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OAST NOTESOAST THEATRE
TONBRIDGE April 2017
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Sunday, 2nd April Tea, cakes and New
Play Reading afternoon
THURSDAY, 6th APRIL LAST DAY FOR COPY FOR
MAY OAST NOTES
Sunday, 9th April Quiz Night
Saturday, 22nd – Saturday,
29th April incl.
Play of the Month:
“A Fine Bright Day Today”
NEXT MONTH’S PLAY – “Going Green” by David Tristram – 20th
- 27th May. John is the obvious future leader of the Green Party but
he has a problem. He is suffering from an extremely rare illness and
apparently there is only one cure .
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PLAY OF THE MONTH
“A Fine Bright Day Today” by Philip Goulding
“A Fine Bright Day Today” is a tender, delicate and kindly
examination of how Margaret, widowed for many years, her adult
daughter, Rebecca, and Milton, an American divorce, cope with
new personal situations that take them out of their everyday lives.
Philip Goulding writes with humour and sensitivity as the three
characters have to deal with the frustrations caused in themselves
and those around them as a result – the ripple effect.
This play is almost the antithesis of what budding writers are told
a play should contain. There’s no big conflict, not much tension
and few surprises. But I hope it will leave you with an optimistic
sense that everyone deserves a second chance of happiness and
that maybe … perhaps … possibly … Margaret, Rebecca and
Milton have been offered, and taken, that second chance!
Sara Lacey
Director
Oh doesn’t this sound a lovely play? I wouldn’t want to miss it
and neither, I am sure, will you. So do BOOK EARLY for your
tickets at www.oasttheatre.com or by ‘phone on 01732 363849 or
by post if you prefer using an Advance Booking Form available
at the theatre.
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AFTERNOON CAKES AND A NEW PLAY Sunday, 2nd April at 2.00pm
Come along and join us at another of our New Plays Afternoons with tea
and a mouth-watering array of home-made cakes!
We have a great new work for your entertainment and we know that you
will have a fun, stimulating and highly sociable afternoon.
The play will be “Disturbing the Dust” by our own Andy Taylor.
(Eddie, a man in his 50s, has organised a get together of his old school
friends. He wants to reminisce with his old gang. Now middle aged they
haven’t seen each other for many years. In bringing these people together
he has opened a can of worms!)
If you have never been to one of these afternoons before why don’t you
come along and see for yourself.
The charge is £5.00 payable on arrival.
Looking forward to seeing you all.
Maggie Hoiles & Sandra Barfield
A SERIOUS OMISSION
In the programme for “The Country Wife” we missed out the fabulous
make-up lady Annie Houghton who did all the cast make-up. Including
‘Sparkish’s heart on his cheek and everything – ‘perfectly, perfectly’.
Many thanks Annie.
Sandra Barfield
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MEMBERS’ EVENT
QUIZ NIGHT
The always popular quiz night returns. Book your table now!
Sunday, 9th April 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start.
Our quizmaster Stephen Pierce returns to test your knowledge!
Cost - £7.00 per person to include a glass of wine or soft drink
and nibbles which will be on the tables. 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 it in the ‘Wardrobe’ pigeon hole at the
Oast.
Please include an email address (or telephone number) to receive
confirmation of your booking.
Jo Pierce
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ONE POINT OF VIEW
“Honour” by Joanna Murray-Smith
As the Director, Stuart McCreadie, commented in the programme notes,
the subject of “Honour” is one that has touched everyone’s life in one
way or another. What made this play stand out as different from most on
the subject of infidelity and marital breakdown was its refusal to take
sides. The audience is invited to see the situation from the point of view
of each of the characters, as time and changing situations take their toll
on relationships. A bit like an archaeological dig, as layers are gradually
scraped away, more and more of what is hidden beneath the surface is
revealed.
The naturalistic dialogue must have been very challenging to learn but
gave the play an intense realism. It also demanded an experienced and
talented cast and certainly had that ‘in spades’.
Stuart McCreadie, who had to take over the role of George Spencer,
demonstrated to us what a fine actor he is. We could not help but be
moved by the emotional rollercoaster which he was experiencing. The
fact that he was carrying the book was barely noticeable and much of the
time barely referred to. I suppose that the director, if he fits the role, is
the best person to take it on at short notice as he is so familiar with the
entire script. Roslyn White, who impressed a few months ago in ‘The
Homecoming’ with her command of the stage was, once again, an
engaging presence as she played with the emotions of both George and
Honor. The disbelief and raw emotions displayed by Kate Robbins, as
Honor, as she learnt of her husband’s unfaithfulness and wish to leave her
for the younger Claudia, was painful to watch in its intensity and I am
sure I was not the only one who gave an inward cheer by the end of the
play when she discovered that her identity did not have to be defined by
that of her husband. A fantastic performance from a very talented actress.
The small cast was completed by Olivia Murray as Sophie Spencer, the
daughter of George & Honor, a post-graduate student at
Cambridge. This was another strong performance, rich in
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“Honour” contd.
emotion as she struggled to understand how her parents’ marriage, which
had always seemed such a firm foundation to her own life, fell apart.
The main set worked well, establishing the apparently comfortable
middle-class, stable, family home in the first act and then Claudia’s flat
as well in the second. The use of the projection onto the gauze was an
effective way of suggesting the outdoor locations. Good lighting is
essential for this to work properly and top marks here as well. Both sound
and lighting were effective and efficiently operated throughout. When
consecutive scenes move from one side of the stage to the other, in order
to indicate a change of scene, there is no opportunity for napping in the
control box! Costumes were appropriate to the characters and to their
situation. I rather liked the rather pathetic attempt of George to appear
younger when he had moved into Claudia’s flat, with his open necked
polo shirt and sparkling new white trainers.
If I can be permitted just one quibble; I did feel that too much of the
dialogue was delivered to the 4th wall. This worked well when characters
were internalising their feelings but was maybe a little overused when
they were speaking to each other.
This said, this was an impressive production of a fascinating and intensely
truthful play. Many congratulations to the Director, cast and crew.
Barbara Smith
BOX OFFICE RESULTS A total of 617 seats were sold for “Honour”, being 69% of the capacity.
162 seats (26%) were occupied by Season Ticket holders, 253 (41%) by
Members, 197 (32%) by Non Members and 5 (1%) by Associate
Members. 424 transactions were made online, being 69% of the
bookings.
Brian Perryman
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NEW MEMBERS
Quite a few new members to welcome this month. Most of them
are young people and this is very heartening indeed. The next
generation stepping up to the plate! So… here we go..
New Hoppers:
Toby Denney Louie Fellows
Cordelia Grubb Eva Johnson
Lyra Johnson Olivia Meades
Hayden Stokes Lily Stokes
New Youth Theatre members:
Taz Hardcastle Jess Horsley
Natalie Klevan Feline Struckmann
And in the midst of all the young ones, we have:
Christa Gaskell who joins as an Audience member
and
Jan Leaper who is anxious to help with Props, Set Production,
Wardrobe, Front of House, Coffee Bar & Bar.
Elizabeth Smith wishes to Act, Direct, Prompt, do Props & Stage
Management.
A warm welcome from all of us to all of you.
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RESULTS – SOUTHERN COUNTIES
DRAMA FESTIVAL
Our representatives did very well indeed at the recent Festival at
Oxted.
Elizabeth McCreadie won the Best Actress award for her
performance in “A Thing of Beauty”.
Special Mentions for actors went to:
Karen Dix for her performance in “The Donor”
Nick Smith for his performance in “A Thing of Beauty”
Steve Hemsley for his performance in “The Donor”
and
Special Mentions for Directors went to:
Jason Lower
Sandra Barfield
Congratulations to all of them. A lot of hard work and dedication
goes into these performances and, if possible, they deserve our
support. Maybe next year? Oxted is not a million miles away!
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IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN’S
DIARY ENTRY FOR 23RD JANUARY
I had a feeling it was going to be a happy event at the Oast Theatre that
evening. Not only would Bob and I see our friends at the Oast but our
good pals Roy and Debbie Hudd too. We were going to be entertained
by them on stage and to a full house. So things were looking good.
Well, we were not let down at all. Roy and Debbie were so well received
by all and laughter was resounding throughout the auditorium the whole
evening.
The bar was buzzing in the interval and after the show Debbie and Roy
mingled, mixed and had numerous photos taken. Thank you Judy.
But an unexpected and different ending to the event I could not have
imagined.
When Chris Wickham, as a Past Chairman, came on to the stage and then
proceeded to give a speech about myself and my Chairmanship I was
completely overwhelmed and thank him for his very kind words. Also to
everyone at The Oast who signed the lovely card and for a fabulous pair
of opal earrings.
I am so pleased to have been able to help during 18 years on the
Committee and 7 of those as Chairman.
I have always said I am passionate about Theatre and my friends at The
Oast and to have them all under one round roof was just exceptional.
Something I will never forget.
Thank you all so very much…and see you soon.
Love Laura X
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100 CLUB – FEBRUARY RESULTS
£25.00 Mr M Clements
£10.00 Mr S Walters
£10.00 Mr J Crossfield
£10.00 Mr A Chant
£10.00 Mr I Franks
(What a change! All men!)
Be IN for a chance to WIN! It only costs £13.00 per year and
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!
Welcome to those who have recently joined.
Good Luck!
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THIS MONTH STEVE HEMSLEY TALKS TO THE
OAST’S FAVOURITE BAR MANAGER, CHRIS MIALL
When Chris moved to Tonbridge in 1978 he was keen to visit the Oast
Theatre but when he tried to book tickets for an Ayckbourn comedy (he
forgets the name!) it was sold out.
“Become a member, someone told me. And book early,” says Chris. “It
was sound advice”.
Many years later the opportunity arose for Chris to take over the Oast bar
and he did not have to be asked twice!
“I seized this chance and set about making changes to match (or better)
similar establishments in the theatre world”, he says. “After a long career
in sales, I feel strongly that (as with all the Oast departments) our patrons
should not be able to distinguish between amateur and professional in the
services provided”.
Chris’ enthusiasm for quality wines and great beers has come in useful
over the years and he offers locally produced brands which are very
popular, including Tonbridge ales and Kent crisps.
Look out for the next phase of the bar improvements at the end of April
when the new oak bar top is unveiled.
Chris still loves to perform at the Oast.
“My first production was a walk off (like a walk on, but smaller) in
Sheridan’s “The Rivals” in March 1979. I’d never acted before, but being
young and male I got cast.”
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STEVE HEMSLEY TALKS TO CHRIS MIALL contd.
The experience of prancing about in costume, and constantly preening in
the mirrors backstage got him hooked. One of his favourite roles was as
Trotter, a soldier in the trenches in the fantastic “Journey’s End”.
Away from the Oast Chris is a keen cook (never trust a thin one, he jokes)
and he enjoys country walks and cycling with his wife Alison.
“There also is a certain amount of ‘research’ that has to be done in the
odd hostelry”!
“A FINE BRIGHT DAY TODAY” – the CD!
One of the features of our April play is the use of original music
throughout, and I’ve been steadily working on this over the last year after
being approached by Sara Lacey to compose and produce this music.
The result is a CD of seven instrumental tracks that explore the themes,
the characters and the landscapes of the play that you have the chance to
see this month. The music is of a classical/folk style, and is very relaxing.
I am very proud of the results.
The CD is now available to purchase. It costs £5.00 and all profits will
be put towards the costs of The Oast’s entry at the Edinburgh Fringe
Festival this summer.
Please contact me at [email protected] if you would like to
purchase one – your support will be very much appreciated.
Ian Tucker-Bell
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MEMBERSHIP DATA BASE
If any of your details change – address, ‘phone number, email
address, etc. – please could you advise me in order that the data
base is updated.
01732 354368 or [email protected]
Many thanks for your co-operation.
Brian Perryman
Membership Secretary
AS SEEN ON TV!
We understand that five students from our friends at River Drama
appeared recently in an episode of “Call the Midwife”.
Congratulations, fame at last!
Our thanks to Lee Kirk for this information,
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OAST YOUTH THEATRE
WORKSHOPS
Thursday, 6th April
Thursday, 20th April
KARAOKE NIGHT
We are holding a showtunes Karaoke Night – bring Disney, musicals or
anything else you fancy doing for karaoke. Let me know in advance
which songs you want so I can find instruments.
Ed will be on lights.
Thursday, 13th April, 7.30pm – 10.00pm in Ken’s Place.
“STOLEN SECRETS” AND “OAST MADE”
Well done to everyone involved in these terrific plays. I am really proud
of them and I hope you are too. Details will be announced soon of
auditions for our September play (and shortly after that, auditions for the
Christmas show).
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
