The Torrington Players

Dennis Rex

Ron the Admin Man — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:47:04 +0000

Dennis was a founder member of the Torrington Players, with his wife Gill. He had been a past Chairman, Treasurer and valued Committee member. Whilst not an actor, he was our Front of House Manager for at least ten years and before the Plough was set up with a proper, reliable Box Office Dennis was the Box Office Manager for the society collecting advanced bookings from Mike Ferry’s shop which was our ticket outlet in the early days.

Dennis’s service will be held at the Crematorium on Tuesday 19th March at 10.30 a.m.

Dennis had been unwell for some time but many established members of the society will have fond recollections of them both.

June Dolan

Ron the Admin Man — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:45:34 +0000

June Dolan died on the 4th March 2013 at the Cottage Hospital here in Torrington. She will be remembered for the active support she always gave the society. She loved play readings, hosted many in her house, and always took part in any fundraising there was to be done. She had roles in “Oliver!”, The Vigil” and “Murdered to Death” to name a few – and she had also been a prompt and helped with the wardrobe. She had a memorable part in “Loot” when she and I were doing props. At one performance she lay on the floor for one entire act keeping the wardrobe door closed with a wire coat hanger! .

There will be a service for June at the Crematorium, this coming Thursday, 14th March at 10.00 a.m. followed by a service at Torrington Methodist Church at 12.30 p.m.

June had been unwell for some time but many established members of the society will have fond recollections of them both.

May Prod’n Cancelled

Ron the Admin Man — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:28:35 +0000

Thank you very much the those who expressed interest in our May Production of Lark Rise. Unfortunately, we have not had offers of a director (or producer or stage manager) so we have cancelled our booking for May. There is more interest in an October producton and people seem to have more time then, so put that in your diary!

The reading for Lark Rise was really enjoyable and it would be lovely to keep the play readings going. Please contact the Chair Jean with ideas for readings.

Keep your eyes open for a Dream Kidz production at The Plough which some of our present and ex-members are involved in diecting/producing. Book your tickets asap.

October Production

Ron the Admin Man — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 13:58:02 +0000

Alas it proved impossible to mount a production this May, so our next production is in October

We will be announcing details nearer the date.

Urgent – Help May Production

ron — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 18:06:22 +0000

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.

Play Reading OK

Ron the Admin Man — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:28:41 +0000

Jean has confirmed that she has five copies of 'Lark Rise' so the play reading will go ahead at 7.30pm Wed 16th Jan (today) in the Conservative Club

December Newsletter

Ron the Admin Man — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 17:46:14 +0000

The December newsletter is now available by following the link – apologies from Ron for late publication on this Website

DECEMBER 2012

Ron the Admin Man — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 17:41:42 +0000

I hope you all managed to see The Good Doctor and thus had your laughter medicine. It was most enjoyable (and I have it on good authority that David didn’t really drown, nor have his teeth pulled out. Frazer certainly made me appreciate my doctor’s ‘bedside manner’). A good time was had by all and it was pleasing to have a new cast member and a new director. Talking of which…any volunteers out there?

Your committee has been working tirelessly on your behalf and has two suggestions for the Spring Production: Lark Rise or Cider with Rosie. Any other ideas would be MOST welcome as would offers to direct or to help backstage. A bit of a sore point that last one. If we’re going to continue to mount two productions a year, we do need more members to offer help with costume, make up, props, stage managing and so on. It seems to have fallen upon the not particularly broad shoulders of a very small band of volunteers for the past few productions. There will be a gathering at the Conservative Club on Jan 16th at 7.30 for anyone who is interested in reading through one or other of the suggested plays, or to discuss any other ideas. If you have something you’d like to suggest please email me or call 01805623484.

Play Reading – Jan

Ron the Admin Man — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 17:34:38 +0000

We plan a Play Reading of "Lark Rise" at the Conservative Club on Wed 16th January 2013 7.30pm.
But please check on this Site before you go, as the Library have not responded to our requests for copies and, so far, Amazon have not delivered our order.

David Childs

Ron the Admin Man — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 20:15:54 +0000

David Child's funeral took place on Friday 11th January 2013 – the Committal at Barnstaple Crematorium at 11.30, a Thanksgiving Service at ‘St Michaels and All Angel’s at 12.45. A large number of people – from Devon and up-country – attended this warm light-hearted celebration of David's life.

David joined TP around 2002 when he and Kathy moved down from Bracknell. Although he was known an 'amazing' actor, he resolutely refused to perform in Devon, chosing to be the Stage Manager in 2003 taking 'Talking Heads' around local villages. This presented many challenges but David's unflappable character and sense of humour meant it was great fun. Carol Ryan says 'it was such a great experience I have loved backstage work ever since'

David then directed 'Loot' in 2004. For once his silver tongue deserted him and no-one could be persuaded to spend the play in a coffin, so he and Kathy found a life-size model. In 2006, he mounted 'The Vigil', an imaginative and inspiring play, which involved many members; alas most have left or are no longer with us.

He of course had many roles in TP. He was a committee member, the Treasurer, an active Front of House Manager – always sporting a DJ….and a glass of wine! He was also our Webmaster for some considerable time, working with dear Ray Ridgewell.

In October 2012, he was finally persuaded to perform, not for TP but as Chairman in an Old Time Music Hall put on by John & Tilly Kimber to raise funds for a Rumanian Orphanage. This was a role he had practised many times in Berkshire and in this, his very last performance, he absolutely excelled. Everyone commented on how thoroughly he enjoyed doing it, although clearly he found it a considerable strain at the end.

Whenever people talk about him, the same phrases shine through – his sense of humour, dependability, a great listener, one you would go to for help, thoughtful, considerate, a great story teller and a gentle gentleman. All in all a 'beautiful man'…who will be much missed.