7th February 2010 – Curtain Up! – Peter Quilter

Hot on the heels of the pantomime, we have cast our next production – Curtain Up! by Peter Quilter. It is a play for 5 women and is set in a dilapidated theatre which has been left to the women in the will of a man they all have various connections with – wife, ex-wife, daughter, ex-mother-in-law, and secretary.

The auditions went really well with great performances from everyone. I didn’t envy the director who had to decide on the cast. Luckily for her, she had 2 others assisting her with this decision but there would still be disappointments.

I auditioned for 4 parts, either of which I would have loved to play. I was asked to do the part of Sharon, Michael’s Secretary. She is described in the play as a “chubby punk goth” but she is so much more than that.  She is so loud, particularly common and crass in areas, she is everything that I am not. Her outward appearance is somewhat shocking, however she has a heart of gold and out of the 5 she has the most common sence and ability to put things into perspective. She is a wonderful character to portray and with the extracts from “Cabaret” to sing, the dance routines and the aerobics routines she will be physically challenging as well as mentally.

Looking back at the script and the other character parts, I am so glad that I have the part of Sharon. The other characters have fantastic lines and mentally challenging to do each one justice, however I think that in my heart of hearts, I wanted Sharon. While auditioning, although I had no strong feelings for any one character, I felt myself putting more effort into Sharon’s pieces.  The emphasis on the words rang truer for her lines than the others, maybe that is why I got the part, maybe that emphasis shone through.

31st January 2010 – End of the Pantomime

Well, the time has come to say goodbye to this years pantomime. Robinson Crusoe has finally married Juanita and the Captain had married Dame Margarita. Coral, the Spirit of the Seas has vanquished Davy Jones for the last time and the rotten pirates have become good Samaritans.

The rest of the runs continued without adverse event and the audiences left us having had a thoroughly enjoyable evening.  Our audience figures were up a third on last year and we hope they were suitably impressed to want to come back to us.

The costumes have been laundered and put back into storage, the scenery has been dismantled, the hall is back in the real world now and awaiting its next transformation…..

24th January 2010 – Two down, Five more to go!

We are now into our pantomime run and so far we have had more than our fair share of disaster.

The first performance, yesterday at 2.30pm started fine. We had a full house, lots of excited children and many excited adults too. Everything was going well, if a little slowly, but scenery was changed, dances were remembered and nobody had a prompt.

Then came the “Ship Deck” scene. Curtains open and usually there is a hornpipe performed to recorded music, however this time, the music did not start so to fill the gap our Musical Director started the song which comes directly after the hornpipe. Unfortunately this threw the actors and the singing didn’t start until the Chorus came in half way through.

Shortly before the interval, an unfortunate member of the audience fainted and our Lighting Director had to attend to her, leaving his assistant to work the lights, the pyrotechnics and the sound effects. A challenging job for two, so he did well to keep it together on his own. Then, after the “UV underwater” scene there is a quick change to “Davy Jones Domain” behind the tabs. This takes a little while so to allow a little more time, Davy Jones usually talks to the audience and whips them up into a frenzy of “Oh, no you won’t” and Boos and Hisses before he tries to capture Robinson Crusoe. This was cut short and the pyro went off for me to come on which I did, Davy Jones quickly made his exit and then after my lines there was an unfortunate pause while the scenery was still being changed. Now I am not very good at Ad Libbing and hate it when it happens, probably because I am not practiced at it. There is not a lot I can do to interact with the audience at that point as the dialogue leads straight into the next scene. Eventually the curtain opened and the scene was mostly set. There were lobster pots missing and the backdrop had got stuck. However the show went on and apart from the rope getting stuck around the seahorse’s neck making it difficult to pull off stage, the Sea Sprites and I managed to save Robinson Crusoe from the evil  clutches of Davy Jones, successfully shoving him inside his own locker!

Second performance had a numerically disappointing house despite the reduction in ticket price. We needn’t have worried though as they made enough noise for a house-full. We started and everything was running well, after the mishaps of the first performance, everyone was making sure they had everything right. We managed to get the scenery changed on time and all the songs and sounds came at the right time.

The incident came during the “ship-wreck” scene after Davy Jones whips up a storm to sink the ship. The cast come running on from alternating sides collecting others as they reach either side, showing the ship swapping violently from side to side. One of the Chorus sailors went across the stage and tripped falling a cutting them selves on the edge of a flat and was quickly rushed to hospital. The Director had to quickly change into costume and play the Cannibal Queen in the second act. Despite this we manage to cut 10 minutes off the running time (partly slickness, and partly due to having fewer children wanting to take part in the song at the end) and the audience leave wanting more.

The next performance is at 2.30 this afternoon and we are hoping for a responsive audience again today. We have a full house again. Then we have a rest for a few days and back to it on Thursday.

3rd January 2010 – Panic Stations

Now that the festive season has passed us it is time to set our minds to the pressing matter of pantomime. Robinson Crusoe is our production this year and it is fair to say that we have had quite a few problems so far. The main one being the music and the dances which are still not right, or in some cases even recorded or choreographed! This is making me panic just a little bit as I am supposed to be learning one of these dances and the first performance is in 19 days time!!!

The thing that gets me is that no-one else seems to have the same sense of urgency as I appear to possess. Whether it is because I like to have things perfect before we open or whether I am just neurotic, I have no idea, however, either way there must be some thing wrong with me….or not. I know there is always a bit of a panic after Christmas as before this there always seems to be “enough time”. This doesn’t happen with the plays, probably because we have consistency throughout the rehearsal period, pantomime always seems very “bitty” to me.

As for me and my part as Coral, Spirit of the Seas, I think I am pretty much ready. I have a couple of additions to sew onto my costume, I have pearls galore and a sparkly tiara, I even have pink and blue hair!! I have learnt my song and I think I do “Beyond the Sea” justice with it’s jazzy undertones. I just hope that I can remember all of my rhyming couplets and get them out in the right order!

19th December 2009 – A Stocking Full of Christmas

This programme of Christmas Carols, Seasonal Songs and Readings came and went so quickly we hardly had time to think about it. With only 3 rehearsals we managed to pull off an enjoyable show which had the audiences merry on Mulled Wine and Christmas Spirit and singing with us throughout. There was a mix of traditional hymns, mid 1900’s festive songs and an array of readings which kept the pace of the show at a fast trot. Everyone, cast and audience alike enjoyed it thoroughly.

19th October 2009 – Christmas entertainment auditions

I know….. I can hear you shouting “it is ages until Christmas!” and “Christmas, this early!” Well, this year we are getting organised (I know you have heard that somewhere before too!)

We held the auditions for the solo songs and verses for the Christmas show and also for the readings. We familiarised ourselves with the songs and perused the readings. We went through them one by one listening to everyone’s sterling efforts and finally the parts were awarded. I am not singing any solo’s, however I will have enough to do with reading a passage about the 12 days of Christmas and with participating in the choir pieces as well as the general numbers. There are lots of old favourites in the line-up and a few new, less well known songs. We only have three more rehearsals for this musical entertainment, however we will be getting all of the music on a CD to listen to and learn the tunes of, which helps enormously, especially when you have pantomime songs and lines to learn too!

8th October 2009 – Pantomime Auditions

Yesterday were the auditions for our forthcoming pantomime. This year we are performing “Robinson Crusoe”. Unfortunately we did not have bery many members turn up for the auditions and we are still missing a “Captain Cut-Throat” the pirate “Baddie”. Lots of people went for the part of Robinson, the principal boy and also for the part of Juanita, principal girl. It made the decision to cast very difficult. I auditioned for Robinson, but didn’t expect to get it. I also auditioned for Coral, Spirit of the Seas, a kind of “Good Fairy” character who has her own “Baddie” counterpart in Davy Jones. I have to admit that although I liked the part of Robinson, Coral has the better lines and is able to parry against Davy in a way that Robinson doesn’t. Also I don’t have to dress up as a boy, and I can wear a lovely floaty costume!

3rd October 2009 – Concert of Local Talent

Yesterday was the Arlington Village “Concert for Local Talent”. It was held in the Church, St. Pancras and as well as benefitting the church itself, we also had a retiring fund for St.Wilfrid’s Hospice. The concert was held in memory of Ron Church who died of lung cancer earlier on this year and as a tribute to recognise all that he gave to the Church and to the local area.

This informal and friendly concert has become an annual event attracting talented performers from the surrounding areas and with a variety of performances, there is something for everyone. It was due to be performed during the spring, however it was postponed on the event of Ron’s death.

It kicked off with a group of accordion players called the “Adlibs” who took us through six pieces of music ranging from waltzes, through to Tango and to a Polka with a few marches scattered through.

Natalie Beams after singing at the Arlington Concert for Local Talent

Then came Natalie Beams with an unaccomapnied rendition of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” from Jesus Christ Superstar and then “Eidelweiss” from the Sound of Music. After that was Peter Blee on the flute accompanied by Arnold Ford on the keyboard, who played firstly J.S. Bach’s B-minor Suite – Minuet and Badinerie and then a more up to date piece with Annie’s Song made famous by John Denver. There was a break in the music at this point and Anne Hope recited an anonymous piece called “Broken Vows”. Annie Rogers delighted us with her interpretation of Dido’s Lament taken from Henry Purcell’s opera Dido and Aeneas. Finally for this half, young Luther Vine played the well-known theme tune to the popular television series “Dad’s Army” on his Trombone accompanied on keyboard by Danielle Lulham.

During the interval we were treated to a lovely spread including smoked salmon canapes, onion tartlets, and scones with cheese and with jam. There was also served fresh apple juice and a tropical blended juice. Bravo to the ladies who organised all of this.

Opening the second half with the comedy song Jollity Farm were Keith Myerson on the guitar and Jim Tipler on the mandolin with both of them singing and encouraging the audience to participate with the animal noises during the song. Jim Tipler then swapped his mandolin for a guitar and performed with his wife Josie a Buddy Holly song called “Wishing.” Josie then took up the spotlight to recite 3 poems penned by local poet Jill Church, who happens to be her Mother. Anne Hope then read a piece by Dorothy Parker called “A Telephone Call” On a more serious note, Keith Myerson and Jim Tipler returned, both with guitars this time to perform the Andrew Gold song “Never Let Her Slip Away” The final performance of the evening went to the local choral group called Concentus Chorale. Conducted by Adrian White and accompanied on the keyboard by Arnold Ford, the group performed a medley of songs from Lionel Bart’s musical “Oliver” and then the Overture and Medley from “The Lion King”

The feedback from the audience was that it was a great show, they all enjoyed it very much. Hopefully we will be able to top it next year.

26th September 2009 – Caught in the Net

"Your Mother approves?!"

Today is a very sad day. It is our last performance of the fantastically hilarious Ray Cooney farce “Caught in the Net”. We have all worked very hard to get to this stage and it had been well worth the effort.

Thursday saw a very raucous audience. They were with us from the beginning and immediately “got” the two family set up. They were literally rolling in the aisles. There was not a dry seat…I mean eye in the house (although the cushions had been removed on Friday night,  just in case!?!)

Friday saw a very different audience. They weren’t as loud with their laughter to start with, however once they warmed up, you could not stop them. They laughed at lots of lines that we hadn’t had any reaction to before, which was really great.

"Go on, ask Dad"

Tonight we have nearly a full house. We have to make a good impression tonight so people will remember us and come again.

My congratulations go out to Godfrey Forder who as the Director, made this fabulous play come to life and without him we would not be where we are now. A triumph on your debut Godfrey! It all comes down to concentration in the end! We just have to wait to see what the press say about us……if they come.

It is 2.30am and I have just arrived home from our after show party. The last performance went so well. There was a full house, we almost had to turn people away but we managed to squeeze them in. The audience was brilliant. They were laughing from the first few lines and continued ceaselessly throughout. There was a lot of very positive feedback from the audience both during the interval and as they were leaving. This will be a much talked about play and has set a high standard for our next production. I hope the new members of our audience spread the word round their friends and bring them along next time.

"Visitor?... Well I suggest you entertain your young lady upstairs!" (Note the saucepan....!)

I have arrived home still on a high from the performance. I will sleep well tonight. Tomorrow will be a sad day. I will miss “Mad” Mary. I rather enjoyed chasing after people with my carving knife and banging on locked doors although my hand was getting a bit sore along with my throat from shouting too much. Others will have enjoyed my varied facial expressions throughout, my screaming hysterics, my wild dishevelled hair on my final entrance and also something to do with a saucepan…although I cannot reveal what that particular thing was those who saw it will know what I mean immediately.

On opening the local paper today (3rd October 2009) I go straight to the “Entertainment” pages to find a great review by Ronald Afredson. Find the original at: http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/entertainment/Review-Caught-in-the-Net.5698521.jp

STONE Cross Memorial Hall rocked with laughter last Thursday to Saturday when The Haven Players presented Ray Cooney’s farce Caught in the Net.

The premise of the play is that John Smith is a bigamist with families in Wimbledon and Streatham and for 15 or so years everything runs smoothly until his daughter Vicki in Wimbledon makes e-mail contact with his son Gavin in Streatham. Amazed by the similarities  in their domestic circumstances – fathers with the same name and both taxi drivers – they decide to meet and John’s problems start to multiply.  “Aided” by his lodger, Stanley Gardner, the plot becomes more and more deviously convoluted as John tries to extricate himself from the web he has spun for himself.
The children, Gavin (Gideon Ashby) and Vicki (Sarah Baker) carry off their roles to perfection and John (Douglas Dalziel) and Stanley (Nick Moon) attempt to delay and divert them.

"One Tea!"

With John away Stanley is left to think up ever-more unlikely excuses and reasons why the children should be kept apart and Nick Moon excels in the manic role he is forced to play.
Not only is it a case of keeping the children apart but also the wives, Barbara (Michelle Moon) in Streatham and Mary (Natalie Beams) in Wimbledon.
In the best traditions of the Whitehall farce, confusion is heaped on unlikely occurrence until John is reduced to playing a corpse rolled up in a carpet and Stanley is dripping with perspiration clad in a towel.

"I don't want a Doctor"

Added to all of which Stanley’s dad turns up expecting Stanley to take him to Felixstowe on holiday. Colin Atkinson is perfect in the role and steals many of the scenes in which he inadvertently adds to the hilarity with his deafness and confusion.
The performances of John as he becomes ever more desperate to maintain the status quo and his two wives as they try to find out quite what is going on are splendidly played.
To reveal the denouement would be to spoil the story for anyone who has never seen the play, but everything reaches a satisfactory conclusion after a spell of angry kitchen knife-wielding by the enraged Mary and revelations all round.
Godfrey Forder is to be congratulated on what can only be described as a tour de farce for drilling his excellent cast not only in words and moves but also in timing and the speed of movement around a compact eight-door set which doubled up as the living rooms of both houses, sometimes at the same time.
The effect of seeing both house telephones plus a mobile phone in use in the same few square feet of stage is dramatic and entertaining.
There was not a foot or word out of place nor an opportunity for comic effect left unmilked and a series of enthusiastic audiences left no-one in doubt as to their enjoyment and appreciation.

Final Curtain

September 2009 – Caught in the Net by Ray Cooney

How can John keep his two families from meeting?

Rehearsals are well underway for our next production. This Autumn we are performing Ray Cooney’s farce “Caught in the Net”. This is the sequel to “Run for your Wife”. I play the part of Mary, whose husband John is married to two people. Mary and John’s daughter Vicky finds a friend on the Internet and they want to meet due to the fact that they have so much in common, including Fathers with the same name and profession. This friend happens to the son of John’s other marriage. The rest of the play revolves around the two kids trying desperately to meet and John with the aid of his Lodger Stanley, trying to keep them apart.

The rehearsals have been extremely fun so far, with all of the “business” that has to be worked out and having to learn our lines quickly to be able to attempt these moves. It is a very “prop-heavy” play and the sooner we can have these in use the better. Once we have the set completed that will make life a lot easier. We still have a few weeks left before we have to start panicking about the performances at the end of September, however as usual that time will slip away very quickly.

We have a peice in the local paper today which is well overdue. I hope we manage to rack up the ticket sales now. A little miffed that several of us are not mentioned by name however it does have a great picture (the one on this post!)