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OAST NOTESOAST THEATRE
TONBRIDGE January 2018
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
SATURDAY, 6th JANUARY COPY DATE FOR
FEBRUARY OAST NOTES
Saturday, 20th to Saturday
28th January incl.
Play of the Month:
“Bronte”
Sunday, 28th January Find out about
The Edinburgh Fringe
Monday, 29th January Members’ Evening
Louise Jameson returns
Sunday, 11th February Quiz Night
Sunday, 18th February
Monday, 19th & Wednesday
21st February
Audition re-calls:
“Dial M For Murder”
Monday, 19th – Saturday,
24th February
Southern Counties –
Oxted One Act Play Festival
NEXT MONTH’S PLAY – “The Game’s Afoot” by Ken Ludwig, 17th
– 24th February. A light-hearted mix of comedy, melodrama, farce and
intrigue. This spoof who-dun-it is set on Christmas Eve in 1936 at the
home of an actor famous for portraying Sherlock Holmes.
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PLAY OF THE MONTH
“Bronte” by Polly Teale
The external lives of the Bronte sisters were dreary, repetitive, and
uneventful and yet their inner lives were the opposite. This play
dramatises the collision between drab domesticity and unfettered, soaring
imagination, showing us both the real and internal world at once and
making visible what is hidden inside. In the play the characters from the
novels are living in the house, haunting their creators. While the sisters
cook and clean and sew, there exists another world full of passion and
fury. This is a story of make-believe, of the power of the imagination to
transcend time and place and circumstance, to take us to places we cannot
otherwise go.
Directing this play with such a talented and enthusiastic cast and crew has
been a real joy. I hope you will enjoy watching it as I have enjoyed the
process of bringing it to the stage at the Oast.
Barbara Smith
Director
Our first production of 2018! I think you’ll agree that this season we have
some excellent plays on offer and this is certainly one of the best. It is
sure to be well attended so do make sure of your seat by BOOKING
EARLY! Go to the website – www.oasttheatre.com or book by ‘phone
on 01732 363849 or even by post if you collect an Advance Booking
Form from the foyer at the theatre.
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LOUISE JAMESON RETURNS TO THE OAST
FOR A MEMBERS’ EVENING!
29th JANUARY, 2018 – 8.00pm
The well-known actress, Louise Jameson, remembered for her
roles as the leather-clad Leela from ‘Doctor Who’, Rosa di Marco
in ‘East Enders’, Bergerac’s girlfriend Susan, the feisty Blanche
in ‘Tenko’ and Doc Martin’s mother-in-law, is returning to the
Oast for another Members’ Evening on 29th January.
Now Jameson will be playing Rachel in ‘My Gay Best Friend’,
an award-winning play which she wrote with fellow performer
Nigel Fairs. This two-hander is a frivolous, camp comedy in
many respects but is quite profound as well. It helps us
understand the value of friendship, of loving someone warts and
all, of knowing their dark side and accepting it. It is witty,
articulate and touching.
Louise’s last visit to the Oast sold out, so make sure you book
early!
To book your ticket either email [email protected] or tel.
01622 813573.
Tickets are £7.50 payable on the door.
Maggie Hoiles
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FUN IN FEBRUARY! MEMBERS’ EVENT
QUIZ NIGHT
Sunday, 11th February 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start
Our quizmaster, Stephen Pierce, returns to test your knowledge!
Cost - £7.00 a person to include a glass of wine or soft drink with
nibbles placed on the table. The bar will be open.
Teams of 6. Smaller numbers will be made up into a team.
Please book your places by sending a cheque payable to TTAC
to Valerie Armstrong, Candytree Plat, Foxhole Lane, Matfield,
Kent. TN12 7ES or leave the envelope in the ‘Wardrobe’ pigeon
hole at the Oast.
Please include an email address (or telephone number) to receive
confirmation of your booking.
Book your table now!
Jo Pierce
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AUDITION
Alfred Hitchcock’s
“Dial M For Murder” adapted by Frederick Knott
Auditions: Sunday, 18th February – 10.00am – 2.00pm
(Janet Young Room)
Re-calls: Monday, 19th & Wednesday, 21st February
8.45pm (venue tba)
Performance dates: 19th – 26th May 2018
Director: Helen Thorpe – 07909881347 or
When Murder calls … hang up!!
Frederick Knott’s intense, darkly gripping thriller, famously filmed by
Alfred Hitchcock, just screams – Watch Me!
Ex-tennis pro Tony Wendice has married his wife Margot for her money,
but subsequently (and with good reason) becomes convinced that she has
been having an affair, so he implements what he thinks is the perfect plot
to have her murdered and to get the inheritance. He starts by blackmailing
a reprobate he used to know into strangling Margot for a fee, whilst
creating an alibi for himself – or so he thinks!
A frighteningly brilliant, claustrophobic plot twisting, passionate tale of
betrayal and murder. It will require strong performances from all the
actors.
The Characters:
Margot Wendice: The charming, naïve, and wealthy socialite wife of
Tony. She is quick witted and intelligent and genuinely kind, good
natured and graceful. Age range mid 20s – early 40s.
Tony Wendice: Margot’s husband. A former English
professional tennis player who has married Margot for her money
as his professional career is nearly over. He is selfish, narcissistic
and arrogant. Age range 30s – early 50s.
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Max Halliday: An American crime fiction writer who had an affair with
Margot when Tony was playing professional tennis tournaments in
America. Age range 30s – 40s.
Captain Lesgate: An old down on his luck acquaintance of Tony’s from
Cambridge University, who is now a convicted criminal, and is blackmailed
by Tony into murdering Margot. Fantastic fight scene. Age range 30s –
early 50s.
Inspector Hubbard: An intelligent, good natured stoic British Scotland
Yard detective much sharper than he first appears. A treat of a character for
a heavy hitting actor. Age range mid 40s – 60s.
Thompson: A Police Officer working with Inspector Hubbard. Supporting
character of your own making. Age range 20s – 60s. Male but possible
female may be considered.
Audition pieces:
1. Tony with Lesgate. From start of scene 2 to page 12 & from page 17
‘Where’s the nearest police station?’to page 19.
2. Margot with Max. From page 3 ‘You look very serious all of a
sudden’ to page 4.
3. Margot with Hubbard. From page 34 ‘Good morning madam’ to
page 39.
4. Max with Tony. From page 48 ‘You mustn’t give up trying. It’s not
over yet’ to page 51.
5. Hubbard with Tony. From page 51 ‘Oh – hullo Inspector’ to page
53.
6. Margot with Tony. From page 32 ‘More coffee’ to page 34.
Ping Helen for a script or scanned audition pieces...
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100 CLUB – NOVEMBER RESULTS
£25.00 Mrs M O’Boyle
£10.00 Mrs A Leader
£10.00 Mrs K Morgan
£10.00 Mr & Mrs M Adams
£10.00 Mr J Perry
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 who not make it NOW!
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SOUTHERN COUNTIES DRAMA FESTIVAL
19th – 24th FEBRUARY, 2018 – OXTED
Our entries for the 2018 one act festival here are:
“Strangers” by Colin and Mary Crowther
Fisherman: Mel Paszkowski
Riverwoman: Annie Young
Stranger: Karen Gorbutt
A hauntingly beautiful, multi-layered tale of love and forgiveness played
out on an abandoned jetty with only a fisherman to help disentangle the
weeds.
“Ghost Story” by Mark Ravenhill
Lisa: Karen Dix
Meryl: Elizabeth McCreadie
Hannah: Natalie Smith
Meryl is a healer who believes in the power of positive thinking. Hannah
is her girlfriend and Lisa needs healing. A moving story of ghosts, and
the lies we tell ourselves to cope with what is really happening.
Please come to Oxted and support us if you can. The dates we are
performing and their box office details will be put in the next edition of
Oast Notes.
Sandra Barfield
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NEW MEMBERS
We start by thanking G Collins & Sons Jewellers who have renewed their
Associate Membership for the season. As ever we are extremely grateful
for their support.
New Hoppers
Seb Bray and Isla & Kiah Spurle
New Youth Theatre Members
Nora Dedek and Auriel Tiltman
Howard Perry joins as an Audience Member.
John Hall has joined the Art Group & will also be an Audience member.
Sophie Jackson joins as an Actor, Director, to help in the Wardrobe and
with Make-up/Hair.
Matthew Jenner joins as an Actor, Prompter, Props, Stage Management,
Set production and the Art Group.
Loraine Kyd would like to help with Front of House, the Box Office and
as an Audience Member.
Rachel Rowland joins as an Actor and to help with Make-up/Hair.
Charlotte Whiting joins as an Actor.
A lot of useful people. Welcome to you all. We are so pleased to have
you with us.
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AGM – 3RD DECEMBER
It is with great pleasure that I announce that life membership has been
given to the following:
Jean Bruce
Rita & Arthur Carpenter
Lee Kirk
The Management Committee wish to thank them for the many years of
support and hard work they have given to the Oast.
Thank you to all of you who came to this year’s AGM.
I have pleasure in informing you of your new Management Committee:
Phil Porter – Chairman
Valerie Galbraith – Vice Chairman
David Keith – Hon. Treasurer
Elizabeth Portlock – Hon Secretary
Sandra Barfield – Drama Director
Maggie Hoiles – Publicity
Jason Lower – Youth Director
Brian Perryman – Membership Secretary
Gordon Court – Art Group Representative
Jo Pierce – Wardrobe Representative
Cathryn Gahan – Chaperoning
John Perry
Shirley Browning
Phil Holden
Geoff Daniels – Co-opted as Technical Director.
Elizabeth Portlock
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ONE POINT OF VIEW
“The Communication Cord” by Brian Friel
I was looking forward to seeing this play and I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a
complicated farce involving several couples wherein Friel relentlessly
parodies both academia and the tendency of the Irish to treat their past with
an overly reverent attitude. It’s a cleverly written play, demonstrating the
breakdown of communication. A theme so prevalent in Friel’s work.
The setting is a restored thatched cottage in Donegal, Ireland. A place of
romantic idealism which was caught well by the spacious set, affording
plenty of opportunity for movement. The entrance into the cottage was
through a stable door which appeared to have a mind of its own, opening of
its own accord. This worked well, as did the billowing smoke wafting from
the fireplace. I was struck by the sign of the cross in several places which I
thought was a nice touch as it gave a sense of Catholic Ireland.
The central character is Tim Gallagher, a junior lecturer in linguistics, who
is borrowing his friend Jack’s cottage so he can pretend to his girl friend’s
father, the corrupt local politician, Senator Donovan, that he owns the
cottage, and is responsible for its restoration. Tim was played by Sebastian
Junemann who talks eloquently about language but, ironically, is
inarticulate when talking about anything else. He executed a demanding
role very well indeed. He was completely believable. He was one of three
actors I haven’t seen before. The other two were Emily Rose Sawyer, who
was equally believable as Tim’s girl friend, Susan. Jack McNeilis, the
owner of the cottage who suggested the deception, was played by Mark
Davidson. This was also well performed although I felt he was using his
hands too much.
The play is full of strong characters. My personal favourite is Senator
Donovan, acted by Alan Round. He captured the essence of the man,
imposing his authority on the stage. Barney the Banks, the German, who
had many laughs due to his misunderstanding of the language, was played
with relish by John Ewens. Elizabeth Goodall is at her best when she takes
on a character role. Nora Dan, the nosey neighbour suited her very well,
although I wasn’t too sure about the character’s shoes. Lisa Bunyan
played Claire Harkin. I felt this was a difficult part because we are
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“The Communication Cord” contd. not too sure about her motivation. Does she simply want to be a nuisance, or
are there other reasons? The end seemed to suggest the latter. She had to put
on more than one accent which she did convincingly. Faye Bedding performed
Evette Giroux. Another good performance in this ensemble play. I thought
her French accent was very good. Indeed I thought the accents throughout the
cast were very good.
Farce is demanding, requires good timing, pace and energy, and I thought
overall the performance had plenty of pace and the movement was good. I felt
that just occasionally, particularly when there were only two on stage, it
became a little static, but that’s a minor detail. The farce ends with the roof of
the cottage literally falling down on top of Gallagher. This didn’t quite work
as there was no roof to fall in. This was understandable. I just wonder if it
may have been better with a quick blackout, tabs closing quickly, and the
sound of a roof collapsing. Once again this is just a small point in what was a
very enjoyable evening’s entertainment, and so thank you to Nadia Higson for
directing this challenging play.
Andy Taylor
BOX OFFICE RESULTS A total of 815 tickets were sold for “The Communication Cord” being 91% of
the capacity. There were 170 (21%) Season Ticket holders, 269 (33%)
Members, 350 (43%) Non Members and 26 (3%) Associate Members. 585
seats were booked online, being 72% of the total bookings.
Brian Perryman
FIND OUT ABOUT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE The Edinburgh Fringe is the biggest arts festival in the world and the Oast
Theatre was represented there in August with Ian Tucker Bell’s ‘From Today
Everything Changes’. It got good audiences and some great reviews! If
you’ve wondered what it’s like being part of the Fringe or you think you might
want to take part in the future – on stage, back stage, writing or directing –
then come along on SUNDAY, 28th JANUARY 2018 at 2.00pm to listen and
ask questions. Phil Holden, Ian Tucker Bell and others will give you the
inside story of their Fringe adventure and what they’ve learned. And they
may even show you some pictures.
Phil Holden
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HELP IS NEEDED
As a member of the Oast you must, I’m sure, be aware of the theatre’s
amazing costume department. All those costumes seen on stage need
constant attention, managing general wear and tear and, if occasion
demands, creating new ones. Another branch of the Wardrobe
Department is to hire out costumes, mainly on Sunday mornings. This
involves dealing with customers whose needs are many and varied as
well as keeping the necessary records.
All productions need a member of the Wardrobe Department to work
closely with directors and casts to costume the plays. These people are
also on hand during the run of a play to help with any costume issues that
may arise.
There is a happy band of ladies who meet regularly once a week to sit,
sew, and enjoy each other’s company as they maintain the wardrobe
stock. However, as you will appreciate, there are many wardrobe jobs
that do not require great sewing skills but only a desire to help and
become meaningfully involved.
If you think that being part of our fantastic Wardrobe Department is
something you’d enjoy, we’d love to hear from you. Remember, any
skill you have we’d love you to share it with us. Just ‘phone Jean Bruce
on 01732 369878 and she will gladly tell you all you need to know.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Shirley Browning
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OAST YOUTH THEATRE
“WENDY AND PETER PAN” Well done to everyone involved in “Wendy & Peter Pan” – I hope
everyone who took part or came to see them enjoyed themselves.
Now on to “The Tempest”!
NEXT SEPTEMBER SHOW
Many of you will be leaving us next September to go to university/drama
schools/ gap years. I am on the hunt for a show that will be a good send-
off. If you have any ideas, please let me know. We will have one cast,
five performances (running a week earlier than ‘Our Country’s Good’
and ‘Laramie’ and many of the rehearsals will run in July.
WORKSHOPS Finally, we are back to regular workshops!
Thursday, 4th January, 7.30pm – 10.00pm
Thursday, 11th January, 7.30pm – 10.00pm
Thursday, 18th January, 7.30pm – 10.00pm
CALENDAR
All of 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
