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Audition Notice: The Taming of the Shrew

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Elaine Burns

Audition Dates Mon 23rd and Fri 27th Feb at 7.30pm

Performance Dates: Tues 8th to Sat 13th June

If you are interested please email Elaine on [email protected]

If you are interested but cannot make the dates please email Elaine so we can arrange to see you on a different date.

Key characters still required:

Bianca  female-  playing age 20s so someone in their 30s ideally

The 3 suitors for Bianca – a mix of ages, ‘elderly’ to youngish

Petruchio – playing age 30s-40s

Biondello – a servant, could be played by a female

Synopsis:

This play is a well-structured farce and is actually funny.  Baptista a wealthy citizen of Padua needs to find husbands for his two daughters.  Shakespeare wrote the play in 1590 so that’s how  things were.  But Katherine is bad-tempered and angry at the world, a shrew.  So no-one wants to marry her.  Bianca is modest and sweet-tempered.  So Baptista declares that Katherine must be married before he will allow anyone to ask for Bianca.  All the action follows from this moment. Costumes will be modern dress  and many wordy speeches have been edited.  Petruchio and Katherine are played as written.

Cast

Baptista                     father of Katherine and Bianca                                   40+

Katherine             eldest daughter, bad tempered, a shrew

Bianca          younger daughter, appears compliant and modest

Petruchio       alpha male    charismatic and loud

Grumio   his longtime servant, makes asides to audience

Curtis   servant based at his house  Act 4 only

Gremio     suitor for Bianca, elderly, tricked by others

Hortensio  another  suitor, friend of Petruchio.  He pretends to be a tutor to Bianca

Lucentio   another suitor,

Tranio   Lucentio’s servant,  clever.  Swaps clothes with Lucentio and pretends to be him while Lucentio pretends to be a tutor for Bianca

Another servant Biondello is younger

Tailor/haberdasher  presents new clothes to Katherine

Pedant/merchant  tricked into playing Vincentio, Lucentio’s father in Act 4&5   very funny role

Vincentio  Lucentio’s father, Act  5 only but a strong role.

Widow, marries Hortensio    final scene only

The widow and Curtis can be played by the same person

Biondello can be played by a female as a young man

Tailor/Haberdasher will be played by a female

Tranio could be played by a female

Theft

By Eric Chappell

Directed by Jeff Wightwick

Tuesday 21st to Saturday 25th April at 7.30pm

Tickets: Adults £15, Children/Students £12

Imagine returning home from a pleasant anniversary celebration to find that your house has been burgled. In this witty thriller, the culprit is still in the house, and for a while, he convinces the returning couples that he is a policeman. Unmasked as the thief, Spriggs reveals that he knows a number of uncomfortable truths that disrupt two seemingly happy marriages and one formerly strong friendship.

Eric Chappell wrote the award winning sitcom Rising Damp. This comedy is a parody of “An Inspector Calls”

This amateur production of “Theft” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd

Guildburys Theatre Company Present: Cold Comfort Farm adapted by Paul Doust from the novel by Stella Gibbons

Wednesday 25th – Saturday 28th March at 7.30pm

Tickets : £22. U18 concession £17.50

Following their hugely successful production of Hangmen at Nomads,  Guildburys Theatre Company return with “Cold Comfort Farm”.

Set in the 1930’sin the fictional village of Howling Sussex, the story follows Flora Poste, a young, sensible and “slender of ankle” socialite who is recently orphaned. Lacking an inheritance she decides to visit her distant relatives, the eccentric and doom-laden Starkadders, at their decaying farm. Armed with “The Higher Common Sense” Flora finds the farm in a state of chaotic misery and determines to “tidy up” her relatives lives by forcing them into the 20th century.

They are a crazy bunch………

Aunt Ada Doom: The terrifying matriarch who rules the familyfrom her bedroom, manipulating everyone by claiming she “saw something nasty in the woodshed “as a child

The beautiful Elfine: who roams the hills writing poetry

Uncle Amos:A fire-and-brimstone preacher of “Quivering Bretheren” sect who believes there will be “no butter in hell”

Cousin Judith: Heaving with remorse for unspoken wickedness and engrossed in her son Seth, who is lustily obsessed with his own gorgeousness and dreams of Hollywood stardom

Not to mention Seth’s brother, despairing Reuben, and Adam Lambsbreath – an elderly farmhand who cleans dishes with a “twig” and is devoted to his four cows: Graceless, Aimless, Feckless and Pointless

The Archers, as performed by The Marx Brothers….hilariously barking mad!

Book online here

This amateur production of Cold Comfort Farm is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd

The Telling & Blue Fire Theatre Co Present: Practically Imperfect

Friday 13th March at 7.30pm

Tickets : £18.00

Award-winning music and theatre company, The Telling and Blue Fire Theatre Co present Practically Imperfect, a play with music by award-winning writer Clare Norburn and BAFTA-nominated BBC director, Nicholas Renton (Mrs Gaskell’s Wives and Daughters, Musketeers, Lewis).

 The very private PL Travers lives quietly in Chelsea. Out of the blue, her very own creation, Mary Poppins, suddenly appears in Travers’ study, asking difficult questions Travers would rather not answer. Rather than the Banks family, Mary Poppins has come to sort out the acerbic PL Travers herself. But Travers is a force to be reckoned with too. So who will control the narrative and win the battle of wills? 

The fun-filled chaos is soundtracked by the kind of music PL Travers really wanted in the Mary Poppins film (Edwardian songs such as Lily of Laguna). Starring acclaimed actor Lottie Walker as PL Travers and actor-musician Joanna Brown as Mary Poppins.

 “finds new terrain” – The Guardian

 Supported by the Sylvia Waddilove Foundation.

Horsley Live Music Club Presents:

The Great American Songbook with the Sarah Jane Eveleigh Quintet

Saturday 14th February at 8pm

Tickets £22

The Great American Songbook is a term used to describe the greatest American popular songs, show tunes, film music and Jazz standards of the twentieth century. In other words, it’s where Broadway and Hollywood meet Tin Pan Alley. You’ll hear the greatest songs ever written, performed by some of London’s finest musicians. Sarah Jane Eveleigh and her band will take you on a two-hour tour of the Great American Songbook, combining immaculate musicianship with stories and humour.

Experience The Magic of Theatre at our Open Day

Come along on 7th Feb with tours at Midday, 2pm and 4pm

Tours are free to attend but please book a space on the tour

During the tour you will be able to get hands on with lighting , Sound and Video. The stage revolve will be in action and there will be displays of props and costumes.

Many of the effects from the Panto will be there to see and learn about. You’ll learn about the history of the theatre and the bar will be open

Isosceles Present:

The Man Who Left The Titanic

Friday 16th January at 7.30pm

Tickets £15

SHE WAS BEAUTIFUL…SHE WAS UNSINKABLE….SHE WAS DOOMED…

 On  April 15^th 1912, the Titanic, the greatest ship in the world, slipped below the frigid waters of the Atlantic.

Yet J. Bruce Ismay, managing director of the White Star Line, stepped into a lifeboat and sailed away from the stricken ship, sailed away from his passengers, sailed away from the cries and screams and tears.

‘The Man Who Left The Titanic’ evokes that terrible voyage and asks whether Bruce Ismay only did what any of us might have done in the same circumstances, or should his actions that night consign his name to infamy?

Was he a coward, or merely human?

Both actors fed off each others lines perfectly without any hesitation in their flawless dialogue. The back and forth questioning and answers provided to each other by these two excellent actors is “excellence personified”. When “The Man Who Left The TITANIC” ended the audience leaped to their feet with an unending round of applause, still applauding as they departed. Should you have the opportunity to see this play, do not miss it. Outstanding, the entire audience were spellbound from scene one to the end.

Commander Bill Wilson Member, Titanic International Society

Check out the reviews for this amazing show :https://www.isosceles.biz/the-man-who-left-the-titanic

This play has toured throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales for a number of years to enormous acclaim.

Audition: Theft

By Eric Chappell

Directed by Jeffrey Wightwick

Audition Date 12 Jan at 7.30pm

Performance Dates: 21-15 April

We are still looking for 2 male roles. If you would like to audition please email Moyra on [email protected]. If you are interested in auditioning but cannot make the date please email us so we can arrange to see you.

Synopsis:

Imagine returning home from a pleasant anniversary celebration to discover your house has been burgled. In this thriller, the culprit is still in the house, and for a while, he convinces the returning couples he is a policeman. Unmasked, as the thief, Spriggs reveals a number of uncomfortable truths that disrupt two seemingly happy marriages and one formerly strong friendship.

Characters: Still required

John Miles, (owner of the house) late 40-50’s

Spriggs playing age 50’s

This amateur production of “Theft” is presented in association with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

Cinderella

Written by John Want

Creative Team: John Want, Samantha Potten, Steve Fitton

Wednesday 10th to Friday 12th Dec at 7.30pm

Saturday 13th Dec at 1.30pm and 6.00pm, Sunday 14th Dec at 2.30pm

Tickets: Adults £17, Children/Students £12, Family Ticket £54 (2 Adults, 2 Children)*

*Select Group ticket when buying on line

The classic fun pantomime with all the usual comedy (oh yes it has!), great songs and brilliant dances. Will the Ugly Sisters get their man or will Cinderella get her prince……

Guildburys Theatre Company Present: Martin McDonagh’s Hangmen.

Wednesday 19^th  November – Saturday 22^nd  November at 7.30pm

Tickets: £20, Students £15* (Age Advisory 14+)

*Contains strong language and the depiction of a hanging.

2016 Olivier Award Best New Play

2022 New York Drama Critics Award Best Foreign Play

2022 Tony Award- nominated Best Play

What does the second-best hangman in England do on the day Parliament abolishes hanging?  In his small Oldham pub, (ex) executioner Harry Wade holds court, surrounded by a motley crew of hangers-on all seeking his reaction to the news. When a mysterious stranger turns up, a  series of twists and turns are set in motion leading to an astonishing climax. This savagely comic exploration of justice and punishment will have you laughing out loud, simultaneously shocked and delighted. A taut theatrical thriller by the multi award-winning writer of “The Banshees of Inisherin“, “In Bruges“, and “The Pillowman“.

Guildburys are an award-winning theatre company and are delighted to be performing at The Nomad Theatre. They will be returning to The Nomad Theatre next year in March with “Cold Comfort Farm” adapted by Paul Joust, and in November with Ayckbourn’s classic “Bedroom Farce”

This amateur production of Hangmen is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.

Book tickets online here

See the trailer here 

A Double Bill in The Studio

Tuesday 11th to Saturday 15th November at 7.45pm

Tickets £13

Purgatory (Berkoff)

By Steven Berkoff

Directed by Danny Sparkes

Steven Berkoff has variously been described as controversial, thrilling and dynamic;abusive, shocking and surprising. His work showcases controversy. black humour and dramatic dialectics. Purgatory- the state of suffering after death before ascending to Heaven or the quality of cleansing or purifying. Is this an appropriate title for this play? I will leave it to you to decide. John is a “resting” classical actor (is he in the right place?); Betty is a typical “digs” landlady with her own rules- but does she want an actor as a tenant? Sarah is the “nice” young lady in the next room: Ted is a night-working “oik” An unlikely quartet thrown together by circumstance. Can they possibly live in the same property?

This amateur production of “Purgatory (Berkoff)” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

You Me and Wii

by Sue Townsend

Directed by Elaine Burns

” You Me and Wii” is set in a council house during an election; a family of four are in a cramped living room unable to go out, not even to the shops. The son spends all day skiing on the Wii, his teenage sister seems to be hiding from school, the grandmother doesn’t recognise the world she lives in and the mother is ironing baby clothes. Into this situation comes the local MP and her aide, a young woman with zero empathy for the voters. The MP wants to stay with the family. Come along and see what happens…..

An amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.

Bookham Light Operatic Society Presents:

The Yeomen Of The Guard

by W.S.Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan

Directed by Eleanor Hegarty

M.D. Selina Edney, Choreographer Gill Eve

Thursday 23rd to Saturday25th October at 7.30pm and Saturday 25th October at 2.30pm

Tickets: Adults £16, Children Under 16 £12

“The Yeomen Of The Guard”is probably one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most beloved operas. It takes place at the Tower of London during the reign of Henry VIII and involves strolling players, a nobleman condemned to death, subterfuge and disguise. All under the ever-looming presence of the Tower itself. There is also plenty of humour and beautiful music along the way, with something for everyone.

Brothers Broke Present:

When Judas Met John

Songs of Dylan and Lennon

Thursday 16th October at 7.30pm

Tickets: Adults £15, Children/Students £12

A unique raw, acoustic and direct take on the music of Dylan and Lennon, performed around a fact based story of influence, envy, parody and respect.

Listed by one professional reviewer as one of “five shows not to be missed at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe,” this Irish duo strip bare some classic and lesser known songs by Dylan and Lennon, and present them raw and unplugged in their own energetic style.
Influenced by the meeting of Bob Dylan and The Beatles, this engaging show compares the like-minded and socially conscious lyrics of Dylan and Lennon and deals with the relevance of their political messaging, written up to sixty years ago, in today’s world. It also addresses key questions regarding their relationship – why was Lennon in awe of Dylan only to deride him years later, and why did Dylan keep it to himself that he “really dug the Beatles”?

The duo modify and present the songs in a Blues/Folk style with tight sibling harmonies, around a story of the influence, jealousy, parody and respect that each artist had for the other.

The show is a proud holder of the coveted “Sell-out Show” Laurel awarded by Edinburgh Fringe.

Professional Reviews

https://www.brothersbroke.com/#reviews

HORSLEY LIVE MUSIC CLUB PRESENTS THE ALTER EAGLES 

Saturday 11th October at 8pm

Tickets £26 (plus booking fee) Advance ticket sales only

We are delighted to present The Alter Eagles, an experienced, authentic and talented tribute to one of the world’s biggest and most influential bands – The Eagles.

 Formed in 2003, the five-piece band performs the whole repertoire of Eagles tracks, from tasteful country rock, complete with full harmonies,  through to hard-rocking numbers that showcase the Eagles’ trademark duelling electric guitars.

 A typical set includes many of the Eagles’ greatest hits, including Desperado, Hotel California, Life in the Fast Lane,  Lying Eyes, One of These Nights and Take It Easy.

Boeing-Boeing

by Marc Camoletti

Translated by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans

Directed by Jeff Wightwick

Tuesday 23rd to Saturday 27th September at 7.30pm

Tickets: Adults £15, Children/Students £12

Boeing-Boeing tells the story of the exploits of a French bachelor Bernard and his lovely female flight attendants. Three to be exact, from three different countries and they all believe they are engaged to Bernard! In the past Bernard has been able to juggle these women due to his detailed timetable of his fiances’ flight schedules. When the schedules change all of the women end up in his apartment on the same day. Bernard (with help from his bewildered friend Robert) struggles to keep them from learning the truth. Will the lying lothario be able to keep up the charade, or will disaster occur……

This amateur production of “Boeing-Boeing” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

Audition Notice

Cinderella written and directed by John Want

Choreography: Samantha Potten

Audition Dates: 22nd and 31st July at 7.30pm

Show Dates: Wed 10th to Fri 12 Dec at 7.30pm,

Sat 13th Dec at 1.30pm and 6pm, Sun 14th Dec at 2.30pm

The classic story of Cinderella

Characters:

Cinderella: Beautiful Daughter of Baron Hardup. Female

Buttons: Loveable comic, fun but dim. The Baron’s Servant, Male

Prince Charming (Principle Boy): Female

Dandini: Prince Charming’s closest aide, Male or Female

Baron Hardup: Henpecked husband of the Baroness, Cinderella’s father, Male

Baroness Hardup: The Evil Stepmother, Mother to the Ugly Sisters, Female

Karren: Ugly Sister, Male

Sharon: Ugly Sister Male

King: Dim but loyal ruler, besotted with his Queen, Male

Queen: From rags to riches nothing is too good for her son the Prince, Female

Paige: The King’s servant, Male or Female

Fairy Godmother: The most magical Fairy in the land!, Female

Baker: Buff owner of the Village Bakery with excellent buns, Male

Debt Collectors x2 : Bodgit and Scarper (1 scene in Hardup Hall) Male or Female

Mice x2 To pull the coach, one scene’ Male or Female must be able to climb through trap door

Villagers x4 (Two to be female)

If you are interested in auditioning please contact John Want by email on [email protected]

Audition Notice

A Kitchen Sink Comedy Double Bill In The Studio

Audition Dates:Please Contact Elaine Burns to arrange an Audition Date for You Me and Wii

Show Dates: 11-15th November

Purgatory (Berkoff)

by Stephen Berkoff

Directed by Danny Sparkes

John, a middle aged actor. moves into a run-down East End guesthouse where he encounters romantic spinster Sarah. Will he be able to cope with the chaotic surroundings whilst trying to find love? The white van man staying in the next room and the crass landlady aren’t helping!

Roles:

Betty: landlady, typical digs landlady, (ghastly, intolerant but practical)

John: ‘resting’ classical actor, middle-aged, unsuccessful but still hoping

Sarah: romantic spinster who has ended up sadly in a lodging house but is still looking for better

Ted: (offstage) one of the landlady’s favourite tenants (whose main virtue is his blunt stupidity)

If you are interested or want information please email Danny Sparkes

[email protected] 

This amateur production of “Purgatory(Berkoff) is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

You, Me and Wii by Sue Townsend

Directed by Elaine Burns

Vincent’s skiing on the Wii, Sheila is feeding her great-granddaughter and Kerry’s getting on with the ironing. None of them are planning on voting in the election, but when Selina Snow rings their council doorbell to canvas, perhaps she can change their mind….or can they change hers?

Roles:

Sheila: grandmother playing age 60s – feeding the baby.  A sympathetic character

Kerry: mother playing age 35 – doing the ironing but not downtrodden at all.

Vincent: son playing age 20s – spends all day playing with the Wii

Courtney: playing age 14- is looking at MSN Messenger on the computer.

Selina: local Labour MP playing age 40s – smartly dressed as she is campaigning.  Smooth       but tough underneath.

Mark: her aide, 40 or under, smartly dressed. Typical of his type.

If you are interested or want information please email Elaine Burns  [email protected]

An amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books

A Double Bill in The Studio

Tuesday 1st to Saturday 5th July at 8pm

Tickets £13

Dead Dad Dog by John McKay

Directed by Graham Botterill

A witty comic nightmare in which an unemployed, trendy young Scottish man is deceased father, who was a Hoover salesman in his prime. An offbeat comedy with a political edge

An amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books

Right on Cue by Barry Lambert

Directed by John Want

The Battersea Batterer is causing havoc for the understaffed local CID as he goes around the neighbourhood hitting people over the head with a billiard cue. The police are snookered at first but are assisted by a psychological profiler in solving the case

By arrangement with Lazy Bee Scripts

Bookham Light Operatic Society Presents: Fiddler on the Roof

Book by JOSEPH STEIN

Music by JERRY BOCK

Lyrics by SHELDON HARNICK

Original Direction and Choreography by JEROME ROBBINS

Produced on the New York stage by Harold Prince

Based on the Sholem Aleichem stories by special permission of Arnold Perl

Fiddler on the Roof is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. (MTI)

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by www.mtishows.co.uk

Performances: Wednesday 21st to Saturday 24th May at 7.30pm and Saturday 24th May at 2.30pm

Tickets: Adults £19, Children under 16 £12

The original 1964 Broadway production won nine Tony awards including Best Musical and the 1971 film, starring Topol, became the highest grossing movie of that year.

The story centers on Tevye, a milkman in the village of Anatevka, who attempts to maintain his Jewish religious and cultural traditions as outside influences encroach upon his family’s lives.

This show is packed with memorable and uplifting songs, including “Tradition”, “If I Were a Rich Man”, “Matchmaker” and the hauntingly beautiful “Sunrise, Sunset”.