noda.org.uk

March 2015 | £3.90 Be inspired by amateur theatre

Great tips on line learning from a NODA member Tools of the trade for stage managers Get the best results at your costume fitting Take NODASafe’s online health and safety course

Read all about our new strapline for the NODA logo

Please share this copy of NODA TODAY with fellow society members head office

National Operatic and Dramatic Association 15 The Metro Centre Peterborough Welcome to the first edition of NODA TODAY in 2015. I hope that all PE2 7UH NODA members had a good festive season and that your shows were Tel: +44 (0) 1733 374 790 a big success! Fax: +44 (0) 1733 237 286 Email: [email protected] By now you may have noticed that the NODA logo strapline has changed to ‘Be inspired by © 2015 National Operatic and amateur theatre’, as we continue to refresh the NODA brand and hope to inspire the next Dramatic Association generation of amateur theatre lovers. On p.4 you’ll find an article from Chris Ingram, NODA’s Registered Charity no: 254640 Chairman and Vice President, explaining the strapline change and how the logo and strapline will Registered Company no: 241572 Patron: The Lord Lloyd Webber now work alongside the traditional NODA crest, including the impact this will have on our annual programme and poster competition. NODA Insurance: www.nodainsurance.co.uk Turn to p.18 for a great article from NODASafe on how to get the most out of your society’s 0845 130 1368 subscription by making sure you take our new online health and safety training course. This course is NODASafe: www.noda.org. an essential resource that ensures that at least one member from each NODA society has up to date uk/nodasafemembers health and safety knowledge and training. Invitations to take the course were sent by email last year, 0345 257 6632 so if someone from your society hasn’t taken the course yet, read this article to find out more. [email protected] @NODASafe You’ll also find articles from our regular contributors Utopia Costumes (p.17) and The Border Studio NODA Legal Helpline: (p.19), along with our regional round ups from across the country and lots of other interesting 01733 374 790 articles for you to read between rehearsals for your spring productions. (NODA Membership Services) [email protected] As usual, if you have any feedback on any aspect of the magazine, please contact us on 01733 Social Media 374 790 or email [email protected]. www.facebook.com/National OperaticDramaticAssociation @NODAtweets Tony Gibbs www.pinterest.com/ Chief Executive nodatheatre/ [email protected] www.youtube.com/ OfficialNODA cover image Leeds Children’s Theatre, The Lottie Project. Copyright I. Cornick.

Design and Production warwickprint [email protected]

Head Office Staff Council Bronwen Stanway [email protected] President NODA North NODA Wales and Ireland John Barnes Gordon Richardson Derek Grattidge Dale Freeman [email protected] Chairman/Vice President NODA North East NODA West Midlands Chris Ingram David Streeter Michael Hastilow Antonia Gray [email protected] Immediate Past President NODA North West Youth Development Robert Lumsden Christine Hunter Hughes Phil Barnett Sue Cuthbert [email protected] NODA East NODA Scotland Life members Don McKay Gordon Blackburn Derek Grattidge Beverly Clarke Fred Piggford [email protected] NODA East Midlands NODA South East Nanette Lovell Kay Rowan Hazel Allerton [email protected] NODA London NODA South West Jacquie Stedman Nick Lawrence Susannah Herzog [email protected] 03/15 NODA Limited Chairman Company Chairman of Director Life Member Neil Maidman Secretary Trustees Eric Smart Fred Piggford 2 Tony Gibbs Chris Ingram Director Michael Lees did you noda?

We’ve recently NODA recently secured an opportunity for all of our updated the free member societies to list their shows and activities on digital goodies you well know sponsorship website SponsorFinder (www. receive when you sign sponsorfinder.co.uk) for free. This is a great up for NODA Updates, NODA’s opportunity to find a sponsor for your society and/or monthly email newsletter. It’s a your next show. great resource for both members and non-members to find out all the This exposure to potential sponsors would normally cost latest news from NODA, including £45 plus VAT, but if you sign up by the end of May, your events, offers and training, as well listing on the SponsorFinder website will be absolutely as other news from the world of amateur theatre. If you haven’t free. Once on board you will have access for one year and can already signed up it’s really easy to do so. Simply go to www. change your messages and information as and when you need to. nodaupdates.co.uk, fill in your name and email address and click the sign up button. Once signed up, not only will you For instructions on how to sign up and benefit from this offer, go receive NODA Updates in your inbox every month but you can to www.noda.org.uk/news/free_publicity_for_noda_ also download our updated range of free digital goodies as a members. thank you.

At last year’s AGM we announced the winners of our annual programme and poster competition and we’ve now got our three winning programmes available to view online as ebooks, so that all of our members can have a look inside and see what it takes to be a winner in each category. To have a look, simply go to http://issuu.com/nodauk.

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NODA Today – March 2015 3 Be inspired by amateur theatre

A new image, but steady as you go!

Never has an image created occasionally change for many years has been the the variance of opinion that we the strapline of the logo inclusion in the programme have experienced in NODA for and we introduced of the correct crest (masks some years. ‘Professional support for with laurel wreath and amateur theatre’ some crown) with the words It all started with the NODA crest, based years ago, but to a very ‘Affiliated to the National on the tragedy and comedy masks, which mixed reception. The play Operatic and Dramatic we have used since shortly after the on words that interprets Association’ in full. foundation of NODA. Alright, it has been ‘professional’ as ‘of high added to - the laurel wreath and crown standard’ and ‘amateur’ as In the 2015 competition being two such additions - but it has also ‘unpaid’ created ongoing (programmes for productions been badly abused in its reproduction discussion and dissent. between January 1st and over the years. It has been stretched, December 31st 2015) a squashed and sequentially reproduced by We looked at designing a condition of entry will be that photocopying et al, until it was no more completely new logo but either of the following must than a blob on the page. Some societies this proved more difficult than anticipated, be included in the programme: have even redesigned and modernised it. and despite asking for designs from both Indeed some NODA regions have even members of NODA and commercial ★★ The crest with the words ‘Affiliated to been known to adapt it a little! designers there was nothing that stood out the National Operatic and Dramatic as the one. Association’ We introduced the NODA logo – the ★★ Or the logo complete with the strapline stylised ‘NODA’ in blue – initially with So here’s what we are going to do. We ‘Be inspired by amateur theatre’ the strapline ‘Supporting amateur theatre are retaining our logo but changing since 1899’. Some members loved it the strapline to ‘Be inspired by amateur If a programme was made for a show because it was modern and fitted their theatre’. Surely we can all agree to that! early in 2015, we will allow the old image. Some members hated it because This logo will be used for all things strapline ‘Professional support for amateur they liked the crest, which said everything corporate. Societies may stay with the crest theatre’ to be used if it was too late to about who we are and what we do. to indicate their affiliation to NODA, or if amend this in the design, editing and they prefer, they may use the logo with the printing process for that programme. We bowed to the traditionalists and ‘Be inspired by amateur theatre’ strapline retained the crest for use by member to indicate their affiliation to NODA. It is important that both the crest and the societies, but we agreed to use the logo logo and strapline must not be amended, for what would be known as corporate You will already have seen the new strapline squashed, stretched or redesigned in any use in the commercial world. We never replacing the old one as we update our way. It is our brand, and just as in the really succeeded. Many societies wanted web pages and information, and hopefully commercial world NODA owns the brand the logo (“it’s modern and fits our image”) the change will be complete shortly. and we determine how it should be used. and some parts of NODA wanted the crest (“it’s traditional and everyone likes it”). It does of course affect programme Chris Ingram completion for the programme and poster NODA Chairman and Vice President It was always planned that we would competition, for which a condition of entry March 2015

4 Professional support for amateur theatre

Dance

Directing

1st – 8th Musical August 2015

theatre Performance

Acting Singing

Technical skills

For more details, NODA Theatrevisit Summerwww.noda.org.uk School, 1st – 8th August 2015 Technicians – this is your five minute call!

A passion for theatre isn’t always about the applause. The most satisfying and rewarding roles for some can be out of the spotlight, through directing, designing or even writing a show.

It would be easy to make the mistake of thinking that a theatre summer school is all about performers, aimed at dancers, actors and singers who want to gather for a week of showing off. But that’s where a week at NODA Theatre Summer School differs!

We offer courses for all areas of theatre and off-stage disciplines. In 2015, we’re offering courses for dancers who want to broaden their skills in choreography, budding film makers with our video production course and lighting techs who want to take that first step intolighting design, and for those with a passion for both visual art and theatre who want experience with sets and costumes, there’s our course on design for the stage. NODA Theatre Summer School offers the chance to spend time immersed in your chosen course, mixing with motivated and So if your secret passion is for backstage disciplines, treat yourself passionate people from all over the country who share your love of to one of our inspiring courses. Visit our website at noda.org.uk/ theatre (and with top notch hotel-quality food and accommodation summerschool, explore the options and book a place for an included in the price). Don’t miss out on the best activity holiday exhilarating week working with top professionals in the business. money can buy!

Strictly a surprise for NODA Youth Councillor

NODA Youth Councillor Phil Kidz R Us in St. Ives, which was set up in and their achievements, the third episode Barnett was recently given the 1994 and has since raised over £2 million follows their training and preparation, surprise of his life when it was and staged 70 shows. and the fourth episode will see all of the revealed he had been chosen to contestants take to the famous Strictly appear in The People’s Strictly Stars from the show descended on Phil’s ballroom floor. Voting lines will open once for Comic Relief in March, as theatre in St. Ives to surprise him. “It was all of the contestants have danced and the part of the BBC’s Red Nose Day really exciting,” Phil explained. “I was kept winner will be crowned as part of the live celebrations. The show comes from away from the theatre all weekend whilst Comic Relief show on Friday 13th March. the Strictly Come Dancing team they worked with my youth group on the and will feature six inspirational surprise and filmed me walking into a full Excitingly, Phil will be paired with Strictly individuals who have been theatre and our Kidz performing. Then one professional Janette Manrara, who joined nominated by friends and family. of the celebs and one of the pro dancers the programme in 2013. She reached the danced on and talked to me and told me I semi-final of the competition in 2014 with Out of the thousands of people nominated had been chosen.” EastEnders star Jake Wood. Phil was chosen to appear on the popular BBC dancing show, and here at NODA The series will consist of four pre- Congratulations to Phil for this we couldn’t be more pleased for him. Phil recorded programmes. The first two achievement, which is a reflection of his runs award-winning youth theatre group episodes will introduce the contestants sustained dedication to youth theatre.

NODA Today – March 2015 5 Here at NODA TODAY we’ve got two interesting articles for you on the topic of show reviews from two professionals involved in theatre. The first comes from Carrie Dunn, contributor to BroadwayWorld:UK, who looks into the fears we all have about show reviews. The second comes from playwright Peter Quilter, who feared one particular reviewer for his Broadway show End of the Rainbow.

Everyone gets butterflies when it view to Liz, though - he doesn’t comes to press night. But why? think reviewers should sugar- coat their words simply because Some reviewers have terrifying of the amateur status of the reputations, but as a general performers and crew. rule of thumb these are people who love theatre and want “I have seen review comments performers to do well. Even if that are a bit harsh, but then they’re critical, they tend to be if we ask a reviewer to come speaking from the heart in a then isn’t that their job?” he genuine effort to offer help. asks rhetorically. “We strive to be as professional as we can, “As an honest reviewer you’re so I actually really want to not a charity and you’re not know how we stack up against doing anyone any favours the pros, and if that’s the by being ‘nice’,” says one case, we have to accept the journalist who has reviewed harsh along with the glowing.” theatre, music and comedy for a variety of national and international BroadwayWorld:UK’s chief reviewer Gary Naylor publications. “I think if you’re performing you sees hundreds of shows a year - professional, should be able to take it.” amateur, fringe, West End - and he’s quick to reassure performers that he’s never there to look “Sometimes reviewers judge shows to different for problems. “Scary reviewers? Not me. I’m standards,” suggests Liz, who’s been involved in reasoning that our readers are theatre fans and amateur operatics for over 20 years. “There might want to see the best in shows,” he says. be a show with wobbly walls, basic lights and so on, but the production will get a good review because “From a personal point of view, the reviews are it’s good for that particular company. Then you see a not the be all and end all and it depends on who’s show in a bigger venue that is better but that’ll get a writing them - do I value their opinion?” says Liz, bad review because it’s not perfect. I think sometimes before concluding with a rather pithy truth: “It’s people forget people are doing this for a hobby.” nice to get good reviews and there is always a bit of a moment if they are not good - but ultimately it “I used to genuinely be concerned about what is the view of the audiences that count.” reviewers thought,” admits Joe, an actor on the local scene for many years. He takes a slightly different Carrie Dunn Reviews Special

6 Nothing really prepares that if the review is theatre wouldn’t be half as much fun you for having a show bad, all you can hear without a dash of ego and eccentricity. on Broadway. It’s the is the sound of the scale of things more exit door banging I was on the amateur scene for several than anything else and as the guests get the years, working my way up to lead roles, the fact that everyone hell out of there and and then I took myself off to Leeds there wants success the waiters remove University to study Drama and launch so badly. My Judy the champagne. On a professional career. It was during my Garland play End of Broadway, an opening student days that I switched from acting the Rainbow ran for six night becomes a to writing. A few years later, I was in the months in New York in funeral so easily. West End with my comedy Glorious!, 2012. It was a thrilling, which starred Maureen Lipman. Maureen heart-stopping, My New York journey has in some ways directly inspired the fascinating and hugely inspired a play I wrote lead character in The Actress because stressful experience. earlier this year called she was the first actress I met who was so The Actress. Actresses completely devoted to her work and to When you’re in fascinate me. I’ve giving a great performance, and yet so previews, everyone keeps asking “Has been hugged by them, kissed by them, emotionally vulnerable. Plus, through all of he been in yet?” The “he” they refer to adored by them. They have also screamed these things she was so funny. So although is Ben Brantley, critic for the New York at me, hated me and thrown things at my play is not based on her, it always Times. If he likes your show, you have a me. Performers so often live their lives at makes me think of her. great chance of having a hit. If he hates a higher emotional level. When they’re it, the theatre could shut its doors by the happy, it’s like the sun will shine forever, As I write this article, I’m in discussions following Saturday. and when they’re angry or upset, you for a fourth West End show and a second better run for cover from the storm. Broadway show. Part of me wants to hide Luckily we had a great opening away in a corner, lead an easier life. But performance, followed by a party at the This is not just true on Broadway or the the other part is so hungry for it. For the Plaza Hotel. By about midnight, you notice West End either. I began my theatrical drama, the tears and the laughter, and to that all the producers are examining their apprenticeship on the amateur scene in experience again that moment when the phones because the publicist has sent Colchester. It was a farce in a church hall reviews come out. It’s terrifying, but you them an advance copy of the NYT review. with tea and biscuits at the interval, but certainly know you’re alive. We got lucky and had a tremendous we still had our divas! To be honest, I love review from Brantley and therefore we had a good diva. They bring some colour, Peter Quilter a marvellous party. But I’ve since heard sparkle and danger to proceedings. The www.peterquilter.net

NODA Today – March 2015 7 The AGM and Presidential Gala 2015

As a registered charity NODA is legally obliged to It has been very noticeable in recent years that fewer members hold an annual general meeting each year which all are attending by choice, as opposed to those who attend as members (societies and individuals) are entitled to a matter of duty (such as Council and some other volunteers) attend at no charge. It is at this meeting that NODA’s or those who attend because they are accompanying a ‘duty’ annual accounts are presented, the work of the attendee. Indeed, at our AGM and Presidential Gala last year Association is reported and the Council is elected. in East Grinstead we estimate that fewer than 20 such members It is also at this AGM that the incoming President is attended. The event as it stands is clearly not attractive to our installed in office. members and they are voting with their feet.

Over the years a significant social event has developed around Council has therefore agreed a new format for the event in 2015, the AGM, normally based on a two or three night stay in a four or which will not only reduce costs to NODA but will also allow individual five star hotel. The cost of attending is a significant sum of money delegates to select accommodation to suit their own budget. – in recent years up to £250 per person for the weekend alone, and this does not include travel. There are a significant number of Chris Ingram, currently Chairman of Trustees and also Vice delegates who have normally been funded by NODA and this has President, will be inducted as President at the 2015 AGM on resulted in a deficit for the event of up to £25,000. Saturday 26th September in Leeds.

Date Saturday 26th September 2015.

Venue of AGM The Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds, which is the performance venue used by the majority of Leeds societies (Saturday afternoon). The Carriageworks is within the city centre and only a short walk from Leeds City Station.

Venue for Presidential The Queens Hotel, which is a four star hotel adjacent to the railway station, Dinner and Ball facilitating travel by train and which has full disabled access.

Social event on Friday It is possible that a social event will be organised but this will be entirely self- funded and not funded via NODA.

Workshops We are investigating the potential for running workshops on both Saturday and Sunday mornings to attract more young people to attend the event, especially from NODA North East.

Full details of our new AGM and Presidential Gala will be ★★ The Presidential Dinner and Ball on Saturday evening is a sent out later in the year, but there are significant changes in social event and as such will not be funded by NODA for organisation: any NODA volunteer, whether council or regional committee member. ★★ Only the Presidential Dinner and Ball will be booked via the Association (NODA North East will be administering). The cost We live in a rapidly changing world, and as the leading umbrella of this event will be no more than £45 per person. organisation for amateur theatre in the UK we must respond to ★★ There will be no special conference hotel venue, although these changes rather than trying to do things as we have always special overnight (room and breakfast) rates have been done in previous years. Look at your own societies - very few are negotiated with The Queens Hotel for both Friday and still producing the same shows and attracting the same members Saturday nights. We will supply details for a number of hotels and selling tickets to the same audiences as even ten years ago! to suit all needs, from four star to budget hotels and simple B&Bs. Chris Ingram ★★ All hotel bookings will be made directly by individual delegates NODA Chairman and Vice President with their hotel of choice. March 2015

8 Panto is as popular as ever!

In 2014, NODA was announced as the official partner of Panto Day, the annual celebration of both professional and amateur panto that began back in 2011. In 2014 Panto Day took place on Friday 12th December and surpassed all expectations.

Six partner theatres led the celebration in which over 100 other theatres got involved. Over two million tweets were sent, with #pantoday trending in third position at one point on the day, and there were 63 #pantopout pictures uploaded to the Panto Day Facebook page. Six new articles were added to the panto advice page, a docu-feature on music in pantomime was also released, and numerous blogs and videos were posted to celebrate and share pantomime goings on. Panto Day organiser Simon Sladen summed up the day: “Panto Day 2014 The cast of ‘Aladdin’ at the Palace marks our biggest celebration to date! Theatre, Kilmarnock. Courtesy of Imagine Theatre and Helen Ashbourne. Thank you to everyone who took part and helped make the day such a success. We can’t wait for Panto Day 2015 and are most popular production was Sleeping Many respondents indicated that they vary looking for extra special ways to celebrate Beauty (12%), followed by Cinderella and who they purchase their pantomime scripts our fifth anniversary.” Dick Whittington (8%) in joint third. Among from on a year-to-year basis. professionals, after Aladdin the second most As official partner to Panto Day 2014, popular production was Cinderella with 39 Other insights provided by the amateur NODA also helped to establish and productions, and Jack and the Beanstalk survey include the fact that most promote the first ever National Survey came in third with 35 productions. For respondents choose their pantomime of Amateur Pantomime, which was a amateurs, Jack and the Beanstalk was the title in January (26%), most societies 10 question survey aimed at better fourth most popular pantomime. who responded (24%) had between 31 understanding pantomime in the amateur and 40 people involved in putting on theatre sector. The survey was open for Another interesting outcome of comparing their pantomime production, and most two months, and by the time it closed on the amateur survey with the professional respondents (53%) performed their 1st December, 175 amateur theatre groups, was that 65% of amateur respondents pantomime to a paying audience between societies and organisations had filled it cast a female in the role of principal four and six times. Interestingly, of those in online. By analysing these results, not boy, whereas only 10% of professional amateurs who responded to the survey, only did we want to understand the role of productions did the same, preferring a the average ticket price per performance panto for amateur groups, but we wanted male cast member for this role. Only 7% was £8.80. This amount is based on to compare these results to the National of respondents in the amateur survey did the average ticket price charged per Database of Pantomime Performance and not have a principal boy in their current performance as listed by respondents, thereby compare the professional and pantomime, indicating the overwhelming which ranged from a high of £25 to a low amateur sectors for the first time. popularity of this traditional role. of £3. This indicates that on average, tickets for amateur theatre productions are very We discovered that in 2014 Aladdin was At NODA we were interested to discover reasonably priced, with many concessions the most popular amateur pantomime that the split between those who write their offered for children and seniors. production, with nearly 16% of own pantomime and those who purchase respondents having put on this panto in a script was very nearly half and half, After looking at these results, NODA Chief 2014. Interestingly, the same was the case with 48.5% of respondents indicating that Executive Tony Gibbs asserted that: “It is for professional pantomime, with Aladdin someone from within their society wrote reassuring that even in today’s society, with the most produced panto by professionals their latest pantomime, and 51.5% saying so much choice in terms of entertainment, in 2014, with 46 productions. they purchased their panto script. Of those that traditional pantomimes are as popular who purchased scripts, many who answered as ever.” The top three productions between the question indicated that they get their amateurs and professionals were very scripts from NODA, or that they often get This article was originally published in similar. After Aladdin, amateurs’ second their scripts from NODA, if not every year. Sardines Magazine in January 2015.

NODA Today – March 2015 9 regionalroundup East

On behalf of the NODA East committee I would like to wish you all a happy, healthy, prosperous and successful new year. As Councillor, 2014 was a very busy year for me and my wife Maxine, coming to see many East of your excellent productions, and Committee I would like to thank everybody for the very Councillor warm welcomes that we received. Don McKay 01480 219181 Although the recession appears to be taking an [email protected] upturn, it is still a struggle to attract audiences Membership Secretary to both professional and amateur productions. Chris Avery There is no formula to resolve this situation. [email protected] All I can say to you is to keep up the standards Web Manager June Forway that I have witnessed and once again, don’t be 01480 300409 afraid to price your tickets according to the cost [email protected] of the production. Fixed costs, such as venue Awards Secretary hire, sound and lighting equipment, set hire Jane Farr and licences are continuing to rise and should 01553 772038 be reflected in the price of the ticket. It seems [email protected] to me that our patrons believe that because we are amateurs, the productions that we put on are Magazine Editor achieved for almost no cost. Whilst this may have been true in the distant past, it certainly is not the Julia Rymer 07786 620623 case now, and those societies that provide a breakdown of costs in their programmes have received [email protected] positive and supportive feedback from the ticket buying public. Indeed, any reservations about price Youth Advisor increases have been overshadowed by the high quality productions and talented performances that Zelda Rolfe have been produced. It’s also a good idea to make our younger members aware of these costs, as 01603 408017 they have their fingers on the pulse of social media and can get the word out there much faster and [email protected] to greater numbers of people than ever before. Minutes Secretary Lavinia Pirret One of the highlights of the year was the ‘NOSCAR’ night, an acronym for NODA Oscars, 01362 851927 [email protected] held in District 9 last November. This was an unofficial awards night organised by District 9 Representative Vicki Avery, where awards were given for individual performances and achievements amongst all societies in the district. It was a black tie event that was so well attended the audience had to be split into two sittings. The excitement and anticipation was tangible and the winners were overwhelmed with their awards. What impressed me the most was the networking between different societies that took place, and this reinforced my belief that as NODA members we are not in competition with each other but can make use of East Districts & help and advice from each other. Congratulations to Vicki and all of the recipients on a very Representatives enjoyable and successful evening. DISTRICT 1 Bella Coleman Here’s a date for your diaries. The NODA East AGM and awards luncheon will take place on 07540 063946 Sunday 10th May 2015 at the Burgess Hall in St. Ives. This has proved to be a very popular [email protected] event so please book your tickets as soon as you can to avoid disappointment, as we have DISTRICT 2 consistently sold out in previous years. The booking information leaflet will be with you very Vacant soon with a priority booking window for nominees. DISTRICT 3 Nova Horley Don McKay 01582 604344 [email protected] Councillor, NODA East DISTRICT 4 N Stephen P E Hayter 01553 671932 [email protected] DISTRICT 5 DISTRICT 7 DISTRICT 9 DISTRICT 11 DISTRICT 4 S Susan Dupont Susan Hartwell Vicki Avery Ann Platten Julie Petrucci 01603 416638 01371 872657 01992 441441 01787 374069 01223 880023 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] DISTRICT 6 DISTRICT 8 DISTRICT 10 DISTRICT 12 Terry Rymer Stewart Adkins Tessa Davies Pamela White 07786 620622 01621 891143 01702 525112 01449 721467 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

10 Special delivery of In Brief Congratulations to Mel Barnes of Bury St Edmunds Amateur Operatic and good wishes from Dramatic Society, who was recently presented with a long service award to mark his 27 years with the society. Ray Cooney Singer, actor, committee member, Chairman, President and now President Emeritus, Mel remains the society’s main NODA contact. NODA East Regional Councillor Don McKay and District 4 Regional Representative Julie Petrucci are always assured of a warm welcome from Mel, who is a great ambassador for BSEAODS. Images courtesy of Stephen Hawke, www.hollowayhawkephotography.co.uk

Lindisfarne Players’ next Ray decided to sit himself in the corner Julie Petrucci and production is Michael Cooney’s with his notepad and pen and quietly Melvyn Barnes farcical comedy Cash on Delivery. observe the cast, who did a fantastic job Michael Cooney is the son of of performing the first act of the play. Dusmagrik Young People’s Theatre undisputed ‘king of farce’ Ray Ray’s response at the end of Act I was a Company recently performed CATS and Cooney OBE and he has obviously delighted: “Well done. You’re going to “special best wishes for a wonderful been well taught. Cash on Delivery get a lot of laughs.” He went on: “People opening night and an enjoyable and is a riotous mix of all the usual often ask me what the difference is successful run” were sent by Lord capers and mishaps that one between comedy and farce. Farce is about Andrew Lloyd Webber. He would expects from the Cooney pen. real people in crazy situations. Comedy have been proud of this production at is unreal people in a real situation, for Gorleston Pavilion Theatre. Steve McCartney, long time member of example, in an Ayckbourn play. Don’t mix Lindisfarne, has been a Cooney fan ever it up!” since he can remember and has previously successfully directed two Cooney farces for It was fantastic to hear this advice from the group, Out of Order (twice) and Run for the great man himself and we were all your Wife. This year Steve was lucky enough hanging on every word he said. After all, to be invited to one of Ray Cooney’s this is a man who has been performing summer garden parties and, never one to since he was 14 years old. He has been miss an opportunity, thought he’d chance writing since 1959 and his play Run for his arm and ask Ray if he would like to your Wife ran in the West End for a record come and see Lindisfarne in one of their nine years. In 2004 he was given his OBE Award-winning Ipswich Operatic Cash on Delivery rehearsals, hoping he by Prince Charles. and Dramatic Society (IODS) will be could give some pointers to the cast. presenting Andrew Lloyd Webber’s I asked Linda what Michael is up to these Sunset Boulevard at the Regent Theatre, As we arrived, with eager anticipation Steve days. He is probably best known now for Ipswich, from 20th – 23rd May 2015. had already set up the scene for Act I of being the screenwriter of horror movie the play. There was the usual sofa in the Identity, starring Ray Liotta and John Stephanie Brown (lead roles in Evita, living room scenario and more doors than Cusack, and also the Jack Frost movie Crazy for You, Titanic and Anything one would usually anticipate a living room chillers. Linda told me that he is just about Goes) will star as Norma Desmond. to have, but then this is a Cooney farce to start work on a pilot in the States, where Jonathan Mudd (Jesus/Judas in and Cooney farces need a lot of doors. he now lives. Jesus Christ Superstar and the Devil Talking of doors, look who just walked in. in Witches of Eastwick) stars as Joe, Ray arrived with his lovely wife of 52 years, And so, after posing for photos and and James Hayward (star of Putting it Linda, and he made a point of introducing signing autographs for the lucky cast, Together, Follies and Sounds Familiar, himself and Linda to each of us before we Ray and Linda went back to their home in and also director of Witches of sat ourselves down in the rehearsal hall. Epping and Lindisfarne Players could relax Eastwick) stars as Max. Ray is 82 now but he’s full of fun. “Actors and give themselves a huge pat on the first” said Ray with a wink, ushering us all back. It will be nice to see Stephanie and James through the door before he took his seat, together again after playing Guinevere telling the cast, “now don’t be nervous.” Kim Tobin and King Arthur in Camelot.

NODA Today – March 2015 11 regionalroundup East Midlands Spectres,

East Midlands Spies Committee Councillor Nanette Lovell 01604 712651 [email protected] and Ships Regional Secretary Mavis Beddall Writer and director Pam Townsend writes about a which could draw in and entertain an audience. 0115 913 9490 blast from the past in her Northamptonshire village. [email protected] John Everyman, a traveller through time, was Membership Secretary Spectres was performed last summer by the narrator for the story and we had a chorus Phil Williams Guilsborough Music and Drama Society (GMADS) for some of the nineteen scenes, each of which 0115 9198545 [email protected] as an ‘aperitif’ to the 2014 village festival, reflected different genres. A thrust stage was used, documenting events in the village from the Roman with some entrances through the audience, which Regional Treasurer occupation to World War II. It was accompanied by allowed us to seat 90 people on three sides. The Sue Haydon 01604 411443 an exhibition of background information and local space was intimate and we wanted them to feel [email protected] memorabilia. part of the experience. Web Manager Michelle Holland My aim was to bring to the stage a lively, informative To keep the story flowing, the cast effected simple 07790 942899 and entertaining story of my village’s murky, and speedy costume changes and the backstage [email protected] quirky past. Good drama needs a strong plot area was run with military precision! Basic black Awards Secretary and colourful characters, and having read a local was worn by all, but at least one character in each Peter Beddall book on the records of the village, I realised these scene was able to wear a complete outfit, with over 0115 913 9490 ingredients were there in abundance. With the able 100 costumes used. Sound effects and lighting [email protected] assistance of Angela Bumford, I began my research also added to the atmosphere. A mix of taped Magazine/News Editor using various sources, including the memories of and live music was used, and we were fortunate Alex Wood local people. to have a one-man band in the form of Andrew [email protected] Bassey, whose musical versatility provided an Youth Advisor Guilsborough’s past has links with many historical accompaniment for a range of scenes. Amanda Hall events and characters: the Battle of Naseby, 0773 9573079 [email protected] James I’s witch hunts, Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Our group welcomed the whole concept the sinking of enthusiastically and their contributions were taken East Midlands Districts & Representatives the Lusitania, on board. Twenty actors were involved, each Shackleton’s playing at least six roles. After four nights playing DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 5 1914 Antarctic to full houses, plus performing extracts in the high Keith Scott-Savage Peter Breach expedition, a street and our parish church at the festival, Spectres 01332 670239 01406 373359 gruesome murder, was judged to have been a great success. [email protected] [email protected] two world wars DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 6A & B and even a Nazi GMADS is a relatively small group, working within Joyce Handbury Christine Clarke spy, enabling the limitations of a village hall, but the welcome 01773 745082 01455 610010 [email protected] [email protected] me to place the addition of some new members (several of whom drama in a much had not trodden the boards before), together with DISTRICT 3 DISTRICT 7 broader context. a history exhibition, created a community project Matt Fry Caroline Jervis 07554 402324 01536 391307 The challenge which was very well received. [email protected] [email protected] then was to write a script which was DISTRICT 4 DISTRICT 8 It is certainly worth bringing your community’s Anne Key-Huckerby Jenny Chandler chronological history to people’s attention through the medium of 01522 682964 01604 233709 and an accurate drama. The process can be quite long but ultimately [email protected] reflection of the very rewarding, and you may be surprised at what village’s history, but you discover!

12 A very showbiz wedding Matthew Berrill Heather Arnold and Andrew Wydrzynski of County Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society were married in Lincoln on 14th August 2014.

Instead of the other options available they chose to have their wedding at Lincoln Theatre Royal. It was all very showbiz, even down to the order of service, which was presented in the style of a theatre programme. This included the back story of how the bride and groom met, bios for all the principals and production team on the central pages, the various scenes the guests could expect to see, thanks and acknowledgements and, rather cannily, a couple of pages of adverts for businesses linked to this particular ‘show’.

Best wishes to Heather and Andrew for a long and happy run. NODA East Midlands long service awards The Three PRESENTED JULY 2014 Emiles TO DECEMBER 2015 October’s production of ‘South Pacific’ by Awards Secretary: Peter Beddall Northampton Musical Theatre Company saw the reunion of three Emiles 50 years from the shows of 1964, Kettering & District Theatrical Society...... Sheila Greenaway 1979 and 2014. Matthew Market Harborough Musical Theatre...... Joan Christine Prior Berrill, the latest Emile de Northampton Musical Theatre Company...... Joy Eason Beque, takes us back over the years.

45 years I first met Cliff Billing when Stamford G&S Players...... Jean Hadlow I joined the company (then Northampton Amateur Operatic Company) as a 40 years boy in 1981. Cliff played the part of Bumble and I shared Erewash Musical Society...... Laurie Trott the role of Oliver. I then met Bryan Hall the following year Long Eaton Operatic Society...... John Woolley in the last production at the Northampton ABC in The King and I. Bryan played the King and I played Louis. I was also delighted to play alongside both of them in Camelot in 1983. This was NAOC’s first show at the Derngate, Northampton’s brand new professional theatre complex. Bryan played an excellent King Arthur, Cliff was a wonderful Merlin and I played Tom. I had such a wonderful time during We’re on Facebook! those three shows that I caught the performing bug and I’ve been involved in amateur theatre in Northampton ever since.

NODA East Midlands now has a Facebook page I would never have guessed back then that 30 years at www.facebook.com/NODAEastMidlands. later I would be standing on the same Derngate stage with Bryan and Cliff following the opening night of South Check it out and ‘like’ our page. Pacific, and with all three of us having played the part of Emile for the same company. Fifty years separated the first production of South Pacific and this year’s production, and I had very big shoes to fill. But I was very proud to be performing with such a wonderful cast and in front of two gentlemen that have been so influential in our company’s history over the years.

NODA Today – March 2015 13 regionalroundup London

London Committee Councillor Councillor’s Comments Jacquie Stedman 020 8529 3318 2015 brings a new year and a new opportunity to [email protected] raise the standards of your productions, bring in Regional Secretary new audiences and generally raise the profile of this Cortina Henderson 020 7407 4245 wonderful hobby of ours. So have you ever thought [email protected] about running a training workshop or a singing Treasurer masterclass? Pam Armstrong 020 8587 1015 Make-up, costume, dance, accents, audition [email protected] techniques...if there are areas of talent within your Membership Secretary society that need improving, why not consider a Frances Chalkwright workshop? The application forms are on the website 020 8926 7413 [email protected] but if you need more detailed information please Awards Secretary contact either your regional representative or me at Josie Shingles [email protected]. We can all 020 8953 6560 improve, and if we are asking members of the public to [email protected] pay to come to see us do our hobby, then what we give Online Team them should be the best it possibly can be. With NODA Darren Knight London’s help, it can be! 07891 326 568 [email protected] Cortina Henderson Good luck with all your productions. 020 7407 4245 [email protected] Jacquie Stedman Magazine Editor Councillor, NODA London Rosemary Roberts 01628 636984 [email protected] Grand Opera Advisor Bryan Kesselman 020 8868 8921 London Districts & Representatives [email protected] Youth Advisor DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 5 DISTRICT 10 DISTRICT 13 Ann Hertler-Smith Tony Sweeney Please refer to Sarah Buttler Jeanette Maskell 01923 267604 020 8654 0682 Councillor 020 8386 2999 01635 41791 [email protected] anthony.sweeney@ DISTRICT 6 [email protected] jeanette.maskell noda.org.uk @noda.org.uk Conference Co-ordinator Andrew Rogers DISTRICT 11 Bob Borrow DISTRICT 2 020 8508 9635 Vacant DISTRICT 14 020 8529 6377 Zena Wigram [email protected] DISTRICT 11a Gordon Bird [email protected] 01895 636028 DISTRICT 7 Judith Watsham 01189 662934 zena.wigram@ [email protected] Conference Technical Paul M Holgate 01494 774557 noda.org.uk Co-ordinator 020 8804 9553 judith.watsham@ Sam Webb DISTRICT 3 [email protected] noda.org.uk 07899 992772 Stephen Macvicar DISTRICT 8 DISTRICT 12 [email protected] 07767 822385 Tony Austin Rob Bertwistle stephen.macvicar@ 01895 634288 01235 764 075 noda.org.uk [email protected] rob.bertwistle@ DISTRICT 4 DISTRICT 9 noda.org.uk Darren Knight Bill Baynes 07891 326568 020 8428 0533 darren.knight@ [email protected] noda.org.uk

14 Courtesy of KAOS Trial by Jury with a twist When Kingsbury Amateur Operatic Society used was mainly Sullivan’s and the lyrics at the Conway Hall in Red Lion Square produced two short one act Gilbert and Gilbert’s, with altered words to suit the plot. and it received great acclaim. As a result Sullivan operettas, Trial by Jury and The of this, the Grimsdyke Hotel (former home Zoo in 2004, they needed something Last year Vic revamped the show, adding of W.S. Gilbert) asked them to perform the to fill out the programme. One of their new characters and music, calling it Jilted two shows for their G&S charity in June. longest serving members, Vic Golding, and combining it with Trial with a Twist (in They were again very well received and came to the rescue by writing a prequel to the tale). The latter piece, with a surprise raised £830 for the chosen charities. Trial, with a through-sung plot about the ending, added G&S music and new plaintiff (Angelina) being left in the lurch characters. KAOS has scores which are available to by her erring fiancé and bringing a breach buy or hire. For further information please of promise case against him. The music The society performed it in February 2014 contact [email protected] Fifty years in panto Arrow Players, based at the Church of involved with the group in some capacity St. Edmund the King in Northwood Hills, ever since, this year playing the role of has been producing pantomimes since Herald in Jack and the Beanstalk. Until 1965. This year’s production of Jack and 18 months ago she was their box office the Beanstalk is therefore a significant manager, and if not rehearsing, she still milestone as it marks their fiftieth goes along to make the tea. anniversary. Completing the family Making it a double celebration, connection, Elizabeth’s husband their leading lady from the very Mike Godden has also co-written first production is also celebrating every show since 1984, along 50 years with the society. with Mike Warrwick. All five of Elizabeth Godden played the title their children have been involved role in their first panto, Cinderella, in pantomime, with some of Players, and her mother, Pauline Ambrose, back in 1965, and has been them also appearing with Arrow used to be the society’s choreographer.

NODA Today – March 2015 15 ruler. For the last thirty years I have always felt that if my lines are not highlighted in Tips for Successful pink then I can’t learn them well. If I have a script sent to me in a word document then I like to highlight my lines in bold font. The most invaluable aspect of electronic scripts is that you can take them with you Line Learning wherever you go on your tablet or phone. Getting someone to read your lines with you is also invaluable, if you have someone who can do it effectively. If not it can be more trouble than it’s worth. It is not something that can be forced on friends or family. My stepsons are very willing and good at it when they are available. You need someone who is able to do it fairly blandly - unless they are also in the cast and know how your cues are intoned.

Some people like recording the script in audio version, usually to play in the car. I don’t always find this useful as there are always other considerations, such as having to concentrate on the road. Having said that I do have plays that I use recordings for, and rather than really listen to them I just let them wash over me, and this does help a bit.

I find that time spent onpublic transport is good for line learning. Train journeys are excellent for me as I just sit in a corner muttering to myself. For bus journeys I spend a bit of time at the bus stop working out which bits I am going to run through in my head when I get on the bus. Just be a bit careful - I have been so wrapped up in the play in my head that I have forgotten I am actually on a bus.

Prompts and prompting are essential parts of the learning process. The best prompters are in at Georgette Vale, a member of We all know that it’s important to learn our the beginning of the rehearsal period NODA society Wymondham lines because we don’t want to look so that they know the pauses and how Players in Norfolk, takes us stupid in front of an audience, but I different people like to be prompted. The through her top tips for the very think the second most important reason is most important advice I can give you, and important, but often very difficult as a courtesy to other actors. We all urge you to insist on others doing it too, task, of learning your lines. realise that other people rely on the cues is to “take the prompt and get on with it.” that we give them, and without that the If you need a prompt – and we all do – There is no right or wrong way to learn production won’t work. Another reason don’t panic or beat yourself up about it. lines and everyone is different. People for good line learning is the flow of the Sometimes I see people who are mortified often ask me how I go about line learning rehearsal and ultimately the flow that they need to have a prompt, but most so I thought I would set pen to paper - or of the play. prompts are needed through momentary in this case, fingers to keyboard - and lapses of concentration and not through share this with you. My qualification for The right time to learn your lines lack of learning. Perhaps the audience do writing this article and starting the debate is debatable. I find it most useful to notice that a prompt has been given, but if is that I have a lifetime (so far) on the start learning when we have done a it is taken quickly they soon forget it. amdram circuit and my professional work couple of runs and I have a better idea of in the field of sensory impairment involves how the director wants me to deliver my On the day of the performance I have my a lot of teaching skills. lines and I know how my cues will sound. own little routines. I like to know I have Line learning also goes hand in hand gone through my lines several times in the One of the things my experience has taught with characterisation. If you know and day. I like to get changed early and then me is that every year that goes by it understand the character then that can pace around with my script in my hand. gets harder to learn new things. In help with line learning because you know People always say to me it’s “too late to my twenties I never had to work at learning why your character is saying what they are. learn it now”, but I am not learning it at this lines. In my thirties and forties I had to make stage. I am not even trying to remember more of an effort and now I make sure that I In the days before highlighter pens I used what comes next, I am just reading it. It’s put in a lot more time than I ever did. to underline my lines with red biro using a each to their own at this point.

16 Size Matters! Utopia Costumes’ Ewan Campbell takes us through the essential measurements you need for your costume fitting and how to get the best results. Utopia is NODA’s recommended scenery supplier for The Slipper and the Rose.

This is the time of year when many of us will be in the throes of our spring productions. Traditionally, a couple of weeks after rehearsals start the wardrobe team will appear with the dreaded tape measure in hand to take your sizes for your costume. We all know the scenario. Rehearsal night with the wardrobe mistress scurrying around grabbing people when they are not doing anything, and the minute the tape is lifted to take the first measurement the choreographer shouts for everyone to go through the dance again!

Generally speaking, time is not often set aside for costume measurements and they are taken when they can be or as people turn up. Or in some cases the last set of Ladies’ measurements measurements that was recorded are used. I have known this to be as long as 10 Bust: This is the circumference around Girth: The circumference around the years ago, and in some cases, at least two your back and over the fullest part of the small of the back at top of the pelvis and stones heavier! bust. Take the measurement with your over the stomach. arms down. Your bra measurement is the Waist to ankle: Linear measurement We all have the measurements and sizes circumference under your bust and the from your true waist to the ankle bone. we think we are in our heads because we difference between the two is generally Waist to floor: Linear measurement all buy clothes for ourselves. But people converted into the cup size. Someone from your true waist to the floor with no who make costumes use different kinds of who is a 32D, a 34C or a 36B could have shoes on. measurements, so it’s a good idea to take the same circumference measurement, but Nape to waist: From the base of the your sizes in the format they need. It is a obviously not the same fullness of bust. neck where you can feel the first bone of good exercise and a way of helping you to be Check you are wearing the right bra size your spine, measure down your back to prepared for your group’s wardrobe team. as this can make a big difference to both your true waist. the fit of your clothes and your costume. It isn’t a difficult thing to do and all you need is a tape measure, a pen or pencil, a piece of paper and a trusted Gents’ measurements friend who can keep their mouth shut if they have to. When taking measurements Chest: The circumference around your Usual jacket size: Your usual size when use either inches or centimetres but not a back and over the fullest part of the chest you purchase a commercially made suit mixture of both, and take the measurements (over your nipples) with your arms by your jacket. If you don’t know this, your natural with light clothes on. side. waist size will give you the size of jacket Inner leg: Linear measurement from the you should wear. If it is an odd number Measurements crotch downwards inside the leg to the add one; for example, if your natural waist top of the shoe. Normally it will be shorter size is 38 inches buy a 38 inch jacket, but for everyone than the trousers you wear. if it is 39 inches buy a 40 inch jacket. Outer leg: Linear measurement from Normal trouser size: This is your usual Height: Do this without shoes on against your natural waist down, from the outside trouser size in commercially made trousers. a wall or door frame. of the leg to the top of the shoe. This is not normally the same as your natural Head: The circumference measurement Collar: This is the circumference of your waist size, as the waist band of modern around the head taken above the ears. neck over the Adam’s apple. Add half an trousers sits above the pelvis and below the Waist: To find your true waist, take a long inch or 1.5 centimetres to work out your natural waist. Trousers that have a natural piece of string or ribbon, put this around collar size. waist often require braces to hold them up. your body under your ribcage and slide it down until it will go no further. Tie it in a bow and take the measurement. We all have bits of our body we would rather not have and we all tend to be very Hip/Seat: The circumference around the critical of ourselves. Tape measures unfortunately don’t lie or flatter – they tell the facts. fullest part of your bottom. Knowing what your measurements are before you get measured, good or bad, is a Outside arm: The linear measurement good idea. Getting the right measurements to the people that make your costumes gives from the shoulder bone to the wrist bone everyone a better understanding of your shape, and this can influence the costume you with the arm bent. will end up wearing in your show and ensure you look the best you can.

NODA Today – March 2015 17 Make the most of health and safety training for NODA societies

Neil Maidman, Senior Safety Consultant with NODASafe, reminds member societies why it’s so important to make the most of our online health and safety training course, which we launched last year.

We have said a great deal about what you need to consider to keep your show safe, and to assist you with that we have provided documents for you to use via our website (www.noda.org. uk/nodasafemembers) and this magazine. We are delighted to now be able to provide each society with online training, all as part of your membership subscription, so that you can develop the skills that are required to keep up with best practice in health and safety. Putting up sets and shifting props and the invitation is a link to click on that heavy items can be a real pain in the neck takes you through to the LearnUpon site Most of what a society needs to do is - literally! So we’ve looked at the issues that hosts the training where you can sign common sense. I have heard this said to that surround this and how you can risk up and take the course, which is called me many times when I have met members assess for your production. Again, a short Introduction to Health and Safety. across the country and I wouldn’t disagree film within the online training will help you Make sure you give us the correct name with this at all, except that sometimes tackle this problem. so that your details are correct on your you can’t rely on common sense being certificate upon completion. present. We often ignore too many risks, Working at height is something that you don’t deal with the hazards around us or may or may not do during the set up of Please note: If you are the person perhaps just accept risk as a norm. We all your show, or it may form part of your who needs to take the course take short cuts and make compromises production. For example, anyone who has within your society but you did not and sometimes that can impact on safety. performed Oliver on a standard set will receive the email invitation, please be up on gantries, so what precautions let us know at nodasafe@noda. NODASafe has developed an online should we take? Simple tasks like marking org.uk and we will assist you. If the training programme that will help member out the edge of the stage and where steps email invitation is forwarded to you societies become more conversant lie, as well as having proper handrails, by somebody else this will not work with health and safety principles and are often overlooked. I have a friend who and you will not be able to take the demonstrate in a practical manner how wasn’t briefed about an uneven set of course. This is because each email to deal with issues as they arise. The steps in a pantomime production - there invitation to take the course is programme deals with the following: were no markings, no hand rails and no specific to the recipient. Therefore induction. She exited off stage via those if somebody else within the society ★★ Roles and responsibilities steps and broke both her ankles. This needs to take the course, let us ★★ Hazard spotting was totally preventable by ensuring that know and the email invitation will ★★ Risk assessment a risk assessment was completed, that be resent by LearnUpon to the ★★ Accident reporting proper controls were put in place and that correct individual. everyone was told about the hazard. It includes a series of short films to In addition to the online training, there illustrate good practice for societies; for This is why it’s so important to take our will be a series of training events in each example, how to run an induction process online health and safety training course. region over the next 12 months. Details before each show. This may feel like an Before Christmas each society was sent an will be released via email newsletters and additional task on a very busy day but invitation email to take the course from a your regional reps. These training days will it’s so important for the prevention of company called LearnUpon. This invitation look at the process in greater depth, but accidents during your show. A checklist was sent to the email address of the main in the meantime please take advantage of can be found on the website for this NODA contact we have for each society, the free online training. I look forward to but the online training features a film probably the society secretary, and this is seeing as many of you as possible at our demonstrating its use. your gateway to the free training. Within training events throughout the year.

18 A stage manager’s tools of the trade

Graham Coulson, General Manager of The Border Studio, NODA’s recommended scenery supplier for The Slipper and the Rose, discusses a stage manager’s all important tool box.

Happy new year to one and all from the team here at The Border Studio and we wish you all well for 2015.

As we move forward into the rush of the spring musical season, I thought it would be good to look at an area of your job that sometimes requires you to be a magician. Yes, you are that individual who is the font of all knowledge and of course can conjure up anything and everything at a moment’s notice. Of course I jest; no- one is that clever. Or are you one of those individuals who can eventually come up with the goods required? I am confident you are, otherwise why would you want to be a stage manager?

A key element of this job for me is that you contractor? Usually a basic hardware box of assorted screws, a spirit level and have a basic tool box to hand whenever package comes with the set, but to be finally the small box that contains screw you move into the theatre. Those of us fair to the contractor their sets will have eyes, hinges and pin hinges. This box will who are advancing the scale of life will been designed and built to be flexible so of course vary in size depending on how probably remember that all you really that the sets can be used in most venues. long you have been a stage manager and used to need for the set build was muscles, However, that said, the contractors cannot will probably contain all sorts of curious gloves, a heavy duty hammer and of cover all of the nuances of the varied things that you’ve gathered over the years. course six inch nails! I seem to recall in venues that their sets may be asked to fit, my youth - such a long time ago I hear and therefore it can be important to have Well, there we go folks – some food for you say - that if wing flats were permanent a tool box. thought. Just as each and every one of us throughout the show then the best way is an individual, then so will your tool box to achieve this was to nail them to the What might be some key elements of the be individual to you. floor. Nowadays if you did that there box? Well, perhaps the first two priority would probably be several penalties to elements might be a bottle of gin and One final thought that strikes me is that incur, the worst of which being - yes you some valium! You see where I am coming I have yet to find something that could are one step ahead of me – that ray of from, but seriously, everyone will have their safely be used to prise some of the actors helpfulness the duty manager or caretaker. own ideas about which tools best suit their and actresses from a given spot that they That is a little unkind of me as most of working style and most importantly, for seem to migrate to. Yes, that very spot that the aforementioned individuals do give a me, that they are comfortable using them is in the way of you running most aspects great deal of support to ensure that the in the way they were designed to be used. of the show. get in and the get out run as smoothly as possible. For me my top five bits for the box would With every good wish for the coming be as follows: Certainly a hammer, season whatever you may be doing. So why do you need to have a tool box? followed by a multi-bit screwdriver (how Surely all the hardware that is required many of you can remember the good old Aye to build the set will be provided by the ratchet screwdriver – a real workhorse!), a Graham

NODA Today – March 2015 19 regionalroundup North

Councillor’s Comments

As I write these notes to meet involving children so that you can build up a the deadline for the magazine, good working relationship with her. North the NODA North family are well Committee underway with their pantos. Although I myself love getting around seeing many of I admit that pantomime is not my favourite you in your productions or at district meetings Councillor Gordon Richardson genre, I do enjoy seeing the various styles in your areas. I still have an ambition to see 0191 586 6350 and variations on a theme in traditional each of our member societies and would urge [email protected] pantos such as Cinderella and Sleeping you to invite me along. This year I have been Treasurer Beauty. I even experienced a first by seeing a to both the extremities of our region, with a Derek Coleman Halloween pantomime at the end of October couple of visits to societies in Berwick as well [email protected] called Dracula – The Vampire Strikes Back. as a visit to the North Yorkshire Pennines to see Regional Secretary Hawes Operatic Society perform Aladdin. Each Pauline Swann Each has the same standard checklist of a society is important to NODA and I love to get [email protected] dame, evil entity, good entity, principal boy, to meet as many people as possible that share Awards Secretary principal girl and daft boy/girl. Pantomime, this great hobby of ours. Fred Piggford [email protected] however, isn’t an easy option to perform if Membership Secretary done well and is as important a performance On my frequent visits I’m always on the Ian M Wells style as any classical musical production. The lookout for a society or individual who [email protected] reason for this is that often it is the very first goes that bit above and beyond in terms of Webmaster stage show a youngster may experience in excellence. With the third annual performance Gordon Richardson their life, and if it is done well it may inspire awards coming up in September, I already [email protected] that child for life. I remember last year seeing have an extremely difficult decision to make Youth Advisor a production where a young girl of five or at the end of May as to who will receive the Michelle Coulson six entered the auditorium and was totally Councillor’s Cup for adult productions and [email protected] spellbound and at a loss for words at the individuals, and the Shield for Youth. Regional Editor magical world before her. Inspire children Gordon Smyrell [email protected] young and you may have an audience for I really find it an honour representing the North life. Already signs to this effect are apparent, on Council down in Warwick on a regular basis. as in NODA North we have both a nine If you have any concerns that need addressing North Districts & and 10 year old joining NODA as individual nationally please contact me either directly or Representatives members – well done Sam and Oliver! via your regional representative. Finally, I shall DISTRICT 1 also be attending Summer School along with a Vacant Pantos often ‘employ’ children in their ranks further (at the moment of typing) eleven people DISTRICT 2 and indeed many productions have children from our region in August. Each member is Foster Johnson involved these days. Although the legalities are doing a course that will benefit them personally [email protected] constantly changing and many societies openly and will also benefit their societies. DISTRICT 3 wonder if all the red tape is worthwhile, my Michelle Coulson [email protected] answer is yes. We have a youth advisor in our I hope 2015 is good for you and your region whose purpose it is to help you with any societies. DISTRICT 4 Peter Oliver problems you may have. You will see a profile [email protected] of Michelle in our region’s pages and I do Gordon Richardson DISTRICT 5 urge you to invite her along to any productions Councillor, NODA North Michael L. Avery [email protected] DISTRICT 6 Standing next to Regional Councillor Gordon Peter Parlour Richardson is Caitlin Bannister, starring as the [email protected] title character in Rainbow Youth’s production of DISTRICT 8 Peter Pan last November. Caitlin won the first Alistair Bolton [email protected] District 2 youth award for her role as Iago in Disney’s Aladdin in Rainbow Youth’s panto back DISTRICT 9 Kathryn Curry in 2012. [email protected]

20 Meet the NODA North committee Over the next few issues of the magazine, we will endeavour to introduce you to members of the NODA North committee. We start with NODA North Youth Advisor Michelle Coulson.

Michelle Coulson – Youth Advisor This January I was honoured to receive my performing, for the last 13 years I have NODA. I also attended the Directing 35 year NODA award at my own society’s directed concerts, pantomimes, plays Youth Theatre course at NODA Summer production of Sleeping Beauty. As with and musicals, and been a drama coach School, which not only gave invaluable many young people, it was being involved for a local children’s theatre school. My training and helped me to develop new with panto that first got me interested directorial credits include many classics skills, but was also very enjoyable. in performing all those years ago. I am such as Return to the Forbidden Planet, thrilled to still be involved with pantomime South Pacific, Fiddler on the Roof and Little In the coming year I hope to build on the and carrying on this age-old tradition. Shop of Horrors, as well as the North East success of the youth workshop day we held amateur premiere of Acorn Antiques the last July. We received excellent feedback As a performer my favourite roles have Musical. about this and plan to organise similar included many principal boys, principal events. If you have any suggestions for girls and witches in pantomimes, as well as Last year I had the privilege of attending another youth workshop or any other issues Gloria in Return to the Forbidden Planet, a conference for youth advisors, where you wish to discuss, please contact me at Bianca in Kiss me Kate, Baroness in The together with NODA Youth Councillor Phil [email protected] or Sound of Music and Mrs Molloy in Hello Barnett, we planned a way forward for get in touch with your regional Dolly, among many others. As well as youth representation and support within representative.

President visits NODA North Shortly after his installation as NODA President at the National AGM in September, John Barnes and his wife honoured NODA North with a visit. During his necessarily brief visit, John attended Darlington Operatic Society’s excellent production of Sister Act. Chairman Julian Cound said of John’s visit: “It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talent here in the NODA North region and to offer a warm Darlington welcome. The cast remained on stage after the final curtain to thank John for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit us.”

Two nights later John saw Northallerton Musical Theatre Company’s wonderful production of Annie. Originally from Yorkshire himself, going back to Northallerton was like going back to his roots. Secretary Maureen Willoughby said that the visit “gave the company a real buzz for the opening night and afterwards Mr. Barnes joined the cast on stage to compliment them. NMTC are celebrating their sixtieth anniversary this year so this really was the icing on the cake!”.

NODA Today – March 2015 21 regionalroundup North East

From your Regional Editor

After this edition of NODA TODAY I will be hanging up my boots as Regional Editor for NODA North East. Thank you for the 20 years I have enjoyed with you and now please support Tony Harris as I hand over to him for the next edition in July. North East Committee Julie Webb Councillor David Streeter 0114 235 2490 [email protected] Regional Secretary Judy McMurray Summer School Stories 0114 236 2430 [email protected] Here’s how some North East bursary winners fared at NODA Theatre Summer School 2014. Regional Treasurer Geoff Haywood Linda McCraight attended Acting Masterclass. 01226 724925 “My room and home for the week was delegate accommodation, which was like a four star hotel. [email protected] The welcome speech left us excited with anticipation and I was relieved to find there were lots of Membership Secretary first timers there. All the exercises Dylan, our tutor, gave us to do were to help us build up layers of John Parsons characterization, emotion and situation, and we learned how costume can create character and 01724 334931 occasion. There were short workshops as well as social activities in the evenings. Summing up, it [email protected] was exhilarating and challenging - not to mention hard work!” Web Manager Bryan Craven 0113 252 2514 Laura Whitlock from STOS attended Beginners Dance. [email protected] “Throughout the week we were pushed out of our comfort zones and covered the basics of dance. Long Service Awards Secretary Everything was broken down into bite size pieces so that we were all able to pick up routines and Pamela Booth understand how each movement flowed into the next. On Friday it was time for the showcase 01943 430318 performance - a chance to perform and show people on other courses what we had been doing. It [email protected] was clear to see how much people had enjoyed the week and this radiated out into the theatre. The Regional Editor day was topped off by a red carpet evening when everyone dressed up in their finery - a perfect way Tony Harris 01377 272063 to end the week.” [email protected] Youth Advisor From Grenoside Pantomime Section, both Matthew Copley and Steve Atkinson Vacant attended short courses on sound and lighting. Please contact Regional Matthew summed up his time as: “A brilliant week. Both tutors knew their subjects very well, Councillor presenting the material in a fun, informal but effective way. We had the opportunity to experiment with equipment, some of which we would not normally have access to, which gave the opportunity North East Districts & to evaluate its capabilities.” Representatives DISTRICT 1 Steve echoed this: “As a musician involved with home recording I’ve picked up a lot about sound Terry Harrison and electronics. What I wanted was a class to pull the snippets together, fill the gaps and apply 01423 870656 [email protected] them to theatre. The sound course did exactly that, and as a novice the lighting course gave me a thorough grounding.” DISTRICT 2 Rosie Abel 07799 832766 [email protected] DISTRICT 3 DISTRICT 6 DISTRICT 9 DISTRICT 12 DISTRICT 15 Tony Harris Mary Titterton Christine Castle Judith Smith Pamela Booth 01377 272063 0114 236 8619 0113 2664672 01274 568305 01943 430318 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] DISTRICT 4 DISTRICT 7 DISTRICT 10 DISTRICT 13 DISTRICT 16 John Parsons Noel Rigg Jacqui Hartley Geoff Haywood Marguerite Jennings 01724 334931 01924 466659 01422 321513 01226 724925 01423 797714 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] DISTRICT 5 DISTRICT 8 DISTRICT 11 DISTRICT 14 Leslie Smith Jean Taylor Sally Holmes Julie Webb 01226 756654 01422 376058 0113 2192095 0114 2551869 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

22 Leeds Children’s Theatre: 80 years in the making Leeds Children’s Theatre will be invited to come and share their (LCT) boasts the fact that it memories with current members. is one of the longest running theatre groups dedicated to the So, LCT has made it to 80 and is still inclusion of children in theatre. as strong and as full of vigour as when In its long and bountiful time it it first began. With new members has seen many stars tread the constantly pouring in, many waiting in boards in the name of amateur the wings for their chance and some dramatics. Great names like wise heads to guide them, here’s to Angela Griffin have donned the next 80 years of making children costumes and performed for laugh, cry and come back for more in the group, supported by a the name of theatre. If you would like dedicated team of volunteers. more information about LCT please doing makeup and helping with Saturday visit the website at www.leeds- From humble post-war beginnings, when morning workshops, makes this a well childrens-theatre.co.uk. various schools came together to make a deserved honour. production, to the now prosperous society that LCT is today, children from around The society’s November production Leeds and the surrounding area keep of The Railway Children was directed coming back to see their performances. by another hard working and long standing member, Ian Goodison, LCT recently voted in a new Honorary whose credits include Tom’s Midnight President - someone who has been Garden and The Secret Garden (must with the society for many years and be a keen gardener!) to name but a directed countless productions, most few. In 2015, LCT will be celebrating recently Pinocchio in 2013. We are of its eightieth anniversary and will course talking about Judith Daniel, a see a performance of The Diary of long standing member whose tireless Anne Frank. There will also be a

efforts, not only in directing but also celebration party and old members Courtesy of Ian Cornick Photography

Landmark anniversary for Leeds AOS It only seems like a minute ago over the years, all of which were at some to its success, this production became a that Leeds Amateur Operatic point of historical celebration. regular and very popular addition to the Society (LAOS - The Musical LAOS calendar for many years. Theatre Company) was celebrating In the 1960s the society purchased a its centenary, but this year is the swimming pool for the Silverdales Holiday Most of the LAOS productions have taken society’s 125th anniversary, making Camp for underprivileged children, and place in the Leeds Grand Theatre and it one of the oldest amateur around 350 children from Leeds still go to Opera House in the heart of the vibrant performing groups in the country. the camp for holidays every year. Raising city of Leeds. In 2005 however, the theatre Producing two major shows a year, money for different charities remains a underwent major refurbishment and the the society draws both performers key aim of the society and many different society had to seek a new venue while the and audiences alike from a wide organisations have benefited and continue work was being completed. With their radius around Leeds and often to benefit from activities and collections to production of Jesus Christ Superstar, LAOS further afield. support worthwhile causes. became the first amateur group to perform at the West Yorkshire Playhouse and shows The society was founded in Headingley in In 1966 it was decided to enter Song of have been performed alternately at both October 1890, and its first production of Norway into the Waterford International venues ever since. HMS Pinafore was performed in December Festival of Light Opera in Ireland. The of that year. The society moved to its long society was triumphant and swept the For its 125th anniversary year, the society term home at the Leeds Grand Theatre in boards, followed by repeated success performed Aspects of Love at West 1893. Following a successful performance of the following year with The Count of Yorkshire Playhouse in November 2014 Ivor Novello’s Glamorous Night in 1939, the Luxembourg and third place with The and will perform Hairspray at The Grand society ceased producing shows until after Vagabond King twelve months later. Theatre in March 2015. A grand ball is World War II and officially reformed in 1948. also to be held in 2015, which is open to In celebration of the Queen’s Coronation in In its centenary year in 1989, the society members past and present and to friends 1953, the society produced Merrie England, went back to its roots and produced 100 of the society. Here’s to the next 125 years a show which has been performed six times Musical Years at the Civic Theatre. Due being just as successful.

NODA Today – March 2015 23 regionalroundup North West

Councillor’s Comments

Oh the joys This year the youth North West of being a workshops on the Saturday Committee NODA Councillor! Last afternoon are both on year I was delighted and the theme of the Disney Councillor privileged to attend some musical Newsies, a recent Christine Hunter Hughes 01772 728817 77 of your productions, Broadway hit packed with [email protected] including 10 drama fantastic songs and dance Regional Secretary festival productions. At numbers. Gary Jones- Joan Carnaffin one of them, Annie Get McCaw will be holding a 01539 720172 Your Gun presented dance workshop and Phil [email protected] by Centenary Theatre Barnett, the NODA Youth Regional Treasurer Company, I was even Councillor, will present an Trevor Mills 01477 534843 introduced to a live snake! The variety and acting workshop on the same theme. Last year [email protected] standard of the shows is breathtaking. Thank Phil presented a workshop on ‘Confidence for Web Manager you for inviting me and please keep the Auditions’ for adult members on the Monday. Ian Johnston invitations coming. This proved very popular so we will revisit the 01900 66209 theme with ‘Confidence for Auditions II’. Please [email protected] By the time you read this your society secretary bring along a piece you would like to work on. Awards Secretary should have received the nominations and Colin Magenty booking form for the NODA North West AGM I do hope that you will be able to join us for 01942 679606 [email protected] and awards weekend. We return once again the weekend. It’s a great chance to meet and to the Mercure Hotel in Piccadilly, Manchester, socialise with like-minded people so please do Magazine/News Editor st Anna Mansell for the weekend beginning Friday 1 May. I do come along! 07971 193616 hope that you will join us for some or all of the [email protected] weekend. Christine Hunter Hughes Youth Advisor Councillor, NODA North West Jenny King 0151 639 4189 [email protected]

North West Districts & Representatives Fifty years of family and fun

DISTRICT 1 It’s been a family affair for the past 50 years Carousel there were six members of the family Kevin Proctor on stage for Barbara Platt, as she’s covered all on stage. 07771 961865 plenty of ground in Bolton area societies. [email protected] In recent years, Barbara has been with Bolton DISTRICT 2 Barbara first joined St Philip’s AODS aged 17, Premier Productions, where she also works Eddie Regan 01772 453885 following her father’s footsteps and spending front of house, and at St Vincent’s ADS. [email protected] 11 years with the company. Here she went DISTRICT 3 on to meet husband David and had sons She said: “I am very happy at Bolton Premier David Slater Andrew and Nicholas. She then moved on to and shall carry on as long as I’m able. I 01282 423079 Horwich AODS, spending 22 years on stage cannot measure the amount of pleasure and DISTRICT 4 and on the committee, and encouraged her company I have had during these 50 years Budge Grounsell children to take part too, including third son and thank everyone for their friendship. I hope 0151 639 8328 [email protected] Timothy. In fact, with daughter-in-law Hazel, my sons carry on and have as much fun as for productions of Fiddler On The Roof and I’ve been fortunate to have.” DISTRICT 5 Jackie Kay 01204 852410 [email protected] DISTRICT 6 DISTRICT 7 DISTRICT 8 DISTRICT 10 DISTRICT 11 DISTRICT 12 Pat Connor Sharon Drummond Peter Johnson Ed McGee Katharine Carradus Lloyd Bamber 01257 277615 01706 854208 01270 215328 01900 603050 01539 725908 & Luke Taberer [email protected] sharon.drummond@ peter.johnson@ [email protected] katharine.carradus@ Luke: 07906 358645 noda.org.uk noda.org.uk noda.org.uk Lloyd: 07971 544242 [email protected] 24 How to get the most out of your director

Kevin Proctor, NODA North A rehearsal of ‘Hitchcock Blonde’ by Altrincham West District 1 Representative, Garrick, NODA NW District 1. Photo Rob Watson. shares his thoughts on how to improve your performance by best understanding your director’s way of working, helping you both get the most out of your role.

Congratulations, you’ve been cast! As celebrated director Tyrone Guthrie said: “Good directing is 80% good casting.” But that doesn’t mean it’s an easy task. As a performer, it won’t take long to establish what type of director you’re working with. The sooner you understand the director’s way of working the better, as this will enable you to build a strong working relationship and will ultimately (hopefully) lead to a solid and well delivered production. Below are a few examples of the types of director you might come across. but ultimately is the one in control of the Whether written down or merely explained The ‘do as I say’ dictator director: production. The best type of visionary director in rehearsals, here’s what you should It’s their way or no way. is able to effectively communicate their vision expect from a director and what they will This type of director is probably the most and bring everyone on board. Everyone expect from you. common in our field of amateur theatre. moves towards the visionary’s idea, bringing He/she will have a very specific view of their own ideas to serve the bigger picture. how the process will unfold; they’re not What should you expect from looking for ideas or input from the cast. The ‘fight me!’ pushy director: a director? Rehearsals are likely to be well-defined, Once more with feeling! ★★ To always start rehearsals on blocking is well thought-out and the vision This type of director thrives on time is tightly managed. confrontation. They feel, rightly or wrongly, ★★ To separate the outside world that the only way to get the right reaction and the rehearsal world The ‘let’s make it up together’ out of a character is to push the actor. ★★ To stand by their word on improviser director: Do what feels This should happen in a positive manner expectations right for you. through question and discussion. The ★★ To offer constructive notes for the This type of director comes to rehearsal best pushers don’t mind when an actor good of the performance with little to no blocking and few notes, disagrees or pushes back - in fact it’s often ★★ To show and share enthusiasm but a lot of ideas and suggestions. encouraged. The pushy director thrives for the piece The improviser director is keen on when an actor moves beyond their comfort ★★ Trust collaborating with the cast, who improvise zone with a sense of achievement. the blocking between them and are What should your director encouraged to let the text come alive Once you’ve identified your director’s expect from you? through improv. The improviser will style it’s time to get stuck into your role. ★★ To attend rehearsals on time and supervise and will observe (without The first rehearsal brings everything into ready to work interrupting the actors’ flow) and will reality as up until now it’s just been you ★★ To leave any personal issues and occasionally tweak or request something and the script. Often, a director will use problems outside (use rehearsals a certain way. The input and involvement the first rehearsal to define the tone of as an escape) of the actor is key and necessary to the the process, clearly stating what they ★★ To respect his/her final choices success of the improviser director. expect from the cast and what the cast and comments, whether you can expect from them. Some directors will agree or not The ‘let’s be creative, but I’m the put their expectations in a contract to be ★★ To not take constructive notes boss’ visionary director: Just tell signed by the director and the cast, stating personally me what you want me to do! what they expect from the cast and what ★★ To show and share enthusiasm This type of director enjoys the creative they promise to do for the cast and the for the piece process and wants to hear from actors, production. ★★ Trust

NODA Today – March 2015 25 regionalroundup Scotland The show must go on!

Costumes on, actors in Although it was a false alarm, the fire brigade place, audience in their seats, performed their duties thoroughly and as quickly overture starts and then the as possible, returning everyone safely within the Scotland real drama unfolds. The sound theatre. Fortunately the rain had only dampened Committee of the fire alarm suddenly propelled the cast’s hair and makeup but not their spirits, into the theatre and it wasn’t part of the act! and with the support of a cheering audience a Councillor flawless second half was performed. Gordon T Blackburn On Saturday 27th September Falkirk Opera 0131 312 6644 [email protected] were poised behind the curtain prepared to Falkirk Opera would like to thank their Web Manager begin Act II of their cabaret Generation X audience for staying with them in the rain, the Stuart Dick when unexpectedly the fire alarm replaced fire brigade for their promptness and Falkirk 01698 253706 the overture. Falkirk Town Hall staff, cast and Town Hall staff for their efficiency, but have [email protected] audience were all evacuated safely as the fire decided they will stick to creating their own Magazine/News Editor engines raced to the scene. drama in future! Alan C Jones 0141 633 0544 [email protected] Hazel Brooks Falkirk Operatic Society committee member Youth Advisor Craig Inglis 07751 642521 [email protected]

Scotland Districts & Representatives

DISTRICT 1 Ian M. Gray 0141 942 5755 [email protected] DISTRICT 2 Roger Buist 01382 739743 [email protected] cuddle under it, as most of the children don’t even DISTRICT 3 Little Stars of Luxor Elizabeth Donald own one toy. 01324 637791 A recent edition of NODA TODAY featured [email protected] an article from Kate Reinsch from The The idea of ‘bear in a blanket’ was to knit a jumper DISTRICT 4 Border Studio that appealed for knitted for the teddy in the same wool as the blanket so each T. Davies Brock blankets and teddy bears dressed in jumpers child knew which pair was theirs. However, after Kate 01292 441199 for Egyptian charity Little Stars of Luxor. The delivered the first batch the older children wanted [email protected] charity runs a nursery school for orphaned them too and so she appealed for extra help. In DISTRICT 5 children but works in outlying areas where response, Eyemouth and District Community Youth David Black 01698 459479 extreme poverty Theatre Group decided they would like to help. They [email protected] exists and living began to knit squares for blankets and donated DISTRICT 6 DISTRICT 9 conditions some of their own teddies to be dressed. Dorothy Johnstone Douglas Clark are extremely 0131 445 4685 01569 766169 basic. Kate was There is always a buzz at rehearsals, but the buzz was [email protected] [email protected] touched by the joined by the clackety clack of knitting needles. Some DISTRICT 7 DISTRICT 10 poverty she children learnt to knit just to take part. It took them a Mike Pendlowski Ron Stewart saw on a visit long time but nearly all 53 members produced at least 01383 623708 01356 622324 [email protected] [email protected] to Egypt and one square and the adult volunteers got knitting too. In DISTRICT 8 DISTRICT 11 thought how the end the group was delighted to be able to send two Deborah Lyons Stewart Cameron nice it would be bin bags containing eight blankets, 16 dressed teddies, 01450 377577 01387 264005 for the children one knitted teddy, one knitted rabbit and a knitted scarf. [email protected] [email protected] at the charity to have a blanket At our recent pantomime there was a presentation to call their own about the project and it also featured as a Christmas and a teddy to story in our local paper The Berwickshire News.

26 How Peter Pan Stole My Year Alan Scott Photography

Heather Adams Officer of Ury Players November to December 2013 gives us an insight into how the annual The rehearsals trundled on and we pantomime really can take over your life! reached the point where we were all singing the panto songs in our sleep. 2012 Tickets went on sale at the start of I had volunteered to direct the company’s November and we went into full publicity 2013 panto and in December 2012 had a mode. Posters were put into every shop in brainwave and decided we should perform town and all the surrounding villages, we Peter Pan. I love using ultraviolet lights had an advert on the local radio and at and thought I could do something really the cinema event in the hall, and we even creative with the flying to Neverland scene. had some pirates crash the Christmas tree switch on with flyers for the show. 1514 – The January to July 2013 Still keen on Peter Pan, I started looking for When the big week finally arrived there Musical: Hawick’s scripts. Our group has a distinct lack of men were plenty of last minute glitches, and no-one aged between 30 and 50 to fit adjustments and tantrums, but I was really Community Project the parts in the scripts I read, so I decided pleased with how it went. We produced a Deborah Lyons, Regional to write my own. Writing took me about six bright, vibrant show with something to suit Representative for District 8, tells weeks and I waited for a month after I’d everyone and the cast seemed to enjoy us the story of a new musical finished it to decide if I still liked what I’d themselves and revelled in the reaction and the community project that done. Finally the draft went to my editor - my from the audience. And my u/v scene brought it to life. dad, who is a pun aficionado - for approval. looked awesome. In the end 2013 saw one of our most successful pantomimes At the Battle of Flodden on 9th September August to October 2013 in years. Whether it was the particular 1513 every man between 16 and 60 who Luckily, the script went down really well story, our reputation, word of mouth, good left Hawick to fight with the King died on at the launch night and I was relieved to timing or, more than likely, a combination the battlefield. When an English raiding hear people laugh at my jokes! Double the of all these things, we had 92% capacity party set up camp just outside Hawick in amount of people auditioned than there over our five performance run, which is 1514, the strongest youths who were left were parts available for, which I realise fantastic for us. And from the comments at home rallied together to surprise and puts us in an enviable position for an we got from our audiences I was pleased overwhelm the marauders, capture their amateur theatre club. With a final cast of to learn that people thought my jokes were banner and return home triumphant. In 40, rehearsals were sometimes more like funny and that they really enjoyed the way 2014, Hawick commemorated 500 years crowd control than learning choreography! it looked. Writing and directing was a since this event. huge task, but one that I (mostly) enjoyed, After casting, I put quite a burden on the and I would encourage others to give it a I was asked at the 2013 Reivers Festival if I backstage team. They probably wish I’d go, as long as you’re prepared to lose a would consider directing their new musical never started… “The flying scene is going to year of your life! project for the 2014 commemoration. be ultraviolet so I need cutouts of the main I was intrigued and instantly agreed to characters for it, as well as London skylines. take up the challenge. This being my first A wigwam would be nice. And a mast that In other news, Ury Players recently project in Hawick Town Hall, where the th Peter Pan can be tied to…” Luckily for me celebrated their 60 birthday with scale is much greater than the high school they were totally up for it and I was spoiled a long overdue get together. Chair facilities I’m used to, I felt an element of by what they produced for me. Freda Adams hailed the evening a trepidation. But from the first meeting great success: “It was lovely to see so the vision grew and ideas flooded in for Then it was time to think about costumes. many old faces back for a reminisce both the cast and set design. I felt that if Thankfully I got to delegate this one. My and a natter. May this success carry I could be inventive enough, I would be able producer (my mum - it’s a family on for another 60 years!” able to build much of the set from scratch affair) was sent to the costumiers to to create the atmosphere within the village negotiate a good deal for us amongst of Hawick in 1513. I can’t give enough all of the other pantomimes they had to Ury Players’ birthday thanks to the many artistic hands who provide costumes for. celebrations helped me to achieve the final picture, much of which I achieved from recycled materials.

It was also really important to have as many youngsters as possible involved, with a view to promoting a new community youth theatre group for the town. The amazing group of boys and girls put their hearts and souls into many weeks of rehearsals and achieved so much in the process. Many grateful thanks go to Reivers for their wholehearted support of this new project, which has been very much About Community Theatre.

NODA Today – March 2015 27 regionalroundup South East Get to know your Regional Editor

Gregory Gower tells us I have had the privilege of working as an editor the steps that led to him for two other magazines in the past and this is becoming Regional Editor where my experience of working as an editor for NODA South East. comes from. For the Gilbert and Sullivan society of which I am a member (including Secretary South East From experiencing a very difficult period in my for seven years, Vice Chairman for three years Committee life when I was told I had an undiagnosed illness and Publicity Officer for 19 years) I was in and would not walk again, to the sheer elation charge of designing and collating the society’s Councillor of subsequently being able to use my legs, in programme, and I have just been appointed Kay Rowan 1962 I was told that I had a strain of Multiple their Press Officer and I liaise with local 01420 83076 [email protected] Sclerosis. I came to the conclusion that in many newspapers. In 2002, I took over as editor of ways I was luckier than most people who suffer South East News from Margaret Fields and by Regional Secretary Priscilla Blanchard with MS, as many have died as a result of having 2007 I was at the helm of the new and improved 01892 669719 this dreadful affliction. magazine. [email protected] Regional Treasurer In 1963 I began to write and this eventually My ultimate goal for this magazine was to Keith Smithers became my saviour, my rope to hang onto to make it a glossy magazine with a colour cover, 01903 202 000 and in December of that year this became [email protected] be pulled out of my personal quagmire. Writing became a hobby. After meeting a subsequent a reality with issue number two. Ultimately I Membership Secretary Marie Coltman lifelong friend who was wheelchair bound and approached writers from outside the amateur 01202 581385 finding out he ran a printing scene to write something [email protected] business, my first publication that would interest the Web Manager for the charity NCH Action for readers because I wanted Stuart Ardern Children was published. to make the magazine a 023 8029 3120 talking point amongst the [email protected] I later became a columnist members. Unfortunately, Awards Secretary for the online newspaper The the cost of printing Margaret Coltman 01202 658380 Sussex Newspaper and whilst and publishing the new [email protected] writing for the newspaper I NODA South East News Magazine/News Editor noticed an advert from Mithra magazine soon became Gregory Gower Publishing Company looking too expensive. As a result, 01323 737813 for book writers. Luckily they NODA Chief Executive [email protected] were interested in the five Tony Gibbs decided to Youth Advisor (East) stories I sent them and I was cease production of all Amelia Regnante regional magazines and 07840 882944 offered a three year contract. [email protected] For more information on all of create one magazine to Youth Advisor (West) my published books, please serve all of the regions, the John E. Thomas go to www.bookworm. most recent incarnation 023 9225 6443 org.uk. being NODA TODAY. [email protected] Assistant Regional Rep (East) Phillip Hall 01273 473500 [email protected] South East Districts & Representatives Drama Advisor Margaret Fields DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 6 DISTRICT 11 DISTRICT 16 01962 775 438 LANCE MILTON Ben Clark Barbara Fairclough Rita Boffin [email protected] 07803 896871 07718 087438 01489 690140 01983 731491 [email protected] [email protected] barbara.fairclough [email protected] DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 7 @noda.org.uk DISTRICT 17 Brenda Gower Doreen Grierson DISTRICT 12 Stuart Ardern 01323 737813 01474 813611 Gloria Smith 023 8029 3120 [email protected] [email protected] 01932 866323 [email protected] DISTRICT 3 DISTRICT 9 [email protected] DISTRICT 18 Anne Lawson Jose Harrison DISTRICT 13 Betty Haslam 01424 428693 01903 892248 Marie Coltman 01420 83532 [email protected] [email protected] 01202 581385 [email protected] DISTRICT 5 DISTRICT 10 [email protected] DISTRICT 19 Gordon Harris John E. Thomas DISTRICT 14 Jon Fox 01634 402323 023 9225 6443 Chris Horton 020 8668 6768 [email protected] [email protected] 01256 882 426 [email protected] 28 [email protected] Hippodrome Community Theatre Co: Our first year have already graced the professional stage, as well as some for whom this was Eastbourne’s Royal Hippodrome Theatre with many patrons commenting that they their first ever proper show. has a long and rich history dating back had never been into the theatre before, to 1883, and during the 50s and 60s attracted a new audience. Our backstage and front of house team are attracted many well know variety stars all volunteers and everyone involved in our including Vera Lynn, Peter Sellers, Ken From this we hurtled straight into a youth productions shares the common goal of Dodd and Bruce Forsythe. production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid creating top notch theatre whilst having a Jnr. With a rehearsal period of just six great time. There is a real sense of team and In recent times the theatre had been less weeks, our cast of 30 young people family - we are really embracing the notion well used, but in 2013, with the support aged eight to 21 years old put on the of being a ‘community’ theatre company. of a new management committee, most spectacular show, complete with a Eastbourne’s amateur theatre scene is alive the Hippodrome Community Theatre flying seagull and mermaid, pyrotechnics and busy, and we are delighted to have the Company was born. Our first undertaking and lots of bubbles! The show was a support of other amateur companies in the was a Christmas season and the obvious great success, attracting 2,000 audience town who have been so kind as to loan us choice was Irving Berlin’s beautiful White members over four days. scenery and props. Christmas. We held open auditions, attracting both talented amateurs and Once again we returned for the Christmas We have had a great first year and look experienced professional performers, and season, this time with Christmas Cracker, a forward to the future with optimism. As assembled a fantastic cast. Our set and show devised, written and produced by the the theatre looks to establish a community props were almost exclusively made up of Hippodrome Community Theatre Co, with interest company (which we will be a part recycled items, including a stunning white director/choreographer Sarah Dormady of) we hope that it will once again become grand piano found in the bowels of the at the helm. The cast of Christmas Cracker a thriving venue for professional and theatre. We received great reviews, and included three young performers who amateur shows alike. Recognition for fundraising A fond farewell youth group Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society’s 125th anniversary in November 2014 Seaford Musical Theatre was marked with a gala production of The Juniors (SMTJ) scooped the Merry Widow. Not only was it a celebration main award at the 2014 Spark for TWODS but it was also the occasion Network Awards at the De La when Sadie Williams retired from the society Warr Pavilion, Bexhill, on 12th after 67 years of continuous service. November, along with four other recognitions for its has had over fourteen thousand views on NODA President John W. Barnes and his volunteers and social media project. YouTube and raised funds for the Chestnut wife were invited to attend and he was Tree House Children’s Hospice. delighted to be able to share a toast with The Spark Awards celebrate the Sadie Williams and wish her well as she achievements of children and young In addition to this fundraising, top retired from her position as Company people in East Sussex, and those who children’s entertainer Tomfoolery, Manager. work with them. SMTJ was recognised otherwise known as Tom Hunter (pictured for its ethos of confidence, creativity and above), recently visited SMTJ at the Barn consideration for others. Their recent NODA SE Youth Day Theatre in Seaford to teach them circus th achievements include an anti-bullying and clowning skills. This was part of Sunday 5 July - 10.00am to 6.00pm film, creative writing workshop, inclusive his Charity Tuesday campaign to raise NODA SE Presentation of performances and a social media project. funds for Chestnut Tree House Children’s Awards & AGM

Hospice, and he donated his fee to Sunday 5th July at 2.30pm The older members of the group brought the vital support service for life-limited Wessex Arts Centre, Alton, Hampshire the house down with their performance of children and their families. BOOK THE DAY IN YOUR DIARY NOW! a medley from Grease and the audience were enthralled with the video of their You can find out more about Further information will be circulated collaboration with Seaford band We Are Tomfoolery’s fundraising campaign at to societies at the end of February Lions on the Little Love project, which www.partytom.com. and will also be placed on the SE section of the NODA website.

NODA Today – March 2015 29 regionalroundup South West Merriman Theatre Group wows West End audience Midsomer Norton-based by Nicola Paine, was given a rapturous reception youth theatre company as it closed the first half of the three hour event. South West Merriman Theatre Group Committee recently wowed a sell out Merriman’s director and founder Graeme Savage audience at Her Majesty’s Theatre, said: “They have really done themselves proud Councillor Nick Lawrence London, as part of a national youth tonight. Appearing on a stage like this is a once in a 01404 758463 theatre gala. lifetime opportunity and the experience is something [email protected] that they can take with them into later life, whether Regional Secretary & Twenty six members of the company aged from they continue performing or not. It was fantastic to Pantomime Liaison six to 18 years old, who had starred in the see them growing in confidence throughout the day Iain Douglas company’s own highly acclaimed as they became more comfortable 01803 290371 [email protected] production of CATS in the with the West End stage, and to summer, recreated excerpts of see the cast working together and Regional Treasurer Adrian Vanstone the show to a fantastic reception supporting each other, which was a 01395 272 803 from the packed audience at one brilliant example of what Merriman [email protected] of London’s most famous theatres is all about.” Membership Secretary on Sunday 28th September 2014. Graeme Savage Founded in Midsomer Norton in 01179 866 516 Merriman Theatre Group was 1998, over 400 young people [email protected] one of 12 theatre groups and have been part of Merriman Web Manager over the years, developing skills Stuart Lyddon dance schools from across 07827 317 532 the country that was invited in drama, music, singing and [email protected] to perform in a celebration dance. Full details about the Awards Secretary of theatre and dance at Her group, including information on Frankie Telford Majesty’s Theatre. Their forthcoming productions and how 01453 842 695 performance of the lively ‘Jellicle Courtesy of to join can be found at www. [email protected] Graeme Savage Ball’ from CATS, choreographed merrimantheatre.com. Regional Editor Matthew Heaton 01249 713 743 [email protected] Panto horse derby a big hit! Youth Advisor & Conference A great day out at Bath Racecourse on Sunday animals. We will be looking to make this an annual Administrator 14th September 2014 saw 22 panto horse event and Bath Racecourse is certainly very keen Lynne Caygill 01395 272 577 runners, representing seven different societies, to have us back next year. We will have a date as [email protected] take part in NODA South West’s inaugural soon as the racecourse’s fixtures are confirmed. Youth Representative pantomime derby. The race was won by Neigh- Phil Barnett vita from the Centre Stage Exmouth stables. Now the event is established, we will also be 01736 796 171 looking for enough entries to go for the World [email protected] Thank you to everyone who was able to support the Record in 2015, so please bear this in mind pantomime derby. The day was very successful in when the invitations come around soon. If South West Districts terms of promoting NODA South West (including you’re interested or have any questions, please & Representatives coverage on local BBC radio and television contact the event organiser Graeme Savage DISTRICT 1 channels), and all the participants really entered at [email protected]. We’re TJ Richards into the spirit of the day with the costumes and looking forward to seeing you there in 2015! 07840 109182 [email protected] DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 5 DISTRICT 8 DISTRICT 10 DISTRICT 13 Kathy West Graham Liverton Trudy Dyke Petra Schofield Tony Winstone 01637 880622 07855 562 621 01935 428 382 07966 552 853 01179 442 044 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] DISTRICT 3 DISTRICT 6 DISTRICT 8A DISTRICT 11 DISTRICT 14 Michael Simpson Janet Elworthy Jo Wilson-Hunt Martine Burt Graeme Savage 01752 330 159 01823 680 117 01823 663 257 07793 888 328 01179 866 516 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] DISTRICT 4 DISTRICT 7 DISTRICT 9 DISTRICT 12 DISTRICT 15 Iain Douglas Ian Goodenough Sue Pomeroy Brian Oliver Frankie Telford 01803 290371 07967 217 685 01278 662 181 01202 424 645 01453 842 695 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

30 Courtesy of Maisie Hill Out with ‘Operatic’ and in with ‘Musical Theatre’ Close to 88 years after being established, opera for years. Those who have seen our Axminster Operatic Society has changed recent shows will have noticed a change in its name. It will now be known as Axminster direction. Our shows are more up to date Musical Theatre after members voted for the and attract an ever growing membership change at a special meeting held recently. of young people. This year’s show is rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar, a fine Chairman Barry Marshall explained example of the direction we want to go the reason for the change. “The name in. So it is a fond farewell to Axminster Axminster Operatic Society has been well Operatic Society and an excited welcome to revered for decades, simply known by Axminster Musical Theatre.” many as ‘The Operatic’. So, it has been a difficult and emotional decision to drop Visit www.axminsteroperatic.co.uk the ‘Operatic’ title because it no longer for more details about the society and their describes what we do. We have not sung future productions. Peter Wheeldon Remembered 100 years of service awarded Last year NODA South West lost Trudy Dyke reports on an award West Regional Representative for the services of the wonderful Peter for two of the South West’s longest District 8. Wheeldon. Peter had looked after serving production team members. District 11 (West Dorset) ever since Both Ros and Carol have worked with it joined the South West when the Carol Applegate-Day and Ros Dolding many societies in the region, both together regions were reorganised. were recently awarded 50 year medals for and separately, and as well as working their continuous service in working with together at Polden Productions for the last Extremely knowledgeable and many NODA affiliated societies across 14 years on musicals, pantos and reviews, warmly supportive, Peter endeared the South West. The presentation took they have also co-directed Brigadoon and himself to his societies while not place during Polden Production’s Mother Pajama Game for Glastonbury and Street being reluctant to criticise when Goose panto, for which Ros was musical Musical Comedy Society. necessary. When Gerry Branton director and Carol acted as both director became President he also took on and choreographer. The awards were Here’s to many more years of serving the role of membership secretary presented by Trudy Dyke, NODA South musical theatre in the South West! for the region. Once again his quiet efficiency and gentlemanly demeanour were a boon to all The NODA Summer School marketing In Brief concerned. His death robbed us of course was highly praised by first a unique support. The NODA South West AGM and workshop time attendee Fliss Jonckheere from weekend moved to the third weekend in Barnstaple Musical Comedy and We are delighted that taking September in 2014 from its previous end of Dramatic Society. Although initially a little on the care of District 11 is July slot. Although attendance was down a daunted, everyone’s friendliness really Martine Burt. She has a wealth of little as people adjusted to this change, the helped and she learnt a great deal, which experience both on and off stage new venue of the Palace Hotel in Torquay she was enthusiastically able to take back and will be able to give societies was agreed to be a great one and the to her committee. Some of it has already the support they need. We quality of the workshops was praised by all gone into practice, including a bunch welcome her to NODA South West present. The AGM and workshop weekend of nuns abseiling down the front of the and wish her an enjoyable time as in 2015 is likely to remain at both the new Queen’s Theatre in preparation for their a regional representative. time and venue. recent production of Sister Act!

NODA Today – March 2015 31 regionalroundup Wales & Ireland

Wales & Ireland Committee Acting Councillor Derek Grattidge 02920 705684 [email protected] Regional Secretary Jackie Titley 01686 650955 [email protected] Regional Treasurer & Membership Secretary Ian Hogg 01686 650955 [email protected] Mayor and Mayoress NODA President John Magazine Editor of Abergavenny Barnes and Dee McIlroy Dee McIlroy 01873 855311 [email protected] Youth Advisor NODA President attends youth Zoe Richards 07816 149856 [email protected] production of CATS Web Manager Guy Wooles 02920 710818 Abergavenny Juniors were recently honoured NODA Wales and Ireland Regional It’s a busy life [email protected] with a visit from NODA President John W. Representative Dee McIlroy thanked our National Awards Secretary Barnes for their award-nominated production President for attending and was very pleased and Lyn Emmerson of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s magical honoured to welcome him to Wales. 01492 870205 production CATS. [email protected] In the President’s speech to the cast after the being a RATS performer! Wales & Ireland The NODA President was invited to meet show, he congratulated AAODS Juniors on Districts & the Mayor and Mayoress of Abergavenny, a superb performance and encouraged the Representatives Councillor Martin Hickman and his wife Alison, youngsters to continue with their stage work in who wore their cats’ ears for the performance! the future wherever they move to. DISTRICT 1 Lyn Emmerson 01492 870205 [email protected] DISTRICT 1A Jackie Titley 01686 650955 [email protected] DISTRICT 2 Councillor’s Comments Sheelagh Hobart 02891 852760 By now you will all know that I have stepped I am now looking forward to a long rest and [email protected] down from the position of Regional Councillor I hope that you will extend the same warm DISTRICT 3 for NODA Wales and Ireland. Can I thank welcome to Derek Grattidge, who replaces Dee McIlroy 01873 855311 you all for your support during my time as me as Acting Councillor. I hope that he will [email protected] Councillor; it was a pleasure to serve you. derive as much pleasure from the work as I DISTRICT 4 did. I shall continue to spread the word about Ralph Thomas 07787 005810 [email protected] My sincerest thanks go to members of the regional NODA and its good work wherever I go. committee who served me well during my time as DISTRICT 5 Luke Spencer 01554 229904 Councillor. Your work on my behalf and that of I wish you all well in everything you do and I [email protected] the region has been greatly appreciated. shall follow with great interest your progress DISTRICT 6 as societies. Brian Slate 01267 242965 I have thoroughly enjoyed my visits to the far flung [email protected] corners of this vast region - surely the largest in the Pob hwyl, DISTRICT 7 NODA empire. I have been extremely impressed Sharon Davies by the work which has been presented across Brian Sullivan 01633 764939 [email protected] Wales and Ireland, and long may it continue.

32 It’s a busy life being a RATS performer! Ralph Thomas, Regional Todd. It was truly an evening to remember belts local set-making heroes are in strong Representative for District 4, that silenced my earlier reservations. demand, and here RATS is extremely takes us through a year in the life fortunate. Sue Osmolska, Barbara of Rhiwbina Amateur Theatrical This production epitomised the hard Scale, Jeff Champney-Smith, Raynor Society. working ethos that radiates throughout Phinamore, Alan Blakoe, Kayt Gregory District 4 societies. So often I attend venues and Lucy Chiplin are just some of the It all commenced with a desperate search where sets have been made in house and backstage heroes that give this company a to locate the Memorial Hall on a cold dark they really do serve their very demanding formidable presence in District 4. winter’s evening in January 2014. Sitting purpose. This certainly was the case for in the car park and observing the location RATS’s 200 th production of The 39 Steps. At the time of writing this article I am I was forced to check my invitation for The stage moved between the grandeur preparing to attend the final production Me and My Girl by Rhiwbina Amateur of the London Palladium and the Scottish of the RATS theatrical year, Out Of Order, Theatrical Society (RATS). I pondered how moors effortlessly, onboard a steam train which is a little farce to round off an such a large production was going to fit that appeared from nowhere in a puff of incredible year of theatre at Rhiwbina. No in a hall no bigger than a standard size smoke and just as quickly sped away along wonder they all look so happy! tennis court? I was soon to find out. the tracks. Simply theatrical magic!

In his directing debut, Dan Collier-Roberts In complete contrast and showing off NODA Wales & Ireland (or was it Doctor Who?) had transformed their enviable versatility, Avenue Q was conference, AGM and the small hall into a tardis. The full next on the list in October. This show gala awards company production that ensued bubbled was in contrast to Me and My Girl, with with extremely energetic choreography by a set assembled the weekend before the Sunday 24th – Monday 25th May 2015 Tracey Coleman, while in the starring role production and discarded in a builder’s The Three Counties Hotel, Hereford of Bill, Chris Powell shone and could have skip the following weekend. Please book with Ian Hogg: easily graced any professional stage with 01686 650955 his girl Sally, who was played by Hannah As societies are forced to tighten their

NODA Today – March 2015 33 regionalroundup West Midlands Councillor’s Comments

We are well on our way towards shows, casting changes, technical problems, Easter and our West Midlands and long and devoted service. All is welcome, conference and annual awards together with photographs, and hopefully a West Midlands evening, which I hope you will local newsletter can also be produced. Committee be able to support. As Councillor I am particularly pleased to Councillor Michael Hastilow I am pleased that I no longer need to see that our West Midland societies are 07968 355101 struggle with editing these pages and getting their fair share of new shows and [email protected] welcome Janine Graeme to the role. in some cases getting to host the premiere Regional Secretary and She has many great ideas for improving of an amateur launch. I have also seen an Regional Treasurer communication within the West Midlands increasing number of home grown shows, Wendy Winterburn but, like all such ideas, she needs your input most of which are of a high standard. I look 01432 273907 [email protected] to make them work. Please send to her any forward to seeing more societies in 2015. snippets of news. For this magazine we are Membership Secretary Jean Beard looking for articles which you may have Michael Hastilow 01902 882362 found interesting, as well as local news, new Councillor, NODA West Midlands [email protected] Web Manager Vacant, please contact The Players’ production Regional Councillor A sign of the times of ‘Our Day Out’ Awards Secretary In a surprise move the Chairman of Malvern Wyn Mason 01782 616486 Theatres Trust, Robert Maskrey, has informed [email protected] the venue’s amateur company Malvern Theatre Regional Editor Players that their residency of 37 years is not to Janine Graeme be continued. This brings to an end a tradition [email protected] of amateur performing arts at one of the Youth Advisor Midlands’ major venues. Steve Groves 07971 625865 In a letter to the Malvern Theatre Players’ [email protected] executive committee, Robert Maskrey cited “reduced funding and the effects of a severe with Malvern Theatres, survived by producing West Midlands recession” and the need to “maximise the quality shows and reliably making a significant commercial use of the venues and reduce Districts & contribution to the venue’s finances, in addition costs” as reasons for not renewing the residency to providing opportunities for many thousands of Representatives agreement between the two organisations. local people to participate in the performing arts. DISTRICT 1 Louise Hickey MBE From the construction of the Assembly Rooms Since 1977 the Players have presented over 120 01531 635133 (now the Festival Theatre which opened with an main stage productions, including 22 pantomimes. [email protected] amateur production of the play School in 1885), They have provided voluntary stage management DISTRICT 2 amateur productions have been a major feature and technicians for countless other amateur and Kay Ikin 01948 880200 of the programming policy at the theatre. Until professional shows, in addition to contributing [email protected] recently, six major local groups performed a range over £1 million to general theatre funds. The most DISTRICT 3 of shows, such as grand opera, musical theatre, recent production by the Players was Our Day Out Rachel Millar light opera and straight drama. The Malvern in February at the venue’s Forum Theatre. 01785 602830 Theatre Players, who have enjoyed a unique [email protected] and mutually beneficial residency agreement All is not lost however as the Players have DISTRICT 4 arranged to transfer their residency to the adjacent Annette Nuttall Coach House Theatre, where they have already 01676 532225 [email protected] DISTRICT 7 DISTRICT 10 presented a number of successful productions DISTRICT 5 Alf Rai Trevor Guest since the new theatre opened five years ago. The Judi Walton 07739 920233 01299 402690 recent extensions to the theatre, largely funded 07986 938903 [email protected] [email protected] by members of the Players, together with other [email protected] DISTRICT 8 DISTRICT 11 technical improvements, will give them a terrific DISTRICT 6 Dennis Price Brian Hirst opportunity to continue to provide high quality 01384 571737 01543 677144 Joyce Eyre community drama and become more fully involved 0121 744 3335 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] DISTRICT 9 DISTRICT 12 in the life of their new home. Paul Douglass Ian Cox 07876 190519 01527 543808 Chris Bassett 34 [email protected] [email protected] Malvern Theatre Players Your Regional Editor’s 2014 Round Up

Birmingham Youth Theatre prepare to go carolling

Well West Midlands, you sure of performing shines brightly. Be it at on some courses. If you haven’t booked on have a lot going on. I’m your new Christmas with the folk you entertained a course why not go to www.noda.org. Regional Editor and I’m on a quest carolling or with surprise flash mobs, I’ve uk/summerschool and see what’s still to discover more about you. I had enjoyed the pictures you’ve sent in so available. NODA workshops are open to all merely scratched the surface back please keep them coming. Your Councillor levels and cover an array of subjects, so they in November when I started this is interested in producing a regular are well worth taking the time to not just look journey but have found you are newsletter and the items I’ve been receiving at but also take part in. Many moons ago I as diverse and as enthusiastic as I are perfect for the format, so please keep attended one of the technical courses and remember. them coming. It would be good to hear memories of that week have stuck with me from regional reps in their own mini round all these years. I have to say they are a great Our region has put on some amazing ups. All news is good news and some may way to network with other societies and musicals, plays and pantomimes. I’d seen make it to these national pages. refresh and challenge your skills. a few productions myself before taking on this role and I’d read reports on the website Looking back at 2014 we celebrate nine Which brings me to this year’s West about so many others. You’ve truly been a of our members receiving their 50 year Midlands’ Conference, Awards and tour de force entertaining the West Midlands. awards. There is also Commendation AGM, which is on Sunday 19th April 2015. Award recipient Jenni Axtell, along with Delegates will enjoy a fantastic supper and Our regional Facebook pages are alive with many, many more. Our strength is in our meet National President John W. Barnes. adverts for dancers, singers and musical passion and production shots echo your There is also a copyright workshop this directors. If you are on Facebook and are stories in foyer displays and notice boards time - an important subject for all of our not on one of the NODA district pages I in venues across our region. I can’t wait to members, especially if you’re planning a strongly advise you to join. You never know, see what you can do in 2015. production or concert. your dream role or dance partner may be a click away. They also shout out about the I have some news on Summer School as at Janine Graeme latest productions in the region. the time of writing places are still available Regional Editor, West Midlands

While on my quest I’ve read a lot of good news, seen some sad news and witnessed true grit as you showed that ‘show must go on’ spirit in spades. From the Malvern Theatre Players being forced to find a new venue after years of supporting their theatre, to societies replacing leads at the last minute, and those saying goodbye to friends and theatre family who have gone to perform alongside dearly departed theatrical heroes and heroines.

Hard times you have faced, yet in true amateur theatre fashion you showed the West Midlands and your audiences what you are made of and your love Shrewsbury AOS

NODA Today – March 2015 35