Workshop for grown up kids – The Two Minute Panto
Naomi had us in groups, pretending to be household appliances as a warm up. Some folk really moved it as a washing machine and the interpretation of a fridge was most inventive. Then it was on to the main event.
We all know what makes a panto don't we? Oh no we don't. Oh yes we do!
A beautiful heroine and laddish hero, a dame, comedy, slapstick, a celebrity, triumph over adversity, good over evil, a reversal of fortunes, songs, a chorus, colour, jokes ott characters and most important, a happy ending.
With that in mind, a well known tune to work with, minimal props and a piece of paper, we split in to 2 groups and prepared a story board with 6 scenes. Fortunately, one member in each group actually knew the stories and bossed everyone into order – very necessary as we only had 10 minutes to prepare ourselves.
First away was Snow White with newcomer Graeme making the most of the role of wicked stepmother, the lovely Liz H talking back as the mirror and John S with the help of a hand puppet and his trusty baton/axe as the woodman. The choice of the youthful Snow White was not in question and Ruth took to the role like a duck to water. One of the dwarfs should have ducked as she took a hit from a cupboard door on the bonce. They earned a well deserved round of applause.
Next up was Sleeping Beauty starring Patricia, with wonderfully naggy parents, Dave and Linda. The fairies, Richard, Chris C and Dorothy aka Julian and Sandy and Marylin, serenaded the baby a la Monroe to the tune of “Happy Birthday”, but it was not enough to deter the bad fairy, Sally, from her evil intent. Mark, as Nanny, tried to protect her, but with GCSE revision threatening, Beauty headed up the tower to hide and tried her hand at spinning as an alternative life style. Prince Sloane Ranger rescued his princess, after a typical teenager lie in of approx 100 years, and it all ended happily in a family rave.
So, in the space of less than 1 ½ hours, we all learned a bit about characterisation and throwing ourselves into the role. Above all we had a good laugh. Many thanks for motivating us all, Naomi, and helping us get so much out of what was a short time.
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Annual meeting
May 6th 2009 Summary of annual meeting
Apologies
Apologies from Tom W and Louise B
Attendance
17 Members signed the attendance sheet.
Report and accounts
The committee presented its annual report reviewing the year and looking ahead, plus the expenditure and income accounts.
Appointment of officers
Nominations were received for Liz Herdson, Dorothy Leiper and Maureen Callon and they agreed to continue in office as chairman, secretary and artistic director for the year ahead. Liz Fisher was nominated as treasurer and joins the committee. All nominations were seconded and agreed unanimously.
Health and Safety policy
The members agreed to adopt the NODA templates 1 and 3 for H & S Policy Statements and appointed Catherine Cochrane as Health and Safety Officer.
Membership and Subscriptions
It was agreed to introduce a membership subscription of £12 per annum, running from the May AGM each year. This covers the named member and their household. The level of the annual subscription is based on the need to cover the fixed costs of insurance and NODA membership, which all members benefit from. People joining part way through the year pay pro-rata.
People taking part acting in productions must be members.
Newcomers are welcome to attend two meetings as guests, but would be expected to join on the third visit.
The £2 monthly meeting charge will continue, £3 for guests. This covers the hire of the venue.
It was also agreed that the cost of rehearsal space will be allocated as a production cost, but actors will continue to bear the cost of their script.
Any other business
No other matters were raised, but please note the following:
Donation of stage flats
We are very grateful to Sally deSancha for the donation of the flats. Sally had these professionally made when she went on tour with “Shirley Valentine”.
Tickets for Arsenic and Old Lace
Friday June 19th at The Rose, Kidderminster, for those who put their names down, are available from Dorothy. Please settle at or before the June meeting. They are £8-50 and cheques should be made out to “Bridgnorth Players.”
The business concluded at 8.20 and we welcomed Naomi Conway who lead us in a drama workshop.
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