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OAST NOTESOAST THEATRE
TONBRIDGE October 2017
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Sunday, 1st October Audition: “The Game’s Afoot”
Wednesday, 4th October Audition: “The Game’s Afoot”
FRIDAY, 6TH CTOBER LAST DAY FOR COPY FOR
NOVEMBER OAST NOTES
Saturday, 14th – Saturday
21st October incl.
Play of the Month:
“Last Of The Red Hot Lovers”
Sunday, 22nd October Audition: “Lovesong”
Tuesday, 24th October Audition: “Lovesong”
Thursday, 26th to
Saturday 28th October
New Play Readings on Stage
7.30PM START
Monday, 20th November Members’ Evening:
Chart topping Soprano
Sunday, 26th November Audition: “Nell Gwynn”
Wednesday, 29th November Audition: “Nell Gwynn”
NEXT MONTH’S PLAY – “The Communication Cord” by Brian
Friel – 11th - 18th November. Miscommunications abound to hilarious
effect in a farce that also asks serious questions – what do we mean by
authentic, and how do we really communicate?
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PLAY OF THE MONTH
“Last Of The Red Hot Lovers” by Neil Simon
This play is one of many written by this successful author, and, as
usual, ticks all the boxes. There is an abundance of humour to
entertain, but also a depth in all four characters’ dialogue for you
to perceive.
Barney, middle aged, and, although the owner of a successful
business and with a loving wife and family, is nevertheless
experiencing the ‘mid-life crisis’. He is in a rut. Things have lost
their spark. Particularly the …ssh … intimate side. Increasingly
he wonders could this be put right with a little extra-marital
activity?
Don’t miss this one, come and see how Barney’s step onto the wild
side plays out. Will it be HOT or AMUSING or both?!
Shirley Browning
Director
The first play of this season by the adults. And what a treat it promises
to be. Do start as you mean to go on by coming to each performance
that you can. And to ensure you are able to get a seat, BOOK EARLY!
Use the Advance Booking Form, obtainable from the theatre, or book
online at www.oasttheatre.com or even by telephone - 01732 363849.
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AUDITION
“The Game’s Afoot (or Holmes For The Holidays)” by Ken Ludwig
Auditions: Sunday, 1st October – 2.00pm
(Janet Young Room)
Wednesday, 4th October – 8.00pm (Bar Lounge)
Performance dates: 17th – 24th February, 2018
Director: Stuart McCreadie – 01732 463929 or
This is a light hearted who-dun-it with the emphasis on fun and fast
paced entertainment. At the same time it is a top quality award-
winning mystery story with lots of twists, a rising (and falling!) body
count and plenty of intrigue.
Set in 1930’s America, there is a super range of tasty parts for 5 female
and 3 male actors who are based on real life people of the time. The
characters are a group of actors who are engaged in performing a
Sherlock Holmes play on the Broadway stage and are taking a break
on Christmas Eve, with some other theatrical types, at the Connecticut
home of their eccentric leading man. He gets shot in the first two
minutes of our play – but lives to lead the hunt for his would be
assassin.
The Characters:
William Gillette/Holmes Leading man. Late middle age, smart, good humoured, confident,
successful.
Martha Gillette
William’s mother. 70s. Well dressed, dotty, lives in her own world -
an astute retired actress, fun role.
Simon Bright/Moriaty
Up & coming actor. Late 20s. Enthusiastic, affectionate, in
love.
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AUDITION – “The Game’s Afoot” contd.
Felix Geisel/Count Zerlinsky
Established actor and friend of Gillette. Middle aged. Somewhat
histrionic. Enjoys life and the theatre. Energetic.
Madge Geisel/Marian
Felix’s wife and a successful actress. Middle aged. Flamboyant,
sassy, smart gal-about-town.
Aggie Wheeler/Alice
Up & coming actress. Late 20s. Bright, sparky, intelligent, in love.
Daria Chase
Femme fatale theatre critic of a certain age. Glamorous and catty
with something evil to say about everyone.
Inspector Goring (F)
Female version of a 1930s Colombo living in a world of her own.
English. Late middle age. Can tell if you’re lying but gets as much
wrong as she gets right.
Ages are not rigid. It is very much an ensemble play with even the
shortest part being over 25 pages and it is physical with a leap through
a window, a garrotting, several stabbings, shooting, bludgeoning etc.
…. and a dance!! There is a storm when the electricity goes out and a
séance and lots of well timed entrances and effects. Lots for everyone!
This play has been a great hit with audiences across America and it
runs at full speed from curtain up. I anticipate it will be great fun to
perform and rehearse. Scripts are still circulating among those who
expressed interest at the Directors’ night but please let the Director
know if you would like one to read before the auditions and we will
find a way. Please also contact the Director if you are interested but
cannot make either of the audition dates.
If you have asked for a copy of the script already but have not had
a response from Stuart, please ask again. Stuart has lost access to
some of the emails he received in August due to a technical
problem – now resolved.
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AUDITION
“Lovesong” by Abi Morgan
Auditions: Sunday, 22nd October – 2.30pm
Tuesday, 24th October – 8.00pm
BOTH IN THE BAR
Performance dates: 17th - 24th March, 2018
Director: Ian Tucker-Bell – 07808 701819 or
“Lovesong” is a tender and moving play split between a young
William/Margaret and the older Billy/Maggie, depicting the highs and
lows of their relationship across four decades. The plot is very simple. In the 1960s a young British couple emigrate
to the United States where he borrows money from the bank to set up
as an independent dentist. They try for children, but none come. They
grow old together, and when they can no longer cope with the size of
their house, they make arrangements to dispose of it, and their cat.
The play is about growing old and falling in love. About the endurance
of relationships and the decaying of the human body. It’s a lyrical,
gentle production and one that will be sure to strike an emotional chord
with the audience. It is very much a character piece, and a real
opportunity for actors to get their teeth into an honest, well crafted role
packed with humour, emotion and every nuance in between.
Four actors: a couple in their 20s/30s and a couple in their 70s.
Billy – late 60s/70s
Maggie – late 60s/70s
Margaret – late 20s/30s
William – late 20s/30s
Please note “Lovesong” will involve some dance/physical
theatre sequences involving all the cast.
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NEW PLAY READINGS ON STAGE
7.30PM START
THURSDAY, 26TH OCTOBER
3 One-act plays
“Bear my Soul Away” by Rod Henderson
“Scribblers” by Sian Rowland
“My Perfect Place” by Karen Herbison
FRIDAY, 27TH OCTOBER
“The Fowey Manuscript” by Keith Lipscombe
Short play: “Lovesong” by Maximiliano Alcazar
SATURDAY 28TH OCTOBER
“The Sandcastle” by Ian Tucker-Bell and Stuart McCreadie
Tickets available at the Box Office at £5.00 but Season
Tickets CANNOT be used. Please remember 7.30 PM
START!
Please come and support us and, of course, there will be
CAKE!
These plays are performed subject to the kind permission of
the writers.
Sandra Barfield
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WONDERFUL EVENING’S ENTERTAINMENT
BY CHART TOPPING SOPRANO
20th November
For our Members’ Evening on 20th November, the chart-
topping soprano, Joanna Forest, will be performing live at the
Oast as part of her National Tour. Joanna’s debut album,
“Stars are Rising”, released in March, 2017, entered the
classical charts at Number One, making her the first
independent classical artist to get the official number one debut
album.
She will be performing classical versions of well-known hits
such as “Life on Mars” and “In My Life”, popular classical
arias (think “Nessun Dorma”, “O Mio Babbino Caro”, “Flower
Duet”) and show tunes.
This promises to be a wonderful evening’s entertainment and
to avoid disappointment BOOK EARLY. The concert will
start at 8.00pm.
Tickets for the evening are £10.00 payable on the door and to
book a seat (which will not be allocated) just email
[email protected] or telephone 01622 813573.
Maggie Hoiles
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AUDITION
“Nell Gwynn” by Jessica Swale
Auditions: Sunday, 26th November – 2.30pm
Janet Young Room
Wednesday, 29th November – 8.00pm
The Bar Lounge
(Other auditions can be arranged.)
Performance dates: 21st – 28th April, 2018
Director: Phil Porter – 01732 835460 or
“Nell Gwynn” is a modern – 2013 – and exhilarating take on the
heady world of Restoration Theatre. It charts the rise of an
unlikely heroine, Nell, from her roots in Coal Yard Alley, London,
to her success as Britain’s most celebrated actress and her hard-
won place in the heart of the king.
This very modern play captures the quick wit of the time, using
modern syntax and diction. There is much bawdy humour, some
energetic dancing, some singing and an enormous hat. Above all
else it is very funny: an apt homage to a woman incredibly ahead
of her time.
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AUDITION – “Nell Gwynn” contd.
Characters:
The script does not give the ages of any of the characters. Nell
was about fifteen when she first appeared on stage and thirty seven
when she died in 1687. King Charles, in 1685, was aged 55. As
long as it looks right on stage, age is not a major consideration.
Nell Gwynn Heroine
Rose Gwynn Nell’s elder sister
Nancy Nell’s dresser and confidante. This part
appears to be fictional.
Lady Castlemaine Charles’ most ambitious mistress
Louise De Keroualle Charles’ French mistress
(The last two characters will be doubled.)
Queen Catherine Charles’ Portuguese wife
Old Ma Gwynn Nell’s mother, a brothel madam
(These last two characters will be doubled.)
King Charles 11 The King
Charles Hart Leading actor in The King’s Company
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AUDITION – “Nell Gwynn” contd.
Thomas Killigrew Actor-Manager of The King’s Company
Edward Kynaston Actor in The King’s Company who
plays the women’s parts
John Dryden Playwright
Lord Arlington Advisor to Charles 11
Ned Spiggett Actor in training in The King’s
Company
All parts are equally important.
Costumes will be Restoration based.
The music for the show is very tuneful, extremely catchy and
easily absorbed. The one dance is a jig and, having seen the play
twice, appears easy to perform.
Scripts are available from the Director, Phil Porter
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NEW MEMBERS
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
We are very pleased to note that the following corporate
members have agreed to renew their support for the coming
season.
We are extremely grateful to them and trust that, in our turn,
we will endeavour always to support them.
CJC Consultancy Ltd
Columbine Dry Cleaners & Shirt Laundry
Country Garden
Comfyfood – Private Caterer
EJP Fire Protection Ltd
Elizabeth Finn Homes
Osmond Davis Insurance Brokers
Tonbridge Lions Club
Worldwide Travel Insurance Services Ltd
Laura Collins at ALL STAR SPEAKERS
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NEW MEMBERS
We also welcome the following people who have joined us at the
start of our new season:
Margaret Barnard Elaine Harris
Bernard Osborn Lynn Robinson
have all joined as Audience Members.
Irene Lovegrove has joined as a member of the Art Group but also as
an Audience Member.
Robert Maddison is willing to serve Front of House and again as an
Audience Member.
and Kate Raper has joined the Art Group.
We are very pleased to have you all with us and hope you will enjoy
your membership and take advantage of everything on offer.
AUDIENCE FIGURES – 2016/2017 SEASON
A total of 9,175 people attended the performances at the Oast during
the season, being 85% of the capacity. The figure is slightly down on
the previous year’s figure of 10,206. However, there had been six
additional performances that season – 4 for the Murder Mystery plus
an extra show for both “All My Sons” and “Absurd Person Singular”.
In the 2013/2014 season 8,428 seats were sold and in 2014/2015 the
total was 8,909.
Online bookings have continued to increase and 75% of last season’s
bookings were made this way.
Brian Perryman
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MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
Thanks to everyone who has renewed their membership and season
tickets for the new season. Having the membership numbers on the
reverse of the cheques and reference numbers against the standing
orders saved me loads of time – much appreciated.
As at 1st September, 580 people have renewed their membership (165
season tickets and 415 members). At the end of the previous season
the numbers were 182 and 628 respectively.
There should also be about 100 Youth and Hoppers to add to the list
together with Associate Members (10 of which have already been
renewed).
If you wish to renew your membership and enjoy the additional
benefits (including receipt of Oast Notes), please forward your
payment by either cash or cheque to the Oast Theatre marked for my
attention. The cost for membership is £20.00 per person plus an
additional £60.00 per person for a season ticket.
OAST NOTES
Currently about half of the membership receive their monthly Oast
Notes by email which helps to reduce administration costs.
If you would like to receive future Oast Notes by email please advise
the Membership Secretary at [email protected]
Why not give it a go – you can always revert back to a hard copy if
that is your preference.
Brian Perryman
Membership Secretary
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HERITAGE OPEN DAY –
SATURDAY, 9TH SEPTEMBER
The weather was kind to us and our visitors enjoyed looking at the
classic cars on display outside the Oast. The total of 81 visitors
was slightly down from last year but, as always, the response at
being shown round the theatre was amazement at what they
discovered!
The exhibition of costumes in the Cooper Room created a lot of
interest too.
It was a great opportunity to show all the activities at the Oast.
Many thanks to all the members who enthusiastically helped to
prepare for the day and on the day.
Jo Pierce
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THE FOLLOWING WAS RECEIVED BY EMAIL AND REFERS
TO THE SMALL PARTY OF OAST MEMBERS WHO TOOK A
PLAY TO THE EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL IN AUGUST.
“From Today Everything Changes”
Along with many members of the Oast Theatre I went to the
preview of this play. As I was going to be in Scotland the week it
was to be performed as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, I
was keen to see the play. Having seen what a sensitive and
challenging play it is to stage, I bought a ticket for the Thursday
performance.
The play worked so well in the intimacy of the Argyll Theatre.
The cast were outstanding and the audience was spellbound.
Unfortunately, as our parking ran out as the play ended, I couldn’t
stay for a drink with the cast. However, as they were vacating the
theatre, the audience were full of praise, many saying it was easily
the best show they had seen this year.
My congratulations to Ian Tucker-Bell for writing and acting in
this play along with Nick Blessley and Bizz Portlock, and to Phil
Holden for making it work so well on the compact stage and for
making sure all our feelings were stimulated by their performance.
Rosemary Doel
17
“From Today Everything Changes”
Explain our expedition to the Edinburgh Fringe in 200 words?
Impossible! So, we’ll give more detail on the website, by email
and face-to-face soon. In the meantime……
Last year we discussed the possibility of the Oast taking something
to the Fringe. It’s the largest arts festival in the world and attracts
performers and audiences from every continent – 50,266
performances, 3,269 shows and 294 venues!
We finally chose Ian Tucker-Bell’s one act play – first performed
as a rehearsed reading and then as a festival play. It had been well
received and employed the skills of several Oast actors. With
support in kind (no money) from the Oast Theatre, some editing,
a change of title, a new director and a new lead actor plus
rehearsals over three months – and a LOT of support from Oast
members – we made it to Edinburgh.
The result? We covered costs and made a small contribution back
to Oast funds AND got a 4 star review!
To Ian, Philip Tucker-Bell, Bizz Portlock and Nick Blessley, well
done. To everyone who supported our fundraising or came to the
preview – or the show in Edinburgh – Thank you.
Now to start planning 2018…
Philip Holden
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100 CLUB – AUGUST RESULTS
£25.00 Mrs V Armstrong
£10.00 Mrs C Jordan
£10.00 Mr F Barnfather
£10.00 Mrs Challis
£10.00 Ms L Goodall
Be IN for a chance to WIN!
It only costs £13.00 per year.
It helps to raise money for your Theatre.
Prizes every month.
Ring Rita Carpenter on 01732 358282 or email on –
You can join at any time, but why not make it NOW?
Numbers available –
19: 82: 145: 150
Welcome to those who have recently joined.
Good luck!
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OAST YOUTH THEATRE
WORKSHOPS
Thursday, 12th October
Thursday, 26th October
“OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD”
Well done to everyone involved! They were a great success (I
assume as I am writing this in the Wilberforce Scout Hut before
the Res. and the rehearsals went well this week.)
CALENDAR
All our upcoming dates can be found in the OYT calendar:
http://oastyouth.co.uk/oyt-calendar
Jason
OAST THEATRE
TONBRIDGE
THE OAST THEATRETonbridge Theatre & Arts Club
OFFICERS
Box Office: (01732) 363849 [email protected] ROAD TONBRIDGE KENT TN10 3AN TEL: (01732) 350261
www.oastheatre.com
Tonbridge Theatre & Arts Club Registered Charity No. 227035
PHIL PORTER [email protected]
DAVID KEITH [email protected]
ELIZABETH PORTLOCK [email protected]
BRIAN PERRYMAN [email protected]
ANNIE YOUNG [email protected]
PHIL PORTER
LYN PORTER [email protected]
MAGGIE HOILES [email protected]
JO PIERCE [email protected]
JASON LOWER [email protected]
Chairman
Honorary Treasurer
Honorary Secretary
Membership Secretary
Editor
Premises Manager
Hirings and Rehearsal Bookings
Publicity
Wardrobe Representative
Youth Theatre
01732 835460
01732 458876
01732 300551
01732 354368
01732 352084
01732 835460
01622 813573
01892 528166
07812061753
01732 835460
