boundaries.
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21 10/11/2008 09:37:41
DO YOU WANT PLAYS THAT WIN FESTIVALS & ENTHRAL, ENGAGE & ENTERTAIN YOUR AUDIENCE? OR ARE YOU JUST LOOKING FOR A PLAY TO PERFORM IN-HOUSE OR TOUR WITH? EITHER WAY CONTACT
LES CLARKE
NATIONAL AWARD WINNING PLAYWRIGHT SEEN HERE RECEIVING THE GEOFFREY WHITWORTH TROPHYFOR “THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN BOXES” BEST ORIGINAL PLAY IN THE ALL ENGLAND ONE-ACT PLAY FESTIVAL
LES HAS ALSO WON THE NATIONAL DRAMA FESTIVALS ASSOCIATION-THE GEORGE TAYLOR MEMORIAL AWARD, THE DRAMA ASSOCIATION OF WALES OPEN SECTION, THE SCOTTISH COMMUNITY DRAMA ASSOCIATION “PLAY ON WORDS” PLAYWRITING COMPETITION, BOGNOR REGIS DRAMA CLUB PLAYWRITING COMPETITION & MANY, MANY MORE AWARDS LES’S PLAYS HAVE BEEN PERFORMED ACROSS ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, IRELAND & WALES & AS FAR AWAY AS SPAIN & NEW ZEALAND VISIT HIS WEBSITE AT WWW.LESCLARKEPLAYS.CO.UK TO ENQUIRE ABOUT HIS AWARD WINNING PLAYS NOVAS12-20.indd 12
10/11/2008 09:38:15
NEW PLAY RELEASES
FULL LENGTH PLAYS THE COAST OF UTOPIA By Max Frisch, translation by Alistair Beaton Cast M4 F4, Chorus Scene: A Living Room, An attic Period 1930 - 50s Agent: Samuel French Fires are becoming something of a problem, but Biedermann has it all under control. A respected member of the community with a loving wife and a flourishing business, he believes nothing can get to him. Being the great philanthrope, he is happy to fulfil his civic duty and give shelter to two new houseguests, and when they start filling the attic with petrol drums he’ll help them wire the fuse. Beaton’s modern translation of Max Frisch’s parable about our accommodating the very thing that will destroy us premiered at the Royal Court in 2007. ISBN 978 1 408 10393 7 THE HISTORY BOYS By Alan Bennett Cast M11, F1 Extras Scene: A Classroom Period 1980’s Agent: Samuel French An unruly bunch of bright, funny, sixth form boys in pursuit of sex, sport and a place at university. A maverick English teacher at odds with the young and shrewd supply teacher. A headmaster obsessed with results; a history teacher who thinks he’s a fool. In Alan Bennett’s multi award winning play, staff room rivalry and the anarchy of adolescence provoke insistent questions about history and how you teach it; about education and its purpose. First performed at the National Theatre of London in 2004, the play subsequently enjoyed a hughly successful world tour and a critically acclaimed season on Broadway. ISBN 978 0 571 2264 4 PRESCRIPTION FOR MURDER By Norman Robbins Cast M3 F4 Scene A Living Room Agent: Samuel French In the seemingly quiet town of Bere Knighton there is never a dull moment for Dr Richard Forth. Not only does he have a hectic work schedule and an awkward yet close friendship with his ex-girlfriend, Julia, but his wife Barbara, is constantly ill and nobody knows what is wrong with her. Richard has run every test he can think of and is now starting to believe her symptoms are purely psychological. When Eric Dawson, a stranger, claims to have known Richard’s second fiancee - a woman Richard claims does not exist - Barbara’s health worsens still, and she isn’t the only one. With bad luck spreading almost as quickly as bad news, it becomes apparent somebody is out to kill Barbara, and anyone else who gets in their way. This thriller by Norman Robbins is sure to keep you guessing until the inevitable, yet unpredictable, final twist in the end. ISBN 978 0 573 11338 3 THE TITFIELD THUNDERBOLT By Philip Goulding based on the original Ealing comedy screenplay by T E B Clarke. Cast M10 F4 Scene - Various simple settings Period 1952 Agent: Samuel French
The classic 1953 Ealing comedy film has been imaginatively adapted for the stage by Philip Goulding. A group of villagers, finding that their branch railway line is about to be axed, decide to buy the railway and run it themselves. As well as convincing the railway authorities that they are competent they face problems from Vernon Crump who is set on providing a competetive bus service. The large cast can be doubled and the special effects required can be achieved in several suggested ways. The music for the song composed by Alan Edward Williams is contained in the acting edition. ISBN 978 0 573 11441 0 HEDDA By Henrik Ibsen. Adaptation by Lucy Kirkwood Cast M3 F4 Scene: A Notting Hill Flat Period: Present Day Agent: Nick Hern Books Hedda, still mourning for the father she adored, returns from honeymoon with a husband she doesn’t love, to a flat and a pregnancy she doesn’t want. Trapped by her past and terrified of her future, bored by her life but too cowardly to walk away from it, she finds herself caught between three men. In the end something has to give. In this new version by Lucy Kirkwood, Ibsen’s nineteenth century heroine is relocated to present day London to startling effect. Like a freshly cleaned old master, Hedda and her predicament emerge with new force and psychological truth. ISBN 978 1 84842 020 5 THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE By Alecky Blythe M1 F4 Scene - A Flat in Bournemouth Period: Present Day Agent: Nick Hern Books Tessa has set up a business: a brothel where mature women specialise in offering the ‘Girlfriend Experience’ a suprisingly caring and sympathetic service. As the women stoically strive to make a living in a competitive market, their personal lives start to crumble. Will they ever have loving relationships outside work and enjoy being girlfriends themselves? The play premiered at the Royal Court in London and was created entirely from conversations recorded inside an actual brothel, edited and replicated constage in all their uncanny verisimilitude. ISBN 978 1 85459 526 3
ONE ACTS PLAYS JUST PASSING By Colin and Mary Crowther Cast M1 F1, 1 other M or F Scene: A Park Love story or ghost? This warm, wise and witty play shows a man and a woman meeting, apparently on a park bench, apparently to say goodbye. But who is leaving and why? It seems that for all their squabling they were happily married once, until a road accident landed him in a nursing home. Now
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NEW PLAY RELEASES he must move away and she must move on. ISBN 978 0 573 12127 2 A SMALL FAMILY MURDER By Simon Brett Cast M4 - can be performed as one man show. Elderly Valerie Trevelyan is murdered in her nursing home and the two key suspects are her sons, Gavin and Miles. It’s obvious there’s no love lost between them and they had the motive and opportunity to kill their mother. As detectives interview the sons and their senile father the distinctive characters each tell a different story. Deep secrets from the past are uncovered and the clues begin to mount up - clearly leading to one person. But is he the murderer or has he been framed? This can be performed with three actors and a male voice over or as a male monologue. ISBN 978 0 573 14220 8 MONEY MAKES YOU HAPPY By Francis Beckett Cast M3 F4 Scene A living room Agent - Samuel French Jeremy is a writer who is low on ideas and money but when he learns from his ex-girlfriend, Ruth, that he may well be a father he needs financial stability as quickly as possible! Proving it’s not what you know but who you know, he soon has three important clients eager to hire him for some freelance editing. But is that really all they are after, or do they have ulterior motives? A funny, fast paced, witty and modern play that comments on modern society. ISBN 978 0 573 02388 0 MONOLOGUE By Harold Pinter Cast M1 Scene - simple set Agent Samuel French
Based on the play Breath Of Spring by Peter Coke, Adapted by Joe Masteroff. Cast: Ensemble Cast Orchestration: 11 Scenes: A stage, a cafe, a hotel room, a fur salon, a hotel lobby, a chapel. In this rare and rich celebration of age, a group of 70 year olds decide to liven things up in their retirement hotel by becoming a shoplifting gang. They discover that heisting mink returns the juices of youth and converts their drab hotel into a palace. Songs include “Coffee in a cardboard cup”, “Go visit your grandmother” and “Yes” PAGEANT Book and Lyrics by Bill Russell and Frank Kelly Music by Albert Evans Conceived by Robert Longbottom. Cast M7 Scene: Various simple settings Agent: Samuel French One of the rowdiest farces ever to take the stage, Pageant pits six wacky beauty queens (played by six men plus a seventh as the compere) against each other in the Glamouresse cosmetic company’s annual extravaganza. They sing, dance and samp it up in evening gowns and bathing suits, perform in the most devastatingly hilarious beauty contest and hawk the sponsor’s imaginative products. Whilst les girls compete in the funniest beauty content ever, judges selected from the audience score them to decide who will be crowned Miss Glamouresse.
A man is talking to an empty chair, presumably where an old friend of his is sitting. They once were close but now he yearns for the friendship they previously shared. It seems they fell out after they both got involved with the same woman - one fell in love with her soul, the other, her body. It has been a long time since he has seen either his friend or the woman, and this ambitious monologue gives clues rather than answers about the frame of mind of the man and what happens between the characters. This play was first shown on BBC Television in 1973. ISBN 978 0 571 23223 9
MUSICALS RUTHLESS Book and lyrics by Joel Paley Music by Marvin Laird Cast M1 F5/6 Scene: Unit Set Orchestration: 4 Agent: Samuel French Eight year old Tina Denmark knows she was born to play Pippi Longstocking and she will do anything to win the part in her school musical. Anything includes murdering the leading lady! This agressively outrageous musical hit garnered rave reviews during its long Off-Broadway run. 70, GIRLS, 70 Book by David Thompson and Norman L Martin Music by John Kander. Lyrics by Fred Ebb
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AS MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2008
10/11/2008 09:40:05
latest popular comedies from derek benfield OVER MY DEAD BODY!
(M2: 69,40’s. F4: 60,60,40,30) “As with all Derek Benfield’s work his new comedy is wholesome and guarranteed to provide family audiences with a delightful evening in the theatre” - Charles Vance
FIRST THINGS FIRST
(M3: 40’s. F3: 30,40,60) Another riot of comedic fun from the author of Beyond A Joke, Looks Who’s Talking and Anyone for Breakfast?
FUNNY BUSINESS
(M4: 50’s, 40,70,60. F2: 40’s) The riotous sequel to the ever popular Bedside Manners in which we meet again the hilarious Ferris who was first created by the late great facical genius John Inman. “The pace is relentless in this merry mixture of comic chaos” Oxford Times
FRENCH’S THEATRE BOOKSHOP 52 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 5JR Tel: 020 7255 4300 FAX: 020 7387 2161
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WEST END PREVIEWS
SPRING AWAKENING TO OPEN AT LYRIC HAMMERSMITH The Lyric Hammersmith presents the European premiere of Spring Awakening for a five week run from 23 January 2009. Based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial play, it will feature an original, Grammy Award-winning score by composer Duncan Sheik and lyricist Steven Sater. A year-long casting search and a series of workshops at the Lyric have brought together a cast comprising of 16 – 24 year olds from throughout the UK, many of whom are making their professional stage debut. The cast includes: Aneurin Barnard, Lucy Barker, Natasha Barnes, Chris Barton, Jamie Blackley, Hayley Gallivan, Natalie Garner, Mona Goodwin, Evelyn Hoskins, Edd Judge, Harry McEntire, Jamie Muscato, Gemma O’Duffy, Iwan Rheon, Jos Slovick, Richard Southgate and Charlotte Wakefield. The actors playing the adult roles will be announced shortly. Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater have written a highly original score of contemporary songs which, under the direction of Michael Mayer, and with the choreography of Bill T. Jones, will bring the story of Melchior, a brilliant young teenage student, his troubled friend Moritz, and Wendla, a beautiful young girl on the verge of womanhood, to the British stage. Set against a backdrop of religious and parental repression in 19th century Germany, this fusion of morality, sexuality, and young love reaches out across generations to everyone who has experienced the adolescent journey of personal discovery and sexual awakening. David Farr, Artistic Director at the Lyric Hammersmith, saw the Atlantic Theater Company’s production at the start of its run in New York. He has now asked the entire creative team behind the original production to find a new generation of young British talent to perform the musical on the London stage. David Farr said: “we at the Lyric are proud of our collaborative approach to making theatre and are celebrated for the modern
and diverse audience that we reach with our work. The Spring Awakening team are ground-breaking artists and we’re thrilled to be working alongside them to bring this extraordinary work to the London stage. It is truly a musical for everyone.” On transferring from the off-Broadway Atlantic Theater Spring Awakening became an overnight sensation. It has grossed over $50 million at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Box Office and finishes its Broadway run in January 2009. Another production is touring cities in the US. The Lyric Hammersmith will present the European premiere with the original creative team. Further productions are planned world-wide and a major film version is also in development. Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King Street, London W6 0QL Dates: Friday 23 January – Saturday 28 February 2009 Tickets: £15 – £30 Previews: £10 all performances 23 Jan – 4 Feb Suitable for ages 14+ Box Office: 0871 22 117 22 or www.lyric.co.uk (calls cost 10p per min, no booking fees) Public Booking for Spring Awakening is open
Douglas Hodge and Denis Lawson are joined by Tracie Bennett in the role of Jacqueline who has recently been seen in her Olivier Award winning performance in Hairspray, and Paula Wilcox in roles of Mme Renaud and Mme Dindon. Paula is best known for her roles in TV’s The Liver Birds and Man About The House. Douglas Hodge will be reprising the role of Albin, for which he won unanimous critical acclaim, and is joined by Denis Lawson in the role of Georges.
LA CAGE TRANSFERS TO WEST END FOR LIMITED SEASON The Menier Chocolate Factory’s record-breaking, sold out production of La Cage Aux Folles has begun rehearsals for its transfer to the West End for a strictly limited season at the Playhouse Theatre.
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La Cage aux Folles proved an enormous hit with audiences when it opened at the Menier Chocolate Factory at the end of last year. All tickets for the run sold out in advance of opening night. Due to popular demand, the production has been reconceived for the Playhouse Theatre. La Cage aux Folles is booking through until January 10th 2009. Exclusively at the Playhouse Theatre, audiences members aged 18+ will be able to purchase cabaret seating at the front of the stalls and experience La Cage aux Folles from within. Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, WC2N 5DE. Box Office: 0870 060 6631 Website: www.lacagelondon.com
AS MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2008
10/11/2008 09:41:11
BOOKS ACTORS YEARBOOK 2009
Edited by Simon Dunmore and Chris Denys Methuen Drama ISBN 978 1 4081 0463 7 Actor’s Yearbook is the annual comprehensive reference guide to acting for television, film and theatre. It lists contact names and addresses for all sections of the acting world, from agents to production companies. Articles and commentaries provide a valuable insight into the profession. The 2009 edition includes many new articles including: “The Essentials of Screen Acting” by international acting and voice coach, Mel Churcher, and “Physical and Mental Fitness for Actors” by Alex Cann. This edition also includes far more contacts in the tv and film industry and a foreward by Christine Payne, General Secretary of Equity. This is an essential resource for actors and anyone involved in the industry, from those just embarking on a career, to experienced actors who may be unfamiliar with certain areas of the profession.
PAST IT NOTES
Maureen Lipman ISBN 978 190621775 4 JR Books This is the first book for nine years from the bestselling author and award-winning actress - the ultimate Lipman Collection. All Maureen’s previous books have been bestsellers. In her inimitable, stylish, witty way, Maureen entertains us with stories from her personal and professional life over the last 25 years an autobiographical feast for her many fans. It is serial, full-scale author promotion. Life, the Lipman way is always unexpected, and the hilarious and witty way in which she recalls her adventures and misadventures has made her a bestselling author and national treasure. Her self-deprecatingly titled “Past-it Notes” is the ultimate Maureen Lipman Collection, drawing on choice material from her six previous books (revisited and re-worked) and lacing this with a heady dose of extremely funny new autobiographical material. ”Past-it Notes” is packed with beguiling showbiz anecdotes, wonderful stories, eccentric characters, bizarre situations and memorable encounters - all recalled and recorded with gusto and relish. To compliment all this, Maureen has also included affectionate recollections of her late husband, the playwright Jack Rosenthal, and of her mother and muse, the inimitable Zelma, source of so much rich comic material. From entertaining the neighbours at the age of four with impressions of Alma Cogan to entertaining the nation on TV, from struggling with her laptop to film-roles and award-winning stage triumphs such as re-Joyce and Oklahoma (and even the Vagina Monologues!) - and not forgetting her iconic creation Beattie, star of thirty five British Telecom commercials - Maureen combines stories of her whirlwind professional life, and confessions of the chaos that
often threatens to engulf her personal life, with a style and wit that is utterly and uniquely her own.
THE LETTERS OF NOEL COWARD Edited By Barry Day Metheun Drama ISBN 978 1 4081 0675 4
With virtually all the letters in this volume previously unpublished - this is a revealing new insight into the private life of a legendary figure. Coward’s multi-faceted talent as an actor, writer, composer, producer and even as a war-time spy(!), brought him into close contact with the great, the good and the merely ambitious in film, literature and politics. With letters to from the likes of: George Bernard Shaw, Virginia Woolf, Winston Churchill, Greta Garbo (she wrote asking him to marry her), Marlene Dietriech, Ian Fleming, Graham Greene, Evelyn Waugh, Fred Astaire, Charlie Chaplin, FD Roosevelt, the Queen Mother and many more, the picture that emerges is a series of vivid sketches of Noel Coward’s private relationships, and a re-examination of the man himself. Barry Day is widely regarded as the leading authority on Coward. He has been an advisor to the Coward estate for over 20 years and is the only person with unlimited access to the Coward archive.
NOEL COWARD - IN HIS OWN WORDS Compiled and Introduced by Barry Day Metheun Drama ISBN 978 1 4081 0758 4
‘In my time I have said some noteworthy and exceptionally memorable things’ Noel Coward. A delightful and revealing collection of quotations from the masterwordsmith, Noel Coward. In his plays, verse, song lyrics, stories and everyday life, he chose his words to uniquely stylish and truthfuleffect. This insightful portrait includes not only his best-loved witticisms, bons mots andl yrics but also excerpts from his private papers and hidden gems from unpublished material. Barry Day delves into the whole range of Coward’s talents, as well as his thoughts on theatre, England, the Arts, religion, life and the man himself. In His Own Words displays the usual frivolity, and a surprising capacity for depth and compassion.
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DIARY
DIARY
November 2008 - January 2009 A Bride in the Hand 18 - 22 November 2008 Swan Theatre Amateur Company Swan Theatre Worcester 01905 611427 www.stac-worcester.com A Cabaret of Song & Dance 29 - 29 November 2008 Applause Dovehouse Theatre Solihull, W Midlands 0121 628 4244 A Christmas Carol 09 - 13 December 2008 Fakenham & District Light Opera Society (FADLOS) Fakenham Community Centre Fakenham, Norfolk 01328 862622 A Christmas Carol 12 - 14 December 2008 The Uptown Players Hampden Park Community Hall Eastbourne, E Sussex 01323 722895 10 - 13 December 2008 Launceston Amateur Dramatic Society Town Hall Launceston Launceston, Cornwall 01579 362269 www.launceston-amateur-dramaticsociety.co.uk A Christmas Cracker 12 - 13 December 2008 Abertillery Am Drama & Musical Society Metropole Cultural & Conference Centre Abertillery, Gwent 01495 322510 A Christmas Wish 11 - 13 December 2008 Starlight Productions Focus Theatre Southend on Sea, Essex 01702 612351 A Concert 12 December 2008 Emsworth Community Singers Methodist Church Emsworth, West Sussex 01243 389004 A Doll’s House 18 - 22 November 2008 Forest Players Freshfield Hall Forest Row, East Sussex 01342 323640 www.forestplayers.org.uk A Man For All Seasons 28 - 30 November 2008
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Bexhill Amateur Theatrical Society De La Warr Paviion Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex 01424 229111 www.thebats.co.uk A Sparkling Muscial Comedy 11 - 12 December 2008 Glow Theatre Group Barn Theatre Bluehouse Lane, Oxted 01883 712241 A Touch of Danger 11 - 22 November 2008 Highbury Players Highbury Theatre, Sheffield Road Sutton Coldfield, W Midlands 0121 373 2761 A Winter Serenade 23 - 29 November 2008 Harrogate Operatic Players The Sun Pavilion, Cornwall Road Harrogate, N Yorks 01423 528435 Adventures of Mr Pickwick, The 29 - 31 January 2009 Hoghton Players Hoghton Village Hall Hoghton, Preston, Lancashire 01254 852258 Aladdin 26 - 29 November 2008 Ponteland Repertory Society Memorial Hall Ponteland, Northumberland 01661 822985 05 - 13 December 2008 Sharnbrook Mill Theatre Trust The Mill Theatre Sharnbrook, Beds 01234 781587 22 December 2008 - 03 January 2009 Paignton Pantomime Productions Palace Theatre Paignton, Devon 01803 290371 28 December 2008 - 03 January 2009 Bedford Pantomine Company The Corn Exchange Bedford, Beds 01234 269519 02 - 04 January 2009 Kettering & District Youth Theatre Group Lighthouse Theatre Kettering, Northants 01536 414414 08 - 11 January 2009 Cheshire Youth Pantomime Society (CHYPS)
The Woodford Centre Woodford, Cheshire 01625 529774
Hambleton Forum Northallerton, N Yorks 01609 770936
09 - 17 January 2009 Sale Nomads Theatre Club Waterside Theatre Sale, Cheshire 0161 912 5616
Alice in Pantoland 08 - 13 December 2008 Seaford Musical Theatre The Barn Theatre Seaford, East Sussex 01323 893699
21 - 24 January 2009 Priory Players Ossett Town Hall Ossett, W Yorks 23 - 31 January 2009 Dinnington Operatic Society Lyric Theatre Dinnington, S Yorks 01909 569340 05, 06, 12, 13 December 2008 Mickleover Players Main Hall Murray Park School, Derbyshire 01332 511867 Aladdin’s Christmas Wish 10 - 13 December 2008 3D (Derby Deaf Drama) Theatre Company Derby Dance Centre Derbyshire 01332 370911 www.3dderbydeafdrama.co.uk Ali Baba 09 - 18 January 2009 Burnley Pantomime Society Burnley Mechanics Theatre Burnley, Lancs 01282 664400
Allo ‘Allo 19 - 22 November 2008 Ruskin Players Ruskin Hall Carshalton, Surrey 020 8647 5844 An Evening by the Radio: War of the Worlds & It’s a Wonderful Life 09 - 13 December 2008 Kelvin Players Theatre Company The Studios Bishopston, Bristol 0117 9593636 An Evening with Rodgers and Hammerstein 19 - 22 November 2008 Loughton Operatic Society Lopping Hall Loughton, Essex 01992 575502 And a Little Love Besides 15 - 17 January 2009 Loughton Amateur Dramatic Society Lopping Hall Loughton, Essex 020 8502 5843
09 - 17 January 2009 Arrow Players St Edmund’s Hall Northwood Hills, Middlesex 020 8868 7785
Annie Get Your Gun 24 - 29 November 2008 Bradford Catholic Players Alhambra Theatre Bradford, West Yorkshire 01274 432000
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves 17 - 20 December 2008 The New Strolling Players The Memorial Hall Freshwater, Isle of Wight 01983 752956
Anything Goes 18 - 22 November 2008 Bishops Stortford Musical Theatre Company Playhouse Theatre Harlow, Essex 01279 431945
09 - 18 January 2009 Burnley Pantomime Society Burnley Mechanics Burnley, Lancashire 01282 664400
25 - 29 November 2008 Potters Bar Theatre Company Wyllyotts Theatre Potters Bar, Herts 07985 542204
14 - 17 January 2009 Ripon Charity Pantomime Group Leisure Centre, Dallamires Lane Ripon, N Yorks 01765 601262
25 - 29 November 2008 Croydon Stagers Ashcroft Theatre Croydon, London 0208 6510527
22 - 24 January 2009 Clevedon Comedy Club Princes Hall, Princes Road Clevedon, N Somerset 01275 879250
Autumn Concert 29 - 29 November 2008 Southminster Operatic & Choral Society St Leonard’s Church Southminster, Essex 01621 740787
25 - 31 January 2009 Northallerton Amateur Variety Company
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DIARY Babes in the Wood 25 - 29 November 2008 Harlequin-Eastwood Theatre For Youth Eastwood Park Theatre Giffnock, Glasgow 0141 571 8228 03 - 07 December 2008 Margate Operatic Society Winter Gardens Margate, Kent 01843 299803 06 - 14 December 2008 Cowes Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society Trinity Theatre Cowes, Isle of Wight 01983 295229 20 - 30 December 2008 (not 22-26) Deben Players Seckford Theatre Woodbridge, Suffolk 01394 615015 27 December 2008 - 03 January 2009 Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society Regal Theatre Stowmarket, Suffolk 01449 612825 13 - 18 January 2009 Spittal Variety Group The Maltings Art Centre Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland 01289 330999 23-25, 30, 31 Jan & 01 February 2009 Phoenix Players St. Peter’s Theatre Southsea, Hants 0845 293 9350 Beauty and the Beast 04 - 06 December 2008 Heath Players East Malling Institute, Mill St East Malling, Kent 01622 717491 10 - 21 December 2008 Harlow Theatre Company Victoria Hall Theatre Old Harlow, Essex 01279 420062 www.harlowtheatrecompany.co.uk 16 - 31 December 2008 The Angles Theatre The Angles Theatre Wisbech, Cambs 01945 585587 17 - 20 December 2008 Burnley Youth Theatre Burnley Mechanics Theatre Burnley, Lancs 01282 664400 08 - 11 January 2009 The Chameleons The Paul Daisley Hall, Brent Town Hall Wembley, Middx 0208 123 6443 17 January 2009
Heath Players Ditton Community Centre Ditton, Kent 01622 717491
Egerton Players Egerton Millennium Hall Egerton, Ashford, Kent 01233 756138
24 January - 01 February 2009 Lowestoft Players The Marina Theatre Lowestoft, Suffolk 01502 533200
Carmen - The Musical 18 - 22 November 2008 Ramsgate Operatic Society Granville Theatre Ramsgate, Kent 01843 591750
Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, The 26 - 29 November 2008 Petts Wood Operatic Society Stag Theatre Sevenoaks, Kent 01689 820448
28 - 31 January 2009 Cecilian Society - University of Glasgow The Mitchell Theatre Glasgow, 07858 167843
01489 878724 03 - 06 December 2008 Youth Onstage Dovehouse Theatre Solihull, W Midlands 09 - 13 December 2008 St Herberts Amateur Dramatic Society St Herbert’s Parish Centre Chadderton, Oldham, Lancs 0161 624 5856 18 - 21 December 2008 Act One Pantomimes Eric Morecambe Theatre, Harpenden Public Halls Harpenden, Herts 0870 774 3638
Blithe Spirit 25 - 29 November 2008 Enville Street Dramatic Society St Thomas Church Hall, Market St Stourbridge, W Midlands 01384 372930
Children of Eden 25 - 29 November 2008 Slough Musical Theatre Company The Desborough Suite, Maidenhead Town Hall, St Ives Road Maidenhead, Berks 01628 624798
Bombed Out 01 - 03 January 2009 Dynamo Youth Theatre New Theatre Royal Portsmouth, Hants 023 9264 9000
Christmas Concert 20 - 20 December 2008 Harrogate G & S Society Harrogate International Centre Harrogate, N Yorks 01423 537230
20 December 2008 - 03 January 2009 GADOC Beau Sejour Theatre Guernsey, Channel Islands 01481 747200 www.guernseytickets.gg
Boogie Nights 18 - 22 November 2008 Pantheon Club Kings Theatre Glasgow, Scotland 0870 060 6648
Christmas Cracker 2008 13 December 2008 Barn Theatre Bluehouse Lane, Oxted 01883 712241
29 - 30 December 2008 HEOS Musical Theatre Greenford Hall, Ruislip Road Greenford, Middlesex 01784 255164 www.heos.org.uk
Brass, Opera and Song 22 - 23 November 2008 Bromsgrove Operatic Society Artrix Theatre Bromsgrove, Worcs 01527 871426 Breaking The Code 21 - 24 January 2009 The Adel Players Adel Memorial Hall Adel, Leeds 0113 2300312
Christmas Spectacular 11 - 21 December 2008 Ipswich Co-Op Juniors Snape Maltings Concert Hall Snape, Suffolk 01728 687110 Christmas Spectacular 27 - 28 December 2008 Ipswich Co-Op Juniors Charter Hall, Colchester Leisure World Colchester, Essex 01206 282020
Brigadoon 24-29 November 2008 Kirkcaldy Amateur Operatic Society Adam Smith Theatre Kirkcaldy, Fife
Chu Chin Chow 04 - 06 December 2008 Una Voce Opera Company Theatre, Southport Arts Centre, Lord St Southport, Merseyside 01704 540011
By Jeeves 14 - 17 January 2009 Theydon Bois Drama Society Theydon Bois Village Hall Theydon Bois, Essex 01992 812250
Cinderella 25 - 29 November 2008 Chester-le-Street Theatre Group Park View Theatre Chester-le-Street, Durham 0191 388 3778
Bye Bye Birdie 19 - 22 November 2008 Nailsea Musicals Scotch Horn Leisure centre Nailsea, N Somerset 0845 224 7429
27 - 29 November 2008 Tread the Boards Theatre Group The Madcap Theatre Wolverton, Milton Keynes, Bucks 01908 377449
Calamity Jane 27 - 29 November 2008 & 04 - 06 December 2008
27 -29 November 2008 Soberton Players Soberton Village Hall Soberton, Hants
19 - 21 December 2008 Rosehill Youth Theatre Rosehill Theatre Whitehaven, Cumbria 01946 692422
07 - 31 January 2009 The Pantomime Company Concordia Theatre Hinckley, Leics 07956 543369 14 - 17 January 2009 Farnworth Performing Arts Company Astley Bridge Theatre Church Bolton, Lancs 0750 726 9090 14 - 18 January 2009 Littlehampton Musical Comedy Society Windmill Theatre, The Green Littlehampton, W Sussex 01903 722224 15 - 18 January 2009 Portchester Players Porchester Community Centre Porchester, Hants 023 9237 7175 15 - 31 January 2009 Loddon Players Lecture Hall, George Lane Loddon, Norfolk 01508 520162 20 - 24 January 2009 Dewsbury Collegians Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society The Town Hall Dewsbury, W Yorks 01924 324501
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DIARY CRAZY FOR YOU 25 - 29 November 2008 Tunbridge Wells Operatic & Dram Society Assembly Hall Theatre Tunbridge Wells, Kent 01892 530613 DANGEROUS CORNER 03 - 06 December 2008 Argyle Players Tovey Hall Central United Reformed Church, Bath 01225 858112
Launceston Amateur Dramatic Society (LADS) formed in 1857 have for over 150 plus years undertaken three to four productions a year and entries into festival plays. The Society supports a large diverse membership including two youth groups for 7-11 years and 12-18 years. Their work includes One and Three Act Plays, Musicals and Pantomimes. With the Town Hall as their normal performing venue and the Society’s extensive investment include modern digital lighting and sound systems Launceston can offer facilities for touring and other arts groups. Club night is the third Thursday in the month when it is an opportunity for new members to come along and enjoy a relaxing social evening. These is held in the Green Room a building adjacent to the Town Hall. Website: www.launmceston-amateur-dramatic-society.co.uk Contact: info@launmceston-amateur-dramatic-society.co.uk Telephone: 01579 362269
25 - 31 January 2009 Reydon & Southwold Panto Group St Edmunds Hall Southwold, Suffolk 01502 724539 CINDERELLA INTERSTELLAR 25 - 29 November 2008 Overton Dramatic Society St. Mary’s Hall Overton, Basingstoke, Hampshire 01256 770333 CINDERELLA, THE RETURN OF THE FAIRIES 22 - 24 January 2009 Axminster Drama Club The Guildhall Axminster, Devon 01297 33595 COLD COMFORT FARM 03 - 06 December 2008 The Chichester Players New Park Centre Chicester, West Sussex 01243 786650 COMFORT AND JOY 27 - 29 November 2008 East Bergholt Dramatic Society Constable Hall East Bergholt, Suffolk 01206 396674 COMPANY 18 - 22 November 2008 Lookout Theatre Company Malcolm Edwards Studio Theatre, Staf-
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DEAD MAN’S HAND 16 - 17 January 2009 Colwyn Abbey Players Theatr Colwyn Colwyn Bay, Conwy 01492 872000 DEAR EDWINA 29 - 31 January 2009 The Lamproom Youth Theatre Ensemble Lamproom Theatre Barnsley, South Yorkshire 01226 200075 DEATH OF A SALESMAN 19 - 22 November 2008 One Off Productions New Theatre Royal Portsmouth, Hants 023 9264 9000
ford Gatehouse Stafford, Staffs 01785 254653
DECK THE HALL 08 29 - 30 November 2008 North Staffordshire Amateur Op Society Victoria Hall Hanley, Stoke on Trent, Staffs 01782 336129
26 - 29 November 2008 Shilo Theatre Company Studio Theatre, Royal Northern College of Music 124 Oxford Road, Manchester, 0161 907 5555
DECK THE HALLS 06 December 2008 Topaz Musical Theatre Fetcham Village Hall Fetcham, Surrey 01372 454165
CONCERT OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC 17 December 2008 Mulberry Singers Drayton Methodist Church Drayton, Hants 01489 565252
DICK BARTON, SPECIAL AGENT 09 - 17 January 2009 Meeching Amateur Dramatics Meeching Hall Newhaven, East Sussex 01323 896813
CONFUSIONS 28 - 29 November 2008 The Shirley Players Parish Hall Shirley, Croydon 020 8654 5979 COPACABANA 21 - 24 January 2009 Sunderland Amateur Operatic Society Sunderland Empire Sunderland, Tyne & Wear 0844 847 2499 CRANFORD 04 - 06 December 2008 Cherryhill Players The Avenue Theatre Sittingbourne, Kent 01795 471140
DICK WHITTINGTON 19 - 23 November 2008 Touchwood Musical Company Globe Theatre Plymouth, Devon 07999 639888 27 - 29 November 2008 Hockwold Amateurs Theatrical Society Hockwold Village Hockwold, Norfolk 01842 828468 04 - 13 December 2008 Sutton Arts Theatre Sutton Arts Theatre Sutton Coldfield, W Midlands 0121 355 5355 06 - 10 December 2008 Admirals’ Players
Fisher Hall Portsmouth, Hants 023 9262 5620 19 December 2008 - 04 January 2009 OTFM Productions Bridge House Theatre Warwick, Warks 01926 776438 08 - 10 January 2009 Ringstone Players Edenham Village Hall Nr Bourne, Lincs 01778 571937 09 - 18 January 2009 Rugby Theatre Society Rugby Theatre, Henry St Rugby, Warks 01788 541234 10 - 17 January 2009 Brierley Hill Musical Theatre Company Brierley Hill Civic Hall Brierley Hill, W Midlands 0845 658 8195 22 - 24 January 2009 Weymouth Drama Club The Pavilion Theatre Weymouth, Dorset 01305 783225 08 - 13 December 2008 Runway Theatre Company Eastwood Park Theatre Glasgow, East Renfrewshire 0141 577 4970 08 - 11 January 2009 Walkerville Musical Society Walkerville Community Hall Newcastle upon Tyne, 0191 2362647 DICK WHITTINGTON AND SAM THE CAT 03 - 06 December 2008 Caistor Amateur Theatrical Society The Town Hall Caistor, Lincs 01472 851212 DIE FLEDERMAUS 19 - 22 November 2008 Wimbledon Light Opera Society Secombe Theatre Sutton, Surrey 0208 545 3401 26 - 29 November 2008 Rug Opera Palace Theatre, Westcliff-On-Sea Westcliff-On-Sea, Essex 01702 351135 DISCO INFERNO 11 - 18 November 2008 Spa Theatre Company Royal Spa Centre Leamington Spa, Warks 01926 334418 DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER 19 - 24 January 2009 Rotherham Phoenix Players
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DIARY Rotherham Civic Centre Rotherham, South Yorkshire 01709 823640 Fame 02 - 06 December 2008 Selsig Amateur Operatic Society Parc and Dare Theatre Treorchy, Mid Glam 01443 773112 Fawlty Towers 03 - 14 December 2008 Bolton Little Theatre Hanover Street Bolton, Lancashire 01204 334400 www.blt.org.uk Fiddler on the Roof 01 - 06 December 2008 Walton & Weybridge Amateur Operatic Society The Playhouse Walton on thames, Surrey 01483 770130
Wick Theatre Company Barn Theatre Southwick, West Sussex 01273 597 094 www.wicktheatre.co.uk Gigi 22 - 24 January 2009 Harrogate Phoenix Players Harrogate Theatre Harrogate, N Yorks 01423 502116 Goldilocks & the Three Bears 01 - 04 January 2009 Clacton Amateur Dramatic Society West Cliff Theatre Clacton on Sea, Essex 01255 433344 21 - 24 January 2009 Christchurch Music Society - Newport Church Hall, Christchurch Newport, Monmouthshire 01633 881320
Highbury Theatre Centre, Sheffield Rd Sutton Coldfield, W Midlands 0121 373 2761 High School Musical 30 December 2008 - 03 January 2009 Wisbech Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society (WAODS) Thomas Clarkson Community College Wisbech, Cambs 07776 318309 or 01945 870393 High Society 20 - 24 January 2009 Farnham Amateur Operatic Society The Maltings Farnham, Surrey 01252 722233 Highbury Rocks at Christmas 11 - 13 December 2008 Highbury Players Highbury Theatre Centre, Sheffield Rd Sutton Coldfield, W Midlands 0121 373 2761
21 January - 07 February 2009 Ballywillan Drama Group The Riverside Theatre Coleraine, Co Londonderry 07798 930308
05 - 11 January 2009 Whitley Bay Pantomime Society The People’s Theatre, Stephenson Road Heaton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne 0191 252 3681
HMS Pinafore 18 - 22 November 2008 Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society The Point Eastleigh, Hants 02380 623555
28 January - 07 February 2009 Colchester Operatic Society Mercury Theatre Colchester, Essex 01206 573948
Habeas Corpus 20 - 22 November 2008 Hambledon Arts Society Drama Group Hambledon Village Hall Hambledon, Hants 023 9263 2394
honk 28 - 31 January 2009 GHosTs Electric Theatre Guildford, Surrey 01483 444789
Hamlet 19 - 22 November 2008 Southsea Shakespeare Actors Portsmouth Central Library Portsmouth, Hants 023 9268 8070
Humpty Dumpty 09 - 17 January 2009 Otterbourne Village Hall Committee Otterbourne Village Hall, Otterbourne, Winchester, Hants 023 8036 3205
Happy As A Sandbag 28 - 30 November 2008 Hulviz Operatic Society Bob Hope Theatre Eltham, London 020 8858 9803
Into The Woods 08 - 13 December 2008 Pershore Operatic & Dramatic Society (PODS) Number 8 Comm Arts Centre, High St Pershore, Worcs 01386 555488
Follow the Star - A Christmas Musical 20 - 21 December 2008 Victory-Land Theatre School St. Peter’s Church Southsea, Hants 023 9273 2785 Funny Thing Happened on the Way To the Forum, A 18 - 22 November 2008 Oxted Operatic Society The Barn Theatre, Bluehouse Lane Oxted, Surrey 01883 714103 20 - 24 January 2009 Brentwood Operatic Society Brentwood Theatre Brentwood, Essex 01277 223710
Heidi 27 - 31 January 2009 Western College Players The Drum, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Devon 01752 267222
Gang Show ‘08 18 - 22 November 2008 Edinburgh Gang Show Kings Theatre Edinburgh, Scotland 0131 529 6000
Hello Christmas 25 - 29 November 2008 Barnsley Am Musical Theatre Group Lamproom Theatre Barnsley, S Yorks 01226 200075
Gaslight 09 - 13 December 2008 Skipton Players Skipton Little Theatre I Clifford Street, North Yorkshire 01756 791 552 www.skiptonlittletheatre.org.uk
Hello Dolly! 25 - 29 November 2008 Camus Productions Camberley Theatre Camberley, Surrey
10 - 13 December 2008
Hickory Dickory Dock 23 December 2008 - 03 January 2009 Highbury Players
Iolanthe 18 - 22 November 2008 Stewartby Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society Stewartby Village Hall Stewartby, Beds 01525 402457 It’s A Wonderful Life 11 - 13 December 2008 Lantern Arts Centre Rayners Park, London 020 8944 5794 www.laternarts.org It’s Christmas 12 - 13 December 2008 Downland Singers The Village Hall Hambledon, Hants 023 9261 7097
It’s Never Too Late 19 - 22 November 2008 Garforth Amateur Dramatic Society Miners’ Welfare Hall Garforth, W Yorks 0113 386 6358 Jack and the Beanstalk 05 - 06 December 2008 St Hilda’s Entertainers St Hilda’s Church Hall, Woodthorpe Road Ashford, Middlesex 01784 245298 5-7 Dec, 12-14 Dec, 19-21 Dec 08 and 4-6 Jan 09 Bridlington Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society Spotlight Theatre Bridlington, E Yorks 01262 604751 05 - 14 December 2008 Hemel Hempstead Theatre Company The Boxmoor Playhouse Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire 01442 252747 12 - 23 December 2008 Downfield Musical Society Whitehall Theatre Dundee, 01382 322537 27 December 2008 - 10 January 2009 Manor Operatic Society City Hall Sheffield, S Yorks 01709 365108 30 December 2008 - 03 January 2009 Swaffham Players Hamonds High School Theatre Swaffham, Norfokl 01760 721899 03 - 10 January 2009 Huddersfield Light Opera Company The Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen Street Huddersfield, West Yorkshire 01484 430528 12 - 17 January 2009 Totnes Operatic & Dramatic Society Totnes Civic Hall Totnes, Devon 07912 142053 13 - 24 January 2009 Kays Theatre Group The Swan Theatre Worcester, Worcs 01905 420083 14 - 18 January 2009 Carlinghow Theatre Company Batley Town Hall Batley, West Yorkshire 01924 491905 21 - 24 January 2009 NOMADS The Masque Barton Seagrave, Northants 07857 186005
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NEWS 23 - 25 January 2009 Encore Theatre Company Aspley Guise Village Hall Aspley Guise, Bedfordshire 01908 583640 24 - 31 January 2009 Keighley Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society Victoria Hall Keighley, W Yorks 08450 170718 27 - 31 January 2009 St Austell Players St Austell Arts Theatre St Austell, Cornwall 01726 879500 Jock and the Amazing Technicolour Beansprout 25 - 29 November 2008 Ormskirk Theatre Company The Rose Theatre, Edgehill University Ormskirk, Lancs 01695 572611 Jukebox - a musical panto 19 - 24 January 2009 Padiham Pantomime Society Padiham Town Hall Burnley, Lancs 07831 250539 Kidz at Christmas 12 - 14 December 2008 Kidz R Us St Ives Theatre St Ives, Cornwall 01736 797007 Kind Hearts and Coronets 10 - 20 December 2008 Chelmsford Theatre Workshop The Old Court Theatre Chelmsford, Essex 01245 606505 King and I 02 - 06 December 2008 Salisbury Amateur Operatic Society City Hall Salisbury, Wilts 01722 434434 King Humpty Dumpty 25 - 29 November 2008 St Matthew’s Theatrical Society The Parish Centre, Church Street Rastrick, Brighouse, W Yorks 01484 710846 Kiss Me, Kate 18 - 22 November 2008 Esna Players Loughborough Town Hall Loughborough, Leics 01509 231914 L’Elisir d’Amore (Elixir of Love) 25 - 29 November 2008 Guildford Opera Company Electric Theatre Guildford, Surrey 01483 444789
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Lady Be Good 18 - 22 November 2008 Vane Tempest Theatre Group Vane Tempest Welfare Hall Seaham, Co Durham 0191 581 9631 Leave it to Psmith 27 -29 November 2008 Horndean Amateur Theatrical Society Mechistoun Hall Horndean, Hants 023 9259 7114 Les Miserables (School Edition) 17 - 22 November 2008 Abergavenny Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society (AAODS) Borough Theatre Abergavenny, Monmouthshire 01873 850805 19 - 22 November 2008 Calder Valley Youth Theatre The Halifax Playhouse Halifax, Yorkshire 01422 365998 Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The 09 - 13 December 2008 St Peter Players The Community Centre, Gravel Hill Chalfont St Peter, Bucks 01494 874431 30 January - 07 February 2009 Harleston Players Archbishop Sandcroft High School Harleston, Norfolk 01379 588043 Little Red Riding Hood 15 - 17 January 2009 Twyford & Ruscombe Theatre Group Loddon Hall Twyford, Berkshire 0845 450 1308 Little Shop of Horrors 20 - 22 November 2008 Chadsmoor Choral Society Prince of Wales Centre Cannock, Staffs 0154 357 8762 Lord Redbourn’s Treasure 04 - 06 December 2008 Redbourn Players Redbourn Village Hall Redbourn, Herts 01582 792783 Love Letters 26 - 27 November 2008 St. Paul’s Drama Group Adrian Mann Theatre Ewell, Surrey 01737 213387 www.fusionplayers.org Love Makes the World Go Round 29 - 29 November 2008 Southminster Operatic & Choral Society St Leonard’s Church Southminster, Essex 01621 740787
Mack and Mabel 26 - 29 November 2008 Runnymede Drama Group Rhoda McGaw Theatre Woking, Surrey 01784 462358 www.rdg.org 20 - 24 January 2009 Shenfield Operatic Society Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Essex 01708 700625 Maid in China 20 - 22 November 2008 Haslingfield Little Theatre Society Haslingfield Village Centre Haslingfield, Cambs 01223 871490 Manic Energy 27 -29 November 2008 Island Dance Fusion Station Theatre Hayling Island, Hants 023 9246 6363 Mansfield Park 29 - 31 January 2009 Lyndhurst Drama and Musical Society Vernon Theatre Lyndhurst, Hampshire 023 80282729 Maria Marten 03 - 06 December 2008 Blackburn Drama Club Thwaites Empire Theatre Blackburn, Lancs 01254 685500 Master to Master - the story of Gilbert & Sullivan 19 - 22 November 2008 Rock Ferry Amateur Operatic Society Carlton Little Theatre Grange Road West, Birkenhead, Merseyside 0151 645 1369 Matchgirls, The 18 - 22 November 2008 Radlett Light Opera Society The Radlett Centre Radlett, Herts 01923 859291 Me and My Girl 17 - 22 November 2008 Coliseum Operatic & Dramatic Society Aberdare Coliseum Theatre Aberdare, RCT 01685 882685 Me and My Girl 25 - 29 November 2008 Heswall Operatic Society Gladstone Theatre Port Sunlight Village, Wirral 0151 648 5316 Merry Widow, The 18 - 22 November 2008
Bury St Edmunds Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk 01284 769505 Mother Goose 04 - 06 December 2008 Spot On Musical Theatre Moldgreen UR Church Huddersfield, W Yorks 01484 305421 30 December 2008 - 03 January 2009 Frome Amateur Operatic Society Memorial Theatre Frome, Somerset 01373 462795 01 - 10 January 2009 Digswell Players Digswell Village Hall Digswell, Herts 01438 715489 10 - 17 January 2009 Pickering Musical Society The Kirk Theatre Pickering, N Yorks 01751 471553 12 - 17 January 2009 Whitby’s Apollo Players Whitby Pavilion Theatre Whitby, North Yorkshire 7817778126 16 - 25 January 2009 South Shields Westovian Theatre Society Pier Pavilion South Shields, Tyne and Wear 0191 456 0980 20 - 24 January 2009 Kippax Amateur Operatic Society (KAOS) Castleford Civic Centre Castleford, W Yorks 0113 287 4564 Music Man 11 - 22 November 2008 Basingstoke ATS The Haymarket Basingstoke, Hants 01256 844244 My Cousin Rachel 19, 21, 27 & 29 November 2008 Quarndon Amateur Dramatic Society Quardon Village Hall Quardon, Derbyshire 01332 553982 My Fair Lady 25 - 29 November 2008 Woodley Light Operatic Society Kenton Theatre Henley on thames, Oxon 0845 521 3459 My Fair Lady 26 - 29 November 2008 Broughty Ferry Amateur Operatic Society Whitehall Theatre, Bellfield Street Dundee, Tayside 01382 434940
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NEWS 21 - 23 January 2009 Swanley Light Opera Group Woodland theatre Swanley, Kent 01474 703448 Night of Miracles 13 - 13 December 2008 The Elizabethans Amateur Operatic Society Ossett Town Hall Ossett, W Yorks 01924 280344 Nine 19 - 22 November 2008 Junction 21 Productions Bridgwater Arts Centre Bridgwater, Somerset 07504 108365 No Song Unsung 28 - 30 November 2008 Exmouth Musical Theatre Company The Exmouth Pavilion Exmouth, Devon 01395 222477 Northanger Abbey 03 - 06 December 2008 CCADS New Theatre Royal Portsmouth, Hants 023 9264 9000 Not About Heroes 19 - 22 November 2008 Teddington Theatre Club Hampton Hill Playhouse Teddington, 020 8943 9127 Oh What A Lovely War 24 - 24 November 2008 Colin Smith Luton Youth Music Theatre Denbigh High School Luton, Bedfordshire 07802 415693 Oklahoma! 18 - 22 November 2008 Grimsby & Cleethorpes AOS Grimsby Auditorium Grimsby, N Lincs 0870 060 2331 18 - 22 November 2008 BROS Musical Productions The Alexandra Theatre, The Regis Centre Bognor Regis, West Sussex 01243 861010 Old Mother Hubbard 16 - 24 January 2009 Addlestone Community Theatre Addlestone Community Theatre Addlestone, Surrey 01932 844653 Old Time Music Hall 20 - 21 November 2008 Avalon Theatre Company New Horizon Community Hall Mitcham, Surrey 020 8647 3933 15 - 17, 22 - 24 January 2009
Stevenage Lytton Players The Lytton Theatre, Vardon Rd Stevenage, Herts 0870 777 7619
BreakaLeg Productions Unicorn Theatre Abingdon, Oxon 01235 821351
Oliver Twist 03 - 06 December 2008 Ottershaw Players Rhoda McGraw Theatre Woking, Surrey 01932 702091
Panto of the Opera, The 29 - 31 January 2009 Adur Theatre Company The Shoreham Centre Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex 01273 591933
Oliver! 18 - 22 November 2008 Abbey Players Swansea Grand Theatre Swansea, 01792 520630
Peter Pan 09 - 25 January 2009 All Souls Dramatic Club Southport Arts Centre Southport, Merseyside 01704 540011
18 - 22 November 2008 Sheffield Teachers Operatic Society Lyceum Theatre Sheffield, S Yorks 0870 774 3422
16 - 31 January 2009 Lane End Players Lane End Village Hall Lane End, Bucks 01494 881981
18 - 22 November 2008 Leeds Amateur Operatic Society (LAOS) Grand Theatre Leeds, W Yorks 0844 848 2701
29 January - 01 February 2009 Felixstowe Musical Theatre Spa Pavilion Felixstowe, Suffolk 01394 282126
03 - 06 December 2008 Southampton Operatic Society The Plaza Theatre Romsey, Hants 01794 512987
Phil Barnett and Friends 21 - 21 December 2008 Kidz R Us St Ives Theatre St Ives, Cornwall 01736 797007
03 - 06 December 2008 Stage Door Theatre Company The Windmill Theatre Littlehampton, 01903 722224 13 - 17 January 2009 Tread the Boards Theatre Group Whitehall Theatre Dundee, Tayside 07803 521700 15 - 17 January 2009 Compton Little Theatre Compton Village Hall Guildford, Surrey tickets@comptonlittletheatre.org.uk Once a Knight 08 - 11 January 2009 Chellaston Players Guildhall Theatre Derbyshire 01332 703828 22 - 24 January 2009 Chellaston Players St. Peter’s Church Hall Chellaston , Derbyshire 01332 700821 Orpheus In the Underworld 18 - 22 November 2008 Cleckheaton & Spenborough AO & DS Town Hall Cleckheaton, W Yorks 01274 877828 Outside Edge 29 - 31 January 2009
Pinocchio 08 - 17 January 2009 Folkestone & Hythe Operatic & Dramatic
Society Tower Theatre Folkestone, Kent 01303 223925 15 - 24 January 2009 Wayfarers Pantomime Society (Taunton) The Brewhouse Theatre Taunton, Somerset 01823 283244 24, 26 - 31 January 2009 HIADS Station Theatre Hayling Island, Hants 023 9246 6363 Pirates Of Penzance 18 - 22 November 2008 Meltham Parish Church G & S Society Meltham Parish Church Hall Meltham, Holmfirth, W Yorks 01484 349037 20 - 22 November 2008 Battle Light Opera Group Memorial Hall Battle, E Sussex 01424 211140 Pirates of Penzance (Broadway version) 27 - 31 January 2009 Buttershaw St Pauls Church Amateur Operatic Society St George’s Hall Bradford, W Yorks 01274 676047 Pull The Other One 12 - 18 January 2009 Arundel Players Priory Playhouse
GAPS The N.O.D.A. award winning GATWICK AIRPORT PANTOMIME SOCIETY - G.A.P.S was formed in 1990 and to date has raised over a quarter of a million pounds which has been distributed amongst charities in Sussex and Surrey. The group is made up of mainly British Airways employees, including pilots, cabin crew, ground engineers and passenger service agents. Plus: American Express employees, a police man and woman, an immigration officer and dance students from local schools. Rehearsals started on MOTHER GOOSE, written by Alan P. Frayn and will be performed at THE HAWTH, CRAWLEY 4th-8th February. JIGSAW SCHOOL FOR AUTISTIC CHILDREN, THE OLIVE TREE CANCER SUPPORT CENTRE and NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR COLITIS AND CROHN’S DISEASE will be the recipients of all profits. Tickets available from theatre box office: 01293 55 36 36 or online at www.hawth.co.uk For more info call Elaine on 01403 891566 G.A.P.S.IS.A.REGISTERED.CHARITY-1090214 www.gatwickpanto.co.uk
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DIARY Arundel, West Sussex 01243 782976 Puss in Boots 03 - 07 December 2008 Collingwood RSC Millenium Hall, HMS Collingwood Fareham, Hants 01329 825319 04 - 06 December 2008 Rayleigh A O & D S Rayleigh Arts Centre Rayleigh, Essex 01268 771751 12 January 2009 - 17 January 2008 St Giles Marys Panto/TS Pontefract Town Hall Pontefract, West Yorkshire 01977 677980 23 - 24, 30 - 31 January 2009 Little Hadham PG Little Hadham Village Hall Little Hadham, Herts 01279 842160 29 - 31 January 2009 Wootton Bassett Light Operatic Society Memorial Hall Wootton Bassett, Wilts 01793 855473 Railway Children, The 24 - 31 January 2009 Cheltenham Operatic & Dramatic Society The Playhouse Theatre Cheltenham, Glos 01684 293346 Rats 27 - 29 November 2008 Revellers Music & Dramatic Society Peterborough High School Peterborough, Cambs 01733 755176 Red Riding Hood 16 - 17 January 2009 Briston Players The Copeman Centre Briston, Melton Constable, Norfolk 01263 861340
Musselburgh Am Musical Association Brunton Theatre Musselburgh, East Lothian 01368 869611
Bolsover Drama Group Moorfield School, Bolsover Chesterfield, Derbyshire 01246 850402
Robin Hood 26 - 29 November 2008 Rugeley Musical Theatre Company Rose Theatre, Taylor’s Lane Rugeley, Staffs
Rock Nativity 27 - 29 November 2008 Bradford Players St Paul’s Church, Buttershaw Bradford, W Yorks 01274 594313
02 - 06 December 2008 Garforth Amateur Dramatic Society The Miners Welfare Hall Garford, Leeds, West Yorkshire 0113 2863534 04 - 07 December 2008 Kaleidoscope Players Guildhall Theatre Derby, Derbyshire 01332 281900 11 - 14 December 2008 Crofton Amateur Dramatic Society Crofton Community Centre Stubbington , Hants 07796 837579 Robin Hood and Babes in the Wood 05 - 06 December 2008 Manor Theatre Group North Heath Hall Horsham, West Sussex 01403 267589 Robin Hood and his Merry Damsels 27 November - 06 December 2008 Boroughbridge Hightimers Coronation Hall, Milby Boroughbridge, N Yorks 01765 608729 Robin Hood and his Merry Men 09 - 17 January 2009 The Oxted Players The Barn Theatre Oxten, Surrey 01883 724852
23 - 31 January 2009 Haverhill & District Operatic Society Haverhill Arts Centre Haverhill, Suffolk 01440 714140
Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood 04 - 20 December 2008 Attic Theatre Aberdeen Arts Centre Aberdeen, 01224 641122
Relatively Speaking 20, 22, 26 & 28 November 2008 Quarndon Amateur Dramatic Society Quardon Village Hall Quardon, Derbyshire 01332 553982
Robinson Crusoe 27 December 2008 - 03 January 2009 Strode Productions Strode Theatre, Church Road Street, Somerset 01458 442846
Return to the Forbidden Planet 13 January 2009 - 17 January 2009 The Mellow Dramatics Brewhouse Arts Centre Burton on Trent, Staffs 01283 508100
Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates 04 - 07 December 2008 The Good Companions ADS John Keble Hall Deans Lane, Edgware 0845 241 0364 www.thegoodcompanions.org.uk
Revue 2008 15 - 17 January 2009
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27 - 31 January 2009
Ruddigore 17 - 22 November 2008 Three Counties Musical Society Chatsworth Theatre Long Eaton, Notts 01332 609130 Run For Your Wife 18 - 22 November 2008 Rossendale Players Leisure Hall Bacup, Lancashire 01706 228720 Santa and the Vikings 13 - 14 December 2008 Auchenblae Drama Group Auchenblae Village Hall Auchenblae, Aberdeenshire 01561 320222 Santa in Space 18 - 22 November 2008 Whitechapel Players Whitechapel Village Hall Preston, Lancs 07969 964434 Scarlet Pimpernel, The 20 - 22 November 2008 Ilford Operatic & Dramatic Society Kenneth More Theatre Ilford, Essex 020 8553 4466 Scrimshaw! 15 - 24 January 2009 Pump House Children and Youth Theatre Pump House Theatre Watford, Herts 07903 411150 Scrooge 18 - 22 November 2008 Cleckheaton & Spenborough AO & DS Town Hall Cleckheaton, W Yorks 01274 877828 11 - 13 December 2008 Whitby Area Musical Theatre Company Whitby Pavilion Theatre Whitby, N Yorks 01947 604855 09 - 13 December 2008 Centenary Theatre Company The Brindley Theatre Runcorn, Merseyside 0151 907 8360 02 - 04 December 2008 Garstang Theatre Group Arts Theatre, Garstang High School Garstang, Lancs 01994 600649
28 November - 05 December 2008 Ketton Players Kedington Community Centre Kedington, Suffolk 01440 713137 02 - 06 December 2008 Garstang Theatre Group Arts Theatre, Garstang High School Garstang, Lancs 01995 600649 Seasons Greetings 24 - 28 November 2008 Encore Theatre Club Bridport Arts Centre Bridport, Dorset 01308 424204 03 - 06 December 2008 Sleaford Little Theatre The Playhouse Sleaford, Lincolnshire 01529 414294 29 - 30 January 2009 Innuendo Theatre Group Thorngate Halls Gosport, Hants 01329 310473 Seussical 20 - 22 November 2008 Lytham Acadamy of Theatre Arts Lowther Pavilion Lytham St Annes, Lancs 01253 658666 02 - 06 December 2008 Todmorden Am Operatic & Dram Society Todmorden Hippodrome Todmorden, Lancs 01706 818181 09 - 13 December 2008 Todmorden Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society HippodromeTheatre Todmorden, Lancs 0870 770 5681 Seven Brides For Seven Brothers 19 - 22 November 2008 Barnstaple Musical Comedy & Dram Soc. The Queen’s Theatre Barnstaple, Devon 01271 324242 Sinbad The Sailor 25 - 29 November 2008 Larbert Amateur Operatic Society Dobbie Hall Larbert, Stirlingshire 01324 623365 Sinbad The Sailor 07 - 10 January 2009 Woodlands Theatrical Society Woodlands Hall, Woodlands Park Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear 0191 236 3060 27 - 31 January 2009 Bridport Pantomime Players Electric Palace Bridport, Dorset
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DIARY 01308 423366 Singing for your Pleasure 29 November 2008 Derby New Opera Company United Reform Church Alaston, Derbyshire 01332 701886 Sleeping Beauty 03 - 06 December 2008 Sutton-In-Craven Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society Sutton Village Hall Sutton-in-Craven, N Yorks 01535 632289 03 - 06 December 2008 5 Towns Musical Theatre Society Civic Centre Castleford, W Yorks 01977 512456 05 - 06 December 2008 Purbrook Amateur Theatre Deverell Hall Purbrook, Hants 023 9261 0856 09 - 13 December 2008 Over Players Over Community Centre Over, Cambs 01954 230056 13 - 20 December 2008 Wells Operatic Society Ltd The Little Theatre Wells, Somerset 01749 672611 15 - 21 December 2008 Retford & District Amateur Operatic Society Retford Little Theatre Retford, Nottinghamshire 01777 702002 23 December 2008 - 10 January 2009 Talisman Theatre Company Talisman Theatre, Barrow Road Kenilworth, Warks 01926 856548 27 December 2008 - 03 January 2009 Dereham Operatic Society The Memorial Hall Dereham, Norfolk 01362 851919 03 - 04 January 2009 Elstree Productions St Michael and All Angels Church, Brook Road Borehamwood, Herts 0208 953 6560 11 - 17 January 2009 Wombwell & District Am Operatic Society Operatic Centre Wombwell, S Yorks 01226 758375 15 - 18 January 2009 Argosy Players Winston Churchill Hall Ruislip, Middlesex 0845 838 9058
17 - 24 January 2009 North Ormesby Minstrels The Trinity Centre North Ormesby, Teeside 01642 272241 17 - 24 January 2009 The Young Ones Netherton Arts Centre Netherton Dudley, W Midlands 01384 895266 23 - 24, 30 - 31 January 2009 Newton Amateur Dramatic & Operatic Society Newton Community High School Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside 01942 741835 24 - 31 January 2009 Highcliffe Charity Players Regent Centre Christchurch, Dorset 01202 499199 24 - 31 January 2009 Stourbridge Pantomime Co Ltd Stourbridge Town Hall Theatre Stourbridge, W Midlands 01384 560653 Snow White 12 - 20 December 2008 Starburst Theatre Company Harlington Centre Fleet, Hants 07793 816750 17 - 21 December 2008 Billboard Ensemble Barry Memorial Hall Theatre Barry, Vale of Glamorgan 01446 733625 27 December 2008 - 01 January 2009 Kings Lynn Operatic & Dramatic Society King’s Lynn Arts Centre King’s Lynn, Norfolk 01553 764864 23 January - 07 February 2009 St Nicholas Players St Nicholas Church Hall Allestree, Derby 01332 556228 23 January - 07 February 2009 Lindsey Rural Players The Broadbent Theatre Wickenby, Lincs 01673 885500 Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs 17 - 22 November 2008 Childrens Theatre Bo’ness Society Town Hall Bo’ness, Falkirk 01324 712443 27 - 29 November 2008 Aldridge Musical Comedy Society Brownhills Community School theatre Brownhills, Walsall 01543 480626 27 November - 02 December 2008
Sultan Theatre Club Brunel Theatre Gosport, Hants 023 9254 2272
Stanley, Durham 01207 218899
09 - 10 January 2009 Felling & District Music, Arts & Drama (FADMAD) Felling Methodist Church Hall, Coldwell St Gateshead, Tyne and Wear 0191 420 6632 09 - 17 January 2009 Louth Playgoers Riverhead Theatre Louth, Lincolnshire 01507 600350 14 - 17 January 2009 Handsworth & Hallam Theatre Company University of Sheffield Drama Studio Sheffield, S Yorks 01709 377611 21 - 24 January 2009 Barnton Variety Theatre Workshop Northwich Memorial Hall Northwich, Cheshire 01606 782442 30 January - 07 February 2009 New Mills Am Operatic & Dram Society Art Theatre, Jodrell Street New Mills, Derbyshire 0161 427 5317 Some Enchanted Evening (R&H) 20 - 21 November 2008 PHEOS Musical Players Watersmeet Rickmansworth, Herts 01923 285882 www.pheos.org Songs from the Shows 26 - 30 November 2008 Chesterfield Operatic Society Pomegranate Theatre Chesterfield, Derbyshire 01246 345222 Songsational 26 - 29 November 2008 Batley Amateur Thespian Society Batley Town Hall Batley, W Yorks 07792 634 360 Sorcerer, The 17 - 22 November 2008 Haworth-West Lane Baptist Amateur Operatic Society West Lane Baptist church Haworth, Keighley, W Yorks 01535 643425 24 - 29 November 2008 Cotswold Savoyards The Playhouse Cheltenham, Glos 01242 522852 South Pacific 18 - 22 November 2008 South Moor Musical Theatre Group Lamplight Arts Centre
Steel Magnolias 21 - 29 November 2008 Kibworth Theatre Company Kibworth Grammar School Hall Kibworth, Leics 07950 306968 Stepping Out 04 - 06 December 2008 Hayes Players Hayes Village Hall Hayes Street, Kent 020 8462 5194 www.hayesplayers.org.uk 30 - 31 January 2009 East Grinstead Operatic Society Chequer Head Community Arts Centre East Grinstead, W Sussex 01342 302000 Super Sleigh Ride 11 - 13 December 2008 Lindsey Rural Players The Broadbent Theatre Wickenby, Lincs 01673 885500 Sweeney Todd 27 - 30 November 2008 Chippenham Light Opera Group Neeld hall Chippenham, Wilts 01249 721171 27 - 31 January 2009 Leatherhead Operatic Society Epsom Playhouse Epsom, Surrey 07787 870012 Sweet Charity 24 - 29 November 2008 New Mills Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society Art Theatre New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire 01663 743461 23 - 24 January 2009 Present Company Buxton Opera House Derbyshire 0845 127 2190 Tal of the City 26 - 29 November 2008 St Austell Players St Austell Arts Theatre St Austell, Cornwall 01726 879500 Talk by John Owen Edwards MD D’Oyle Carte & Buxton GS festival 11 - 11 January 2009 Gilbert & Sullivan Society Manchester Cross Street Chapel Manchester, Lancs 0161 973 9965 The Borrowers 18 - 22 November 2008 Leeds Childrens Theatre Carriageworks Theatre Leeds, West Yorkshire
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DIARY 0113 224 3801 The Fix 24 - 29 November 2008 Deeside Musical Society Theatre, Deeside Community Centre Aboyne, Aberdeenshire 01339 886222 The Full Monty 29 - 31 January 2009 Downfield Musical Society Whitehall Theatre Dundee, 01382 322537 The Ghost Train 19 - 22 November 2008 The Ashtead Players Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall Ashtead, Surrey 01737 640352 19 - 22 November 2008 Ruislip Dramatic Society Compass Theatre Ickenham, Middlesex 01895 637422/01895 673200 www.ruislipdramatic.org 02 - 06 December 2008 Marlowe Players Darley Abbey Village Hall Darley Abbey, Derbyshire 07961 607372 The Graduate 26 - 29 November 2008 Stevenage Lytton Players The Lytton Theatre, Vardon Road Stevenage, Herts 01483 726847 The Grand Duke 18 - 22 November 2008 Tinkers Farm Opera Company Crescent Theatre Birmingham, W Midlands 0121 643 5858 19 - 22 November 2008 Centenary Company Greenwich Theatre Greenwich, London 020 8858 7755 The Heiress 27 - 29 November 2008 Avonside Players Wesley Hall, Old Town Stratford-upon-Avon, Warks 01789 296789 The Hollow 20 - 22 November 2008 Bungay Theatre Group The Fisher Theatre Bungay, Suffolk 01986 897130 The Inn Crowd 04 - 06 December 2008 Havant Light Opera Havant Arts Centre Havant, Hants 023 9247 2700
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The Joy of Singing 21 & 23 November 2008 Emsworth Community Singers Millennium Hall, Westbourne House School Chichester, West Sussex 01243 389004 The King’s Ugly Daughter 06 December 2008 Swan Theatre Amateur Company Swan Theatre Worcester 01905 611427 www.stac-worcester.com The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 08 - 13 December 2008 Louth Playgoers Riverhead Theatre Louth, Lincolnshire 01507 600350 The Love of Four Colonels 20 - 22 November 2008 Amateur Players of Sherborne The Digby Hall, Hound Street Sherborne, Dorset 01935 431321 The M Factor 22 - 22 November 2008 Audley Players Audley Little Theatre Audley, Staffs 7504610071 The Magic Lozenge 28 - 29 November 2008 Sheringham Savoyards The Little Theatre Sheringham, Norfolk 01263 822347 The Odd Couple (female version) 20 - 22 November 2008 The Grayshott Stagers The Village Hall Grayshott, Hants 01428 605464 The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe 06 - 10 January 2009 From The Top Theatre Company Highbury Little Theatre Sutton Coldfield, W Mids 07974 894542 The Panto of the Opera 04 - 06 December 2008 The Alderbury Players Alderbury Village Hall Alderbury, Salisbury, Wilts 01722 710360 The Rock Shop 20 - 22 November 2008 Thornton Cleveleys Youth Theatre The Little Theatre Thornton, Lancs 01253 860856
The Sleeping Beauty 24 - 31 January 2009 Stourbridge Pantomime Co Ltd Stourbridge Town Hall Theatre Stourbridge, West Midlands 01384 812959 The Sorcerer’s Apprentice 17 - 24 January 2009 Chesham Bois Catholic Players The Elgiva Theatre, St Mary’s Way Chesham, Bucks 01494 582900 www.elgiva.com The Three Towns Operatic Society in Concert 21 - 22 November 2008 Three Towns Operatic Society Lowton Civic Hall Lowton, Cheshire 01942 897053 There Goes The Bride 27 - 29 November 2008 Thornton-le-Dale Players Village Hall Thornton-le-Dale, nr Pickering, N Yorks 01751 474335 Thoroughly Modern Millie 17 - 22 November 2008 Knighton Park Amateur Operatic Society The Little Theatre Leicester, Leics 01509 816592 Titanic - The Musical 16 - 22 November 2008 Henley-on-Thames Op & Dramatic Soc. Kenton Theatre Henley on Thames, Oxon 01491 575698 Treasure Island 10 - 13 December 2008 Burley Millennium Theatre Group Queens Hall, Main Street Burley-in-Wharfedale, W Yorks 01943 863478 11 - 13, 16, 18 & 19 January 2009 Oxted Players Barn Theatre Bluehouse Lane, Oxted 01883 724 852 29 - 31 January 2009 The Magpies Drama Group Matfield Village Hall Matfield, Kent 01892 834365 Trival Pursuit 25 - 29 November 2008 Company of the Curtain The Parish Hall Water Orton, Warks 0121 747 2139 Wait Until Dark 19 - 22 November 2008 Pattingham Drama Group Pattingham Village Hall Wolverhampton, W Midlands 01902 700918
Wallop on Tour 25 - 29 November 2008 Wallington Operatic & Dramatic Society Wallington Public Hall Wallington, Surrey 020 8642 7590 We Wish You a Happy Christmas 04 - 06 December 2008 East Berkshire Operatic Society Pinewood Theatre, Old Wokingham Road Wokingham, Berks 01189 733464 West End Calling 26 - 29 November 2008 Banstead & Nork Amateur Operatic Society Banstead Community Hall Banstead, Surrey 01737 370344 West End Nights II 28 - 29 November 2008 Wimborne Musical Theatre Society Tivoli Theatre Wimborne, Dorset 01202 885566 West Side Story 19 - 22 November 2008 Southend on Sea Operatic & Dramatic Society Cliffs Pavilion Southend on Sea, Essex 01702 351135 19 - 22 November 2008 WAWWA The Musical Youth The Dolman Theatre Newport, Gwent 01633 411992 01 - 06 December 2008 Mosley OADS George Lawton Centre Mosley, 01457 870875 www.maods.org 26 - 31 January 2009 Norfolk & Norwich Operatic Society Theatre Royal Norwich, Norfolk 01603 630000 Wizard of Oz 17 - 22 November 2008 St Augustine’s Musical Theatre Company Solihull Arts Complex Solihull, W Midlands 0121 704 6962 18 - 22 November 2008 Potato Room Players Leeds City Varieties Music Hall Leeds, Yorkshire 08456 441 881 08 - 10 January 2009 Orchard Players Capel St Mary Village Hall Ipswich, Suffolk 07761 782456
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DIARY 23 - 31 January 2009 The Watson Players Guildhall Theatre Derbyshire 01332 661789
ATTENTION ALL PRESS OFFICERS SUBMIT YOUR DIARY ENTRY
Wyrd Sisters: The Director’s Cut 20 - 24 January 2009 Studio Theatre Club Unicorn Theatre Abingdon, Oxfordshire 01865 778105 www.studiotheatreclub.com
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Take some high resolution pictures of your production. If you are using a digital camera use the highest quality setting.
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Pick out a selection of pictures. Email them to us at editor@asmagazine.co.uk. Clearly label each picture and let us know who is in each picture. Make sure you tell us the name of the photographer.
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Each month we will select the best pics to profile.
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CLASSIFIEDS WIGS FOR YOUR NEXT PRODUCTION? Call Derek Easton on 01273 588262 or 07768166733 www.derekeastonwigs.co.uk Email: wigs@derekeastonwigs.co.uk Individual artists or complete shows. (Mikado, Me & My Girl, Patience, Amadeus, Restoration, Pantomimes and more) . 1 Dorothy Ave, Peacehaven East Sussex BN10 8LP
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ONE ACT PLAYS by HARRY GLASS Award Winning Scottish Playwright. www.harryglass.org.uk or for a free catalogue Email: admin@harryglass.org.uk
COSTUME HIRE, SHOWS KING & I, PHANTOM, LES MIZ, OLIVER, FIDDLER, KISS ME KATE, FOLLIES, PINAFORE, ANNIE, ALL PANTO SUBJECTS, ORIENTAL COSTUMES www.bpdcostumes.co.uk P: 01273 481004
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DIARY
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