CCCYGNETTheaTre

TheaTre hoTline: 01392 277189 www.cygnettheatre.co.uk

AUTUMN SEASON 2013 SilVer & CoPPinThe Merry WiVeS of WindSorToM MCConVille an eVeninG WiThoUTJaMeS TaylorlaST eMBraCeroSa reBeCKa My laST dUCheSSCaPTain Blood’S reVenGeJane eyre

Cygnet Training Theatre member of drama UK

CCCYGNETTheaTre

Captain Blood’s Revenge:

a Pirate opera

Wednesday 4th december 1pmfor Schools only (years 3 & 4)More details from Cygnet office 01392 277189

Welcome to Cygnet’s Autumn Brochure!

We have an autumn season packed with flavour – drama, poetry and music of all kinds. on the music menu we begin with duo Silver and Coppin, followed by folk fiddler Tom McConville with guitarist Andy Watt. Nigel Challis & David Sanderson bring James Taylor songs to life, and Rosa Rebecka, a fabulous singer and guitarist, brings her choir - The Resonance. Glyndebourne Touring Opera are presenting a children’s opera for Primary Schools on december 4th (see below), and that same evening we are delighted that St David’s Singers are giving a recital in aid of hospital radio exeter. for poetry lovers My Last Duchess is a recital exploring characters invented by robert Browning following the Victorian theme set by Jane Eyre. our three theatrical offerings all feature actors who are either present Cygnet Company members or Cygnet graduates - Swans. Creative Cow bring Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, featuring no fewer than four Swans, including Maia Gibbons (who recently played Cecily). Last Embrace, a folk musical inspired by romeo & Juliet, is directed by louisa J Wilde, who last term was giving us her lady Bracknell, with two other graduates Sally Geake (Gwendolen) & Matthew neighbour – this production comes fresh from the edinburgh fringe. Cygnet’s own Christmas show is Charlotte Bronte’s passionate novel Jane Eyre, adapted by Polly Teale and directed by alistair Ganley. This exciting programme is rounded off on the last Sunday of term by our usual Christmas Carols with mince pies and mulled wine. delicious! i hope that we have something that will tempt you to join us.Rosalind Williams - Principal

Music by lynne Plowman Words by Martin riley an original Glyndebourne commission for years 3and 4 in co-production with the Brighton festival,combining adventure, mystery and a bit of spookiness. Captain Blood’s Revenge is a tale of piratical high jinks which we can all join in.Written specifically for children aged 7 & 8, and performed by Glyndebourne singers and instrumentalists, this new opera is a riotous and comic romp that promises plenty of excitement.

2

SOLD OUT

3

Johnny Coppin and Mike Silverif you want to witness superb singing and masterful guitar-playing, voices in harmony and hands in tempo, then you absolutely must see Mike Silver and Johnny Coppin in concert! Mike and Johnny have combined their roots and acoustic music talents to create a unique duo in which guitar and keyboard skills provide the musical context for beautifully crafted songs that touch the heart and lift the soul.Johnny Coppin: “one of the finest voices” Q Magazine Mike Silver: “hidden gem, now the secret is out”Bob harris (BBC radio 2)

Performance date:11th october 7.30pmTicket Price: £10

Creative Cow in association with Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatrepresent

The Merry Wives of Windsor William Shakespeare’s epic and delightful comedy is a rollicking tale of marriage, fidelity, trickery and love.The puffed up and degenerate Sir Johnfalstaff, a Knight of the Garter, is seized with the outrageous idea that to seduce two of Windsor’s wealthy merry wives will prove his virility and give him access to their money, but with female cunning and a devilish plot involv-ing their husbands, falstaff is repeatedly tricked by the women.

Performance dates:31st october - 2nd november 7.30pm2nd november 2.00pmTickets: £10 Zo

e Ba

rnes

dal

ila h

amdo

un An Evening Without James Taylor... and the Holy Host of Others returns again to Cygnet Theatre featuring the talented acoustic duo niGel ChalliS and daVid SanderSon.

Together they perform a wealth of songs spanning the forty-year career of the american songwriter James Taylor including many classics such as ‘fire and rain’, ‘Sweet Baby James’ and ‘Carolina in My Mind’.

expect sensitive fretwork and richly layered piano fused with a mellow blend of vocal harmonies. heartwarming, endearing and sincere.an evening not to be missed!

Tom McConville award winning fiddle player and singer Tom McConville is internationally renowned for his fiery, heart-stopping performances. Blending traditional music from his home town of newcastle with irish, american and Scottish influences, he creates a sound that has jazz, folk, bluegrass and classical influence. his live performances are a roller coaster of musical delights; fast rhythmic dance tunes through beautiful slow airs and of course great singing – all presented with his inimitable sense of humour and style.

Tom will be joined on stage by virtuoso guitarist andy Watt from Scotland.Performance date:8 november 7.30pm Ticket Price: adult £12.

Performance date:9 november 8.00pm Ticket Price: adult £10

4

5

My Last Duchess Poems of Robert BrowningCygnet Company

‘That’s my last duchess painted on the wall …’a collection of dramatic portraits from the hands of a Victorian master: Browning’s detailed observation of human foibles and his daring and robust verse bring to passionate life a whole gallery of fascinating characters – monks, murderers, artists and lovers.

Join the Cygnet Company for an evening of poetry and music to delight, intrigue and entertain.

Performance date: 13th - 14th november 7.30pm 14th november 1.00pm Ticket Price: £5

Last Embrace Tree Shadow Theatre Productions director: louisa J Wilde

a brand new folk musical set in the ticking bomb of northern ireland in 1970. Based on romeo and Juliet and with a mix of original and traditional music, it combines with ireland’s storytelling history to create a haunting tragedy in modern language that resonates through the ages. Simple staging with wooden stepladders and acoustic instruments allow the timeless story to unfold on our simple but ambitious stage.

Performance date:20th - 21st november 7.30pmTicket Price: adult £10 (£8 Concession)

6

lee

hod

ges

7

lee

hod

ges

Jane Eyre adapted by Polly TealeCygnet Company director alistair Ganley

Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel of romance and mystery comes to Cygnet Theatre in a new vibrant production.

orphaned Jane lives miserably with her aunt, Mrs reed until she is sent to lowood, a place of fleeting moments of joy and friendship amid the privation and challenges of school life. Moving to Thornfield hall as Governess, Jane meets the brooding Mr rochester, her emotions blossom and marriage beckons. however, rochester hides a secret which threatens to tear them apart.

‘Polly Teale’s adaptation (for Shared Experience) faithfully recreates the intense world of the novel whilst bringing the undercurrent of passion and desire to glorious theatrical life.

Polly Teale has liberated Jane Eyre in a way that Charlotte Bronte could not… Her most inspired idea is to fuse the mad woman in the attic with Jane’s younger self…. Seeing this show is like an amazing speed read.’ (OBSERVER)

This ensemble production is suitable for everyone over 10. dramatic romantic and thrilling theatre.

Performance dates:december 10 Preview evening december 11 12 13 14 7.30pm. January 7 8 9 10 11 7.30pm. december 14 January 11 2.00pm.

Ticket Prices: adult £10 (£6 Child). Preview evening (10 december) £5.Matinees adults £8 (£6 Child).

Group bookings (10+) for more details phone 01392 277189

8

Performance date:22nd november 7.30pmTicket Price: adult £10 (£8, £6)

Rosa Rebecka - Introducing Mrs Beautiful’s GuitarSpecial guests: The resonance

rosa rebecka is a Swedish singer/songwriter, storyteller, folk performer andmulti-instrumentalist. in this one-off concert she introduces her century-old guitar, recently heard on radio 4, which has been passed from mother to daughter for four generations.

rosa will be supported by a group of young, emerging singers from various parts of devon, collectively known as The resonance.

The members of The resonance have all been taught singing by rosa, but have voices which are distinctly their own. Their rich, intricate harmonies are a treat for anyone with a passion for the art of singing.

ST DAVID’S SINGERSConcert conducted by Mark Perry

St david’s Singers was formed by the then organist of St david’s Church exeter in the early 1970s, who directed the choir until autumn 1994 when the baton was passed to Mark Perry. The choir consists of about 28 singers who enjoy singing challenging music from a wide range of composers, periods and styles. They sing sacred and secular music, normally a cappella, in and around devon, usually for charities. Tonight’s concert will benefit hospital radio exeter.

Performance date:4 december 7.30pm retiring Collection

hospital radio exeter provides a wide variety ofentertainment every day of the week from our studios within the royal devon and exeter hospital.We have been on air at the rd&e for nearly 40 years and are the only radio station that broadcasts exclusively to the patients!...

9

Christmas Carols 15 december

4.00pm Join the Cygnet Company

and Staff for Carols and readings

Free admission with a retiring collection

followed by Mulled Wine & Mince Pies

Get in on the ACT aCT (associates of Cygnet Theatre) was formed in 1990 and since then members have been involved in lively and varied ways: holding fundraising events, acting as front of house staff and promoting the work of the Cygnet Company.associates help to organise occasional buffet suppers after performances which give the audience a chance to meet the actors. They can also see open rehearsals

The company really appreciates this support. Membership benefits include a reduction on the price of their theatre ticket or a free ticket if bringing four guests.

Membership starting from £12

for more details please email info@cygnettheatre.co.uk

full TimeCygnet’s unique ensemble training gives realistic experience from day one, and with a constantcommitment to public performances produces actors with a high level of skill and confidence.The training covers all the basic essentials fora modern actor from voice work, movement,improvisation and characterisation applied to text, including additional specialist courses in Stage Combat, dance, radio, TV & film. Short CoursesTwo day short courses:each week-end offers 4 workshop sessions exploring key approaches to voice work, movement, improvisation and characterisation applied to text. each day will be a self-contained sequence of work, balancing learning with practical exploration and application allowing you to join in for a day or for the full week-end.

19 & 20 october / 16 & 17 novemberCost: £60 1 day / £90 full weekend

an acting Life for Me?

Thinking of theatre?Want to be successful at auditions?do you need to speak in public?Would you like to feel more confident in presenting yourself?

Cygnet offers a range of courses for anyone over the age of 18 years. for more details please see www.cygnettheatre.co.uk or email cygnetarts@btconnect.com

realityexperienceProfessionalismCC

CYGNETTheaTre

10

11

Cygnet is currently looking for actors to join this unique ensemble training from January 2014. experience two terms learning and performing with the Cygnet Company as a foundation Student or choose Cygnet to prepare you for a career in theatre on the 3 year (8 term) Professional acting Course.foundation students will have the opportunity to audition for the full training during the Summer Term.

during the year the Cygnet Company will tour to a range of local venues and visit london to showcase the talents of our graduating actors. By the summer term there will be several productions in the repertoire, and the company will present a full season at Cygnet Theatre and on tour during the month of July. ‘the ensemble spirit inculcated by a course based on that of a practising theatre company in which experience is gained in the context of constant rehearsal and performance exemplifies the value of this unique training method.’ David Gilmore – Director St James Theatre London

‘I’ve found the touring brilliant and it’s really showed me how it would be in a touring company.’ Rosie Louden 1st year actor ‘I just lucked out on finding where’s right for me, and for that I’m really grateful.’ Joe Thurston 2nd year actor

‘… the practitioners we work with, both resident and visiting, their knowledge, experience, passion and enthusiasm for the subjects are wonderful.’ Hannah Brooks Graduate 2013

Joining the company is a fantastic opportunity for anyone wishing to make acting their career or who would like to find out more about becoming an actor.

if you are excited by live theatre and would like to work with us, auditions can be arranged by calling 01392 277189 or visiting www.cygnettheatre.co.uk

alSo BrinGinG TheaTre To eXeTer:

diary OCTOBER roSa reBeCKa

SilVer & CoPPin 22 noV

11 oCT DECEMBER

The Merry WiVeS of WindSor CaPTain Blood’S reVenGe

31 oCT ST daVidS SinGerS

NOVEMBER 4 deC

The Merry WiVeS of WindSor Jane eyre

1-2 noV 10-14 deC

ToM McConVille CarolS & readinGS

8 noV 15 deC

an eVeninG WiThoUT JaMeS Taylor JANuARy 2014

9 noV Jane eyre

My laST dUCheSS 7-11 Jan

13-14 noV

laST eMBraCe

20-21 noV

CYGNETTHEATRE

IGNITEFESTIVAL

at

IGNITE FESTIVALThe Hour of the Lynx Cygnet Company3 June 7.00pm, 4 June 8.00pm, 5 June 3.00pm, 8 June 7.00pm

A Little Light Breathing Cygnet Company3rd June 9.30pm, 4th June 10.00pm, 5th June 10.00pm, 8 June 5.00pm

Double Bill: Skirt Evolving Motion & Extracts from Piano Moves 3rd Stage Dance Company 4 June 7.00pm, 5 June 8.30pm

Vienna Gerundagula Productions 5 June 7.00pm, 6 June 8.30pm

Dmitry Babichev 6 June 7.00pm

Alexandria A collaboration between director Peter Cant and video artist Krzysztof Honowski 7 June 8.00pm, 8 June 9.00pm

[WO]MEN Blah de Blah Theatre Company 7 June 9.30pm, 8 June 4.00pm

The Buttercup Karla Shacklock Company 7 June 7.00pm, 8 June 2.00pm

Cygnet TheatreNew Theatre, Friars Gate, Exeter, Devon EX2 4AZ

Theatre Hotline: 01392 277189 Exeter Visitor Information and Tickets 01392 665885 New website: www.cygnettheatre.co.ukemail: cygnetarts@btconnect.com

Cygnet Training Theatre is a member of Drama UKRegistered charity no. 1081824 Company no. 3905769

Brochure design: Krage Design

ALSO BRINGING THEATRE TO EXETER:

CCCYGNETTHEATRE

Cygnet Summer brochure.indd 2 01/05/2013 13:30

CYGNETTHEATRE

IGNITEFESTIVAL

at

IGNITE FESTIVALThe Hour of the Lynx Cygnet Company3 June 7.00pm, 4 June 8.00pm, 5 June 3.00pm, 8 June 7.00pm

A Little Light Breathing Cygnet Company3rd June 9.30pm, 4th June 10.00pm, 5th June 10.00pm, 8 June 5.00pm

Double Bill: Skirt Evolving Motion & Extracts from Piano Moves 3rd Stage Dance Company 4 June 7.00pm, 5 June 8.30pm

Vienna Gerundagula Productions 5 June 7.00pm, 6 June 8.30pm

Dmitry Babichev 6 June 7.00pm

Alexandria A collaboration between director Peter Cant and video artist Krzysztof Honowski 7 June 8.00pm, 8 June 9.00pm

[WO]MEN Blah de Blah Theatre Company 7 June 9.30pm, 8 June 4.00pm

The Buttercup Karla Shacklock Company 7 June 7.00pm, 8 June 2.00pm

Cygnet TheatreNew Theatre, Friars Gate, Exeter, Devon EX2 4AZ

Theatre Hotline: 01392 277189 Exeter Visitor Information and Tickets 01392 665885 New website: www.cygnettheatre.co.ukemail: cygnetarts@btconnect.com

Cygnet Training Theatre is a member of Drama UKRegistered charity no. 1081824 Company no. 3905769

Brochure design: Krage Design

ALSO BRINGING THEATRE TO EXETER:

CCCYGNETTHEATRE

Cygnet Summer brochure.indd 2 01/05/2013 13:30