Christmas at Newton Park
9-11 DECEMBER 2022
Christmas at Newton Park
Directed by Jenny Davies Assistant Director - Gareth Rodd
Written by Emily Jenkins, Adam Usden & Oscar Blustin
Producer - Kerry Irvine Production Manager - Paul Wyse
Set Designer - Ben Adams
Costume Designer - Jazz Davis
Lighting Designer - Matt Smith
Sound Designer - Charlie Wilsher
Video Designers - Chloe Lewis, Indigo Jones & Josh Purdie
9 - 11 December 2022
Christmas at Newton Park was originally created by SPECIFIQ in 2016 for Bath Spa University.
DIRECTORS BIOGRAPHY
Jenny Davies is a UK based Director and theatre maker. In 2019 she was awarded the prestigious Leverhulme Arts Scholarship through Bristol Old Vic and went onto direct Outlier by award winning poet Malaika Kegode in 2021/2. She was Resident Assistant Director at Tobacco Factory Theatres 2018/19. Jenny was Associate Director of Holly Star’s West End drag murder mystery show, Death Drop which toured across the UK in 2021. Jenny’s recent directing credits include Miracle on 34 Seymour Street (Trowbridge Town Hall) Hamelin (the egg, Theatre Royal Bath) The Wardrobe (The Egg, Theatre Royal Bath). Recent Associate directing credits include Opal Fruits (Pleasance, Bristol Old Vic) Destiny (UK tour). Jenny has recently been awarded a Bristol Old Vic Ferment comission for The Roaring One and is an Associate Director on The Odyssey (National Theatre/Trowbridge Town Hall)
ASSISTANT DIRECTORS BIOGRAPHY
Gareth Rodd is a theatre creative based in the South West of England. He has recently graduated in a BA Acting degree at Plymouth Conservatoire. He is now currently studying for his MA Directing degree at Bath Spa University. On the side of his studies, he is a Director, Producer, Playwright and Actor. Most of his work he’s set up himself through a theatre company he’s organised. He uses it to showcase his work to audiences across the South West. Due to the varying roles Gareth does in the industry, he has a variety of credits. Most recent was an acting credit for a production at The Drum in Theatre Royal Plymouth called “Selection”. Gareth has a range of writing credits which have all been performed at festivals and scratch night level events. One of which (Under the title of ‘How Lovely’) which won a regional writing award which was published on ‘Write on magazine’. Gareth has also recently been an Assistant Producer at Jermyn Street Theatre in London for one of their productions, “Orlando”.
COMPOSERS
Colin Smith
Colin began playing the piano when he was 4 years old and attended the London College of music when he was a teenager. He became a professional musician at 16 which led to making an appearance on tv with Aled Jones.
He has been involved in numerous big bands, rock bands and jazz duos which have included.The Juggernaut big band, The Avon Youth big band, A rock band called “Circus (who have recorded three albums.), An eclectic band called “Bowman Ghani. The Improvised comedy sketch show called Instant wit, A rock covers band called The Eskys., A Madness tribute band called One step below, A jazz and pop duo with singer Erica Martin and a jazz duo with the actress and singer Fiona Battersby.
Recorded sessions have included the theme music for “The Big Breakfast “and for an audio Christmas book “The Mektoub’ He has composed music for the storyboard of the TV series “Shaun the sheep” and for a small independent film based on John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s progress.” He has also led and organised a worship band at St Mary Magdalene church in Bristol. Colin has also composed live music for “The provoked wife” directed by Briony Waite and adapted by Charles Thompson and performed at Kings Weston house. He has also worked with the same team for the Three Anti Brexit Shows which were performed at the Alma Tavern Theatre. He has also accompanied for silent movies as well as modern films.
Colin currently still plays for the improvised comedy show “Instant wit”, a pop soul band called “The Regz” and “Gee baby I love you.” He occasionally plays solo performances which he would like to do more of. These include a repertoire of jazz and pop standards along with a few classical pieces.As well as teaching and playing the organ and piano at All Saints Church in Long Ashton.
He is completing his music degree at Bath Spa University and is very pleased to be composing and recording for the Christmas at Newton Park project as part of his degree course module.
Calypso Powell
Calypso is a composer in her final year of the BA Drama and Music course at Bath Spa University. She has a particular interest in composing for theatre, but has also composed for film and dance. As well as composing, Calypso performs as an actormusician for Shattered Windscreen theatre company.
Lily Pardoe
Lily is a composer and pianist in her final year of BA Music at Bath Spa University. Her compositions explore classical themes blended with modern electronic technology. Her recent work has incorporated contemporary elements such as AI generated images, film scenes and live dance performance.
CHRISTMAS AT NEWTON PARK
The production runs for roughly 90 minutes and moves, sometimes at speed, through the various rooms and corridors of Newton Park House. There is no interval. Throughout the performance, the audience will be split into smaller groups entering different rooms and experiencing a different period in the history of the building. Here is a brief overview of the scenes and stories you may encounter, in no particular order. All are based on or adapted from true stories, dates are approximate.
Welcome to Newton Park (1946)
It is the first day of the first year of Newton Park Teacher Training College. In the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, Principal Mary Dawson lays out her plans and priorities for the coming year.
On the Ward (1916)
The Earl and Countess Temple have offered their home to the war effort, allowing Newton Park to be used as an auxiliary hospital for convalescent soldiers.
Back to the Front (1916)
After a few months at Newton Park and a successful recovery, Corporal Percy has decided to return to the front, leaving Sister Mabel behind.
Breaking the Rules (1946)
Jean encourages Betty to try something new in the grounds of Newton Park.
Star-Crossed Lovers (1846)
Despite their mutual affections, William Gore Langton and Lady Anna cannot be together. Her father, the Duke of Buckingham, will not give an untitled suitor his blessing. The couple’s respective servants, Alfred and Daisy, discuss the matter and attempt to counsel their masters.
Deeds Not Words (1911)
Three prominent suffragettes undertake a pilgrimage to Newton Park, the former home of an inspirational figure in the history of their campaign for the vote.
Christmas Presents (1946)
At their first Christmas at Newton Park, Ellen and Sheila address the trials and triumphs of the festive season.
A Horse in the Orchard (1763)
Joseph Langton is planning to propose to his long-term partner Bridget. The construction of Newton Park has recently been completed, and celebrated landscape gardener Capability Brown is proving to be an unwanted guest along with a former suitor of Bridget. Joseph is enraged about the laters presence and plans drastic action.
Christmas at Newton Park (1946)
The students prepare to celebrate Christmas and the end of term.
1946
Mary Dawson - Melissa Raymond
Betty Cooper - Bilqees Khalid
Jean Radway - Matilde Lima
Shelia Jones - Nicole Christophi Ellen Hall - Christina Hickman
1916
Private Reg - Ciaran Foley
Corporal Percy - Toby Ineson Private John - Vasilis Sfakianakis
Lady Temple - Lily-Mae Fry Dorothy - Constance Richards Rose - Jess Charlesworth Mabel - Savannah Hall 1911
Annie Kenney - Alexandra Medley
Constance Lytton - Phoebe Graham-Dobrowolny Charlotte “Charlie” Marsh - Budoor Alnowais
1846
Lady Anna - Marley Starkey-Joyner
William Gore Langton - Ethan Salvidge Alfred - Oliver Talbot Daisy - Izzy Wrighton
1763
Joseph Langton - Lee Beldam Bridget Glanville - Sasha Miller
CAST
PRODUCTION TEAM
Set Designer - Ben Adams
Costume Designer - Jazz Davis Lighting Designer - Matt Smith
Sound Designer - Charlie Wilsher
Video Designers - Chloe Lewis, Indigo Jones & Josh Purdie Stage Manager - Faith Trew
Deputy Stage Manager - Ana Snook
Chief Electrician - Chloe Lewis Assistant Electrician - Indigo Jones Video Operators - Chloe Lewis & Josh Purdie Costume Supervisor - Amanda Hambleton Senior Costume Maker - Crystal Yuen Chief Prop Maker - Thornley Thomas-Atkin
Prop Maker Assistant - Josh Purdie / Jessica Miller
Assistant Stage Managers - Elle Clarke / Daisy Bradley
Assistant Scenic Artist - Christabel Revell / Cora Matthews Costume Assistant - Kannika Burgess / Megan Thomas Ushers - Megan Ellis, Abby Coombes, Em Noon, Daisy Bradley & Elle Clarke
Production Staff
Producer - Kerry Irvine Production Manager - Paul Wyse Costume Supervisor - Amanda Hambleton Head of Construction - David Rigden / Chris Britton Head Scenic Artist - Chris Britton Voice Coach - Eamon Haughian Stage Combat - Kiel O’Shea Intimacy Director - Lex Kaby
For Bath Spa Live
Suzanne Harris, Lucy Heard, Scott Rogers, Ash Manganaro, Melodi Bending, Helga Henson, Lois Brewer, Bethany Gee & Eloise Hughes With thanks to Lydia Harman and Maria Santelices
Budoor Alnowais
Budoor is an actor from the United Arab Emirates currently in her final year of actor training at Bath Spa. Previous theatre credits include Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet, Witch 2 in Macbeth, Stories from Jacob and Wilhehem Grimm’s Fairy Tales, Queen Elizabeth in scenes of Richard III, Mrs Rutter in Billy Cowan’s Caretakers, scenes from Alice Birch’s [BLANK]. In the Spring of 2023, Budoor will be debuting her first original play in Bath’s SparkFest alongside three of her current castmates.
Jess Charlesworth
Jess is a young northern actor in her final year at Bath Spa University Her theatre credits include Natasha in Chekhov’s Three Sisters, Hedda in Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, Queen Elizabeth in Shakespeare’s Richard III and Heather in Morgan Lloyd Malcolm’s The Wasp. Jess’ next live performance will be showcased in Bath’s SparkFest 2023 next spring
Nicole Christophi
Nicole’s theatre credits include Sophia in Fools (Neil Simon), Natalya in A Marriage Proposal (Anton Chekhov), Nora in A Doll’s House (Ibsen), Heather in The Wasp (Morgan Lloyd Malcolm). Nicole’s next live acting performance will be featured in Bath’s SparkFest 2023.
Ciaran Foley
Past roles include musical productions; Gilbert from Hairspray, a pool boy High School The Musical and a couple of small parts in Annie. While training at Bath Spa he has been in extracts from The Three Sisters, Hedda Gabbler and Julius Cesar. He also has experience at being an extra in two films1917 and Operation Mincemeat. Ciaran is looking forward to this year’s SparkFest.
Lily-Mae Fry
Lily is an actor and collaborative theatre maker from Jersey, writing her first play last year. Previous theatre credits include Arkadina in The Seagull, Nora in A Doll’s House, Margo in My Family and Other Animals, Lady Anne in Richard III, and Miss Lawson in Care Takers. Lily is currently working on a devised collaborative theatre piece that will be performed in Bath’s SparkFest 2023.
Phoebe Graham-Dobrowolny
Previous theatre credits while training include Ranyevskaya in The Cherry Orchard, Nora in A Doll’s House, Brutus in Julius Caesar, and Heather in The Wasp. Phoebe is an alumni of Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama’s ‘Young Actors Studio’ programme, and is enjoying her last year of training at BSU.
THE COMPANY
Savannah Hall
Her previous credits include; An Orphan in Oliver!, The Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, Francis Flute in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, John Worthing in The Importance of Being Earnest, John Proctor in The Crucible, The Baker in Into The Woods, Belle in Beauty and the Beast and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. While training she has also been in extracts from A Doll’s House, The Cherry Orchard and Richard III. She also has Grade 8 LAMDA and completed a summer school at Sylvia Young Theatre School. Savannah hopes to continue her training next year on an MA in Musical Theatre.
Christina Hickman
Christina is in her final year of acting studies. She has previously been awarded ‘Student of the year’ whilst studying BTEC Acting at Newcastleunder-Lyme college, where she was awarded triple D*. Previous theatre credits include Patty Simcox in Grease, Carla in a scene from The Wasp and ‘6’ in a rehearsed reading of The Winning Crowd. Christina, who also has a background in dance, is currently working on an immersive, movement based performance for SparkFest in 2023.
Toby Ineson
Toby’s theatre credits include Richard III in a scene study from Richard III and Tadge in a scene study from Anthony Neilson’s Penetrator. Toby is an alumni of Bristol Old Vic’s ‘Made In Bristol’ scheme and his company
Leave the Light Ensemble debuted their first show ‘Buffering’ in August 2020 at the Bristol Old Vic.
Bilqees Khalid
Bilqees is a British-Tanzanian actor, maker, director and writer in her last year at Bath School of Music and Performing Arts. Her theatre credits include playing Nora Helmer in Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, Queen Elizabeth from Shakespeare’s Richard III, as well as Ms Lawson in Billy Cowan’s Care Takers. Bilqees’s next live performance will be featured at Bath SparkFest 2023.
Matilde Lima
Matilde is an actor from Brussels in her third year at Bath Spa University. Theatre credits include scenes as Carla from The Wasp and Queen Elizabeth from Richard III. Matilde’s next live acting performance will be featured in Bath’s SparkFest 2023.
Alexandra Medley
Alexandra is an aspiring actor from Surrey in her third year at Bath Spa University. Previous theatre credits include scenes from Three Sisters (Chekhov), A Doll’s House (Ibsen), Richard III (Shakespeare) and The Wasp (Morgan Lloyd Malcolm). Alexandra has also been part of GSA summer school programme and is looking forward to sharing her next project at Bath’s SparkFest
Sasha Miller
Sasha is an actor, deviser and actor combatant from London in her final year of training in Bath. Her theatre credits include scene studies of Natasha in Chekhov’s Three sisters, Hedda Gabler in Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, Lady Anne in Richard III and Heather in The Wasp by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm. She also performed as ‘4’ in a rehearsed reading of The Winning Crowd. Sasha is next performing an original devised comedy piece in Bath’s 2023 SparkFest.
Melissa Raymond
Melissa is in her final year of training and has previously been awarded ‘best monologue’ for her entry in 2019’s National Theatre Connections. Theatre credits include Elizabeth in Pride & Prejudice, Cordelia in King Lear and Richard in a gender swapped adaptation of Richard III. Before this production Melissa was working on The Wasp as Heather and is looking forward to beginning her SparkFest project in the new year.
Constance Richards
Previous theatre credits include: Edna in Hairspray, The Lion in The Wiz, Ensemble in Grease, Jack’s Mother in Into the Woods and Val Clark in A Chorus Line. Constance has also won prizes in solo performance and ensemble performance at Wharfdale Theatre Festival. Other training credits include: RADA Exploring Shakespeare Short Course and LAMDA Audition Technique Short Course. She also has spent some time shadowing director Andrew Haye on the set of All Creatures Great and Small (Channel 4). Constance is looking forward to being in SparkFest 2023.
Ethan Salvidge
Ethan is in his final year of actor training. His previous theatre credits include: Marius in Les Miserables, Amos in Chicago, Richard in Richard III and Tadge in Penetrator. In the new year, Ethan will be working on a devised piece of new theatre with some of his current castmates.
Vasilis Sfakianakis
Vasilis is from Greece. Previous theatre credits while training include scenes from The Cherry Orchard, Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, Richard III, Anthony Neilson’s Penetrator, Alice Birch’s [BLANK], and a rehearsed reading of The Winning Crowd by Alan Fielden. He has also played Rev. Parris in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible while part of the theatre workshop ‘Technourgeio’. Vasilis is currently working on a short film that will be featured in SparkFest 2023.
Marley Starkey-Joyner
Marley is an actor and writer from London in her last year of training in Bath. Theatre credits include Carla in The Wasp and Lady Anne in Richard III. Marley will be debuting her play Forward at Bath’s SparkFest in spring 2023.
Oliver Talbot
This is Oliver’s final production in his final year as an acting student. Oliver’s theatre credit includes: Richard III in an extract from Richard III, extract from Alice Birch’s [BLANK], Max in Penetrators and Mr Sugar in Nights at the Circus. His previous training came from his acting college, Boomsatsuma which evolved in Bristol School of Acting where he achieved an overall grade of Merit. A few years he had singing classes at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School with head of singing Pamela Rudge. Oliver is excited to work on his SparkFest in the summer of 2023.
Izzy Wrighton
Izzy is an actor and creative based in London. Theatre credits include scenes from Three Sisters (Chekhov), Hedda Gabler (Ibsen), Richard III (Shakespeare) and The Wasp (Morgan Lloyd Malcolm). She has also devised ensemble work throughout her training. Izzy’s next devised project will be shared on stage at Bath’s SparkFest 2023.
Lee Beldam
While training at Bath Spa University, Lee has performed in a variety of performances such as Leontes in Shakespeare’s ‘A Winter’s Tale’, and Calum in Joe Makarov’s ‘Are you sorry for what you’ve done?’. He will also be portraying James McArthey in ‘Sherlock Holmes and the Boscombe Valley Mystery’ in January 2023.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Charlie Quinn Wilsher - Sound Designer
Charlie is a third year TFEP student specialising in Sound and Stage/Production Management. This is their third Sound Designer role on a Bath Spa Production and their first time working on an immersive promenade theatre show. Their previous Sound Designer roles were Beasts and Beauties (2021) and Rats Tales (2022). They have found the process of working on an immersive show a very interesting and valuable experience.In addition they were also an ASM on Shoot/Get Treasure/Repeat (2022) and an Assistant Scenic Artist on The Government Inspector (2022) Instagram @ charrdproduction.
Thornley Thomas-Atkin - Chief Prop Maker
Thornley is a third year Theatre, Festival and Events Production with a focus on lighting, construction and props making. This is Thornley’s second chief props making role and was excited to be a part of Christmas at Newton Park with all the interesting props that were needed. With previous work on ‘Beasts and Beauties ‘ as the lighting designer and ‘Shoot/Get Treasure / Repeat’ as the construction assistant. Instagram @thornley_ta
Chloe Lewis- Chief Electrician/Video Desinger/Video tech
Chloe is a second year undergraduate studying Theatre, Festival and Events Production with a focus on lighting and stage management. This is Chloe’s second chief electrician role. Their first being ‘Beasts And Beauties’ (2022).Chloe was excited to work on a site specific production that involved many technical challenges. She also found it challenging to work on multiple roles at once but was up for the task. Instagram: @ chloel_theatre
Jazz Davis- Costume Designer
Jazz is a third year TFEP student focusing on Costume and Scenic Art. This is Jazz’s first time being a Costume Designer. She has always had a passion for designing and was happy to portray it onto this show. Jazz was ecstatic to be working on a show that delved into many different time periods. In previous work, Jazz has been Costume Assistant in ‘Shoot, Get Treasure, Repeat’ (2022) HOD Scenic Artist in Beasts and Beauties’ (2021) alongside fellow student Bryony Harrison Pettit and Assistant Scenic Artist in ‘Rats Tales’ (2022) instagram: @artist_rose124.
Josh Purdie
- Prop Maker’s Assistant/ Video Designer/ Video Tech
Josh is a second year TFEP student specialising in Lighting, Props and Carpentry. This is their first time making props for a Bath Spa Production. Being an immersive show, Christmas at Newton Park (2022) brought new challenges to prop making as the audience is in close proximity to the action. This is also Josh’s first time working in the video department for a production, in advance of studying digital media later on in the academic year. instagram: @JPurdie_Creative
Ben
Adams - Set Designer
Debuting as a Lighting Designer in Shoot/ Get Treasure/ Repeat (2022), Ben wishes to further expand his creative palette with his first Set Design role in Christmas at Newton Park. Proud to be working alongside fellow third year students & Director Jenny Davies,
Ben wishes to continue to create unique worlds and environments. Past show work include Live LX Operation Motorcity & Krater Comedy Club, (2021), Chief Electrician, Rat’s Tales, (2022) & Pyro Operation, Avon Valley Pumpkin Patch (2022). Instagram @ badams_design
Matthew Smith - Lighting Designer
Matthew is a third year TFEP student specialising in Stage Management and Lighting. This is Matthew’s first time being a lighting designer for an immersive Bath Spa Production. He has found it creatively challenging, but a uniquely valuable experience. Matthew’s previous work includes: Rats Tales (2022) Assistant Stage Manager, The Government Inspector (2022) Assistant Construction, Shoot/Get Treasure/Repeat (2022) Assistant LX and Programmer. Alongside working with Bath Spa Productions, Matthew has also worked within the Theatre Royal Bath: Into The Woods (2022) and Crazy For You (2022), Stage Crew.
Indigo Jones - Video Designer / Assistant Electrician / Lighting Programmer
Indigo is a second year TFEP student who specialises in Lighting and Stage Management. This is Indigo’s first Bath Spa Production. She has thoroughly enjoyed the process of being a video designer and assistant electrician for an immersive performance. Indigo currently works at Theatre Royal Bath as a casual lighting technician.
Faith Trew - Stage Manager
Faith is a third year TFEP student specialising in stage management and props. This is her first stage manager role and she is grateful for the help from her team.Having spent the last two years working exclusively in theatre but branching out into festivals over the summer, this site specific promenade performance was an exciting new opportunity to broaden her skillset. Her previous credits include chief prop maker for ‘Shoot, get treasure, repeat’ (2022) and assistant stage manager for ‘Third Space’ (2022) instagram: @backstage_faith
Ana Snook - Deputy Stage Manager
Ana is a third year TFEP student specialising in Stage Management, Lighting and Video. This is her first role as both a DSM and working on a site specific promenade theatre piece. She’s really enjoyed working on this show stepping out of the traditional role of a DSM in theatre has been an exciting experience. As well as working with Jenny and the SM team to bring the production together. Ana’s previous credits include Assistant Stage Manager for Barra Collins’ Beasts and Beauties and Lighting Designer for Feargus Dunlop’s The Government Inspector. Instagram @anasnookproduction
Crystal Yuen - Senior Costume Maker
Crystal has started her third year at Bath Spa University. She currently specialises in Costume and Stage Management. This is her first Senior Costume Maker role and she is excited to add menswear to her making skills.Crystal’s previous credits include Assistant Stage Manager for The Government Inspector (2022), Prop Maker Assistant for Rat Tales’(2022) and as a Costume Assistant for Beasts and Beauties (2021).Over the summer, Crystal has enjoyed placements with Arcadia Specutar as a Production Assistant and with Bath Theatrical Costume Hire for the Jane Austen Festival. She now works part time with Bath Theatrical. Instagram: @sleepy.crystal
