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It may seem like an age ago now but the Evening of Spooky Tales in October proved to be a real success. As a one off event it was either going to work or not.

From the audience reaction and the comments made afterwards (including a phone call to the box office saying how much the evening had been enjoyed) it was all worth the effort.

The stories, and poems, all with that supernatural element, were delivered in true RTG style and many thanks must go to all involved. Hopefully this will be just the first of many other one off events.

A special mention must go to Daniel Barrow who made his RTG debut as the ‘Narrator’ for the evening. What a voice.

The Twits

The box office is open and ticket sales are being made. The cast are all learning lines the Mugglewhumps are still upside down and the Twits are being well ….Twits, in the nicest possible way, obviously.

The January production is well on its way to being another RTG success (see how the optimism shines through). This is the second year that RTG has decided to go ahead with a family friendly production rather than its usual Pantomime. After the success of Paddington it seemed a natural step to look towards another family friendly play. Roald Dahl is not a stranger to RTG, for those of us who remember James and the Giant Peach for example, he always offers up a story guaranteed to intrigue, surprise, challenge and most certainly entertain.

For the future who knows? Remember, as members you all have an input into what the group undertakes and it is always well worth knowing what your thoughts are on the subject of family friendly vs. traditional.

Christmas Dinner

Ian and Sue Bishton celebrate winning this year’s (not as difficult as last year’s) Christmas Quiz at the annual RTG Christmas Dinner, held at the Little John, Ravenshead.

It was smaller gathering than last year due to social calendars being already filled and with one or two others being unfortunately indisposed. Still a good time was had and it was encouraging to be able to get to the Little John without the extremes of weather which have dogged previous years.

Into the New Year

Accrington Pals

Looking forward to 2012 the Committee has already chosen the play for the May production. Graham Smith is to direct The Accrington Pals by Peter Whelan. A gritty drama based around the true story of the First World War Pals battalion of Kitcheners Army raised in and around the town of Accrington in Lancashire.

Of the 700 men who went into action on 1^st July 1916, at the battle of the Somme, 235 were killed, and 350 were wounded in the first half hour. A rumor spread around the town of Accrington that only seven men had survived and an angry crowd surrounded the Mayor’s house, demanding information. The play follows the lives of those involved both on the battlefield and more importantly those left at home.

The play has a good mixed cast and has some great opportunities for members to stretch themselves in the strong characters. Readings and casting will take place after the January production

A Warm RTG welcome to new RTG member Michael Romanienko

RTG Newsletter – October 2011

Triple Whammies

It is always a challenge to try something different and to go against what is usually considered convention. Three one-act plays instead of the usual two–act play was something different and did have its fair share of challenges.

The three chosen plays couldn’t have been more different in style and content. The first ‘Verisimilitude’ written and directed by Matt Womble was a psychological thriller with a hint of 'Tales of the Unexpected' that made it compelling to watch.

In contrast ‘Summer Vocation’, directed by John Birch, had a gentle quaintness that was great fun to watch.

As with Verisimilitude there were some lovely performances. The costumes in Summer Vocation introduced a splash of colour that added to its appeal and allowed each character to stand out individually.

The second half of the evening was ‘Trip of a Lifetime’ directed by Richard Kinnaird. The play featured three characters and apart from a few hand held props, it required the audience to use a good deal of imagination as the set consisted of just three chairs.

Overall the show was a great success and once again thanks go out to everyone involved in making it such an enjoyable production.

January Production

It’s a return visit to a Roald Dahl story for next year’s January production. Mark Breach is to direct ‘The Twits.’ It was in May 2007 that the group performed ‘James and the Giant Peach’ which proved to be an interesting challenge but ultimately a great success and it is hoped that Roald Dahl's weird and wonderful story telling will appeal once again to all.

Readings have already taken place and auditions are on Wednesday October 12th at the Village Hall.

Performance dates are 26^th, 27^th and 28^th January with a Matinee performance on the Saturday.

Ken will be busy as usual making scenery as this production contains some very interesting set pieces (scenery upside down and characters shrinking before the audience's very eyes). However trust Mark. I’m sure that he will have many ideas how this can be achieved without a Hollywood budget and only simple computer graphics.

For One Night Only!

An Evening of Spooky Tales

The group is ready to entertain all comers to a number of spooky tales, monologues and chilling verse.

This is something new for the group and it is hoped that it will prove to be a success. Lots of hard work has already gone into getting the stories together. We have limited time and are planning the whole event using minimum lighting and set. However we hope that with our experience and professionalism we can create the right kind of chilling atmosphere.

We are still looking for volunteers to help on the night so please come along and make it an evening to remember.

RTG Christmas Dinner

This year’s Christmas Dinner has been booked at the Little John on Friday 16^th December at 7.30pm. Julie will be sending out more details in the very near future

Hello

A warm welcome to new RTG members Daniel Barrow and Helen Cooper.

RTG Newsletter – July 2011

Annual General Meeting

I have to admit that I was really nervous about my first report as Chairman of RTG. My hands shook, my throat was dry and I was not sure whether my deodorant would hold. I was very proud of what we have achieved in the last year both creatively and financially and it was an honour to be able to report this back to the group. I was more than ably assisted throughout by Ann – Marie who gave a glowing report of the Youth Group’s activities, Matt who introduced the concept of the ‘Fringe Group’ to the members and Jo who once again provided an excellent financial report.

I would also like to thank Julie for her secretarial skills in organising the paperwork and making sure plenty of copies were available. It was also my great pleasure to be able to announce the winners of this year Betty Kirk award and the Founder Members Trophy.

It had been a close call this year with the votes stretched over a number of nominees. However the winner of the Betty Kirk award for best adult performance went to Julie Cox for her fabulous performance as Muriel Wicksteed in Habeas Corpus. It was also a great pleasure to award the Founder Members Trophy to Ann–Marie Butler for her outstanding contribution to both RTG and RYTG. Ann-Marie was full of praise for the Youth Group, particularly their enthusiasm and willingness to participate. I’d like to thank everyone for turning up and adding their support. It’s very important that we all feel able to contribute. Ravenshead Theatre Group has a long history and I sincerely hope that this continues.

NANDA

There was a certain amount of trepidation from RTG about entering a play into NANDA’S play of the year competition. Perhaps too many memories of the last time. However I’m glad we did. I think we sometimes underestimate ourselves. As a group, for any aspect of amateur dramatics, I would pitch us against anyone.

The recent Youth Group win had boosted our confidence and on the night we were awarded both the Front of House Trophy and Best supporting actor/actress, which was awarded to Mandy Buckley and Matt Womble for their performances of Connie and Denis Wicksteed in Habeas Corpus. Julie Cox was narrowly beaten for the best actress award getting a special mention from the adjudicator. He was also very complimentary about our production and we were mentioned several times during the night. Out of a total of seventeen productions Habeas Corpus was placed overall 4^th which is something we should all be extremely proud of.

GHOST NIGHT

Time is rapidly moving on and I would like to start putting a structure to the Ghost Night planned for 28^th October 2011. Some people have already approached me with their ideas and intention to participate but I wish to know if anyone else wishes to perform a story, monologue or poem on the night.

YOUTH GROUP - HELP WANTED!!

We are looking for volunteers to assist with the Youth Group on Tuesday evenings from September onwards to cover whilst Ann – Marie is away. If you can, please contact John, Mandy or myself.

...and the chairman's report

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – Annual General Meeting 15th June 2011

This is my first year as Chairman and I wish to sincerely thank the committee and members of the group for their help and support.

I believe that the year has been a success both production wise and financially (Jo will confirm this later). This is due to the enthusiasm and hard work that the group put into making each performance a success.

Ravenshead Theatre Group continues to expand and is in a very healthy position. We have had some changes in membership with some leaving the group notably Jose Kinnaird who recently left due to personal reasons, she will be sorely missed and RTG send her our best wishes for the future.

We have had some good news as well in particular the birth of Kevin and Hazel O’Connell’s daughter ’Caitlin’, Ann–Marie and Martin’s future addition to the family the impending marriage of Karen and John and member Caroline Ford has just recently announced her engagement. We wish them well.

There has also been a new facet to the group in the form of the “Fringe Group”. The Youth Group continues to amaze with their enthusiasm and talent, recently winning the NANDA Youth Festival, more of that in the Youth Group Report.

My year as chairman started with:

Laying the Ghost

This was a comedy written by Simon Williams, directed by Graham Smith.

The road to the performance was certainly not smooth. Two weeks before the first performance a member of the cast dropped out. Frantic e-mails ensued between Mark and me to find a suitable replacement at such short notice. Mark thought he had found a replacement only to find that a mix up of performance dates meant that she also had to drop out. Enter our hero Richard Kinnaird who at very short notice came in learnt the lines and also put on a truly creditable performance. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Richard for this.

The play had many memorable moments. Chris Breach gave a master class in acting and it was good to see her working opposite husband Mark in the production, our very own Burton, Taylor partnership. It was also good to see Joyce Townsley back in a main character role. Dizzy, eccentric, a little wild, can’t remember what the character was supposed to be like but well done Joyce! We were also able to welcome back Rhianna Liddy to the group after an absence, all in all a successful production.

The Adventures of a Bear Called Paddington

In 2010 the group were asked to vote on whether they would like to continue with the usual Pantomime format or try a family friendly play instead. The overwhelming response was for a family friendly play.

John Birch stepped forward as director and suggested “The Adventures of a Bear called Paddington” adapted for the stage by Alfred Bradley. The crux of the production being a success was finding a creditable Paddington. Enter Lucas Wilcocks a regular with the Youth Group. Lucas’s performance was quite remarkable, braving body temperatures of up to a thousand degrees inside his bear suite he made Paddington not just a cartoon character but very real with his own personality . Well done! There were so many memorable performances and characterisations. Matt Womble has to have a special mention for his amazing face pulling as Mr Curry, Sue Bishton as a frighteningly believable British Rail Tea Lady and Mark Breach’s vocal performance during the Cherry Cake song which was so relaxed it makes Rex Harrison appears to be rapping in “My Fair Lady”.

We also introduced leaflet drops as a way of increasing attendance figures. Special thanks to Kevin and Hazel for organising “Operation Marmalade” drop routes. The whole operation was a success and we hope will now become a permanent feature. We have since followed this up as “Operation D Cup” for Habeas Corpus. I must also thank Alicja Gear from Premier Foods who supplied us with 30 jars of Marmalade to make various Marmalade cakes etc for the production and the unknown delivery man who dragged the three boxes containing the Marmalade through 2 feet of snow to our house one very cold day in December – bless him. Thanks also to everyone who baked cakes, buns etc. Not forgetting Ken who once again created some remarkable items for the stage.

Habeas Corpus

The committee had decided that May’s production should have a ‘crowd pleasing’ element to it without losing any of the artistic, production challenges that RTG like. Alan Bennett’s black comedy set in the mid 60’s during the rise of the permissive society (first performed in the early 1970’s) had all these ingredients. Mark Breach was director and the cast chosen. Being the most recent play does mean the memory is sharper remembering it, but it would still have been as sharp if it had been performed a year ago.

This play has been entered for the NANDA play of the year and I’m convinced is worthy of an award even if it is to Matt Womble for most innovative hairstyle. The acting, direction, just the basic feel good factor about this play made it a joy to be in. I must mention Mandy’s superb performance as Connie Wicksteed, how I kept a straight face when I faced her in act two as Sir Percy Shorter after being fooled by her false boobs into proposing marriage, I cannot imagine. Also my wife Julie as Muriel Wicksteed who threw shapes and poses in the seduction scene with Richard, that were new to me even after 16 years of marriage. Thanks also to everyone for their patience, particularly John who was left hanging around for such a long time – sorry just had to get that one in.

There were so many good performances in this play that it leads me to believe, quite honestly that we could undertake any genre of play and make a success of it.

The Future

The September 2011 production has been cast and will be three one – act plays. It includes the first production by the Fringe Group “Verisimilitude” a play written and directed by Matt Womble. The other two plays are a gentle comedy Summer Vocation directed by John and Trip of a Lifetime a comedy directed by Richard Kinnaird. I don’t doubt it will be another success.

In October this year we are to try a new fundraising event in the form of a Ghost Evening. This will be for one night with minimal lighting and scenery but hopefully will be a success and pave the way for other similar one off events.

As a Chairman and an active member of the group I am so proud of what we have achieved this year and look forward to the future with Ravenshead Theatre Group. We should never doubt what talent we have within this group. But as I’ve said before it is never just about the actors on the stage but the team supporting as well, the lighting, sound, front of house, stage management, props costume, social events, new seating plans, external contributors, etc everyone who take time to support the group in their productions and in ensuring Ravenshead Theatre Group continues into the future. Thank you.

RAVENSHEAD YOUTH GROUP

It has been an incredible year for the youth group. At the time of the last AGM we were preparing for our July show. (This was because NANDA was cancelled so got hall dates for July instead of November).

Slugwars and Panel Games

The group put on two, starkly different shows. Panel Games, Directed by AMB was a very serious piece about Euthanasia. So topical, particularly recently. This was a small cast – 7 and it was the first time we had attempted to do a straight play. The young cast rose to the challenge admirably. Rehearsals were full of discussions of the meanings of certain lines e.g. “lying there throwing her dinner at me” prompted a discussion about how the character was at end of her tether. A great deal of time was spent discussing characters. All of this was shown to great effect in the two performances. They were tender, thoughtful and very emotive performances by the entire cast.

Slugwars… there is a song called “war…never been so much fun” This certainly applied to Slugwars. Directed by John and Mandy this was an epic in the making. All about how to rid the garden of certain pests! We had dancing slugs, giant octopi, and giant chopsticks and so much more…This show featured a larger cast and it is all credit to John and Mandy to get them all doing the same thing at the same time and being in the right place at the right time! For many RYTG members it was their first performance with us! They all did so well. Some scenes will go down in RYTG history such as Marisha’s Nigella! It was so madcap and fun was had by all – especially me Sue and Matt back stage dancing!

Trips

We went on two brilliant trips in the last year. In Nov/Dec we went to the Mansfield Palace Theatre to see Georges Marvellous Medicine – although this was perhaps aimed at a much younger audience the group had a great time! We also went in January to London, taking 20 children to London was no easy task but it was well worth it! We went to see the Chinkenshed Theatre Company do “Bad Jelly’s Bad Christmas”. Inspired by Spike Milligan.

This was a tremendous experience - a truly mad show (as you would think really when attributed to Mr Milligan.) which was made all the more watchable by the 100+ children on stage, including some in wheelchairs, and the signing interpreters who were not sat at the side of the stage, but as much as part of the performance as the whole of the cast! We were also treated to an “after show” discussion with Spike Milligan’s daughters, who recounted some of their father’s wonderful stories and his commitment to writing for children. It was a wonderful experience.

Paddington

Although not a traditional Panto with the inevitable “chorus” made up of mainly RYTG, two members of the youth group were very much involved. One in particular had the starring role. Lucas did so well as Paddington Bear and having Harry playing Jonathan Brown was fab too – the biggest thing he has done to date. It was nice to see the youth group feature so prominently in the main group production!

NANDA and “Over the Wall”

This was not a simple project for the group; it was very different from what we have done in the past. Directed by Mandy, it was almost a naked script about how we accept things for what they are in society and do not question the status quo... and the consequences of when one person does. Mandy interpreted the script in such a special and visionary way that they play took on a completely different feel with choreographed movement and mime interpreting characters and the feelings of those characters. Rehearsals were fun, sometimes challenging, but there seemed to be a light build moment... almost two weeks before the group really put on a performance.

The Experience of NANDA was fun – the group was on such a high and loving being there - all before they had even performed! They really did save the best till last in terms of their performance at NANDA - it was spot on! The adjudicator said that you need several things for a youth theatre group – discipline, enthusiasm, commitment and these things rank way above acting ability. He also said that we had it in abundance! He said he was “bowled over” by the children’s performance. As you all know we won Best Overall Play in the festival. I know I speak for Mandy and Jo when I say a truly wonderful and proud moment it was for us!

The Fringe

Last year we started a new group for 16+ers to bridge a gap between the main group and youth group. This has been a real success. Currently we have eight members who under the guidance of Matt Womble, who will be doing a play with the main group in September. They also help out with the youth group.

Membership and the future

We currently stand at 22 members with two reaching 16 and so moving on in September. This number also includes 4 new members. We don’t have a waiting list at the moment, but on the 25th June, we will have a stall and will be performing at the church Fete, so I expect this will change! We will aim to enter NANDA again next Spring and hopefully do a big Show in November next year. In the meantime we are doing workshops (plea for helpers) and will support whatever the main group do in January, if needed.

HUGE thanks to Mandy John and Jo, and all supporters!

THE FRINGE GROUP

Matt Womble spoke about the “Fringe” Group. The group started September 2010, with 8 members aged 16-18 years, who had recently left the Youth Group. The group meet on Tuesdays – 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. Matt provides workshops and works with the group with the aim of bringing everyone up to the same level of experience.

The group work with improvisation, reading from scripts and performing with each other. The members also work with the Youth Group members.

The Fringe will be performing “Verisimilitude“, as part of the RTG’s September production. The play was especially developed for NANDA, but the group had to pull out at the last minute due to Exam commitments. This is a serious one act play written by Matt, providing an abundance of memorable performances.

RTG Newsletter – April 2011

We have the body

Not quite the correct translation for ‘Habeas Corpus’ but nearly right. We do have the body of the play; it’s all piecing together very nicely. Mark is very pleased with progress and there are some nice characterizations forming.

The scaffold for the hanging scene has been tested and I can vouch for its safety although I will feel better when I can straighten up and my voice goes down a few octaves.

The box office is open so tickets are available. Following on from the leaflet drop promoting Paddington we are doing the same for Habeas Corpus.

Operation ‘D Cup’ has already started with some cast members delivering their flyers. Hazel has sent an email out explaining the routes and names set against them, but if you are still unsure please get in touch with her as soon as possible.

If anyone else can lend a hand please do. It’s important that we make every effort to distribute as many flyers as possible.

For those of you who are unaware, Habeas Corpus has been entered into the NANDA play of the year competition, the first since ‘Murdered to Death’ in 2007. The committee thought it was a good time to enter the competition again.

Triple Whammy

Thinking ahead to the September production the committee has discussed the possibility of performing three one-act plays. The general idea is that each play will be different in content, using a simple set and a basic stage lighting rig.

Performing three one-act plays also means using three separate directors. Two directors have been agreed upon but another is required to direct the last play of the three which is to be a comedy. Do you feel that you would like to direct? If so let me know as soon as possible and more details will follow.

Ghost Evening

RTG are to try something new this year as a fundraising event. A Ghost Evening is to be held in the Village Hall on October 28^th from 7.30 till 10. It will consist of 6 stories that are performed either as a solo piece or with others. The story can be self-written or an adaptation of an existing piece of work. All the performance pieces must be no more than 20 minutes long.

The piece can follow any subject matter (within reason of course) but should have a supernatural element to it. To share responsibility it will be up to the individual performing the story to ensure that they have fully rehearsed it and have organised any costumes or props that they might need.

The idea is to have minimal set, basic lighting (probably in the round) to keep costs as low as possible. Sound will be used as we feel that this is an important aspect of creating the right atmosphere

If you are interested in performing a piece of work please contact Terry before the end of May. There are limited places as storytellers for the Ghost Evening so in the event of it being over subscribed the RTG committee will have the final say.

We have already received some suggestions for stories and these are being considered. This is a great opportunity to try something different and who knows, if this is a success it might lead on to other one night fundraising events.

So have a think what’s the scariest story you have ever read? Was it one of the old classics, or something from the recent past? Perhaps just think about what frightens you. Me, I don’t like clowns, now a ghost clown that would be very frightening.

Ghostly Classics

Who wrote?

1) Pet Cemetery

2) The Haunting of Toby Jugg

3) O, Whistle and I will come to you my lad

4) Haunted

5) The Fall of the House of Usher

RTG Newsletter – February 2011

What do you call a Bear found on Paddington Station?

There was some concern at first whether The Adventures of a Bear called Paddington would be a suitable replacement for the usual Pantomime performed by RTG at this time of year. All concerns proved to be unfounded, this was a fabulous show, and congratulations should go to all involved.

John did an excellent job of directing the production, having to cope with difficult set changes and the restrictions of the Village Hall stage. Ken (assisted by Andy) had created some wonderful set pieces, who will ever forget the laundry washing machines, complete with red lights.

There were some wonderful individual performances in this production but special mention has to go to Lucas Wilcock who played the role of Paddington Bear. Lucas made the role his own, acting with a skill and maturity that belied his young age. The role was very demanding but Lucas also found time to say goodbye at the Village Hall exit to the public, a move that was much appreciated, particularly by the children who had come to watch the show.

The production had been greatly helped by ‘Operation Marmalade’ organised by Kev and Hazel, a leaflet drop covering houses in the Ravenshead area, thanks again to all those involved. This may become a regular feature of RTG publicity.

We also had the assistance of Alicja Gear from Premier foods who kindly supplied us with 30 Jars of Marmalade, which members of the group used in baking cakes and buns to sell at the interval. This again was a great success.

There was such a good feeling of belonging to this production from all those involved, which made it a pleasure to be part of. It just highlighted what a great group RTG is.

May Production

This year’s May production is to be ‘Habeas Corpus’ by Alan Bennett, it is to be directed by Mark Breach. Habeas Corpus is a comedy first staged in 1973 starring Alec Guinness and Margaret Courtney in the lead roles.

The story revolves around Dr Arthur Wicksteed and his pursuit of one of his patients, the nubile Felicity Rumpers. In turn Wicksteed’s wife, Muriel, is lusting after the head of the BMA, Sir Percy Shorter, who as well as being Wicksteed’s old rival is also the father of Felicity. Felicity discovers she is pregnant and tries to find a way out of this by duping Denis, the hypochondriac son of Wicksteed. Meanwhile, Wicksteed’s spinster sister, Connie, ashamed of her flat chest has schemes of her own. The ‘chorus’ is provided by the Wicksteed’s housekeeper Mrs Swabb.

A first reading has already taken place with a second reading on Wednesday 9th February (8.00pm in the Brammer Room), with auditions following a week later on the 16th. Habeas Corpus translates to “You have the Body”.

Fringe Benefits

The Fringe Group is a small group of 16 and 17 year olds all formally members of the Ravenshead Theatre Youth Group. The group has been put together by Matt Womble. The members who number 8 in total all have a keen interest in drama. Meetings are held on a Tuesday night at the local Church Hall and together the group goes through different drama practices. All the members of the Fringe Group have been involved in dramatic productions in some form since the age of 12. Matt hopes to soon take the group one step further and produce the group’s first stage performance.

RTG Newsletter – December 2010

Christmas Bash

A good time was had by all at the latest RTG Christmas Bash. Superbly organised by Hazel and complemented by Julie’s IT and administrative skills we were all set for a good night.

The weather had threatened the same icy nightmare as last year, however it held off and we were all able to get to the Little John public house in one piece without sliding down the road towards it.

It was again heartening to see that we were all sat together on one long table, thanks to the Little John for being able to consent to our request.

The annual Christmas Quiz received a few comments. The theme this year was Films, TV, Books and Theatre and was put together by yours truly. I thought after Kev’s heroic effort last year I had better do my best not to make it too easy and I managed to do that

Terry this is too hard!!!

However, people persevered and there were two worthy winners: Team ‘Eastenders’ and Husband and Wife Team Ian and Sue both teams scored a creditable 16 out of 30. Nobody won the riddle prize which was a good thing really as we had two winners for the quiz and I couldn’t think of a tie-break question. And the ‘Top and Tails’ (joined in with by the table opposite) was won by Jo.

Lots more pictures at the end of this newsletter

Say Hello to Paddington Bear

Rehearsals are well underway for ‘The Adventures of a Bear Called Paddington’ Characters are being formed and songs are being learned. There are some interesting interpretations with some of us ‘non – singers’ relying on the Rex Harrison School of singing. However, I don’t doubt the end product will be marvelous!

Lucas has had his first costume fitting as Paddington and I can guarantee a chorus of ‘Aaahhs’ from the audience when he first appears. Sales of Paddington Bears should show a significant increase.

To aid promotion of the production, members of RTG and the Youth Group have been asked to distribute flyers to people’s homes in Ravenshead. The whole operation (code name Operation Marmalade) has been organised by Kev and Hazel O’Connell with military precision and will be undertaken in January well before the performance dates.

Ken and Andy are busy building props to the usual high standard. We already have Paddington’s bed and Ken is in the process of building a Cocoa vending machine (are there no limits to this man's talents?)

We have also taken delivery of 29 jars of Marmalade kindly donated by Premier Foods at Spalding. So anyone wishing to bake Marmalade cakes etc, for the performances please let me know and I will make sure Marmalade is supplied. Please take advantage of this otherwise I may be taking Marmalade Sandwiches to work for the whole of 2011.

RTG Newsletter – October 2010

Out of this World

Laying the Ghost had more than its fair share of unexpected problems before it started. Three weeks before the first performance a key character unfortunately had to drop out. A replacement was swiftly found, but a mix up of dates meant the replacement had to drop out as well! Thankfully Richard Kinnaird stepped in and did a wonderful job. It did prove however how good RTG is when things seem against us. Everyone pulled together and once again the production was a success.

Congratulations to all concerned for some memorable performances, audience reaction on all three nights was more than appreciative. It was also the first time in many years that Chris and Mark Breach had played opposite each other and it was a delight to see.

It was also a great to see Joyce Townsley enjoying herself so much in a role. Her comic timing was excellent. Not forgetting the other cast members and all others backstage and front of house who contributed enormously to its success.

Festive Gathering

Hazel O’Connell has been hard at work arranging and gathering in acceptances for this year’s RTG Christmas bash to be held at The Little John Public House Ravenshead on Friday 17^th December at 7.30.

The January 2011 production has now been cast and is to be directed by John Birch. ‘The Adventures of a Bear called Paddington’ was the RTG Committee choice following on from the results of the questionnaire sent out to members of RTG, asking for their choice of either a Pantomime or a Family Friendly play for the January 2011 production.

Paddington is to be played by RTG Youth Group member Lucas ‘Now pay attention men’ Wilcock, last seen as the Military Gardener in the Youth Group production of ‘Slug Wars a Cabbage too far’.

Lucas was the most sensible choice as some of us ‘more mature’ men were not so much Paddington Bear as more Grizzly Bear.

The play has many fun moments and has its own musical score complete with original songs. This will be a first for some of the cast.

John already has some great scenic ideas and Ken ‘Pass me that drill’ Cumberpatch is already working hard building the set. Ken has requested that anyone willing to lend a hand to either assist or to build items would be greatly appreciated. A prompt is also needed so please contact John if you would like to do this.

The committee have been discussing possible methods of promoting Paddington and some very good ideas have been raised. Watch this space for more information.

The Great Garage Clear Out

A big thank you to all those who helped with the garage clear out recently. A great deal of old, unused, damaged and dusty scenery was disposed of, which created a fair amount of much needed space in the garage. Thanks again.