Richard II
Great drama and talents were abroad this week, from the national to the local. Live from the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford and beamed into the Majestic cinema in Bridgnorth came Shakespeare's Richard II, with David Tennant in the title role. A powerful tale of kingship, and fickle friendships; people who lead and those who follow; people who change sides when fortune begins to favour the opposition. Plus ca change.
Reduce, Render and Sweat by David Summers
Bridgnorth Players' Autumn offering, served up with gusto. An interesting enough plot, if a bit preachy, with a fine twist at the end and everybody happy. It was well received by audiences, which grew from the first weekend to a sell-out on the final night at Bridgnorth Community Hall. Well done cast, director Geoff Speechly, producer Liz Fisher and the production team.
Oldbury Has Talent
It certainly has. St Nicholas church was the venue for both an exhibition of local arts and crafts and a concert. The youngest performers were 10 and the oldest a good few decades older and all excelled in their singing, playing and reciting .
A truly uplifting week.Thank you everyone for sharing your skills.
Monday 18 November 2013
Tuesday 1 October 2013
Golden Beaks
Congratulations from BP chairman
Just to confirm - our FIRST entry into the Golden Beaks Comedy Awards 2013, with
"A Dog's Life" brought us the Award for Best Actor - Richard Aston for Fritz, the Adjudicator's Award for the Most Magical Moment - Rob Fisher for Ben's realisation that his old master is actually dead, and a nomination for Best Actress for Kerry Rousell (which eventually went to Wellington Theatre's Margaret Stanway).
The overall Best Play Award went to Wellington Theatre for "Hamlet Part 2), and the runner-up was the second of Shifnal's STARS productions. "Day Trippers" .
Richard, Rob, Kerry, Kathie, Kim, & Jenny, and Mo with Pat L on the technical stuff, all did us proud! Thank you so much, and congratulations to all of you from all of the Players.
Just to confirm - our FIRST entry into the Golden Beaks Comedy Awards 2013, with
"A Dog's Life" brought us the Award for Best Actor - Richard Aston for Fritz, the Adjudicator's Award for the Most Magical Moment - Rob Fisher for Ben's realisation that his old master is actually dead, and a nomination for Best Actress for Kerry Rousell (which eventually went to Wellington Theatre's Margaret Stanway).
The overall Best Play Award went to Wellington Theatre for "Hamlet Part 2), and the runner-up was the second of Shifnal's STARS productions. "Day Trippers" .
Richard, Rob, Kerry, Kathie, Kim, & Jenny, and Mo with Pat L on the technical stuff, all did us proud! Thank you so much, and congratulations to all of you from all of the Players.
Thursday 26 September 2013
October
Club night
We meet on Wednesday 2nd at The Shakespeare in Bridgnorthas usual, but I suspect we might be a select few as rehearsals have started on "Reduce, Render and Sweat". See you there - I hope.
We meet on Wednesday 2nd at The Shakespeare in Bridgnorthas usual, but I suspect we might be a select few as rehearsals have started on "Reduce, Render and Sweat". See you there - I hope.
Linda Povey
The sudden loss of member Linda Povey came as a great shock. She was a founding member from the Players' inception and acted in our first production. When not in a play she could be found back stage or front of house. She was a writer too, of short stories for magazines and of short plays. We had the pleasure of reading some at our monthly club nights as well as performing one, "Ghost Story". Linda was talented, but unassuming; warm and friendly.
Her funeral on 5th September brought together friends who had known Linda since they were 17, friends from her 8 years in Bridgnorth and other special friends. Her son Colin paid tribute to her as a very special mum. We shall miss her.
Her funeral on 5th September brought together friends who had known Linda since they were 17, friends from her 8 years in Bridgnorth and other special friends. Her son Colin paid tribute to her as a very special mum. We shall miss her.
Dudmaston celebrates
Celebrating the people and events of 1908
Bridgnorth Players were delighted to be invited to reprise their roles as house staff, visitors and recently widowed Alice Wolryche-Whitmore over the August Bank Holiday, as last year. August 1908 saw the birth of Lady Labouchere, the Hall’s last chatelaine and also the running of the estate passing on to her uncle, Captain Geoffrey Wolryche-Whitmore, who turned it into a model of enlightened agricultural and forestry practice before passing it on to her.
It is great to be invited to take part in such events.
Bridgnorth Players were delighted to be invited to reprise their roles as house staff, visitors and recently widowed Alice Wolryche-Whitmore over the August Bank Holiday, as last year. August 1908 saw the birth of Lady Labouchere, the Hall’s last chatelaine and also the running of the estate passing on to her uncle, Captain Geoffrey Wolryche-Whitmore, who turned it into a model of enlightened agricultural and forestry practice before passing it on to her.
It is great to be invited to take part in such events.
July AGM
Guest speaker: Christopher Key
We were privileged to have the director of "Les Miserables" as guest speaker at our AGM. Christopher Key spoke about how "Les Mis" has been woven through his career from the start. He diverted into other ventures on several occasions, including performing in "Jerry Springer, the Musical", but over the years "Les Mis" has enticed him back. He has taken several roles, including Jean Valjean, before ending up as director. Balancing the demands of the theatre with family life has influenced his decisions. Recently Christopher and his wife Lucy have set up the Key Theatre Academy for young people in Much Wenlock. He was thanked warmly by Dorothy on behalf of the members and a cheque donated to a charity of his choice.
The business of the evening was the consideration of the annual report and accounts and the appointment of officers and committee members. Dorothy Leiper stepped down after 5 years as secretary and handed over to Maureen Callon, who stepped down as chairman. Liz Fisher was elected chairman having formerly been treasurer and Pat Lowe was elected in her place. David Kelly and Kathie Oakley joined the committee, Kathie as membership secretary.
The evening was warm enough for us to sit outside and enjoy a bbq, but an evening chill later sent us indoors for puddings.
All in all it was a very pleasant evening.
We were privileged to have the director of "Les Miserables" as guest speaker at our AGM. Christopher Key spoke about how "Les Mis" has been woven through his career from the start. He diverted into other ventures on several occasions, including performing in "Jerry Springer, the Musical", but over the years "Les Mis" has enticed him back. He has taken several roles, including Jean Valjean, before ending up as director. Balancing the demands of the theatre with family life has influenced his decisions. Recently Christopher and his wife Lucy have set up the Key Theatre Academy for young people in Much Wenlock. He was thanked warmly by Dorothy on behalf of the members and a cheque donated to a charity of his choice.
The business of the evening was the consideration of the annual report and accounts and the appointment of officers and committee members. Dorothy Leiper stepped down after 5 years as secretary and handed over to Maureen Callon, who stepped down as chairman. Liz Fisher was elected chairman having formerly been treasurer and Pat Lowe was elected in her place. David Kelly and Kathie Oakley joined the committee, Kathie as membership secretary.
The evening was warm enough for us to sit outside and enjoy a bbq, but an evening chill later sent us indoors for puddings.
All in all it was a very pleasant evening.
Thursday 20 June 2013
Allo, Allo, Allo
June meeting
The Shakespeare Inn has changed hands and was closed for refurbishment, so it was fortunate that we could revisit Peepo's Restaurant and avail ourselves of their upstairs room.
A last minute email from Ian Hornby about his new play "Allo, Allo, Allo (Est There Anybody La?)" saved our bacon as we were without a play to read. He kindly sent an evaluation copy and 10 members got stuck in to this murder mystery country house farce. There was a laugh on the first page and that set the tone for the evening. Sir Malcolm has been murdered, but does not know he is dead and by the end of the play so are half the cast. It was a funny script and acted out should be entertaining when performed. It struck some of us that for a farce to work well it not only has to have a good script but also must be well directed and acted - a bit like Les Dawson at the piano - to play badly he had to be able to play very well!
Geoffrey made a short presentation on the play for the November production: "Reduce, Render and Sweat" by David Summers. Auditions are Saturday 21st June and Thursday 11th July at 7.30 at Oldbury Village Hall.
Onwards and upwards
No sooner was the meeting finished than we raced down to The Stable Bar to help Liz Herdson celebrate a special birthday - quite a crush of well-wishers. Congratulations Liz!
The Shakespeare Inn has changed hands and was closed for refurbishment, so it was fortunate that we could revisit Peepo's Restaurant and avail ourselves of their upstairs room.
A last minute email from Ian Hornby about his new play "Allo, Allo, Allo (Est There Anybody La?)" saved our bacon as we were without a play to read. He kindly sent an evaluation copy and 10 members got stuck in to this murder mystery country house farce. There was a laugh on the first page and that set the tone for the evening. Sir Malcolm has been murdered, but does not know he is dead and by the end of the play so are half the cast. It was a funny script and acted out should be entertaining when performed. It struck some of us that for a farce to work well it not only has to have a good script but also must be well directed and acted - a bit like Les Dawson at the piano - to play badly he had to be able to play very well!
Geoffrey made a short presentation on the play for the November production: "Reduce, Render and Sweat" by David Summers. Auditions are Saturday 21st June and Thursday 11th July at 7.30 at Oldbury Village Hall.
Onwards and upwards
No sooner was the meeting finished than we raced down to The Stable Bar to help Liz Herdson celebrate a special birthday - quite a crush of well-wishers. Congratulations Liz!
Thursday 2 May 2013
May day
May club night and the clubs and knives are out
The ancient Greeks liked nothing better than a punch up with their neighbours and their ladies decided they had had enough. Lysistrata rounded up the women and confronted their menfolk, asking nicely if they would pack up the fighting and live in peace. "Shut up your face" was the reply. If they had to put up arms when would they have a chance to pose in their armour and wave around their bows? The women went on sex strike, which brought about a rethink. Aristophanes may have written this comedy hundreds of years ago but it has the ring of current soaps, The Archers perhaps? Thank you Liz F for bringing the scripts.
On the theme of war again, this time set in WWI, came "Accrington Pals", brought by Liz H and we had a go at Lancashire accents with varying degrees of success. I have to say we all felt a bit glum before we got very far with this tale of young men called up to serve king and country. Dave had something to say on the folly of war and I for one echoed his sentiments.
So, we turn to Rob F to rifle amongst his store of scripts for the June 5th meeting.
Meanwhile, we had a good opening night and then sold out for last Saturday's performance of "Intimate Exchanges". 3 performance nights to go. Well done all.
The ancient Greeks liked nothing better than a punch up with their neighbours and their ladies decided they had had enough. Lysistrata rounded up the women and confronted their menfolk, asking nicely if they would pack up the fighting and live in peace. "Shut up your face" was the reply. If they had to put up arms when would they have a chance to pose in their armour and wave around their bows? The women went on sex strike, which brought about a rethink. Aristophanes may have written this comedy hundreds of years ago but it has the ring of current soaps, The Archers perhaps? Thank you Liz F for bringing the scripts.
On the theme of war again, this time set in WWI, came "Accrington Pals", brought by Liz H and we had a go at Lancashire accents with varying degrees of success. I have to say we all felt a bit glum before we got very far with this tale of young men called up to serve king and country. Dave had something to say on the folly of war and I for one echoed his sentiments.
So, we turn to Rob F to rifle amongst his store of scripts for the June 5th meeting.
Meanwhile, we had a good opening night and then sold out for last Saturday's performance of "Intimate Exchanges". 3 performance nights to go. Well done all.
Monday 29 April 2013
Our current production
Intimate Exchanges
by Alan Ayckbourn
The first weekend was sold out on the Saturday and pretty full on the opening night at Highley. A fantastic cast and crew ensured everything was transported and put up efficiently and still left time to get to the pub.
I hope the second weekend, 3rd and 4th May, at Priory Hall and final Friday 10th at Chelmarsh is as full with our supportive audiences. We shall be without Liz F's management skills, but everything has been so well organised and planned and everyone is so keen that it should (touch wood) go like clockwork.
We are already thinking ahead to the November production and would welcome ideas from members and potential directors.
by Alan Ayckbourn
The first weekend was sold out on the Saturday and pretty full on the opening night at Highley. A fantastic cast and crew ensured everything was transported and put up efficiently and still left time to get to the pub.
I hope the second weekend, 3rd and 4th May, at Priory Hall and final Friday 10th at Chelmarsh is as full with our supportive audiences. We shall be without Liz F's management skills, but everything has been so well organised and planned and everyone is so keen that it should (touch wood) go like clockwork.
We are already thinking ahead to the November production and would welcome ideas from members and potential directors.
Saturday 13 April 2013
All set
Intimate Exchanges
Last Saturday 9 of us turned out to wield paint brushes and drills and today John, Liz, Owen and Mo made a return visit to make sure everything went together. Not even a spot of drizzle deters these guys! "Intimate Exchanges" is on a roll!
Last Saturday 9 of us turned out to wield paint brushes and drills and today John, Liz, Owen and Mo made a return visit to make sure everything went together. Not even a spot of drizzle deters these guys! "Intimate Exchanges" is on a roll!
Thursday 4 April 2013
Reduce, Render and Sweat
April Club Night
Reduce, Render and Sweat, a satire by David Summers, was the II Act play brought by Geoffrey . It is not, as you might think, a play about the local gym, but about food. Carenza, a cookery writer, is suffering falling book sales and everyone else, she believes, must share some of the blame. A perfectionist, few can live up to her standards. Carenza has an eye on what her rivals do to keep ahead of the game and thinks her agent, Paul, may have redeemed himself when he is contacted by a producer about a new foody programme on American TV. Unfortunately Carenza's expectations and theirs are a total mismatch and she ends up losing not only the chance to present the programme, but also her assistant, Mary, her husband, Michael and the photographer, Wayne. But Carenza is made of strong stuff and there is an unexpected turn around at the end.
We chuckled reading the play and discussed it critically afterwards, considering how it might work for us on stage.
Reduce, Render and Sweat, a satire by David Summers, was the II Act play brought by Geoffrey . It is not, as you might think, a play about the local gym, but about food. Carenza, a cookery writer, is suffering falling book sales and everyone else, she believes, must share some of the blame. A perfectionist, few can live up to her standards. Carenza has an eye on what her rivals do to keep ahead of the game and thinks her agent, Paul, may have redeemed himself when he is contacted by a producer about a new foody programme on American TV. Unfortunately Carenza's expectations and theirs are a total mismatch and she ends up losing not only the chance to present the programme, but also her assistant, Mary, her husband, Michael and the photographer, Wayne. But Carenza is made of strong stuff and there is an unexpected turn around at the end.
We chuckled reading the play and discussed it critically afterwards, considering how it might work for us on stage.
Friday 15 March 2013
Brass monkeys
March open meeting
Just back from a week in Cyprus and though I was sorry to miss the open evening I was not sorry to miss the bitterly cold weather. It sounds as if you had a very entertaining evening in the pleasant upstairs room at Peepo's, with a selection of one acts and play extracts and some new people taking part. Well done all.
April/May
I hear that "Intimate Exchanges" is progressing well. Producer Liz F is pleased, and a little relieved too, that so many people have offered their services to help get the production rolling. Thank you Players all.
Just back from a week in Cyprus and though I was sorry to miss the open evening I was not sorry to miss the bitterly cold weather. It sounds as if you had a very entertaining evening in the pleasant upstairs room at Peepo's, with a selection of one acts and play extracts and some new people taking part. Well done all.
April/May
I hear that "Intimate Exchanges" is progressing well. Producer Liz F is pleased, and a little relieved too, that so many people have offered their services to help get the production rolling. Thank you Players all.
Monday 4 March 2013
Invitation to local thespians
Have you always had a secret desire to tread the boards, but didn’t know what was involved or how to go about it?
Bridgnorth Players will be holding an Open Meeting in the upstairs lounge at Peepo's restaurant in the High Street, Bridgnorth from 7.30 pm on Wednesday 6th
March, when anyone interested at having a go at acting will have a
chance to read from a variety of one act plays and scenes. It’s fun and
commitment-free - you won’t be coerced into anything further if it’s not your cup of tea. So why not come along and give it a go? You might surprise yourself! The £2 entry charge is a stupendous bargain as it includes a slice of Peepo's excellent pizza plus a glass of wine or a soft drink, so not only will this be a taste of amdram, but a deliciously convivial evening too.
Oh, go on….you know you want to!
February frolics
February meeting
Despite the chill in the upstairs room of the Shakespeare we had a jolly time with our readings. Yapping and woofing was in order when we read "A Dog's Life" by Pam Valentine, luckily doggy actions were not required! "Pygmalion" gave us a chance to hear a pretty good cockney accent and a pared down version of the film script of "Kind Hearts and Coronets" gave the gist of the story.
NODA District 7 meeting
Organised by outgoing representative Jean Beard, who is standing down after 25 years.
Speakers were Alison Norton, compiler of the am dram column for the Express and Star; Peter Cutchie, Chief Executive for the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton and Tony Gibbs, CEO of NODA.
A well attended meeting. Lots of useful information, but too much to record here. 70% of drama or theatre groups report that they are losing money; realistic ticket prices are needed. Audiences do not realise the cost of putting on productions. Getting the best from your venues. People no longer join and remain "faithful" to one group: actors spread themselves around. Every member should have a role, a job, a contribution to make. Put your best bits on You tube.
Audience development and marketing for touring groups
Organised by Shropshire Council in partnership with the Audience Agency
Lots of useful info on sources of data, from the Audience Agency and the Arts Council. Pat and I had to cherry pick the bits that were relevant to Bridgnorth Players as it was aimed at lager touring groups; the Pentabus attendee found it particularly helpful. Whilst developing strategies for audience development we were reminded not to forget our core audience! As far as Bridgnorth Players is concerned I suggest that our members are at the centre of what we do, with audiences a close second.
The Sound of Music
What can I say? Bridgnorth Musical Theatre Company excelled again. A fantastic production and a great evening out. Well done!
Despite the chill in the upstairs room of the Shakespeare we had a jolly time with our readings. Yapping and woofing was in order when we read "A Dog's Life" by Pam Valentine, luckily doggy actions were not required! "Pygmalion" gave us a chance to hear a pretty good cockney accent and a pared down version of the film script of "Kind Hearts and Coronets" gave the gist of the story.
NODA District 7 meeting
Organised by outgoing representative Jean Beard, who is standing down after 25 years.
Speakers were Alison Norton, compiler of the am dram column for the Express and Star; Peter Cutchie, Chief Executive for the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton and Tony Gibbs, CEO of NODA.
A well attended meeting. Lots of useful information, but too much to record here. 70% of drama or theatre groups report that they are losing money; realistic ticket prices are needed. Audiences do not realise the cost of putting on productions. Getting the best from your venues. People no longer join and remain "faithful" to one group: actors spread themselves around. Every member should have a role, a job, a contribution to make. Put your best bits on You tube.
Audience development and marketing for touring groups
Organised by Shropshire Council in partnership with the Audience Agency
Lots of useful info on sources of data, from the Audience Agency and the Arts Council. Pat and I had to cherry pick the bits that were relevant to Bridgnorth Players as it was aimed at lager touring groups; the Pentabus attendee found it particularly helpful. Whilst developing strategies for audience development we were reminded not to forget our core audience! As far as Bridgnorth Players is concerned I suggest that our members are at the centre of what we do, with audiences a close second.
The Sound of Music
What can I say? Bridgnorth Musical Theatre Company excelled again. A fantastic production and a great evening out. Well done!
Tuesday 5 February 2013
"Ladykillers"
Theatre outing
"Ladykillers", with Michelle Dotrice as dotty old Mrs Wilberforce, was a great evening's entertainment. 15 Bridgnorth Players went on Friday and came out of the auditorium beaming. It takes some skill to transfer a well loved Ealing comedy film to the stage, but it was cleverly done. The set was hugely imaginative and the car chase after the bank robbery had a child like appeal. If I had one tiny little quibble it was that the bumping off of each of the criminals was a bit too Marx Brother-ish, but that aside, the characters were well drawn and wonderfully acted. Lovely little magic touches too; I was left on a couple of occasions wondering "How did they do that?"
More theatre visits
I'll bring a list of suggestions to tomorrow's meeting. There is plenty going on at The Grand, Wolverhampton, The Rose, Kidderminster and local am dram groups. We are spoiled for choice!
"Ladykillers", with Michelle Dotrice as dotty old Mrs Wilberforce, was a great evening's entertainment. 15 Bridgnorth Players went on Friday and came out of the auditorium beaming. It takes some skill to transfer a well loved Ealing comedy film to the stage, but it was cleverly done. The set was hugely imaginative and the car chase after the bank robbery had a child like appeal. If I had one tiny little quibble it was that the bumping off of each of the criminals was a bit too Marx Brother-ish, but that aside, the characters were well drawn and wonderfully acted. Lovely little magic touches too; I was left on a couple of occasions wondering "How did they do that?"
More theatre visits
I'll bring a list of suggestions to tomorrow's meeting. There is plenty going on at The Grand, Wolverhampton, The Rose, Kidderminster and local am dram groups. We are spoiled for choice!
Monday 7 January 2013
Goodbye 2012, hello 2013
So successful was the Royal Shakespeare Company's "Open Stages" project, working with amdram groups that they are thinking of doing it again. Liz Fisher's initiative and drive got Bridgnorth Players involved and, from what I hear, everyone who took part in our production found it very rewarding. The icing on the cake was performing on stage at the Courtyard Theatre at Stratford in the autumn showcase.
Our November production of "Jug", directed by Gill Kelly, was well received and some venues were oversubscribed. It made a healthy profit, which, considering it is a little known play, says a lot about about our reputation.
This Saturday, 12th Jan we have a members' event with a rehearsed play reading and supper.
Next week are auditions on the 15th and 17th Jan for the spring production of Alan Ayckbourn's "Intimate Exchanges", directed by Maureen Callon. As always, we welcome anyone wanting to take part. Performance dates are 26th/27th April and 3rd/4th May 2013.
My thanks to all members for their input this past year and especially to those who work behind the scenes to make it happen. Committee meets this week to plan for 2013 and already have some ideas in the pipe-line: a summer rehearsed play reading, a spring workshop on voice, theatre visits ( a large group are booked in to see "The Ladykillers" at Wolverhampton's The Grand), collaborative working with other groups and what we might do for the November production. More details will appear on the BP ShropNet web-site once they are confirmed.
All good wishes for 2013
Dorothy
Our November production of "Jug", directed by Gill Kelly, was well received and some venues were oversubscribed. It made a healthy profit, which, considering it is a little known play, says a lot about about our reputation.
This Saturday, 12th Jan we have a members' event with a rehearsed play reading and supper.
Next week are auditions on the 15th and 17th Jan for the spring production of Alan Ayckbourn's "Intimate Exchanges", directed by Maureen Callon. As always, we welcome anyone wanting to take part. Performance dates are 26th/27th April and 3rd/4th May 2013.
My thanks to all members for their input this past year and especially to those who work behind the scenes to make it happen. Committee meets this week to plan for 2013 and already have some ideas in the pipe-line: a summer rehearsed play reading, a spring workshop on voice, theatre visits ( a large group are booked in to see "The Ladykillers" at Wolverhampton's The Grand), collaborative working with other groups and what we might do for the November production. More details will appear on the BP ShropNet web-site once they are confirmed.
All good wishes for 2013
Dorothy
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