Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
page last updated 12/02/2010
RTG Newsletter – February 2010
Bluebeard the Magnificent!
It
has to be acknowledged that these factors did have an effect on overall tickets
sales; markedly down on last year's figures. However the same cannot be said of
the enthusiasm the group members on and off stage put into the final production.
As
with any RTG production the overall effort of all those involved, should be
applauded.
Ken
once again did a wonderful job of making the set scenery, being able to
transform market stalls into a double bed (and he does all this on a budget of
£3.50 with the loan of someone else’s hammer).
There were some special moments in Bluebeard, too many in fact to mention them all but I will remember Chris’s unflappable professionalism when the stage crew had hard boiled the eggs to be used in the comic cookery scene, also the bed scene and the chase back and forth across stage that followed. Finally Richard and his devotion to keep gluing his beard back on and putting up with the blue dye that kept coming off it turning him into a version of Papa Smurf.
Bluebeard despite its initial problems was a true success and everyone concerned worked very hard to make it so. What then next year? We shall see.
Well Done!
Greek Classic
As
you may be aware the RTG June production is to be ‘King Oedipus’ by
Sophocles.
The
play is to be directed by Mark Breach who’s past productions include ‘Great
Expectations’ and ‘Under Milk Wood’ and will be performed on the 3rd,
4th and 5th of June 2010.
Initial readings have already taken place and auditions are to be on Wednesday 17th February in the lounge area at St Peters Church Hall commencing at 8.00pm.
NANDA One Act Plays
Abigail’s Party
Our very own Jo Thomas is joining Bonnington
Theatre Group to take the lead in ‘Abigail’s Party’, which is to be
performed at the Bonnington Theatre Arnold on April 22nd, 23rd
and 24th. Tickets are £6.00 (no concessions) we would like to get a
group together to go and offer her our support. If interested contact Julie
either at RTG rehearsals or telephone 01623 643517
Finally a warm welcome from RTG to new member Stuart Wells.
RTG Newsletter – December 2009
Wonderful, Wyrd and Wacky
Once again the
Youth Group showed its professionalism and versatility with an excellent
performance of Terry Pratchett’s ‘Wryd Sisters’.
Christmas Dinner
Bluebeard
Looking forward to next year
It
can be a challenge to carry on finding new and exciting productions for each
year. For next year we also have the added problem of a general election to
contend with. This could be anytime from May to June with the Village Hall being
used as a Polling Station. The RTG Committee
has taken this into account and several possibilities have been discussed. The
work that RTG2 do each year reading new scripts is also a great help. If any members
are aware of possible plays that could be considered for a future production
then please bring it to the attention of the group.
RTG Newsletter – October 2009
Just the Tonic
A
strong cast, excellent backstage and front of house support made this production
a highly enjoyable and memorable experience. Audience reaction too was extremely
positive over the three performance nights.
John Godber’s
Gym and Tonic had all the right ingredients for a successful play, the right
balance between comedy, pathos, and some might say, an element of tragedy
(particularly the final scene). It also had some excellent choreographed scenes
(thanks to Mandy) and a soundtrack to rival the best (courtesy of John).
The cast all gave excellent
performances and some even displayed otherwise unknown talents;
Julie for being a
natural masseuse and chiropractor (my neck has never moved as it does now) and
Jo for Cornish Pastie throwing. Never has a pastie been thrown with such force
and accuracy (ask Katie who caught one in the stomach).
John
who directed the production was more than happy with the final results. He
acknowledged the hard work put into the production by all involved. He is now
thinking of applying to the BBC to become the new head of Drama, perhaps.
See the pictures at Gym & Tonic.
Bluebeard
As you may
already be aware the next RTG production is to be ‘Bluebeard’ by Paul Reakes.
Initial readings have taken place and already some interesting characters and
equally interesting interpretations have been seen and heard. A
second reading is scheduled for Wednesday 7th with auditions following a week
later on the 14th.
Fancy a night out?
The
Lace Market Theatre at Nottingham are performing ‘Festen’ by David Eldridge
on the 9th
– 14th November at 7.30.p.m.
See Mark Breach for tickets and more information.
The play
witnesses the coming together of a daughter and two sons to their widely
respected father’s 60th birthday. The eldest son's speech rocks the
family, which can never be the same again. The play contains some strong
language and deals with issues that some might find disturbing.
Christmas Dinner
This
year’s RTG Christmas Dinner is to be on Thursday 17th December
7.30p.m. At the Little John Public
House Main Road Ravenshead.
Something Wryd this way comes
RTG Youth Group Present Terry Pratchetts
“The Wryd
Sisters”
November 20th and 21st 2009
RTG Newsletter – August 2009
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
This years RTG
Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 17th June commenced with a
rousing speech from Carole highlighting the past years achievements (Full text
of the speech and the one from Anne-Marie on the youth group achievements can be
viewed in full on the RTG website under Newsletters).
It was then time
to make the awards for best performance and contribution to RTG. Winners were
Mandy for her excellent performance as Paige in “Roleplay” and John for his
continued contribution to the success of RTG. Betty and Joyce presented the
awards respectively.
There were some
changes to the committee members the full committee member list is as follows:
Carole Justice
– Chairman
Jo Thomas –
Treasurer
Terry Cox –
Secretary
Julie Cox
Barbara Kirk
Mark Breach
Ken Cumberpatch
Hazel O’Connell
Rehearsals
have started for the September production of John Godber's “Gym &
Tonic”. Cast members are busy learning lines and moves. The play includes
several aerobic workout sequences, which the cast will have to learn. Mandy is
to act as choreographer for the production.
The
poster issues a stark warning about the presence of a man in underpants but not
to worry, the underpants will not be on stage for long and will only be
providing a supporting role.
John
is directing the play and is confident that like all previous RTG productions it
will be a great success. Performance dates are 25th, 26th
and 27th September. The Box Office is open.
RTG Youth Group
The Youth Group
has broken for summer and will be back in September to put the final touches to
the November production of Terry Pratchett's “Wyrd Sisters”.
Anne-Marie
and Mandy are both very pleased with the cast’s progress.
RTG 2
While
the cast for the September production are rehearsing RTG2 have been equally busy
reading scripts for the January 2010 production.
There
have been discussions about moving away from the usual Pantomime style
production to something different (still a family friendly show, hopefully with
songs, dance routines etc) but this is likely to be determined by the quality
and standard of the scripts being read.
So
far RTG2 have read The Twits, Babes in the Woods, Aladdin, Sinbad, Blackbeard
and Robin Hood. The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe has also been considered as
a possible choice.
NEW TECHNOLOGY
RTG
recently took delivery of a new laptop. It is hoped that the laptop will support
productions through the use of software packages to reproduce sounds, noises and
musical tracks.
It
is also expected that the laptop will be used as a central point to archive RTG
Committee Minutes, Newsletters and other associated information.
SOCIAL EVENTS
Hazel
is organising a trip to Nottingham Theatre Royal to see the comedy “The Grass
is Greener” on Monday 7th September.
Christmas
will be upon us soon (yes I know its only August but we need to plan ahead) and
we are hoping that this year’s festive bash will be held at the Little John
Public House, Ravenshead. Julie has requested information and we will send out
details as soon as possible.
RTG Chairman's Report - 2008-09
This is my first year as Chairman of the RTG
and I would like to thank the committee members for their hard work over the
past year. Our membership continues at a healthy number of 46.
At this point I would like to welcome 4 new
members, who have become a very welcome addition to the group.
·
Jayne and Richard Sullivan
·
Josephine Kinnaird
·
Andrew Cook
RTG have had another busy and successful year
and the newsletter continues to keep members informed with up to date
information, thanks to the sterling efforts of our Secretary Terry Cox.
Since I became Chairman we have enjoyed
celebrations for the RTG 40th Anniversary June 2008 in the Village
Hall and a lot of memories were shared by founder members plus a display of many
photographs of previous productions together with a square dance.
September 2008 – Role Play
This was a very good script by Alan Ayckbourn
and directed by Graham Smith. The play was very well received and enjoyed good
audience reaction.
For this production, we introduced the idea of
a rehearsal video to help cast members view their rehearsal performance and help
them with characterisation and from comments made by cast members, this has
proved to be very useful in helping posture, gestures, movements etc and it may
become regular practice. Thank you to Patrick Kelly for his professionalism.
January 2009 – Mother Goose Pantomime
This production was a joint effort by John
Birch, Joyce Townsley and Barbara Kirk.
Several pantomime scripts were read before
Mother Goose was chosen. An unprecedented amount of tickets were sold for this
production in comparison with previous pantomimes. We also obtained a fabulous
Goose costume, which is available for hire and Ken C produced an exceptional set
to accommodate this large bird and Shelia Cross appeared to thoroughly enjoy
herself playing the large and sometimes very naughty bird. This, together with
the talking/singing skull, proved to be very popular with the audience. There
was also an imaginative use of music, thanks to Barbara, together with some
memorable dancing from members of the RYTG.
June 2009 – Great Expectations
This was another production in the inimitable
style of our Mark Breach and under rather unusual circumstances, in that we did
not have three evening performances, as is normal, due to the voting for the
European election. Performances were held over two nights and one matinee.
Other items
In August 2008 members carried out a costume
audit which has resulted in a comprehensive list of items and their whereabouts.
Some of the costumes were photographed and placed on the RTG website and are
available for hire by other groups. A master copy of this list is with the RTG
committee and is updated regularly.
The committee have produced a more
comprehensive programme for each production, giving more information on the
group and past performances, cast information and future performances. Hopefully
this will result in more members joining us.
Improvements to productions
The committee have invested in an improved
sound system with the guidance of Steve Monk and I would like to thank him for
his input and knowledge. This improvement has aided the production of good
quality rehearsals.
RTG have now begun to incorporate RTG and RYTG in productions which make for a more varied performance for audiences. This is also a very good experience for the younger members.
During the year we joined forces with a group
of young people who were training in media makeup, who were given the
opportunity to practice makeup on various characters in the Mother Goose
Pantomime. It is hoped that sometime in the future RYTG may visit the training
centre and pick up a few makeup tips. Not that RYTG need tips on makeup, they
are all very lovely naturally but the makeup would be to produce such things as
the appearance of bruises, scars etc!
The RTG committee are always mindful of modern
issues and the need for stress free productions.
Consequently, they have put into place, guidelines regarding:
·
Child Protection
·
Health and Safety and Fire procedures
·
Risk Assessment and check list
Carole Justice
Youth
Group report
Introduction
It has been another eventful year for RYTG. This is the group’s fifth
year in existence and I am pleased to say we go from strength to strength! The
group is currently 23 strong with 6 or 7 on the waiting list at the moment.
November
2008
The group’s main show this year comprised two, brilliant, yet very
different, one-act plays. “Gilly’s Gem” by Sandy Taylor and “Ernies
Incredible Illucinations” by Alan Ayckbourne. “Gilly’s Gem” was a
sophisticated, gentle comedy in which the children were required to play adult
characters. The cast did exceedingly well and the play would not have looked out
of place alongside an RTG offering of a similar nature. The comic timing in this
play by all concerned was superb!
“Ernie” on the other hand, was a kind of comic fantasy looking at
what would happen if a young boy’s daydreams became reality! Again the
children performed very well indeed, with some beautiful moments of comedy
theatre such as the boxing match and the librarian climbing the mountain! And
who can forget the real life Black Diamonds Brass Band appearing on stage at the
end… the result of a lot of last minute phone calls.
Both plays were warmly received by our audiences and, for the first time
in the history of RYTG, we actually made a profit!!
Panto
2009 – Mother Goose
As in previous years, the Youth Group provided a vibrant chorus and
dancing troupe for the main group’s pantomime. The dancing was magnificent and
truly enriched the pantomime experience – “Thriller” still scares me, and
the thought of the geese dancing to Hushabye Mountain can still bring a lump to
my throat!
Nanda
Youth Festival 2009
Unfortunately, due to a combination of late information from NANDA and
key helpers being involved in “Great Expectations”, we were unable to get
anything organised in time to enter into this year’s competition. Very
disappointing for all concerned, however we have decided that we will come back
fighting next year!
Improvisation
Night
‘Mission Improbable’ visited the Youth Group in May for a night of
improvisation and improvisation games tailored to suit a younger element –
even though the adults present had every bit as much fun as the Youth Group
Members did. The evening was a big success and a huge learning curve for all of
us – it is hoped to make this an annual event if our visitors are willing.
Great
Expectations
As you will all be aware, three of RYTG group joined with the main group
for the June production. At the risk of repeating myself… Emmy, Fiona and
Robert acted exceptionally well and thoroughly deserve all the commendations
they receive. It was wonderful to see three young people acting on a par with
the adults and truly holding their own!
All at RYTG are extremely proud of them. It also highlights how useful
having a Youth Group is. When you have a pool of talent of this age it enables
the Adult Group to consider productions that they would have otherwise ruled
out.
Other
In between the Pantomime and Great Expectations I received a telephone
call from Councillor Colin Powell from Ravenshead saying that he had heard about
the group from the local vicar and he asked if we would like any money. He did
actually explain which particular pot of money we were eligible for etc
(probably something to do with Community, Youth etc!)…but I can’t remember
now as I just said yes! Several phone calls later, singing the praises of the
group and how valuable we are to the community etc, RYTG were issued with a
cheque for £400. This is truly magnificent.
It has not all been plain sailing for the Youth Group this year. There
have been some difficulties with some member’s behaviour.
We have tackled this by introducing a warning system. In a nutshell, bad
behaviour will not be tolerated indefinitely and, depending on the severity of
the behaviour by an individual member, they may be asked to leave the group and
their parents will be informed as to why. We truly hope that this has the
problem sorted, once and for all.
On a much more serious note, it is with great sadness that we were
recently informed of a former RYTG member’s tragic death on 1st
June. Corrine Brady, a member of the group from 2004-2005, was recently killed
in a quadbike accident She was just 19. She appeared in RYTG’s very first
production “I was a teenage Jekyll and Hyde” – and was a much-liked member
of the group.
Working with the group you realise that it’s not just about
“performing on stage”. You realise that the work that we do and the way in
which the group interacts, in a very small way helps to shape these young
people’s lives. This is why the Child Protection Policy is very much a
necessity.
The
Future
RYTG will be performing again at the St Peter’s Church Fete on June 27th
and we will have a little stall to advertise ourselves! Our November production
will be “Wyrd Sisters”, based upon the novel by Terry Pratchett and adapted
for stage by Stephen Briggs. This is a real departure for us; It represents our
first full production using all the members (23!) since “Jekyll and Hyde”.
Moreover, it is very complex both in terms of script and production. The
play is now cast and rehearsals begin in earnest! It promises to be a magical
experience!
I need to say a HUGE thank-you to all involved in RYTG. John. Mandy, Jo,
Barbara, Carole and Ken and anyone else who has supported the group. We are
always looking for help but especially now as John is leaving us whilst he
concentrates on his September “Gym and Tonic” production! Please see Mandy
or John to add your names to a rota of Volunteer helpers. This could be just
organising the juice and biscuits at the break or being involved in the November
play…or anything else in-between! I know I speak for all involved who find
working with these exceptional young people a most rewarding experience.
Ann-Marie Butler
RTG Newsletter – June 2009
Beyond
Expectations!
Well
Great Expectations proved to be another RTG success. Congratulations should go
to everyone concerned from actors, director, sound and lighting, stage manager,
set design, props, prompt, costumes and front of house plus anyone else remotely
concerned with the production. It was another fine example of what hard work and
cooperation can achieve.
There were so many memorable performances in this production that it would be unfair to single individuals out but it is worth mentioning John’s unique walk as Uncle Pumblechook, which was achieved by tightening a certain part of his anatomy. It appears to be a technique adopted by David Suchet in his role as Hercule Poirot and anyone else who have been caught short.
Improvisation
Night
September
Production
The
next production for RTG will be John Godber’s “Gym and Tonic”. To be
directed by John Birch. The play centres on married couple Don and Shirley
Weston who visit a health farm to get back some life into their marriage. The
week is supposed to be made up of relaxation, fitness and pampering, but things
do not go to plan.
Temptations
are rife, including love interests and the odd chocolate bar and cigarette.
Unfortunately rifts start to show in their marriage and things are not helped
when Don indulges in therapy treatment sessions from the lovely therapy
assistant Chloe.
First
readings have taken place with a second reading scheduled for Wednesday 24th
June. Auditions will take place the following week on Wednesday 1st
July
Performance
dates are September 24th, 25th and 26th.
Annual General
Meeting
Don’t forget this year’s annual general meeting is
to be held in the Brammer Room at 8.00pm on Wednesday 17th June.
The red carpet (or black carpet or brown carpet we have such a choice these days) will be out for our very own version of the Oscars, as we vote for the next winner of the Betty Kirk award. Nomination forms have been sent via E Mail and hard copies are available from Barbara. All nominations must be returned to Barbara by Tuesday 16th June.
There will also be a chance for RTG members to put
themselves forward for nomination to join the RTG committee.
RTG Newsletter – April 2009
On
Course for Great Expectations!
This production sees a new face to RTG, Andrew Cook who
plays a very scary Magwitch. Believe me I’ve stood in front of Andrew as my
character of Pip and he is SCARY, but a very nice fellow out of character as
well.
Mark is hoping to adopt a minimal stage set that will
separate the stage into different sections allowing the play to flow without
numerous scenery changes. Ken C is again using his creative talents to their
best effect and has already come up with a leg iron and chain for our escaped
criminal Magwitch, from his own private collection I’m informed?
RTG
Youth Group
John, Anne-Marie and Mandy are currently hard at work
with the Youth Group members reading Terry Pratchetts ‘The Wyrd Sisters’ as
a possible play for November. John, Ann-Marie and Mandy will act as co-directors if the play is chosen.
The Youth Group will not be entering a play in the
NANDA youth festival this year due to members' commitments. Unfortunately NANDA
did not allow sufficient time for the Youth Group to produce a play to enter.
The Youth Group still needs adult volunteers to help
with productions and other Youth Group activities. Those willing to help will
need to undergo a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check, which is common practice
nowadays for any organisation working with children. If you would like to offer
your help please contact John as soon as possible.
What’s
in the pipeline?
Whilst Members of the cast are being drilled into shape
by Mark, RTG2 have been reading through scripts for the September production and
beyond.
Graham, Ken R, John and others have supplied various
scripts for the group to read through.
Many thanks to the members who to date have volunteered
their homes as a meeting place due to the main hall been occupied by the
Women’s Institute on occasions.
What’s next? We will have to wait and see.
Comedy
Improvisation Group
We are to have a visit on Tuesday 19th May
(the venue is yet to be confirmed) from a local comedy improvisation group led
by Geoff Monk brother of our very own Steve Monk.
The group hold regular comedy improvisation sessions at
a comedy club in Nottingham and hope to be able to bring along a suitable show
for the Youth Group and any adult members who may wish to attend. There will be
a good deal of interaction between the group and those present.
Put this date in your diary it should be a really good night. Once the venue is confirmed I will ensure members are made aware.
RTG
AGM
This year's Annual General Meeting will be held in the
Brammer Room on Wednesday June 17th.
Like last year there will be a new voted winner for the
‘Betty Kirk’ award for performance of the year, plus the Founder members'
trophy for outstanding contribution of the year. Nomination slips will be
available nearer the time.
A
date with Agatha
There are a couple of plays coming to the Theatre Royal
which may be of interest to the group for a social outing.
“An Inspector Calls” Tuesday 2nd -6th
June (please note this is the same week as the next RTG production) Ticket
prices start from £19.50, dress circle)
And:
“The Spiders Web” (Agatha Christie) Monday 22nd
– 27th June (We can get two tickets for the price of one on the
Monday night for this production). Prices start from £18.50 (Dress circle and
stalls).
RTG Newsletter – February 2009
The Panto that laid the Golden Egg!
There
are so many superlatives that could be used to describe ‘Mother Goose’,
eggcellent, full of yokes, eggstatic etc. the best form of congratulation came
from the departing audiences who were more than overjoyed at the latest RTG
Pantomime.
Some said it was
the best one yet, others said it was brilliant, one lady swore that she would
never pay to see a professional production again, not if we continued to produce
something as exciting, entertaining and professional as ‘Mother Goose’.
It does
sound like a degree of backslapping and self-congratulation is going on here,
but the fact remains that it was a superb production and everyone involved
should be congratulated.
There
were so many good individual performances that it would not seem fair to single
people out, but in the end it was the whole spectacle of acting, dance, song and
set that made it such a success.
Not only
on the stage but all the other supporting roles, lighting, sound, backstage,
front of house, along with John and Joyce’s excellent direction and incredible
ideas. The talking skull was simply brilliant. Special thanks must go to Steve
James for his excellent announcement voiceover.
What the Dickens!
You
may already be aware that the June 2009 RTG production is to be the stage
version of Charles Dickens ‘Great Expectations’ by playwright Hugh Leonard.
The dates are Friday 5th June and Saturday 6th; the
Saturday date includes a matinee.
Once
again the direction duties are to be passed to Mark, who did such a memorable
job with ‘Under Milk Wood’. The introductory reading took place on
Wednesday February 4th after the Pantomime De-brief. Further
reading dates and relevant information will follow.
Mark’s
synopsis (see Mark if you require a copy) outlines the classic Dickens story of
orphan Pip and how his life is changed through a chance meeting in a graveyard
with the escaped convict Magwich and how his future life is influenced through a
mysterious benefactor. The play visits the themes of gratitude, suffering, and
social mobility. Heavy stuff, but I
don’t doubt it will be another RTG success.
Christmas Bash
Although
it must seem a while ago now the last RTG Christmas Bash was well attended and
according to all the complementary comments a good night.
Congratulations
have to go to Chris Breach and her table teammates for winning the Christmas
Quiz (I should have included the question about Mudd’s bass player). We are
hoping that next year’s venue will be at the refurbished Little John.
Julie
is looking at social events for this year and if you were aware of any local
events that you feel would be of interest to the group. Please contact Julie
with details.
Email
Jules.Cox@ntlworld.com
Here
is a taster of some of the shows coming to the Theatre Royal Nottingham. Let
Julie know if any are of particular interest.
Pack of Lies (Thriller) – March 16th to 21st
West Side Story – March 31st to April 11th
Brief Encounter – May 5th to 9th (Note
this production starts on a Tuesday)
A Spiders Web (Agatha Christie) June 22nd to
27th