official newsletter of the Carlton Dramatic
Society
'Informing the mob'
February 2006
Free where sold
'Informing the mob'
February 2006
Free where sold
carlton chronicle
|
official newsletter of the Carlton Dramatic
Society
'Informing the mob' February 2006 Free where sold |
carlton chronicle |
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'Stags and Hens' - 9th November. Thanks to new member Neil Kelly for this great review
Stags and Hens is a slice of insecure small-town life, played out in the toilets of a shabby Northern nightclub. Staged on an impressive set apparently "knocked up in no time" by the omni-competent Mike Tierney, the play revolves around the imminent nuptials of the willful Linda (Ellie Levy) and the drunkenly comatose Dave (Jeff Graves). Ellie delivered a strong portrayal of the non-conformist who has simply been going along with what's expected of her, but is now having a crisis of confidence. Should she go through with her wedding to Dave (Jeff comically vomiting into a toilet for most of the play), a man destined not to remember much about the event anyway? Or should she take her last chance and run away with the flamboyant Peter (a strutting performance by James Derbyshire as the one who once got away, now returning as a moderately recognizable musician)?
Powerful forces (with convincing Scouse accents) are arrayed in an attempt to keep Linda on the rails. Aisling Stevens was on fearsome finger-jabbing form as Number One Hen Berni, none-too-happily married and determined to see everyone else share the same fate. She holds her friends spellbound with dreadful tales of punishments meted out to those who don't follow the rules; death and destruction heaped upon the woman foolish enough to wear green on her wedding day. Even Linda's choice of a pint of beer over "a proper girls' drink" is met with a terrifying tongue-lashing. And Berni has plenty of support; Carol (a cool delivery from Tori Heggs) blithely applying her makeup whilst discoursing on how sorry she feels for midgets and ugly people. Frankie (Naomi Vaisey) convinced that Linda is just in one of her funny moods, frantically rushes around trying to keep tabs on her, and Maureen (Katy Wey), the misfit who would change places with Linda in a trice, is desperate to see the wedding go ahead if only so that the happy couple can enjoy the barbeque chairs she bought them. "Eh we're having a great time, aren't we!" she pleads.
Over in the Stags toilet, fragile egos are bouncing off each other. In charge is the volatile Eddy (Mike Tierney), the ultimate big fish in a small pond. A suggestion that he might once not have been able to hold his drink is met with violence. With threats and sarcasm he keeps his boys on a path that is very straight and very narrow. Nick Young played Robbie, a cheeky young chappie whose response to being turned down for a dance is to insist that, au contraire, it was he who knocked the lady back on grounds of sexual hygiene. Ian Ward played Kav, a reluctant graffiti artist who creates a marker-pen masterpiece on the toilet wall and then frets about what he might have caught from Robbie's would-be quarry. Mirroring Katy's performance was Billy, played by Jason Rodericks, as the one always on the fringes seeking approval and punctuating every sentence with "Yeh!".
Their world is cast into disarray when Peter struts into their toilet in multi-coloured jacket and fancy boots. The boots, at first derided, become objects of desire when the boys realize they know someone famous. Only when Eddy returns and furiously whips them back into line do they revert to their status of girls' boots, only to be worn by poofs.
I must mention Jethro Crabb as a character simply known as 'Roadie'. In his few minutes on stage he establishes that the power supply is too decrepit to support Peter's band and manages a brief (but mistaken) flirtation with Linda. It comes as a great relief when Linda eventually makes her escape through the window of the Boys' toilets. The others having made their matches, only Eddy and the senseless Dave are left on-stage with a final message of hope.
"We can do anything!" Eddy says. "We can go anywhere now!"
Congratulations to Director Carl Whiteside on a triumphant coup de theatre! You had to be there at a certain rehearsal to see the way in which a flagging performance can inspire an Incredible Hulk-like transformation.
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Here's a quick update of how we are doing, money-wise. Thanks to the Treasurer, Andrew Candish for the figures.
Our last major production, Stags and Hens, stunned us all by selling every single ticket! As far as I know, this is a first! (please let me know if you know of any other cases) This means that after costs, it made a clear profit of £625. Well done to all involved, especially you the members for selling the show so well, and of course the cast and crew for putting on such a great show in the first place.
But don't forget that only by selling tickets can we recoup the costs of putting on shows. So keep up the good work!
The website (www.carltondrama.org.uk - tell your friends!) is now pretty steady, and the work of improving the back catalogue of shows continues, thanks to Ian Ward. The Stags and Hens site will be up soon, with some great photos. Keep an eye on the new, improved Front Page News for updates. The Front Page will also be the place to look for up-to-the-minute news and announcements. The news is also available as an RSS newsfeed - see the website for details. The updated Calendar page shows you what is coming up soon, how the next few months pan out, and how everything will overlap - that should let you plan your entire lives around the Carlton, as is only right and natural. Don't forget that the Carlton's email is now committee@carltondrama.org.uk, so please use that only from now on. The Hotmail address is being abandoned. This goes for the committee as well! If anyone asks you what the email address is, tell them the correct one, and be sure to change your address books and email software.
As you may know, 2007 is the 80th birthday of the Carlton Dramatic Society. The group started in 1927, and apart from a short break in the 1940's, has been performing ever since. To celebrate this milestone date, the committee wants to arrange a big social occasion, with the opportunity to get Carlton members old and new together to reminisce about the society, and get an idea of what it is that makes the CDS so unique.
We are planning to send out questionnaires to all the members, to get some basic information about how everyone got involved in the group. We hope to put together some form of commemmorative book, which everyone can have as a keepsake.
Each issue, the editor awards a contributor a prize for talent, wit, integrity or just plain neck. This time around the prize goes to Neil 'Ned' Kelly for "Most Nonchalant Meeting of Copy Deadlines".
Congratulations Neil, that will be £10. If you would like a chance at winning this illustrious prize, write something for the Chronicle! Get your name in print, if not lights!
Something to share? Send all your news items to the editor. PLEASE.
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It's nearly upon us! Tell your friends!
Sick of this cold weather?
Looking for a way to beat the winter blues?
Then treat yourself to the theatrical extravaganza that
is....
Get down to the Wimbledon Community Centre Hall on Thursday 23rd or Friday 24th February 2006
Bring your fiver for entry (with a programme)
Bring your own booze and nibbles
Be there for 7:45
And you'll be laughing ... and crying ... and on the edge of
your seat!
It's sure to be a fantastic event, so don't shiver alone in the cold - join the hot crowd at the showcase - You'll love it!
For those of you involved in the show, please be aware that the Dress Rehearsal and Tech starts at 7.45 prompt, so you need to be ready at the Community centre at 7.30 prompt. It's going to be lots of fun, but the hard work's not over yet!
We are planning to video the event for posterity, and Mike T has stepped forward with camera to do the honours on Thursday. But we need someone to do Friday. Mike provides and sets up the camera, you'd get in free, press record at the start and stop at the end. Easy! Drop us a line if you can help, at committee@carltondrama.org.uk
[insert joke about 'going to the dogs' here]
Social Sec Cindy is arranging a trip to the dogs in March. Many of you have been to Wimbledon Dog Track before, and it's always fun to lose money by watching dogs run in circles (I do it at home!). So watch this space - more information will be available when we know the details.
Mike is directing the next major production - over to him...
Hi, I'm Michael Ahmad, you may remember me from such Carlton successes as Macbeth and Much Ado About Nothing, in which I acted, and A Chorus Of Disapproval, which I directed. Or more likely you don't remember me because I haven't been around for a while. I'm writing to let you know about the forthcoming production of The Resistable Rise of Arturo Ui by Bertholt Brecht which I am directing. I also want to invite people to come to the readthrough on 27 February 2006 so they can audition on 2 and 6 March 2006. There is a big cast for this show so If you are thinking of auditioning, please do come along. For those of you that arn't familiar with this play somebody clever had the following to say about it:
'Written in Exile in 1941 just before Brecht's arrival in the USA, Arturo Ui is a savage and witty parable of Hitler's rise to power - re-cast by Brecht into a small-time gangster's takeover of the local greengrocery trade. Brecht uses parody and pastiche of well known theatrical characters, including characters like Mark Antony, Richard III and Faust, without diminishing the horror of the real-life Nazi prototypes. It is a chilling reminder that greed and complacency are all that are required for evil to thrive.'
It is, by turns, shocking, comic, tragic and farcical, and clearly shows Brecht's anger and incomprehension at his country's headlong descent into madness that became the Third Reich. Its going to be a fun rehearsal period and the show is full of energy with a few bits of music here and there, so please come and audition. Although Brecht didn't write it with many female characters in mind, I want to even up the gender balance and will be looking for around 8 men and 8 women.
The show is to run from Tuesday 6th to Saturday 10th June, at the New Wimbledon Studio Theatre, and will be loads of fun, with a serious message. Come on and audition!
There will be a readthrough of the play on Monday 27th of February followed by 2 audition nights on Thursday 2nd and Monday 6th March. Anyone who is interested in auditioning for Arturo Ui should prepare a short dramatic monologue from a play they with which they are familiar (Arturo Ui even). Alternatively you could read a short passage (no more than a page) from a favourite novel. The general idea is to tell a story in a convincing and believable way. If anyone is confused or worried by this, please don't hesitate to call me on 07796 263 251 to discuss the process or to get ideas. I promise auditioning will be fun and entirely painless. As a last resort I will bring some standard audition texts for anyone who hasn't been able to prepare. All are welcome!
I would also ask if any members have any of the following items, if they would lend them to the Carlton for the duration of the show, we'd be most grateful.
Debbie Fowler is directing this production in August
Outside Edge, by Richard Harris, is a 'very British comedy' set in a cricket pavilion one summer's day in the present. Roger has enough trouble assembling his cricket team to play against the British Railways Maintenance Division Yeading East, but these complications pall before those occurring among their various wives and girl-friends. Bob has trouble between wife and ex-wife, Alex's girl-friend locks herself in the loo and has hysterics, Dennis flirts indiscriminately until his wife sets fire to his car, huge Maggie cuddles her tiny Kevin in her fur coat, even Roger's wife - champion tea-maker - rebels against his authority when she uncovers his little 'secret'.
It was first presented at the Hampstead Theatre in 1979 starring Julia McKenzie and Maureen Lipman. There are 9 characters comprising 4 women and 5 men. The playing age range for both is early 20s to mid 40s. There are no special requirements for accent or shape, so come on down and have a go!
The play is being directed by Debbie Fowler, and has Jeff Graves on board as Producer and Cindy Graves in place as Stage Manager, so you know it's going to a very professional production, not to mention heaps of fun. It's to be performed at the Colourhouse Theatre as part of the very popular Abbeyfest, and dates are to be confirmed, but a week in late August has been earmarked.
More details when we know them!
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Here in the Carlton we often perform rehearsed readings, in which the cast rehearse as normal and put on a full play, except they carry the scripts onstage at all times. This enables us to put on a show in a fraction of the usual time and with a fraction of the stress. Despite having the scripts onstage, the shows are just as good as our normal productions. Think of it like watching a film with subtitles - you just ignore them after a while, and enjoy the action.
This year, Jane Lewis is directing Murder In The Cathedral by T S Eliot, to be performed at St Marks Church, Wimbledon, on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th September, or Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st September - to be confirmed.
More details closer to the time.
Ian Ward is directing this production in November
Fast moving, inventive and highly entertaining, Teechers vigorously evokes life at a modern Comprehensive, using the format of an end-of-term play to sketch a drama teacher's progress through two terms of recalcitrant classes, cynical colleagues and unhelpful caretakers. The play runs the gamut of emotions, climaxing with the final scene which gives a poignant edge to the comedy.
The cast (despite being set in a school) will comprise all adults, ages ranging from awkward schoolkids to ambitious teachers to obstructive caretakers.
There is no firm week for the show yet, but this should be in November, and it will be performed at the New Wimbledon Studio. Dates for read-throughs and auditions will be confirmed soon. Please check your email and the website for information.
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Thanks very much Cindy! More probing next
prog...send in your nominations now! No, really! HAVE YOUR
SAY!
*descriptions charged at the following rates: Honest=free;
Tactful=£5; Glowing=£10
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One of the many highlights of Showcase LXXIX will be the debut of The Lord of the Rings in Twenty-Five Minutes. Follow this ground-breaking production through its first faltering steps into destiny.
Great news. Just got off phone with Adrian Noble. Apparently he's interested in meeting to discuss my idea. It's a bit of a departure for them, but If all goes well, LOTR in 25 mins could be part of the Royal Shakespeare Company's spring season 2006! Must think through some casting ideas in case they ask me for suggestions.
Note to self: Olivier as Gandalf?
Haven't seen him do anything for a while, could be just the comeback he needs. Wonder what I should wear to meeting? Something that shows them I am familiar with their work.
Note to self: An Elizabethan Ruff?
Strange, Adrian Noble's secretary didn't know anything about meeting. And he's out of country visiting best mate Sam Mendes of set of Jarhead. Met Dep Artistic Director instead, looked about twelve. He said RSC only do Shakespeare and wouldn't be interested in LOTR in 25 mins. I said I could throw in a couple of jesters and a donkey if they wanted and maybe have everyone die at end. Escorted from building by men in tights.
Note to self: See if M&S will take back ruff.
Artistic Director of Royal National Theatre, "Sir" Peter Hall called to say he heard about RSC disaster. News travels fast in Theatreland! Said they obviously don't have the vision to take a chance on new writing talent. Their loss is NT's gain. Meeting set for tomorrow.
Note to self: Find out do I have to bow when I meet him?
Apparently Peter Hall hasn't been the Artistic Director of the NT since 1988. I said maybe someone should tell him that. Guy called Nicholas Hytner is now AD, but secretary said he was out looking at wallpaper for new office and would not be back till Spring 2007. Beginning to think someone is having me on.
Note to self: Send Peter Hall Media Guardian Job's section
Now I know this is someone's idea of a joke. Witness the following transcription of actual phone conversation.
*Bring* *bring*. Hello this is Mr Kevin Spacey, Artistic Director of the Old Vic and I am interested in putting on your play LOTR in 25 mins.
Me: Pull the other one "Kevin". Yeah right... the Old Vic would let a Hollywood star be their artistic director. I mean have they not seen Pay it Forward?
Plus he said something about his mate Ian McKellen being interested in playing Gandalf... As if, he's way too short.
Note to Old Vic: You can't give a monkey £8 million and then be surprised when it spends it all on bananas.
Been a bit quiet recently. Read in The Stage that the artistic director of the Old Vic just signed new writer in multi million pound deal for script of "The Godfather Trilogy in 27 seconds.
Note to self: Pacino as Gimli?
Amazing news, finally my hard work and persistence has paid off. Kathie Arundell, Grand Dame of one of the country's leading acting troupes, Carlton Dramatic Society has given the green light to LOTR. Can't say I know their work, but she assured me they are well versed in experimenting with the framework of the super-objective as a means of counter pointing characterisation and emotional memory. Can't wait to put them through their acting paces.
Note to self: Buy megaphone.
First day and rehearsals are not going as I hoped. Gimli the dwarf is about twenty foot tall. Surely if they couldn't find someone physically right for the part they could have borrowed a child from somewhere and stuck a beard on them. I am going to have to get him to stand at the back of the stage to make him look shorter than the rest of the cast.
Note to self: Look into platform shoes for rest of cast
They obviously aren't used to working with a "method" director. The guy playing Frodo shaved his feet even after I specifically told him not to. Legolas won't have the surgery to make his ears pointy, keeps twittering on about prosthetics. Did Brando have a fat suit in The Godfather? I don't think so. He ate his own bodyweight daily for that part. That's dedication. Gandalf said he didn't remember Gandalf doing the "Saw a lady in half" trick in any of the films. I'm sure he does it in the extended directors cut. Or at the very least he makes a rabbit appear from his cloak or something. I told him Gandalf is a very powerful wizard, no one is going to impressed by him making the Queen of Hearts appear in someone's cleavage...the audience want magic.
Note to self: Debbie McGee as Arwen?
Just found out none of the cast can ride a horse, even though it distinctly says in the script on multiple occasions, "enters on horse". Apparently they thought they would be miming. How stupid would that look! Why don't we just mime the whole thing, the sword fights, the epic battle scenes, the sets, the costumes, setting Faramir on fire. Then we'd just be a bunch of idiots running around the stage, pretending to be heroes fighting imaginary armies with plastic swords. As if. Who's going to watch that? What a bunch of amateurs.
Note to self: Buy matches.
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Continuing your forced education, here's some more super stanzas. Pretend you're not illiterate scum for a moment, and enjoy these bon mots. First, more art from the Achi Prefecture, by Mike T. The first is a question we hope we never have to answer, and the second is a witty take on the haiku form itself.
Blue light stirs the noon |
Mike Norman Smith is |
Part two of our high-brow hijinks is another in a series of theatrical poems found by Mike Norman-Smith in a 1925 book.
Here the seats are; George, old man, Quick the curtain's going to rise, "The Castle ramparts, Elsinore" There's the Ghost: he does look wan Doesn't Hamlet do it well? Polonius's beard is fine Look, the King can't bear the play |
Now the King is at his prayers Hamlet's going for his mother Poor Ophelia! Look, she's mad The Queen is dead, and so's the King Now even Hamlet can more That last Act's simply full of shocks |
And finally, some handy phrases for review writers, thanks again to Mike Norman-Smith.
The chair gave a wooden performance
The principal boy was not the 'main man'
The lighting was not brilliant
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Story: Once upon a time there was a wicked King who ruled the Land of Delicious Puddings. He decreed suddenly that all puddings were banned; the people cried, wept and revolted so that he had to relent. The King said: you may save one pudding recipe but no more - this is the one they chose! And it is the best of the best, believe me!
Serves 10-12 or lots of seconds, or 2 greedy pigs.
Prep Time: 10+ minutes
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Ingredients
Roll over Fanny Craddock! I've got a dead arm!
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Hello Carlton folk!
Well, I have safely arrived back in good old New Zealand. I wont make you jealous by telling you the weather has been amazing and I've been swimming in the sea every day! I had a lovely Christmas with Steed's family - loads of BBQ's and too much beer/wine (not that that would surprise any of you).
Now we're in our new flat in Tauranga sorting out furiture and doing the gardening - domestic bliss. I have a week until I have to start school - I am not looking forward to ending my holiday and going back to work but that's life in the real world.
How's life in London, are you all busy with the showcase? I wish I was there to see all the stunning performances. Keep me up to date with Carlton news - I'd love to hear all the new goss!
Hope you're all well and living life to the full!
Lots of Luv,
Christina x
Dear Friends and fellows;
...Maybe a short piece on what it's like to be banged up in a cell for a couple of nights in Comitan! All part of life's rich tapestry, they might say, but it seemed like a hell of an inconvenience for the crime of doing sit-ups in a park - albeit bare-chested and with just 4 pairs of shorts on.
Anyway, have since relocated to Zapatista territory, San Christobal, where I'm trying to regain my bearings and shake off the dregs of a slight chill that I caught as a result of the sharp change of weather conditions I experienced on the Saturday of my (sudden) move.
I guess my immune system was temporarily depressed, plus I simply didn't appreciate how much more warmly I would need to dress of an evening in this city, as opposed to the last.
The prognosis, unfortunately, doesn't seem too great at the moment: there is one vague possibility of a job in Tuxtla, commencing March 12th, but until I receive confirmation of this I'm pretty much stuck in a city which I think I could enjoy a lot if only I had an inexhaustible supply of money, which of course I do not have.
Anyway, good luck to all concerned with the workshops-it'll soon be that time once more. I just don't know when we'll meet up again. It could be sooner than you think, or it could be never! Please continue to supply me with the general news, however.
Yours, with hope,
VINCENT LEWER.
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We meet twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays, at the Wimbledon Community Centre, St. George's Road in Wimbledon at 8.00pm. After rehearsals (10.30pm until we get thrown out), you'll usually find us in the Hand & Racquet pub at the bottom of Wimbledon Hill. All are welcome to pop in to a rehearsal, or catch us in the pub - see you there! We've been running for nearly 80 years, and new members are always welcome! DVDs and VHS tapes of some of our past productions are available - contact the committee for details, or visit the members area on the website. |
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If you want to contact the whole membership, please go through the committee! |
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These fees are subject to change at any time. To pay any fees,
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Another month, another format. If there is anything missing from the calendar I do apologise - my clairvoyance is affected by frostbite. You'll have to help me out by emailing me any items you would like to see included.
| Event | ↓ Monday 20th February 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thursday 30th November 2006↓ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arturo Ui Readthrough & Auditions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arturo Ui Rehearsals | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arturo Ui Get-in | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arturo Ui Dress | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Resistable Rise of Arturo Ui | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outside Edge | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Murder in the Cathedral | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Teechers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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