Mar 2014 | No. 45 | Quarterly www.BromleyLittleTheatre.org
THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF
MICHAEL YORK OBE
PRESIDENT: PICK OF THE MONTH! The Flint Street Nativity (page 6) • Reviews: Flint Street | Boeing-Boeing | Night of January 16th • Previews: The Importance Of Being Earnest | Two | Clybourne Park | Office Suite • Auditions: The Cripple if Inishmaan | RolePlay | My Boy Jack + Events Diary • Noticeboard Dorota Zakrzynska, Martin Phillips, Jenny Staehle and Chris de Pury in January’s production of Boeing-Boeing
Photo: Tim Hinchliffe (www.timhinchliffe.com)
Alison Green and Dennis Packham in January’s production of Night Of January 16th In The Bar
Photo: Phil Cairns (http://philcairns.zenfolio.com) BLT Chair Key Contacts - Playgoers’ Key Contact Areas: [email protected] am de [email protected] lighted Committee to be writing to you as the he Playgoers Committee have been Chairman: - [email protected] new Chair - unable to meet for some time owing of Bromley to the many activities we are cur Little Thea rently engaged in but we will be meeting Tel: 07900 580841 tre and very soon. Key: Jane Buckland Ilooking - forward to However, I can report that our Christmas Finance: an exciting party was a resounding success - every [email protected] season body had a great time with excellent food, Boeing - Boeing at BLT. I have been a member for over music and Wayne’s hilarious games. T - Key: Howard Binysh nine years and in that time I have seen The January production an astonishing development in both the Artistic: had the audience in stiches with improb range and quality of productions. One of The Thrill Of Love [email protected] able story lines in contrast with February’s my ambitions in the role is to increase the - , the very haunting, true communication with members and involve Night Of January 16th, even more of you in the life of the theatre. story of Ruth Ellis. The first bar produc Tel: 07984 722308 We are very fortunate that we are able to tion this year very Keys: Pauline Armour / Jane Buckland cover our costs each year and often make different again and challenging. All three- Youth Group: a small profit which can be invested in productions were well received and much [email protected] replacing worn out equipment but this is appreciated. It must be said that BLT con
only possible because everyone involved - tinues to bring to Playgoers’ productions a with the running of BLT gives their time very high standard. Membership: entirely voluntarily. The only paid employ [email protected] In order to maintain this high standard, I ee is our cleaner. We are always looking must ask you again for volunteers in the for skilled and unskilled help. This can - involve you in a little as a couple of hours following capacities: bar, coffee bar, front Tel: 07871 155216 a month, doing a stint serving interval cof of house, set building and wardrobe. We- Key: Christina Jeremiah fees or drinks in the bar or helping once a badly need you as we are now doing so Box Office: year with costume changes and props on a much that is good and would like to con [email protected]
production. We can give training for more tinue to do so.
complex tasks such as operating lights or I can report good audiences in spite of the Tel: 07917 853621 sound for a show but you need have no dreadful weather we are experiencing right prior experience or skills. Key: Paul Ackroyd now so please keep coming, and if possible, - Pauline Pead Spotlights magazine: Do sign up for our ‘BLTins’. Our President, give us the support so desperately needed. [email protected] Michael York receives them and described them as lively and informative - which they are. Key: Stevie Hughes The 2014 season is full of interesting and Website: varied shows for our members and their [email protected] guests to enjoy. We are continuing our popular series of In The Bar productions and if you haven’t experienced the unique Tel: 07939 034437 atmosphere of these intimate BLT shows, Key: Stevie Hughes Clybourne Park why not make this the year you try one? Publicity: The April production of [email protected]
directed by Pauline Armour is entered for
both the Kent and the Bromley Theatre Guild festivals and we are hoping to equal or Key: Pat Jones - COVER: exceed the successes of last year with this Niki Mylonas in December’s production of Bar: edgy drama. The votes for the Sarnies nom The Flint Street Nativity [email protected] inations have now been cast and I hope that Photo: Phil Cairns (http://philcairns.zenfolio.com) we’ll see you at our light hearted awards ceremony on February 22nd. Tickets are Tel: 01689 870326 only £5 and include a drink and snacks. Key: Pauline Pead If you see me around BLT do please talk to me about your theatre: what you’ve enjoyed, what you would like to see in the future and I hope to meet as many of you www.BromleyLittleTheatre.orgBromley Little Theatre - Jane Buckland Registered Charity No. 1132561 as possible over the next few months. President: Michael York OBE Spotlights
‘Spotlights’ is designed and typeset by: is published by Bromley Little Theatre SpotlightsLtd., North Street, Bromley, Kent BR1 1SB. Any 07789 123719 views or opinions expressed by individuals in graphic design • web design • sound design are done so independently and are Call: [email protected] www.triocreative.com not necessarily the opinions of Bromley Little Playgoers’ Theatre Ltd. or its directors. Diary Noticeboard & Dates Latest News 2014 A Doll’s House: ON TOUR! Smoking A Doll’s House there Following Bromley Little Theatre’s sell out We would like to advise members and - are no shows on Sundays. 5-star production of Brock at the- guests that the smoking of tobacco and Except for ‘In The Bar’ productions, London Theatre, New Cross in January, the electronic cigarettes is not permitted any Programme ley Jack Theatre 22 to 26 April subjectFri 7 – Sat to change. 15 Mar 2014 at 7.45pm 29show April now to transfers 3 May 2014 to theat famous 7.45 where on the theatre premises. The Importance Of from and Ferrari’s Murder Mystery www.brockleyjack.co.uk . Tickets: Evening, November 2013 Being Earnest £14, £11 (conc) Book tickets online at: (no booking fee) or Box Office: Tel: 0333 666 3366 (£1.50 Directed by Stevie Hughes by Oscar Wilde booking fee applies to phone sales ONLY) BLT were approached by the manager of- Thu 20 – Sun 23 Mar 2014 at 7.45pm Ferrari’s last year about organising a joint If you missed it at BLT last October at at the fundraiser for Bromley Y, a local counsel Two London Theatre, catch it at this renowned ling service for young people. A small South London venue and see it again in an troupe of actors from BLT, directed by Jane Directed by Kyle Cluett “Adamson’s adaptation is a refreshing
In The Bar In The intimate fringe venue. by Jim Cartwright rebirth of the original … “ Buckland and Kyle Cluett, rehearsed an interactive evening of drama and presented Fri 4 – Sat 12 Apr 2014 at 7.45pm “… an emotive interpretation from script to the scenes while the audience ate a three Clybourne Park stage – highly sexed, humourous, percep- course dinner. We at BLT gave our services tively theatrical …” free of course and all profits were donated Directed by Pauline Armour (Performance Reviewed) to the charity by Ferrari’s; over £200 was by Bruce Norris raised. Fri 2 – Sat 10 May 2014 at 7.45pm Our story of the political campaign launch Office Suite Michael York of a would-be Bromley MP at a dinner, - Directed by Kay O’Dea allowed the audience to participate in by Alan Bennett the drama at key points. The MP and his Fri 6 - Sat 14 June 2014 at 7.45pm Michael and his wife, Pat, send their warm conniving wife greeted the guests when - est wishes to all the company at BLT. they arrived and talked to them between Julius Caesar Michael has suffered from Amyloidosis courses. The actor playing the local jour nalist tried to dig the dirt on the dodgy Directed by Jane Buckland for two years but was recovering well. - by William Shakespeare Sadly, the treatment for the after-effects of couple and was so successful that one table Fri 4 -Sat 12 July 2014 at 7.45pm chemotherapy have caused the return of thought he really was from The Newshop some of the amyloidosis symptoms. per and refused to answer his questions! The Cripple Of Dirty linen was washed in public, scandals We all send our very best wishes for a Inishmaan were revealed and characters murdered. speedy recovery from this setback, and Directed by Nikki Packham wish Michael well. We have been asked back to repeat the by Martin McDonagh successful formula on May 1st 2014 (but Incidentally, Michael reports that they have Thu 24 – Sat 26 July 2014 with a different plot) so watch the website, just had the warmest January on record BLTins and Ferrari’s own publicity for in Los Angeles, and they are talking about details! TBC rationing water! YouthThu 4 – SatTheatre 6 Sep 2014 atShow: 7.45pm Hazal Han and Jessica-Ann Jenner YOUTH THEATRE PRODUCTION in December’s production of The Flint Street Nativity All The Great Books (abridged) In The Bar In The Directed by Wayne Sheridan by Reed Martin & Austin Tichenor Fri 12 – Sat 20 September 2014 at 7.45pm My Boy Jack
Directed by Tony Jenner by David Haig Fri 10 – Sat 18 October 2014 at 7.45pm RolePlay
Directed by Debbie Griffiths by Alan Ayckbourn Fri 7 – Sun 15 November 2014 at 7.45pm Collaborators
Directed by Mike Savill by John Hodge
Review Variety LIVE! word”. Whilst an interesting idea, and Performance: when watching the show, this all added to the mood of relaxation and enjoyment November 2013 and breaking down of barriers but as an - attendee on the second night I did feel that- some of the enjoyment of surprise had o here I find myself attempting to ac been lost, having caught sight of some pho curately review BLT’s first (feel free to tos from the previous night’s performance; correct me, long-time members) variety and was a little confused, for a two night performance; or at least the first attempted run, as to who “the word” was supposed to - in the bar. And “Live” no less – as if it might be being passed onto. beS anything else? Yes, they really did want - “The Two Daves” (with instrumental back the acronym that badly. ing from Tom Dignum) kept the communal As a certainly varied and ambitious pro audience spirit up throughout the night with duction, and with a limited word count a number of enjoyable music-hall style, foot- (looking at me wasting words telling you stomping, clap-along, tongue-slipping tunes that) this is more than a challenge as a then generated a number of the funnier Whoops!first time BLT reviewer. I fully expect to audience moments – that more than made write double what people were expecting. up for the occasional level issue or lyric slip. I’m sure each member of the audience had their favourite but I’ll forever remember the With around twenty distinct and varied enthusiastic shouting about a certain large acts, I apologise in advance to those who - male avian from across the bar. may not get their fair share of my “unique wit”* but off the bat, I’ll just say that all in A number of sketches from notable British volved should feel justifiably proud of their comedians interspersed the evening’s respective contributions. entertainment; and as you might expect, having chosen from the best, I loved them As a bar production needing to support all. As an ensemble piece Monty Python’s myriad “cast sizes” and scenarios, the “The Four Yorkshiremen” was a simple stage was kept deliberately sparse; a small classic and Pauline Armour and Fiona square stage with a simple yet effective Cullen made the most of Victoria Wood’s VPL banner as a backdrop. Lighting within - socially satirical material; but I’d like to the space was, as usual, challenging and give special mention to Stevie Hughes’ concentrated on illuminating the main per take on The Two Ronnies’ “The Problem formance area well from all sides; although of Pismonunciation” and Paul Baker’s the odd effective spot, primarily for solo- re-enactment of Rowan Atkinson’s “Indian numbers, helped to break up the steady Restaurant” – both were simply joys to flow of acts coming on and off the stage. witness. As each sketch rested entirely on Pre-show & interval music was certainly - their respective shoulders, credit where eclectic (perhaps too so?) and a moment’s credit is due; Rowan at his best is a difficult amusement was had before the nights ac act to top and “Piss” is hard enough to read, tivities commenced, pondering what might never mind perform. possibly play next – so quite analogous of the coming evening’s entertainment, really. The Variety Performance, as the name suggests, showcased an assortment of -acts capably performed by a number of BLT regulars. Being performed by predomi nantly actors in a confined space, we were never going to witness circus acts or grand magical feats; and as such the makeup was heavily weighted towards comedy sketches and a number of musical/vocal numbers as a result. “The Two Daves”, Jones and Armour, started the evening off with a fun-loving song (Can you say that about the sinking of the Titanic?) and instantly established that- we were there for an entertaining night out and not to take things too seriously. Audi- ence participation was encouraged and the cast “introduced” either through instru ment, vocal contribution or…erm, kazoo? (A quick “well done” at this point to Tom Dignum for man-handling his double-bass off and on the stage all night long – not easy in the confined space of the bar).
Continuing to establish that this wasn’t Stevie Hughes performs at BLT’s your typical BLT show, audience members Variety Performance: Live! were encouraged to use social media, take photos and proverbially “pass the Review The Flint Street team who managed to create an oversized- Nativity (as much as one can in our little theatre) classroom replete with a small function December 2013 ing stage. The splinter-sharp dialogue was then intercut with some amazing songs (rewritten Christmas carols) to mirror the Attention class! mood of the scene with such titles as ‘My The Mouths closed - fingers on lips. house always smells of beer’ and ‘A Way Flint Street Nativity To Kill Mary’, however the show-stoppers Today I’m going to tell you the tale of - had to be the verbally complex and funny , an absolute Christmas ‘If There Was A God’ and a moving heartfelt triumph from BLT (Age 75) and the tal number ‘Lucky Lady’ sung as a trio of sad ented boys and girls who attend there. stories. The children’s portion of the play How do you do a ChristmasThe Flint showStreet that’s Nativity not climaxes with Mary and Joseph being just for kids, that’s not a panto...but is still joined in the stable by … another Mary; a bit Christmassy? another Jesus; a massive newt; a wise man is the story of a class of 7 year-olds who- bringing “More myrrh”; an innkeeper with are putting on a nativity for their parents. glued- down hair and … an astronaut! The last act of the play flips the perspec The curtain comes down on the fiasco and tive to the parents themselves discussing the parents begin to enjoy their mince pies the aftermath of the night’s presentation. and wine. This is where the true genius of However, there is a twist: each parent and this show comes into play as you begin to their respective child (both identified by see how the lives, attitudes and opinions of the character they play in the nativity) their parents have informed the children are played by the same adult actor. This is you’ve just seen. ’Herod’s Dad’ - always so one of those rare gems that works on so - busy it’s clear he just parks his son in front many levels. Tim Firth’s magnificent script of the TV or ‘Angel’s Mum’ - trying hard to manages to warm those nostalgic school be the best but always coming second. All day feelings and tug at your heart with played out note-perfectly by the actors who moments of true sweetness, but more than managed to inject a little bit of the child in anything, deliver moments that are wet- each of them and let it shine through. The your-pants hilarious. show came to a beautiful close as ‘Mary’s The evening begins as Mrs Horrocks mum’ - who is ever the hostess - takes a (symbolised by a glowing red light and moment alone to cry on the jungle gym. a booming tone) summons her class to She is interrupted by ‘Narrator’s Dad’, who attention and warns her jostling juniors - had managed to make it to see the show to behave. Queen of the classroom and after all. The moment between these two - general know it all ‘Mary’ (Jessica-Ann Jen brought the room to a gulped hush: a fine achievement when we had all been laugh Tom Collins. Kyle Cluett and (below) ner) glided around the classroom making - Thomas Dignum in December’s production sure ‘Herod’ (Richard Stewart) was ready ing in hysterics moments earlier. of The Flint Street Nativity and organised even though he’d rather play It’s impossible to pick out a single perform an imaginary game of ‘A Question of Sport’ ance as they were all so wonderful. It was than have to double up and play Joseph too. all about the little touches such as Emma Narrator ‘Tim’ (Phil Cairns) was struggling Berryman’s childish fiddling with her with ‘Learning his words’ while lisping new jumper or trousers; Susie Howell’s loveable boy ‘Frankincense’ (Kyle Cluett) struggled Irish angel beaming ever optimistically, to even pronounce his one line. Over on but then being shot down; Tom Dignum’s the cool kids’ table, ‘Gabriel’ (Hazal Han) death-glare when he ‘Dares Ya!’; Richard was still seething from being overlooked Stewart staring out at his Dad, muted and for the role of Mary. She conspired with frozen; Tom Collins as he bounced with - her (oft-reluctant) minions ‘Wise man endless energy and sang every song with Gold’ and ‘Angel’ (Emma Berryman and great aplomb; Kyle Cluett’s looks of frustra Susie Howell) to topple Mary from her role. tion when he couldn’t speak properly; In the naughty corner, ‘Innkeeper’ (Tom Niki Mylonas’ eerie quietness; Phil Cairns’ Dignum) was busy finding ways to get into heartbreaking declaration “It’s not me Dad trouble, all the time being watched over she’s come with”; Jessica-Ann Jenner trying by his better-behaved sister ‘Shepherd’ to ignore it all going wrong and Hazal Han’s (Niki Mylonas). Then, off with his head in soul-crushing scowl. the clouds, and beyond, was ‘Star’ (Tom - Collins) who was given the role because All of these devices were brought to play his uncle works for NASA. Finally there and used with great effectiveness by direc was ‘Ass’ (also Tom Collins) who seemed to tor Nikki Packham. She created a perfectly-- prefer life with a cardboard donkey head … paced slick show with the right blend of - so he never took it off! actors. She clearly influenced all perform ers, from the children through to their The nativity begins with the kids all cos adult counterparts that truly completed the tumed up in uniforms and makeshift garb show. from their home. Some nice old-school touches such as tea towel headscarves by Overall, the cast and crew of Flint Street Kerstin Beard and the costume co. really did very well indeed and they can tell their Mums and Dads that this reviewer is very added to the charm. The story plays out - Wayne Sheridan both on-stage and behind the scenes - a proud of them. You all get a star! Photos: Phil Cairns (http://philcairns.zenfolio.com) task made possible by Tony Jenner and his Review
In The Bar - The witnesses gave their account of that for instance, might have subtly heightened Night Of January night and it was obvious from each wheth - tension, but this is a minor criticism. Both er they were stating the facts, or were Steve Williams as the District Attorney and 16th for or against the accused. Each of the per Paul Campion as the Defense Counsel held January 2014 formances, however small, showed us the the stage effectively, varying tempo and essence of that person. Michael Baker as volume with skill. Night of January 16th Dr. Kirkland the medical examiner gave us Indeed there were no weak links in this - a lucid and suitably grave rendition of the The author of , Ayn cast. Joining the above were the Swedish facts. He was followed by David Howkins Rand, was inspired by events surround bookkeeper, loyal to the deceased, played as the night watchman, who gave a lovely ing the suicide of a Swedish businessman, with a quiet conviction by Fiona Cullen performance as an essentially timid man, whose vast empire was found to be a until her very effective outburst at the end, - unused to appearing in a court of law. In gigantic fraud, a scandal that rocked 1930s Robert Dilks as the father of the wife, a contrast, Patrick Neylan’s Homer Van New York society. As the “Note to Pro self-satisfied banker who gets his come- Fleet, private investigator, was very sure ducer” from the edition of the play dated uppence, the gangster ‘Guts’ Regan, played of himself and his spirited performance New York, June 1968 states: “This play with wonderful godfatherish aplomb by helped to lift the pace. Humour is not often is a murder trial without a prearranged Paul Baker, Josh Lawson as the Clerk of the to be found in a courtroom, but Wayne verdict. The jurors are to be selected from Court, giving the role the necessary gravity Sheridan as Inspector Sweeney extracted - the audience. They are to witness the play and Dennis Packham, always watchful and every ounce of fun from that character. In as real jurors and bring in a verdict at the ready to contribute as the judge. contrast the dour, but feisty victim’s house end of the last act. The play is built in such keeper was a delight to watch in the very Paul Campion’s direction was sure and a way that the evidence of the defendant’s capable hands of Jan Greenhough. effective, as was the lighting and sound guilt or innocence is evenly balanced and by Dave Jones. The costumes by Kerstin the decision will have to be based upon the The two main women in this drama, the Beard admirably reflected each character’s jurors’ own values and characters.” mistress on trial for her lover’s murder status and were properly of the period. and his wife were I think well written and Thus was the stage set for our January well acted. Charis Anna Beyer as the wife If you, like me were entertained by fifteen production ‘In The Bar’. The stage area is was convincingly downcast and restrained, actors in this small space for over 2 hours, small and a courtroom has the witnesses but she had her moments of retaliation and then delighted to be allowed to decide facing the prosecutor and defence counsel. and made the most of them. The mistress, the fate of one of them, I can only say, “Paul, That left very little room for manoeuvre languid and sensual in the first half and you and your cast and crew are guilty of a by either. Both actors used this tiny space - Nikki Packham totally crushed in the second was brought very good show.” as effectively as they could and the use of most effectively to life by Alison Green. panelling on both walls, together with an Perhaps there were times when a change of imposing chair for the witnesses provided position in the chair, a gripping of the arms a suitable courtroom effect. Alison Green, Paul Campion, Steve Williams and Charis Anna Beyer in January’s production of Night Of January 16th
In The Bar
Photos: Phil Cairns (http://philcairns.zenfolio.com) Previews Fri 7 – Sat 15 March 2014 at 7.45pm In The Bar (not Sunday 9) Thu 20 – Sun 23 March 2014 at 7.45pm Although set in Chicago, the themes are - particularly pertinent to modern day The Importance Two Britain as inner city areas become gentri fied and communities undergo irrevocable - Of Being change. Directed by Kyle Cluett - by Jim Cartwright Hailed as ‘shockingly entertaining’ and ‘ap Earnest pallingly funny’, this devastating satire ex plores the ever contentious themes of race 14 characters, two actors and one night Directed by Stevie Hughes and property ownership from two time By Oscar Wilde in a bar in Northern England. This is the periods and leaves the audience asking recipe for Jim Cartwright’s Two. Blended - whether ‘the issues festering beneath the The together with a whirlwind of emotion, floorboards are actually the same despite ImportanceGenerally acknowledged Of Being Earnest to be one of the ‘Norris’s play nails the thorny subject of race questionable customer service and unspo the 50 year time difference.’ world’s great comedies, Oscar Wilde’s ken truths. From the landlord and landlady relations with a bilious zest that takes one’s comes to BLT! who despise the sight and sound of one breath away.’ - The Guardian Abounding with razor-sharp apothegms, another to a shaken (not stirred) cocktail Clybourne Park hilariously unpleasant characters and an of customers, Two explores the different uproariously preposterous plot, Wilde’s types of relationships in society today. is BLT’s entry into both outrageous satire on the hypocrisy of the the Kent Festival and the Bromley Theatre rich has remained curiously topical(!) • KF adjudication : Fri 4 April 2014 Two was first performed in the Bolton Guild Festival. – and is the most popular of all his works. • BTG adjudication: Tue 8 April 2014 Octagon Theatre in 1989 and transferred Jack Worthing pretends to be his fictitious to the Young Vic in 1990. It has been NOTE: brother, Ernest, whenever he leaves his performed in many different ways, most This play contains adult themes and country home to seek pleasure in London. recently, a production from Deafinitely strong language. Jack is besotted with Gwendolen and is Theatre at the Southwark Playhouse which Martin Phillips delighted that she accepts his proposal of incorporated British Sign Language. Cast: - “Jim Cartwright’s 1989 play is a distillation Hilary Cordery marriage although her predilection for him (no pun intended) of what we’ve all expe- Russ/Dan – Maxine Edwards seems based solely on the fact that she be rienced whilst nursing a drink in the local Bev/Kathy – Matthew Platt lieves his name to be Ernest. However, after – rows, adolescent showing off, pathetic Francine/Lena –Christopher Nelson her mother, the formidable Lady Bracknell, pick-up lines and overheard snippets of Jim/Tom/Kenneth Laura – Kenward learns of Jack’s lowly orphan status, any bizarre conversations” Albert/Kevin Howie – Ripley question of his marriage to her daughter – J. D. Atkinson, British Theatre Guide Betsy/Lindsey – is swiftly ruled out.nom Gwendolen’s de guerre cousin,- Karl/Steve – Algernon, is witness to all this and, after - Fri 3 – Sat 10 May 2014 at 7.45pm unmasking Jack’s and in (not Sunday 5)
trigued by the discovery that Jack is guard CAST: Piers Newman ian to a young girl, sneaks down to Jack’s Landlord and all male characters : country home pretending to be ‘Ernest’. He Office Suite : immediately falls in love with the young in absentia Debbie Griffiths girl, onlyhis to learn that she has fallen in love Landlady and all female characters Directedby Alan Bennett by Kay O’Dea with him – simply because she believes name to be Ernest! Friday 3 – Saturday 12 April 2014 (not Sunday 5) When Jack, Lady Bracknell and Gwendolen A Visit from Miss Pro- arrive, the absurdity reaches its peak! theroAlan Bennett’sGreen Office Forms Suite consists of two one act plays: namely The cream of BLT’s regular acting brilliance Clybourne Park and . They were written combine with some sparkling brand new in the late 1970′s – pre-office computers talent to bring this hilarious comedy to the Directed by Pauline Armour and modern technology. BLT stage for the first time this century! by Bruce Norris Bennett’s acute and succinct script enables CAST: Susie King Tom Collins us to identify human nature at close range, Hugely praised by critics and audiences Elaine : Sam Cormack - involving pathos and humour – often in alike when it opened at the Royal Court in Algernon MoncrieffSarah : Hinchliffe the same sentence! Observations of ‘office’ 2010, this smash hit and dark, satirical com Jack Worthing : Charis Anna Beyer procedures – albeit set in an earlier decade edy moved on and played to great acclaim Lady Bracknell :Elizabeth Steele – strikes a chord which many will identify at Wyndhams in 2011, winning the Olivier Gwendolen FairfaxNikki Packham: in today’s business world. Award for Best New Play. It then went on - Cecily CardewDennis : Packham The characters are recognisable today to take Broadway by storm, winning both a Miss Prism :Phil Cairns which makes these two one act plays rel Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize. Dr. Chasuble : evant and accessible to a modern audience. Merriman : In 1959, in a suburb of Chicago, Russ and CAST:A Visit from Miss Prothero Bev are selling their desirable three bed Trisha Osborne-King roomed bungalow at a knock-down price. Felix Catto This enables the first black family to move Miss Prothero: Green Forms: February’s The Thrill in, creating a ripple of discontent amongst Mr Dodsworth: Karen O’Neill the white residents of Clybourne Park. In Of Love will be reviewed Emma Kerby-Evans 2009, the same property is being bought in the next edition of Doris: Alexander Macdonald by Lindsey and Steve, an upwardly mobile- Doreen: Spotlights white couple, whose plans to raze the house Lomax: and start again is met with a similar re Kay O’Dea: [email protected] sponse from the local residents’ association. For more info:
www.TicketSource.co.uk/BromleyLittle [email protected] • 0844 8700 887
To BOOK: Visit: • Email: Tel: Auditions The Cripple Of My Boy Jack RolePlay
Inishmaan Directed by Tony Jenner Directed by Debbie Griffiths by David Haig A comedy by Alan Ayckbourn Audition date: Sun 18 May 2014 at 2pm Audition Date: Sun 18 May 2014 at 4pm Directed by Nikki Packham by Martin McDonagh Playing dates: Performance Dates: Audition date: Sun 9 Mar at 5pm Thu 11 - 20 September 2014 at 7.45pm Thu 9 – Sat 18 October 2014 at 7.45pm Performance dates: (not Sun 14) (not Sunday 12) Thu 3 - Sat 12 July 2014 at 7.45pm - (not Sun 6) Britain is on the brink of war and Rudyard Justin and Julie-Ann, both in computers and The Beauty Queen of Leenane Kipling is adamant that his son Jack goes hopelessly mismatched in love, are about- to Ever since I had the good fortune to play off to fight for King and Country. After Jack introduce their respective parents to each Mag in , I’ve is turned down a number of times owing to other over dinner: Justin’s upper-crust al longed for the chance to be involved again his severe near-sightedness, Kipling pulls coholic mother from Surrey and Julie-Ann’s with the workThe of Cripple the wonderful of Inishmaan Martin some strings and gets him into the Irish - bigoted Yorkshire father and prim mother. McDonagh and now my prayers have been Guards. The action switches to the trenches Into this doomed scenario drops, literally, answered! is set in France where Jack is lost in battle. Fol via the balcony upstairs, Paige Petite, a on a remote island off the west coast of lowing a lengthy search, a man is found former lap-dancer with suicidal tendencies Ireland. The year is 1934; the setting a who was with him on that day. The truth is and her thick, gun-toting minder who is- small rural community that, when word hard on all concerned as the consequences employed by her violent boyfriend. They arrives that a Hollywood film is being made of Kipling’s dogged determination to send proceed to wreak havoc on the meticu on a neighbouring island, feels the effects his teenage son to the trenches triggers a lously planned evening, but the brilliantly in one way or another of this news, but bitter family conflict. orchestrated mayhem is tempered by none more so than poor crippled Billy, and subtle insights into family relationships and David Haig’s play is a moving and powerful- the tale of his desperate desire to be in the account of the anguish at the heart of the class distinctions. film fuels a chain of catastrophic events. man whose storytelling continues to de CAST:Justin Lazenby: This is black comedy at its finest – by turns light millions of people all over the world. 20’s – 30’s (Large role). very funny and incredibly sad. The play Rudyard Kipling requires southern Irish accents. Character Descriptions: This is a challenging part for a male actor. – mid-forties at start of Justin is a successful professional who is - Don’t be put off by this because the Carrie Kipling marrying for all the wrong reasons. As the rhythms of the piece will greatly help the play John “Jack” Kipling play progresses, his heart, values and loyal actors to achieve this – have a go! – Rudyard’s wife, American tiesJulie-Ann change. Jobson: CAST:Kate Eileen Elsie “Bird” Kipling – 16. Rudyard’s son, His fiancée, 20’s – early- and – middle-aged sisters, like Bowe – 18. John’s sister, 30’s (Medium role). This character is two peas in a pod. Wonderfully humorous highly strung, prissy and irritating. A Don – soldier in the trenches, any age. roles.Johnypateenmike 40s/60s. Medium roles. caster accent would be desirable, though Irish.McHugh (trench scenes in Act 1. Also in Act 2) notPaige essential. Petite: – a wonderful character - – soldier in the trenches – any age who’s main aim in life is to gather news by An ex-dancer, late 20’s – 30’s- Irish.Doyle (trench scenes in Act 1) any means and expect some sort of pay (Large role). A coarse character designed ment for it. He can’t keep his mouth shut! – soldier in the trenches – any age to upset the proceedings. The actress play Mr. Frankland 40/60s.Billy Medium role. Irish. (trench scenes in Act 1) ing this part will need to display a hard outer shell, but also reveal moments of – an orphan, looked after by Kate and- – friend of Bowe (one scene Major Sparks vulnerability.Micky Rale: Eileen. Crippled since birth with a crippled in Act 2) arm and leg. A dreamer desperate to es – army doctor (one scene in An ex-boxer, late 30’s - 40’s - cape this stifling community. Aged 18, but ActCol. 1) Rory Pottle (Medium role). This character is loyal to his canBartley of course be older. Medium role. boss, but needs to display an understand – Army Medical Board ingDerek of Paige’s Jobson: plight. – a young man obsessed with (one scene in Act 1) Tony - sweets! The butt of his big sister’s wilful Jenner 07974 373 873 tonyj@ Julie-Ann’s father, 50’s - actions, but manages to hold firm. Playing bromleylittletheatre.orgFor further details please contact (Medium role). A boring, bigot from Don ageHelen 17 or older. Medium role. on or at caster who is full of his own self-impor tance. A convincing northern accent will – Bartley’s older sister. Hyperactive, beDee required. Jobson: particularly where eggs are concerned! Great interplay with Bartley and Billy. Julie-Ann’s mother, 50’s Not a sweet young thing, though she may (Medium role). A boring, prim, snob from look it! Playing age 18, but can be older. Doncaster. A convincing northern accent Arabella Lazenby: MediumBabbybobby role. will be required. – strong, muscular, straight Justin’s mother, 50’s- talking and on the surface a bit of a thug, (Medium role). A non-PC alcoholic who but he does have a softer side. 30s/40s. constantly puts her foot in it. Good re SmallerDoctor role. ceived pronunciation essential. - Mammy – Middle-aged. Smaller role. All characters will need good comic timing and an ability to play comic roles in a real – Should look about 90. istic style. Realistic relationships between Smaller role. Nikki Packham [email protected] the families is more important than strict Please contact the director adherence to the quoted age ranges.Debbie for further info: Griffiths: [email protected] For further information, contact www.TicketSource.co.uk/BromleyLittle [email protected] • 0844 8700 887
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Photo: Tim Hinchliffe (www.timhinchliffe.com) Tim Hinchliffe Photo: Boeing-Boeing January 2014 Karen O’Neill, Jaimi Keemer and Chris de Pury in January’s production of Boeing-Boeing
check! U check! nlikely plot … of the all the confusion and brought many also a newcomer to the theatre. Although - check! Improbable situations … of the evening’s laughs, as much through from Poland she convinced as a fiery Latina check! a marvellously expressive performance both in her accent and her feisty tempera Numerous entrances and exits … as through delivery - I will remember her ment. Again, here was an actress possessed Increasingly frenetic events … apparition through the door porthole for a of a good sense of timing, a strong sense time to come. of character and a natural presence that Ladies and gentlemen welcome to your Boeing-Boeing engaged from the off. farce, we hope you enjoy your journey. Playing Robert, Bernard’s old buddy from the States, was Chris De Pury, one of a It was quite clear that this ensemble had My first take of even before number of newcomers debuting on the- enjoyed working together and by the time entering the theatre was of a product stage this evening. Although the rapid I had come to see it, the sense of pace so definitely of its time. Written by Marc reuniting of these old friends was dis important to this genre was running like- Camoletti in 1960 this, the most-performed pensed with at an unlikely speed it didn’t clockwork. That this great dynamic had French play in the world as it happens, much matter, it merely made clear that as been created in a cast with so many new was a celebration of all things swinging an audience our interest was not so much comers is tribute to the exceptional work and a testament to the jet age. A sense of in character development but getting that clearly went on in rehearsals. Special period was immediately established by straight into the action. That is not to say mention, by the way, must also go to the Phil Cairn’s striking set- a multi levelled that there was no characterisation in this sourcing of the stewardesses’ costumes monochrome bachelor pad complete with show, quite the opposite, and Chris made a which perfectly captured the sense of the Mondrian inspired artwork as centrepiece - truly impressive first impression with his 60s travel experience; no easy task I am that not only held the room together but pitch perfect American accent, wonderful certain. also provided subtle symbolic foreshad sense of timing and controlled sense of owing with its splashes of red, yellow and Needless to say that in the play, things all - momentum, whether frantically trying to blue. This proved a marvellous playground worked out well in the end and I know the hide an airport bag or boyishly looking out for the actors to work their craft both on audience laughed a lot in the process. I cer for another kiss because of the shape of- his two levels and, as every good comedy of tainly enjoyed it for the harmless, engaging mouth. A pleasure to watch, I certainly look this nature requires, through a variety of fun it was. The directorial hand of Wayne forward to seeing him in future produc entrances and exits. Sheridan was clearly in evidence, writing tions sooner rather than later. - as one who has been on the receiving end The story itself, again as is customary, is The same can also very much be said for of such guidance, and I recognised more tissue thin but serves up to establish more the ladies playing Bernard’s trio of fian- than a couple of flourishes which brought and more chaos as the master of the house - cées. Confident and watchable in whatever a smile to the face. I understand that every Bernard, an American architect, finds his state of dress or undress the play de night saw more and more elements being perfect life engaged to three steward manded of them, they each proved striking- developed or dropped as the run went on esses, none of them knowing of the others, foils to the bumbling and stumblings of the and that speaks volumes for the confidence becoming rather bumpy when his friend men-folk on stage and kept the play bub and clear camaraderie of this group. Music Robert comes to stay. The innovative bling along nicely. was spot-on in its selection, not only in design of a new and speedier Boeing jet terms of evoking time and mood but also throws off all of his careful planning with, Although not strictly a first-timer, Jaimi through subtle allusions to themes and ultimately, all three women being in town Keemer was last on stage in Bromley plot. Touches such as the appearance of the simultaneously. Robert forgets which lies eight years ago. This return to the stage as Hamlet girls at the beginning of the show whilst to tell to whom, and catastrophe looms. As Gloria, the American TWA bombshell had a Mr Sheridan’s warming tones welcomed us I said, it ain’t! wonderful sass and confidence about her. Although, like all the characters in this play, to our flight, and the inter-act distribution Martin Phillips’s performance as Bernard Gloria is little more than a stereotype, Jaimi of drinks and nuts - unfortunately denied picked up where his memorable and Moonlight And Magnolias brought an engaging allure to the role that me in my back row haunt - merely added engaging rendering of Victor Fleming in held the attention throughout. to the playfulness and lively flavour of the left off. With a evening. wonderful sense of energy and an assured Another debutante to the BLT stage, This kind of farce isn’t my thing, I’ll say it presence that commanded from the off Jenny Staehle’s portrayal of Gretchen the now, after all the above. I usually find it there was no difficulty in accepting him Teutonic vixen from Lufthansa was equally rather intolerable and difficult to enjoy as confident playboy and Lothario. The assured and suitably powerful both in her - - but when it is done like this then I have no breakdown from swaggering Casanova to dominance of the scenes and poor Robert.- trouble handing money over for the price frantic instrument of farce was a pleas Perfectly inhabiting the stereotypical Rhin of a ticket. So, hats off to the crew for a ure to behold. He is ably backed up in his emaiden in cold, precise and command ingly strident fashion, she delivered with perfectly pleasant flight, a smooth landing deception in his blissful love nest by Bertha - Boeing-Boeing!! expert timing and vigorous energy. and some marvellous entertainment. his maid, played by BLT stalwart Karen - Mike Savill O’Neill. Her deliciously dry and deadpan Completing the trio as Gabriella, the Alita Thank you for flying 10 performance proved an anchor in the heart lia hostess, was Dorota Zakrzynska, herself Review Dorota Zakrzynska and Martin Phillips in January’s production of Boeing-Boeing
Boeing-Boeing January 2014
Photo: Tim Hinchliffe (www.timhinchliffe.com) Jessica-Ann Jenner, Susie Howell, Hazal Han, Emma Berryman, Tom Collins and Niki Mylonas in December’s production of The Flint Street Nativity
Photo: Phil Cairns (http://philcairns.zenfolio.com)
Photo: Tim Hinchliffe (www.timhinchliffe.com)
Jaimi Keemer, Dorota Zakrzynska, Martin Phillips, Chris de Pury, Jenny Staehle and Karen O’Neill in January’s production of Boeing-Boeing