Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
A little bit about
Night Project Theatre was established to bring together performers, directors and industry creatives to present musical theatre in intimate venues from either new portfolio or those undiscovered gems that
deserve a larger audience.
We work with both professional and amateur artists to produce small but beautifully formed theatre in a collaborative
environment.
Previous productions include:I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now ChangeThe Musical of Musicals (The Musical!)
Songs For A New WorldSweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street
The Last Five YearsDracula
The Hired Man
We also produce showcase evenings for new works, and have raised over £50,000
for charity at special concert events.
Future projects include a brand new musical in development with Chris Davis, called ‘The Waiting’ and a major event at Coventry Cathedral supporting Save the
Children.
As an independent enterprise we rely on our audience to keep the ‘Project’ going, so thank you for your support. Please keep in touch by following us on Facebook or Twitter and we look forward to seeing you
again soon.
www.Facebook.com/nightprojecttheatrewww.Twitter.com/nightproject_MTE:[email protected]
“Bringing together creatives to perform musical theatre”.
This workshop production of “Tess: The Musical” is presented by special arrangement with Michael Blore and Michael Davies
Music & Orchestrations Michael BloreBook & Lyrics Michael Davies
8th-9th February - The Other Place
A little bit about
First published in 1891, Thomas Hardy’s masterwork, Tess of the D’Urbervilles is as notorious for its tragedy as it is for its romanticism, and challenges its audience to find the real demon amongst a rich cast of characters from the rural
countryside of Wessex.
This sumptuous new musical adaptation has been created by composer Michael Blore and award-winning playwright and lyricist Michael Davies.
Set in the Wessex so beloved by Thomas Hardy, Tess tells the devastating story of Tess Durbeyfield, daughter of a poor villager who fatefully discovers that she and her family may be related to the ancient aristocratic d’Urbervilles.
As Tess is sent to seek respectability with her new-found relatives, she embarks on an emotional and dramatic journey that will lead her to love, loss and ultimate tragedy. Struggling with the social mores of the rural Victorian world she inhabits, and the hypocrisy that plagues her sex, she forges a desperate path to pursue her own destiny against the backdrop of a society that seems
determined to doom her.
Tess couples Hardy’s iconic tale with a majestic score and evocative libretto, offering a bold and highly expressive retelling of this ever-popular, much-loved story. For more information about the musical’s development, and to hear the concept album recording for free, visit www.tessthemusical.com/album and
sign up to join #TeamTess.
Night Project Theatre are thrilled to be presenting Tess at the very start of its creative journey and to be staging a full production for the first time.
Ian Page’s vision for a piece written for much larger cast has reduced ‘Tess’ to a cast of just 12 performers in the intimate setting of The Other Place. Ever present on the stage our ensemble keep the players under close scrutiny throughout, lending the sweeping setting of the Wessex landscape an intensity
which reflects the community in which people of the time lead their lives.
Please sit back and enjoy the beautiful new musical that isTESS!
Michael Blore
Michael studied music at the University of Nottingham.As a composer, his works include the musical comedy Trekkin’ (Questors Theatre, London) and the cabaret Showbiz (Southwark Playhouse, London) as well as incidental music for various productions including The Comedy of Errors (Heartbreak Productions) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (London schools production).
He has musically directed a number of shows, such as Fiddler on the Roof, Bugsy Malone, Me and My Girl, The Dracula Spectacula, Snoopy! The Musical and Of Thee I Sing. For some years he was director of music at several high schools in London.
Michael also trained as an actor at the Birmingham School of Acting and went on to perform in a variety of shows and plays, including Glorious! (Duchess Theatre, West End), Jekyll and Hyde – The Musical (Union Theatre, London), Up4AMeet? (UK tour) and One Language, Many Voices (European tour).
Tess is his largest musical project to date and he would like to thank all those who have contributed to getting the show to this very exciting stage: in particular to Sunim Koria for his guidance, patience and immense expertise over many years. Thank you, Prodz.
Tess is dedicated to the memory of John Smith and John Coard.
Michael Davies
Michael began his career as a newspaper journalist, going on to edit numerous publications. Since moving into fiction, his writing has appeared on stage, screen, radio, the printed page and online.
His debut original stage play, Rasputin’s Mother, won a national playwriting competition and received its premiere in the spring of 2013. The follow-up, Reality, was given a staged reading at Northampton’s Royal & Derngate and his most recent play, This American Carnage, was written as a companion piece. Michael has also been commissioned to write an adaptation of Dickens’s The Pickwick Papers.
Graduating with an MA in Scriptwriting from De Montfort University, Michael has a wide portfolio of television scripts. He has also written radio plays, film, corporate and online scripts, novels and short stories.
Michael has spent the last five years working with composer Michael Blore on Tess – The Musical, including recording a concept album and developing the show for the stage. He has been describing the process in a blog for whatsonstage.com entitled How to Make a Musical.
Most recently, Michael has been working on a ‘new’ novel by the thriller writer Desmond Bagley, who died in 1983. Thought lost, a first draft of Domino Island was discovered in Bagley’s papers and Michael was commissioned to prepare the finished manuscript, which is due for publication by HarperCollins in May 2019.
Book & LyricsMusic & Orchestrations
A little bit about the team
Our thanks to
Corinne KeeberChris Lamb [email protected]
Emmeline Braefield Tom Black
Ian Page- Director [email protected] is a producer, performer and director of musical theatre (and architect).In addition to producing for Night Project Theatre Ian also collaborated on the QU Live project in 2014 showcasing new musicals. He has been Chairman and Production Manager for local theatre companies and was a Trustee of the Albany Theatre through the period of its recent expansion. Ian was on the team coordinating D-Concert and the This Enchanted Evening concert, and concieved and produced the 2017 War Song event, collectively raising over £50,000 for charity. This year Ian is working with Save the Children on one of the biggest centenary events in the Country, assembling a cast of over 200 singers to perform at Coventry Cathedral.On stage Ian has taken title roles in Sweeney Todd (STC), Jekyll and Hyde (KMS), Jesus Christ Superstar (SMASH), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (KMS) Count of Luxembourg (ABOS), Dracula (NPT) and The Hired Man (NPT).
Chris Corcoran - Musical Director [email protected]
Musicians
53rd Berkswell Scout GroupAll Saints CofE Primary SchoolRain or Shine Theatre Company www.rainorshine.co.ukCaramba Theatre Company www.caramba-theatre.co.uk
And Sunim Koria for making this all happen!
Chris DavisAlex Dengate
ChoreographyProduction Manager/Lighting DesignerCostumesVideographer
Chris started out as Musical Director (in panto!) age 16; his wide musical experience includes live broadcasts and touring with bands, both in the UK and internationally, but it is theatre that has become his main home. Locally, he has been involved as ‘MD’ in countless productions, many award-winning; recent highlights being ‘Legally Blonde’ with Bournville MTC, and ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ with the Norbury Theatre. Chris is delighted to be working again with ‘Night Project Theatre’ and Ian as Director for ‘Tess’. No stranger to brand-new shows, he has worked as musical arranger/co-ordinator for ‘3 Summers’ (Euan Rose), ‘The Guide To Being Single’ (Starbuck Theatre UK premiere) and ‘Postcards From The Seaside’ (Laurie Hornsby). He has relished the challenge of this sumptuous score, and has loved working with this immensely talented cast to bring ‘Tess’ to life on stage for the first time.
Set design, publicity and marketing byNight Project Theatre
Synopsis of Scenes
Prologue - Stone Henge
Marlott village field. On the road to market. Some years later.Trantridge Chase (The Slopes).Trantridge village dance and after..A field Nine months later.Talbothays Dairy.A country laneA market. Christmas Eve.Talbothays Dairy.A hayloft. Evening before New Year’s Eve.A church. New Year’s Eve.
A large house. After the weddingMarlott village.A wayside cross. Months later.Flintcombe Ash. Months later.Marlott Church.Vaults of Marlott ChurchSandbourne sea front. A year later.A road out of Sandbourne. Stonehenge. A few days later.
ACT 1.... ACT 2....
Julian Bissell - John Durbeyfield, Ensemble [email protected]
This is Julian’s fourth show with Night Project Theatre. He began singing in his school choir. Some years after leaving school he was discovered singing in rugby club bars post game and encouraged to join Tinkers Farm Opera, with whom he sang many principal roles, as well as with other opera companies. He was voice tutored by Freda Rollason of the BBC singers, and has performed as soloist with Geminii Choir in Britain, France and Germany, and appeared at Gala Festivals and concerts and on TV. He is thrilled to be part of this ground breaking project and very proud to be cast with such talented young performers.
Emmeline Braefield - Marion, Whore, Ensemble www.emmelinebraefield.co.uk
Emmeline is delighted to be joining NPT for the first time, playing a character who is so much fun and working with a wonderful team.Other Theatre credits include: Nia in After Aulis (Cat on a Piano Productions); Toby Belch in 3-person Twelfth Night (Second Best Bed); Ursula in Barred (Second Best Bed); Olivia in Twelfth Night (Rain or Shine); Constable of France in Henry V (Attic Theatre); Banquoin Macbeth (FRED); Hermia in Midsummer Night’s Dream (Rain or Shine); Lizzie in Blood Relations (Attic Theatre); Margery in Black ‘Ell (FRED); Juliet in Damsels, Hags and Heroines (Second Best Bed); Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet (MadCap); Jane Austen in Lizzie, Darcy and Jane (MadCap); Tranio in The Taming of the Shrew (MadCap); Margaret in Much Ado About Nothing (Worcester Repertory Company).Emmeline is also a member of Amicantus choir, who regularly perform in and around Stratford.
Poppy Dean - Car Darch, Whore, Ensemble [email protected]
Poppy has just finished her final year of A-levels and is looking to pursue a career in Theatre. Her favourite theatrical experience so far has been taking an original musical, One Good Soul, to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and performing in one of the lead roles. Other memorable roles Poppy has played are, Maria Sound of Music, The Wiz The Wiz, and Mrs Sowerberry Oliver!. She has experience in choreography, physical theatre, and music performance. Poppy has loved the process of realising Hardy’s iconic novel with such an intricate score and a wonderful cast. This is Poppy’s debut with Night Project Theatre.
Grace Giles - Gambler, Ensemble [email protected]
Grace is currently studying for her A levels in English Literature, Psychology and Art.She has previously performed in all shook up, Cats and Grease with the Coventry based youth group YOG and school productions Bugsy Malone, Sherlock Holmes and Oliver Twist, playing the role of Dodger. She is currently in rehearsal for Legally Blonde playing the part of Vivienne. Grace undertook the role of a refugee girl For Youth Music Theatre UK in their commission of the new musical Trojan Women.She is an experienced vocal soloist and is excited to join Night Project Theatre at such a prestigious venue.
Farrah Hughes - Retty Priddle, Nun, Ensemble [email protected] Instagram:@farrah.nicole.h
Farrah has previously been involved with musical productions at Blue Coat School, performing as Mrs Wilberforce in The Ladykillers, Evilene in The Wiz, and Vicky a Nicest Kid in Hairpsray. Also as Mrs Potiphar in Coventry Youth Operetta’s Joseph’ and at the West End Stage Summer School. In 2017, Farrah played The Third God in One Good Soul at its Edinburgh Festival Fringe premiere, which was a wonderful experience. Farrah is currently auditioning for London drama schools and is also looking forward to bringing her versatility in Fine Art and media to her own stage work in the future.
Phil John - Alec D’Urberville, Ensemble [email protected]
Phil is pleased to be appearing in his second production with Night Project Theatre, even if it does involve some painfully high notes and a grisly end (again!).Previous roles include Adolfo Pirelli Sweeney Todd, Michael ‘Doc’ Watson Songs from a Ledge, Nicky Avenue Q and Seymour Little Shop of Horrors.
Sally Jolliffe - Joan Durbeyfield, Con-artist, Ensemble [email protected]
Sally first heard about “Tess” the musical when she was invited to record on the concept album and is delighted to now be involved with Night Project Theatre on this premier, workshop production. Sally has appeared in many musicals, cabarets, pantomimes and plays throughout the Midlands, recently appearing in Oklahoma as Aunt Eller and Sister Act as Mother Superior. She is an active member of the Talisman Theatre Company and has had the pleasure of performing many productions there, including a number of, lesser known shows to the UK audience, including Ruthless!, Dames At Sea, and Curtains. Sally is also an award winning choreographer and gets much enjoyment from working with a company to bring out their best. Recent credits include A Chorus Line, Carousel, South Pacific, The Full Monty, Fiddler on the Roof, Sunshine on Leith, Calamity Jane, My Fair Lady and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
Hugo Montgomery - Angel Clare, Ensemble [email protected]
Currently studying musical theatre at SUAC, studied musical theatre at BOA; Hugo hopes to go on to do a degree in London. Previous roles: Monsieur Andre The Phantom Of the Opera (Avon Valley Theatre), Fender Hairspray (Rugby Theatre), Ensemble Sunset Boulevard (Rugby Theatre), Featured dancer with Frantic Assembly (Birmingham Weekender), Sweeney Todd Sweeney Todd (Five Star Theatre ), ensemble Sweeney Todd (The Loft Theatre), Judge Turpin Sweeney Todd (BOA), Soloist Once upon a time (Old Rep), Javert Les Miserables (Five Star Theatre), Ensemble The Producers (Rugby Theatre), R.F Simpson Singing in the Rain (Five Star Theatre), Tulsa GYPSY (The Loft Theatre), Dancer Sister Act (Interesting Theatre), Understudy Evita (Interesting Theatre), Paul A Chorus Line (The Willows Theatre)
Will Page - Groby, Pimp, Ensemble [email protected]
Will is pleased to be back for his second production with Night Project Theatre following his appearence as Harry Tallentire in The Hired Man. This is also the second time he has had the opportunity to create a role in new musical, having been a member of the cast of One Good Soul, a show that premiered at 2017’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.Will enjoys directing as well as performing, and with Blue Coat School has assisted in the production of several concerts and theatrical pieces. He has also performed with SMASH and Solihull and Coventry Gang Shows.
A little bit about the cast
Rebecca Shaw - Izzy Huet, Nun, Ensemble [email protected]
This is Rebecca’s debut show with Night Project Theatre and she has thoroughly enjoyed rehearsing for Tess as Izzy. Becca trained at Stratford Upon Avon College achieving a BTEC and HNC. Theatre credits include: Peron’s Mistress in Evita (Interesting Theatre) Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Priory Theatre), Sister Act (Interesting Theatre), Gypsy (Loft Theatre), Jekyll and Hyde, The Producers (Rugby Theatre), Pilar in Legally Blonde (The Spa Centre), The White Witch in The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe, Cass in Made in Dagenham, Betty Schaefer in Sunset Boulevard (Rugby Theatre), The Lady of the Lake in Monty Python’s Spamalot (Lawrence Sheriff), Dynamite in Hairspray, Maureen in RENT, Miss Bell in FAME, Helena in Midsummer Nights Dream (Rugby Theatre), Ursula in Sweet Charity (Gordon Vallins), Dale in Top Hat (Tour), Alice in Alice in Wonderland, Ms Darbus in High School Musical, Sally in Me and My Girl, Marty in Grease (Stagecoach). Concert credits include: Musicals Rock 3rd and The Other Place RSC.Rebecca is currently in rehearsals as Brooke for Legally Blonde the Musical with Interesting Theatre.
Jessie-Mae Thomas - Tess Durbeyfield [email protected]
Tess will be Jessie’s first project with Night Project Theatre and she has thoroughly enjoyed tackling the role of a Tess Durbeyfield.Jessie has trained in musical theatre at Stratford-upon-Avon College as well as gaining up to her diploma in musical theatre and performance in singing exams with London College of music. Previously Jessie has performed as Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical the musical, The narrator in Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat and Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, as well as many other roles in amateur productions.Jessie intends to pursue a career in theatre, and is currently assisting with choreography for local theatre companies and other behind the scenes roles, such as make up artistry or hair design, although her passion has and always will be performance.
Ralph Toppin-McKenzie - Parson Tringham, Banker, Ensemble [email protected]
Tess is Ralph’s second venture with Night Project Theatre following his appearance in the cast The Hired Man, and he is delighted to be playing multiple roles in this wonderful new musical. Ralph has previously taken leading roles in Anything Goes and Flames; the Musical and starred in the recently released short film Death at Christmas. Ralph has toured the West Midlands in a professional production of The Jungle Book; the musical in the role of Bagheera. Ralph would like to thank everyone involved for making his journey in Tess such an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
