Newsletter No: 344 July-Aug 2011

Hello Members,

I hope you are all enjoying this rather curious Summer (has it started yet ?) or perhaps you have escaped to other places. Meanwhile, your Committee is hard at work keeping the wheels turning and planning for future events, including the famous Players Picnic which is the next event on the calendar on 14 Aug. Read on for more details of this and other exciting things…..

Players Picnic on the Recreation Ground on Sun 14 Aug at 4pm

Come and join in the fun of the Players Picnic. This is very much a do-it-yourself event and is enjoyed by all age groups. All you need to do is to bring something to sit on and a bit of food and drink for yourself if you wish. Anne Lyth will be bringing a Rounders ball & bat and a Croquet set. So you can take part or just relax and watch the extraordinary spectacle ! Members’ friends and sociable dogs are also very welcome. If the weather is doubtful, please ring Anne on 01483 277338 at mid-day to ask if the event is going ahead.

Social Play Reading : Tuesday 18 Aug at Jeannie Metcalf’s house at 7.30 p.m.

There were 11 Members and 2 prospective new Members at the Play reading on 19 July, reading an Agatha Christie play. There was one murder and various suspects with a typically devious plot ! We had a lot of fun using different accents and changing the parts in each Act. We held the event at the EYSC to make it more accessible to all Members and perhaps attract some new Members. We had some success in both these respects but we were disappointed with the acoustics which were affected by the high ceiling causing an echo. The next Play Reading will therefore be at Jeannie Metcalf’s house on Tues 18 Aug at 7.30pm (Springfold, Mapledrakes Road, Ewhurst, GU6 7QP Tel. 01483 277831). We will be reading ‘A Chorus of Disapproval’, a fun play by the master of comedy, Alan Ayckbourn. You are all warmly invited to come along – its very informal and a pleasant way to have a drink and a chat, plus reading a few lines here and there if you want to. Prospective new Members are especially welcome.

Working Party to make improvements to the stage in August

A date has not yet been fixed for a Working Party to meet in the village hall to carry out some important improvements to the stage but it is expected to be in the latter part of August. Volunteers are very welcome and should contact Bruce for more information.

Players One Day Workshop : Sat 15 Oct

We are planning to repeat the successful formula of the Workshop Day we held a few years ago – with an Acting Session in the morning; a finger buffet lunch; and a choice of two Sessions in the afternoon. More information in the next Newsletter – but put the date in your diary.

November Production : ‘Katherine Howard’ by William Nicholson 16–19 November

George Yates (Director) is very happy with the way things are going at the moment and has filled all the off-stage roles. The Stage Manager (Victoria) and Props (Hilary) will be sufficient to handle all the backstage requirements. Some help will be needed for building a few stage props but a set will not be constructed. There will be tables at each performance and the audience will bring their own nibbles and drinks. There will not be a Cash Bar but some basic nibbles will be provided. Liz has volunteered to take charge of the nibbles and table laying etc. The first rehearsal will be a read-through at George’s house on 25 Sept. Set Building (of a few stage props) will take place on 23 & 30 Oct and 6 & 13 Nov. Performances will be on 16, 17, 18 & 19 Nov.
Off-stage roles will be undertaken as follows. Stage Manager : Victoria, Light : Peter, Sound : Bob, Costumes : Anne & Jean, Box Office : Julie, Props : Hilary, Prompt : Wendy, FoH : Mike F, Banners : Cyn, Catering : Liz. For more info, please ring George (01483 277354)

Panto in 2012 : ‘Sinbad the Sailor’ 26 (charity perf), 27, 28, 29 Jan & 3, 4 Feb 2012

Roland Butcher (Director) is already working on the Panto as well as learning his lines for ‘Katherine Howard’ (Oh yes he is !…..etc ). The Auditions for this will be held on Wednesday 14 September, 7.30 p.m. at the Village Hall and Monday 19 September, 7.30 p.m. at the EYSC. As you know, these are very informal and a lot of fun reading the various parts. So please come along if you can to one or both of the Audition sessions. The main parts to be cast are as follows :

Marzavan the Merciless, a wicked magician (M ) Black dog, a pirate. (M or F)

Sinbad (M or F) Long John Pete, the pirate first mate (M)
Dimdim Zinebi, Sinbad’s friend (M) Mustapha Ziz, an island trader (M or F)
Sultana, Marzavan’s daughter (F) Scary Streets, the ship’s cook (M or F)

Firebrand the fearful, a dragon (M or F) Charlie Dimwit (also a pirate) (F)

Fatima Babubi, a Jinn (M or F) Tommy the Deck (also a pirate) (M or F)

Whirling Dervish (also a pirate) (M or F) Griselda Nightshade, a witch (F)

Kisskiss Tangerine (F) Hydra, the three headed monster (also

Pinkbeard, the pirate leader (M) Pirates)

Also : Pirates, Sailors and Spirits of the cave

If you wish to read the script in advance, it is available on line.
Please send an email request to Roland at barberry@btinternet.com (Tel. 01403 822696) and
advise format.... Word Document or Word 97 – 2003 Document.

We also need a Member of the Players to sit on the Casting Committee. Please contact Bruce on 01483 277863 as soon as possible.

May 2012 Production

Would anyone like to direct a play in May 2012 ? The Committee would be delighted to receive offers before the deadline of 1 Nov 2011. New Directors are always welcome. Please conta ct Bruce.

New Hon. Secretary for 2012

We have still not received an offer from any of you to take over from Liz as Hon Sec of the Players. It is vitally important that we have a prospective new Hon Sec as soon as possible. The Society cannot run efficiently without one. Liz will provide all the support that’s needed to ensure a smooth transition. So, if you would like to help the Players in this immensely satisfying and crucial role, please ring Liz on 01483 275965.