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- Postings from Early 2004
Your chance to have your say on the local theatre scene... |
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Newest messages appear at the top>>Oklahoma
well come on all those dancin and singin guys and gals come and audition for this years LOOKOUT show oklahoma this sat and sun 8/9th the shows gonna be great and everyones welcome to audition just put on your stetson and ye-ha yourself down town.
muriel
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group 4
Having just returned home from watching an excellent show at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre I felt I really must write and pass comment. Your readers might think that the show was a professional one but that is not so.
The show was ‘Shake Ripple and Roll and was performed admirably by group 4 of the Gatehouse Youth Theatre.
The young, local talent had been taught by their director and professional actress, Cathy Carter who was assisted by our very own Steve Witney, another local, professional actor. The youngsters performance was excellent and carried out with enthusiasm. I felt it was such a shame that, having worked so hard they did not have more support from the public or from the local Councillor’s who should be promoting the Youth Theatre.
I urge people to support these young people, some of whom might be the stars of tomorrow.
Mrs Christine Baron
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Help!
Could you tell me, please, where I could send my play and have a chance to be performed in an amateur theatre. I live in Reading so don't send me to the Progress Theatre.
I heard of a drama company called Am Dram . Would they agree to read it? Thanks for your help
Claudette Flint
Reading
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THE NEW VIC
the new vic is a brilliant thaetre i have been to a couiple fo performances there.
with the thatree been 'in-the-round' you get to see all the aspects of the acting.
it also shows what problems the director has had. i higley recomend this thatre as you will never forget the experiance.
PaulC
Staffordshire
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Auditions for summer show
LookOut Theatre set to stage the musical Oklahoma, open air in the grounds of Bishton Hall,28th July -1st August.
Dancers and singers, male and female over the age of 14, wanted for this well known musical.
Auditions dates - Saturday 8th May at 2.30pm -4.30pm at Bishton Hall, Wolseley Bridge nr Stafford OR 9th May at Stafford Gatehouse from 10.30 am -1.00pm and 2.30pm - 4.30
Ring Julia Stafford North for more information on 01889 881 021
Julia Stafford Northcote
Stafford |
oh come on mike!
mike, you're the Stoke youth sections chairman, you have to say those nice things!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
misc....
stoke-on-trent
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auditions for teenagers
BEN may also be interested in the following groups....
Burslem STARS,Burslem summer school and Stoke amateur Theatre Society.
STARS Teaches children from 6-17 Drama, Singing, and Dance and wins awards in the One Act Play Festival Summer School runs during the summer holidays and the children learn a complete musical production in just three weeks - hard work but great fun ,this also wins awards in the full length play festival
Carol Beardsall
Stoke on trent
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Dance fusion
I was in this show and your comments are understandable as my sister watched and said similar things.
However I don't think that it is really fair as Angela has to cater for everyone in her dance school and it is not just for the 'better dancers'. It may not have seemed very professional by your standards but this show, as are all of her shows, are done completely for charity.
Louise Hearman
Stoke-on-Trent.
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DE Caversmill Theatre Company
I have been with DE Caversmill theatre company for about 8 years now. I have had many great experiences witht the company in the shows and other activities within the company.
I also have had a lot to do with the other theatre companies arround the area and from my experiences i can safley say that DE Caversmill is the best company in the Stoke on Trent area.
The Pantomimes, full length plays and one acts plays that the company produces win many awards for the quality. The compnay will accept people from the age of 5 or 6 upwards and i would strongly recomend DE Caversmill theatre company to anyone who wants to take up acting.
Nick Walker
Stoke
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jill clewes
I was in this dance schools for a couple of years and did two of their shows. The do one every two years, usually around May.
They did FX last year, this year they will not do one then around September will begin rehersing for the show in 2005.
Louise Hearman
Stoke-on-Trent
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auditions?
hi i am a 14 year old teenager who is looking for opportunities in the stoke on trent area to act in plays or just to get involved in a drama group please could you rite back and keep me informed on any auditions that are happening for teenagers?. Thankyou yours sincerly
Ben Plant.
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Dance Fusion
I took my friend and her sister to see Angela Beadmore's 'Dance Fusion' but we left early as it was going on for so long. We left at 10.30 and there was at least 8 numbers to go. The whole show was based on effects which distracted my attention from the hundred kids randomly running round the stage. All the costumes were different which along with 'messy' hair made the dances look even messier. The fact they mimed their songs but had microphones was also shocking and they missed out half the song in 'Cell Block Tango' and 'All that Jazz' which my friend did not understand as she has not seen chicago. I would not recommend the show to anyone with children or elderly relatives as it is too long. I hear Showtime 2004 which is on at the Mitchell Memorial is going to be a really good show with live singers - has anybody got any details?
Kathryn Stokes
Yarnfield
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Holsworthy theatre
Holsworthys pantomime was brilliant!!! well worth it!
rose
Holsworthy
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Drama Youth Group
Fantastic!wonderful acting - I especially enjoyed the charactter of the cat!
Rose
Stoke-on-Trent
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Queen's Theatre, Burslem
Details of forthcoming events please. Am particularly interested in American choir visit, I believe on May 10th. More publicity needed about this venue now it has been re-opened. Welcome back
Joan
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Purpose built theatres
I have only just looked at this forum and note Adam Layland's comment that Burslem's Queens Theatre is the only purpose built theatre, still standing, in a 40 mile radius.
Has someone moved Newcastle-under-Lyme away from Burslem? The New Vic Theatre is a purpose built venue (the first purpose built theatre-in-the-round in the country) and well within the 40 mile radius.
James
Stoke-on-Trent
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Film needing Actors/Actresses
We are a group of film production students at Staffordshire University urgently in need of actors and actress for a short film being shot in the stafford area. Please email details or request for info
Anthony Hodkinson
Stafford
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rep
went to see Bye Bye Birdie 3-6th march 04 at the repertory, very good show and cast by S&J produtions,
the seat very comfortable, with good leg space,and good vision over people infront seats. clean and friendly - a lovely theatre we did not use the bar, but looked well used. - we ve seem several shows here, and look forward to the next.
dereth heighway
burslem
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RE: Auditions ??
This is a reply to "Desperate to be on stage".
I'm currently in D.E. Caversmill theatre company. As a company it has been around for about 12 or 13 years now, and throughout it's existance has been bestowed with many awards.
They concentrate on the youth section, being a youth theatre group, so 14 years old is an ideal age to join.
We are currentley rehearsing for the one-act festival in March/April, but after that before the Summer Holidays there will be auditions for next year's pantomime.
So, if you're still interested in stage productions you should deffinately come along to the auditions. E-mail us if you would like more information.
Steve Milligan
Audley
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Jill Clewes
I think Jill's shows happen every other year at the Regent. However they normally do a show at the Rep in the intervening years. For example, two years ago they did Annie at the Rep and were sold out every night!
John Molloy
Newcastle-under-Lyme
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Local Show Proposal
Hello! I am proposing to direct and produce 'Black Beauty On Ice' for early 2005 by freezing the canals in the burslem area, anybody interested in taking part?
If anyone knows of any local ice skating horses please post. Cheers
Isaac Crooner.
Trentham
... a fascinating concept Isacc. I think! |
regent theatre
i would like to know any of you all if you knew when jill clewes dance are doing their next show at the regent theatre hanley?
please if anybody knows please send a message back to the stoke and staffordshire form on internet explorer please i am begging you
kayleigh
newcastle-under-lyme
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bocelli
its the first time we as a family as ever been to the regent.i took the family to see snow white last night & luck would have it the fastfood rockers were there.it was the best night we has a family have had for a long time.it was extra special because it was my wife's birthday.i just want to know if it was possible that in the future andre bocelli would perform at the regent.my wife & i think he is fantastic.well that's it for now.keep up the good work.
sean johnson
newcastle-under-lyme
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royal oak comedy
royal oak in church eaton 34 seat theatre (smallest theatre in england) host regular monthly comedy nights also comedy festival in july each year.
would love to do more drama - please contact us.
ray crawford
church eaton
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'The Mikado' and 'The Magic Flute' at the New Vic...
I lived in The Brampton for many years until 1997 when I moved to the Czech Republic. But I was a regular visitor to musical events at the New Vic.
I particularly remember a superb version of Gilbert and Sullivan's 'The Mikado'. And then in the late 1990s, I returned with my Czech wife for a visit to North Staffs and we both loved the amazing production of Mozart's 'Magic Flute. It was so dynamic - breathtaking from start to finish.
Now, I've finally discovered the Vic web-site, so as I'll always know what's playing in future, I'll be able to get a cheap flight to the UK soon and see some good performances in Newcastle again. I probably won't recognise the place!
I remember often sitting in the front row for The Lindsay's and that very sad concert with the pianist John Ogdon who was already a pale shadow of his former self - he died shortly afterwards - and a seemingly endless but magical night of sitar music - the list of fantastic nights out I remember so well at The Vic is endless...
Peter Toth
Ostrava, Czech Republic
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panto,mother goose
My partner and I took our 2 children to see there first ever panto,Mother goose,at the Mitchell memorial theatre,Hanley.
It was an excellent performance by the Mow Cop players.We were completely blown out of the water,a must see for all.
My 6 year old son asked if we could go again next week.My 5 year old daughter has not stopped talking about it.And to be quite honest,I am still buzzing from the atmosphere myself.
I would recommend Mother goose to everyone! Definitely a job well done.Thank you!
Miss Joanne Capper
Clayton,Newcastle,Staffs.
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Panto time
Has anyone been to see Mow Cop Players Mother Goose at the Mitchell Theate?
I've got tickets for next weekend and am really looking forward to it.
Gwen
Trentham
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Regent
I am not a fan of the Regent as it is NOT meant to be a theatre. It was built as a cinema and still should be.
The acoustics are rubbish and with the coucil backing them, they have no budgets.
What about other Theatres in Stoke-On-Trent. Why did the Royal close down?--The Council!!!!!
I am very glad to see that purpose built theatres are being re-opened. Hurray for the Queens Theatre in Burslem.
A L
Stoke-On-Trent
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modern gatehouse!
i suggest if you feel this is a modern theatre you go and sample the discomfort of teh seats and cramped leg room.
Disabled facilities......joke....
JD
stafford
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The Queens Theatre, Burslem
After 5 years in the dark, the Queens Theatre in Burslem, Stoke-On-Trent, is re-opening. Will you be adding it to your listings?
It is a fantasic theatre and inside is astonishing. Did you know that it is the only purpose bulit theatre, still standing, for a 40 mile radius? What a fact. I would love to see it added to your listings and i am sure that this fantastic theatre would benefit emmensely. Thanks
Adam Layland
Stoke-On-Trent
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Vincent Riley
I have to play Vincent's character in a short drama. Anybody know anything about him?
Alan Richardson
Stoke on Trent
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First posting
I would encourage anyone with an interest in performing arts to give the Victoria Hall a try. You will find a wide variety of music from classical to rock and pop as well as comedy on offer.
Whilst I do not feel qualified to offer a technical criticism I would like to tell you about a recent(6/11/2003) concert given by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. This was a most enjoyable concert of music at the lighter end of classical and seemed to be much enjoyed by the large audience. I estimate the hall was 90%+ full. I tried to book for a daytime concert by the Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra but it was sold out!
So the hall must be doing something right!
I try to support at least one of the various local events presented at this time of year and would urge others to do the same. Would suggest you try the cheapest seats first as a good view is possible from all parts and if it is a concert you are attending it is mainly the sound you come for. The hall is acknoledged to have suberb acustics.
Hope this encourages more people to try the hall,afterall we are fortunate to have visits from top class orchestras, such as the CBSO and the are more to come!
John Russell
Leek
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Auditions ??
Hey everyone, I am really really keen to be on stage,
i do the school ones and of corse my dance school ones. I just love stage. I was wondering if anyone has any audition info??
I would love to be in a proper prodcution, just to know what it is really like.
It's been a dream for years! Im am 14 and its dancing that i love, most kinds, i do alot. PLEASE let me know if you have any... Thanks for your time
Desperate to be on stage
Trentham
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Mow Cop Players - MOTHER GOOSE
Just thought that I would let our many supporters know that tickets sales for our panto MOTHER GOOSE at The Mitchell Memorial Theatre from the 5th - 13th Dec are going through the roof.
All of our 3 matinee's our now sold out and all Evening shows are filling up.
So if you are thinking of paying us a visit please contact us as soon as possible to secure your seats.
Full Booking information can be found on the Whats on Pages. We look forward to seeing you all.
Paul Brammer
Milton
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The old ladies - did I miss the plot? - What Plot!!!
Has anybody else been to see The Old Ladies at the Regent? I know it as an old play - but all the Blurb about the audiences shreiking in their seats.... more like snoozing in their seats!!!!
I know it was supposed to be a psycological but am I missing something for 2 hours with a few mild titters nothing happened!
The Trio of actresses were excellent - but they desperately needed a far better script. There was a good bit when the lights went up and some very lovely people with an ice cream came around
but then the lights went down and it went down hill again. T
he Evening was summed up by the couple sitting next to me who at the interval whilst eating their mid show sweeties the lady turned to her spouse and said ' I've read the book of this ' to which her none to happy Hubby said ' Well tell us the B****y Ending so we can go the Pub !!!'And don't expect a nail biting climax because at the performance I attended the audience did'nt even know it had finished. Some of them were awoken by the mild applause and nearly blew the skin of their cocoa with excitement. Seriously though this is yet another example of the production companies bringing the shows to the Regent - this one was marketed as been terrifying in the same mould as The Woman in Black - (which really is scary!!!). This follows on from a few weeks ago with The Play What I wrote - with audiences expecting to see a major surprise celebrity guest.
With the exception of the gala opening night on the Monday Evening when Mr Nigel Havers graced the stage - very clever of producer Mr David Pugh to put a credible name on with the press in!
At every other performance it was - get ready - it was Ms Anthea Turner - now I have nothing against Ms Turner per se but when all the pre show Publicity including the Regents Handbill show pictures of top stars - surely it should have been obvious that audiences would not be happy with a minor celebrity. Anyway back to The Old Ladies if I did nod off and miss anything exciting please let me know - come back Agatha Chrisitie all is forgiven
PJ
milton
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That 'll be the day
Excellent show, a really enjoyable night out in a friendly and comfortable environment
G S Norman
Stafford
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SOTAOS Youth Section's 'Carousel'
I must say how proud I felt of everyone involved in tonight's opening performance (tuesday 14th Oct) of CAROUSEL.
The two leads Oliver Eyre, playing Billy, and Charlotte Williamson, playing Julie, were superb. Charlotte sang and acted beautifully, constantly tugging at the heart strings. Oliver's soliloquy was a show stopping moment.
They were excellently supported by Laura Bowler who brought everything out of the part of Carrie, Phillip Beamon who played a suitably pompous Mr Snow, Laura Bickley who made Mrs Mullin appropriately stubborn and jealous, Lisa Adamiec who moved us all with her "You'll never Walk Alone" (Gerry Marsden eat your heart out!) and a menacing performance by Jonathan Bullock as Jigger.
Many other minor, but important parts, were played by several other members of the cast, all adding a sense of professionalism about the whole piece.
Here I must pay tribute to the hard work and dedication put in by Caroline West, Director and Choreographer, ably supported by David Morrey and David Bryan. She has brought out the best of a young and relatively inexperienced cast, to put on a production of the highest standard that we have come to expect from STOKE YOUTH. Her production numbers were all well executed and the ballet sequence was a 'tour de force'.
The chorus performed excellently throughout, acting and reacting, dancing and moving, always supporting the action and not detracting from it. They also sang superbly under the direction of MD Damon Jones, whose band played the wonderful score with great sensitivity.
The set was extremely effective and helped to set the scenes with the minimum of fuss and clutter. Colin Chesterton's design once again showed how it should be done. Phil Callan's backstage team were effective in moving the action on unobtrusively. Costumes and make-up added to the sense of something special happening on stage; props, lighting and effects made vital contributions too.
All in all, what a wonderful opening night and congratulations to all involved!
Mike Whittaker
Meir Park
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Sweeney Todd
Dear Dave, There are DVDs and VHS versions of the in concert production available on the web from Amazon. Do a search for Sweeney Todd under DVD to find this pretty quickly.
As a member of Haverfordwest Operatic Society, which I am sure is affiliated to NODA, you will know that it is Illegal to make video or audio recording of an production even for educational purposes without the express permission of the copyright holders... and this is rarely given.
However for a useful resource for doing Sweeney visit the British Sondheim Society web site - www.sondheim.org - you really should join the society. There are some threads in the discussion board there about making or renting a chair for the production and how to make stage razors which produce blood but don't actually involve getting new cast members every night.
Also if you visit the amateur section you will see that there are quite a few productions on in the next few weeks which you may want to attend to get a feel for the show.
Finally, if you have the money around december / January the Royal Opera House is putting the production on with a full orchestra which in the case of a Sondheim show shouldn't be missed.
John Molloy
Newcastle-under-Lyme
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sweeney todd
As a member of Haverfordwest Operatic Society, I would be interested if anyone from your society has a video of Sweeney Todd. We are putting the musical on stage at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven next year, and as Yet I have been unable to find a video of the show anywhere.
Dave Roach
Haverfordwest
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