This page is a ‘work in progress’ taken from our show archives.
Please bear with us as we update the page as time allows.
1979 TATS Shows
1980 TATS Shows
1981 TATS Shows
1982 TATS Shows
1983 TATS Shows
2002 TATS Shows
1984 – 2001 TATS Shows
coming soon
TATS REVIEWS
“Cheshire Cats” 17th – 19th March 2016
Directed by Stephanie Munno
Cheshire Cats is a comic tribute to all those who participate in and marshal the Moonwalk and other charity walks everywhere.
The play follows five women who decide to do the London Moonwalk for breast cancer, as they go through the ups and downs of trying to get fit and then taking part in their brightly decorated bras, and cat ears – hence the name of their team – The Cheshire Cats. All of this is in an effort to raise money for charity.
Hilary, Siobhan, Yvonne, Vicky and Maggie are attempting to walk 13 miles across the capital in record time in their decorated bras and posh new trainers, but the 6th member of the team doesn’t seem to meet the physical criteria!
“Souvenirs” 20 – 22 November 2014
Directed by Glynis Northwood
TATS members presented a cheque for £1,200 to Cancer Research, the proceeds of ‘Souvenirs’, a charity revue staged in the village in November in memory of Roy Northwood.
The show was directed by Roy’s widow, Glynis, who travelled all the way from France for rehearsals!
“Rumours” – 15th – 17th May 2014
Directed by Jonathan Davis
| Cast | |
| Chris Gorman | Stephanie Munno |
| Ken Gorman | Rob Woods |
| Claire Ganz | Barbara DevinyLynn |
| Len Ganz | Ian Shadbolt |
| Ernie Cusack | John Murray |
| Cookie Cusack | Rosemary Gentry |
| Glenn Cooper | Andrew Taylor |
| Cassie Cooper | Carrie Walker |
| PC Pudney | Pauline Adams |
“Stepping Out” – 20th-23rd November 2013
Directed by Keeley Bootman
Stepping Out, which enjoyed a hugely successful West End run and won Evening Standard Best Comedy Award for 1984, is a warm and very funny play about the lives of a group of women (and one man) attending a weekly tap-dance class in a dingy North London church hall. This good-natured comedy from Richard Harris chronicles several months in the life of the eight students, who come from a variety of backgrounds and have his or her own reason for joining. For instance, Maxine, a confident, fast-talking saleswoman (and former Ovaltine dancer), is there on doctor’s orders, while self-sacrificing Andy participates because it is the only thing she does for herself. Whatever the cause, they make a point of coming every week to chat, relax and, if they can manage to, learn a couple of dance steps.
Led by Mavis, their eternally patient instructor, and accompanied by the acerbic pianist Mrs. Fraser, the students (who range from hopeless to competent) strive to master the basics of dance. But the steps and routines are just the background for the real focus of the play — the relationships and interactions of these ten very different people. By their final performance, not only have the class members developed some degree of skill, but they have also overcome the inhibitions, awkwardness and personality conflicts that have kept them out of sync.
| Cast | |
| Mavis | Lucy Nightingale |
| Mrs Fraser | Sandra Nightingale |
| Lynn | Claire Jenkins |
| Dorothy | Pauline Adams |
| Maxine | Stephanie Munno |
| Andy | Deborah Evans |
| Geoffrey | Jonathan Davis |
| Sylvia | Sue Jenkins |
| Rose | Rosemary Gentry |
| Vera | Jan Clemens |
| Stage hand | Matthew Watson |
| Crew | |
| Director & choreographer | Keeley Bootman |
| Prompt | Jane Davis |
| Stage management | Lily Bootman |
| Costumes | Penny Murray and Anne Milne |
| Music arrangement | Andy Stewart |
| Lighting | James Morris and John Murray |
| Set design | Eileen Moulang and Keeley Bootman |
| Set construction | John Murray & TATS members |
| Poster & programme | Deborah Evans & Deborah Duval |
| Raffle | Eileen Moulang |
| Front of House | TATS members |
| Bar | TATS members |
| Box Office | Central stores |
“An Inspector Calls” – 20th – 22nd June 2013
Directed by Ben Lusby
“Our Day Out” – 7th – 9th March 2013
Directed by Deborah Evans.
TATS revisited a show previously performed in Turvey 15 years ago.
“Calendar Girls” – 14th – 17th November 2012
Directed by Karen Pickwick and Michele Swales.
Calendar Girls was right up there with our best ever shows; it played to full houses every evening and the audience response during and after the show was tremendous. Well done to all associated with the show and particularly Karen, Michele and the Calendar Girls themselves. You were all fantastic.
The superb calendar featuring our own Calendar Girls has been spectacularly successful and has raised a very substantial 4 figure sum for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.
Dave’s Full House – 28th – 30th June 2012
Directed by jan Clemens, with a little help from her husband, award-wining TV writer Brian Clemens, who has also penned some material for Dave’s Full House.
An evening of ‘naughty but nice’ entertainment in tribute to David Chapman, with proceeds going to causes close to Dave’s heart, including St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger and The Prostate Cancer Charity.
| The Company | |
| Ladies: | |
| Pauline Adams, Barbara Deviny, Deborah Evans, Jennie Evans, Rosemary Gentry, Su Jenkins, Alex HAdland, Jane Hay, Roxanne Kennard, Eilean Moulang, Sandra Nightingale, Karen Pickwick, Lydia Pickwick, Carrie Walker | |
| Gentlemen: | |
| Tony Isherwood, Rob Kennard, Tom Lusby, John Murray, Phil Pickwick, Andre Taylor, Ian Shadbolt, Matthew Watson | |
| The Band | |
| Andy Stewart – Keyboard, Dave French – Drums, Babs Taylor – Flute & Saxaphone | |
| The Crew | |
| Show compiled by Jan & Brian Clemens | |
| Director | Jen Clemens |
| Choreographer | Keeley Bootman |
| Musical Director | Andy Stewart |
| Prompt | Anne Hickling |
| Wardrobe | Penny Murray & Anne Milne |
| Stage Manager | Charlotte Lucas |
| Lighting | Glynis Northwood & James Morris |
| Follow spot | Dan Lucas & Pippa Knowles |
| Sound | Sue Burgess & Tom Pickwick |
| Props | Charlotte Lucas |
| Set | Eilean Moulang, Penny Murray, John Murray, Karen Pickwick & TATS members & friends |
| Box Office | Central Stores, Turvey |
| Front of house | Penny Murray & TATS members & friends |
| Publicty & Programme | Karen Pickwick |
“Cluedunnit” – February 2012
Directed by Jonathan Davis
Cluedunnit was adapted for the stage and directed by Jonathan Davis (Captain Mainwaring and the ‘Beast’). The show is based on the cult comedy thriller Clue, which in turn was loosely based on the board game Cluedo.
| Cast | |
| Wadsworth | Andrew Taylor |
| Yvette | Leanne Hillier |
| The Cook | Sandra Nightingale |
| Colonel Mustard | Jon Davis |
| Mrs White | Keely Bootman |
| Mrs Peacock | Jane Davis |
| Miss Scarlet | Tracy Butler |
| Professor Plum | Ian Shadbolt |
| Mr Green | Martin Hargreaves |
| Mr Body | Ben Lusby |
| Motorist | Matthew Watson |
| The Cop | Tom Lusby |
| Singing Telegram | Carrie Walker |
| The Evangalist/Chief | Rod Petty |
| FBI Agents | Deborah Evans, Charlotte Lucas, Stephanie Munno |
“Call Me Madam” – 16th – 19th November 2011
Directed by Jan Clemens
In November TATS staged Irving Berlin’s musical extravanza, Call Me Madam.
It tells the story of the ‘Hostess with the Mostess’ and is a good-natured satire on politics and faoreign affairs. Sally Adams, a well-meaning but ill-informed socialite widow, is appointed US Ambassador to the fictional European country of Litchenberg. While there, the brash American, who has scant regard for protocol, manages to charm the local gentry, especially Cosmo Constantine, while her press attaché, Kenneth Gibson, falls in love with Litchenberg’s Princess Maria.
Call Me Madam is based on Washington DC hostess and Democratic Party fundraiser Perle Mesta, who was appointed Ambassador to Luxembourg in 1949. The Playbill distributed at each Broadway performance humorously noted that “neither the character of Mrs Sally Adams nor Miss Ethel Merman [in the title role] resemble any person living or dead.
”The stage show won a clutch of Tony awards including best original score and best performance by a leading actress in a musical. In 1953, 20th Century Fox made a film adaptation, starring Ethel Merman, George Sanders, Donald O’Connor, and Vera-Ellen.
“Beauty and the Beast” – 22nd – 25th June 2011
Directed by Keeley Bootman”
Beauty and the Beast” the musical is based on the Disney animated movie but it is not a children’s show or a pantomime, even though there are some very funny parts in it. It is a family musical designed for young and old.
Dad’s Army: 9th – 12th February 2011
Directed by Penny Murray and Eilean Moulang.
“Lark Rise” and “Candleford” 9th – 13th November 2010
Directed by Tim Brewster
Flora Thompson’s autobiographical trilogy was adapted for the National Theatre by Keith Dewhurst in 1978 as two separate plays – Lark Rise and Candleford.
These plays became famous for their innovative theatre and iconic music, selected, arranged and performed by the Albion Band. The music is an integral part of the plays, and ranges from traditional folk songs through musical hall to powerful folk-rock.
The plays present gentle, oftenhumorous tableaux of rural life in thelate 1800s, with little real narrative – rather different from the TV adaptation. Each playfollows the events of a single day – one in Summer, one in Winter.
Lark Rise (based on the Oxfordshire village of Juniper Hill) is set on the first day of harvest, with Laura (Flora’s character) aged 12.
Candleford takes place two years later, on the day of the first hunt meet of the year. Now 14, Laura has left home and is working at Candleford Green (Fringford) post office for her cousin Dorcas Lane.
Both plays feature poignant flashes forward to life beyond the villages.
Both plays were staged on alternate nights, with a double performance on the final Saturday.
To capture the feel of the original promenade productions, we used a thrust stage, largely surrounded by the audience.
The music was faithfully reproduced from the original by a live band.
Cast In order of appearance
Lark Rise
Laura (10) Bethany Crabb
Edmund (8) Jack Hartop
Albert Timms Andrew Barr
Emma Timms Su Jenkins
Bishie Ben Lusby
Boamer (Dick Tuffrey) Roy Taylor
Pumpkin Ian Shadbolt
Old Price Bill Prince
Old David (Dick’s father) Steve Machan
Sam Pridham Paul Jenkins
Mr. Morris Rod Petty
Fisher Alex Hales
Old Stutt Matthew Watson
Mrs. Spicer Barbara Deviny
Mrs. Blaby Carrie Walker
Mrs. Peverill Charlotte Lucas
Mrs. Miller Claire Jenkins
Old Sally Mary Lusby
Dick (Sally’s husband) Bill Prince
Old Postie Steve Machan
Mr Sharman (the Majo Ben Lusby
Doctor Leslie Smart
Carrier Roy Taylor
Grandfather (Emma’s father) Rod Petty
Queenie Macey Alex Hadland
Twister (Queenie’s husband) Ian Shadbolt
Jerry Parish (the fruit and fish seller) Bill Prince
Lark Rise children Eliz Findik, Eleanor McEwan
Martha Beamish Grace Venables
Mrs. Beamish Jane Hay
Squire Bracewell Leslie Smart
John Price (son of Old Price) Tom Morgan
Mrs. Andrews Sandra Nightingale
Garibaldi Jacket Carrie Walker
Cheapjack Steve Machan
Tramp Rod Petty
Polly (John Price’s girl) Claire Jenkins
Landlord Leslie Smart
Algy Matthew Watson
Rector Rod Petty
Candleford
Cinderella Doe Claire Jenkins
Laura (14) Louise Nichols Cook
Edmund (12) Tom Venables
Emma Timms Su Jenkins
Albert Timms Steve Machan
Mrs. Peverill Charlotte Lucas
Mrs. Blaby Carrie Walker
Landlord Leslie Smart
Dorcas Lane Alex Hadland
Zillah (Dorcas’ maid) Sandra Nightingale
Matthew Roy Taylor
Bill Andrew Barr
Bavour Ian Shadbolt
Solomon Ben Lusby
Thomas Brown (postman) Paul Jenkins
Mrs. Gubbins Barbara Deviny
Mrs. Macey Jane Hay
John Gaskin Tom Morgan
Robert Bowler Matthew Watson
Mr. Chitty Rod Petty
Sir Timothy (the squire) Leslie Smart
Sir Austin Tom Morgan
Mrs. Gascoigne Charlotte Lucas
Lavinia Claire Jenkins
Lavinia’s mother Carrie Walker
Huntsman Tom Lusby
Lady at the hunt ball Mary Lusby
Loony Joe Steve Machan
Cowman Jolliffe Bill Prince
Rev. Coulsdon Matthew Watson
Mr. Wilkins (the carrier) Steve Machan
Minnie Hickman Claire Jenkins
Ben Trollope Rod Petty
Tom Ashley Bill Prince
Mr. Cochrane (the postal inspector) Steve Machan
John (Laura’s future husband) Tom Lusby
Production Team
Director / Musical Director Tim Brewster
Assistant Director Jane Brewster
Stage Managers Penny Murray, Eilean Moulang
Lighting Lucy Taylor, James Morris, Carys Eaton
Sound David Nightingale, Tim Nightingale
Speech Coach Karen Pickwick
Props Penny Murray, Eilean Moulang, Mary Dunkley
Wardrobe Deborah Evans, Charlotte Lucas, Anne Milne
Publicity & Programme Karen Pickwick
Set Construction Andy Steele, Roy Taylor, Eilean Moulang
Band
Bassoon, Keyboard Polly Gough
Concertina, Guitar, Melodeon, Tim Brewster
Accordion, Tin Whistle, Harmonica
Drums Jane Brewster
Fiddle Ian Smith
Flugel Horn, Trumpet Margaret Stevenson
Guitar Ian Shadbolt
Trombone, Tuba Liz Schofield
Band Singers Bill Prince, Charlotte Lucas, Sandra Nightingale, Steve Machan, Ian Shadbolt & Tim Brewster
‘Allo ‘Allo: 19 – 22 May 2010
Directed by Karen Pickwick and Michele Swales.
Listen very carefully…TATS performed the stage version of the popular TV comedy ’Allo, ’Allo from May 19th-22nd 2010.
Goodnight Mr. Tom 3 – 6 March 2010
Directed by Lucy Taylor:
As many of you will know, Lucy Taylor (Nightingale) has been looking forward to directing Goodnight Mr Tom for TATS. This is the musical version of the play last seen on TV with John Thaw.
The King and I : 21 – 24 October 2009
Directed by Jan Clemens
Choreographed by Keeley Bootman
With thanks to Karen Pickwick and Jane Brewster for the photographs.
Bonaventure: 14 – 16 May 2009
Directed by Gill Whittle and Fiona Williams
A play by Charlotte Hastings.
| Cast: | |
| Nurse Phillips | Deborah Evans |
| Nurse Brent | Carrie Walker |
| Sister Josephine | Sandra Nightingale |
| Willy Pentridge | Andrew Taylor |
| Sister Mary Bonaventure | Rosemary Gentry |
| Dr Jeffreys | Jonathan Davis |
| The Mother Superior | Su Jenkins |
| Melling | David Chapman |
| Sarat Carn | Alex Hadland |
| Miss Pierce | Jane Hay |
| Martha Pentridge | Karen Pickwick |
My Fair Lady: 18 – 21 March 2009
Directed by Keeley Bootman
We are delighted to have engaged Keeley to direct one of the great (the greatest?) musical shows, My Fair Lady. Although TATS performed this show in 1994, it is such superb music and story line that we felt it should be done again.
Pirates of Penzance (Broadway Version): 12 – 15 November 2008
Directed by Carla McCormack
Musical Director: Kaye Tompkins
Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance was first produced in December, 1879 at the Bijou Theatre, in Paignton, Devon – and simultaneously at the Fifth Avenue Theatre, New York! It opened in London the following April.After more than a century of continuous productions around the English-speaking world, the popular – and very light-hearted – opera was given a new feel when it was produced on Broadway in 1981, running for 772 performances. This revival featured Kevin Kline as the Pirate King and Linda Ronstadt as Mabel. A 1983 film version featured Kline, Ronstadt and Angela Lansbury.
| Cast and Crew | |
| Cast: | |
| Frederic | Tom Lusby |
| Mabel | Naomi Mudd |
| Pirate King | Jonathan Davis |
| Major-General | Dave Chapman |
| Ruth | Jan Clemens |
| Samuel | Andrew Taylor |
| Police Sergeant | Gary Mudd |
| Edith | Deborah Evans |
| Kate | Lily Bootman |
| Isabel | Lucy Nightingale |
| Daughters | Olivia James, Violet Bootman, Pip Knowles, Jessica Corns, Poppy Lucas, Elizabeth Rose, Jane Hay |
| Pirates | Ben Lusby, John Murray, Richard Moon, Tanya James, Keeley Bootman, Su Jenkins, Sandra Nightingale, Mary Lusby |
| Police | Tanya James, Keeley Bootman, Su Jenkins, Sandra Nightingale, Mary Lusby |
| Dancer | Olivia James |
| Crew: | |
| Director | Carla McCormack |
| Choreography | Carla McCormack |
| Costumes | Anne Milne |
| Stage Management & Props | Mary Dunkley, Eilean Moulang, Penny Murray |
| Set Design | Carla McCormack, Eilean Moulang |
| Set Construction | John Murray, Andy Steele, Keith Cockings, Simon Evans, Paul Jenkins, Phil Pickwick and TATS members |
| Lights | Phil Pickwick |
| Sound | Tom Pickwick |
| Programme | Jane Hay |
| Advertising | Deborah Evans |
| Publicity | Karen Pickwick |
| Front of House | Penny Murray & TATS members |
| Bar | Paul Jenkins and TATS members |
| Village Hall preparation | Rosemary Gentry, Penny Murray and Charlotte Lucas |
| Box Office | Turvey Central Stores |
| Band: | |
| Musical director | Kaye Tompkins |
| Keyboards | Kaye Tompkins, Andrew Longland-Meech |
| Flute | Kate Brewster |
| Drums | Dave French |
Old Time Music Hall: 12 – 14 June 2008
Directed by Jan Clemens
TATS returned to a genre we have enthusiastically embraced over the years: the Old Time Music Hall. This time the show was devised by Jan & Brian Clemens and we had Jan Clemens directing, Tim Brewster as musical director and your very own Dave Chapman as Master of Ceremonies.
| Cast |
| Chairman: David Chapman |
| Ladies: Kate Brewster, Jannine Channon, Liz Fincham, Rosemary Gentry, Jane Hay, Jayne Holland, Tanya James, Su Jenkins, Charlotte Lucas, Ruth Lusby, Sandra Nightingale, Karen Pickwick, Lydia Pickwick |
| Gentlemen: Jonathan Davis, Martin Hargreaves, Mick Lacey, Ben Lusby, Tom Lusby, John Murray, Andrew Taylor, David Tobin |
| Featuring: The Bolivian Sunshine Dogs Band |
| Band | |
| Musical Director & Keyboard | Tim Brewster |
| Drums | David French |
| Trombone | Trombone |
| Backstage | |
| Director | Jan Clemens |
| Musical Director | Time Brewster |
| Choreographer | Jannine Channon |
| Lighting | Phil Pickwick |
| Sound | Tom Pickwick |
| Costume | Anne Milne & TATS members |
| Properties | Penny Murray & Mary Dunkley |
| Set | Eilean Moulang |
| Backstage | Kate Brewster, Mary Dunkley & Eilean Moulang |
| Prompt | Sandra Nightingale |
| Publicity & Programme | Karen Pickwick |
| Advertising | Deborah Evans |
| Raffle | Eilean Moulang |
| Front of House | Penny Murray & TATS members |
Too Far To Walk & Nights In The Gardens Of Spain 9 – 10 May 2008
Directed by Glynis Northwood
We were delighted to have engaged Glynis to direct one more play for TATS – she chose “Too Far to Walk”, a challenging play by Mary Morris, and “Nights In The Gardens of Spain” by Alan Bennett.
| Cast – Nights In The Gardens Of Spain | |
| Rosemary | Elizabeth Fincham |
| Cast – Too Far to Walk | |
| Clarissa | Su Jenkins (Friday performance) |
| Rosemary Gentry (Saturday performance) | |
| Olivia | Karen Pickwick (Friday performance) |
| Gillian Whittle (Saturday performance) | |
| Young Clarissa | Kate Brewster |
| Young Olivia | Lydia Pickwick |
| Richard | Andrew Taylor |
| Michael | Tom Lusby |
| Shop Assistant | Olivia James |
| Mental Patient | David Chapman |
| Police Officer | Tom Lusby |
| Production Team | |
| Director | Glynis Northwood |
| Prompt | Sandra Nightingale |
| Lighting | Phil Pickwick |
| Sound | Tom Pickwick |
| Set | John Murray, Eilean Moulang and TATS members |
| Properties | Eilean Moulang and Penny Murray |
| Costumes | Anne Milne and cast |
| Dressers | Lily Bootman and Olivia James |
| Publicity | Karen Pickwick |
| Front of House Manager | Penny Murray |
| Front of House & Bar | TATS members |
Mother Goose: 5 – 8 March 2008
Directed by Ruth Lusby
This was a great family show, complete with dame, principal boy, fairies, baddies, a life-size goose and great musical numbers – not to mention some truly dreadful jokes!
Cast and Crew
| Cast: | |
| Mother Goose | Dave Chapman |
| Billy Goose | Tom Lusby |
| Jill Goose | Lydia Pickwick |
| Colin | Nicola Atkinson |
| Clarence Creep | David Kestell |
| Sage | Keeley Bootman |
| Onions | Su Jenkins |
| Discord | Kate Brewster |
| Harmony | Olivia James |
| Priscilla | Lily Bootman |
| Fairy Queen | Rosemary Gentry |
| Fairies | Violet Bootman, Jess Corns, Jenny Evans, Sally Jermyn, Pip Knowles, Poppy Lucas |
| Chorus | Deborah Evans, Luca Hargreave, Vicky Jenner, Charlotte Lucas, Dan Lucas, Ben Lusby, Mary Lusby, Ian Shadbolt, Anne Williams |
| Backing Singers | Deborah Evans, Charlotte Lucas, Ruth Lusby |
| Band: | |
| MD, Piano and Guitar | Tim Brewster |
| Keyboard | Rob Brand |
| Drums | Dave French |
| Bass | Matthew Banes |
| Saxaphone & Clarinet | Tim Nightingale |
| Crew: | |
| Director | Ruth Lusby |
| Musical Director | Tim Brewster |
| Choreographer | Keeley Bootman |
| Backstage Team | Fiona Williams and John Murray |
| Wardrobe | Anne Milne, Keeley Bootman and Deborah Evans |
| Make-up | Tanys James and TATS members |
| Lighting Design | Glynis Northwood |
| Sound & Lighting | Tom Pickwick and Phil Pickwick |
| Scenery & Props | Eilean Moulang, Penny Murray, Mary Dunkley and TATS members |
| Set Construction | John Murray, Simon Evans and Eilean Moulang |
| Publicity & Programme | Karen Pcikwick and Tom Pickwick |
| Raffle | Eilean Moulang and Janet Cockings |
| Front of House | Penny Murray and TATS members |
| Prompt | Gillian Whittle |
Oliver: 14 – 17 November 2007
Directed by Jan Clemens
| Cast and Crew | |
| Cast: | |
| Oliver | Jamie Sharp |
| Artful Dodger | Sebastian James |
| Fagin | Jonathan Davis |
| Nancy | Charlotte Lucas |
| Mr Bumble | Dave Chapman |
| Widow Corney | Rosemary Gentry |
| Mr Sowerberry | Richard Moon |
| Noah Claypole | Joe Holt |
| Mrs Sowerberry | Sandra Nightingale |
| Bill Sikes | Roy Taylor |
| Mr Brownlow | Ben Lusby |
| Mrs Bedwin | Jane Hay |
| Dr Grimwig | Mick Lacey |
| Charlotte | Anne Williams |
| Bet | Nicola Atkinson |
| Charlie Bates | Dan Lucas |
| Old Sally | Mary Lusby |
| Old Lady | Laraine Coney |
| Pauper’s Assistants | Lily Bootman & Olivia James |
| Rose Seller | Kate Brewster |
| Milkmaid | Lydia Pickwick |
| Strawberry Seller | Liz Fincham |
| Knife Grinder | Phil Pickwick |
| Long Song Seller | Andrew Taylor |
| Bow Street Runners | Martin Hargreaves & Tom Lusby |
| Chairman | Neil MacMillan |
| Book Seller | David Kestell |
| Workhouse Children: | Jessica Corns, Ella Jenkins, Jennifer Evans, Violet Bootman, Emily Hales, Pip Knowles, Bethany Crabb, Poppy Lucas, Luca Hargrave, Rob Arrenberg, Jack Hartop, Massimo Burtoli |
| Fagin’s Gang: | Dan Lucas, Luca Hargrave, Rob Arrenberg, Jack Hartop, Massimo Burtoli |
| Male Chorus: | Andrew Taylor, Phil Pickwick, Neil MacMillan, Ben Lusby, David Kestell, Martin Hargreaves, Tom Lusby, Mick Lacey, Richard Moon, Joe Holt |
| Female Chorus: | Su Jenkins, Tanya James, Liz Fincham, Lucy Nightingale, Keeley Bootman, Laraine Coney, Mary Lusby, Deborah Evans, Olivia James, Lily Bootman, KAte Brewster, Lydia Pickwick, Sandra Nightingale, Anne Williams |
| Crew: | |
| Director | Jan Clemens |
| Musical director | Tim Brewster |
| Choreographer | Keeley Bootman |
| Stage Management & Props | John Murray, Eilean Moulang, Penny Murray, Mary Dunkley |
| Wardrobe | Anne Milne |
| Hair & make-up | TATS members |
| Lighting & Lighting Design | Glynis Northwood |
| Sound | Tom Pickwick |
| Set Design | Jan Clemens |
| Scenic Artists | Eilean Moulang & TATS members |
| Set Construction | John Murray, Simon Evans, Roy Northwood, Eilean Moulang |
| Publicity & Programme | Karen & Tom Pickwick and Michele Swales |
| Raffle | Eilean Moulang |
| Front of House | Penny Murray & TATS members |
| Prompt | Gillian Whittle |
| Band: | |
| Piano & MD | Tim Brewster |
| Drums | Dave French |
| Flugelhorn & Trumpet | Margaret Stevenson |
| Trombone | Peter Francis |
| Flute & Clarinet | Tim Nightingale |
| Bassoon | Polly Gough |
Man of the Moment: 7-9 June 2007
Directed by David Pibworth
TATS were delighted that David Pibworth agreed to direct our June 2007 play for us. David has connections with Alan Ayckbourn and chose his Man of the Moment which was written in 1988 .
Man of the Moment is the story of two men meeting some years after a bank robbery where one was the robber and the other the ‘have a go hero’ who tried to foil the robbery – which resulted in the woman he later married having a shotgun go off in her face!
They meet for a TV programme to see how their lives have changed since the bank robbery – the results are not as expected – it’s fair to say that this is a comedy of the ‘black’ variety!
| Cast | |
| Jil Rillington | Liz Curd |
| Vic Parks | David Chapman |
| Trudy Parks | Ruth Lusby |
| Kenny Collins | Andrew Taylor |
| Douglas Beechey | David Kestell |
| Sharon | Su Jenkins |
| Ruy | Phil Pickwick |
| Marta | Jane Clemens |
| Ashley | Charlotte Lucas |
| Cindy | Poppy Lucas |
| Crew | |
| Director | David Pibworth |
| Stage Manager | Penny Murray |
| Props | Mary Dunkley |
| Costumes | Anne Milne |
| Set Design & Construction | Eilean Moulang, Andy Steele, John Murray, Roy Northwood |
| Lighting | Glynis Northwood, Roy Northwood, Tom Pickwick |
| Sound | Tom Pickwick |
| Prompt | Sandra Nightingale |
| Front of House | Rosemary Gentry & TATS members |
| Hairdresser | Lynn Mallett |
| Raffle | Eilean Moulang |
| Programme | Karen Pickwick |
| Advertising | Lydia and Tom Pickwick |
| Box Office | Central Stores |
Friend or Foe:
Directed by Ruth Lusby
TATS presented the world premiere of Friend or Foe – a musical adaptation by Ruth Lusby of the children’s novel by Michael Morpurgo
Those of you who know Ruth Lusby realise that there ismore to her than meets the eye – she has certainly come a long way since being a member of the weasel chorus in Wind in the Willows just a couple of years ago. She has gone from strength to strength in TATS shows, taking major parts as the Arbiter in Chess, the March Hare in Alice in Wonderland and Fiona in Brigadoon.
In our recent production, Ruth demonstrated her talents as a scriptwriter and composer with her musical adaptation of Friend or Foe, a children’s novel written by the former Children’s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo. This is a touching tale of a moral dilemma faced by two young evacuees during the Second World War, set to some wonderful music composed by Ruth.
Friend or Foe is a family show in more ways than one – not only were Ruth’s parents, Ben and Mary, both involved with the production, but Michael Morpurgo is Mary’s cousin!
Ruth was ably assisted by TATS stalwart Rob Brand as Musical Director and newcomer to TATS Janine Channon as choreographer .
| Cast | |
| Davey | Sebastian James |
| Tucky | Dan Lucas |
| Jerry Reynolds | Peter Davies |
| Anne Reynolds | Cathy Swift |
| Mother | Tanya James |
| German pilot | Richard Moon |
| German co-pilot, Guard, Reporter | Andrew Taylor |
| Miss Evers, Female Principle Dancer | Keeley Bootman |
| Miss Roberts | Francesca Mack |
| Mr Cooper | Dave Chapman |
| Captain Franks | Ben Lusby |
| Lieutenant Price | Alex Smallwood |
| Home Guard: | Alex Smallwood, Dave Chapman, Joe Holt, Mick Lacey, John Murray, Roy Taylor |
| Mrs Ogden | Rosemary Gentry |
| Mrs Field | Jane Hay |
| Ticket Collector | Mick Lacey |
| Mrs Browning, River Diva, Vocalist, Land girl | Charlotte Lucas |
| Mrs Dudley, River Diva, Vocalist, Land girl | Helen Smallwood |
| Mrs Thompson, Landgirl, Vocalist | Kate Brewster |
| Mrs Wright, Vocalist | Deborah Evans |
| Land girl, Vocalist | Lydia Pickwick |
| Male Principle Dancer | Roy Taylor |
| Female Chorus | Mary Lusby |
| Town Children: | |
| Paul Alfie Rose Joan Betty Polly Daisy |
James Jermyn Jonathan Hargreaves Jenny Evans Vicky Jenner Pip Knowles Poppy Lucas Violet Bootman |
| Country Children: | |
| Flo Bill Tom Angela Josie Rachel Kevin |
Ella Jenkins Joe Holt Tom Brewster Lily Bootman Alice Barr Sophie Lansbury Luca Hargrave |
| Chorus Children: | Jessica Corns, Aubaney Guerin, Emily Hales, Jack Hartop, Saskia James |
| Crew | |
| Director | Ruth Lusby |
| Musical Director | Rob Brand |
| Choreographer | Jannine Channon |
| Prompt | Olivia James |
| Stage Management & Props | Lucy Nightingale, Eilean Moulang, John Murray and Mary Dunkley |
| Lighting & Sound | Glynis & Roy Northwood, Tom Pickwick, Dave Jones & Lucy Nightingale |
| Set Design & Construction | Ruth Lusby, John Murray, Andy Steele & TATS members |
| Scenic Artist | Eilean Moulang & friends |
| Costumes | Jan Clemens & helpers |
| Hairdresser | Lynn Mallett |
| Publicity & Programme | Karen & Tom Pickwick, Cathy Swift & Jane Hay |
| Raffle | Eilean Moulang |
| Front of House | Penny Murray & TATS members |
| DVD | Martin Hargreaves |
Brigadoon: 15th – 18th November 2006
Directed by Jan Clemens
TATS’ big musical production this year was Lerner and Loewe’s magical Brigadoon. The award-winning show, which features the songs Almost Like Being in Love and The Heather on the Hill, among others, is set in the Scottish Highlands in 1946 – or so it seems!
In fact, the town of Brigadoon appears only once every 100 years and when two American tourists stumble upon it, they find themselves back in 1746.
According to legend, no-one from Brigadoon may ever leave the village – or the enchantment will be broken and all its inhabitants will vanish into the mist forever. So, when the Americans arrive, just as a wedding is about to be celebrated, it has serious implications for the village and its people…
TOO RISQUÉ……
The original Broadway production opened in 1947, running for 581 performances and winning a Tony award for Agnes De Mille’s choreography. It also won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, and has had many well-received revivals over the years.
A film version of Brigadoon, directed by Vincente Minnelli, was released by MGM in 1954 with Gene Kelly, Van Johnson and Cyd Charisse in the leading roles. The censors refused to allow the use of two songs from the stage version – The Love of My Life and My Mother’s Wedding Day – as the lyrics were considered too risqué for general audiences. They are, of course, back for the TATS’ version!
EVIL CURSE….
Lerner’s story was based on a much older German story by Friedrich Gerstacker about the mythical, German village of Germelshausen that fell under an evil, magic curse. In 1947, memories of the Second World War were too fresh to present a German-themed musical on Broadway, so Lerner moved the story in Scotland, complete with tartan kilts, bonnie lassies, bagpipes, Highland flings and Heather on the Hill.
His name for his imaginary locale was probably based on a well-known Scottish landmark, the Brig o’ Doon (Bridge of Doon), in Alloway, Scotland, in the heart of Robert Burns country. According to Burns’ epic poem Tam o’Shanter, this 13th century stone bridge is where the legendary Tam fled to escape from three witches. Other sources suggest that “Brigadoon” was constructed from the Gaelic words: briga which means ‘strife’, and dùn which means ‘hill, hill fort, or hill village’ . It could also be a corrupted Scots-English spelling of ‘Break of Dawn’, which, given the village’s state of existence, seems to make the most sense.
| Cast | |
| Tommy Albright | Andrew Taylor |
| Jeff Douglas | Jimmy Brown |
| Angus Macmonies | Mick Lacey |
| Donald Ritchie | Dave Chapman |
| Sandy | Su Jenkins |
| Maggie Abernethy | Keeley Bootman |
| Harry Ritchie | Neil Macmillan |
| Meg Brockie | Rosemary Gentry |
| Andrew Mackeith | John Murray |
| Fiona | Ruth Lusby |
| Jean | Lydia Pickwick |
| Charlie Cameron | Martin Hargreaves |
| Mr Murdoch | John Geerts |
| Frank | Phil Pickwick |
| Jane Ashton | Liz Curd |
| Sword dancers | Keeley Bootman and Tanya James |
| Chorus – Singers | Heather Buxton, Adam Buxton, Jane Hay, Sandra Nightingale, Laraine Coney, Justine Dalton, Vanessa Elliot, Liz Curd, Violet Bootman |
| Chorus – Dancers | Deborah Evans, Hattie Bloxham, Charlotte Lucas, Tanya James, Olivia James, Lily Bootman |
| Crew | |
| Director | Jan Clemens |
| Musical Director | Andy Stewart |
| Choreographer | Keeley Bootman |
| Stage Management & Props | Penny Murray, Mary Dunkley & Eilean Moulang |
| Lighting & Sound | Glynis Northwood & Tom Pickwick, Sebastian James & Michele Swales |
| Set Design & Construction | Jan Clemes, John Murray, Simon Evans, Andy Steele & TATS members |
| Scenic Artist | Eilean Moulang & friends |
| Costumes | Anne Milne |
| Publicity & Programme | Karen & Tom Pickwick |
| Raffle | Eilean Moulang |
| Front of House | Sandra Nightingale & TATS members |
| Band | |
| Keyboard | Andy Stewart |
| Drums | Dave French |
| Bass Guitar/Accordian | Tim Brewster |
| Viola | Kate Brewster |
Just a Few Words (and Songs!) : 8 – 10 June 2006
Directed by ?
Show raises £1,640 for Willen Hospice
The TATS variety show Just a Few Words (and Songs!) – was a huge success, playing to packed houses and raising £1,640 for Willen Hospice.
The show, which ran for three nights in June, was a tribute to TATS stalwart Doug Dunkley, who sadly died last year. Doug’s son, Chris, worked hard behind the scenes as well as playing a leading part on stage. Doug’s widow, Mary, said she and her family would like to thank everyone involved in the show for their great support.
TATS chairman John Murray said “It is, I think, a testament to the affection that people had for Doug that so many wanted to take part in this show.” (Just a Few Words may well now hold the TATS record for the greatest number of participants!)
The production featured popular songs from the shows as well as classic sketches and readings. Musicals featured included Salad Days (one of Doug’s favourites), Carousel, West Side Story and Oklahoma! TATS youth members performed medleys from Oliver and Grease.
Alice in Wonderland 8 – 11 February 2006
Directed by Jan Clemens
TATS’ production of Alice in Wonderland – a pantomime with a twist! This adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s much-loved tale was staged at Turvey Village Hall from February 8-11 2006 and included a Saturday matinée performance.The family show was directed by Jan Clemens and featured all the usual panto mayhem and some great musical numbers.
| Cast | |
| Alice | Lydia Pickwick |
| Duchess/Queen | Dave Chapman |
| White Rabbit | Liz Curd |
| Caterpillar | Andrew Taylor |
| Tweedle Dum | Su Jenkins |
| Tweedle Dee | Cathy Swift |
| Cheshire Cat | John Geerts |
| Cook | Rosemary Gentry |
| Mad Hatter | Martin Hargreaves |
| March Hare | Ruth Lusby |
| Dormouse | Lily Bootman |
| Knave of Hearts | Sebastian James |
| King of Hearts | Jamie Sharp |
| Ace of Spades | Annie Partridge |
| Stagehand | John Murray |
| Joker | Mick Lacey |
| Animals | Kate Brewster, Fran Crowsley, Emma Mesney, Volet Bootman, Adam Deacon, Bethany Veale, Olivia James, Victoria Jenner, Danielle Sharp |
| Cards | Sandra Nightingale, Jane Hay, Joe Holt, Nicola Atkinson, Lauren Walsh, Ella Jenkins, Jessica Corns, Sophie Lansbury |
| Band | |
| Keyboard | Rob Brand |
| Saxaphone/Clarinet | Andy Stewart |
| Drums | Dave French |
| Guitar | Tim Brewster |
| Trumpet | Nicholas Evans |
| Clarinet | Emily Taylor |
| Crew | |
| Director | Jan Clemens |
| Musical Director | Rob Brand |
| Choreographer | Keeley Bootman |
| Stage Management & Props | Penny Murray, Mary Dunkley, Eilean Moulang |
| Lighting Design & Lighting | Glynis Northwood, Tom Pickwick & Tony Isherwood |
| Sound | Will Jenkins |
| Set Design | Jan Clemens |
| Set Construction | Andy Steele, John Murray, Tony Isherwood & Friends |
| Scenic Artists | Eilean Moulang & Friends |
| Costumes | Anne Milne |
| Make-up Design | Sharon Rai |
| Make-Up | Sharon Rai, Tanya James, Jan Clemens, Wendy Steele & Helen Edwards |
| Publicity & Programme | Karen Pickwick |
| Advertising | Tom Pickwick |
| Raffle | Eilean Moulang |
| Front of House | TATS Members |
Chess: 23rd – 26th November 2005
Directed by Glynis Northwood
Our major musical this year was Chess. Chess brought new challenges to the Society, as there is very little spoken dialogue, the story is revealed through music.
Chess encompasses a range of musical styles from rock to operetta. The musical, written by Abba stars, Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, together with Tim Rice, was directed by Glynis Northwood.
The show portrays (almost entirely in music), the story of the intense rivalry in international chess between two real 1980s grandmasters from the US and the USSR as it then was. It contains the classic ingredients of international intrigue, competition and extra-marital affairs!
The music is truly outstanding, including many well known numbers (songs you know even though you may not recognise the title), for example “One Night In Bangkok”, “I Know Him So Well”, Mountain Duet”, “Anthem” and many more.
TATS had several new members making their maiden appearance, both in principal roles, and in the chorus and choir.
| Cast and Crew: | |
| Cast | |
| Florence Vassy | Carla McCormack |
| Anatoly Sergievsky | Rob Puckett |
| Frederick Trumper | Martin Grover |
| Alexander Molokov | John Murray |
| The Arbiter | Ruth Lusby |
| Walter De Courcey | Andrew Taylor |
| Svetlana Sergievsky | Pauline Corbyn |
| Vigand | Martin Hargreaves |
| American Delegate | Liz Curd |
| Russian Delegate | Andy Steele |
| Merano Mayor | Phil Pickwick |
| Diplomats | Rosemary Gentry, Jan Clemens, Cathy Swift, Lucy Nightingale |
| Choir | Sandra Nightingale, Lucy Nightingale, Cathy Swift, Rosemary Gentry, Jan Clemens, JAne Brewster, Mick Lacey |
| Chorus and Choir | Liz Curd, Helen Edwards, Eilean Moulang, Andy Steele, Martin Hargreaves, Lucy Nightingale, Lydia Pickwick, Phil Pickwick, Fran Crowsley, Danielle Sharp, Pam Cowley, Kate Brewster, Ella Jenkins, Sue jenkins |
| Crew | |
| Director | Glynis Northwood |
| Musical Director | Andy Stewart |
| Vocal Coach | Rob Brand |
| Keyboards | Andy Stewart, Rob Brand, Mike Gibbons |
| Drums | Dave French |
| Guitars | Tim Brewster |
| Wind | Babs MacDonald |
| Wardrobe | Anne Milne |
| Stage Management/Props | Penny Murray and Mary Dunkley |
| Hair and Make-up | Wendy Steele |
| Lighting and Lighting Design | Ed Steele, Tom Pickwick and Glynis Northwood |
| Sound | Will Jenkins , Time Brewster and Ed Steele |
| Publicity | Karen Pickwick |
| Set Construction | John Murray, Andy Steele, Roy Northwood, Ed Steele, Ruth Lusby and Eileen Moulang |
| Raffle | Eileen Moulang |
| Front of House and Bar | TATS Members |
The Wind In The Willows: 9 – 12 february 2005
Directed by Cathy Swift
TATS’ recent production was a musical adaptation of Kenneth Graham’s The Wind in the Willows. The show, directed by Cathy Swift, ran at the Village Hall from February 9-12.
John Morley’s script brings the well-loved characters of Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger to life, adds some new ones and weaves a splendid adventure, which Cathy felt was sure to delight family audiences.
Reactions and feedback from people who came to see the show suggest that she was right! and, though not a traditional panto, The Wind in the Willows nonetheless featured a pantomime horse as well as providing the cast with opportunities for cross-dressing!
Cathy promised that there would be plenty of audience participation, and there was!
Thanks to Janet and Keith Cockings, Turvey Village Hall, Dave Pibworth of Milton Keynes Theatre of Comedy for the loan of the car.
Scrooge: November 2004
Directed by Jan Clemens
TATS’ pre-Christmas production of Scrooge, featuring an enormous cast and some impressive costumes and special effects, played to packed houses in Turvey Village Hall. Every performance, including the Saturday matinée was a sell-out.
Many thanks to John Howlett in the TATS ‘box office’ at Central Stores.
The title role of the famous miser from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was played by the talented Jimmy Brown (complete with wig borrowed from the Royal Shakespeare Company!) and the part of Tiny Tim was shared over the five performances by 2 Turvey lads.
As always, there were several ‘family’ groups in the show, including Jamie and his sister, Danielle; Sebastian and his sisters, Olivia and Saskia; Lucy and Sandra Nightingale; Claire and Su Jenkins; Maddy and Alan Van Gortal; Lydia and Phil Pickwick; and Kate and Tom Brewster (with dad Tim in the band).
The Gut Girls: June 2004
Directed by Cathy Swift
“Humane and hugely funny” was how the Financial Times described Sarah Daniels’ sometimes shocking play The Gut Girls, when it opened at London’s Albany Empire in 1988.
Time Out, London reported: “Regarded as little better than whores by their contemporaries, the gut girls are portrayed in this vigorous and intelligent play as a boisterous, beer-swilling, strong-minded bunch, handy with a knife both in the gutting shed and outside it, definitely independent in attitude and scornful of the illusion of male supremacy.
TAT’S production, directed by Cathy Swift, was based on real events and set against the unlikely backdrop of a slaughterhouse in late Victorian Deptford. It traced the lives of girls who worked in the gutting sheds and how their fortunes are changed forever when the sheds are closed down. The efforts of the well-meaning Lady Helena to convert the rough and ready girls into young ladies – and find them alternative employment – are not without their tragic consequences.
Cinderella: 2004
Directed by Jan Clemens.
The script was specially penned for TATS by Brian Clemens (of The Avengers, Highlander and The Professionals fame, to name but a few of his many productions).
Cinderella is one of the oldest and best-known tales in the world, with about 1,500 versions recorded dating from at least as far back as the tenth century. Versions of the story are known in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America and it has probably attracted more scholarly study than any other tale in the history of folklore.
The popular Disney film of Cinderella is based on the Charles Perrault version, first recorded in 1687 and published in France as Histoires ou Contes du Temps Passe or Tales of Times Past. This was translated into English in the Stories of Mother Goose and Cinderella soon became as popular here as it was in France.
Another widely-known version is Ashcenputtel by the Brothers Grimm, which was published in Germany in 1812. In this story, the help comes from a wishing tree rather than a fairy godmother and the two sisters cut off parts of their feet to try to fit them into the slipper!Cinderella made its pantomime debut in 1804 – at the Drury Lane theatre in London – and there were more than 90 stage productions during the 19th Century.More recently, the story has inspired many books, musicals and films, including The Slipper and the Rose and Roald Dahl’s own wicked version in rhyme – a long way from the original tale which may well have made its way to Europe from Asia.
The story appeared in The Miscellaneous Record of Yu Yang, a book dating from the T’ang dynasty, which ended in 907 AD.But each version shares a common theme – that the cruel and thoughtless eventually get their just reward, as do those who are kind and good.
TATS’ pantomime for 2004 took place exactly 25 years after the inaugural TATS production of Dick Whittington and formed part of their silver jubilee celebrations.
Nostalgia: 2003
Directed by ?
Director’s Note: It has been great fun to look back over the last 25 years and put together a programme to reflect some of our productions.There have been so many memorable shows over the years, too many to include something from all of them.Looking back has been tinged with sadness for some of us older hands, thinking of friends who are no longer with us and remembering their talent and all they gave to the society.
Here’s to the next 25 years and to our younger members who will take TATS forward. Your hosts for the evening are: Rosemary Gentry, John Murray and Liz Curd
TATS gratefully acknowledges the kindness of … John Howlett of Central Stores for managing the Box Office, Reg Pearson from The Robin Hood at Clifton Reynes, Janet & Keith Cockings of Turvey Village Hall.
Daisy Pulls It Off: 2003
Directed by Glynis Northwood
Denise Deegan’s Daisy Pull It Off, which enjoyed a long and successful West End run when it was presented by Andrew Lloyd Webber at The Globe Theatre, is a parody of life in a posh “gels” boarding school.
Daisy Meredith – a jolly good sort – is the first scholarship girl to be accepted by the elite Grangewood School for Young Ladies. Needless to say, all does not run smoothly for our heroine when she enters the confines of snooty Grangewood and encounters snobbish Sybil Burlington and her toady sidekick, Monica Smithers. But will poor (but honourable) Daisy, with the support of new-found friend Trixie Martin, win through against accusations of cheating and the threat of expulsion? And will the plucky pair save the fortunes of the doomed Beaumont family and secure the future of Grangewood?
In the best traditions of schoolgirl novels, there are midnight feasts, hidden treasure and, of course, jolly hockey sticks to enjoy along the way – not to mention the odd lost memory, Russian “spy” and clifftop rescue!
What they said about Daisy Pulls It Off:
Sunday Express “…Perfectly ripping, absolutely spiffing, not to mention ‘scrummy’ entertainment…”
Financial Times “…most excitingly written…”
Sunday Telegraph “…written in the spirit of affectionate, sharp-eyed, keen-eared pastiche…”
Director’s Note: This has been a very happy production and I hope that you will enjoy sharing in Daisy’s adventures. We are very fortunate as a society to have so many young, talented and enthusiastic members. Their commitment and enjoyment has made my job very easy – it is not often that lines are learnt so quickly. I have also been very fortunate in the support that the young cast and I have received from our adult members both as performers and behind the scenes.
Guys and Dolls: 2003
Directed by ?
The story is set in downtown New York in the era of the gangsters. Nathan Detroit is a loveable rogue who, desperate to pay for his floating crap game, bets Sky Masterson $1,000 that Sky will not be able to take Salvation Army girl Sarah Brown to Cuba.
While Sky works on Sarah, Nathan battles with his fiancée of 14 years, Miss Adelaide. To Sky’s shock, he ends up falling in love with Sarah and, when he returns to New York, bets all the members of the crap game that if he wins his roll of the dice, they will have to go to a prayer meeting in the Mission. If he loses, he will give them each $1,000. Needless to say, the gamblers end up at the prayer meeting to repent their sins, with Nicely Nicely Johnson singing the famous Sit Down You’re Rocking The Boat. But do the two couples finally get together in fine musical tradition?
Guys & Dolls is based on the stories of Damon Runyon – and many actors have played his larger than life toughies-with-a-heart-of-gold, characters with whimsical names, among them (on film) Bob Hope as the Lemon Drop Kid and Sorrowful Jones, Shirley Temple as Little Miss Marker and Bette Davis as Apple Annie.
The musical first saw the light of day on Broadway in November, 1950. It was an instant hit, with a run of 1,200 performances netting more than $12m dollars and was hailed as one of the few masterworks of the American musical theatre. It won every award possible, ran for three years – and has been frequently revived ever since.
The original cast included Vivian Blaine and Stubby Kaye (later to repeat their roles in the film starring Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando and Jean Simmons ). Curiously, the most popular song in the show, Bushel & A Peck, was dropped from the movie!
It is a show particularly admired by professional lyricists, as it brilliantly captures the original writer’s unique prose style and faithfully reproduces it in song. Only Lional Bart’s evocation of Dickens in Oliver has come even half way close to this achievement. It is the only musical that Sir Laurence Olivier ever wanted to appear in! Way back in the Sixties it was he who generated the idea of the National Theatre mounting a production of Guys & Dolls, in which he intended playing Nathan Detroit. Sadly, illness intervened and so what particular magic he might have brought to this role we shall never know. Happily though, the seed he planted eventually grew, when the National presented its first production starring Julia McKenzie and Bob Hoskins – 25 years later!
Since then there have been many more successful productions, the latest being on Broadway, starring Nathan Lane and Peter Gallagher.
Annie 2002
Directed by ?
Set against a backdrop of Manhattan in the midst of the Great Depression, Annie follows the rags-to-riches story of an 11-year-old orphan.Annie’s only hope is to escape the New York orphanage run by the tyrannical Miss Hannigan. Will billionaire Daddy Warbucks finally make her dreams come true?The musical was based on Harold Gray’s Little Orphan Annie comic strip. Lyricist and director Martin Charnin convinced initially sceptical playwright Thomas Meehan and composer Charles Strouse to adapt the cartoon for the stage.Annie first opened on Broadway in April, 1977, running for 2,377 performances – making it one the longest running musicals of the 1970s. The following year it opened at the Victoria Palace in London, where it enjoyed a hugely successful run.The movie version, starring Albert Finney, Aileen Quinn, Ann Reinking and Carol Burnett, followed in 1982. Despite being described as “entertaining” by critics, the film was a major financial disaster and won a Golden Raspberries award for Worst Supporting Actress.
Songs include Tomorrow, Little Girls, I Think I’m Going to Like it Here, Easy Street, You Won’t Be an Orphan for Long, Maybe, A New Deal for Christmas and You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.
T.A.T.S would like to thank the following people for their help and support: John Howlett, Janet and Keith Cockings, Tim from the Three Fishes, Charles Street, Tim Brewster.
Blithe Spirit: 2002
Directed by ?
Snow White: 2002
Directed by ?
The Music Man: 2001
Directed by ?
Sound of Music: 2000
Directed by ?
Oklahoma: 2000
Directed by ?
Cornucopia: 1998
Directed by ?
Pack of Lies: by Hugh Whitemore 21 – 23 November 1991
Directed by ?
The play takes place in a suburb of London during the autumn and winter of 1960-61. The main events of this story are true.