Liz F and I must have snaffled the last two available seats at The Rose, Kidderminster on Thursday 15th April for the Nonenties' play, "Dead Guilty" by Richard Harris.
Julia Darrow (played by Kelly Lewis) is recovering from a car accident, in which the driver, her boss, died. Guilt at her affair with him creates a barrier; she struggles to accept the psychological help she needs from her counsellor, Anne Bennett (played by Judy Bassett) and practical support offered by young neighbour Gary (Lee Jones). Guilt also persuades her to agree to a meeting with his widow, Margaret Haddrell (Pamela Meredith). At first Julia makes good progress, but following a final operation she gradually deteriorates and has to rely more on her new friend Margaret, pushing Gary and Anne away as a result.
The tension builds with each short scene, in the style of a TV thriller, until the final confrontation. Even then, the conclusion holds a surprise.
The audience was held spell bound throughout and although the few laughs were stifled as the tension grew, the whole auditorium "oh'd! and mmm'd! in loud unison as realisation of what was happening dawned.
The Nonentities invariably put on a good show and, as always, the set was imaginative. A good evening out.
Monday, 19 April 2010
Thursday, 4 March 2010
June play and March meeting
June play cast
"When We Are Married" by J B Priestley, directed by Maureen Callon, is cast and the Production Team is being assembled under the guidance of Graeme Christie. Quite a feat, as there are 14 in the cast, let alone the behind the scenes crew, but we are lucky to have several newcomers and hope they will soon feel at home.
The March monthly meeting was a little depleted as several of our members are involved with other groups who are preparing for action at the end of the month or mid April. A group have already signed up for a trip to Broseley to see the BROADS production of "A Pack of Lies" by Hugh Whitemore, directed by Gill Kelly. It is a tale about the Kruger spies, friends, neighbours and betrayal.
We made a start on reading Alan Ayckbourn's farce "Taking Steps", set in a dilapidated old house, reputedly haunted by a scarlet woman. The action takes place on the three levels of the house, simultaneously, and inevitably there is confusion and cases of mistaken identity. Graeme, reading the part of Mark, managed to leave his specs at home, which added authenticity to his character as Mark attempts to read his sister Lizzy's farewell letter to her businessman husband. After a brief flirtation with marriage she feels caged in and yearns to be off to pursue her stalled career as a dancer. Her efforts to depart are hampered by the arrival of a young, nervous solicitor, her husband and the builder vendor. Mark's diminutive ex fiancee turns up after an unfortunate incident sends her running back to him for support, but it is a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire.
It would be relatively easy to stage the play; it could be done on the flat, with a simple set and props, the only problem being the need to have raised seating for the audience. Food for thought, perhaps.
"When We Are Married" by J B Priestley, directed by Maureen Callon, is cast and the Production Team is being assembled under the guidance of Graeme Christie. Quite a feat, as there are 14 in the cast, let alone the behind the scenes crew, but we are lucky to have several newcomers and hope they will soon feel at home.
The March monthly meeting was a little depleted as several of our members are involved with other groups who are preparing for action at the end of the month or mid April. A group have already signed up for a trip to Broseley to see the BROADS production of "A Pack of Lies" by Hugh Whitemore, directed by Gill Kelly. It is a tale about the Kruger spies, friends, neighbours and betrayal.
We made a start on reading Alan Ayckbourn's farce "Taking Steps", set in a dilapidated old house, reputedly haunted by a scarlet woman. The action takes place on the three levels of the house, simultaneously, and inevitably there is confusion and cases of mistaken identity. Graeme, reading the part of Mark, managed to leave his specs at home, which added authenticity to his character as Mark attempts to read his sister Lizzy's farewell letter to her businessman husband. After a brief flirtation with marriage she feels caged in and yearns to be off to pursue her stalled career as a dancer. Her efforts to depart are hampered by the arrival of a young, nervous solicitor, her husband and the builder vendor. Mark's diminutive ex fiancee turns up after an unfortunate incident sends her running back to him for support, but it is a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire.
It would be relatively easy to stage the play; it could be done on the flat, with a simple set and props, the only problem being the need to have raised seating for the audience. Food for thought, perhaps.
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
February meeting
A change from the usual format; we meet at The Stable Bar in Whitburn Street, Bridgnorth on Wed Feb 3rd at 7.30 and it is an open meeting. The aim is to welcome newcomers, whether friends of members or Jo Public and will take the form of short playlets to encourage people to "have a go" at acting. With a pint in your hand it looks easy!
Winter Roundup
The snow and ice failed to deter members for our January meeting. "Flour Babies" by Anne Fine brought out the kids in us, except for Dave, who relished the role of teacher with a big voice and laisee-faire approach to his delinquent charges. After refreshments, we sat good as gold to listen to a story - Liz reading Alan Bennet's "Soldering On" from the Talking Heads series.
We also looked back on "Time of my Life" and agreed that the play was a success on several levels: it involved many of our members; enabled several members to learn new skills; had good audience numbers and helped us establish a high standard and good reputation.
The December meeting was an "at home" social - a bring and share food and something to entertain and was good fun.
We also looked back on "Time of my Life" and agreed that the play was a success on several levels: it involved many of our members; enabled several members to learn new skills; had good audience numbers and helped us establish a high standard and good reputation.
The December meeting was an "at home" social - a bring and share food and something to entertain and was good fun.
Monday, 30 November 2009
Time of my Life - first night
"Whoa lady! What, you no eat today?" So says the friendly Tuto as he dishes out from the sweet trolley, mistaking Stephanie's silent sobs for nodding acquiescence. Typical Ayckbourn, turning life's sorrows into something to laugh at.
Both Friday and Saturday at Bridgnorth Community Hall were packed and although the audiences laughed at different things the two nights, both went away buzzing. People made a point of stopping to express their appreciation - "excellent", "I've seen four plays this month and this wipes spots off the others", "slick". My reply? "Tell your friends". It is especially nice to receive praise from fellow thesps, from Broseley, Wellington and further afield.
Perhaps the nicest comment was on how well we all work together. As a self confessed prima donna, amongst several others, I can only think that it is because each individual has taken full responsibility for their own bit. This production has needed massive input from lots of people, for, though it is a simple set and a simple play on the face of it, there are numerous costume changes and changes of table settings. It was organised like a military campaign behind the scenes. Add to that the need to get everything brought to the venue and set up in 2 hours: the scenery, props, lighting, seating staging as well as the bar and front of house and one can see how much teamwork is needed. Amazingly, we were dismantled and out in under 45 minutes, but perhaps the dash for the pub can explain that. Q and I took a little longer tying down the trailer and checking the electrics, so missed a well deserved pint.
Judging from comments from performers and audience the effort is well worth the end result. Lucky Bridgnorth! It is Ditton Priors turn on Friday 4th, followed by Chelmarsh Parish Hall on Saturday 5th.
Some tickets still available from the box office, our friendly local estate agent Phipps and Pritchard 01746 767488.
Both Friday and Saturday at Bridgnorth Community Hall were packed and although the audiences laughed at different things the two nights, both went away buzzing. People made a point of stopping to express their appreciation - "excellent", "I've seen four plays this month and this wipes spots off the others", "slick". My reply? "Tell your friends". It is especially nice to receive praise from fellow thesps, from Broseley, Wellington and further afield.
Perhaps the nicest comment was on how well we all work together. As a self confessed prima donna, amongst several others, I can only think that it is because each individual has taken full responsibility for their own bit. This production has needed massive input from lots of people, for, though it is a simple set and a simple play on the face of it, there are numerous costume changes and changes of table settings. It was organised like a military campaign behind the scenes. Add to that the need to get everything brought to the venue and set up in 2 hours: the scenery, props, lighting, seating staging as well as the bar and front of house and one can see how much teamwork is needed. Amazingly, we were dismantled and out in under 45 minutes, but perhaps the dash for the pub can explain that. Q and I took a little longer tying down the trailer and checking the electrics, so missed a well deserved pint.
Judging from comments from performers and audience the effort is well worth the end result. Lucky Bridgnorth! It is Ditton Priors turn on Friday 4th, followed by Chelmarsh Parish Hall on Saturday 5th.
Some tickets still available from the box office, our friendly local estate agent Phipps and Pritchard 01746 767488.
Monday, 19 October 2009
October oddments
"Can't Pay Won't Pay" by Dario Fo performed by the Define Theatre Company at The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster
Translated from Spanish into English, transported from Spain to somewhere in the north of England and updated from the 1970's and the Unions by throwing in a rant about bankers.
Oh dear. Should have stayed at home and watched “The Simpsons”.
October meetingI missed the October meeting, but hear that the Mortimer one act went down well as did a couple of amusing playlets by Linda Povey and a Noel Coward recitation.
Meanwhile, down in Cornwall, yours truly was enjoying Newquay's am dram offering at the Lane Theatre - “Girl's Night Out”. It was well done, with super songs and good singing. The theatre was nicely converted from a village hall, although there was a smell of damp about the place, as one might expect in a building used only intermittently.
The charity stall is booked for Bridgnorth High Street for the afternoon of 19th December, 12noon onwards, so, members, start getting creative and prepare to bake.
“Time of my Life” (27th, 28th Nov and 4th 5th Dec) is coming on apace. The set is painted thanks to a set of folk who came armed with paintbrushes and enthusiasm on Saturday. We finished in time for a yummy lunch and continued in the afternoon with the Production Team meeting. It was quite long, but covered a lot of ground.
This is a play which has quite a few challenges for a touring company, not least audience seating in different venues. The play is performed on the flat, with actors seated, requiring either raised seating or chairs laid out to ensure visibility. That in turn requires transport for seating platforms etc. Another issue is the number of props and costumes, but we are well on the way to sourcing all that is needed. The actor playing the waiter(s) needs to be something of a magician or Houdini as he has around 18 costume changes!
Theatre visitsWe plan to see Albrighton Players' comedy “Bums on Seats” in the week before our production and “Maskerade” at the Rose Theatre, Kidderminster the evening after we finish. Other visits are being planned of which more anon.
Monday, 28 September 2009
September round up
Lighting workshop
Norman Jones had his work cut out keeping an enthusiastic group in order at Starlight Theatre Services' workshop on theatre lighting on Saturday, as they hurled questions thick and fast. As a complete beginner I learned loads - about lanterns (Fresnel with soft edges, floods with reflectors to wall-wash backgrounds and sharp edge spots), current loadings, positioning lights to illuminate actors without blinding them, colour effects, not to mention using the control desk and programming sequences. Even the experienced techis learned something.
"Witness For The Prosecution"
Eight of us went to The Rose Theatre and had to wait till the final few seconds of this clever play to discover who did what and why. I do like Agatha Christie plays. The lead role, a hapless young man accused of killing a wealthy, older, woman, was a little too naive for my liking and the woman who brings damning evidence against his disloyal wife a little OTT, but it was well done and the scenes in chambers between his solicitor and barrister were delightfully convincing.
I am becoming rather a fan of the Nonentities.
"She Stoops To Conquer"
It was a good opportunity to visit the new Theatre Severn and I found myself a bit ambivalent about the design of the theatre. I can't agree with my pal up the road, who thinks it looks like an MFI flat-pack assembly from the outside, though I question the wisdom of large areas of timber, however sustainable a material it is, being used as cladding at high level externally. Think long term maintenance! Inside, the foyer is spacious and pleasant enough, though lacks drama or a sense of quality. The most interesting aspect is the incorporation of older riverside building into the structure to provide a first floor bar.
The play was "She Stoops To Conquer" by the 18th century playwright Oliver Goldsmith and was, I guess, the Brian Rix farce of its day. Wealthy Mr Hardcastle invites eligible young Mr Marlow to meet his daughter Kate, so the young man jouneys to the gent's country house accompanied by his friend. Unfortunately they get lost as night falls and are mischeviously directed to the house, but told it is an inn. Mr Marlow gets tongue-tied in polite company, but has no problems with chatting up serving wenches and he woos his intended in the belief that she is a servant. She chooses not to disillusion him till the appropriate moment. A good wheeze. The prominent use of bright red on set was distracting and seemed to serve little purpose, but that aside, it was an enjoyable production and worth a visit to Shrewsbury.
September meeting
Everyone read one or more parts in J B Priestley's "When We Are Married" and there was a lot of laughter. Further chuckles ensued as we read Geoffrey Speechly's "Sabrina". Geoffrey and several of the ladies will be entertaining St Mary's Street Residents to a performance in early December at their Christmas social (they may even get fed too).
Richard Aston has put his hand up for organising future theatre visits, so look out for a varied programme.
Norman Jones had his work cut out keeping an enthusiastic group in order at Starlight Theatre Services' workshop on theatre lighting on Saturday, as they hurled questions thick and fast. As a complete beginner I learned loads - about lanterns (Fresnel with soft edges, floods with reflectors to wall-wash backgrounds and sharp edge spots), current loadings, positioning lights to illuminate actors without blinding them, colour effects, not to mention using the control desk and programming sequences. Even the experienced techis learned something.
"Witness For The Prosecution"
Eight of us went to The Rose Theatre and had to wait till the final few seconds of this clever play to discover who did what and why. I do like Agatha Christie plays. The lead role, a hapless young man accused of killing a wealthy, older, woman, was a little too naive for my liking and the woman who brings damning evidence against his disloyal wife a little OTT, but it was well done and the scenes in chambers between his solicitor and barrister were delightfully convincing.
I am becoming rather a fan of the Nonentities.
"She Stoops To Conquer"
It was a good opportunity to visit the new Theatre Severn and I found myself a bit ambivalent about the design of the theatre. I can't agree with my pal up the road, who thinks it looks like an MFI flat-pack assembly from the outside, though I question the wisdom of large areas of timber, however sustainable a material it is, being used as cladding at high level externally. Think long term maintenance! Inside, the foyer is spacious and pleasant enough, though lacks drama or a sense of quality. The most interesting aspect is the incorporation of older riverside building into the structure to provide a first floor bar.
The play was "She Stoops To Conquer" by the 18th century playwright Oliver Goldsmith and was, I guess, the Brian Rix farce of its day. Wealthy Mr Hardcastle invites eligible young Mr Marlow to meet his daughter Kate, so the young man jouneys to the gent's country house accompanied by his friend. Unfortunately they get lost as night falls and are mischeviously directed to the house, but told it is an inn. Mr Marlow gets tongue-tied in polite company, but has no problems with chatting up serving wenches and he woos his intended in the belief that she is a servant. She chooses not to disillusion him till the appropriate moment. A good wheeze. The prominent use of bright red on set was distracting and seemed to serve little purpose, but that aside, it was an enjoyable production and worth a visit to Shrewsbury.
September meeting
Everyone read one or more parts in J B Priestley's "When We Are Married" and there was a lot of laughter. Further chuckles ensued as we read Geoffrey Speechly's "Sabrina". Geoffrey and several of the ladies will be entertaining St Mary's Street Residents to a performance in early December at their Christmas social (they may even get fed too).
Richard Aston has put his hand up for organising future theatre visits, so look out for a varied programme.
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