Page 1 LONDON LATEST - NODA Site... · LONDON LATEST News and Updates ... If you would like a copy of this CD please contact Peter on 01923 228077 or [email protected] ...

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AUTUMN 2016

LONDON LATEST News and Updates from the London Region

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Councillor’s Message

Swanley Light Opera

Green Room Cabaret

New District 14 Reps

2016 Awards

Mayhem Musical

Theatre

Belmont Theatre

Gary Jenner

Theatre Is ‘We’, Not

‘Me’

Hounslow Light Opera

Chameleons

Amersham Playgoers

What’s On

London Committee

Be Inspired By

Amateur Theatre

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14-16

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Councillor’s Message

It’s really difficult to believe that we are doing another edition of the London newsletter already – such a lot has happened since the May issue. We have had a very successful Awards Day – more details later in this publication – where we celebrated all that is good in amateur theatre in London. We have had some excellent years at Wyllyotts Theatre in Potter Bar, but we realise that we have lost some of the theatricality of the event. Because we want to bring back the real theatre feel we are moving to a new venue in 2017 – The Radlett Centre in Radlett. The layout of the new venue will enable us to invite theatrical traders to attend once more and will give us more space to hold workshops. We are in the throes of finalising the details so do keep a look out for the date and programme for the day in the next issue. We will also be looking at the structure of the day so far as the awards are concerned and hopefully bringing back the open forum where delegates will get an opportunity to voice their concerns/views/opinions! The NODA Theatre Summer School 2016 was another great success, but was also the last to be held at Warwick Conferences. In 2017 there will be a new venue where we will, once again, create ‘the Bubble’…that very special place where students (any age between 18 and 85) can eat sleep and breathe theatre in all its guises for a whole week. Launch date is 1st December - don’t miss it. Again further details will be announced in the next issue. Check out the promo video on the NODA website www.noda.org.uk/summerschool . Please also check out the Presidential Gala which takes place at the Hilton Hotel in Birmingham on the 24 September. Further details can be found on the website, but this is the one event where societies can really feel they are part of a national organisation and that nearly every group in the country has the same problems with casting, audiences and theatre hire as you do. It would be lovely to see London groups well represented. In fact one of our London groups has been shortlisted for the National Programme and Poster Competition…fingers crossed for them! I look forward to seeing you on our rounds.

Jacquie Stedman

AWARDS DAY ISSUE

All The 2016 Awards Results

And Photos

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Swanley Light Opera Group (SLOG) were established in 1969, and for many years performed entirely musically based productions at their long term local venue, The Woodlands Theatre. Since the Swanley Town Council’s unforeseen closure of this venue the group has temporarily relocated to a village hall outside of the borough pending an alternative. The group decided to move in a different direction with the company and widen their productions to include plays requiring a smaller cast and more suitable to the constrictive environment of a village hall. They felt that regardless of the physical limitations of the venue, it should not impact on the quality of their productions. Recently performances include a number of well received plays under their new dramatic name of SLOG Players, these included the classic Abigail’s Party, Bazaar and Rummage, and most recently, The Flint Street Nativity, for which they won the NODA London Constance Power trophy. For their latest production, the group decided upon the comedy play, The Titfield Thunderbolt, set to be presented in October 2016. It is based on the classic 1953 Ealing Comedy of the same name, and was suggested by the Director Darren Coleman as being an ideal production for a smaller, more intimate venue, especially as it makes good use of the entire performance space including the stage and auditorium, allowing (and requiring) audience participation!.

ESTABLISHED MUSICAL SOCIETY

ON TRACK TO MOVE IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION!

The Titfield Thunderbolt is actually a steam train, so the way the show can be staged is open to interpretation! The story is a pre-Dr Beeching prophecy of the closure of a branch line in favour of the more flexible promotion of road transport. The local protests and events that eventually saved the day are played out by the small cast interacting with the audience. Needless to say that whilst the venue will not accommodate a full sized train, the group’s talented set designer Kevin Onley is confident that the era of this gentle comedy will be fully apparent to the audience, and that they will enjoy the imaginative set!

Darren Coleman

The production runs from 6 - 8 October, to book tickets visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/SLOG or call 01474 706665.

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GREEN ROOM PRODUCTIONS

LAUNCH MONTHLY CABARETS

The Sunday evening cabarets will featuring songs from the Great American and British Songbooks and the best of musical theatre. Come and sing your party piece, that tricky audition number that needs an audience, or just your favourite show tune. Or simply sit back and enjoy an evening of entertainment as performers from amateur and professional musical theatre entertain you. Singers will be accompanied on the piano by the talented Mark Stamford (most recently the MD of EVITA by SEDOS), who will encourage some audience participation! Included in the ticket price is a free welcome drink and nibbles. The bar will also be open for drinks, coffees, sandwiches and light snacks from 7.30pm with the Cabaret starting at 8pm.

There are still spots left if you want to perform too – register your interest by emailing [email protected] with your first and second preferences for a song. There will an opportunity from 6.30 - 7.30 to practice with the pianist if you so wish Please also follow us on twitter @broadway_off and find our facebook event too! https://www.facebook.com/events/1728603060744832/ Tickets are selling well but still available from the Wyllyotts theatre website: https://www.tickets.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk/en-GB/shows/off%20broadway/info

Jon Chartres

Green Room

Productions are promoting their latest

initiative - monthly Cabaret evenings

launching on Sunday 11 September at

Wyllyotts Theatre, Potters Bar.

NEW REPS FOR DISTRICT 14

As many of you know Gordon Bird has stepped away from the London Regional Committee because of work commitments. Gordon has done a super job over the last five years and I would like to thank him for his commitment both to his societies in District 14 and to NODA, and wish him luck for the future. We now have two people covering this district: Susan Boobyer and Terry Hunt. Both come with a wealth of experience and will, I am sure, be a huge asset to our very talented London team. I hope you will welcome them to your shows…and give them plenty of notice when inviting them to attend. I hope we can feature them in our next issue, in our Meet The Team section. I wish them both a long and happy association with NODA London.

Jacquie Stedman

GOODNIGHT MR TOM SET FOR SALE

Complete 20 foot set with revolve for sale. Photographs and full details on website www.pandaplayers.co.uk Designed and painted by Paul Lunnon for Panda Play-ers production of Goodnight Mr. Tom, the Musical at The Elgiva Theatre in Chesham in March 2016. Interested persons should contact Andy Friedli on 044 7870 598448 [email protected]

Award Day Photographs from the 2016 Awards Day

Award Day photographs all courtesy of Peter Prosser.

A CD containing photos of all nominees, and winners and runners- up receiving their certificates, plus images from the various Workshops are available for purchase at £3.50 including postage

. If you would like a copy of this CD please contact Peter on 01923 228077 or [email protected]

You may use the images for your own personal use but they may not be used for commercial purposes

without the express permission of the copyright holder.

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2016 AWARDS DAY

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2016 NODA LONDON REGION AWARDS

Constance Power Trophy of Encouragement

Winner: Swanley Light Opera Group The Shinfield Players Scenic Award (In Memory of Pat Barr)

Winner: SEDOS – Noise Off Runner-up: Amersham Playgoers – Entertaining Angels Joint Highly Commended: Harefield ADS (HADS) – Journey’s End

Loughton ADS (LADS) Ghosts The Joe Putnam Award for the Best Musical

Winner: Ilford ODS Anything Goes Runner-up: GLOC – The Producers Ken Wirdnam Trophy for the Best Male Character in a Musical

Winner: GLOC - Harry Campbell as Leo Bloom, The Producers Runner-up: Oxford OS - Guy Grimsley as Joe Gillis, Sunset Boulevard Highly Commended: Radlett LOS - Alex Sangster as Robert, Company Molly Harle Trophy for Best Female Character in a Musical

Winner: Green Room Productions - Kim Davis as Norma Desmond. Sunset Boulevard Runner-Up: Bromley Players – Nicola Henderson as Lucille Frank, Parade Highly Commended: Nomads Musical Theatre – Grace Ryder as Norma Desmond, Sunset Boulevard The Kathleen Oyler Trophy for Chorus Work

Winner: BROS – 42nd Street Runner-up: GLOC – The Producers Highly Commended: Dartford AODS – Boogie Nights The Harvey Kesselman Comedy Award

Winner: Harefield ADS – John Suppiah as Private Mason , Journeys End Runner-up: Ilford ODS – Richard Sheepwash as Lord Evelyn Oakley, Anything Goes The Dorothy Lawson G&S Award

Winner: Maidenhead Operatic Society – The Mikado Runner-up: Loughton OS – The Mikado The Malcolm Rose Trophy for the Best Female in a G&S Winner: Loughton OS - Jeanette Abrahams as Katisha, The Mikado The Malcolm Rose Trophy for the Best Male in a G&S

Winner: Julian Light Opera – Guy Withers as Frederic, Pirates of Penzance The Pat Redhead Drama Award

Winner: Rickmansworth Players – A Midsummer Night’s Dream Runner-up: Beaufort Players – The Wind in the Willows The Charles Sumner Award for the Best Male in a Play

Winner: Loughton Amateur Dramatic Society (LADS) – Christian Mortimer as King James l in Anne Boleyn Runner-up: Amersham Playgoers – John Sharp as Bardy , Entertaining Angels Highly commended: Ruislip Dramatic Society – Peter Iggulden as Henry Perkins, Funny Money The Sybil Conway Award for the Best Female in a Play

Winner: Potters Bar Theatre Company – Dawn Travell as Sylvia the dog in Sylvia Runner-up: Beaufort Players – Gemma Robinson as Mole, Wind In The Willows Highly Commended: Riverside Players – Susan Bell as Gran in Family Planning

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2016 NODA LONDON REGION AWARDS

The Eric Watsham Award for the Best Cameo in a Play

Winner: Abbots Langley Players – Sylvia Poole as Betty, Curtain Up Runner-up: Harefield ADS – Vincent de Roeper as the German Soldier, Journeys End Highly commended: Faringdon Dramatic Society – Dave Headley as the Genie of the Lamp, Happily Ever After? The Youngstars Award

Winner: Stage One Youth – Miss Saigon Schools Edition Runner Up: ROS StageWorks Summer School – Seussical the Musical Junior Version Highly commended: Bishopshalt School ODS - Cabaret The ‘It’s Behind You’ Pantomime Award

Winner: Lane End Players – Jack and the Beanstalk Runner Up: Shinfield Players – Mother Goose Highly Commended: Woodford Pantomime – The Pantomime Adventures of Robin Hood The Nigel Gravett Award for the Best Performance in a Pantomime

Winner: British Airways Cabin Crew Entertainments Society – Colette Lucas as Maleficent, Sleeping Beauty’

Runner Up: Patrick Enright as Nanny Nora Tittle Tattle, The Pantomime Adventures Of Robin Hood The Louise English Trophy

Winner: Banbury Operatic Society (BOS) and Youth of Banbury Operatic Society (YOBOS) – Ben Coleman

The Shelly Lemesh Trophy for the Unsung Hero

Winner: HEOS – Margaret Partridge The Sylvia Rawlings lifetime Achievement Award

Winner: Marlow Amateur Operatic Society – Jo Bird Dumayne Warne Trophy for Poster Design

Winner: EBOS – Crazy for You Runner-Up: SWMTC – Oliver! Highly Commended: Ruislip DS – Stone Cold Murder June King Memorial Trophy for Programme Design (Basic Class)

Winner: Chesham Theatre Company – Hi – De - Hi Runner-Up: Ruislip DS – Stone Cold Murder Highly Commended: West Wickham OS – HMS Pinafore Whitebread Trophy for Programme Design (Standard Class)

Winner: Chesham Bois Catholic Players – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Runner-up: Centre Stage – Ghost Highly Commended: EBOS – Crazy for You F Leslie Cowham Trophy for Programme Design (Souvenir Class)

Winner: Musical Youth Company of Oxford (MYCO) – Les Miserables School Edition Runner-up: HEOS - Copacabana Highly Commended: Encore Theatre Company – Hairspray The Innovation Award Presented to Rickmansworth Players For their enchanting and innovative outdoor production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream

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2016 NODA LONDON REGION AWARDS

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At the same time Mayhem has worked hard to encourage the growth of the behind the scenes teams on the technical and backstage side. Starting with The Producers in 2013 most Mayhem shows now take on students or recent graduates in technical theatre behind the scenes, giving them exposure to large scale productions and thus a way into the industry which has been rewarded with great loyalty.

SEVEN PRODUCTIONS A YEAR, A NEW YOUTH SECTION, OPEN AIR SHAKESPEARE -

MAYHEM CELEBRATES THEIR FIRST TEN YEARS

This year sees South London based Mayhem Musical Theatre Company celebrating its 10 year anniversary with a kaleidoscope of shows including a ten year revue, the longest run of Shakespeare in the Park yet and plans for a large scale production of A Christmas Carol later in the year. Of course, being a young company with no major start up funds has caused its challenges over the years. In an economic climate which has pulled purse strings tighter for audiences and theatres alike, many London based companies have had to re think their season strategies. In the Noda London Latest in 2014 then chairman Jon Wade said “In August 2011 the company took a bold decision to move from three shows per year to a season busting seven productions to provide greater diversity and variety and more opportunities for members to duck in and out of productions throughout the year.” This different format has meant shorter rehearsal periods with Mayhem shows generally rehearsing intensively for a maximum of two months. In addition, the formation of the Mayhem KIDS has given younger members their own large scale shows to work on as well as being included in the family shows. Obviously not every season can host the full seven productions but the company has generally found this format allows to attract and retain a high calibre of talent which is rewarded with high quality shows.

Since it is difficult to break even with large scale productions in the current climate whilst maintaining high quality, financial continuity for the company has in a large part been secured due to the yearly run of Shakespeare in the Park started in 2012. Not only have the last years seen sell out shows with a large audience of 400 each evening but the quality has also been recognised, both in audience loyalty and by being awarded the Pat Redhead Drama Award for Twelfth Night in 2014. Shakespeare is not the only award winning aspect of the company with the Flame award having been awarded three times in the ten year period (Seussical 2008, The Producers 2013, Season 2014).

Having been involved with Mayhem over the last 8 years chairman Sophie Barthel says that “despite all the challenges of a young company there are numerous shows that members can be enormously proud of, whether it be vocally intricate pieces such as Company or Into the Woods or the choreographically challenging A Chorus Line, the all out UK premiere of The Addams Family or our largest ever budget production of Peter Pan at The Bloomsbury to name but a few. I am very excited to be part of the committee taking on celebrating this year and can’t wait to see what lies ahead in the next ten years for Mayhem!” For details on future productions, visit www.mayhemmusicaltheatrecompany.co.uk

Wild Party, May 2013

Peter Pan December 2013

Twelfth Night, 2014

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BELMONT THEATRE ARE

SEVENTY YEARS YOUNG!

Belmont Theatre are celebrating being seventy years young with Richard Harris’ play Stepping Out. The show follows the progress of eight individuals from different backgrounds and with differing motivations attending the same weekly tap dancing class in a dingy North London Church Hall. And one of the cast, Lorna Alder, will reprise the part she first played 23 years ago. So how did she tackle playing the same character more than two decades on? “I was delighted to be offered the part of Andy in Stepping Out, having once played the part in 1993 at our previous venue, Harrow Arts Centre. So how can I play the same part 23 years later? Well, each of the characters in the play has a story and Andy’s is not age specific. Without spoiling the plot, she has a secret that could relate to someone older (or more mature!) or younger. I loved being in the play in 1993 as it is a mixture of comedy and pathos, and is a real ensemble piece. Rehearsals are great fun and I am learning to tap dance again. However, this time I won’t have any excuse for forgetting my lines!” Director Michael Collins says “This play has something for everybody, comedy, sadness and delicious characters and is, at times, quite uplifting. Stepping Out will be a challenge but I’m already finding it a delight to direct. You’ll be chuckling all evening. I know I will be.” Stepping Out runs for five performances at The Pump House Theatre, Watford from Wednesday 26 October to Saturday 29 October and includes a Saturday matinee. Visit www.belmonttheatre.co.uk for further details.

Frankie Hogan

DIRECTOR / MD

Gary Jerry is a former amateur dramatics performer and Musical Director, now turned professional performer, Director and Musical Director across the UK, and currently internationally working as the Piano Man aboard the Seabourn Quest which is cruising the entire Northern Hemisphere up until 21 October. He has been working as a director of musicals for the past two years alongside his professional acting career and is keen to get more productions under his belt. Gary started performing because of a NODA affiliated society at the age of nine in 1998 - starting off with Beaconsfield Operatic Society in Blyth, Northumberland, playing the title role in Oliver! There then followed by shows with Newcastle Musical Theatre Company, West End Operatic Society, Phoenix Theatre Company, Blyth, Tynemouth Operatic Society and Whitley Bay Operatic Society – giving him vital performing experience at venues such as The Theatre Royal, Newcastle, The Sunderland Empire, The Tyne Theatre and Opera House, amongst many others. He has recently directed productions of Our House, Joseph, Threepenny Opera, The Pilgrimmage, as well as musically directing professional West End and Fringe productions of Songs for a New World, John and Jen, Betwixt, Invade my Privacy, A Night for Jennifer, News Revue, as well as being a rehearsal pianist for the West End RSC production of Matilda, Pipe Dream (the Union). He is a singing coach and workshop leader for drama schools - ArtsEd, London, Drama Studio London, The Brighton Academy, Sylvia Young Theatre School, as well as previous work for Mountview Academy, Sage Academy, Newcastle. A former Choir Director for Stagecoach Theatre Arts Nationwide, he has also worked as a Children’s MD for professional tours of Dr. Dolittle, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph, Whistle Down the Wind. Gary is based in West London, but happy to travel around the area. He specialises in Acting Thru Song and Lift Off Into Musical Theatre. For further information and availability, contact Gary on 07917440095 or [email protected] Editors note: Please see following page for Gary’s article on ‘Theatre is About ‘We’, Not ‘Me’.

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THEATRE IS ABOUT ‘WE’, NOT ‘ME’

By Gary Jerry, Freelance Director

I remember the first time I completed a performance of Spring Awakening in January 2011, and being mesmerised by one thing. The fact you could hear a pin drop across the theatre as the lights went down, and the occasional sob or sniff, trying to be held back. I was sitting in the bar later that night, trying to work out what had actually just happened. Two and half hours had passed, yet I couldn’t remember anything but that single moment of silence. For all I know, I could’ve completely changed the script, danced around with a lion mask on, or corpsed at every line. Absolutely, no recollection of how it went, or what we did. The one thing I did feel, was physically and mentally drained - like a ton of bricks had been pressed down on me, and then I’d been released and freed from it all. I looked at my fellow cast members, we sat in silence - nothing needed to be said. Then I looked at some audience members also in the bar - they looked just as shellshocked as us. We - and by that, I mean the audience and the cast/orchestra, had shared in something special. Something unique. And the reason why I know it was unique, is because I have no idea what I would have to do to replicate it! Being in a theatre should feel like being in one big bubble. A bubble with no walls - just one big sphere being shared by all those inside it - a connection between audience and performer. A chance to escape from all of the troubles and issues of the world outside the bubble. It’s safe and protecting from society’s issues. You are allowed to laugh, you are allowed to cry, you are allowed to be angry against injustice, and know that you will receive no kind of

criticism from anyone else. It’s part of the reason why I think I despise the notion of allowing any phones into a theatre - taking pictures of these unique moments, and posting them ‘outside of the bubble’ makes them lose their spark. And if someone else sees another patron taking a picture, that instantly also takes them out of the bubble too. Theatre is magical because it is live - taking a picture or a video simply cannot in any shape or form replicate the beauty of seeing live theatre right before your eyes and being able to breathe it in and live it. Immerse yourself and embrace it - fully letting go can be scary, but it is incredibly rewarding. Going back to thinking about my favourite comment - that Spring Awakening opening night in West London, One woman came up to me as I headed home and said to me “You don’t know me, but I want you to know one thing - I will hug my children extra tight tonight, and I will be a lot more open to whoever they want to be.” That comment has lived with me everyday since - our production, our experience made that happen. I long to make more theatre that can create such a feeling in both creative and audience member.

Gary Jerry

To read the full article, please follow the link: Theatre is about 'we', not 'me' - an article by Gary Jerry -

National Operatic and Dramatic Association

Coming soon......... AUDITION LISTINGS The What’s On section always proves very popular, and we believe is helpful to societies, both for advertising your own shows, and checking out other groups’ shows, whether with a view to performing that production at a later date, or as a performer wanting to see what a group is like. So the obvious next step is to have a similar section for Auditions. The exact format for this is under discussion, and we will let all groups know what we need and when sometime in the next few weeks. DEADLINE FOR THE NOVEMBER ISSUE IS 10 NOVEMBER

Please send articles, ideally around 300—500 words, plus photographs in jpg format, to [email protected]. Show details can also be sent to [email protected] for inclusion on the NODA Facebook.

I want you to think about the best comment someone has ever given to you.

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EVER THOUGHT OF DOING SOMETHING DIFFERENT? Hounslow Light Opera Company Discuss Some of the Challenges

of Putting on a New Musical

As many amateur musical societies will know, particularly if based within the M25, it seems to be getting harder and harder to think of shows that are suitable for the group, that will attract an audience and for which it is possible to get the rights to perform the show.

And so it was, in November 2014, we were facing that very dilemma, when Weinberger’s informed us that The Pirate Queen licence was available. From the writers of Miss Saigon and Les Miserables, this colourful and exciting show captures the life and adventures of 16th century Irish Chieftain and pirate Gráinne O'Malley as she resists the English conquest of Gaelic Ireland-it is based on a true story. Although it was a Boublil and Schönberg creation, which was very appealing, it was relatively unknown to us. However, we thought that it was an interesting plot, with wonderful music as you would expect from Boublil and Schönberg. We also believed it was an exciting opportunity for the group and although we knew we were unlikely to be able to cast it fully from the existing membership, we were optimistic that it would attract new members. We knew it would be a stretch for us, but we were confident that the group could put this on successfully. It was definitely something different, and had never been performed in the UK, either by professionals or amateurs. Some of the challenges As if taking on an unknown show was not sufficient challenge for us, we were just starting on our planning journey when we lost our creative and musical directors - one moving to France and the other to deepest Hampshire! We knew that we would need to find experienced directors to step in quickly, and we were fortunate to have several excellent applicants. In Bill Compton and James Hall we found the perfect combination – a duo with experience of working together and who could take on both roles. Lee Dewsnap, our repetiteur, was able to work through music with the group until Bill and James were able to join us full time. We had a significant lack of men, particularly for the fight and bar scenes, but many of the women in the group rose to the challenge, with the tips on sword fighting from the director, and great costumes from Tom Wright.

There were several concerns over keeping within our budget at various points during the run up to the show, but we were significantly helped in this by costume support from local sources. Unfortunately, we had to cut the Irish dance choreography - we

had hoped to have the services of a local Irish dancing group, but this was not possible in the end. This was a shame as would potentially have added more visual interest to the show.

There was also a need for a large and unusual orchestra, including Irish harp and traditional Irish pipes, the latter posing a potential problem as there are not many people in the London area who play these instruments. Happily, James was able to find all the musicians we needed.

Rehearsals Rehearsals with Lee got underway in April and then Bill and James joined us in May and kicked off auditions. Fortunately they also knew potential soloists for the parts that we would be unable to cast from the existing membership. It was at this point that the show started to take shape, and the group started to become more energised and excited by the fact that we were now on track to have a successful production.

One of Bill’s initial challenges, as well as casting some key characters, was how to create a realistic ship on stage, as well as being able to cut to other scenes, including Queen Elizabeth’s English Court. In the end, he created a really innovative set, which was further enhanced by clever lighting and smoke effects. Further challenges were to follow - such as losing our Lord Bingham quite late in rehearsals, but by the group all pulling together and Bill knowing potential performers, these were successfully overcome. The Pirate Queen finally opened on 14 October 2015 at Hampton Hill Theatre with great feedback from our audiences. We all very much enjoyed putting on this show, despite all the challenges

and setbacks, or perhaps because of them! Financially, we did make a small loss, but we are still pleased that we decided to do The Pirate Queen and would heartily recommend it to other groups.

Anne Pringle Elizabeth Malone & Peter King

Stephanie Mott, who was nominated for the NODA Molly Harle Trophy for Best Female Character in a Musical for her portrayal of Gráinne O’Malley

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On 21 July The Chameleons Amateur Dramatic Society welcomed audiences to A Chorus of Disapproval by Alan Ayckbourn. The play is part of the group's 50th Anniversary celebrations which will include a supper quiz and a black tie event later in the year. It also marked their debut at The Compass Theatre in Ickenham and a bold move to find their place in the next 50 years of amateur theatre. The Chameleons have certainly grown since first they performed at Neasden Methodist Church. A small stage in East Lane followed and, since then, they’ve performed at The Glaxo-Smith-Klein building in Greenford and Brent Town Hall. Most recently, Claremont High School and The Travellers Studio have housed a variety of plays and pantomimes. But why the move to The Compass Theatre? Ickenham is the furthest away from their home the group has performed and you can well imagine the dilemma. Finding a good quality, financially viable performances space is has become something of a search for the holy grail, especially in the Brent and Harrow area. It was time for this band of players to find a new home that could accommodate their skills but also encourage a new generation of followers. What was the outcome? Well of course the numbers are being crunched as we speak but A Chorus was certainly not met with ‘Disapproval’ by the local community and plans are already in place to return. It's been a rich and varied history for The Chameleons who began life in 1966 as The Neasden Methodist Church Drama Society. It was all the result of a conversation between a Sunday school teacher Joan Munday and her pupil James Snell. Auntie Joan was the group’s President for many years until she sadly passed away in January 2015. In a fitting tribute to her, The Munday Players, a youth section, was formed to build for the future. The humble origins of the group seem a lifetime away from what was their 150th production (Macbeth) in 2015. The play received a NODA London nomination for ingenuity

with director and life member Stuart Everett combining the original text with an up-to-date setting, the use of screens, voicemails and so much more. So what does the future have in store? Next up is Beauty and the Beast at Claremont High School in January 2017. Rehearsals begin at the end of September and the group are always looking for new members both for the adult and youth group. It's a challenging time but if the effort and ingenuity that's got this group to their 50th birthday is anything to go by, great things lie ahead! Caught your interest? Pop along to their website www.thechameleons.co.uk or email [email protected] or

[email protected] for more information.

Robert Spolander

HAVE CHAMELONS FOUND A GOLDEN COMPASS?

Fifty Years and Counting!

July 2016

Alan Ayckbourn’s

A Chorus of Disapproval

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During the design process there were occasional difficulties in seeking advice from the busy museum curator, simply down to availability, but almost all requests were eventually granted. We commissioned professional artwork and storyboards to give the exhibition a more polished feel. These artifacts were certainly worth the money, and will be available for re-use in future projects. Many members were involved in the project, from initial feasibility through to detailed design, from digging out ancient scrapbooks and props to building bespoke items for the room. The most notable creation was a wooden window frame, over which was hung material designed to look like theatre curtains. This was complemented by cardboard cut-outs of the cast of our most recent production, standing on the window ledge, with the effect being that pedestrians walking past the museum window would appear to be looking at a stage. It was an eye-catching display that was designed with the aim of driving footfall into the museum. The wall displays within the room focused on different areas of the group's activities. The main wall described the end-to-end process of staging a production as a timeline, from choosing a script, through rehearsals and on to production night activities, with everything in between, all illuminated by descriptions, photographs and quotes from

group members. Other displays showed off interesting articles of costume, props and publicity material. Scrapbooks of fascinating early cutting, photographs and decidedly mixed reviews were available for patrons to browse. The museum encouraged us to hold an Opening Night ceremony, to which we invited local dignitaries, journalists and press photographers, as well as our local NODA rep, of course! This was a worthwhile exercise and gave us some good publicity in the local papers. The exhibition then remained on display for two long weekends. Anecdotal feedback was very positive, in particular stories of people who didn't even know we existed prior to the exhibition! We have since used some of the displays in the local library, to capitalise on the publicity this has brought us. Despite the expense and hard work that went into this project, we feel it was a thoroughly worthwhile exercise in promoting APTG in the local community. In our anniversary year, it was also a fantastic way to remind ourselves of our heritage, and of the role that we continue to play in Amersham and the surrounding area in bringing people together to enjoy theatre. Should other amateur groups have a similar opportunity, we would encourage them to take full advantage.

Anne Hearn

AMERSHAM PLAYGOERS

Find A Unique Way To Market Themselves

Amersham Playgoers Theatre Group, in celebration of our 70th Anniversary, were delighted to be offered the opportunity to create a showcase of our past endeavours, our current membership and our future plans by the Amersham Museum. A room was set aside for an eight day exhibition in June this year, and free rein granted to the group to design the best display possible within that space. The room included two full walls, a window display area and a TV to play a demo DVD on a loop. After an initial investigation into heritage lottery funding, the minimum grant available was deemed excessive, and we decided to fund the exhibition from APTG's own resources. In late 2015 we had a successful fund-raising social event, the proceeds from which paid for the exhibition in full.

Overheard During Show Week

Disappointingly, we’ve not had any entries for the Overheard During Show Week feature. There must be lots of amusing, or bizarre, anecdotes whether on stage, backstage, or audience reaction.

Please send your entries to [email protected]

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WHAT’S ON

NODA London Region Fixture List SEPTEMBER 2016 MADE IN DAGENHAM 13 – 17 September SWMTC Norden Farm Centre for the Arts

Maidenhead SL6 4PF www.swmtc.co.uk

THREE MORE SLEEPLESS NIGHTS 15 - 17 September The Renegades Theatre Co Brentwood Theatre (Audrey Longman Studio). Essex CM15 8AG www.facebook.com/events/1756655217879566/?ti=icl LEFT OF CENTRE STAGE 22 – 24 September Centre Stage London Oxford House Theatre, Bethnal Green,

E2 6HG www.centrestage.london BE MY BABY 27 September – 1 October

Woodley Theatre Oakwood Centre, Woodley, RG5 4JZ www.woodleytheatre.org MADE IN DAGENHAM 27 September – 1 October Hillingdon Musical Society Compass Theatre, Ickenham, UB10 8PD Box Office: 01895 250615

RITUAL SLAUGHTER OF GORGE MASTROMAS 27 September – 1 October SEDOS The Bridewell Theatre, Fleet Street, London EC4Y 8EQ www.sedos.co.uk

THE FULL MONTY 27 September - 1 October Ruislip Operatic Society Winston Churchill Theatre, Ruislip www.ruislipos.org IMPROBABLE FICTION 29 September to 1 October EBOS Pinewood Theatre, Wokingham, RG40 3AQ www.ebos.org.uk

OCTOBER 2016 ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS 4 – 8 October SEDOS The Bridewell Theatre, Fleet Street, London EC4Y 8EQ www.sedos.co.uk

THE LADYKILLERS 5 – 8 October 2016 Eldorado Musical Productions Bob Hope Theatre, Eltham, SE9 www.eldoradomusicalproductions.co.uk

THE TITFIELD THUNDERBOLT 6 - 8 October SLOG Players Darenth Village Hall, Ladywood Road Darenth, Dartford DA2 7LL www.slogdrama.org.uk

MACBETH 6 – 8 October Argosy Players Compass Theatre, Ickenham, UB10 8PD www.argosyplayers.org.uk

CALAMITY JANE 12 – 16 October Maidenhead Musical Comedy Society Desborough Suite, Town Hall, Maidenhead SL6 1RF www.mmcs.biz CAROUSEL 13- 15 October KLOS Musical Theatre Winston Churchill Theatre, Ruislip, HA4 7QL www.klosmusicaltheatre.co.uk THE PRODUCERS 18 - 22 October BROS Theatre Company Hampton Hill Theatre, TW12 1NZ www.brostheatrecompany.org GUYS AND DOLLS 18 – 22 October ELODS Wyllyotts Theatre, Potters Bar, EN6 2HN www.elods.org.uk

LEGALLY BLONDE 20 - 22 October

Forest Musical Theatre Company Kenneth More Theatre, Ilford, IG1 1BT www.forestmusical.co.uk THE WEDDING SINGER 20 – 22 October

Pheonix Players Edward Alleyn Theatre, Dulwich College, SE21 7LD

THE REGINA MONOLOGUES/IN CAM-ERA 20 – 23 October Garden Suburb Theatre

Upstairs at the Gatehouse, London N6 4BD www.gardensuburbtheatre.org.uk

SISTER ACT

20 - 23 October Kingsbury AOS Kingsbury High School Theatre, Princes Avenue, London, NW9 9JR

www.kaosonline.org

ROCK OF AGES 24 - 29 October Finchley & Friern Barnet Operatic Society (FFBOS) Dugdale Centre, 39 London Road, Enfield, EN2 6DS www.ffbos.com

ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY 25 - 29 October Geoids Bridewell Theatre, London EC4Y 8EQ www.geoidsmt.co.uk

SHADOWLANDS 25 – 29 October Potters Bar Theatre Company Tilbury Hall United Reformed Church, Pot-ters Bar, EN6 1BZ Box Office: 07985 542204 www.pottersbartheatrecompany.co.uk PERVE 26 – 29 October New Stagers St Annes Hall

Wandsworth, London SW18 2RS www.newstagers.co.uk STEPPING OUT 26 – 29 October Belmont Theatre The Pump House Theatre, Watford www.belmonttheatre.co.uk THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE 26 – 29 October Mill Hill Musical Theatre Company

Hartley Hall, London NW7 2JA www.mhmtc.co.uk THE MIKADO 26 - 29 October Hounslow Light Opera Company Hampton Hill Theatre, TW12 1NZ www.hloc.org.uk ONE MAN, TWO GOVNORS 26 – 29 October Chestnut Grove Academy, Balham, SW12 8JB Southside Players www.southsideplayers.org.uk

WIFE AFTER DEATH 27 – 29 October

Loughton Amateur Dramatic Society Lopping Hall, High Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 4LF Www.lads.org.uk

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WHAT’S ON

NODA London Region Fixture List

NOVEMBER 2016

CHESS 1 – 5 November East Berkshire Operatic Society The Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park Bracknell RG12 7PA www.ebos.org.uk

THE LADYKILLERS 2 – 5 November

Eldorado Musical Productions Bob Hope Theatre, Eltham, SE9 www.eldoradomusicalproductions.co.uk

ACORN ANTIQUES 2 – 5 November

Chesham Musical Theatre Company The Beacon School, Chesham Bois, HP6 5PF www.cheshammusicaltheatre.co.uk

PIRATES OF PENANCE 8 – 12 November Centre Stage Bridewell Theatre London EC4Y 8EQ

www.centresstage.london BENEFACTORS 9 - 12 November Proscenium Compass Theatre, Ickenham, UB10 8PD Box Office: 01895 250615 www.proscenium.org.uk THE MAGIC FLUTE 11 – 20 November Hampstead Garden Operatic Society Jacksons Lane Theatre, London N6 5AA

www.hgo.org.uk TIME OF MY LIFE by Alan Ayckbourn 15 – 19 November Carlton Theatre Group New Wimbledon Studio Theatre London SW19 1QG www.carltontheatregroup.org

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF 16 – 19 November WOS Productions Winston Churchill Theatre, Ruislip, HA4 7QL www.wos-productions.org.uk

THE HIRED MAN 16 – 19 November

Maidenhead Operatic Society The Desborough Suite, Town Hall, Maidenhead SL6 1RF www.mos-org.uk

PRINCESS IDA 16 - 19 November Julian Light Opera Company Questors Theatre, Ealing, W5 5BQ Box Office: 020 8567 5184 www.julianoperatic.org BOXING CLEVER 17 - 19 November

Beaufort Players The Ascension Church Hall, Ealing, W5 3EB Box Office: 07730 572389 www.beaufortplayers.org.uk A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH 17 - 19 November Harefield Amateur Dramatic Society St Mary’s Church Hall, Harefield, UB9 6BX Box Office: 01895 253346 www.harefielddramatic.org QUARTET 22 - 26 November

Woodley Theatre Oakwood Centre, Woodley, RG5 4JZ Box Office: 07939 210121 www.woodleytheatre.org A CHRISTMAS CAROL 23 – 26 November Mayhem Musical Theatre Company

Secombe Theatre, Sutton SM1 2SS mayhemmusicaltheatrecompany.co.uk CANDIDE 23 November – 3 December SEDOS The Bridewell Theatre, Fleet Street, London EC4Y 8EQ www.sedos.co.uk DI AND VIV AND ROSE 24 – 27 November Garden Suburb Theatre Upstairs at the Gatehouse, London N6 4BD www.gardensuburbtheatre.org.uk

DECEMBER 2016 CANDIDE 23 November – 3 December

SEDOS The Bridewell Theatre, Fleet Street, London EC4Y 8EQ www.sedos.co.uk

SCROOGE the Musical 30 November - 3 December

Loughton Operatic Society Lopping Hall, Loughton, Essex IG10 4LF 020 8505 2033 www.loughtonoperatic.org.uk

ALI BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES 1 – 3 December Barking Music and Drama The Ripple Centre, Barking, IG11 7FN www.BarkingMAD.org.uk

PINOCCHIO 1 – 10 December

Riverside Players The Memorial Hall, Old Windsor, SL4 2RN Box Office: 07717 671765 www.riversideplayers.com JACK AND THE BEANSTALK 10 & 11 December Risborough Youth Theatre Princes Risborough School, Aylesbury, HP27 0DR Box Office: 07970 981289 www.risboroughyouththeatre.co.uk

JANUARY 2017 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 5 – 8 January The Chameleons Claremont High School, Claremont Avenue, Harrow, HA3 www.thechameleons.co.uk

THE THRILL OF LOVE

by Amanda Whittingdon 12 – 14 January Loughton Amateur Dramatic Society Lopping Hall, High Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 4LF www.lads.org.uk THE WIZARD OF OZ (MGM) 19 - 22 January Chesham Bois Catholic Players The Elgiva Theatre, Chesham 01494 582900 www.elgiva.com

FEBRUARY 2017 THE SEAFARER 1-4 February 2017 Proscenium Compass Theatre, Ickenham, UB10 8PD www.proscenium.org.uk SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE BAKER STREET IRREGULARS 14 – 19 February Garden Suburb Theatre Lund Theatre, London NW3 6XH www.gardensuburbtheatre.org.uk

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WHAT’S ON

NODA London Region Fixture List

MARCH 2017

SWEENEY TODD 2 – 4 March Havering Music Makers Kenneth More Theatre, Ilford, IG1 1BT Box Office: 020 8553 4466 www.haveringmusicmakers.co.uk

CALL ME MADAM 22 - 25 March KLOS Musical Theatre Winston Churchill Theatre, Ruislip, HA4 7QL KLOS Musical Theatre Box Office: 020 8207 2340 www.klosmusicaltheatre.co.uk

APRIL 2017 DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS 4 – 8 April 2017 SWMTC Theatre Royal Windsor www.swmtc.co.uk DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS 5 – 8 April 2017 Eldorado Musical Productions Bob Hope Theatre, Eltham, SE9 5TG www.eldoradomusicalproductions.co.uk SWEENEY TODD 24 - 29 April Finchley & Friern Barnet Operatic Society (FFBOS) Dugdale Centre, 39 London Road, Enfield, EN2 6DS www.ffbos.com

OTHERWISE ENGAGED 26 - 29 April Proscenium Compass Theatre, Ickenham, UB10 8PD www.proscenium.org.uk

GYPSY 27 - 29 April Chesham Musical Theatre Company St Mary’s Way, Chesham HP5 1HR www.cheshammusicaltheatre.co.uk

MAY 2017

CRAZY FOR YOU 9 – 13 May ELODS Wyllyotts, Potters Bar EN6 2HN www.elods.org.uk

JUNE 2017 THE ODD COUPLE (FEMALE VERSION) 14-17 June Proscenium Compass Theatre, Ickenham, UB10 8PD www.proscenium.org.uk

OCTOBER 2017 THE PRODUCERS 4 – 7 October 2017 Eldorado Musical Productions Bob Hope Theatre, Eltham, SE9 5TG www.eldoradomusicalproductions.co.uk

PARADE Date tba ELODS Wyllyotts Theatre, Potters Bar, EN6 2HN www.elods.org.uk

NOVEMBER 2017 LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Date tba Chesham Musical Theatre Company www.cheshammusicaltheatre.co.uk

APRIL 2018 THE DROWSY CHAPERONE Date tba ELODS Wyllyotts Theatre, Potters Bar, EN6 2HN www.elods.org.uk

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Page 17

NODA LONDON COMMITTEE

LONDON COMMITTEE

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E-Comms Nick Ford [email protected]

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District 13 Jeanette Maskell 01635 41791 [email protected]

District 14 Susan Boobyer 07900 136073 [email protected] Terry Hunt 07758 888943 [email protected]