T THEA AS TR O E OAST NOTES TO E NBRIDG October 2015 2
Thursday, 1st October Youth Theatre Taster Workshop
TUESDAY, 6TH OCTOBER LAST DAY FOR COPY FOR NOVEMBER OAST NOTES
Tuesday, 6th October Youth Theatre "Fallout" at Woking
Monday, 12th October & Auditions: Wednesday, 14th October "Blood Money"
Thursday, 15th October Youth Theatre: "The Life of Someone Normal" at Woking
Saturday, 17th October to Play of the Month Saturday, 24th October incl. "For Services Rendered"
Tuesday, 20th October Defibrillator Course in Hildenborough
Sunday, 25th October Audition: "All My Sons"
Sunday, 22nd November & Auditions: Monday, 23rd November "Absurd Person Singular"
Wednesday, 25th November Members' Evening: Funny Girls
NEXT MONTH’S PLAY – “Seeing the Lights” by Brendan Murray. 14th – 21st November. All Mum wants for her 80th birthday is a visit from her son who lives in Australia and a trip to Blackpool to see the lights. Will she get either? 3
PLAY OF THE MONTH
“For Services Rendered” by W Somerset Maugham
This is one of Somerset Maugham’s last plays before he retired to the south of France. It is also his most controversial, dealing as it does with the effects of the Great War on an ordinary middle class family. His anger about the plight of servicemen, returned from the trenches and left to their own devices, is obvious and didn’t go down too well with the audiences of 1932 when it was first performed. Critics, on the other hand, raved about it. In the prophetic words of the Ardsley’s son, Sydney, “the incompetent fools who ruled the nations....one of these days will muddle us all into another war”.
It is late summer in that year of 1932 and the Ardsleys are entertaining their family and friends to some tennis and tea on the terrace of their house in Kent. But, within this seemingly peaceful and idyllic setting, desperate wives, bitter heroes and restless youth combine to create a heady cocktail in this darkly amusing and fascinating play.
So, join us for an evening of humour, drama and maybe even some tears, as you watch the ultimate ‘well-made play’ with no bad language and, surprisingly for its period, no smoking either!
Valerie Galbraith Director
This really is an excellent play so, although you may not have heard of it, don’t let that put you off coming to see it. Book your tickets NOW to avoid disappointment. You can do this online at www.oasttheatre.com by telephone on 01732 363849 or by post using an Advance Booking form which can be found in the foyer at the theatre.
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“Blood Money” by The Heather Brothers
Auditions: Monday, 12th October Wednesday, 14th October both at 8.00pm in Ken’s Place
Performance dates: 20th – 27th February, 2016
Director: Chris Howland – 07515 270301 [email protected]
Womaniser Mike Mason, star of TV’s ‘Bargain Basement’ and his wife Liz were involved in a hit and run accident in which a young teenage girl Carol Mitchell was killed. They continue with their lives until seven years later they receive a call from someone claiming to be the dead girl.
Returning home later that night from an award ceremony, the couple find their house trashed and the name ‘Carol Mitchell’ painted on the wall...in blood! And so the nightmare begins. After a roller-coaster ride of twists and turns the play finally reaches its dramatic conclusion as the full shocking truth of Carol Mitchell’s death is revealed...along with the identity of the protagonist.
CAST:
Mike Mason 35-55 Liz Mason 35-55 Sue Thompson 18-25 Dr Julie Campbell 40-60
Plus voice-overs
Rehearsals will start in December.
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NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
At this time of the year, the start of our new season, Associate Members as well as members can apply to renew their subscriptions.
We are very pleased that all the following Associate Members have agreed to continue their support during the coming season.
Castle Corporate Finance Limited CJC Consultancy Ltd Columbine Dry Cleaners & Shirt Laundry Comfyfood – Private Caterer EJP Fire Protection Ltd Heasmans the Jewellers Ltd. Hildenborough Farmers’ Market High Hilden Country House Living for the Elderly Osmond Davis Insurance Brokers Tonbridge Angels Football Club Rotary Club of Tonbridge Susan Adams Business Services Tonbridge Lions Club Willetts Farm Dairy Ice Cream Worldwide Travel Insurance Services Ltd
We are so grateful to them all. Please remember to try to support them as they are supporting us.
6 “All My Sons” by Arthur Miller
Audition: Sunday, 25th October – 11.30am –1.00pm
Performance dates: 12th – 19th March, 2016
Director: Sandra Barfield – 07973 657311 or [email protected]
Joe Keller, a successful businessman, lives comfortably with his wife, Kate, and son, Chris, in a suburban American neighbourhood. They have only one sadness in their lives – the loss of their other son, Larry, who went missing in World War II. After three years Kate still clings to the hope that her son is alive. Chris would like her to give up that hope because he wants to marry Ann, an old neighbour and Larry’s former fiancée.
“All My Sons” is a compelling story of love, guilt and the corrupting power of greed.
No ages of the characters have been stipulated apart from that of Chris and Lydia. As long as the ‘look’ is right of the other characters in relation to them, then their real age is not important.
CAST
Joe Keller A business man. Seems solid and reliable.
Chris Keller (32 ish) Joe’s surviving son. A man capable of immense affection and loyalty.
Kate Keller Mother. Her ‘motherliness’ is one of her defining characteristics.
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“All My Sons”contd.
Ann Deever Daughter of Steve Deever, former neighbour of the Kellers and former fiancée of the missing Larry Keller.
George Deever Brother of Ann. He grew up as the Keller’s neighbour before his father was imprisoned.
Dr Jim Bayliss A world-weary doctor living next door to the Kellers.
Sue Bayliss Jim’s wife. Because she put her husband through medical school she still has a sort of power over him.
Frank Lubey He is lucky. He avoided the draft in World War II, married Lydia and set up a nice house for him and their three children.
Lydia Lubey (27ish) She used to have ‘a thing’ with serious old George but, when he enlisted in the army, she gave him up and married Frank.
Bert He is a neighbourhood kid who comes around the Kellers. He only appears twice in the play. The first time seems unimportant but the second time he sparks a verbal attack from the mother when mentioning gaol.
Scripts are available to read.
Please contact the Director – details on the previous page.
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“Absurd Person Singular” by Alan Ayckbourn
Auditions: Sunday, 22nd November – 2.30pm Monday, 23rd November – 7.30pm both in Ken’s Place (The Barn)
Performance dates: 22nd (Friday) – 30th April, 2016
Director: Phil Porter – 01732 835460 or [email protected]
A three act comedy that begins light and fluffy but ends dark and manic. Alcoholism, numerous suicide attempts and accidental but non-fatal electrocutions are not the standard elements of farce.
The play concerns three couples, each holding a party in their respective kitchens on three successive Christmas Eves. The Hopcrofts are the social inferiors of the others but are determined to make their mark. At the play’s end they are physically and emotionally triumphant, forcing the rest to take part in a series of rituals that are funny but deeply humiliating.
Act 2 has considerable scope for physical theatre: full of movement that needs precision timing and some agility.
THE CHARACTERS ARE:
Sydney Hopcroft – 30ish, dapper, cheery, unflappable. A born organiser.
Jane Hopcroft – 30ish, obsessed with housework and cleanliness.
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“Absurd Person Singular”contd.
Geoffrey Jackson – mid 30s, good looking, confident, easy going.
Eva Jackson – mid 30s, makes no concessions in either manner or appearance.
Ronald Brewster-Wright – mid 40s, impressive appearance.
Marion Brewster-Wright – 40, well-groomed. Much better preserved than Ronald.
As always the ages of the characters as shown are guidelines only.
The play will be set in a ‘black box’. The three different kitchens will be represented by the appropriate furniture but there will be no back flats, doors or windows.
As all Ayckbourn’s plays were originally performed in the round, these scenic devices are obviously unnecessary.
The play will probably be costumed for the present day.
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Make a note of the date!
MEMBERS' EVENING
Wednesday, 25th November – 7.30pm for 8.00pm
FUNNY GIRLS: BRITISH COMEDIENNES FROM THE 1930s – 1960s
We welcome Geoff Bowden to give us an entertaining talk that will cover many wonderful artistes including Beryl Reid, Hattie Jacques, June Whitfield, Elsie and Doris Waters and Joyce Grenfell. The talk will include some audio clips.
Ever since he can remember Geoff has had a love of the theatre and performing. He formed his own musical revue company in 1989 which toured successfully. He is an active member of the British Music Hall Society’s main committee, and he gives talks regularly on various theatrical topics.
There will be a charge of £2.00 for this evening, payable on the night. No need to book, just turn up!
If you would like a tour of the theatre please come at 7.30pm if possible.
The bar and coffee bar will be open.
Look forward to seeing you!
Jo Pierce
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THE OAST YOUTH THEATRE ON TOUR! The Oast Youth Theatre are to Woking to perform in the drama festival at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre. It would be great if there were some familiar faces in the audiences, so why not come and see one or both of the plays. It is a competitive festival so we can do with all the support we can get.
Tuesday, 6th October – “Fallout” (written by local author Scott Kingsnorth, directed by youth members Robbie Rickard and Toby Robbins). First performed as an Oast rehearsed reading earlier this year.
Thursday, 15th October – “The Life of Someone Normal” (written by former youth member Charlotte Souter, directed by Robyn Bannister). First performed by the Oast at the International Youth Arts Festival in Kingston earlier this year.
Both received excellent comments from audience members. If you have any questions about either, please let me know on [email protected] or 07812061753.
YOUTH THEATRE TASTER WORKSHOP FOR HOPPERS AND NEW BOYS! We are having a ‘taster’ workshop on the 1st October for those who might be interested in joining the Youth Theatre. Workshops usually run from 7.30pm – 10.00pm, but for this one only we will have a cut-off at 9.00pm for anyone who wants to come along but doesn’t want to commit for the whole evening.
Youth workshops are a mixture of games, devising and script work and are held three times a month. We also stage three full length shows a year and one-act plays at festivals (participation in either of these is not compulsory).
Current and former Hoppers over the age of 13 are welcome, as are any boys of this age. Unfortunately, due to quite a big imbalance at the moment, any new girls will have to go on a waiting list.
Contact me to book a place on [email protected] or 07812061753.
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100 CLUB – AUGUST RESULTS
£25.00 Mrs A Evans £10.00 Mr & Mrs Smalman-Smith £10.00 Mrs J Blessley £10.00 Mrs S Grimes £10.00 Mrs S Veryard
You can join at any time. It only costs £13.00 a year. Just ring Rita Carpenter on 01732 358282. Numbers available at present are:
52: 99: 110: 114: 130: 134: 138: 150 and 165
DEFIBRILLATOR COURSE
This follows hard on our own First Aid Course and has local importance.
Although these wonderful machines actually talk you through the process, these courses are held to give people the confidence to take them off the wall in the first place!
The course will be held in Hildenborough Church Hall (as distinct from the village hall) on Tuesday, 20th October at 7.00pm.
To book your FREE place contact Janet Richardson on 01732 838903.
Phil Porter
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NEW MEMBERS
We continue to attract new members of all ages which is very nice as, of course, from time to time we do lose some.
Three new Youth Theatre members this month:
Bradley Chalklin Ollie Ginno and Jack Hudson
With one exception all the following adults have joined as Audience members –
Marie Best Joan Billett Steven Scrivener Susan Trehearne Ann Welch Mary Whelan
The exception being Oliver Tourle who joins us as an actor.
We welcome you all. Do make the most of your membership. Like most organisations you will get out of Tonbridge Theatre and Arts Club only as much as you put in.
There are always plenty of activities on offer and lots opportunities to help.
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“MORT”
Well done to everyone involved in “Mort” – it was a truly team production and you all did yourselves, the theatre and me proud.
IMPORTANT DATES
1st October 7.30pm – 10.00pm – workshop 6th October “Fallout” in Woking – book tickets and come and see it! 8th October 7.30pm – 10.00pm – workshop 15th October “The Life of Someone Normal” in Woking book tickets and come and see it! 29th October 7.00pm – 10.00pm – OASTLYMPICS 2015!
“THE LIFE OF SOMEONE NORMAL” and “FALLOUT” at WOKING
The Oast Youth Theatre is going on the road! To Woking! We will be taking “The Life of Someone Normal” (written by our own Charlotte Souter and directed by Robyn Bannister) and “Fallout” (written by Scott Kingsnorth and directed by Robbie Rickard and Toby Robbins). This is a competitive festival so we will need all the support we can get. “Fallout” is on 6th October and “The Life of Someone Normal” on 15th Why not arrange a car share to get as many people along as possible?
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“CONNECTIONS” and “PRONOUN”
Auditions will be held in November. Hopefully, by the time you read this, we will know which “Connections” play we are doing. Ask me if you want to borrow a script for either that or “Pronoun”. (I am unsure, but I think one of you might have met the author of that).
OASTLYMPICS 2015!
Bring costumes (points for the best ones). Bring energy. Bring a competitive spirit. Bring £1.00 (if possible) to help me cover costs.
Who will seize the crown from Cam, Ebony, Hayden, Molly, Phoebe and Toby? An undefined number of people enter, some of them win and the previously defined number of people leave (I’m not a monster).
Jason 07812061753 [email protected]
T THEA AS TR O E
TO E NBRIDG THE OAST THEATRE
Tonbridge Theatre & Arts Club
Officers
Chairman LAURA COLLINS 01892 750131 [email protected]
Honorary Treasurer DAVID KEITH 01732 458876 [email protected]
Honorary Secretary ELIZABETH PORTLOCK 01732 300551 [email protected]
Membership Secretary ANDY WHEELER 01732 832314 Cherry Trees, 38 Stocks Green Road, Hildenborough TN11 9AD
Youth Theatre JASON LOWER 07812061753 [email protected]
Premises Manager PHIL PORTER 01732 835460
Hirings and Rehearsal Bookings LYN PORTER 01732 835460
Publicity MAGGIE HOILES 01622 813573
Editor ANNIE YOUNG 01732 352084 [email protected]
Copy to 18 Hildenfields, London Road, Tonbridge TN10 3DQ or by email to above address.
Box Office: (01732) 363849
LONDON ROAD TONBRIDGE KENT TN10 3AN TEL: (01732) 350261 Tonbridge Theatre & Arts Club Registered Charity No. 227035 www.oasttheatre.com