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'LOCKDOWN UPDATE' no.5

BBC & Co. remaking 's with a stellar lockdown cast

There can't be many amateur theatre companies that haven't produced their own series of Talking Heads shows...

This week, filming began today on new productions of Alan Bennett’s critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning monologues, which first aired on BBC Television in 1988 and 1998.

Ten of the original pieces will be re-made with the addition of two new ones written by Bennett last year. They are produced by ’s London Theatre Company and Kevin Loader, and will air in the coming months on BBC One.

As the British public service broadcaster, the BBC has a key role to play in continuing to offer new programming for our audience at this time of national crisis. The contained nature of Bennett's monologues allowed the opportunity to tell timely and relevant stories while following the latest government guidelines on safe working practices during Covid-19. Alan Bennett told Sardines: "In such difficult circumstances, that the BBC should choose to remount both series of Talking Heads, and produce two entirely new ones, is a comfort and a huge compliment. I hope a new generation of actors will get and give as much pleasure as we did twenty and thirty years ago."

The televised monologues will star the cream of today's acting establishment such as (), (Sherlock Holmes), (Episodes), (Silk) and (Flesh and Blood) to name just five.

Nicholas Hytner, Bennett's long- term collaborator and Lead Director and Producer, said: "Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads are among the masterworks of one of the very greatest writers in TV, film and theatre history. It has been a profound and fascinating experience to work out a way of making them again, this time with a company of phenomenal actors who are the equal of those who first made them; with a group of leading theatre directors, colleagues and Alan Bennett and Nicholas Hytner. Photo: Manuel Harlan friends of long standing; and with a team behind the camera that represents the best of the British TV and film industries. It is a wonderful bonus that two of the 2020 Talking Heads are totally new, written only a short time before the current crisis began. And everyone involved has been working in an unprecedented way, rigorously observing social distancing, entirely rethinking ways of filmmaking that until a few weeks ago seemed routine. The shoot will never bring any of us within touching distance of each other, but I hope that in every other way it will reach out and touch millions of viewers. We are all of us beyond grateful to the BBC for setting us this challenge."

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, says: "Covid-19 has laid waste to drama production in the UK, but it has also posed a challenge: how do we adhere to restrictions while still offering British viewers the chance to lose themselves in great stories at this time of national need? Full of insight, wit, daring and compassion, these are stories of individual lives - but of great resonance. I am so grateful to Alan, Nicholas Hytner, Kevin Loader and the whole team for the caution, ingenuity and wisdom which they have shown in bringing these stories to the screen."

The Talking Heads monologues were first broadcast on the BBC in 1988 and 1998, breaking new ground for television and widely celebrated as Alan Bennett’s masterpieces. They had a stellar cast including , , , , , , and , alongside Bennett himself. The monologues won two BAFTAs, an RTS award and have also since been included on the A-level and GCSE English Literature syllabus.

The monologues which will air on BBC One in the coming months are as follows:

[Listed in alphabetical order - see photo above] 1. Jodie Comer in (1988), directed by 2. in The Shrine (2019), directed by Nicholas Hytner 3. Martin Freeman in (1988), directed by 4. Tamsin Greig in Nights in the Garden of Spain (1998), directed by Marianne Elliott 5. Sarah in An Ordinary Woman (2019), directed by Nicholas Hytner 6. in (1988), directed by Nicholas Hytner 7. in Playing Sandwiches (1998), directed by Jeremy Herrin 8. Maxine Peake in Miss Fozzard Finds Her Feet (1988), directed by 9. Rochenda Sandall in The Outside Dog (1998), directed by Nadia Fall 10. in The Hand of God (1998), directed by Jonathan 11. Imelda Staunton in (1988), directed by Jonathan Kent 12. in (1988), directed by Marianne Elliott

Filming is taking place at BBC Elstree Studios using existing sets. The Talking Heads production team are following the latest government guidelines on Covid-19 to ensure that the series is made safely and responsibly.

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CLICK FOR MORE! (Use code: isolationoffer) Existing subscriber? (Code: isolationextension)

(we will add an extra free issue to an extended 1 or 2-year subscription) All cards securely accepted including PayPal accounts NOTE: Subscriptions are NOT affected by the unavoidable break in production. Even though Sardines will not be publishing throughout Jun/Jul, our next issue (no.49) will simply be delayed until 1st August (fingers crossed) rather than cancelled. Lauren and Mr Logan (part II)

We thought this hilarious sketch from last week's Big Night In on BBC One was worth a share.

It features Lauren Cooper () and her new English teacher, Mr Logan (), as the Coronavirus forces lessons to go online. This is how to perform comedy, folks!

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AMATEUR THEATRE PICKS

While members of the professional theatre industry are understandably fighting for their careers right now, amateur theatre companies, societies, charities and groups across the country are coming up with some incredibly creative ways to maintain the status quo.

There are far too many to list in a single newsletter, so here are just a few good ideas:

You Can't Stop the Three Towns' Beat! Three Towns Theatre Company - based in Medway, Kent - has created a wonderful feel-good lip-sync video of one of the greatest musical finales of all time... Hairspray's You Can't Stop the Beat.

In addition, the amateur society has a been busy creating "a picture video with a message, rehearsals via video link, games and tasks on its members-only page, online quiz night, videoed book readings... all to keep everyone together and involved and to keep creativity going."

Bravo! - click the video to watch

Strollers' Lockdown Song

The (Isle of) Wight Strollers' fortieth anniversary year may not be turning out quite as the society had previously planned... but they’re still finding ways to celebrate! Inspired by all the wonderful virtual singing groups popping up across the country, over forty Wight members submitted videos of themselves singing the group's pantomime finale song, It’s Not Where You Start, It’s Where You Finish, sung every year since its formation and known by all Strollers, past and present. And so, we are proud to present here - to hopefully raise a smile and spread some joy - The Wight Strollers in Lockdown!

Parenthood

Here are all three casts of PARENTHOOD - The (Brand New!) Musical Revue from Kent's very own Fluffy Top Productions singing the finale Home from lockdown. Music and Lyrics by Pete Moody & Emily Moody | Copyright: Pete Moody & Emily Moody

Vocals: Ben Gaston, Elizabeth Cachia, Mark Fromings, Emily Clare, Jordan Brown, Astra Beadle, Katie Rayner, Bruce Hanson, Alice Kattner, Jordan-David Copping, Naomi Jones, Jake Pearse, Heather Broderick.

Facebook | Instagram | : @FluffyTOPProd / @ParenthoodStage

BPs going live!

Not to be deterred by having to reschedule dates for Shrek the Musical, Bromley Players (regular performers at Eltham's Bob Hope Theatre) have started streaming a series of 'stagey' live online sessions.

"Join 'Miss Laura!' we have got your music, fitness and stagey school afternoon covered! You can thank us later."... it says on the group's Facebook page.

Activities last until 3 May and are completely FREE!

More HERE

Priory Theatre's archive fire footage

The rebuilding of the Priory Theatre, Kenilworth. Liturally a phoenix from the flames! On 4 September 1976 came the destruction of thirty years hard work when fire gutted the Priory Theatre in Kenilworth, Warwickshire. Undaunted, the members set about the rebuilding, making great improvements to all areas. This video shows the two years following the fire, leading up to the reopening in 1978. Click above to watch the video.

Weekly schedule in Ealing

One of London's largest and most respected amateur , Questors Theatre in Ealing, is offering an entire weekly schedule of initiatives...

According to The Questors' website, "We might not be at our lovely premises in Ealing for now, but that won't stop us from bringing you lots of fun things to see and do during the lockdown period! Please see below for our weekly schedule, to be updated with more information." MONDAY Monday Musings: looking back on our archives. Images from past shows are posted across our social media channels - Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. TUESDAY Bridging the Gap. This project helps to bring people together during lockdown. You can submit what you’ve been up to throughout the week to [email protected]. Submissions we receive are posted each Tuesday on our socials and website, with a highlight chosen. WEDNESDAY Bridging the Gap QYT. Activities for children and members of QYT are posted on the QYT section of our website. Please send in your work to [email protected] and we will provide you with free feedback. QLive Workshops at 5:30pm on our Instagram. We will have a series of 30-min masterclasses going out live on our Instagram, one per week, on different topics led by different people. Launching mid-May! THURSDAY Our weekly newsletter is sent out. FRIDAY Scenes in Soltitude. We are putting together a programme of recorded pieces written, directed and acted by our members, starting with short monologues. These videos will then be posted on our socials as well as YouTube. Launching end of May! SATURDAY & SUNDAY Any other activities we have over the will be posted here. Watch this space!

To find out more click HERE

Simply Auditions

Surrey-based Simply Theatre has run an entirely remote audition process over a period of around ten days for its September production of Parade - to be performed in Woking's Rhoda McGaw Theatre.

The resulting cast includes no less than fourteen brand new members for Simply Theatre. Of course, the audition process is only the start of a long and challenging rehearsal process. Simply Theatre isn't wasting any time and has already organised a read through and accent workshop next week. Read more HERE

Woodseats of Love

While we are all stuck inside we decided to come together digitally and create some incredible harmonies!

Here some of Woodseats Musical Theatre Company's extremely talented members performing Seasons of Love from Rent! Click below to watch.

Play Readings Galore

Sudbury Dramatic Society - like societies all over the country - has been holding online play readings, as has Maidenhead Drama Guild. In fact MDG has also been running its rehearsals, quizzes and committee meetings online too. Joining Sudbury and Maidenhead with online play readings is 's Theatre.

Beyond Boundaries Theatre (created recently in March during the current health crisis) has now established a regular play-reading group and is streaming on a weekly basis, unrehearsed readings and also recording plays for radio. Its next one takes place tomorrow... all the parts have now been cast but you can find out more about taking part HERE (or click the image below).

Join the Beyond Boundaries Theatre Facebook Group HERE FOR/FROM THE STUDENTS... Guildhall free streaming

Guildhall School of Music & Drama is streaming Provok’d: A Restoration in 360° for FREE

Daniel Adeosun, Sophie Doyle, Emily Fairn, Bella Maclean, Deborah Bahi, Shaka Kalokoh. Photo: Mihaela Bodlovic 2019

The ground-breaking piece of theatre is written and devised by the Company of Guildhall School actors, can be streamed for free from until Friday, 15 May.

Online audiences can watch the play in 360° on Guildhall School’s website HERE. It is powered by LIVR Player from LIVR; the world’s first virtual reality content platform dedicated to theatre.

The innovative performance combines Restoration Comedies of the 17th Century with original rap and hip hop. As a group of actors come together to rehearse period scenes, a rising sense of anarchy bubbles up as they question which stories deserve to be retold. It is regarded as an important piece of theatre for our time, tackling issues such as gender, politics, race and sexuality.

Watch the director, Jamie Bradley, and cast talk about the production Leicester Lockdown

https://www.leicestertheatregroup.com/

The Coronavirus pandemic isn't managing to muffle the Midlands... or indeed the good people of Leicester either. The youth theatre (11-18 years) has also conducted online auditions for its 2021 production, Bugsy Malone.

In addition, LTG is also running online rehearsals "and the occasional quiz / chat group to share the love of theatre and singing!"

More HERE

Ariel Goes Digital

Like most other part-time schools, Ariel Company Theatre has been providing digital Academy lessons for our students. Visit: www.arielct.co.uk

Petchey's Passion Sir Jack has been working from home, staying updated on what the Foundation is doing on a daily basis. He wanted to give all of you supporting young people at this time a big thumbs up!

The Jack Petchey Foundation has created a brand new Jack Petchey's Community Nominations award specifically to recognise amazing young people doing something special for others during lockdown!

We know it is tough for the older generation who are forced to self-isolate at the moment. You can show you care by posting a message telling us how how an older person you know has inspired you. It could be a neighbour, relative or family friend who is over 70. Maybe you remember playing games with them or they taught you a new skill. Share the story on social media using the hashtag #InspringMyGeneration. Tag The Jack Petchey Foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get it shared!

Find out about all of the Jac Petchey Foundation's initiatives below...

JPF Website

BYMTalks

As with many other companies, British Youth Music Theatre has seen its activities challenged by the coronavirus outbreak. Having nurtured young talent for the past 16 years, it is important to find new ways and tools to energise the mind, challenge young people’s creativity and bring their vision to life. BYMT has recently introduced its first free-access webinar series BYMTalks, exploring the secrets of the theatre industry. Every Saturday, virtually-hosted special guests with extensive experience in the industry give young audiences exclusive insights into the theatre world.

Among many others, multi-award-winning director Luke Sheppard (&Juliet, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾), West End actor Alex Hammond (Pretty Woman, Matilda) and West End performer Grace Mouat (&Juliet) were part of the panel answering questions live.

Check out BYMT's YouTube channel HERE

Here not There

Gary Oldman and are set to be part of a virtual gala showcasing young stars of the future from .

The Oscar-winning actors are among a host of stars taking part in Here Not There, a digital showcase of children’s writing that will premiere online at 2pm on Saturday, 2nd May 2020.

Here Not There has been created by acclaimed children’s literacy charity Grimm & Co to celebrate the incredible work produced by young people who have taken part in the charity’s free writing workshops. Led by one of Grimm & Co’s patrons, actor and writer Paul Clayton, Here Not There will offer an hour-long extravaganza of extraordinary writing brought to life by leading lights from across the arts.

Alongside Academy Award winning actors Gary Oldman and Olivia Colman, the digital gala will feature performances of children’s work by such luminaries as Grimm & Co patrons (Sherlock, Dracula) and Joanne Harris (Chocolat), Grimm & Co trustee Jeremy Dyson (The League of Gentleman, Ghost Stories), and household names such as David Mitchell (Peep Show), Ricky Champ (EastEnders), Lucy Benjamin (EastEnders), David Ames (), Robert Bathurst (Cold Feet), (Game of Thrones), and Connor Calland (Hollyoaks), alongside many others.

Here Not There will premiere online at 2pm on Saturday, 2 May 2020, and can be viewed by the world on Grimm & Co’s YouTube channel HERE

Paul Clayton, Patron

Joanne Harris, Patron

Jeremy Dyson, Patron Monolaughs in May

On May 9th at 7pm, Monolaughs, an hour of original monologues and one- person sketches written and performed entirely by students in isolation will be arriving on the ADC YouTube channel. The show is the brainchild of co-director Matt Davies, an undergraduate at Girton College.

For Matt, Monolaughs is about ‘taking the viewer’s mind back to the glorious place where we can laugh out loud without thinking about the elephant in the room – that Joe Wicks is married and thus unavailable’. Other co-director Ayush Prasad, a Materials Science PhD student, notes that the format is ‘the perfect way to deliver comedy right now. Our cast are in the same situation as so many of us, but some of the cast have chosen to dress in a suit and nappy for your viewing pleasure’.

The directorial team have encouraged performers to think outside the box and take advantage of the recorded format, and they have certainly risen to the challenge. Between them, they have put together a show containing sketches and monologues on all sorts of topics: from a murder mystery trial to an unrequited first date to a rant on the Classic FM top 300.

In the face of being trapped alone with no sun and a laptop, some of Cambridge’s finest comedians have created a series of inventive and clever ways to be funny in isolation, in doing so demonstrating that the show and the laughs must go on. Watch HERE

A LITTLE ISOLATION HELP

By The Baby Show team | @thebabyshow

Parenting expert reveals how to make isolation easier for little ones.

Being put in isolation is tough for anyone, but particularly little ones who are too young to understand why. Here’s a few ways to make it easier for them: 1. Children love routine, so try to have a routine that is as similar as possible to what they are used to, despite being house bound. Keep mealtimes and bedtimes the same and set up daily games that you can play together at certain times. Routines make children feel safe.

2. If they are old enough to understand, explain why things are different - using age appropriate language. Children won’t understand why they suddenly aren’t allowed to go outside to the playground or to see a friend. Say something like “we need to stay inside for a bit because outside is feeling a little bit poorly at the moment so we need to wait until it feels better.”

3. Make hand washing etc FUN. Challenge them to sing “happy birthday” three times whilst washing their hands, or turn it into a competition and see who can make their hands the “soapiest” whilst washing. You could even have a reward chart for every time they wash their hands well.

4. If you, as a parent, are unwell and have decided to send your little one to a friends/their grandparents to be looked after whilst you are in isolation, then make sure you communicate with them as much as possible. Video calls are something you can do every day to reassure them you are ok and miss them.

5. If your child has been put into isolation then try and make sure they still have a chance to communicate with other children. Video call a friend who has a child of a similar age and let them see each other.

6. If you feel happier if your toddler wears a mask, turn it into a game. Tell your toddler that he can be a “doctor” for the day and explain that doctors always wear masks when they are doing “important things.” Children like having fun so turn anything they might initially view as “scary” into a game.

WHALLEY'S WHITTINGTON

The pantomime paved with gold - written by Tom Whalley - is now available for licensing worldwide. "Dick is a dreamer and has his sights set on London; the city paved with gold. With his trusty pussy cat by his side, he gets a job at Alderman Fitzwarren's Store but the city is under attack from the most villainous, vermin of them all; King Rat! With the help of his new love Alice, Fairy Bow Bells, Sarah the Cook and her silly son - Idle Jack, will Dick be able to vanquish the vermin?"

REQUEST YOUR FREE PERUSAL COPY

TOP TEN FROM BEN

We've featured quite a bit from popular panto playwright, Ben Crocker, recently including the fact that he's offered all of his works free for online readings during the lockdown.

In addition, he has also released his top-10 pantos as licensed by societies and companies over the previous season. They are:

1. Treasure Island 2. Cinderella (Versions 1 & 2) 3. Aladdin 4. Camelot the Panto 5. Snow White 6. Dick Whittington 7. Robin Hood 8. Sleeping Beauty 9. Puss in Boots 10. Beauty & the Beast

(Just outside the top 10 are) 11. Ali Baba 12. Jack and the Beanstalk 13. Mother Goose

Can you find your production? As you can see, Treasure Island once again bagged the no.1 spot. The ladies of the Smuggler's Cove Women's Institute joining Long John Silver's pirate crew is an idea that seems to go down very well with audiences all over the world.

Ben Crocker's website

CELEBRATE THE LORD AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

>>> Amateur Theatre Favourite! <<<

This week's free offering from (available for 48 hours from 7pm tonight) is...

...On The Shows Must Go On YouTube channel! The tribute features music from Andrew's major musicals including: CATS, The Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Sunset Boulevard. THRILLER ALMOST LIVE

Like so many other shows, both amateur and professional, two productions of Thriller Live closed their doors early - leaving the casts, bands and crews to play their final performances without even realising it.

It's all pretty heartbreaking even though it's all part of a much bigger picture. To say a big thank you to all fans of the show, the West End staff have put together an incredible 'Lockdown' version of Michael Jackson's The Earth Song - featuring the likes of Peter Andre, Zoe Birkett and other performers, musicians and technicians who have been part of the long-running production. Have a look at the end result; it'll blow your socks off!

SISTER ACT SAME TIME NEXT YEAR

>>> Amateur Theatre Favourite! <<< Whoopi Goldberg's highly anticipated return to her iconic role as Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act has been rescheduled at Hammersmith's Eventim Apollo exactly one year later than first planned.

The show was due to open at Curve, Leicester this month with the London run from 21 July 2020 to 30 August 2020. The London dates now rescheduled to open 20 July 2021 where it will play until 29 August 2021. Original tickets purchased for this year will be valid in 2021.

Multi award-winning actress, comedian and writer, Jennifer Saunders, will join Whoopi onstage as Mother Superior - the part played by Maggie Smith in the original 1992 film.

Click the image to watch the announcement by Whoopi and Jennifer.

PARK LIFE

Celebrities, including Sir Ian McKellen, endorse 's new fund, PARK LIFE, set up to secure its future Park Theatre has announced the launch of a brand new fund called Park Life, to secure the future of the venue. This comes as Artistic Director Jez Bond managed to raise £300,000 in 48 hours from key donors, the minimum amount to keep the theatre running during the lockdown period on a skeleton staff, make use of the government’s job retention scheme to keep all others on payroll, ensure the building stays functional, and stop the theatre from liquidating.

As with all theatres across the UK, Park Theatre have had to temporarily close to help prohibit the spread of Covid-19. This has meant cancelling all performances, hires and classes for the foreseeable future. As a small charity with no regular government or Arts Council funding, this has lead to a catastrophic loss of income. The venue have been working closely with the Board and donors to try and address the shortfall.

More HERE

FAMILY SHOWS STREAMED FREE FROM

David Walliams’s The Midnight Gang (adapted by Byrony Lavery, with music and lyrics by Joe Stilgoe) and the Chichester Festival Youth Theatre production of Beauty and the Beast (adapted by Anna Ledwich, music and lyrics by Richard Taylor) will be the next productions to be streamed online from Chichester Festival Theatre.

Especially suitable for family audiences from ages 7 up, both will be available on CFT’s website for 30 days, starting with The Midnight Gang from 30 April and then Beauty and the Beast from 21 May, and will be free to watch.

To connect with as many people as possible in our community, both productions will be captioned for Deaf/deaf and hard of hearing audiences, and Polish-language captions will also be available. Audio introductions will help set the scene for blind and partially sighted audiences. More HERE

Fibian McKenzie, Cooper Snow, Albie Stisted, Cody Molko, Anjali Shah in CFT's The Midnight Gang. Photo: Manuel Harlan

Hal Darling as the Beast in CFYTs Beauty and the Beast. Photo: Pete Jones

More top streaming picks courtesy of Watermans Theatre

"We can't wait to catch the National Theatre's Frankenstein again: it's a classic featuring and swapping roles, and a unique chance to see each actor playing the creature on consecutive nights. Which has been your favourite from National Theatre at Home so far? We'd love to know. "Plus Met Opera enters its 7th week of nightly broadcasts and ROH serves up its acclaimed A Winter's Tale." National Theatre at Home

Frankenstein (12+)

162mins. Streaming on YouTube, available for 7 days. Free. Watch Danny Boyle's monster hit Frankenstein with Benedict Cumberbatch as the creature and Jonny Lee Miller as Victor Frankenstein. Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s bewildered creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the increasingly desperate and vengeful Creature determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal. And if you love it, why not spend Friday with Jonny Lee Miller as the creature.

The Royal Ballet

Christopher Weeldon's A Winter's Tale Friday 1 May, 7pm, then streaming on YouTube and the ROH website. Free. Christopher Wheeldon, Artistic Associate of The Royal Ballet, created his adaptation of Shakespeare’s late romance in 2014. It received ecstatic praise at its premiere, acclaimed by critics and audiences alike for its intelligent and emotionally powerful storytelling through exquisite dance. The story follows the destruction of a marriage through consuming jealousy, the abandonment of a child, and a seemingly hopeless love. Yet, through remorse and regret – and the apparent miracle of a statue coming to life – the ending is uplifting as it brings forgiveness and reconciliation.With striking designs by Bob Crowley and atmospheric music by Joby Talbot, The Winter’s Tale is widely considered a modern ballet classic

Support Watermans

PLYMOUTH WILL BE BACK!

Theatre Royal Plymouth has set up a new virtual space: TR3 This launch is giving local people a place where they can stay connected, be creative and support each other, including the theatre. At TR3 you will discover what the teams have been up to, get inspired by some fantastic creative initiatives, and hear from some of their friends across the industry.

TR3 will also be hosting some fantastic creative resources for teachers, parents and artists to help support even more of the community who have found normal life turned up-side-down.

If you would like to support the Theatre by making a donation you can visit their Emergency Appeal page to find out more. Your donation will help to ensure their financial stability and help them continue to support our local communities. A donation, of any size, will be gratefully received and make an enormous difference.

©2020 Sardines magazine | PO Box 302 | Sidcup | DA15 0GU

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