Important Dates

Presentation Evening: SATURDAY 7th JUNE (Please note the new date)

AUTUMN PRODUCTION: THURSDAY 4th – SATURDAY 6th Dec

See also:- Next production

PRESENTATION EVENING

The Presentation Evening was held on:

SATURDAY 7th June in the Centenary Room of the Village Hall.

First meeting: Wednesday 7th May 8.00pm at The Studio, Lamb Lane. Suggested theme: ‘Plays from the North’.

The original date of 14th June coincided with a Fortieth Birthday Party with disco in the main Hall. A couple of years ago we clashed with a similar booking and it was difficult to hear in the Centenary Room!

Tickets were £6.00 each for guests and everyone taking part. This will include a fish and chip supper. The committee have agreed that we will present extracts from: ‘Hobson’s Choice” by Harold Brighouse “Billy Liar” by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall.

SUMMER GARDEN PARTY: SUNDAY 20th July at 4.00pm

All members, families and friends are invited to a Murder Mystery Party: The Brie, The Bullet and The Black Cat on Sunday 20th July from 4.00pm

If you are able to attend please let me know ASAP. More details and invitations will be sent out later. Meanwhile enter the date in your diary and think about costumes in 1942.

AGM: The Annual General Meeting was held on the Wednesday 11th June 2008 at The Studio, Lamb Lane, at 8.00pm.

SUMMER PLAYREADINGS 2008

Playreadings will be held in the communal lounge at New Forge Place on the following Wednesdays at 8.00pm.

8th June: Absurd Person Singular

2nd July: Devil’s Disciple

16th July: Members choice?

See Also: - Other News

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Next Production

Pantomime (A pirate production)

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Other News

THE WINSLOW BOY by Terence Rattigan

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 Fo H^? and back stage. 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.

Curtain Call

Future Productions The Committee discussed plays which had been suggested for possible future productions. These plays included “Absurd Person Singular”, “Devil’s Disciple”, “Rafta, Rafta”, “Trespass” and “You Never Can Tell’. The selection of a play for a production depends on the availability of members. It is very difficult to plan a long way ahead with a small company. Suggestions for future productions are always welcome.

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

THEATRICAL EVENTS Many of our members and friends who regularly support us are performing in local productions themselves. The committee agreed that we should organise the following visits in order to return the compliment by supporting them.

‘Streetcar named Desire’ at The Company of Ten, St Albans Special performance to raise money for Guide Dogs Thursday 8th May at 8.00pm Tickets £10.00:

The following members have already asked for tickets for this production: Andy, Sue, Mike, Ann. Diane, Kim, Kate, Peter, Hilary D, June, Geoff and David. Ex-member Simon Nicholas is taking part. Please let me know by Sunday 5th May if you want tickets. Payment to be made to me at the performance or at initial Presentation Evening meeting next Wednesday.

‘LOOT’ by Joe Orton at Tring Pendley Court Theatre Wednesday 14th May at 7.30pm Tickets: £10.00 & £8.00concs.

The famous Richard Smith is taking part. Please let me know by Sunday 5th May if you want tickets. Payment to be made to me at the performance or at initial Presentation Evening meeting next Wednesday.

‘The Millionairess’ by G. B Shaw at Shaw’s Corner Saturday 26th July at 6.30pm.

Tickets £15.50 or £12.50 for a group of 10 or more. This is an open air production. Doors open at 5.30pm so that the audience can enjoy a picnic before the performance. It’s great fun! More information about this visit will be sent out at the end of May. Put the date in your diary.

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 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

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Previous Productions

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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 - April 2008