BLT's 2016 Season Announced!

September 2015 | No. 52 | Bimonthly www.bromleylittletheatre.org

OF ORGAN OFFICIAL THE

OBE YORK MICHAEL NT: SI d e PR E

BLT chair Key contacts Rebecca Pitt and Jessica Vautier in BLT’s June 2015 production of Daisy Pulls It Off responsibilities and keep records of that Key contact areas: training. Pauline Pead, our much-loved [email protected] (and occasionally feared?) bar manager, [email protected] Yes, Prime Minister). will retire from that role at the end of our September show ( Chairman: We thank her warmly for all the many

years service she has given to BLT, ably Key:[email protected] Jane Buckland Photo: Tim Hinchliffe (www.timhinchliffe.com) Tim Hinchliffe Photo: running the bar. Peter Yolland, Phil Cairns Tel: 07900 580841 committee. and Howard Binysh will form the new bar Finance:

Key: Howard Binysh We have also been looking at the front-of- [email protected] house role and how important the people who do this job are, as ambassadors for Artistic: BLT. Along with the bar staff, they are often the face of BLT for our audience members, [email protected] The vibrant artistic life of the theatre Keys: Pauline Armour / Jane Buckland Daisy so they need to know how our organisation Tel: 07984 722308 goes on, giving pleasure to so many The Pitmen works. They are in charge of the building people with all our productions – Youth group: Painters during a performance and, as well as meeting pulled it off spectacularly; [email protected] and greeting, they have to know how to went to the Hever Castle Festival Yes Prime Minister deal with requests and emergencies, large last month and delighted new audiences Membership: and small. If you enjoy talking to people, outside of BLT; is well are responsible and reliable, pay attention into rehearsals; and our new 2016 season [email protected] to detail and would like to be part of our Key: Christina Jeremiah is full of interesting shows! Tel: 07871 155216 FOH rota, please get in touch with any However, as some of you may know, there member of the board and we can arrange Box office: is another current of activity which has some appropriate training. been flowing through BLT for the past As part of our lease negotiations we are Key:[email protected] Paul Ackroyd twelve months as we try to renegotiate Tel: 079178 53621 investigating how we can improve the our lease and, in partnership with our building in a number of ways: creating landlords, Gunlegal, seek to reorganise the Spotlights magazine: easier, safer access; providing better management of the theatre and make backstage facilites; and creating a larger, Key: Stevie Hughes improvements to the building. Our first [email protected] flexible performance and rehearsal space step has been to change our licence from on the ground floor. We will keep you a club licence to a full premises licence. Website: updated about this over the next year. This doesn’t mean that we stop being a Key: Stevie Hughes club; we will continue to have membership Now, attention all smokers! I’m afraid we [email protected] and retain all the current benefits that it can no longer allow you to smoke under confers on those who join, but we will be the shelter of the bridge outside. It has Publicity: able to sell tickets directly to the public been brought to our attention that this is Key: Pat Jones [email protected] from January 2016 onwards and advertise technically an enclosed space. BLT cannot more widely. Members will get priority run the risk of prosecution and fines by Bar: booking, so that if, as we hope, our ticket allowing this to continue, and you will soon sales increase, our members will be able notice ‘No Smoking’ signs going up in that [email protected] area and the removal of the cigarette stub Key: Pauline Pead to book seats when and where they want Tel: 01689 870326 to, before general booking opens; that is, bins. You will need to go out onto the road. a month before each show. Apparently, if there’s sky overhead, you’re OK! Please would you dispose of your stubs We have also taken this opportunity to Bromley Little Theatre responsibly and if possible, take them improve and change the way the bar is run. home with you. www.BromleyLittleTheatre.org For example, changing to a full licence Registered Charity No. 1132561 – Jane Buckland, BLT chair President: Michael York OBE means we would have legal obligations Spotlights to train our bar staff properly in their

‘Spotlights’ is designed and typeset by: COVER: is published by Bromley Little Hazal Han in BLT’s June 2015 production of Theatre Ltd., NorthSpotlights Street, Bromley, Kent 07789 123719 BR1 1SB. Any views or opinions expressed Daisy Pulls It Off graphic design • web design • sound design by individuals in are done so Call: [email protected] www.triocreative.com Photo: Phil Cairns (http://philcairns.zenfolio.com) independently and are not necessarily the  opinions of Bromley Little Theatre Ltd. or its directors. Latest News Andy Solts, Dan Armour, Chris Learmonth and Paul Baker in BLT’s production of The Pitmen & Painters at the 2015 Hever Castle Festival theatre Diary NoticeboardLatest News (Photo: Roxana Graves) Dates Exciting changes at BLT! Messages from Michael: “Dear Pat, Blithe Spirit, 2015/2016 From our January 2016 show onwards, “Thanks so much for the latest Fri 11 - Sat 19 Sep 2015 at 7.45pm Bromley’s best kept secret will ‘BLTin’ and ‘Spotlights’. Both pub- be a secret no more! Yes, Prime Minister lications are amazing - the variety We are changing our licence. This means and quality of the work is simply that from mid-December, members of the Directed by Paul Campion by Antony Jay & Jonathan Lynn general public (ie non-members of BLT) extraordinary. Sun 13 Sep 2015 at 6.45pm will be able to book tickets for our forth- “Congratulations to all concerned A Charity evening with … coming shows directly. However, membership will continue and the benefits of being for all the rewards and kudos from Anne Reid a member of BLT will remain: priority the various competitions. What a Spotlightsbooking over non-members; reduced price not-so-Little thespian powerhouse is tickets; and receiving our house magazine in conversationThu 24 - Sun with 27 PatSep Jones 2015 at 7.45pm packed into North Street! six times a year. Booking for ‘In Invincible The Bar’ shows will remain as before: seats “I am so glad that the general for non-members will have to be booked by public will now be able to sample the In The Bar In The Directed by Nikki Packham a member. Performers and backstage crew by Torben Betts will still be required to be members and remarkable dramatic fare. Sun 27 Sep 2015 are expected to take part in all aspects of “Life here is as busy and enjoy- BLT, and be part of our company. BLT at Hever 2015 Auditions able as ever, and I have been slowly this invited back to perform another production Dare we assume that this is to become Blithe Spirit The Playgoers’ club will still exist to look getting back to my day job. There The Pitmen Painters. after our members’ needs. Anne Boleyn August: this time it was our July 2015 a regular event at this beautiful outdoor The Believers Last year, BLT was invited to perform their at 12 noon: was an eye-opening visit to Cuba in show, Again, feedback venue? Well, check out our New Seasonanother When The Rain Stops Falling production of at the Hever at 2pm: This is an exciting timeSpotlights for BLT and further April followed by recording another was excellent, although we did not sell in announcement for 2016 on(See page page 12 10 and for 13 Castle Festival and very nearly sold out Fri at 9 4pm: - Sat 17 Oct 2015 at 7.45pm information will be published in the quite the same quantities as the previous reviewand you’ll of see we have earmarkedat BLT) • November edition of . • episode of ‘The Simpsons’ (equally all four shows there! In fact, so impressed year – possibly something to do with the show for Hever in 2016! Brontë eye-opening and great fun!) I will were the festival organisers, that BLT was mixed weather we had this summer! The Pitmen Painters Help needed !! be starting the initial recording of Directed by Andy Solts Last Tango in • Sun 13 Sep 2015 at 6.45pm by Polly Teale ‘Logan’s Journey’, the long-awaited Sun 25 Oct 2015 sequel to ‘Logan’s Run’ (with Jenny As you probably know, BLT is run entirely Auditions by volunteers and we have an ongoing Agutter again as Jessica), while in A charityBromley!? evening with … Far From The Madding Crowd need for more helpers. With our theatre London in September, finishing up due to open to the public in the new year, The Lieutenant Of Inishmore the bulk of it in LA. at 2pm: it is even more vital that we have sufficient The Long Road at 4pm: staff on duty for each performance, wheth- “I have also been doing a great Anne Reid mbe Fri at 6 6pm: - Sat 14 Nov 2015 at 7.45pm er it be serving coffees, serving behind deal of lecturing about, and raising the bar, or meeting and greeting audience awareness of, Amyloidosis - perhaps Good People members as front-of-house staff. Just one W Sunday 13 September 2015 at 6.45pm evening a month would be very helpful my most important role to date! e are delightedPat Jones to announce that actress Anne Reid mbe willCoronation be spending Street an eveningDinner Directed by Hilary Cordery – more if you could manage it. Training can with us at BLT on . Anne will be interviewed by David Lindsay-Abaire I am still working on my new book: Ladies The Mother The Zoo Last Tango In HalifaxW! be given for all of these roles. onstage by BLT’s and will chat about her life and career – NO, Thu 19 - Sun 22 Nov 2015 at 7.45pm ‘A Healing Odyssey: from Mayo , (with Daniel Craig), and most recently , with Doubt: A Parable PeterIf you wouldYolland like to help and be part of Clinic to John of God - the Quest for Sir Derek Jacobi cbe (who appeared on BLT’s stage last year). BOOK our [email protected] company then please contact a Cure’ and hope a major re-write will on 07931 739 371 or email Anne has had a long and varied career, she sings in cabaret and has some wonderful tales to tell! In The Bar In The Directed by Mike Darbon be ready for publication very soon. Come and join us for a fun and entertaining evening! by John Patrick Shanley him at: for further information. We look forward to 6.45pm Fri 4 - Sat 12 Dec 2015 at 7.45pm It has been taking up every other hearing from you! • The Ladykillers waking moment, but if it helps just 7.30pm – champagne reception with nibbles and music Smokers: please note! one person identify and deal with 8.30pm approx.– onstage chat with Anne Reid Directed by Mike Savill this rare and destructive illness, by Graham Linehan Anne will join the party in the bar. Refreshments will be served. then it will have achieved its purpose. We have been advised by the Licensing 2016 Authority that it is against the law to “This comes with warmest best ONLY A FEW SEATS REMAINING - Fri 15 - Sat 23 Jan 2016 at 7.45pm smoke under the bridge in the yard. Thank wishes to you and the company, The evening is in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association – sadly, we lost two of our Tickets are £15.00 each you for your cooperation. • company members to this rare disease and Anne also has lost a close family member. Blithe Spirit and many bravos! (www.bromleylittletheatre.org); (including champagne and refreshments) and can be booked in Spotlights deadline Ever,” ([email protected]) (0333 666 33 66); Directed by Stevie Hughes the usual way – either online by emailing the box office by Noël Coward - Michael (York) ; telephoning or by dropping by in person Spotlights on a show night. Booking commences 19 July . Except for In The Bar shows, The deadline for all copy for the next there are no performances on a Sunday. 10 October 2015 • DDresson’t code miss – black it tie !! (optional, but it would be nice!) edition of (#53, Nov/Dec) is . • Noticeboard June 2015 Review Previews Fri 11 – Sat 19 Sep 2015 at 7.45pm Thu 24-Sun 27 Sep 2015 at 7.45pm Thu 9-Sat 17 Oct 2015 at 7.45pm (not Sun 13) (not Sun 11) In The Bar

Daisy Pulls It Off Hazal Han, Ami Williamson, Charis Anna Beyer, Jaimi Keemer and Karen O’Neill in BLT’s June 2015 production of Daisy Pulls It Off Yes, Prime Invincible Brontë aisy Pulls it Off Minister Directed by Paul Campion Directed by Andy Solts D ’s author, Denise Deegan, as desks, library and cliff top, and the use of honourably to the ‘scrummy tussles’ and by Torben Betts by Polly Teale went to a state school, but she was frames as windows and knotted sheets on hot water bottle fights (tongues firmly in Directed by Paul Campion heavily influenced by the girls’ boarding wire for the clifftop rescue were effective. cheeks please) and we hope to see them by Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn T school stories of Enid Blyton and others. Scene changes were achieved quickly and again soon. he recession is biting hard and so Emily t is 1845. Branwell Brontë returns home So, whilst her 1983 play is a parody of the seamlessly, choreography was slick and the and Oliver have decided to down- in disgrace. Plagued by alcohol and drug Now to the grown ups. Emma Kerby-Evans’ T genre, it is also a nostalgic celebration of a hockey match was a triumph. his classic BBC satirical comedy made size and shift their middle-class London addiction, he has been dismissed from Miss Gibson was, in my opinion, the best reading experience of generations of girls a triumphant return to the West End in lifestyle to a small town in the north of domestic service following an affair with Costumes were simple and appropriate, performance I have seen her give on the (myself included) who attended ordinary 2011 with this new and highly topical stage England. They want to live, work and raise the mistress of the house. As their brother gymslips, academic gowns, no nonsense. BLT stage. Stately and assured, she stayed I ‘elementary’ schools, like our heroine. version, created by the original writers their two young children in a friendly descends into alcoholism and insanity, faithfully in character throughout all her This was a well-cast and well-performed Anthony Jay and Jonathan Lynn. community, among what Emily terms ‘real bringing chaos to the household, the sisters Daisy Meredith is a poor but clever girl interaction with the audience. Another ensemble play. For it to work, it needed to people’, away from the cold anonymity of write. who becomes Grangewood School’s first personal best for me was Karen O’Neill as The UK is in crisis: debt is spiralling, un- be tongue in cheek, but played straight- the city. How is it possible that three Victorian spin- scholarship pupil. She looks forward to jubilate! Mother, Mademoiselle and Miss Gran- employment rising and the fragile coalition faced. The audience must root for Daisy, So these left-leaning, well-educated sters, living in isolation on the Yorkshire making friends with jolly girls, playing ville, three very contrasting characters. I – led by Prime Minister Jim Hacker – is at and: – we did! breaking point. Salvation may be at hand in people have invited over two of their new moors could have written some of the most hockey (which she has only learnt from a particularly enjoyed her icy Miss Granville “Breathtaking…riveting…a tantalising the shape of a complex pipeline deal with neighbours in an attempt to break the ice. powerful and passionate fiction of all time? book), midnight feasts and fearful scrapes, The firm friendships between the girls appearing silently and terrifyingly behind glimpse through the window of a uniquely the oil-rich country of Kumranistan. But Tonight Alan and Dawn are to be offered and paving the way for further elementary are the foundation of the play, with three Daisy and Trixie. Felix Catto was born to haunted family home.” - The Times when the Kumranistan Foreign Secretary olives, anchovies and are to be introduced school pupils. She is very nearly thwarted central pairs. Ami Williamson was at her play Mr Scoblowski and he inhabited the makes a shocking request in return for to Karl Marx and abstract art. “Soars on the wings of imagination.” – Daily by prejudice and snobbishness, but her very best as the sweetly innocent, hopeful, role with gusto! pluck, decency and courage win through. signing the deal, moral considerations col- As classes and outlooks collide, the scene is Telegraph decent, determined Daisy, and Hazal Han And of course, there was the fun touch of And she manages to solve a fiendish mys- lide with the economic future of the nation. set for a meeting which will have conse- as her madcap, exuberant best friend Trixie not knowing who was going to play Mr tery along the way. quences as hilarious as they are tragic. was equally endearing and believable, as Thompson/Father each night. I saw Steve Jim and his team frantically try to save the CAST: situation through political machinations, CAST: This was Jess Jenner’sCrooked second Wood directorial was their instant friendship and devotion Williams performance and he played it to one another. media manipulation and even an appeal for Charlotte : Jane Lobb outing this year, and her first on the main straightThe whilst IT crowd hamming it up marvel- Emily : Ruth Makepeace stage. Following her in the divine intervention. Emily : Laura Ings Self Jane Lobb was Clare Beaumont, Head Girl, Blackadderlously; a cross between Douglas Reynholm Oliver : Patrick Neylan bar, I had high hopes for Daisy and I was Sports Captain, adored by the younger girls from and Lord Flashheart in Is it as funny and sharp as the original? Anne : Holly Connell-Wallace not disappointed. Ms Jenner’s attention to . I did see Mike Savill on the bar And should you book your seats as soon as Dawn : Freya Finnerty and a ‘shining example of true British Girl- CAST: Mrs Rochester (Bertha)/Cathy : Alice Young detail was apparent in every aspect of the hood’. Ms Lobb’s performance was spot on, screen briefly and was satisfied that he was possible? Yes, Prime Minister! Alan : Stevie Hughes • production, from using the cast in charac- she inhabited the physicality of the charac- equally hammy. The Rt. Hon. Jim Hacker MP : Branwell/Arthur Huntingdon/Heathcliff : ter to promote the show in advance, to the Bob Etherington Joseph Dominic ter completely and was jolly and loveable. The Grangewood School Song was actually bunting in the bar, the pre-show instru- Clare’s Irish best friend, Alice Fitzpatrick, written by Andrew Lloyd-Webber under Sir Humphrey Appleby : Bruce Wallace Patrick/Arthur Bell Nicholls/Rochester/ mental accompaniment, and headmistress nicely played by Ruth Jarvis, was equally the anagrammatic pseudonym of Beryl Mr Heger : Richard Toynton • Miss Gibson’s direct address to the audi- Bernard Woolley : Kerrin Roberts decent, trustworthy and crushworthy. Waddle-Browne and the use of music, sing- ence, establishing the ‘play within a play’ ing and dancing to Thomas Dignum’s piano Claire Sutton : Angie Brignell framework, not to mention the innovative Then we come to the ‘rotters’, (as “only rot- accompaniments was charming. photo flash curtain call. The audience were ters don’t like sport”). Charis Beyer as chief Jeremy Burnham : Steve Williams grinning before they even entered the thea- snob, Sybil and her sidekick, Monica, Jaimi Having smiled and laughed all the way Simon Chester : Phil Cairns tre, and continued to do so throughout. Keemer, gleefully try to make Daisy’s life as through, I found myself with a tear in my The Ambassador of Kumranistan Jim Ward • difficult as possible. This pair could have eye at the end at the girlish hopefulness This is not a naturalistic play. The fourth taught a masterclass in sneering and hair beaming- Julie Binysh at us from the stage. wall is constantly broken as characters di- : flicking, and their snivelling penitence at rectly address the audience, so the refresh- the end when saved by Daisy was hilarious. Photography: Phil Cairns ing choice of a bare set was apt, using skil- (http://philcairns.zenfolio.com) ful lighting, sound and verbal description to Fellow pupils Claire Darlington, Re- set the scene. Trunks and small cases acted becca Pitt and Jessica Vautier contributed www.TicketSource.co.uk/BromleyLittle [email protected] • 0333 666 3366

To BOOK: Visit: • Email: Tel: Edith Brendan: (Medium role) AUDITION NOTICE AUDITION NOTICE AUDITION NOTICE Blithe Spirit – Any age. The Condomine’s maid. The structural rules of this ensemble play 20-30. Northern Eager to please, she has a strange com- are fluid like water. The past haunts the Far From The Lieutenant Of Irish. Christy’s henchman. An argumenta- punction to rush everything and eve- future and the future reaches into the past, tive know-all. Bullies the other henchman, (minor role). The Madding Crowd Inishmore James/Joey: (Doubling roles, both medium) Directed by Stevie Hughes rywhere. A small role but she has a big and we see family members crossing paths Joey. by Noël Coward surprise for us at one point across time and space, searching for the Performance dates: Stevie Hughes [email protected] • absent - lost fathers, husbands, sons and Directed by Kay O’Dea Directed by Paul Campion James Thu 14 – Sat 23 January 2016 at 7.45pm For further info, please contact the director, by Mark Healey by Martin McDonagh 20-30. Both Northern Irish. lovers. Performance dates: Performance dates: (no show Sunday 17) at is a slimy drug pusher who is hung AUDITION NOTICE | ‘In The Bar’ “The past is a mystery.” But the truth will Thu 10 – Sat 19 March 2016 at 7.45pm Thu 7– Sat 16 April 2016 at 7.45pm Audition dates: upside down and tortured. So the actor always reveal itself. It can fester beneath (no show Sun 13) (not Sun 10) Sun 27 September 2015 at 12 noon The Believers must be able to tolerate being upside down our skin for generations. Eventually it rises Audition date: Audition date: (butJoey not tortured!). to the surface. Sun 25 October 2015 at 2pm Sun 25 October 2015 at 4pm Elizabeth Law (younger) is Christy’s other henchman. Younger s research for his next novel, Charles byDirected Bryony by Lavery Jessica-Ann Jenner Female Characters “Come on in lads, I’m just in the middle of than the other two, but trying to make up shooting me Dad.” Note: Condomine engages the medium, Performance dates: - Playing age T for it with bravura. Madame Arcati, to conduct a séance but he play takes place in the late 19th Thu 28-Sun 31 January 2016 at 7.45pm 30s. English. 1950s - early 1960s. A house- Ages stated are just a rough guide.Paul she inadvertently raises the ghost of his wife and an Intellectual. Married to Henry century in the county of Wessex coun- Campion Elizabeth Law (older) late, first wife, Elvira. For Ruth – Charles’s Audition date: Law. tryside. Mark Healy, who adapted the novel sychotic IRA terrorist Mad Padraic only For more details contactpaulcampion1@gmail. the director currentA wife – Elvira’s resurrection is no Sun 27 September 2015 at 2pm into a play, describes it as being about com • on 020 8468 7873 / 07768 600 - Playing age 50s to cares about one thing more than Irish laughing matter, particularly since the ‘love and loss, desire and obsession and 419 or email him at 60s. English. 1988. Glacial and outwardly independence and that’s his beloved cat, neurotic spirit seems only too eager to Gabrielle York (younger) ultimately, murder and marriage.’ T in control. A secret alcoholic. Wee Thomas. So when Padraic learns that AUDITION NOTICE | ‘In The Bar’ reclaim her husband – whether it be in hrown together by a storm of biblical Live and authentic folk music help create PWee Thomas has been killed, someone’s this world or the next. proportions, two families spend a night - Playing age the atmosphere and mood of the play. going to pay. Big time. And when a group The Long Road together, the events of which will change 20s. Australian. 1988. Toughened by her of hitmen arrive to assassinate Padraic, the Noël Coward is one of the truly great comic tragic past, she is desperate to escape her CBathshebaharacters Everdene: their lives forever. But what did happen Gabrielle York (older) body count goes into overdrive… writers of British theatre and his trademark home town in the Coorong. Directed by Nikki Packham sharp wit, piercing eye for relationships and that night and can they tear aside the haze 20-30ish. Large McDonagh’s brilliantly outrageous comedy by Shelagh Stephenson Gabriel Oak: unforgettable characters are in abundance of alcohol and drugs that cloud their mem- - Playing age 40s - part – captivating, courageous and flawed. serves up gore, guns and gags in generous Performance dates: Blithe Spirit ories without tearing one another apart? 50s. Australian. 2016. Weary and angry. She Thu 21-Sat 24 April 2016 at 7.45pm in this sophisticated comedy classic. 30-40ish. Large part – stead- portions from some of the most hilariously Originally staged and performed by ac- is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Married stupid characters ever seen on a stage. Audition date: Of his own plays, was Coward’s fast and dependable. Has a talent to play claimed physical theatre group Frantic to Joe Ryan. Mother of Gabriel York. Sergeant Troy: Imagine Father Ted meeting Quentin Sun 25 October 2015 at 6pm favourite, and held the record for the longest- the flute! Assembly this dark and visceral play is a MHenryale C Lawharacters Tarantino round at Monty Python’s place running show in the West End for 15 years. fantastic opportunity for four actors to unreliable. 25-35ish. Medium part and you get the general idea. Maud & Ollie: - playing age 40s. English. CHARACTERS:Charles Condomine challenge themselves. – charismatic but egotistical and W 1950s. Businessman with a young family Farmer Boldwood: If you like your humour blacker than a Con- hen 18 year-old Danny is fatally – 40s. Rich and success- mid-30s. Deeply religious. and a dark secret. Married to Elizabeth law. nemara peat bog you’ll want to be part of stabbed, his family struggles to find Marianne & Joff: Gabriel York ful writer. Witty, urbane and sophisticated, Parents of Joyous. Home owners. Possible double with... 35-50ish. Medium part what is one of the 21st Century’s greatest, meaning and forgiveness. His mother Mary’s – successful and self-assured. most improbable comedies and a merciless determination to understand this random although somewhat smug by today’s stand- mid-30s. Parents of Grace, - playing age 40s. Australian. The Lieutenant of Inishmore BecomesFanny Robin: obsessive over Bathsheba. satire on the ultimate futility of terrorism. knifing by a girl the same age as her son ards. Played previously by Clifton(leading Webb, role) . a ‘difficult’ 9-year-old, who overcompensate 2039. A lost soul living in poverty. Keeper brings her face to face with the perpetrator, Rupert Everett, Rex Harrison (in the 1945 with humour and by swearing. Guests. 20ish. Medium part – trust- Please note: Ruth Condomine of objects gathered by his ancestors. Father Emma. With the help of prison visitor Eliza- film) and by Coward himself Gabriel Law Liddy Smallbury: will be BLT’s entry in the 2016 Bromley Contains strong language, smoking and of Andrew Price. ing, caring and lacking in self-confidence. beth, not only Mary, but her husband John and Kent Festivals. Under the rules of those – late 30s-mid 40s. scenes of a violent and sexual nature, - Playing age 20s - early 30s. Any age. Medium part. and Danny’s brother Joe too are forced to Charles’ second and current wife. Attrac- competitions, if you have received pay- The We are trying to organise a physical English. 1988. Open and warm. Son of Companion and housemaid to Bathsheba. confront the bitter senselessness of their loss. tive, practical and patient but formidable Temperance, Maryann Mrs Hurst. ment for professional acting work in the Memory Of Water, Experiment With An Air theatre workshop with Frantic Assembly Henry and Elizabeth Law. Possible double Written by Shelagh Stephenson ( when roused. More than a match for Andrew Price Other female parts: (various ages) last three years you cannot take part in an Pump (leading role). in September, so if you are interested in with... Matthew Charles in verbal wit but lacks the glamour and acting capacity (but you can get involved auditioning, you are advised to try and attend. - Playing age 20s - early 30s. Moon, Jan Coggan, Lawyer, Banks, Farm- ) and performed in prisons as well as ofElvira Elvira Condomine backstage). However, all are welcome. Australian (but could be from anywhere). er,Other Vicar, male Joseph parts: Poorgrass, (various ages) Pennyways, in theatres in association with the Forgive- Jess Jenner [email protected] Joe Ryan CHARACTERS: – late 20s-30s. Charles’ For further info, please contact the director, 2039. Has been searching for his father. Henery Frey Shepherd. ness Project and Synergy Theatre Project, late first wife. Beautiful, mercurial, mis- NB: all characters speak with a Southern I believe that the actors taking part in this (leading role). at • - Playing age 40s - 50s. Austral- chievous and actually quite dangerous. AUDITION NOTICE and or Northern Irish accent as indicated. But production will be enriched, not only by ian. 2016. Kind and honest. Has had a Madame Arcati please don’t be put off by this, as accents the brilliant dialogue, but by the questions tough life with Gabrielle. There will be doubling for these smaller When The Rain Stops Jane Lobb [email protected] • will be worked on in rehearsals. It’s the it raises and the answers they may find. - 45-65. ‘A striking parts for both male and female. Padraic: (Large role) Falling For further info, please contact the director, attitude that’s important. Joe: woman, dressed not too extravagantly but CHARACTERS: at For audition pieces and any furtherKay infor O’Dea- with a decided bias towards the barbaric.’ 20-30. Southern [email protected] concerning the audition or produc- 20. Danny’s older brother, Joe feels guilt The medium who conducts the séance. Directed by Jane Lobb Irish. An IRA Lieutenant, known as “Mad by Andrew Bovell Please note: tion, please contact the director, over Danny’s death. Feels that Danny was Enthusiastic but fallible in her chosen field, Padraic” because even the IRA find him Mary: Performance dates: at or call 020 3581 his parents’ favourite.. she has cut her own path through life and too violent. An attractive thug, there is a Thu 11 - Sat 20 February 2016 1901. Donny: (Large role) has developed a thick skin against the BLT’s auditions constant air of danger about him. late 40s/early 50s. Danny’s mother. (not Sun14) Desperately trying to come to terms with scepticism and ridicule of cynics. Previous 40-50. Southern Irish. are open to all, but if you herJohn: terrible loss. Madame Arcatis(supporting include: Margaret role). Ru- Audition date MUST Padraic’s father, Lazy, incompetent and not therford, Alison Steadman, Beryl Reid and Sunday 27 September 2015 at 4pm are chosen for a part, YOU at all a ‘father figure’. One half of a comic 50s. The boys’ father struggling to Dr.Penelope Bradman Keith Davey: (Large role) Emma Price: BECOME A MEMBER ‘double act’ with… cope with the idea of forgiving. – ‘A middle-aged, pleasant 17-20 Southern Irish. 18. Dysfunctional drugs and t’s raining. A man screams. A fish falls Elizabeth: looking man.’ Friend of the Condomines BEFORE YOUR FIRST A rather dim, sulky teenager. The comic foil alcohol abuser. Low self-esteem. (support- from the sky. Gabriel York is awaiting the (Large role) and sceptical member at the séance. Maybe toMairead: Donny. ing role). arrival of his grown son whom he hasn’t REHEARSAL. The same goes late 30s/early 40s. The prison with a foreign or regional accent Mrs. Bradman seen since he was seven. 16-20. Southern visitor. Not a Mother Teresa - just trying to for all backstage crew and Irish. Davey’s younger sister. A pretty, spir- help both parties. That is the opening of this epic play that (Medium role) Nikki Packham I itedChristy: tomboy who idolises Padraic. – ‘Fair and rather(supporting faded.’ role). takes us back and forth in time from one anybody who wishes to use For further information,[email protected] please contact • Fellow member at the séance. Probably generation to another, a family saga span- 30-50. Northern on 020 3489 1262/07752 younger than her husband ning 80 years and two continents. the theatre’s facilities. Irish. Leader of a group of INLA “soldiers”. 210244 or email Cold-blooded and ruthless, but surprisingly Auditions philosophical. Auditions Review July 2015 Martin Phillips, Paul Baker, Dan Armour, Dan Ryan, Andy Solts and Chris Learmonth in BLT’s July 2015 production at the 2015 of The Pitmen Painters.

The Pitmen Painters T Billy Elliot his play, by writer Lee Hall, judged, the dialogue at times delivered offered an object lesson in ensemble acting, tells the true story of a group of coalmin- at breakneck speed and at others slowed their dialogue fairly crackling and speeches ers from Ashington in Northumberland who to accommodate the intensity of emo- often realistically overlapping (one of in 1934 organised a Workers’ Education As- tion. Both the plentiful humour and the Pauline Armour’s directing trademarks). sociation course in art appreciation. Quickly dramatic impact were fully realised and, on The ensemble was augmented by Andy abandoning his unsuccessful attempts to the night I attended, warmly appreciated Solts’ perfectly judged portrait of their inculcate art theory, their tutor encouraged by the audience. ‘professor’, Robert Lyon. Sharply contrast- them to learn by ‘doing it themselves’ and The creativity of the stage presentation ing his upper-class persona (avoiding the the pitmen began to paint, at first hesitantly, and direction was matched by a series of trap of overplaying its ‘poshness’), he gave Andy Solts, Alison Green and Dan Armour, but with steadily growing confidence and hugely impressive performances. Hall’s a believable portrayal of the careerist who in BLT’s July 2015 production of enthusiasm – and much fierce debate. Their characters could easily become stere- eventually used the pitmen’s achievement The Pitmen Painters. pictures vividly captured life in and around otypes, but were shown as real people to advance his own academic status. Alison their mining community and within a few with all their individual complexities. As Green contributed a similarly convincing years gained national acclaim and were George Brown, the decent, conscientious ‘upper-class ‘ character as Helen Suther- sought after by collectors. and hilariously pettifogging WEA official, land, the wealthy heiress and collector Hall’s script, if just a little preachy at times, insistent on enforcing regulations to the who patronised (in both senses of the brilliantly captures the innocence, cynicism, nth degree, Dan Armour gave a completely term) the pitmen and Helen Scott made a idealism and endeavour of a group of work- rounded performance, subtly revealing the delicious appearance as life model Susan ing men with minimal schooling, who spent character’s underlying humanity as well Parkes, bravely giving the audience at least their days in the dark, dirty and dangerous as his officiousness – with, incidentally, an a partial glimpse of her qualifications for environment of a 1930’s coal mine. It is full impeccable Geordie accent. the role. The cast was completed by Stevie of humour, but also presents a thoughtful Paul Baker’s Oliver Kilbourn, the most Hughes in a relatively brief butnouveaux significant exploration, not just of art and culture, but talented of the pitmen, who ultimately re- richesappearance as artist Ben Nicholson, the of class, community and politics. jected the lure of patronage and independ- self-styled “dogsbody of the Dan Armour’s design, realised with the ence in favour of remaining a part of the ”, who first alerted Oliver to the draw- support of a twelve-strong team, was mining community, was extremely moving, backs of patronage. deceptively simple but completely apposite especially in describing the profound As the play drew to its close, the screens to the telling of this wide-ranging story. A self-revelatory effect of his first attempt at poignantly foreshadowed the 1981 closure collection of wooden chairs was swiftly and artistic interpretation. of the Ashington pit and the 1995 rewritingGres- efficiently deployed by the cast to suggest Martin Phillips, as Harry Wilson, the dental fordof the Labour Party’s constitution. Finally, different settings. However, the overriding mechanic gassed in the trenches and so un- the cast’s excellent choral singing of feature was the stage-wide screens used to able to go underground, was a convincingly , the miners’ hymn, to the strains of the project the images of the pitmen’s paint- devout hardline Marxist, Chris Learmonth colliery band, provided an intensely emo- ings, to suggest a variety of locations – the made Jimmy Floyd a lively comedic foil, tional and affecting finale. This production pitmen’s ‘classroom’, a patron’s mansion, with his ‘blob’ painting and interest in the was remarkable in a number of ways, not a railway station, art galleries, etc. – and female form and as the ‘Young Lad’, unem- least for its combination of serious social captions which kept the audience abreast ployed and desperate, short of sixpence comment and irresistible natural humour, of the play’s thirteen-year time frame. to pay his weekly fee (the only character resulting in a thoroughly entertaining evening of true theatre which will surely Pauline Armour’s direction demonstrated not based Brightonon a real Beachperson), Memoirs Daniel Ryan depth and insight, skirting confidently fully confirmed the talent first displayed in be remembered as one of the high points of the- Arthur current Rochester season. around the potential pitfalls of stereotype, January’s . These Photography: Phil Cairns patronisation and sentimentality. The pace five not only delivered nicely-differenti- (http://philcairns.zenfolio.com) 10 and shaping of the piece was beautifully ated individual characterisations but also 11 Fri 15-Sat 23 January 2016 (not Sun 17) Fri 11-Sat 19 March 2016 (not Sun 13) In The Bar: Thu 21-Sat 24 April 2016 One Man, Two Guvnors Fri 11-Sat 19 November 2016 (not Sun 13)

Blithe Spirit Far From The The Long Road gripping tale of love, honour, duty, premiered at the Kindertransport Madding Crowd fortune-telling and murder by Oscar National Theatre in May 2011 before Wilde. Lord Arthur takes his marriage transferring to the Theatre Royal Haymarket Directed by Stevie Hughes Directed by Nikki Packham Directed by Jessica-Ann Jenner by Noel Coward by Shelagh Stephenson vows very seriously, but when he has his BLTwhere will it becamebe taking the this longest show running to the Hever show by Diane Samuels Directed by Kay O’Dea fortune told just weeks before the wedding, Castlein the Haymarket’s Festival 2016 200-year in the summer. history. by Mark Healy hisA destiny simply cannot be ignored. “I shall do one thing in this life. That is love He must commit a number of murders See & BLT website for auditions. ovelist Charles Condomine and his you, long for you and keep wanting you ‘til mother of a murdered son undergoes s the clouds of war gather in 1930s before he says his vows or his marriage wife, are literally haunted by a past I die.” a programme of counselling: “Under- Germany, a desperate mother forces relationship when, at a séance, an eccentric standing will change how you feel. This is will be doomed. ThuSpotlights 21-Sat 23 July 2016 her nine-year-old daughter onto a train, medium inadvertently conjures up the the long road you’ve chosen to go down.” This wicked, black comedy positively Youth Theatre sending her into the arms of strangers. ghost of Charles’s neurotic first wife. she is told. fizzes with fun as the audience is taken on N ark Healy’s script dramatically fuses A AIn peaceful, suburban, 1980s England, a Winner of the 2015 Olivier Award for best With teenage killings front-page news, a laugh-out-loud rompLord through Arthur London’s Savile’s Production (TBC) proud mother prepares to say farewell to Blithe Spirit: vivid story-telling, live folk-song and revival of a play. Shelagh Stephenson’s play, first produced Crimesociety. A sparkling script and a cast of ten her grown-up daughter, as she cuts the ties Sunday 27 September at 12 noon humour in a dynamic, ensemble staging. at the Soho Theatre in 2008, could hardly colourful characters: of childhood to leave the family home. SeeAuditions ‘Auditions’ for (page 8) Fri 16-Sat 24 September 2016 (not Sun 18) Having inherited her father’s farm, a spirited be more topical, as it explores the healing is ‘a zany, improbable comedy of Then a chance discovery opens an old and feisty young woman finds herself possibility of forgiveness even after murder, chocolate and a night on the M See & BLT website for auditions. TBC wound. playing mistress in a man’s world. She is suffering the most appalling hurt. Embankment in 1890s London’. In The Bar: Thu 28-Sat 31 January 2016 pursued by three would-be lovers: the Since its first performance in a London Forgiveness is the nub of this show, Spotlights In The Bar: Thu 29 Sep-Sun 2 Oct 2016 constant shepherd, Gabriel Oak; the fringe theatre in 1993, Diane Samuels’s The Believers drawn from real life stories of victims and In The Bar: Thu 16-Sun 19 June 2016 obsessive landowner, William Boldwood deeply moving play has established itself perpetrators of crime, with the writer and Orphans and the reckless Sergeant Troy. But are any as something of a modern classic and people from The Forgiveness project and Old Times of them a match for the wilful Bathsheba? is much taught in schools. It tells the Directed by Jessica-Ann Jenner Synergy Theatre, a company which worksThe by Bryony Lavery Directed by Tony Jenner fascinating – and at timesKristallnacht harrowing – Adapted from one of Hardy’sFar most From popu The- Longwith prisonersRoad and ex-prisoners towards by Dennis Kelly Directed by Colleen Batson story of the evacuation of Jewish children Maddinglar and enduring Crowd novels for the English rehabilitation. Without being ‘preachy’, by Harold Pinter T Orphans to England between and the wo families are flung together on a Touring‘Haunting Company … in Brooding… 2008, Smouldering is a moving and dazzling piece was described by review- ighly-acclaimed when it premiered at declaration of war against Germany. Almost night of cataclysmic weather. Bruised, … Dynamic.’ of theatre whichThe reminds Long Road: us that in forgiving ers as: mysterious play about the tricks the 2009 Edinburgh Festival, 10,000 children were taken in by English tired and seduced by the flow of alcohol, Far From the Madding Crowd: others,Sunday we 25 may October redeem at 6pmourselves. memory plays. is a psychological thriller that explores families. Most of the evacuees never saw they wrestle with their differences until, Sunday 25 October at 2pm SeeAuditions ‘Auditions’ for (page 9) their parents again as the majority perished the conflict between family ties and moral See & BLT website for auditions. suddenly, the unthinkable happens. SeeAuditions ‘Auditions’ for (page 9) First performed in 1971 and revived to responsibility. in Nazi concentration camps. Something unbelievable. As their versions great acclaim in the West End in 2013 H Fri 6-Sat 14 May 2016 (not Sun 8) Helen and Danny live in an urban of what happened begin to fall apart, their (the first Pinter play to be performed at Spotlights A environment fraught with random In The Bar: perspectives become clouded by suspicion Fri 8-Sat 16 April 2016 (not Sun 9) the newly-renamed Harold Pinter Theatre). and they turn on one another in a desperate Other Desert Cities violence. They try to keep the outside Thu 24-Sun 27 November 2016 ‘British Theatre’s most electrifying spine- fight to understand the truth. The Lieutenant At a remote farmhouse on the English world at bay but it comes crashing in one chiller since .’ seaside, Anna pays an unexpected visit to Foxfinder Directed by Jane Buckland evening when Helen’s brother Liam arrives - The Times Of Inishmore by Jon Robin Baitz Kate and her husband Deeley, seemingly to with a shocking revelation – taking the The Woman in Black ‘An ingenious new play that creates theatri- reminisce about their adventures in London audience on a chilling journey into a dark The West Wing 20 years ago. But memory can be full of world just outside the front door. Directed by Stevie Hughes cal electricity.’ - TheTelegraph Directed by Paul Campion by Dawn King by Martin McDonagh ulitzer Prize finalist and contributor selfish needs and manipulative fictions. The Believers: to the hit TV series , Jon A play about the simmering class divide; “Come on in fellas, I’m just in the middle of They seem to know each other intimately, how damage gets handed down to C Sunday 27 September at 2pm shooting me Dad.” Robin Baitz took America by storm with his but it is not clear what history they actually onsidered dangerous enough to destroy SeeAuditions ‘Auditions’ for (page 8) subsequent generations; and what to do Broadway debut, receiving five Tony Award share. Their recollections overlap but also ‘A play should be sort of like a person, you civilisation itself, the ‘foxfinder’ must “I remember things that may never have when lawlessness lands on your doorstep. nominations. The 2012 UK premiere was confuse and compete with each other. know, funny and kind but also capable of eradicate his supernaturally dangerous The Beauty Queen receivedP with great critical claim An acidly happened but, as I recall them, so they take incredible cruelty’ - Dennis Kelly Fri 12-Sat 20 February 2016 (not Sun 14) Of LeenaneLT has already shocked you with place.” quarry at any cost. His relentless and invasive witty and deeply affecting tour de force, See & BLT website for auditions. questioning puts a huge strain upon Sam MartinThe McDonagh’s Cripple Of Inishmaan melding the political and personal with When The Rain , given you a lump in theThe throat and Judith Bovey. Past tragedies are pulled electrifying results. Spotlights into the present and their farm and home Stops Falling Lieutenantwith his Of Inishmore , but are Bromley Little Theatre welcomes Colleen Fri 14-Sat 22 October 2016 (not Sun 16) Christmas Eve in Palm Springs and novelist See & BLT website for auditions. is threatened with confiscation. But when you ready – really, really ready for Batson in her debut as a director at BLT B ? If so, we cordially Brooke Wyeth is home to celebrate the Cause Célèbre the ascetic foxfinder himself begins to Directed by Jane Lobb holidays with her affluent family. But the find himself haunted by strange desires, his by Andrew Bovell invite you to watch the ‘good’ people of In- Spotlights ishmore paint the town red – a vivid, sticky long-awaited reunion is soon set alight by Fri 8-Sat 16 July 2016 (not Sun 10) self-discipline starts to unravel and the true Directed by Mike Savill nature of the ‘fox’ is inevitably revealed. red that comes, as the phrase goes, straight a bombshell – Brooke is to publish a tell-all by Terrence Rattigan escribed by Michael Billington as ‘a from the heart … memoir, exposing Wyeth’s buried past and One Man, Two Guvnors ause Célèbre Dawn King’s gripping and unsettling parable threatening to destroy everything that her superb new play’ when he reviewed it Gore, guts and gags are served up in C is a darkly comic exploration of belief, desire famous parents hold dear. Brooke’s revelation refers to the sensational at the Almeida in 2014, playwright Andrew generous portions by some of the most Directed by Dan and Pauline Armour and responsibility set in a strange but pushes fractured family relations to the by Richard Bean Rattenbury murder of 1935. It took 40 Bovell’s award-winning script is a hilarously stupid characters ever to cross See & BLT website for auditions. familiar England. point of no return. years to reach the stage, but is an example compelling family saga that takes us from a stage. If you like your humour blacker D One Man, Two Guvnors of Rattigan’s immense skills. Thea Sharrock’s Winner of the 2011 Papatango New one generation to another, from 1950s Lon- than a Connemara peat bog, you will be Spotlights T he National Theatre’s award-winning revival at the Old Vic in 2011 played to Writing award. don to the Australian desert in 2039.When With The appallingly entertained – and even Fri 3-Sat 11 June 2016 (not Sun 5) Fri 9-Sat 17 December 2016 (not Sun 11) Rainfour generationsStops Falling of fathers and sons, and comedy, , is great acclaim. enlightened – by what manages to be one Lord Arthur Savile’s finally coming to BLT. their mothers, lovers and wives, of the greatest, most improbable comedies Trapped in a sterile, sexless marriage, TBC charts a legacy of betrayal, of the 21st century and a timely reminder Crime Now seen by over a million people middle-class Alma Rattenbury embarks on The Lieutenant Of Inishmore is BLT’s mysterious disappearances and fish soup, of the utter futility of terrorism. worldwide, this internationally-acclaimed an affair with her 17-year-old gardener. in an epic drama of one family across two 2016 entry for the Bromley and Kent We are currently pursuing the performing smash-hit has been hailed as ‘the funniest Shortly after, Alma’s husband is discovered Directed by Pauline Armour continents. Bromley Little Theatre is proud Festivals. rights for an award-winning play that that Adapted from Oscar Wilde’s book by show onServant the planet.’ Of Two It isMasters Richard Bean’s dead from head injuries. The lovers were to bring you the UK amateur premiere of Directed by Andy Solts recently received acclaim in the West End and When The Rain Stops Falling: The Lieutenant Of Inishmore: Constance Cox version of Carlo Goldoni’s classic Italian charged with murder and the subsequent this fascinating new drama. on national tour. Sunday 27 September at 4pm Sunday 25 October at 4pm “Murder is always a mistake: one should comedy, and has Old Bailey trial caused a sensation – with SeeAuditions ‘Auditions’ for (page 8) SeeAuditions ‘Auditions’ for (page 9) never do anything one cannot talk about been described as a glorious celebration of women across the country less appalled Watch out for further details! • after dinner …” British comedy – a unique, laugh-out-loud Seeabout the murder & BLT than website Alma’s for adultery auditions. mix of satire, songs, slapstick and glittering with her young lover. 12 one-liners. Spotlights 13 Review BLT Youth Theatre / July 2015

lice’s Adventures In Wonderland A Through the Looking- Glass And What Alice Found There , along stage. While these were inoffensive as a by so many different actors, but they all with its sequel, way of showing a change of location, it was succeeded, and no cast member ever ALICE are two distracting that so many of them were wholly seemed to be left without a moment in of the best-loved pieces of children’s lit- different in style, ranging from abstract the spotlight to showcase their talents. erature. They are also nonsense. Complete artworks to morenever literal designs that never As someone who seems to have become and total nonsense. Sounds perfect for the really seemed to be coherently themed the resident reviewer of the Youth Group Youth Group then. (as a sidenote, project images that shows, it’s a pleasure to see them improve Laura Wade’s adaptation keeps the endur- are covered with copyright watermarks over the years, to watch the growth of ing charm of the original, subjecting her from stock photo websites – it doesn’t look these young performers in both ability Alice to a ‘greatest-hits’ of the tale’s most good). I realise I’m being picky here, but and confidence. These shows are growing recognisable moments: the Tweedles, the there is a reason: when enjoying a show as in scope and imagination and are a solid Caterpillar, the Queen of Hearts all feature, much as I did Alice, little distractions like send-off for those departing. I cannot wait but the script is coated with a superficial these become more noticeable. to see what next year’s bunch of new faces coat of 00’s paint. Token references are The performances were uniformly excellent –has Richard to offer. Stewart made to Alice owning a mobile phone, throughout – the Alices had the hardest Photography: Tunde Euba while her trip down the rabbit hole is job: maintaining a character played • now a reaction to the roadside death of her brother Joe. This framing device does give Alice good reason to enter Wonder- land but I found the other modern addi- tions rather pointless – a needless attempt to bring a timeless story into a present- day context. As a result, some references Thefeel moreJabbywocky dated than the original; charming as it may have been, no one needs to hear rapped. No one. However, these are problems with the script but the performance itself held up well. The difficulties of such a large cast were nicely overcome by performers doubling many roles, and multiple actors playing the same part – most notably, a total of nineDream different Alices, all unified by costume. Unlike the BLT Youth Group’s 2013 show, , these changes of Alice were nicely synchronised with the scene changes, minimising any awkward adjust- ment for the audience. The changes of scene themselves were nicely paced – not too long and with just enough dif- ference in set configuration to suggest a change of location without being too fancy. A particular delight occurred during the scene with the doorknob: as Alice ate, drank and changed size, the cardboard props representing the door and table changed size around her to suggest the transformation in a very visually appeal- ing way – a shame this sort of imaginative design wasn’t used more – it was a treat to see when it was. Less subtle were the 14 projections that lit the back wall of the 15 Kyle Cluett and Tom Dignum in BLT’s Emma Kerby-Evans February 2015 production of in BLT’s June 2015 The Elephant Man production of Daisy Pulls It Off

Helen Scott in BLT’s July 2015 production of The Pitmen Painters

Ruth Jarvis and Jane Lobb in BLT’s June 2015 production of Daisy Pulls It Off