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Rotherfield St Martin Registered Charity No: 1119458

Memorial Institute, North Street, Rotherfield

Providing social facilities and support for senior citizens.

Opening Hours Mon 10.00am - 12.30pm Tue - Fri 10am - 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 4pm

For information about activities, bookings for therapies and Volunteer Driver Scheme

Tel: 01892 853021 Email: [email protected] Website: www.rotherfieldstmartin.org.uk

Supported by: Rotherfield Parish Council St Denys’ Church

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from the chairman and director

Andy Miller Becky Syms Chairman Director

We find ourselves at another Having been involved with The milestone for The Players – an Rotherfield Players for many extra production in the year, years since joining in 2001, this and this time back to where we production truly marks my operated at the beginning of this incarnation of debut in the 'director's chair'. And what a great Rotherfield Players – the Memorial Institute. And experience it has been. not only that, but a production in the round; a production with minimalist scenery/props, and on When the opportunity arose for me to direct for the Saturday, a supper. The Players, I had already read The Rise and Fall of Little Voice having developed a keen interest in For some of the production team their role is a the work of the playwright Jim Cartwright. I was first for them – a position much welcomed in our lucky enough to take part in a production of his aim to have more people available for those jobs. first play, Road, performed by The Rotherfield As for the cast, we are spoilt by the experience Players in May 2014. and breadth of them all. I was drawn in by his ability to create characters As ever the rehearsals I have seen have been eye capable of portraying such wit and heartbreak opening in the intensity of pathos, humour and simultaneously and subsequently resolved to read singing at various stages in the production. That more of his work. A theme that runs through his bodes very well for the live performances. Little work is that of the desire and power, or lack Voice is a complex offering of all of the above and thereof, of the individual to transform themselves, can be enjoyed at many different levels, often despite external expectations simultaneously. I loved the idea of using The Memorial Institute as So once again, sit back a performance venue and this play seemed a very and enjoy an suitable one to stage in this space. I was excited adventurous production about staging a 'studio' production with focus on by The Players. And if raw acting rather than realistic sets and scenes. I you feel inspired to join hope that by staging it in the round with a us, just get in touch and minimalistic set, you, the audience, will feel both we’ll be delighted to part of the action and 'up close and personal' with welcome you to a the performers. forward-looking and friendly Drama group, I am extremely blessed to have been able to work whether on-stage or off. with a hugely talented and supportive cast and crew. Each and every one of them is pivotal to the development of the production. All crew and actors have shown the utmost dedication. The cast have worked extremely hard to bring their individual characters and thereby, the production, to life. They have all given so much energy, enthusiasm and flair, so I would like to extend my enormous gratitude to them all. The video and/or recording of this performance by any means It only remains for me to lastly thank you, the whatsoever are strictly prohibited. audience, for joining us tonight. I hope you enjoy our production.

the cast

mari hoff - emma harrison Every production I have been involved with for The Players has presented a fresh challenge - from playing a man (Simple Simon in Goldilocks) to playing a witch (although my family thought I was typecast) - and this production has been no exception. I've really enjoyed getting to grips with the amazing language in 'Little Voice' and working with a great director, actors and crew. Thanks Rotherfield Players.

little voice - alice burrell When my mum first sat me down to watch in the film adaptation of "The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice" I was desperate to change my name to LV. 9 years on and it's finally happened! Playing LV has been an absolute dream. A challenge, but a dream. It's a pleasure to be back performing with The Players - especially with such a wonderful cast.

sadie - lynn lunn I attended the familiarisation night for Little Voice purely to assist as a committee member but was instantly drawn to the part of Sadie May. Well who wouldn't want only twenty words to learn, mostly okay, with a character that is pretty close to my own. It's been a hoot!

ray say - graham scott By 'eck, I am so pleased to be doing another Jim Cartwright play, it takes me back to me roots. And it's great to be back with Rotherfield Players again, such a talented and friendly bunch of people. I hope you understand the accents, we have all been working so 'ard on 'em, 'appen...

mr boo / phone man - brian wright This will be the second Jim Cartwright play for The Players in which I've had the privilege of performing I don't know whether Cartwright's works are plays or social commentaries - perhaps a bit of both. I just know they're about people far less advantaged than we are here but in spite of their sometimes crushing burdens, the human spirit prevails and shines through, just like Billy's lights in this play. I do hope you enjoy it as I have enjoyed working with a superb cast, crew and director.

billy - christian jarvest This is the third play I have done with The Rotherfield Players. I have found them all to be a big commitment and very challenging but always well worth it! I really like the dark, gritty, northern style of Jim Cartwright's plays and have loved being part of Little Voice.

backstage

Director Becky Syms Costumes Sue Exton Producer Sue Exton Samantha Dahman Stage Manager Heather Campbell Hair and Make Up Annie Darling Assistant Stage Manager Barry Shyvers Prompt Alison Organ Set Design Andy Miller Front of House Judith Hardy Mark Tasker Publicity Brett Seath Set Construction Mark Tasker Programme Gillian Earle David Tasker Advertising Artwork Matt Syms Lighting James Harris Hire Box Office Nicky Dawkins Keith Finch Photography Mark Kennedy Sound James Harris Hire Bar Brett Seath Keith Finch Alan Powell Stage Properties Iona Baily Tickets/Licence/Finance James Gallifant

the rise and fall of little voice by Jim Cartwright

“Popular entertainment at its best…funny, sentimental, and savage by turns, bursting with compassion and life” -

“Like everything Cartwright writes, it is playful, magical and terrifying” - The Sunday Times

Jim Cartwright was born in 1958 in Bolton in Lancashire. He wrote The Rise and Fall of Little Voice in 1992, and it was first performed at the , before transferring to the in London's West End. The production was directed by and starred Jane Horrocks as Little Voice and Alison Steadman as Mari. The production was nominated for six Olivier Awards, was winner of The Evening Standard Award for Best Comedy of the Year in 1992 and the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy in 1993. It opened on Broadway in 1995.

In 1998 the play was adapted for a film and starred Jane Horrocks, , , Ewan McGregor, Jim Broadbent and Annette Badland.

Jim’s plays are consistently performed around the world, where they have won numerous awards and been translated into over 35 languages. He has been made an Honorary Fellow of the University of Bolton, a visiting Professor at Salford University and his old school, Harper Green, have named a building in his honour. next productions

The Rotherfield Junior Players Present

Into the Woods Jr Swallows directed by Gussie Penny and Amazons with the help of Michael Stanton directed by Alan Powell

This will be a sure crowd pleaser when we join th th the characters from your favourite fairy tales on 28 - 30 Jan 2016

a musical adventure as they head into

the woods. Great fun for all the family. th th 16 - 17 Oct 2015 7:30pm (and 2:30pm matinee on 17th) Open auditions, Rotherfield Village Hall adults and juniors Tickets £10 Adult £8 Concs welcome

For more information available and dates for the from Help Night and Auditions Rotherfield Stores please go to Cuckoo Line Stores [email protected] [email protected]

2015 charity

In 2014, The Rotherfield Players raised £1,000 for Taylor-Made Dreams; a charity set up by Suzi Mitchell, in memory of her late son Taylor, to enable children with life limiting illness achieve their dreams and provide the families with support at the most difficult of times.

2014 marked the centenary of World War One and as we reflected on this towards the end of the year, it seemed fitting to select the Rotherfield branch of The Royal British Legion as our chosen charity for 2015.

The Royal British Legion is the UK's leading Service charity providing care and support to serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and their families. The Royal British Legion helps the whole Armed Forces community through welfare, comradeship and representation as well as being the Nation's custodian of Remembrance.

All money raised will go towards supporting members of our local community who have been a member of the Armed Services (and/or still are) and their families. Amongst other services, the charity provides specialized support services within the home, as well as supporting families to have an opportunity to spend time together. the last 10 years Garden District 2005 Present Laughter 2010 The Elephant Man 2012 The Wizard of Oz 2006 The Railway Children 2010 Robinson Crusoe & the 2013 The Final Curtain 2006 (Junior Players) Pirates An Ideal Husband 2006 Farndale Avenue Housing 2010 Noises Off 2013 Goldilocks and the Three 2007 Estate Townswomen’s Annie Jr (Junior Players) 2013 Bears Guild Production of A Streetcar Named Desire 2013 Godspell 2007 The Mikado Jack and the Beanstalk 2014 Bard from the King’s Arms 2007 Wind in the Willows 2011 Road 2014 Caught in the Net 2007 Little Shop of Horrors 2011 Are You Being Served? 2014 Sleeping Beauty 2008 Three Characters in 2011 Beauty and the Beast 2015 Kiss Me Kate 2008 Search of a Verdict & The Cemetery Club 2015 Les Liaisons Dangereuses 2008 Round the World with Cinderella 2009 Class Six (Junior Players) Productions go back as far as 1976 Busybody 2009 All My Sons 2011 and a full list is on our website Our Country’s Good 2009 Aladdin 2012 www.rotherfieldplayers.co.uk Babes in the Wood 2010 The Sound of Music 2012

new members The Rotherfield Players is a vibrant village dramatic society. We have a healthy membership but we always welcome new faces both on stage and back stage. Many different skills are required to put on a show apart from acting, singing and dancing. There’s carpentry, painting, sewing and even computer skills. If you are interested in joining our group please contact

James Gallifant Tel: 01892 654219 Email: [email protected]

For more information about Rotherfield Players, go to www.rotherfieldplayers.co.uk

Programme Printed by thank you Units D-G, 18 Chapman Way, A huge thank you for help with supplying our Tunbridge Wells, costumes to The Crowborough Animal Welfare Society in Jarvis Brook and all their kind helpers, Kent TN2 3EF to everyone at the RSM shop in Rotherfield and to Published by Kennedy Bros. We really do appreciate your The Society of the Rotherfield Players support.

Bed & Breakfast

Hill Cottage, Mount Pleasant, Crowborough, TN6 2NF

Maggie & Ted Hirst offer a really warm welcome to their charming 17th century cottage in a peaceful spot on the outskirts of Crowborough.

Opening Times Mon - Sat For details and availability call 08:00 - 17:00 Telephone: 01892 662243 E-mail: [email protected] or visit the Website: www.hillcottage.me.uk