o a s the tr oast notes onbr i d g e · this is a romp of a play and, for a restoration comedy,...
TRANSCRIPT
OAST NOTESOAST THEATRE
TONBRIDGE March 2017
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Saturday, 4th March –
Saturday, 11th March incl.
Play of the Month:
“The Country Wife”
Saturday, 4th March Adult Workshop
MONDAY, 6th MARCH LAST DAY FOR COPY FOR
APRIL OAST NOTES
Thursday, 9th March Mad March Hatter Event
Saturday, 11th March Adult Workshop
Friday, 17th March Audition:
“Three Men in a Boat” NEW DATE
Saturday, 18th March Adult Workshop
Tuesday, 21st March Art Group AGM
Wednesday, 29th March –
Saturday, 1st April
Oast Youth Theatre’s
“Oast Made: After Show”
Sunday, 2nd April Tea and New Plays Afternoon
Sunday, 9th April Quiz Night
NEXT MONTH’S PLAY – “A Fine Bright Day Today” by Philip
Goulding – 22nd - 29th April. A humorous, poignant and heartening story.
A widow for 30 years, Margaret takes the plunge to continue on life’s
path in the company of another.
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PLAY OF THE MONTH
“The Country Wife” by William Wycherley
This is a romp of a play and, for a Restoration Comedy, very easy
to follow. It centres around Horner, loveable rogue or villain?
Whichever, he spreads the word that he is a eunuch in order that
the ladies may feel at ease with him! Because reputation is
everything and the husbands will trust him with their wives!
You’ll so enjoy the wonderful costumes, the set and, of course,
the actors in this very funny farce!
Sandra Barfield
Director
This is bound to be a Box Office hit of a production. So we do
recommend that you make a very real effort to BOOK YOUR
SEATS EARLY! Use our website, www.oasttheatre.com or
telephone the Box Office on 01732 363849. If you prefer to apply
in writing pick up an Advance Booking Form from the theatre
when you are next passing.
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OAST YOUTH THEATRE presents….
“OAST MADE: AFTER SHOW”
Over the past year a wide variety of our members have been involved
in crafting this exciting new piece of theatre.
Set at an after show party, it explores the fears and dreams of a group
of teenagers. A relationship in peril; someone on the run; and a house
that may or may not survive.
This is the first stage work completely devised and developed by our
group of young people.
Will contain strong language.
Jason Lower
Please don’t let our young people down as happened with “The
Laramie Project”. They are a delightful and talented bunch so do
make sure you book your seats to see this exciting new production of
their own devising.
BOOK EARLY – either online at www.oasttheatre.com or by ‘phone
on 01732 363849 or even, if you prefer, by post making use of an
Advance Booking form available from the foyer at the theatre.
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AUDITION
“Three Men In A Boat” by Jerome K Jerome
adapted for the stage by Daniel O’Brien
Philip Holden apologises but, after a number of requests, he has
moved the audition from the dates quoted in last month’s Oast Notes
to the following:-
Audition: Friday, 17th March – 7.30pm
in the Janet Young Room
Performance dates: 22nd – 29th July
Director: Phillip Holden – 0790 4021382 or
Three male characters –
J/Jerome – Jerome K. Jerome. Actor/aspiring writer.
Harris – Perhaps physically larger than J.
George – Some musical ability. Works in a Bank.
All aged 20s – 40s.
The characters are only briefly sketched (and, to some extent,
interchangeable) so the casting will depend on getting the right mix.
When the story takes place (1890s) the three are in their 20s, but, as
they are looking back and recounting the stories, they could be in their
30s or 40s. More important is that they fit together and could
conceivably be best friends.
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AUDITION
“Three Men In A Boat” contd.
The actors will need to be able to sing. There are (as it stands) 11
pieces of music – sung or performed in one way or another. I’m likely
to ask an actor to play the trombone (badly) and all three actors to
learn to play some tunes on the ukulele. I’ve already identified a uke
teacher!
Actors will need to be able to move (!) and they will, in effect, build
the set as they go along. A certain amount of falling over, balancing
and climbing as well as falling into the river etc. may be called for as
well as audience interaction.
There is certainly mime involved – acting with only rudimentary
props or costumes to evoke strong comic characters in a series of
sketches where the challenge is to distinguish each scene and each
moment. Actors will switch between the friends, the characters they
each portray, directly addressing the audience and…being the dog
Montmorency!
Rehearsals may be flexible to some extent as it’s a small cast but we
are starting early and gently as soon after casting as we can (probably
from 10th April) for some early readings, workshops, music and
general larking about.
For the audition I’d like you to prepare a piece, though you don’t need
to learn it – Jerome’s long speech on p.60.
If you are interested and need a script and the audition piece, contact
me – Phil Holden – Director.
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ADULT WORKSHOPS
We continue with our improvisation workshop series this month:
4th, 11th & 18th March, 2.00-4.00pm in Ken’s Place in the Barn.
These are a fun, social and low pressure set of workshops that will help
develop your skills and maybe teach you some new things.
Please do come along even if you cannot commit to all three of them.
If you have any questions or would like to suggest topics for future
workshops, please email [email protected]
MAD MARCH HARE HATTER EVENT –
9th March at the Oast
Calling all Oast ladies – how about a little Mad March Retail Therapy?
We’ve been given some absolutely gorgeous, stunning, wedding-type
hats and fascinators – all possible colours and styles, suitable for the
poshest imaginable event – Ascot? Buckingham Palace? They come from
a former hat-hire business and some have obviously never even been
worn. We’d like to offer our Oast members and friends the chance to see
them, try them on, and take them home – prices will start at £15;
unbelievable value for such quality.
The hats will be on show and available at the Oast on Thursday afternoon,
9th March, between 2.30pm and 4.30pm – come and have a glass of
prosecco (Mad March price of only £3) or a cup of tea (no charge for
this!), and a browse. We look forward to seeing you, and do tell your
friends.
We thank Chris Miall for making the introduction and for organising the
prosecco!
Valerie Armstrong
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ART GROUP AGM
The Art Group will be holding its AGM on Tuesday, 21st March at
3.30pm in the Art Studio. The usual items will be on the agenda –
election of a Chairman for the ensuing year, a general discussion of
the practical sessions and the confirmation of all the details
concerning the annual exhibition in the summer.
Please contact Gordon Court at [email protected] if
you require further details before the meeting.
A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
THE NEXT TEA AND NEW PLAYS AFTERNOON 2nd April
Just to let you know that we shall be running another of our very
popular new plays afternoon with tea and a selection of delicious
home-made cakes on the 2nd April.
Details of the plays to be performed will appear in next month’s Oast
Notes. Be sure to put it in your diary!
Maggie Hoiles &
Sandra Barfield
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MEMBERS’ EVENT
QUIZ NIGHT
The always popular Quiz Night returns. Book your table now!
Sunday, 9th April, 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start.
Our quizmaster Stephen Pierce returns to test your knowledge!
Cost £7 a person to include a glass of wine or soft drink with
nibbles on the table. The bar will be open.
Teams of 6. Smaller numbers will be made up into a team.
Please book your places by sending a cheque payable to TTAC
to Valerie Armstrong, Candytree Plat, Foxhole Lane, Matfield,
Kent. TN12 7ES or leave in the ‘Wardrobe’ pigeon hole at the
Oast.
Please include an email address (or telephone number) to receive
confirmation of your booking.
Jo Pierce
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100 CLUB – JANUARY RESULTS
£25.00 Mr & Mrs G Kirk
£10.00 Mrs L Porter
£10.00 Miss B Fermor
£10.00 Mrs J Powling
£10.00 Mrs E Hutton
Be IN for a chance to WIN!
It only costs £13.00 per year!
It helps to raise money for your Theatre!
Prizes every month!
Ring Rita Carpenter on 01732 358282
or email on [email protected]
You can join at any time!
But why not make it NOW!
Welcome to those who have recently joined – Good Luck!
Numbers available
107: 150: 166: 167
One of these could be your lucky number.
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ONE POINT OF VIEW
“What The Butler Saw” by Joe Orton
Farce is undoubtedly one of the most difficult forms of theatre. A particular
set of skills are required to be able to cope with playing ridiculous, over-the-
top characters in highly improbable situations with enough twists and turns
thrown into the plot designed to confuse even the most perceptive of audiences.
And all of which to be played at a break neck speed without losing coherence
or clarity. I’m pleased to report that these requirements were successfully
achieved in January’s production of “What the Butler Saw” under the sure
hand of director, Chris Howland.
This was Joe Orton’s final play, first staged in 1969 two years after his death.
Although this was apparently the time of liberation and the “permissive
society” (I can’t believe that Alan Bennett, like Orton, a master of language,
wasn’t influenced by Orton’s work when writing his play “Habeas Corpus”
only two or three years later), it met with a very unfavourable reception with
boos and cries of ‘filth’ at its premiere. Today it no longer has the ‘shock’
element of its time, but the quality of the writing ensures the play continues as
a classic example of a highly entertaining farce.
The setting of a psychiatrist’s clinic, designed by Ken Smith and constructed
by the ever-wonderful Playgroup, complete with the requisite number of
entrances and exits, presented exactly the right picture. The closing down of
the premises after the alarm was activated worked perfectly, together with the
policeman’s entrance through the skylight above. The costumes and props,
organised by Jean Bruce, Betti Price and Stage Manager Faye Bedding were
spot-on. Sound and lighting (designed by Dave McGrath and Geoff Daniels
respectively) also ticked all the right boxes.
The acting was first-class as is essential in an ensemble piece such as this.
From Nick Smith’s lecherous psychiatrist, Dr Prentice, through Symon
Hamer’s madder-than-the-patients, Dr Rance and Caroline Fenton’s cool Mrs
Prentice to Eleanor Bell’s put-upon secretary, Harry Wells’ blackmailing
bellhop, and Ben Dangerfield’s archetypal policeman, all presented their
characters to excellent effect.
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“What The Butler Saw” contd.
I wish I didn’t have to point out a niggle but all aspects of production are
important however small. Secretary Geraldine Barclay’s first wig was, quite
frankly, awful. Not only in its appearance but also because it obscured the
actress’s face. I know hiring good wigs is expensive but, believe me, it’s worth
the expense.
Congratulations to Chris Howland (another success to add to his portfolio) and
everyone else involved in this production. A most enjoyable evening at the
theatre.
Yvette Walters
BOX OFFICE RESULTS
Another complete sell out! There were full houses for all 8 performances
of “What the Butler Saw” (896 seats) and in addition 6 tip up seats were
sold. The audiences consisted of – 171 (19%) Season Ticket holders: 305
(34%) Members: 408 (46%) Non-Members and 12 (1%) Associate
Members.
676 tickets were booked online, being 75% of the bookings made.
Brian Perryman
A NICE EMAIL…
“We came to the play (“What the Butler Saw”) yesterday evening and we
did not boo – we laughed and laughed! What a fantastic performance;
how do the cast do it?
The programme will be a useful keepsake; so informative.
Thank you
John & Pauline Meakin”
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REHEARSED PLAY READINGS –
CALLING ALL DIRECTORS AND ACTORS
For a few years the Oast has been offering the opportunity for authors
of new plays to see their plays performed as a rehearsed reading in
front of a small audience in the Janet Young Room. It seems to be a
popular way to spend a Sunday afternoon; it’s possible that the vast
quantities of delicious cake on offer at the interval might have
something to do with it!
To make these events happen we need directors and actors. Yvette
Walters has been the ‘Keeper of the List’ of Oast members prepared
to take part but now that she has moved I am taking on this
responsibility. Thank you, Yvette, for the time you have given to this
project.
If you have previously expressed an interest in directing or acting in
these readings, could you let me know so that I can cross-check
names/email addresses/’phone numbers against Yvette’s list. This is
also an opportunity for you to add your name. Please email me at
[email protected]. You don’t have to learn any lines and
rehearsal time is minimal, usually a few hours the day before, or on
the day of the reading. The next rehearsed reading is scheduled for
2nd April.
Sara Lacey
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NEW MEMBERS
Only a few new members to welcome this month.
Michael & Susan Darbyshire have joined as Audience Members.
Melanie Adams is interested in Lighting, Sound, Wardrobe and
helping in the Bar.
Angela Dunk would like to help with Front of House, the Coffee Bar,
selling ice creams and helping behind the Bar.
A warm welcome to you all.
ANOTHER EMAIL
Having read the review of “A Christmas Carol” in the last issue of Oast
Notes, I was surprised and disappointed to see that no mention was made
of Mary’s invaluable contribution on the keyboard.
I am sure that she must have been present at most of the rehearsals and I
believe she arranged much if not all of the musical accompaniment
herself. Dennis also did his bit by turning the pages and lending his moral
support.
Thank you to everyone involved in a most enjoyable production and a
welcome addition to the festive season.
Roi Arden
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IN THE SECOND OF OUR OAST PROFILE SERIES
STEVE HEMSLEY TALKS TO ELIZABETH (BIZZ) PORTLOCK
It is fifteen years since Bizz joined the Oast having moved to Kent
from the outskirts of Bristol.
Her first production was “Something’s Afoot” in the 2002/2003
season which she describes as an amazing production with its split
level set, singing, dancing, murder, and comedy.
“I got to work with some amazing and very talented people, including
Jean and Doug Bruce, the late Don and Margaret Webster and Tony
Armstrong”.
Bizz became Secretary in 2013 and can often be found helping out
with lighting/sound operation, prompting, props, fly tower, and even
Stage Managing.
“I believe that all actors should at least try out a backstage role so
they can understand all the hard work and effort that’s put in by
others”.
When Bizz is not at the Oast you will find her baking cakes at home
for her aptly-named business Limelight Cakes which she set up in
2013 with her friend Kate Munson. “If I’m not baking, then you
might spot me in a feature film, or television series as an extra in the
background”, says Bizz.
One of her proudest stage moments came recently when she
performed with her eldest son Joshua aged 10 in “A Christmas
Carol”.
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STEVE HEMSLEY’S OAST PROFILE –
ELIZABETH (BIZZ) PORTLOCK contd.
“I’d like to thank Phil Porter and the cast and crew for supporting
Joshua and giving him the opportunity to perform alongside myself
in a great production”.
OUR EVENING WITH ROY HUDD
What a lovely, warm, relaxed evening it was. A packed house
welcomed Roy and his wife Debbie, who entertained us to a
seemingly endless store of stories (all true, of course) of a lifetime
spent in panto, music hall, theatre, film, radio, stand-up comedy – you
name it. And I think, given more time, there could have been even
more. Debbie expertly steered, prompted, reminded and asked
questions, each time leading Roy on to the next series of anecdotes –
a pleasure to listen to. We are so grateful to Laura for making this
evening possible.
Members’ Evenings are not primarily intended to make a profit, but
since Roy and Debbie very kindly asked for minimal expenses only,
this one did – around £700.00, in fact. A bonus indeed.
Valerie Armstrong
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MARYLIN APPS
We were sorry to learn that Marylin Apps died recently after a short
illness.
Members will recall that she wrote a one-act play – “Remember” –
which we presented at the Oxted, Leatherhead and Sevenoaks
festivals in 2015.
In November of that year she directed “Seeing the Lights” by
Brendan Murray which was much acclaimed by our audiences. It
was solely down to her that this play was presented by us as it was a
production that she had seen whilst on holiday in the Lake District.
We send sincere condolences to Martin, her husband and Katherine
and Jane, her daughters. Martin is an active member of the
Playgroup.
JOHN POPE
A former influential member has also died recently. John Pope joined
the Club in January, 1953 and was elected to the Committee in
September, 1956. He was involved, with the late Jean McConnell
and others, in organising the programme of plays and was Chairman
between October, 1959 and August, 1961, remaining on the
Committee until 1964. After that he took up the role of the Club’s
solicitor for some years. He was involved with the original purchase
of the Oast building and therefore was part of the establishment of
our much-loved home, The Oast Theatre, where so many of us spend
so much time.
Our condolences to Rena, his wife, herself a former member.
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OAST YOUTH THEATRE
WORKSHOPS
Thursday, 2nd March
Thursday, 16th March
There is no Workshop on Thursday, 30th March.
“OAST MADE: AFTER SHOW”
Come and support our March/April show. Tickets available from
www.oasttheatre.com
HOODIES
Order a hoodie from http://oastyouth.co.uk/hoodies2017.
for £20 each. Orders accepted until Sunday, 5th March and must be paid
for by this date.
CALENDAR
All of our upcoming dates can be found in the OYT calendar
http://oastyouth.co.uk/oyt-calendar
Jason
OAST THEATRE
TONBRIDGE
THE OAST THEATRETonbridge Theatre & Arts Club
OFFICERS
Box Office: (01732) 363849 [email protected] ROAD TONBRIDGE KENT TN10 3AN TEL: (01732) 350261
www.oastheatre.com
Tonbridge Theatre & Arts Club Registered Charity No. 227035
PHIL PORTER [email protected]
DAVID KEITH [email protected]
ELIZABETH PORTLOCK [email protected]
BRIAN PERRYMAN [email protected]
ANNIE YOUNG [email protected]
PHIL PORTER
LYN PORTER [email protected]
MAGGIE HOILES [email protected]
JO PIERCE [email protected]
JASON LOWER [email protected]
Chairman
Honorary Treasurer
Honorary Secretary
Membership Secretary
Editor
Premises Manager
Hirings and Rehearsal Bookings
Publicity
Wardrobe Representative
Youth Theatre
01732 835460
01732 458876
01732 300551
01732 354368
01732 352084
01732 835460
01622 813573
01892 528166
07812061753
01732 835460