We don’t like barriers, rules or conventions. We welcome new members! www.freewheelerstheatre.co.uk Contact Viv Colvill 01932 860950 01932 860950

The Freewheelers Theatre Company is a Community Interest Company limited by guarantee, registered in England No 5994867. Reg.Office: P O Box 339 Cobham KT11 9BD

Have you met a non-disabled person who made you feel like you were from a separate world? Have you felt awkward about how to behave when meeting a disabled person?

We want your stories…
The Freewheelers are exploring the meeting point between two worlds that shouldn’t be separate – between disabled people and non-disabled people. And we are researching people’s stories of moments when they were treated by others as being different or separate. Or moments where they suddenly felt awkward, separate or apart.

Please send us your story… It could be in text, video, audio or another creative format. Please also let us know if you are happy for us to feature your story on our web site www.freewheelerstheatre.co.uk We are happy to make them “anonymous” so your name isn’t published. You can upload files at http://www. freewheelerstheatre.co.uk/projects/feedback-form or email kareng@freewheelerstheatre.co.uk

Our June meeting will be the last before the summer break. The speaker will be Tim Harrold who has recently retired as the Chairman of the Surrey branch of The Campaign To Protect Rural England; but remains Chairman of the Guildford Branch and is on the board of Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty.

Our speaker in April was Bob Spackman. Bob has been involved, from the beginning, in the community fruit and vegetable growing co-operative for East and West Horsley. This project is aptly named Grace and Flavour and is situated in Dene Place on land owned by the National Trust. After two years of negotiations, planning permission has finally been granted. The project is open to every resident in the village, and anyone outside the village, wishing to take part, can do so by invitation. Sixty people have started the hard work of clearing the ground of rubbish and nettles. Bob said the ground was a wilderness and he had never seen nettles like the ones that had become established. He handed round photographs of the garden before the clearance and subsequently during and after the efforts of those involved. One of the photographs showed our Chairman, Charles Hope, hard at work. Work has involved planting up pots, clearing land which has revealed established paths, and making the garden safe. A photograph featured one of the founder members – Des Hollier, who sadly died recently. Des was extremely supportive of the walled garden project alongside many other projects in the village. The central path in the garden will be named Hollier Avenue in his memory as this was one of the areas that was cleared by Des. In the orchard there are a great variety of apples, many of them with the old flavours that are no longer to be found in our supermarkets. The old greenhouses have been turned into a herb garden and the bricks will be used to construct a car park. There are plans for a picnic and playground area. The potting shed is to become a meeting area for members with a creche etc. A pond is planned to encourage toads and newts . On behalf of our Prompt Corner members, I should like to wish Bob and all his volunteers the great success that they all deserve and trust that all the work that has gone into this superb venture will become a great asset to the Horsleys.

If any member, due to attend the next luncheon is unable to do so, please telephone 01483 283507 by Sunday, 13th June .

Mary Brooks

Actors and audience share an intimate, ‘warts and all‘,’ space, especially as, in a mad moment, I chose to place the audience on three sides of the acting area of approximately 25 square metres. I have had to recall that, despite the wonderful tolerance of theatre-goers, nobody only wants to see an actor’s back for an evening. I’ve never played 3D chess but I don’t imagine it is that much more difficult!

However, in case any of the foregoing is in danger of putting you off seeing ‘Splendour’ let me assure you that you are destined for an exciting hour and a half of theatre at its most vivid and challenging. You will also be witnessing some fine performances from the four actresses; Mary, Diane, Anna and Wendy are already, at half way through the rehearsal period, producing some truly astonishing and riveting performances. The intimacy of the Studio will, I am sure, only increase the claustrophobia of the four women’s plight as they await the return of the dictator. Be with them in the dying embers of the regime. It may not be an easy play but it is a rewarding one.

Ian Nichols

The first long distance rally from Peking to Paris took place in 1907 when there were no roads in China. Six cars turned up in Peking, one got lost in the Gobi desert, fortunately discovered by tribesmen after two days, the rest made it to Paris. In 1997 Gerry drove his one and a half litre 1932 Aston Martin where there were still no roads and again in 2007 where great improvements had been made. Also Gerry and his wife journeyed through the Gobi Desert, Mongolia and Siberia in a 1931 Ford. Gerry was struck by the friendliness and the resourcefulness of the people in every country he visited, including Iran. He finds children the same the world over and some humans only change when they grow up. Government officials are another matter. Communications and the dramatic impact of the change in the climate are the two most noticeable changes. In China, millions of trees are being planted to stop the desert coming into the towns. In ten years, the use of mobile phones has transformed life for those living in even the smallest villages, and are now used throughout the developing countries. A big change is the satellite dishes and solar panels just outside each village. This can only be a short summary of Gerry’s talk, which was so interesting and informative and of course there were many questions from our members, not only after his talk but outside the theatre where Gerry had parked his Aston Martin.

Alan Baker has been a member of Prompt Corner since its inception and was at our last meeting in February, five days before his death. He enjoyed the talk so much. We shall miss him.

Our speaker in March will be Angela Ashton; a part-time adult education tutor teaching first aid for schools and colleges. Her talk is entitled House Of Treason – a whistle stop illustrated trip through history and a few of the Howard family, Dukes of Norfolk since 1483.

Our speaker in April will be Bob Spackman. His talk will be entitled Grace and Flavour. This project is a communal vegetable garden in an old walled garden in Dene Place, on National Trust Property, which has been derelict for years.

Members will now have received notification of our annual trip to Chichester either by letter or email. Could you please fill in the form and make the cheque out to the Nomads.

This can be brought to Prompt Corner to save postage. If any member, due to attend the next meeting, is unable to do so, please telephone 01483-283507 by Sunday, 14th March, 2010.

Mary Brooks

The sets were simple but effective, and having a fly tower makes using backcloths a quick and efficient way of changing scenes. I particularly liked the moveable bush! On the whole, lighting was good but there were occasions when the musical numbers were seriously underlit at the front of the stage area, making the principals disappear, especially during the Mambo and Bad Guys. I would have liked a snappier ‘black out’ after the cake scene. The sound balance was good; well done James Marr for not overpowering the voices, although in the ‘rock’ numbers in the second act it was a little difficult to hear all the words. Occasionally Puss and Dame Hettie were a little under- projected. I loved the costumes, which were colourful and gorgeous. What a treat to have a change of costumes for the finale!

The opening scene set the tone of the evening with colour and good harmony, but where were the smiles in the back row? There were times when the action was in ‘straight lines’ and this should be watched. The juniors were well rehearsed and constantly smiling, apart from the ‘bunnies routine’, which might have needed more work.

Melanie Kemp (Jack) was a ‘proper’ principal boy with good attack, presence and voice. Elaine Burns (Puss) was suitably clever and moved well (I would have liked her to have black claws – but this is personal!). I would also have liked a little more ‘swaggering’ but again this is personal. I thought Chris Rozier (Dame Hettie) was delightfully OTT and filled the stage well. Maurice Buckley (King Herbert) was beautifully over-ruled by Rae Ann Wightwick (Queen Mildred). Kayleigh Melluish (Princess Alice) was beautiful (as she should be) and Richard Peachey (Lord Roger) was suitably villainous. Nathan Farrell and Stuart Tomkins (henchmen) played their comedy to the hilt and were a joy to watch. Paul Asher (narrator) was clear, pointed and played straight with tongue in cheek.

All in all, an excellent evening’s entertainment with good corny jokes – a proper panto performed well! Congratulations Jeff and Nomads. Thanks to you all, and I look forward to your next production.

Danny Sparkes

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The virtually imperceptible changes of scene achieved by the very simple readjustment of two chairs, a few simple props but mainly by the clever changes of table covering were hugely successful and effective. Again, the content was the main focus and not the “things”.

There was some spectacular use of back projection; a simple but very effective way of changing our consciousness from inside to outside and from More’s home to his jail. The mullioned window slide was especially lovely. Lighting added to the interest and mood of the whole piece. There were nice moments of “secretive” lighting where one could only see the face of the narrator. The alternating blues of the Thames and the stained glass window effect of thered and green lighting stayed in the memory.

One could go on, but suffice it to say that the lighting and music together made a significant contribution to the performance. My personal thanks for the magenta washes. Magenta must surely be amongst the most royal of lighting colouring and effects. The costuming, of course, was a vital component. The autumnal shades seemed so very appropriate to the course of the life of the main protagonist and made it a pleasure to watch.

This leaves us with what should have been and undoubtedly was the central focus of the production; the actors and the words they spoke. One can only say that they treated the theme with great reverence, respect and clarity. Whilst we grew to love More, beautifully measured and sustained by Keith McDonald, Steve Rowland’s Cromwell attracted one’s loathing and anger, though this was relieved momentarily when he tried to persuade Thomas that there was still time. This was a confident, well articulated and carefully drawn performance. The interplay between these two characters carried the force of the play and sustained it to its tragic end.

Playing cameo roles is a very tough business but one which Colin Clyde managed with ease. One has little time to create a presence, especially difficult if they are very significant to the progress of the story line. Colin created a very believable Wolsey and a sober committed Cranmer. However, his more substantial and well thought out Signor Chapuys added a particular colour and at times, even humour to the piece. His flourishes and gestures were a delight.

Our first meeting, after the summer break, welcomed Andrew Churchill, Marketing Manager for the Watts Gallery in Compton. The Watts Gallery is home to the studio collection of 19th century painter and sculptor G.F. Watts and includes works by his wife, Mary. Opened in 1904, just two months before Watt’s death, it is one of the few purpose-built picture galleries in the UK housing a single professional artist’s collection and is an early example of an Arts and Crafts building, listed Grade II; built not only as a Gallery but also to serve as a hostel for apprentices working at the pottery founded by Mary Seton Watts. Andrew explained that the Gallery had come second in the bid to win the BBC TV series “Restoration Village”. If they had won, the money would have gone towards the “Hope peal” (named after Watts’ painting, Hope), set up in 2004 and which needed ? £10 million to save the site from ruin. However, only months after losing out on the TV prize, the gallery’s director Perdita Hunt and her team made a successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund, who gave the gallery a £?4.3 million grant which allowed the restoration to go ahead. The TV show raised the profile of the gallery which helped in fund raising and they now have 850 friends. Andrew showed us slides of the gallery before work commenced and the work now being carried out. He also showed us a collection of the paintings housed at the gallery. The problem of what to do with the pictures during restoration was solved by distributing them to the Guildhall Art Gallery and various other galleries. The work was delayed by snow and then the contractors went into administration. However, it is hoped that the gallery will open late next year. Andrew answered many questions from our members and handed out leaflets, inviting our members to become a friend to help support this unique gallery in the future.

Our October speaker will be Colin Skeaping. Colin’s dog Tully performed in the Nomad production of ‘Annie’ and Colin will talk to us about training animals on stage and screen and his work as a stunt coordinator. Members who are on the list and cannot attend this meeting, please contact Mary Brooks before Sunday 18th October (01483 283507)

In November we shall welcome Leonard Beighton who has had a very varied career in Government. In retirement, Leonard has travelled the world, particularly with his local Church involvement in Uganda and Kosovo.

Mary Brooks.

Produced & choreographed by Amanda Warwick

Friday 16th October at 7.30pm
Saturday 17th October at 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Tickets: £10

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The Warwick School Of Dance Arts was established over twenty years ago by theatre artiste, choreographer and qualified teacher, Amanda Warwick. Her training was at the Arnould School, Chessington, Pamela de Waal, Paignton and the Marian Jepson College, Manchester.

Her first professional show was at Drury Lane Theatre with David Essex, followed by nationwide tours of The Fol de Rolls, Snow White and later Grease, playing ‘Frenchy.’

Some of Amanda’s former pupils have gone on to dance and teach professionally as far away as New York whilst others are successful in radio and television broadcasting both behind and in front of the camera. The school has now been established for over twenty years but always embraces new styles and ideas.

Several years ago Amanda moved from Feltonfleet School to take over dance tuition at Manor House School in Little Bookham. A full programme of dance is available there and the children may integrate for purposes of exams and shows.

For more information visit the Amanda Warwick Dance Arts website.