BOARDTREADER
DECEMBER 2015
Shinfield Players’ Theatre’s mission is to provide a venue for creating and experiencing
theatre in all its forms. We aim to continue to train and develop our membership, so that
everyone may enjoy socialising, working together and participating in theatre.
We are extremely fortunate to have our own building to allow us to accomplish this. By
providing this public social and entertainment centre, we are able to fund Shinfield Players by
producing public dramatic performances.
A HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL
OUR READERS!
Our Chairman (Graham Vockins), the Committee and BT
Editor (Gill Sharp) wishes everyone a very Happy
Christmas and a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year.
MOTHER GOOSE
15 JAN (7.30), 16 JAN (2.00 & 6.00), 17 JAN (2.00)
22 JAN (7.30), 23 JAN (2.00 & 6.00), 24 JAN (2.00)
It's Panto time again! Rehearsals are underway for this year's
panto, Mother Goose, and the set is being constructed so it must
be time for you to book your tickets. It will be a traditional panto with lots
of fun for all the family so either book online or ring the Box Office 0118
975 8880.
Celebrations - We got it wrong!
In last month's BT, we talked about celebrating 50 years of
Shinfield Players. This is, of course, wrong. We shall, in fact, be
celebrating our 60th anniversary in January 2016. Please contact
Graham with ideas for how we should mark this milestone on :
graham@shinfieldplayers.org.uk
First Aid
We are arranging a First Aid course (1 Day) for Saturday 30th January 2016. We have 12 places
available for the training. Could you please contact me to reserve a place and also allow me to
organise the lunch for mid day. From the last training day, it will start about 9:30a.m. and be
completed by 4:30p.m. Contact me at graham@shinfieldplayers.org.uk
COMMUNITY CAROL SINGING - CANCELLED
Unfortunately, there were very few takers for Community Carol
Singing this year so it has meant the cancellation of the two
planned events on 10th Dec and 13th Dec. Thanks go to Graham,
Carol, Alex, Sam & Simon who all came along to sing at St Mary's
Church, Reading for the first event, where they successfully
handing out a number of Panto flyers (thanks to Graham and Carol for also handing out flyers
for the Santa Toy Run).
Martin Butler.
ACTING, SINGING & A SHOT OF WHISKY
28-30 APRIL 2016
Synopsis:
A theatre company has been given a deadline to complete repairs on
their premises or risk it being shut down. Four members have come
together to mastermind an original scripted spectacular, featuring songs
from much loved musicals and films, to help raise funds.
Can 4 different personalities work together before the curtain goes up?
Characters:
JACK (male) - He is quiet, creative, observant and a problem solver. The
partner of Maria who has no interest in performing on stage himself but is used
to supporting her being in the limelight. However, he does find this somewhat
tedious and needs to stand up for himself. (Speaking part
only)
MARIA (female) She is a feisty female and drama queen.
Loves being the centre of attention and is more than
confident in her own abilities. Is the partner of Jack.
(Speaking part with singing & dancing in at least one song)
ALEXANDER (male) He is upper-class with an air of arrogance. He has an
appreciation for the classic arts. He is committed to the theatre as it is part of
his family history. Is also partial to a few glasses of whisky. (Speaking part with
singing & dancing in at least one song. Must be aged 18+)
WILLOW (female) Fun-loving hippie who is fond of animals, particularly cats.
Lives in her own little world and has a short attention span. Occupies her mind
with arts & crafts while discussing theatre matters. (Speaking part. Will also
have speaking role in one song and will be required to move like a cat)
HEALTH & SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE (male or female) A stickler for rules and
regulations who works for the Health & Safety Executive. (Small speaking part.
Can also be part of the chorus if they choose)
CHORUS
This original scripted 'drama-dey' features songs from popular musicals and
Disney films. We are looking for anyone in Senior Youth Group or aged 18+
interested in acting, singing and dancing to be a part of this ensemble
performance. The Chorus are at the heart of this musical and there are
opportunities to be in large group numbers, quartets, trios and solos. Imagine a
'Glee' style show choir performance and you have a good idea of what this show
will involve.
Read/Sing through and Audition dates will be shared in the near future - Nancy
Playing Away - Review (Short Version)
Imagine this…you are forty years old. You find out you are
pregnant. Your husband has had “the snip”. You have been
married for twenty or so years and you have never cheated on
him. How would your husband react when you tell him that you
have just found out you are three months pregnant?
Alan played by Gordon Bird, a sincere but jealous pub
landlord, had several arguments with Kath, forlorn and hormonal,
played by Melanie Sherwood accusing her of “playing away”. He also enjoyed some
delightful dialogue with Sarah, his daughter, (also his daughter in real life) played by Tanya
Bird. Ms. Bird gave an authentic, gentle, likeable portrayal with suitable facial expressions
and gestures.
Dan Walford’s Danny was a loveable “player”, a fool in lust, prepared to even drag
up to be in the women’s darts team to impress his new, “Sloane” girlfriend Tara played by
Amy Spiller , whose designer garb and exquisite elocution, visually demonstrated that the
dear man was clearly batting out of his league! His appearance in women’s clothing was
surprising and his disgust at finding out his best mate was gay deeply ironic, as he flicked his
blond wig out of his eyes and hobbled over in his high heels! A priceless scene.
Velma played by Lorraine Willis had some touching dialogue as she recounted how
her marriage had broken down due to her husband “playing away” after he found out their
son was gay. Joyce played by Pat Willis seemed to enjoy her interplay with Velma as the
wonderfully observed writing explored how as women we try and diet to retain men and
ironically end up piling on more and more weight!
Seamus, played by Simon Trinder, added light to the play as a vest-wearing Irishman
who was taught elocution by Tilly Taphouse’s Gwen, the landlady’s demonstrative mother
who had a resonance of everyone’s own mother!
Overall, it was a delight going to the pub with our new-found friends. Esme Bates
YOUTH GROUP REVIEW EVENING
Carol and I attended the Friday night performance of the Youth Group Review Evening and
what a talented bunch, no strike that out, CROWD we have on our books. I was taken aback
with the very large cast and by the depth and width of the talent displayed. From musical
routines to serious drama, from stage fighting to stage dancing, all pieces were delivered
with accuracy and confidence.
Congratulations to all Youth Group members and particularly to the dedicated team which
fosters their talents. Graham
ERIC LENNEY
On Thursday 3rd December, Carol and I attended the funeral of Eric Lenney, to pay our
respects on behalf of the Shinfield Players' Theatre. Charles Eric Lenney was one of our
most loyal supporters and together with his widow Rita attended nearly all of our shows.
The service at Easthampstead Crematorium was attended by what we would refer to as a
full house and there was only just enough space for all to get in with some standing at the
back of the Chapel.
In a very moving and personal service, which featured recordings of Frank Sinatra’s My Way
and Shirley Bassey’s I am what I am and without any formal hymns, only a Masonic closing
verse, we said goodbye to Eric. I was moved by Rita’s oration and also by his grandson who
spoke of Eric as the man who introduced him to Shinfield Players' pantomimes each January
and how Eric was keen on family values and traditions. We have lost one of life’s true
gentlemen, firm but fair and one who worked hard at everything he did.
I expressed condolences to Rita at the service on behalf of the theatre and now express the
hope that in the near future we will see her back among her friends here at SPT.
Graham Vockins Chairman.
DEADLINE FOR NEXT BT – 31/12/15. Please email items to:
shinfieldboardtreader@hotmail.co.uk
PROMOTING THE PANTOMIME