AUGUST 2021

FP EDITOR’S COMMENTS CHAIRMAN’S LETTER It’s so good to be able to go to your Hi Folks! shows again. So far we saw “Mikado” I’ve just got back from the in an aircraft hangar in semi- National Drama Festivals lockdown, we heard some excellent Association (NDFA), voices by BCOS. Then it was British All Winners Festival OTG’s “Baggage” at the Old Fire (but more of that later) and Station – still socially distanced (it does limit I have to say it was great audience size!); “Diary of Nobody at Thame” which to be back watching live was very entertaining; and recently “Wind in the theatre again! Hats off to all of you who are Willows” in Dorchester Abbey gardens – (see review) already back into rehearsals or staging summer I was so sad to hear of the passing of Raymond shows in somewhat uncertain times. It’s hard Hopkins, he came to our AGMs and judged many enough work putting on a show as it is without the pantomimes for our competition. Luckily his comedy added pressure of keeping your members and farces will live on, I‘ve only seen one so far, so your audiences safe. This week at the British All please consider them in future. I have a set of his Winners Festival amateur theatre was described scripts which he gave ODN if you wish to read any. by the guest of honour, West End musical star, Mike Davies Dave Willetts, as ‘the backbone of British theatre’ and I think this is so true. There is so much passion in amateur theatre and I see that reflected WHAT’S ON DIARY (details inside) in each show I see – from the welcoming front of AUGUST house staff, to the cast on stage and the 12-14 Oxford Theatre Guild "It’s True, It’s True, It’s True" production crew. 14 YOBOS "In The Heights" A big congratulations to the Sinodun Players and 14 & 15 Launton Village Players. Another Opening, Another Show the Corn Exchange Theatre for receiving The 15, 22, 5 Sept. AmEgos Summer Singing Sundays Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service this month – SEPTEMBER a fantastic achievement and well deserved! 7-11 Thame Players’ A Fly in the Ointment I am looking forward to getting round to as many 15-18 Abingdon Drama Club Good & Faithful Servants shows as I can in the future, so don’t forget to post 17-18 Wychwood Players A Midsummer Night’s Dream details of your shows in the newsletter, website 22-25 St Peter's Players Ghosts at the Grange and Facebook group. 29-2nd Oct The Sinodun Players ‘A Daughter’s A Daughter’ Karen

30-2nd Oct HAODS “Sing from the Heart” OCTOBER Hold the date - ODN AGM - Friday 17th Sept 20-23 Kidlington A.O.S. HMS Pinafore on Zoom - details to be sent out soon. 20-23 The Henley Players Saturday Sunday Monday

26-30 Abingdon Operatic Society All Shook Up Page INSIDE THIS ISSUE 28-30 Witney Dramatic Society The Truth Fairies 1 Chairman’s Letter 28-30 Banbury Operatic Society A Night at the Oscars 2 British All Winners Festival – Results NOVEMBER 3 Spelthorned and Runnymede Drama Festival 17-20 HAODS “Shrek” The Musical 3 Obituary – Raymond Hopkins 24-27 The Bartholomew Players "Von Ribbentrop’s Watch" 4 Queen’s Award to Corn Exchange 24-27 Jigsaw Stage Productions “The Sound of Music” 6-7 Review Wind in the Willows 24-27 Banbury Cross Players. The Woman who Cooked her Husband 7 Casting DECEMBER 8-9 What’s On-Line 1-4 AmEgos Barefoot In The Park 9-13 Forthcoming Events 14 About ODN The ODN committee 2-4 Jigsaw Stage Productions “The Sound of Music”

7-11 Oxford Operatic Society My Fair Lady Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/1324585987569767 16-31 Buttercross Theatre Productions Cinderella Email: [email protected] Instagram: www.instagram.com/oxfordshiredramanetwork ODN website: www.OxfordshireDramaNetwork.org Page 1 of 14

Thomas, performed by three very talented actresses British All Winners Festival. from Spiral Curtain from Cobham in Surrey. I confess I’m not a huge fan of the play (probably due to it being forced on me at school by a terrible English teacher) but the 3 young women who performed all the roles of the villagers between them with a few simple props were totally amazing and smashed it with brilliant characterisation and pace bringing out the comedy and the pathos of the piece. I was lucky enough to spend a few days at the wonderful Albany Theatre in , enjoying the National Drama Festivals Association (NDFA) British All Winners Festival. Unfortunately, due to work commitments I was unable to attend the full week but did manage to catch 5 one act plays and one full length play over the course of 3 nights. The British All Winners Festival is normally the final event in the NDFA calendar whereby the winners of all its member festivals are eligible to be invited to perform in a week-long adjudicated event provided they have scored a minimum of 80 points by a GoDA adjudicator. Obviously with very few festivals going ahead this year this was tricky – so they decided instead to invite previous winners. The award winners In total there were eight one act plays, three full length plays and three youth one act plays. There Paul Fowler was the adjudicator and awarded the was also supposed to be workshops delivered by the following:- RSC and a Les Miserables in a day music workshop given by West End musical star, Dave Willetts which Youth One Act Plays unfortunately had to be cancelled when the • The GADOC Joyce Cook Memorial Trophy (voted restrictions weren’t lifted in June. All would have by the audience for best Youth production) – Impact involved close-contact work and it was decided that Youth (Tamworth, Staffs) “Shuddersome Tales of with Covid cases soaring in some parts of the Poe” country it just wasn’t viable. However, all are happy • The Buxton Trophy for most promising youth – to deliver them next year instead. Kyle Goold – for “Private Peaceful” Limitless All the performing groups really stepped up to the Academy of Performing Arts (Royston, Herts) challenge, some rehearsing socially distant, masked • Winner: NDFA Youth Trophy – “Private Peaceful” up in gardens in the rain or on Zoom, often with Limitless Academy of Performing Arts (Royston, members of their cast missing due to self-isolation – Herts) all living in fear of getting pinged and not being able to perform at the last minute. The stress must have One Act Plays been immense – but they all pulled it off admirably • Best Comedy Moment: John Scowen Award for and the quality of the performances was generally Comedy – “Raving” by Simon Paisley Day - outstanding with many productions scoring well Thursday Night Project (Esher, Surrey) above the usual entry requirements. • The Fisher Trophy for backstage (voted by There were two standout productions for me: the backstage crew) – Total Arts Community Theatre “Pressure” by David Haig – a full length play based (Tamworth, Staff) on a true story, directed by adjudicator Jan Palmer- Sayer and performed by The Company of Players in • Adjudicators Award: The Amateur Theatre Trophy Hertford. Set in a war office in 1944 a few days – Stephen Fortune Smith, of Total Arts Community before the D-Day invasion two meteorologists are at Theatre for his performance as Billy in “Five Kinds of logger heads over if the weather conditions will be Silence” by Shelagh Stephenson safe enough for the invasion to go ahead. A brilliant • Runner-up: NDFA Council Trophy – Spiral Curtain central performance by Jim Markey playing the chief for “Under Milk Wood” by Dylan Thomas meteorological officer for the Allied Forces and the attention to detail to the simple but effective period • Winner: Irving Trophy – Total Arts Community set, with some back projection showing war time Theatre for “Five Kinds of Silence” by Shelagh archive footage really made this production very Stephenson absorbing. The other production I thought was Full Length Plays amazing was “Under Milk Wood” (Abridged) by Dylan

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• Backstage: The Sydney Fisher Trophy (voted by the backstage crew) – White Cobra Productions OBITUARY (Northampton) It is with great • Adjudicator Award: Felixstowe Festival Trophy – sadness for me to Georgia Kelly for her performance in the Criterion report that Raymond Theatre’s production of “Queers” curated by Mark Gatiss Hopkins (78) has died. Raymond was • Runners Up: Amateur Stage Trophy - a great supporter of Criterion Theatre’s production of “Queers” curated the Drama Network by Mark Gatiss and took a great • Winner: Mary Blakeman Trophy – The interest in and Company of Players production of “Pressure” by penjoyed watching amateur plays and David Haig pantomimes. A big shout out also to the staff at the Albany Theatre He was also a prolific playwright. He started who went above and beyond to keep everyone safe and were so welcoming and friendly. The Festival writing in his latter years and he had no formal looks likely to be back in Coventry next year so I for literary training, but managed to write 10 plays in one will look forward to going back again – hopefully his romantic comedy ‘Love’ series. He was so in more ‘normal’ times and perhaps even supporting passionate about raising funds for MS Research, an Oxfordshire based group! that he donated all his royalties to the MS charity. Karen His plays are appreciated and performed far and wide in the UK and as far as Europe, Canada, Spelthorne &&& Runnymede and New Zealand. Ray’s writing was Drama Festival once compared with the great playwright Ray Drama Festival Cooney, both having hilarious plots with twists Tuesday 19th to Saturday 23rd October and turns in each play. His characters were Last year Didcot Phoenix Drama Group entered their drawn from everyday situations and given witty, short recorded play “Bad Connection” into the earthy dialogue to perform. Spelthorned and Runnymede Drama Festival which last year was run entirely virtually. Ray would often travel to venues all over the country where his plays were being performed, We have just had notification that this year’s Festival to thank groups for raising funds for MS. This will be combining their traditional adjudicated festival was always well received and appreciated by with a video virtual festival due to it’s popularity. casts and audiences alike. Video entries will be judged and managed separately He was unassuming and hated the limelight, but from the live performances and details of the virtual behind his reticence was a comic genius who will awards night are to follow. The deadline for video entries is Friday 1st October, when the videos will be be sorely missed. made available via our YouTube channel and open Nigel James for public voting. Entries should have a running time of 15 mins – although we found that many of the entries were longer than that, they just didn’t qualify for any of the awards. All video entries are free, and Buttercross Theatre Productions groups or individuals can submit as many entries as are offering workshops for Adults and Young they wish. People week commencing 6th September at the I know that many of our groups have stage virtual Corn Exchange, Witney. productions – some were entered into our winter Adult workshops in combined Drama/Vocal, virtual festival, so thought this might be of interest. Burlesque, Dance, Golden To enter, or for further information check out their Years for ages 60yrs young +. website - http://www.spelthornerunnymededramafestival.co.uk Youth Theatre workshops for ages 6yrs – 17yrs, Musical Theatre Dance, Acting for Film & TV. Karen www.ButtercrossTheatreProductions.co.uk

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‘Without the Sinodun Players and its volunteers, Staging For sale the Grade II listed Corn Exchange would not exist as a community facility’. Gloria Wright, Chair of the Sinodun Players said: ‘We always knew our wonderful members and volunteers were brilliant, and I'm sure they already know how highly they are valued, but now all the hard work and commitment over the last 40 years has been officially recognised.’ Volunteers from the Corn Exchange in ‘Revostage’ staging made up of:- Wallingford and the Sinodun Players, were at the 6 x 2000mm x 1000mm grey carpeted decks theatre to witness the presentation of the 4 x 1000mm x 520 grey carpeted decks Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service by Brian plus corresponding risers, location pillars and Buchan, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire to locking nuts, together with adjustable board Gloria Wright, chair of the Sinodun Players. storage trolley 1230H x 1270W x 700D Because of the pandemic the numbers of Supplied by Panel Systems Group volunteers in the theatre were limited but the In very good condition as it has only been used event was streamed live to other volunteers on a few occasions. using the theatre’s video link. And the recording Can be viewed by arrangement at Sutton will be available to the public soon on the Corn Courtenay Village Hall, Sutton Courtenay, Exchange website. Abingdon, Oxon Afterwards there was a reception in the garden email: Mary Warrington [email protected] of Bridge House by the Thames.

Dr. Kate Tiller, Deputy Lord Lieutenant, spoke about the formal process that had been undertaken but also the delight in finding out about all the activities that were carried out behind the scenes at the theatre. In presenting the award, Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services presented Brian Buchan commented on to the Sinodun Players and Corn Exchange the small number of these Wallingford awards compared to the individual awards which The Corn Exchange in Wallingford and the meant that they were really Sinodun Players, resident company and owner significant and of the theatre, are to receive the Queen’s Award complemented the volunteers for Voluntary Service, the highest possible on the persistence in coming honour for voluntary groups in the UK, which is through the pandemic unscathed. made every year to mark the anniversary of the Queen’s coronation. Gloria Wright, chair of the Sinodun Players received the The Players transformed the Corn Exchange award and thanked the from a derelict building into a “cornerstone of the volunteers for their support community”. It has been from the early days through to showing plays and films to the current times. She said residents of Wallingford and that there had been many a the surrounding area for crisis to overcome recently more than 40 years. but the effort from everyone The group was nominated had succeeded and we were for the award by Lynda now open again. Atkins, a former Oxfordshire County Councillor. She said: ODN website: www.OxfordshireDramaNetwork.org Page 4 of 14

Review he enthused over. He was just so ecstatic about his

The Wind in the Willows Dorchester Amateur Dramatic Society In the Cloister Gardens of Dorchester Abbey. Watching a famous play is always a delight on a July summer evening. It’s made even more special when it is outdoors in the grounds of Dorchester Abbey. It somehow adds to the splendour of it all. latest craze, until he saw something new and more Mike and I arrived early exciting, so childlike and a joy to watch, real fun. and met the Director Mark Wilkin, who has I loved the scene when Mole and Ratty greeted Toad been a member of DADS in his wonderful home with its family crest painted on since 2006. He has the simple bright set. The scenery/set was highly acted many parts, but portable, thin and tall and allowed the cast to run this was his first time around the back and into the audience with ease. We directing an outdoor loved the scene with the policemen chasing Toad, it production. Not an easy reminded me of the keystone cops (showing my age task through Covid there). times. Apparently, they The cast were small and tight in their performance. started rehearsing on Forgive me if I’m wrong but I saw only 6 that I could zoom, and then actually met and decided to do a live make out in the cast. Ian Brace had marvellous outdoor performance there in Dorchester. What an donkey type ears in one scene, and was so grumpy. innovative idea, and we had good weather too. Come We then realised he was portraying a horse pulling a rain or shine or even social distancing, the show brilliant gypsy cart with Ratty and Mole bobbing up must go on I say! and down pretending to be driven by him, while Toad I had to do some homework before seeing this looked on with glee at his latest purchase. That was performance as I never had children to read the story before he became obsessed with cars. Ratty to. I discovered that Kenneth Grahame’s 1908 informed us that Toad had smashed 7 of them and classic the Wind in the Willows has been adapted in been to hospital 3 times, so I hope I don’t meet him all available media and interpreted as just about on the A34! everything from a piece of snobbish nostalgia to a Props need a mention because we loved the car socialist parable. made of wood painted bright red and worn on one’s This DADS performance was an adaptation by Philip shoulders with thick straps, and the actor’s legs and Dart the Playwright who is a specialist in literary feet slotted through the other end as they skipped adaptations including Jane Eyre, The School for around the stage at full speed - fab. Plus, the famous Wives, and many more. He has won “Off West End blue boat -also portable with shoulder straps, clever Awards” for his production of Tom McGraths Laurel idea. This was the enigmatic famous scene- where and Hardy. So, I knew we were in for a treat. the story began on the river of course. Also, the portable train was Mike’s favourite as it was so I had been warned by word of mouth that a note of realistic. caution should be sounded around all this, it is that The Wind in the Willows cannot be an easy story - or There seemed to be lots of small stories, and the set of stories - to translate into a theatrical setting, characters were strong enough to carry that off. No but this adaptation showed no signs of that strain. microphones used, so we were relying on strong voices there at the back of the field but we weren’t The show opened strongly and beguilingly. It was disappointed. I loved it when the Weasels and stoats fast and fun and the stories/tales were simple to (baddies) wanted to move into Toad Hall as Toad follow. From Mole emerging with a torch on his head had been sent to jail for 80 years for bad driving then meeting Ratty. The costumes were effective and (strict huh). But I’m glad to say that Toad escaped jail Mole was such a lovely character with his innocence. dressed as the washer woman. He then had an He moved in and out of the audience and thrilled the arduous journey home. For a Toad who has been children when he was fearful of the dark. spoilt all his life and was busy getting through his Many of the cast had several parts except Toad. I father’s money, this journey was tough. liked the portrayal of Ratty who was such a stick in As Mike and watched in awe. I decided that all of the the mud type of character, and he was always performers had clearly invested a great deal in judging Toad who was his friend. Toad loved creating their particular animal's physicality and everyone and was played very well by Kate Phillips. I speech, aided by their imaginative and clever loved all Toad’s mad ideas, and investments which costumes. We watched the whole play for 90 minutes ODN website: www.OxfordshireDramaNetwork.org Page 5 of 14 without a break. Thank goodness we were The production, team is Joe Cummings (MD), completely engrossed in this family show otherwise it Amelia Haverson (Choreographer), with was a long time to sit. Jonathan Rubery and Amanda Anderson (Co- As I looked around at the audience nearby and their Directors), ably assisted by David Hornsby children, they sat quietly eating their picnics. As the (Production Assistant). evening wore on, they snuggled in their blankets on Performances will take place at Wykham their parent’s laps and thoroughly enjoyed the Theatre, Wykham Park Academy, Ruskin Road, animal’s exploits as we all did that night. Banbury OX16 9HY, at 7.30pm nightly, from Well done DADS for the past 35 years of great Thursday 28th through to Saturday 30th October shows. 2021 Sue Hadley ODN Committee member/Author. If you have any enquiries, or if you would like to get involved, please email:- [email protected] CASTING Buttercross Theatre Productions Thame Players’ Urgent are auditioning for actors for a comedy Can You Join Us in the Ointment? improv group. I am directing the next Thame Players’ play at the We are looking for 6 actors, with some acting Players Theatre in Thame in September. A member experience, who are interested in comedy and of the cast of six has dropped out unexpectedly and I developing their improvisation skills and need to find a replacement at short notice techniques. The group will perform in front of a The production is a farce - A Fly in the Ointment by live audience once a month in 2022 at the Corn Derek Benfield. The vacant part is that of Louise, Exchange, Witney. Must be available for pre who could be anywhere between 30 and 60 and is show rehearsals. We’re taking details from the wife of the central character, Ron Corley, Minister people who would like to audition, we will fix a for the Environment. Ron is caught between his mistress and his wife and, as with any farce, it is all date for auditions once we have enough interest. about improbable situations and fast and furious Contact Debs: action. [email protected] or The performance dates are 7th to 11th September call us on: 07956784070. and rehearsals are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7.30 pm. If you’re interested please call me on 07881 688895 or email me at [email protected] so that I can give The Sinodun Players are soon to hold you more information. auditions for their annual pantomime: Tony Long Sleeping Beauty Banbury Operatic Society To be performed at The Corn Exchange, ‘A Night at the Oscars’. Wallingford AUDITIONS from 14th – 29th January 2022 Our October 2021 concert will be taking place on If you would be interested in taking part, either as a Sunday 5th September, at Christopher Rawlins Principal or as part of the chorus, School. Rehearsals start on Monday 23rd August then please contact the Director, Gloria The concert will feature classic songs such as Wright, [email protected] ‘Luck Be A Lady’ from Guys and Dolls, ‘Don’t no later than 16th August. Rain On My Parade’ from Funny Girl, She will email you further information about ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ from ‘The audition dates, Wizard of Oz’, and ‘California Dreamin’’ from characters and sections of the script. Forrest Gump, plus a few medleys – who can resist Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins and a bit of Bond?! We promise to leave you shaken and stirred!

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St Peters Players What’s on-line Virtual Christmas Show https://youtu.be/IlOF_B87Tow Oxford Operatic Society CLIMBING EVERY MOUNTAIN! Thame Players www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RixwlalySU The B O R I S Initiative

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovPAjcBDbIo

Oxford Theatre Guild Bartholomew Players The Recruiting Officer https://youtu.be/CXnLXY4SPMY 'A Little Prick', the latest Zoom play by Marie-José Zuurbier and TessTownsend.... Radio Play - Charie's Aunt www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy22WDUxzuU https://youtu.be/CTzLvSfzoqQ An original Radio play “The Battle of Fyfield”, by Didcot Phoenix On-Line! our very own Nick Smith, about country life & the fight against house developers. (N.B. contains swear Shakespeare Play Reading words some may find offensive ) https://youtu.be/2B1g2RbHV70 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlMPL8lb9gk www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B1g2RbHV70

You are not alone www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATIOA_xwDK0 The Oxford Theatre Guild Panto – “Dick Whittington and his Cat” FILM of https://youtu.be/WJ6t7guYcPc "As You Like It" by William Shakespeare http://ow.ly/ryL950E4ep4 The Wychwood Players murder mystery radio play ‘Resting’ adapted by Anthony Gofton. Radio play of "St Joan" See our new website: www.wychwoodplayers.com by George Bernard Shaw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnXVoAUkLTU

The Bartholomew Players or see www.oxfordtheatreguild.com “Zoom Christmas Special: Herd Ingenuity” The Wychwood Players Watch out for this latest play on the Bartholomew Players website . www.bartholomewplayers.co.uk “Deathtrap” by Ira Levin Zoom – A Play For Lockdown A comedy-thriller video with many plot twists See https://www.wychwoodplayers.com/video Zoom – The Second Wave Zoom – Herd Ingenuity ‘Something for the Weekend’. A murder mystery play (From 7th April) MYCO by John Drew and Ralph Wears. “Anthem” from their cancelled production of A Cornish radio station is holding a “Chess” Murder Mystery Weekend at a local https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaWtz_U18oE luxury hotel. But who will be the victim and who is the prime suspect. Banbury Operatic See https://www.wychwoodplayers.com/video “Another Op'nin', another (online) show” https://youtu.be/532aCFPxB1g Kingston Bagpuize Drama Stanton Harcourt Drama Group Mirror Mirror Video we created for the chase in Camelot (2018) The Youtube link on www.kbdgshow.com www.facebook.com/StantonHarcourtDrama/videos/783102508553332 or https://youtu.be/951-jm0JeLM

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Compton Players When: Thur 12 - Sat 14 August 2021 @ 7.30pm Where: The Old Fire Station, 40 George St, Oxford The Covid Inspector OX1 2AQ adapted from Nikolai Gogol’s Tickets: Standard: £12 (Pay more: £14 | Pay less: £10) The Government Inspector by Pete Watt from https://OldFireStation.org.uk To see the performance, please book at our usual booking site www.boxoff.co.uk to watch the YouTube video. .

YOBOS The Wychwood Players ‘The Dweller in the Darkness’ (audio play) "IN THE A Ghost Story written by Reginald Berkeley HEIGHTS" Available via www.wychwoodplayers.com The Tony award- winning musical,

Encounter the many

New Links ::---- . colourful residents of Washington Heights -- a New York City neighbourhood on the brink of change. Usnavi, a first Aston & Cote T.S. generation Dominican-American corner bodega owner, and his friends and family are dealing with the pressures THE ADVENTURES OF MR TOAD of rising rents and closing neighbourhood businesses. on YouTube, As one family struggles to figure out how to pay for an Ivy Sit back in your deckchair in your summer League tuition for their brilliant and hard working daughter, a young woman is trying to put a down payment on a new Staycation, or at home, and tune into ‘The apartment, and Usnavi himself is trying to get back to the Adventures of Mr Toad’ adapted and directed as a Dominican Republic to reconnect with his roots after the radio play by Val Crowson from ‘Wind in the Willows’ death of his parents. In Washington Heights, community is by Kenneth Graham. Once again recorded at the everything, and we see how each of these individuals Danielwood Studio, Cote, adhering to the Covid rules struggles to survive and how these same individuals come with nine actors playing several parts. This is a family together as a community to mourn their losses and rejoice story, familiar to old and young, and we hope you will in their triumphs. enjoy it. The running time is approximately one hour. This revolutionary new musical combines Latin rhythms and dance with hip-hop lyrics to tell a captivating story The link to YouTube is https://youtu.be/gnr4XdtODzQ about what it means to chase your dreams as you cling to We'd love your feed back. your roots, and to celebrate the community from which you grew When: Saturday 14th Aug at 2.30pm. and 7.30pm Where: at Wykham Theatre at Banbury Academy, ForTHCOMING EVENTS Ruskin Rd, Banbury OX16 9HY Tickets: www.yobos.co.uk/ticket0s Oxford Theatre Guild Breach Theatre’s play - "It’s True, It’s True, It’s True" Launton Village Players This gripping dramatisation "Another Opening, of a 1612 rape trial brought Another Show!" by the gifted painter An outdoor variety show Artemisia Gentileschi roars celebrating the return of Am down the ages centuries Dram! after it shocked renaissance Rome. Featuring songs, music, poems and sketches, all When Agostino Tassi, the pope’s favourite artist, was performed in a covid-secure accused of raping 15-year-old Gentileschi, the setting. ensuing seven-month case was widely publicised. It’s True, It’s True, It’s True interweaves jaw-dropping When: Sat 14 & Sun 15 Aug court transcripts with history, myth, contemporary 2021 at 2.30pm insight and moments of satire to ask: how much has Where: The garden at Rose Cottage, 51 West End, really changed? Launton, OX26 5DG. Filled with ire and using modern language, the This is an outdoor event, and we hope to continue devised show shines a spotlight on a remarkable whatever the weather! woman who went on to triumph through her art. Please come dressed accordingly and bring your Ages: 15+ N.B. Contains descriptions of sexual assault own picnic rug / garden chairs to sit on. ODN website: www.OxfordshireDramaNetwork.org Page 8 of 14

Tickets: Adult £10 and Child £5. Please note a Ron, having just finished his affair with Donna, visits booking fee will apply. her home, desperate to retrieve some incriminating Available from 26th June from EventBrite, or our photographs. But Donna is reluctant to end the website affair, and matters take a turn for the worse when Ron's wife, Louise, arrives unexpectedly, and George Website: http://www.launtonvillageplayers.org.uk Billing, a doctor, arrives wishing to declare his love for Louise. Add into the mix Brenda, a rather AmEgos frustrated local policewoman, and Albert, a youthful pizza delivery boy who can spot an opportunity when Summer he sees one, and the scene is set for side-splitting Singing entertainment!

Sundays This production will be live streamed so you can Love musical theatre? watch either in the theatre or at home. Missed singing with friends? Do come and join AmEgos for their Summer When: Tuesday 7th - Saturday 11th September. Singing Sundays. Over 3 Sundays, we will be Where: The Players Theatre, Nelson Street singing songs from 4 fantastic musicals, just for fun! Thame 0X9 2DP, All welcome, do come and join us .... email us for Tickets: are £8 (no concessions) Tuesday/ further details [email protected] Wednesday, and £10 (£9 concessions) SUNDAY 15th AUGUST: Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We will be singing from WEST SIDE STORY - Book online at our website or from the Something's Coming Information Centre at Thame Town Hall (check America website for opening times). Tonight quintet. Website: thameplayers.co.uk

SUNDAY 22nd AUGUST Telephone 01844 212012 We will be singing Email [email protected] Anybody Have a Map? (DEAR EVAN HANSEN) Alexander Hamilton (HAMILTON) You will be Found (DEAR EVAN HANSEN)

SUNDAY 5th SEPTEMBER Abingdon Drama Club We will be singing - Good & Faithful Servants At the End of the Day (LES MISERABLES) A new play by Tony Green The Schuyler Sisters (HAMILTON) One Day More (LES MISERABLES) Good and Faithful Servants is set in an Email: [email protected] alternative world where Website: http://www.amegostheatre.com Hitler has won the Second World War and Nazi Germany stands Thame triumphant as the Players’ conqueror of Europe. It is 1964 and Berlin SS A Fly in the detectives March and Lartner are hunting a crazed killer who is stalking women in the back streets of the

Ointment city at very heart of Hitler’s empire. a hilarious farce by Set in the world of the Robert Harris novel Derek Benfield. Fatherland, this tense police thriller is set in the dark,

This Ointment will have almost unimaginable world of a victorious Reich. you laughing from start to finish! Where: Unicorn Theatre, Abbey Buildings, The plot is based on a Checker series of mistaken walk, Abingdon, OX14 3JB assumptions and the action is fast and furious, When: Weds 15th Sept to Sat 18th Sept, at revolving around a cast of six: Ron Corley MP, 7.30pm. Minister for the Environment; Louise, Ron’s wife; Tickets: (£10 and £8 for concessions) will be Donna, his mistress; George Billing, a doctor; available from the ADC website from mid-August Brenda, a local policewoman; and Albert, a pizza delivery boy. - www.abingdon-drama-club.com

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Wychwood Players The Sinodun Players

An OUTDOOR production of ‘A Daughter’s A Daughter’ "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" by Agatha Christie by William Shakespeare An intense family drama published by Agatha The Wychwood Players Christie under the name are performing their first Mary Westmacott. ever Shakespearian Set just after WW2, Ann production, A Midsummer Prentice, a widow on the Night’s Dream. Not only cusp of remarriage, has to that but it will be their first choose between her only outdoor production too! daughter and the man she There will be loves. What follows is a refreshments and a bar remarkable exploration of the aftermath of sacrifice, available and the ticket as love turns to hatred and mother and daughter price includes food, struggle to understand what has happened to them. featuring top quality local sausages from Hartleys Cotswold Farm as well as a When: 22nd to Sat 25th September at 7.45pm vegetarian option. Where: The Corn Exchange Theatre, Market Place, There is plenty of free parking and wheelchair access Wallingford. OX10 0EG is available at the venue. Tickets: £12 (£8 under 16s) from www.cornexchange.org.uk When: Friday 17th September at 6.30 pm and Box Office: Tel: 01491 825000 open evenings on Saturday 18th September at 1.00 pm and from 7 to 7.45 pm + Fri & Sat 10am to 1pm 6.30 pm at Email: [email protected] Where: Manor Farm, Upper Milton OX7 6EX Website: www.sinodunplayers.org.uk Tickets: £15 Adults £10 under 12s (+booking fee) HAODS INCLUDES FOOD! Studio Fringe Production For more information and book tickets please Sing from the Heart visit www.wychwoodplayers.com A Play with Music

by Mike Rowbottom St PeterPeter's's Players Phyllis is a nearly-retired History teacher who really wanted to be a musician. She always found Ghosts at the Grange music a great release, so she by Karen Doling- starts up a community choir for anyone to join. Somewhere to go A whodunnit with just to sing your heart out and haunting! Lancelot leave everyday troubles behind. But her ambitions for and Guinevere are the choir begin to grow and that is when the troubles dead, and have start. This play, by former Central TV presenter, been for a hundred Mike Rowbottom, local author and prominent years. They haunt member of the Henley and Wallingford Am Dram Arthur's house, and scene, is not only funny, but heart-warming and hard- are the only witnesses to his murder. But how hitting all at the same time. I guarantee you will go can they let his family know who committed the home humming the songs with a smile on your face. foul deed? When: 30 September, 1 & 2 October, 2021 – 7.45pm. When: Wed 22nd to Sat 25th September at Where: HAODS Studio, New Street, Henley-on- 7.30pm. Thames, RG9 2BP Where: Wolvercote Village Hall More information from Julie Huntington: [email protected] Tickets: £9 available from 01865 556120

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Kidlington A.O.S. Abingdon Operatic Society HMS Pinafore By Gilbert & Sullivan All A performance with a difference. Shook The story is set in Pembroke House - an ex-Naval/Admiralty Up Retirement home in Kent - established under the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust fund to provide care and support for senior members of the nation's The music of Elvis Presley comes alive in All Shook Royal Navy veterans. Up which was inspired by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. As Pembroke House celebrates the 63rd anniversary of the retirement hone, The Chief All Shook Up is a rocking, heart-warming tale about Executive of Pembroke House, Captain Cornelius following dreams, opening up to love, and the power Connell has been asked to organise a fundraising of music, featuring a whole host of hit songs from the event to help save their establishment. He Elvis songbook, including Jailhouse Rock, Heartbreak Hotel, Love Me Tender, Blue Suede struggles to come up with any good ideas, so he Shoes, A Little Less Conversation, and many more. seeks help from his staff (mostly ridiculous things like a bake sale, selling furniture, OAP kissing When: Tue 26th – Sat 30th October at 7.30pm, booth come up in conversation) the staff have with a 2.30pm Saturday matinee! been asked to organise a fundraising event to help Where: Amey Theatre at Abingdon School, save their establishment. Park Rd, Abingdon OX14 1DE Eventually they decide the answer is the much Website: www.abingdonoperatic.co.uk loved G & S Operetta...

When: Wed 20th - Sat 23rd October 2021, 7.30pm Where: Gosford Hill School, Kidlington, OX5 2NT Banbury Operatic Society Tickets: see www.kaos.news ‘A Night at the Oscars’. our October 2021 concert, The 60th anniversary celebrations for BOS, will take The Henley Players you on a journey of music and dance inspired by the famous Academy Awards, affectionately known as Saturday Sunday Monday ‘Oscars’. by Eduardo de Filippo The concert will feature classic songs such as ‘Luck Be A Lady’ from Guys and Dolls, ‘Don’t Rain On My Marital misunder- Parade’ from Funny Girl, ‘Somewhere Over the standings, a Rainbow’ from ‘The Wizard of Oz’, and ‘California lover's quarrel, Dreamin’’ from Forrest Gump, plus a few medleys – and generational who can resist Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins and a bit conflict escalate of Bond?! We promise to leave you shaken and as passions flare stirred! during the traditional Sunday dinner with family So, prepare for your red-carpet arrival, put on your and friends. Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall finest, and come and join us for a night of glamour adapted Eduardo de Filippo's sparkling and glitz. You’re sure to leave with a spring in your contemporary Italian commedia dell'arte, which step and singing the songs all the way home. looks at the trial and tribulations of a well-off When: Thur 28th to Sat 30th October, at 7.30pm family in Naples in 1959. Where: Wykham Theatre, Wykham Park When: 20th -23rd Oct 2021, 7.30pm + Sat 2.30pm Academy, Where: The Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley on Ruskin Road, Banbury OX16 9HY Thames, RG9 2BP Tickets: will go on sale in September from Tickets: will be from the Kenton Box Office 01491 www.banburyoperaticsociety.co.uk/tickets 575698 or online at www.kentontheatre.co.uk also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Website: www.henleyplayers.com Enquiries email [email protected]

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Witney Dramatic Society The Bartholomew Players THE TRUTH FAIRIES "Von Ribbentrop’s Watch" by Sally Kinnell by Maurice Gran & Laurence Marks Aileen, a mature The extremely funny play actress, meets up revolves around a Jewish with two old family who are suddenly friends she hasn't faced by a moral seen for 40 years, dilemma concerning the and discovers their memories of a very important provenance of a watch. event differ widely from hers. Written by the writers big TV hits Birds of a Feather Will she be able to reconcile her memories and & The New Statesman finally move on with her life? among other things. When: October 28th/29th/30th 2021 We are excited to Where: The High St Methodist Church in Witney. announce that this will be a world premiere in Tickets: Adults £10 , Concessions £8 from amateur theatre, and we are hoping that the writers Margaret Hamm 01993 704032 will attend one night’s performance to see what we have done with their show!

When: 24th - 27th November 2021. at 7.30pm

Where: Eynsham Village Hall, 46 Back Ln, Eynsham HAODS Nr Witney, OX29 4QW Website: for more information & tickets. “Shrek” www.bartholomewplayers.co.uk

The Musical Jigsaw Stage Productions Based on the “The Sound of Music” Oscar-winning by . DreamWorks Animation film,

Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Caroline or Change) and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage, and proves there's more to the story than meets the ears. "Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek…" And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey The story of Maria and the Von Trapp family will alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty delight you with it's award winning score, including, princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short 'My Favourite Things', 'Do-Re-Mi', 'Climb Every tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude, and Mountain', and 'Edelwieiss'. over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got It tells the true tale of the world-famous singing the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, family, from their romantic beginnings and search for there's one on hand...and his name is Shrek. happiness to their thrilling escape to freedom as Austria becomes part of the Third Reich at the start When: 17th – 20th November 2021 of WWII. Where: The Kenton Theatre, Henley on Thames VENUES:- Tickets: www.kentontheatre.co.uk The Beacon, Wantage, Weds 24th to Sat 27th Nov 2021 at 7.45pm + Matinee Sat at 2.30pm

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Tickets £15 (£13 conc) from The Beacon:- Oxford Operatic Society www.beaconwantage.co.uk or tel 01235 763456 AND My Fair Lady Cornerstone Didcot, This adored musical, set Thur 2nd to Sat 4th Dec 2021 in Edwardian , tells the story of Eliza at 7.45pm + Matinee Sat at 2.30pm Doolittle, a young Tickets £15 (£13 conc) from Cornerstone:- working-class Cockney www.cornerstone-arts.org or Tel 01235 515144 flower seller. She is taken under the wing of Henry Higgins, a Banbury Cross Players phonetics & linguistics professor who is determined to win a bet to transform The Woman who Cooked her Husband her into a successful and respected 'lady of society'. by Debbie Isitt But who will really be transformed once the bet is Kenneth and Hilary have won? been married nearly When: Tue 7th - Sat 11th Dec 2021. twenty years. But as Where: The New Theatre, George St, Oxford. middle age approaches, Tickets: on sale now! From:- Ken finds himself in the www.atgtickets.com/shows/oxops-my-fair- arms of another woman. lady/new-theatre-oxford

Forced to confront the truth, he leaves Hilary for Laura. Only one problem – Laura can’t cook! Buttercross Theatre When: 24th to 27th November 7.30pm. Productions Where: The Mill Arts Centre, Spiceball Park Rd, Banbury, OX16 5QE Cinderella Tickets: www.themillartscentre.co.uk by Ben Crocker www.banburycrossplayers.org.uk The best loved story of them all! Packed with songs, jokes and a coachful of laughs. AmEgos Only magic can save the day when Cinderella’s step sisters stop her from going to the Prince’s Ball - but will she leave the palace before the clock strikes twelve – and what happens when her sisters are left BAREFOOT all alone in the deep, dark wood? Make sure you all go to the Ball to find out! IN THE Performance dates & times:- PARK Day Date Matinee Evening Thursday 16/12/2021 14:00 19:30 by Neil Simon Friday 17/12/2021 14:00 19:30 Saturday 18/12/2021 19:30

A romantic comedy about love, life and living Sunday 19/12/2021 13:30 together. Newlyweds Corie and Paul Bratter are Thursday 23/12/2021 19:30 over the moon to begin their life together in their new Friday 24/12/2021 13:30 apartment in Manhattan. It may be small and a six- Wednesday 29/12/2021 19:30 flight climb, the heating may be busted and snow Thursday 30/12/2021 19:30 may be falling through the skylight, but nothing can Friday 31/12/2021 13:30 quash their newlywed bliss. Or can it?

When: Wed 1st – Sat 4th December 2021, 7.30pm Where: Corn Exchange, Market Square, Witney Where: Buscot Park Theatre, Lechlade Rd, OX28 6AB Nr Faringdon, SN7 8BU Tickets: Adult £10, - Under 14yrs £6 see Tickets: £11 (under 14s must be accompanied by an Website: www.ButtercrossTheatreProductions.co.uk adult) from Email: [email protected]

Website: AmEgosTheatre.com

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Oxfordshire DDramarama Network

Ever wondered what ODN was about?

Not just a network HERE’S WHAT DO

• Annual Drama Festival of 1 Act Plays in May/June each year • Pantomime/Winter festival competition – we nominate judges for your Pantos/plays • Auditions: Newsletter notifies all our members of auditions locally • Reviews: We do reviews of your play or musical if requested or you send your own review (500 words max) editors decision final • Letters: We intend to carry a letters section for Views & Comments so send your letters to us. (200 words max) • Props: Do you need a particular prop/scenery? Get in touch with us we may be able to help you. • Events We inform readers of events - plus we are planning our own events soon • Website why not add your events to the ODN website and Facebook pages News & Reviews should be sent to the editor at [email protected]

Are you a new Drama or Musical Group? Then why not get in touch For just £20 you can join us Email: [email protected] www.Facebook.com/groups/1324585987569767

Your ODN Committee Officers Chair Karen Carey (Didcot Phoenix Drama Group) Secretary Becki Brewis (Wootton Players) Newsletter/Website Mike Davies (Drayton Players & Jigsaw Stage Productions) Treasurer Peter Brazier (Didcot Phoenix Drama Group) Membership Secretary Sue Tibbles (Oxford Theatre Guild)

General members Mike Lacey (Kingston Bagpuize) Sue Hadley (Drayton Players) Sarah Ellner (Kennington Amateur Dramatic Society) Jess Ebberson (Kennington Amateur Dramatic Society) Teresa Miller (Wootton Players)

Email: [email protected] Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/1324585987569767 Instagram: www.instagram.com/oxfordshiredramanetwork

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