Urgent – Help May Production

Jan 192013
 

Thanks to those of you who turned out for the reading of Lark Rise.

Since there have been NO other ideas for the Spring Prod, it would seem Lark Rise is it BUT we do not have a director, producer or backstage people. If you weren’t at the reading but know the play, you’ll understand that it needs someone with real vision to direct, but has the potential to be a great production. So… is there any one out there who would like to offer to direct? Produce? Stage manage? Or do you know anyone outside of the society who has the skills whom we can approach and offer some financial inducement?

If we are going to stage a production in May, we need to get on asap.  Jean (chair) will  email the new Noda rep whom many of you know, and ask if he knows of any directors in search of a company and a play. Could be useful for the future if not now.

Please respond to Jean (via contact us page).  If she has heard nothing from you by Mon 21st, She’ll assume you’re not interested in this particular production.

Please keep alert for any plays you may like to be considered for future prods, or that you would like to suggest as a play reading.

Joe Umpleby

Oct 302012
 

It is with a deep sadness that we have to report that Joe Umpleby died yesterday morning (Mon 29th Oct 2012).

Some members will have known him well – others less so.   Many will also know him for his work with The Plough Community Theatre and as the brave man who joined The Fannies from its inception.

Joe had been ill from the early part of the year and those of us who visited him were always impressed with his positive approach and continuing good humour.

We understand that the funeral service is to take place in Atherington Church at 12 o’clock on Tuesday 6th. If there are any alterations, we will publish or email them.

AUGUST 2012

Aug 162012
 

For those of you who enjoyed the humorous, erudite offerings from Bill, prepare to be disappointed!

Should you be one of the rare members who don’t read every word of the newsletter avidly, may I suggest that on this occasion you  read the bits in bold text.

Those of you who gathered at Madame of the Herons, will know what an enjoyable time was had by all. And we even managed to choose one of the hottest days. Due to circumstances beyond our control, the murder mystery ensemble was unable to attend. But I’m sure that the lovely duet (and the flowing wine) more than made up for that. Our thanks to Madame for the use not only of her gardens, but also her teacups and glasses and to Bill for the overall arrangements including organizing for the scones to be freshly baked Sunday morning. And great thanks to the weather fairy.

The new committee has met – minus a treasurer! Some members have been approached, but are not able to take on the role. So we are a society in need of a treasurer. Should you feel able to take on this role PLEASE contact me a.s.a.p. on 01805623484 or at (email address removed to prevent spam)

So summer is now over (stop snivelling and hoping that the weather will improve – it won’t!). Instead, put your thoughts to our autumn production. A new director has emerged from our midst: Neil Fordham. There will be a pre-audition read through for anyone interested in taking part by treading the boards (or rather the Plough’s blocks), assisting backstage, helping with publicity, making the tea at rehearsals etc on Sept 5th 7.30 at the Conservative Club. The play is ‘The Good Doctor’ by Neil Simon. It is based on a series of short stories which poke gentle fun at the human condition. Neil assures us that it can be produced with a cast of 4 or 24! So turn up and read even if you want only a small part. We need to hear from anyone who is willing to produce (or keep an overall weather eye on things) or help backstage or with costumes a.s.a.p. So see you all on the 5th.  If you want further information please contact Neil at (email address removed to prevent spam – email via this website )

Some of you will remember the entertainment we put on for Great Torrington W.I a couple of summers ago. I can’t tell you how many times I have been stopped by W.I members who say that their lives have been transformed following Glenda’s knicker folding demonstration. Some members are, apparently, still receiving therapy following Chris Keeley and Jim Young’s moving rendition of Albert and the Lion. If you weren’t involved in that extravaganza, then now is your chance to do your bit for the W.I. Little Torrington W.I. would like us to provide some entertainment following their December 11th meeting at Little Torrington Village Hall at 7.30: Christmas poems, readings, songs, recitals. Note the words  reading and recitals; if you haven’t got time or memory to learn words – you can still take part! Anyone prepared to participate and /or organize please contact Jean E-L on 01805623484 or  (email address removed to prevent spam)

Come one and all and participate.

Adieu

Jean

Msg – Joe Umpleby

Jul 212012
 

Joe Umpleby asked that a message be read out at the AGM. Technical difficulties prevented this so here it is ‎

Joe Umpleby

Jul 212012
 

Joe Umpleby asked that the message below be read out at the AGM. Technical difficulties prevented this so here it is:

“Dear Players,

My most abject apologies for not being present this evening. The purpose of this missive is to relay huge and heartfelt thanks from Annie and myself for all the expressions of interest, comfort and support that we have received from so many of you since I became ill, both by way of cards and messages and in person – what great friends you are. It must be said that this also includes other illustrious groups such as The Fannies and PCT, but as there are so many overlaps of personnel, the lines get a bit blurred.

I have not been out and about very much of late, but assuming I don’t look too much like a repellent spectre and give fright to Her Grace’s livestock, I am hoping to put in a brief appearance at the beano chez the Duchess of Herons’ Lake ; somewhat worried about the murder/mystery team, in case they think I am an interloping cadaver, but there we go.

Hoping to see you all very soon – visitors would also be very welcome, just give us 10 minutes to hoover up the flies in the conservatory (for the Garibaldi biscuits, you know).

Once again, huge thanks and much love,

Joe Umpleby.”

Nicholas Nickleby at 1646 this week!

Jun 122012
 

In Dickens’s bicentenary year a classy cocktail of North Devon actors celebrate the truly epic tale of Nicholas Nickleby who witnesses all sides of life and human nature in 1930s England.

Dickens’s powerful drama and delightfully eccentric characters will move and amuse audiences of all ages in this inventive, colourful and musical open air production.
Bring low back seating/blankets/picnics. Refreshments available. Free entry to the gardens from 4pm
Thurs 14 June 7pm at Torrington 1646 Fri 15 June 7pm at Castle Hill, Filleigh Sat 16 June 7pm at Torrington 1646 Sun 17 June 7pm at Hartland Abbey
Full £10.00 Concession £8.00 Supporter £7.00
Family tickets available.
To reserve your tickets, phone the Box Office on 01805 624624

A number of Torrington Players are in this Show!

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