There's a Dame, an Evil Emperor, a Wicked Witch, a Hero, a Princess, (obviously); there's also dancing girls, man-eating flowers, a giant goose, a Genie and a small furry woodland creature called Neep. There's dozens of colourful sets, hundreds of colourful costumes, songs, dance-numbers, a rousing finale and enough smart-alec humour to keep the parents awake while the kids run round the auditorium, throwing ice-cream at each other. Our first real Panto for years this promises to be a rollicking rollercoaster of a ride with masses of opportunity for involvement. (auditions 17th & 19th September)
Hamp by John Wilson, director Liam Campbell
Set against the backdrop of the battle of Passchendaele in 1917, Hamp explores the historical fate of many British servicemen who were suffering from 'Shell Shock'. Private 'Hamp', the pivotal character, is accused of and subsequently tried for desertion. As the play unfolds, the officer who is to defend him learns that his actions were simply those of a man suffering from severe shell-shock, and is forced to question whether or not he should have been in active service on the front line. (See additional entry for auditions).
The Marriage-Go-Round By Leslie Stevens, director Emma Howcutt
A sharp and intelligent comedy about relationships presented by a married couple - Paul Delville (Professor of Cultural Anthropology) and Content, (Dean of Women) - in a series of college lectures. Their different viewpoints are pushed sharply into focus when Katrin, the daughter of a colleague, drops by for a visit....
Medea by Euripides, director Matt Bartlett
One of the greatest of Greek tragedies. Jason, Medea and their children have taken refuge in Corinth, following the successful quest for the Golden Fleece. As the play opens, Medea learns that Jason has betrayed her, and married the daughter of Creon, king of Corinth and that she is to be banished. Although the chorus of Corinthian women plead with her to be calm, Medea lives up to her terrifying reputation by exacting a hideous, bloodthirsty revenge on first, Creon and his daughter, and finally her former lover himself, by slaughtering her own children. Although 2500 years old, the play is packed with stunning poetry and astonishing psychological insight as the audience's sympathies are torn from place to place.
New Director's Showcase
Come into the Garden Maud, director Paul Hurley
To be confirmed, director Rob Clother
Our annual opportunity to support directors new to SLT while they try their hand on the Bell stage. Paul and Rob, well known for their acting ability, will be working closely with Anton Krause, and ourselves, to ensure that these plays live up to the theatre's reputation for nurturing new directors look what one of last year's newcomers has gone on to! Paul's choice is Noel Coward's hilarious comedy of manners who knows, yet, what Rob will choose. . .
And All The Children Cried by Jones and Campbell, director by Peter Loftus
A controversial play which focuses on two "lifers" - Myra and Gail - in prison awaiting a meeting of the parole board. Their crime is that they have murdered children. One woman is optimistic that she will be released. The other is consumed by a sense of injustice - for her, life probably means life. As the parole board deliberates, the women face each other and the audience with confessions and challenges that confront our attitudes towards crime and punishment.
The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov, director Will Howard
Chekhov's last play is probably his masterpiece. This tragic-comedy explores the fate of Russian nobility forced to sell their adored estate to the new merchant class. As the feckless Lyuba and her brother Gayev cling to their faded grandeur and throw one final ball, the axe hangs threateningly over her orchard. She abandons her responsibilities, her former life and her servants, as the axe, and the cherry trees, fall. The play combines more humour than we are used to in Chekhov, with an almost unbearable sense of loss and pathos.
The Country Wife by William Wycherley, director Jack King
Our gala show for 2003 is an hilarious and bawdy Restoration Comedy. The lascivious rogue Mr Horner, discovering that his reputation is so fearsome that husbands no longer trust him with their wives, allows it to be understood that he has become an eunuch, thereby cleverly removing their fears and allowing him to practice his desires freely. Peopled with fabulous characters such as the Squeamish ladies, the Fidgets, Pinchwife and the glorious fop Sparkish, this raunchy romp was recommended by several members.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, director Anna York
Our long-awaited musical with masses of involvement for the children's groups as well as the adults! C.S. Lewis's timeless classic in which four evacuees find a land through a wardrobe, and join forces with Aslan to defeat the witch and bring an end to the curse which forces Narnia to suffer an enduring winter, with no Christmas. Peopled with fauns, centaurs and other magical creatures as well as beavers and more, this production is another stunning extravaganza.
Saturday, Sunday, Monday by Eduardo de Filippo, director Juliet Male
At first sight a typical picture of Italian family life with characteristic displays of Mediterranean temper, the play concerns the essence of any relationship between a man and a woman after years of married life. A monumental family row begins to brew on Saturday night while the Sunday ragu is being prepared in the kitchen. The row breaks on Sunday, the traditional day for family quarrels, and is finally and touchingly resolved on Monday.
The Tempest, director Stuart Draper
Shakespeare's masterful late romance opens with a tremendous storm which leaves a group shipwrecked on a mysterious and magical island. Ruling the land with the assistance of the sprite Ariel and the monstrous Caliban, the magician Prospero runs rings around the invaders, ncovering the long-forgotten usurpation of a kingdom, before resolution and forgiveness unite his daughter Miranda and Ferdinand, prince of Naples. A truly enchanting Christmas treat.
Hopefully there's something for everyone in the season so there's no excuse for not getting involved! We have worked closely with the Prompt Corner team in creating a balanced season for the theatre as a whole. Our aim has been to create a varied season for cast, crew and audience alike, which uses the best of our resources (people and material wise!), and will hopefully attract the crowds! Our thanks again to everyone who submitted, and apologies to those whose projects we were unable to include in the season.
As a reminder auditions usually take place four months before the month in which the performances are scheduled. I'm sure that all directors will be happy to talk through their ideas with anyone who's interested so grab them (or us) in the bar or get hold of their contact details!
Theatre Committee, Matt Bartlett, Liam Campbell, Elinor Morgan Jones
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