Cake stall
Saturday's cake stall raised £77 and a few smiles. Liz H turned up in period costume to promote our forthcoming production of "Jug" and was last seen heading down the High Street in full attire and into Tanners Wine Merchants. She is really getting into the part!
Thank you to all bakers, makers and servers.
It is lovely how people stop to talk. Some spend time chatting whilst deciding between the cakes on offer, others give you their life story and explain why they can not indulge. Real life is right here. None of this virtual stuff for me.
"Surprises"
Having said that, Maureen, Pat and I went to Stoke's New Vic Theatre to see Alan Ayckbourn's latest production, "Surprises". Set in the near future, 50 years and 100 years ahead it was very sci fi, with time travel and virtual experiences with avatars. Well crafted and performed There is nothing quite like live theatre.
Music and musicians
My better half and I had the pleasure of hosting a couple of musicians at the weekend, one a violinist from Shrobenhausen over with the Twinning group and the other a trombonist from Luton here to play in the jazz festival. With everything else that was on I missed out on seeing either perform, but hubby took in three of the jazz sessions at various pubs and was buzzing.
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Autumn update
Looking ahead - working backwards
Friday 1st February we plan a visit to The Grand, Wolverhampton, to see "The Ladykillers"
Saturday 12th January is a rehearsed play reading of "God of Carnage" for members and friends with a supper. This replaces the monthly meeting which would otherwise have been on the 2nd January.
Wednesday 5th December is a "bring and share" social at the house of our secretary; an evening of good company, great food and entertainment.
Friday 2nd November we head to Broseley to see BROADS perform "Shadowlands". This replaces the 7th November meeting.
Saturday 27th October morning cake stall in the High Street.
Our November production is "Jug", a riotous comedy by Henry Livings. Gill Kelly directs this gem. Curtain up at 7.30. Tickets from Lynne Fox on 01746 764212. Tickets £7-50 or £6 concessions.
Friday 23rd November at the Priory Hall, Much Wenlock TF13 6HS
Saturday 24th November at Bridgnorth Community Hall, Severn Street, Bridgnorth WV15 6BB
Friday 30th November at Quatt Village Hall, Bridgnorth Road, Quatt WV15 6QN
Saturday 1st December again at Bridgnorth Community Hall
Been and gone
September meeting we read "Intimate Exchanges" by Alan Ayckbourn.
October we read "Love Begins at Fifty" by Raymond Hopkins, a farce in two acts.
Friday 1st February we plan a visit to The Grand, Wolverhampton, to see "The Ladykillers"
Saturday 12th January is a rehearsed play reading of "God of Carnage" for members and friends with a supper. This replaces the monthly meeting which would otherwise have been on the 2nd January.
Wednesday 5th December is a "bring and share" social at the house of our secretary; an evening of good company, great food and entertainment.
Friday 2nd November we head to Broseley to see BROADS perform "Shadowlands". This replaces the 7th November meeting.
Saturday 27th October morning cake stall in the High Street.
Our November production is "Jug", a riotous comedy by Henry Livings. Gill Kelly directs this gem. Curtain up at 7.30. Tickets from Lynne Fox on 01746 764212. Tickets £7-50 or £6 concessions.
Friday 23rd November at the Priory Hall, Much Wenlock TF13 6HS
Saturday 24th November at Bridgnorth Community Hall, Severn Street, Bridgnorth WV15 6BB
Friday 30th November at Quatt Village Hall, Bridgnorth Road, Quatt WV15 6QN
Saturday 1st December again at Bridgnorth Community Hall
Been and gone
September meeting we read "Intimate Exchanges" by Alan Ayckbourn.
October we read "Love Begins at Fifty" by Raymond Hopkins, a farce in two acts.
Friday, 31 August 2012
Celebrate, it's 1908
"Such fun" was Liz F's verdict on the Sunday at Dudmaston when some of our members got into role for the National Trust's celebration of some significant events of 1908.
The sad news that year was that Francis Wolrych-Whitmore, owner and resident of Dudmaston had died and as his son, also Francis, and his wife Alice had a home in London they had no option but to let Dudmaston until such time as Francis's diplomatic commitments could allow them to retire to the country. So, the scene was set for the Players, with Alice (Liz F), in mourning, accompanied by her maid (Linda) interviewing prospective tenants, including a Mrs Baker (Dorothy) who eventually took the tenancy with her husband. Davis (Owen) welcomed visitors in the entrance hall and below stairs Martha Shepherd (Pat L) grumbled at kitchen maid Annie (Patricia) wondering if the new tenants would need staff or bring their own. The good news was that Francis and Alice's daughter Olive was about to give birth to a baby, the future Rachel Lady Labouchere, who was the last owner of Dudmaston. Olive's brother Geoffrey was to take over the running of the estate and it was he who introduced new forestry practices and ensured the future of the estate.
History lesson over. It was nice to be invited by Tessa, NT events organiser at Dudmaston to take part and gratifying that the visitors seemed to enjoy it, some entering into the spirit of it: one gent asked if he could take on the house for his 10 children, aged 1 to 8! Mrs W-W was not encouraging. Over 1000 visitors came on the Sunday and slightly fewer on the damp Monday. Outside children played Victorian games, folk dancers danced and in the library a couple of very talented ladies worked on botanical paintings.
It's good to say "yes". We'll put it in the diary for next year.
The sad news that year was that Francis Wolrych-Whitmore, owner and resident of Dudmaston had died and as his son, also Francis, and his wife Alice had a home in London they had no option but to let Dudmaston until such time as Francis's diplomatic commitments could allow them to retire to the country. So, the scene was set for the Players, with Alice (Liz F), in mourning, accompanied by her maid (Linda) interviewing prospective tenants, including a Mrs Baker (Dorothy) who eventually took the tenancy with her husband. Davis (Owen) welcomed visitors in the entrance hall and below stairs Martha Shepherd (Pat L) grumbled at kitchen maid Annie (Patricia) wondering if the new tenants would need staff or bring their own. The good news was that Francis and Alice's daughter Olive was about to give birth to a baby, the future Rachel Lady Labouchere, who was the last owner of Dudmaston. Olive's brother Geoffrey was to take over the running of the estate and it was he who introduced new forestry practices and ensured the future of the estate.
History lesson over. It was nice to be invited by Tessa, NT events organiser at Dudmaston to take part and gratifying that the visitors seemed to enjoy it, some entering into the spirit of it: one gent asked if he could take on the house for his 10 children, aged 1 to 8! Mrs W-W was not encouraging. Over 1000 visitors came on the Sunday and slightly fewer on the damp Monday. Outside children played Victorian games, folk dancers danced and in the library a couple of very talented ladies worked on botanical paintings.
It's good to say "yes". We'll put it in the diary for next year.
Thursday, 2 August 2012
August olympic dropouts
The Shakespeare shuffled us into the Skittle Alley away from our usual room last night, no doubt recognising that we were sporting types. It made setting out chairs into a sociable circle a bit easier. Maureen took the chair for the first time and welcomed 14 members, including two new folk - Nicola and Trish.
Dudmaston have approached us to help out over Bank Holiday weekend with their "Celebrate, it is 1908" event (shurely shum mishtake?) and, to our credit, 5 folk volunteered, so we'll toddle along next week to find out more.
Gill reported that auditions for our November production, "Jug" were well attended; she was spoiled for choice for the female parts and had a sleepless night casting them, and is now weighing up the options for the male roles before making those phone calls.
Members are invited to use a rehearsed play reading as a try out for a one act play of their choice with a view to developing it for the "Golden Beaks Award" in Sept 2013. We have received one suggestion (it sounded good, but I won't give the game away), so we can expect a run through in the spring. Any other offerings out there?
Kerry brought a favourite play "Memory of Water", a tragi-comedy by Shelagh Stephenson to read. Despite its setting (three sisters come together for the funeral of their mother) it had us in stitches. The sisters are very different one from the other and their memories of events from their child-hood differ widely. Thanks Kerry.
Next months meeting is 5th September and will be a reading from Ayckbourn's "Intimate Exchanges".
Dudmaston have approached us to help out over Bank Holiday weekend with their "Celebrate, it is 1908" event (shurely shum mishtake?) and, to our credit, 5 folk volunteered, so we'll toddle along next week to find out more.
Gill reported that auditions for our November production, "Jug" were well attended; she was spoiled for choice for the female parts and had a sleepless night casting them, and is now weighing up the options for the male roles before making those phone calls.
Members are invited to use a rehearsed play reading as a try out for a one act play of their choice with a view to developing it for the "Golden Beaks Award" in Sept 2013. We have received one suggestion (it sounded good, but I won't give the game away), so we can expect a run through in the spring. Any other offerings out there?
Kerry brought a favourite play "Memory of Water", a tragi-comedy by Shelagh Stephenson to read. Despite its setting (three sisters come together for the funeral of their mother) it had us in stitches. The sisters are very different one from the other and their memories of events from their child-hood differ widely. Thanks Kerry.
Next months meeting is 5th September and will be a reading from Ayckbourn's "Intimate Exchanges".
Friday, 20 July 2012
Auditions 25th July for comedy, "Jug"
Open auditions for a comedy, "Jug", by Henry Livings are on Wednesday 25th July at Oldbury Village Hall, Old Mill Lane, Bridgnorth at 7.30. Limited parking outside the hall, but plenty in the church car park back on Oldbury Road - the B4363.
Performance dates: 23rd/24th November and 30th Nov/1st December in Bridgnorth and a couple of local villages.
Six men, four women, all ages.
Based loosely on a restoration comedy called "The Shattered Jug" this is a jolly romp set in a pub cum court. The jug in question was broken when an intruder entered the bedroom of a young girl and her mother wants the culprit brought to justice. The publican/magistrate has other things on his mind, including a sore head and the threat of a local big wig carrying out an audit on how he carries out his duties. Think "Only Fools and Horses" or anything with the two Ronnies in and you'll get the idea!
For more information or to express an interest contact director Gill Kelly on 07974 795877
Performance dates: 23rd/24th November and 30th Nov/1st December in Bridgnorth and a couple of local villages.
Six men, four women, all ages.
Based loosely on a restoration comedy called "The Shattered Jug" this is a jolly romp set in a pub cum court. The jug in question was broken when an intruder entered the bedroom of a young girl and her mother wants the culprit brought to justice. The publican/magistrate has other things on his mind, including a sore head and the threat of a local big wig carrying out an audit on how he carries out his duties. Think "Only Fools and Horses" or anything with the two Ronnies in and you'll get the idea!
For more information or to express an interest contact director Gill Kelly on 07974 795877
July meeting
Not only was the July meeting the AGM, but also a post-production celebration. "Behind Every Successful Man .." was well worth doing, - so said our members, audiences and Shropshire Review. We were really pleased at the feedback comments on the "Seen it, done it, got creative" postcards that were then sent to Shropshire Council as part of the conditions of our grant aid for the lighting. Talking of lighting, Liz Fisher pulled a rabbit out of the bag, or rather, a new control desk. We now need just the dimmers to have a complete package. A big thank you to Liz and Owen for sorting this and to Liz in particular for picking up the RSC Open Stages project and making it happen.
Liz Herdson stood down as chairman, having led Bridgnorth Players in this role since its formation four years ago. Her offer to look after publicity was warmly accepted; we know she has a talent for this, having seen the excellent job she did promoting the Shakespeare production. Maureen takes over the mantle of chairman, Dorothy continues as secretary and Liz F as treasurer with support from Pat Lowe. Lynne Fox continues as membership secretary and Geoffrey Speechly on the committee.
We thanked Mark Rigg for looking after safety issues this past year and wished him well in his new engineering venture.
There was a plentiful spread of food - a veritable feast. David Kelly cribbed a celebrity picture quiz, although in this case the portraits were in cartoon form instead of photos. Lady Ga Ga or Uma Thurman? Posh or Sandra Bullock? We'll never know as he did not have an answer sheet! Good fun. Gill K read "Hamlet rehearsal" from Victoria Wood and Richard A, our host, produced a gem from David Ive's collection "All in the Timing" called "Sure Thing".
All in all a good evening.
Liz Herdson stood down as chairman, having led Bridgnorth Players in this role since its formation four years ago. Her offer to look after publicity was warmly accepted; we know she has a talent for this, having seen the excellent job she did promoting the Shakespeare production. Maureen takes over the mantle of chairman, Dorothy continues as secretary and Liz F as treasurer with support from Pat Lowe. Lynne Fox continues as membership secretary and Geoffrey Speechly on the committee.
We thanked Mark Rigg for looking after safety issues this past year and wished him well in his new engineering venture.
There was a plentiful spread of food - a veritable feast. David Kelly cribbed a celebrity picture quiz, although in this case the portraits were in cartoon form instead of photos. Lady Ga Ga or Uma Thurman? Posh or Sandra Bullock? We'll never know as he did not have an answer sheet! Good fun. Gill K read "Hamlet rehearsal" from Victoria Wood and Richard A, our host, produced a gem from David Ive's collection "All in the Timing" called "Sure Thing".
All in all a good evening.
Monday, 18 June 2012
Women, Women, Women ...
Behind Every Successful Man ............
The blurb said:"If Shakespeare were alive today he would be writing TV dramas. We've picked some of his juiciest plots..." and what an evening's entertainment it turned out.
Well done Bridgnorth Players and well done Liz Fisher for initiating this project and being the driving force behind it. Taking bite size chunks of Shakespeare to six different venues is ambitious but from the reception so far at Eardington, Tasley, Quatt and Cleobury Mortimer it was well worth doing.
Great acting, excellent lighting and sound and imaginative, subtle scene changes.
Half the fun is what has gone before with all the planning and preparation, and even those of us who could not be in it were still able to ride on your coat-tails and take part in the Royal Shakespeare Company's workshops at Stratford. Thank you.
I hear that Chelmarsh Parish Hall ticket sales for this Friday 22nd June are racing along, but there are still seats available for the last night on Saturday 23rd at Morville Village Hall. Phone Lynne Fox at the box office on 01746 764212.
Dorothy
The blurb said:"If Shakespeare were alive today he would be writing TV dramas. We've picked some of his juiciest plots..." and what an evening's entertainment it turned out.
Well done Bridgnorth Players and well done Liz Fisher for initiating this project and being the driving force behind it. Taking bite size chunks of Shakespeare to six different venues is ambitious but from the reception so far at Eardington, Tasley, Quatt and Cleobury Mortimer it was well worth doing.
Great acting, excellent lighting and sound and imaginative, subtle scene changes.
Half the fun is what has gone before with all the planning and preparation, and even those of us who could not be in it were still able to ride on your coat-tails and take part in the Royal Shakespeare Company's workshops at Stratford. Thank you.
I hear that Chelmarsh Parish Hall ticket sales for this Friday 22nd June are racing along, but there are still seats available for the last night on Saturday 23rd at Morville Village Hall. Phone Lynne Fox at the box office on 01746 764212.
Dorothy
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