Important Dates

‘Funny Money’ auditions will be held at The Studio on Wednesday 20th January at 8.00pm
Rehearsals will be twice a week.

Annual Dinner Sat 6 Feb 2010

Spring Production THURSDAY, FRIDAY and SATURDAY 22–24APRIL 2010

This year our annual Presentation Evening will be held on Saturday 22nd May.

See also:- Next production

See Also: - Other News

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Next Production

The play chosen for this occasion will be ‘Run for your Wife’ by Ray Cooney.

This extremely funny comedy concerns an easy-going London taxi driver with a secret. John Smith has somehow got himself married to two women and this has involved him in a complicated daily timetable and some frantic travelling from one wife to the other. Everything begins to unravel one evening when he is involved in a mugging.

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Other News

Autumn Production: The Ghost Train

I am still receiving compliments about our last production. The committee at its review of the performances on Wednesday night agreed that the very good performances by the actors were matched by the excellent standard of the set, lighting and sound. Congratulations to all involved!

David is going to write a play about Amphibulus which will be performed at a carnival/pageant to be staged on the Common on Saturday 26th June 2010 as part of the Redbourn 900 Celebrations. More information about this event nearer the time.

Curtain Call

Presentation Evening & Redbourn 900

Presentation Evening

This year our annual Presentation Evening will be held on Saturday 22nd May.

The Committee agreed that the programme will consist of a Team Quiz followed by supper. A one act play will be performed after the supper. We would welcome a volunteer to organise the quiz and suggestions for the one act play.

Redbourn 900

David Howell is working on his script about Amphibalus to be performed at the Redbourn Carnival on Saturday 26th June 2010. There will be six members required for the cast.

A meeting, to organise both The Presentation Evening and Redbourn 900 will be held on Monday 12th April in The Studio beginning at 7.30pm. Rehearsals for these projects will begin after the Spring Production.

Annual Dinner

The Redbourn Players’ Annual Dinner will be held at The Cricketers on Saturday 6th February at 7.30pm. During the evening members will be invited to perform a ‘Party Piece’. If you would like to perform an item would you let me know about your selected piece so that I can draw up a suitable programme. Attached is the Menu for the evening and an order form. Please make your choices from the menu and let me know by 27th January so that I can place the order. If it is helpful please bring your orders to the audition next Wednesday.

Autumn Production 2nd – 5th December 2010

This will be a professionally written pantomime or a suitable seasonable play. The choice will depend as usual on availability of members.

TECHNICAL IMPROVEMENTS A meeting is to be arranged with the back stage crew to discuss ways to improve and support the technical department

FUTURE ACTIVITIES

See Curtain Call above

Studio Refurbishment

AD Services will be carrying out work to prevent dampness in the kitchen by creating a quicker drainage area against the building. Work will also be carried out on the roof to stop the leak detected during recent rehearsals.

The Committee have applied for a grant from the Parish Council. If successful floor covering will be bought for the rehearsal area of The Studio.

 AGM 2008

The meeting was well attended. The committee was re-elected en-bloc as follows:

Chair: June Farmer, Treasurer: David Howell, Secretary: Ann Mundye, Valerie Coates, Judy Curd, Peter Davies, Valerie Heather, Matt Pannell

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Last Production

The Ghost Train is a British play, written in 1923 by Arnold Ridley, who much later played Private Godfrey in Dad's Army. The play was first performed at the Eltinge Theatre. Ridley was inspired to write it after becoming stranded overnight at Mangotsfield railway station in Bristol, a now disused station on the Midland Railway main line. It took him only a week to complete, but it played to packed houses at St Martin's Theatre for two years and became a staple of the British theatre for many years to come.

Redbourn Players The Ghost Train Village Hall 3-5 December 2009 Cast Crew   Saul Hodgkin Peter Davies Stage Manager Nick Pullinger Richard Winthrop Martin Boutland Set Design Geoff Farmer Elsie Winthrop Judy Curd Costumes Hilary Davies Charles Murdock Mike Turner Lighting Steve Smith Peggy Murdock Harriet Woodhouse   Ray Cooper Miss Bourne Ann Mundaye   Martin Howe Teddie Deakin Andy Turner Sound Ray Cooper Julia Price Benita Gilliam Set Construction Clive Crowther Herbert Price Roy Craske     John Sterling David Howell     Jackson Clive Crowther     or Martin Howe   Constable Nick Pulinger Directed by: - June Farmer

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Previous Productions

See How They Run The Winslow Boy She Stoops to Conquer Outside Edge Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of VE Day Suddenly at Home Don’t Dress for Dinner by Marc Camelotti Arms and The Man

Lord Redbourn's Treasure Robin Hood Christmas Carol Frankenstein Bluebeard (2004 Pantomime) Season’s Greetings Ali Baba (2002 Pantomime)

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. . .

Redbourn Players 21st -23rd MAY 2009 SEE HOW THEY RUN by Philip King

Set in a country vicarage at the time when the Second World War is coming to an end, the action concerns the ex-actress wife of the vicar who, as might be expected, has not quite adapted to her new role. When a former actor drops in to see her circumstances arise which scandalise a local busybody and astonish her maid. Cue in the unexpected arrival of her husband, an escaped German prisoner of war, a bishop and a visiting clergyman and the scene is set for a riot of misunderstandings and, of course, laughter. We are sure our audiences will enjoy the gentle humour of this good-natured comedy.

The cast is as follows

Ida: BENITA	Miss Skillon: HILARY	Penelope: LUCY
Rev Toop: CLIVE	Clive: DAVID	Bishop of Lax: ANDY
Rev Humphrey: MARTIN B	Intruder: MIKE	Sergeant: PETER
Ann Mundye was PROMPT

Pantomime Lord Redbourn's Treasure

Dodgybeard	Pirate & Chief Baddy	Peter Davies
Bilge	Dodgybeard's Henchman	Benita Gilliam
Barnacle	Dodgybeard's Henchman	Judy Curd
Commodore Cretin	Captain in the Royal Navy	David Howell
Swash	Commodore's Henchman	Kim Marston-Taylor
Buckle	Commodore's Henchman	Diane Goodchild
Mrs Muggins	Owner of the local teashop	Ann Mundaye
Capt. Bill Bonkers	Mad sea captain	Hilary Williams
Marie-Claire Doggidou	French Bounty Hunter	Hilary Williams
Indiana James	Principal Boy	Emma Handford
Susie	Principal Girl	Harriet Woodhouse
Edna Bucket	Dame	Mike Turner
Bowsprit Bill	Principal Girl's Dad	Clive Williams
Foc'sle Phil	Principle Girl Dad's mate	Martin Boutland
Postman Prat	Local Postman	Valerie Coates
Martin	Holidaymaker	Martin Howe
Anne	Holidaymaker	Anne Howe
Mary-Lou	Dodgybeard's Wife	Lucy Goodchild

Plus various additional pirates & pigmy tribesmen as appropriate Wildcats Eleanor Cunningham, Katherine Ellis, Molly Goodchild, Nancy Goddchild, Holly Howell, Grace Kent

CREW
Set Design	Geoff Farmer
Stage Manager	Nick Pullinger
set Construction	Clive Crowther
Scenic Artist	Emily Fripp
Sound	Steve Smith, Rod Woodhouse
Costumes	Hilary Davies
Choreography	Pauline Mead
Director	June Farmer

Lord Redbourn's Treasure 4-6 Dec 2008

Edited Comments from Noda: -

The piece was very nicely written by David – it had some extremely well-written narrative and descriptive pieces to keep the audience informed of the plot, whilst containing many local references and good old traditional panto pieces. Your first time stage manager Nick Pullinger did a very good job, and took his responsibilities very seriously. Special mention should be made of Emma Handford in her first role with you – she did very well, looked the part.

Harriet Woodhouse was a very charming Susie, giving us both the sweetness of the character, and the edge of steel when dealing with the villains! Peter Davies again gave us an excellent pirate captain, commanding and villainous, Martin Boutland came up trumps with Foc’sle Phil, and also Lucy Goodchild’s impressive accent as Mary Lou added another facet to the production, which was well thought out and great fun.

David Howell (Commodore Cretin) and his two henchmen Swash (Kim Marston-Taylor) and Buckle (Diane Goodchild), played well off each other, and provided a nice contrast to the pirate crew. Mike Turner was a good Dame once again – he performs comedy well, and really got into the part. The addition of the cross-overs by Anne & Martin Howe was great, very amusing – and covered scene changes etc very well, which is always good, and keeps the flow of the piece. The ‘Wildcats’ performed well, and what I particularly liked was that they all had lines, and they all said them very clearly.

Once again, Redbourn did a good job, and it was so nice to see good audience numbers, and an audience that were very appreciative and got into the spirit of things.

_________

Lord Redbourn’s Treasure

I have received so many complimentary reports about our pantomime. Our faithful supporters found much to laugh at:

‘the best yet!’, ‘tears of laughter were running down my face every time the canoe appeared’, ‘it was delightful to see the group of girls working so well together’, ‘I enjoyed the topical jokes about health and safety’, ‘It was good to see some new faces in the cast –and they did so well!’ ‘where do you hire the costumes from?!!’ etc. etc.

I worked with you all for three months. I watched you working hard to develop your characters. You deserve all this praise and more. Congratulations to you all.

It was a pleasure to direct everyone. June Farmer

Congratulations to everyone who contributed to the success of our Spring Production of The Winslow Boy- the cast, the crew and the numerous members and friends who helped F o H and back stage.

THE WINSLOW BOY by Terence Rattigan SPRING PRODUCTION 24th -26th APRIL 2008
	CAST Ronnie: James Violet: Hilary Grace: Benita Arthur: Peter Catherine: Lucy Dickie: Mike John: David Desmond: Martin B Miss Barnes: Kim Sir Robert: Andy

The set and Ronnie were highly commended in NODA EAST district 3 (St Albans, Hemel & Luton)

The Players have received high praise for the set, the costumes and the outstanding performances of every member of the cast.

One of our regular supporters sent the following to me:

“Congratulations on yet another excellent production. What a versatile bunch The Players are! It is always intriguing to watch them perform such varied roles. We were pleased to learn of the recognition given to the pantomime – which goes to prove the point!”

This was one of many complimentary written and verbal messages which I have received. The production was referred to as “ Better than a London production!!” “A truly professional evening’s entertainment” “A compelling piece of drama perfectly performed”

Finally thanks to everyone who came along to support us. I’m sure you will agree that the cast deserved all these accolades.

Extracts from the NODA Report

This was a very jolly production, well written and directed, and I liked the use of local references, as it immediately engaged the audience, and provided much amusement.

Of the cast, I thought they all did very well, but would particularly like to mention the younger members, James and Holly, they were excellent, had good diction and expression, and kept the pace going. I was also impressed with Amber Townsend who spoke well and clearly.

Hilary Williams was not quite evil enough, I would have liked to see her relishing the evilness of her character more. Martin Boutland’s Sheriff was suitably slimey!! Andy Turner played his 3 parts well. Lucy Goodchild made a very creditable Robin and I liked Chris Drake’s Herman, they interacted well. Harriet Woodhouse’s Marion was very pert and up front and Mike Turner’s Dame Alice was great fun – I understand it is the first time he has played the Dame, and he made a very good stab at it. Nick Pullinger and Matt Pannell needed to be a little more forceful, but upheld their parts well, and I would have liked to have seen a little more difference between the characters of Roger and Reggie, both ladies were good. Martin Howe’s Judge was a good contrast to the rest of the characters, and Robin’s “Women” were fine.

I enjoyed the evening, and as I said before, I thought the show was well-written – the direction was also nicely thought out, and although a little long, the audience and I enjoyed the production.

She Stoops to Conquer

Performance dates were 29th-31st March.

for the cast and crew list click the document CAST__CREW_She_stoops_to_Conquer.doc:

The Spring Production (2007) was the fine eighteenth comedy "She Stoops to Conquer" a three act play by Oliver Goldsmith (first produced in 1773).

Mr Hardcastle, a wealthy country gentleman, has arranged for a match between his daughter Kate and the son of an old friend, Sir Charles Marlow, provided the young people like each other well enough. The fun arises when young Marlow, on his first visit to meet Kate, is deceived into believing that Hardcastle’s house is an inn, and mistakes Hardcastle for the landlord and Kate for one of the servants.

• CastList.doc:

Above (Bottom Left) Tricia McKern from Ashtons present Redbourn Players with a Cheque to sponsor their productions

Review for Redbourn Players - “A Christmas Carol”

7th - 9th December 2006 at Redbourn Village Hall

Director: June Farmer MD: Andy Keeble

Choreographers: Emma Farmer and Harriet Woodhouse

This version of “A Christmas Carol” adapted by Geoff Farmer, kept to the ethos of the original story, but in a more audience-friendly way. The scenery was well-designed giving the cast plenty of stage space, but without making the stage seem empty, however I would have liked to have seen more personal props. Andy Keeble’s specially written music blended well with the more familiar carols, although a bit more pace was needed in the musical numbers, particularly the carol. I liked the finale number, which we were all encouraged to sing along with, it was bright and lively. Of the cast, I felt that this was a nice ensemble piece. David Howell kept good characterisation throughout as Scrooge, with youngsters James Booth and Amber Townsend showing much promise in their roles. The diction and projection was good from all the cast, and everyone tackled their characters with gusto. I would have liked to see the characters facing front more often as some parts were lost to the audience with not being able to see the characters faces. Unfortunately the lighting was not adequate enough on the very front of the stage, and parts were again lost because we could not see the players. An interesting evening, and one the audience really enjoyed.

Nova Horley

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Outside Edge

Frankenstein Competition.

This was for young members of the audience, [aged under 14], at our Pantomime , 15-18 December and was to make a model monster (no larger than a cereal packet) and bring it for display at the performances. Frankenstein and his own monster awarded prizes to the best monsters. Names of winners will also be in the Redbourn Common Round and are:

WINNER: Sadie Norris

RUNNERS UP:

• Joshua Garfield
• Abigail Garfield
• Holly Howell

Frankenstein by David Howell

I was very pleased to see so many members at the audition for this pantomime and also the new members – Lisa Lloyd, Emma Luscombe, Mikey Turner and Matt Pannell. Welcome to all these and to Martin Boutland who is once again able to join us. In addition to these we have many new younger members for this Christmas performance: - Amber, Gwynneth, Katie, George, Holly and Daniel.

Gary Carty from Ashtons presents a cheque to Redbourn Players as sponsors of Frankenstein. Tricia MCKern also represented Ashtons

AUTUMN PRODUCTION: . FRANKENSTEIN A Pantomime by David Howell 15th - 18th December Redbourn Village Hall

CAST LIST Character ACTOR Vinny van Helsing Lisa Lloyd Conny Claptrap Emma Luscoube Countess van Hesling Andy Turner Professor Claptrap Peter Davies Baron Frankenstein David Howell Igor Blimey Kim Marston-Taylor Count Bloodsucker Martin Boutland Doctor Jekyll Judy Curd Inspector Mad Richard Smith Constable Stupid Matt Pannell Retributia Pauline Mead Jobsworth Sue Tuffnell Old Person Ann Mundye Britney Bethaney Lawrence Strange Bloke Michael Turner

These comments are adapted from those in the National Operatic and Dramatic associations report (London Area)

It really was a village pantomime, about the village and with many of the cast actually from the village. As always director June Farmer had some very good ideas and overall the piece moved well and characters were clearly defined. The trick bench worked effectively as did the disappearing Count Bloodsucker in the coffin.

Nick Pullinger set an excellent example speaking his lines clearly followed by the rest of the children. The opening chorus of children were in front of a good backcloth depicting Redbourn Common and this made an immediate impact.

Pauline Mead had a very good accent, timing and rapport.

Emma Luscome had excellent diction and projection and some wonderful facial expressions. She made a perfect principal girl.

Lisa Lloyd with her slim figure and long legs, was every inch a principal boy.

Peter Davies interpretation of professor claptrap showed a positive character with good timing and at one time like a Welsh “Churchill”.

The casting of Matt Parnell and Richard Smith as Inspector mad and Constable Stupid was a stroke of genius as their physical differences made them all the more amusing.

David Howell was an ideal Baron Frankenstein, creating a very good character. Kim Marston-Taylor had a good accent and delivery. Martin Boutland had a good costume and makeup for Count Bloodsucker and made an impression with the way he walked with his head to one side. Judy Kurd played her role with enthusiasm. Mike Turner made a definite impression playing the monster

Andy Turner did extremely well as the Dame with his booming voice and expressive eyes.

David Howell did extremely well creating several ‘larger than life’ characters and maintained the local feel.

The programme was interesting and well compiled

Overall an enjoyable production.

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CELEBRATION OF THE SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF VE DAY
(THE END OF WORLD WAR TWO IN EUROPE)

The Village Hall – Saturday 7 May 2005. Exhibition from 2.30pm – 5pm Tickets were £1.00 Presentation at 7.30pm. Tickets were £5.00.

SIX LONG YEARS

Jean Cooper’s admirable compilation of writings about the Second World War made for a wonderful celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the end of that awful conflict. Just a fortnight after the last performance of Suddenly at Home Jean and Martin Howe put together a splendid performance that involved readers from the Players, youngsters from our local schools, the Ver Singers directed by Gill Chapman and songs by Yvonne Sibley and Emma Farmer. A number of residents provided memories of the war years in Redbourn and the whole show provided excellent entertainment for the packed audience, which enjoyed a taste of wartime food, in the Supper Interval. This was organised by Ann Mundye and June Farmer. The evening performance was preceded by an exhibition of uniforms, gasmasks, steel helmets and other memorabilia, supplied by Brian Adams, Curator of the St Albans Museum, by Michael Morgan and, of course, village residents. This exhibition was complemented by many excellent photographs provided by Geoff Webb and by a display of Posters and models of Anderson Air Raid Shelters made by pupils at Redbourn Junior School. This was a marvellous village event that owed much to the tremendous hard work of Martin and Jean. It created very effectively the atmosphere of those wartime days and stirred the memories of our older villagers. It will be long remembered.

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Xmas Pantomime 2-5 December 2004 Bluebeard

Production Dates 2nd – 5th December.

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Don’t Dress for Dinner by Marc Camelotti

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Season’s Greetings by Alan Ayckbourn

WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY 3rd - 5th DECEMBER 2003.

The Cast

• Belinda ---------------- Benita Gilliam
• Neville ------------------Andy Turner
• Pattie ------------------Sue Tuffnell
• Eddie ---------------David Howell
• Phyllis --------------Pauline Mead
• Bernard ----------------Peter Davies
• Rachel ------------------Judy Curd
• Clive ---------------Richard Smith
• Harvey --------------Martin Howe

Crew

• Set design – Geoff Farmer
• Stage Manager – Alison Begeley
• Properties – Ann Mundye
• Lighting – Rob Thomas
• Artistic Director - Linda Barnes - Assisted by – Jackie Freeth
• Sound – Ray Cooper
• Publicity – Ann Mundye
• Printing – Judy Curd

Rehearsals went well for this amusing play which the Players last presented in October 1985. Pauline will be performing her original role in the 1985 production.

Seasons greetings played to full houses and was well received.

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Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw

Thursday 3 April - Saturday 5 April 2003

Arms and The Man

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Autumn Production 2002

The Pantomime was performed over three Arabian Nights and two Afternoons.

For the 2002 Pantomime, ‘Ali Baba’, the Redbourn Players have chosen to travel to the exotic East, to a land of Sultans, palaces, magic carpets, genies, dungeons and a very bizarre Bazaar. This gripping, yet amusing tale, which has more twists and turns than a plate of spaghetti, follows Ali Baba’s adventures as he attempts to outwit the Sultans evil Grand vizier and two henchmen, save the kingdom, marry the princess and still get home in time for tea. All this despite the dubious assistance he receives from his poor widowed mother, halfwit younger brother and his brother’s equally mentally challenged girlfriend and of course the gorilla!

There were songs, dances and pathetic jokes and no shortage of local references, in what was a good alternative to the inevitable repeats on television. June Farmer was directing. This was her sixth pantomime in seven years. She enjoys the fun of rehearsing and performances and will be pleased to hear from anyone interested in taking part: - age range 9 -90 years! – acting, singing or dancing. Last year there was a cast of 37 in Robinson Crusoe, many of whom joined the Players just for the show – some even stayed to take part in later productions!

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Important dates, Next production, Last Production, Previous Productions , Other News

See also: Redbourn Village Hall

June Farmer - Jan 2010