Separate Tables a Success !!
A huge congratulations to everyone involved in the Settlement Players June production of “Separate Tables”. The production was a huge success with over 300 people attending over the 3 nights, helped I’m sure by the many new members performing for the first time with the Players’.
The play was not easy to perform, especially with the frequent set changes that involved moving everything, including the Kitchen sink if there had been one, between each act (total of 4 changes). This was made even harder by the almost Krypton Factor challenge of changing the set within 2 minutes, and quietly... Still, under the excellent guidance of the stage manager, Gill Smith, this was accomplished and seemed to improve in speed and noise level each night - Well Done Gill, we know it wasn’t easy. Also, well done to Margaret and Helen for managing the props brilliantly, I think everyone had everything they needed at the right time, even if the food left something to be desired (still, they didn’t HAVE to eat it!).
A huge well done is also deserved by Lee Hooper (Director). This was the first production Lee has worked on with The Settlement Players and represents his return to directing after a 5-year break - not that you would have noticed. In the past Lee has worked in Theatre as an actor, director and technician in productions such as Cabaret and Three Sisters, and this experience shone through in this production.
Now the cast, a motley crew, but incredibly hard working and wonderful to watch (and work with - Ed). The 13 strong cast were made up of some regulars to The Settlement Players, along with a good handful of new blood. This mix of old and new, young and mature, experienced and enthusiastic, brought great energy to the play - and a fair amount of hilarity during rehearsals! (You know who you are...) So a huge well done to everyone and hopefully we’ll see some of you back for more punishment in November.
The cast were as follows:
- Helen Thomson (Newcomer) as Mabel
- Patsy Hudson (Newcomer) as Lady Gladys Matheson
- Gill Marshall (3rd Appearance) as Miss Meacham
- Pat Phillips (15 years with the Players) as Mrs Railton-Bell
- Samantha Powell (6 years with the Players) as Doreen
- Peter Dilley (Newcomer) as Mr Fowler
- Jean Williams (Third Appearance) as Mrs Anne Shankland
- Sonia Weston (Third Appearance) as Miss Pat Cooper
- Douglas Harding (30 years with the Players) as Mr John Malcolm
- Martin Breadmore (Newcomer) as Mr Charles Stratton
- Suzie Clements (Newcomer) as Miss Jean Tanner/Mrs Jean Stratton)
- Albert Clack (2 years with the Players) as The Major
- Lisa Pannell (Newcomer) as Miss Sybyl Railton-Bell
And last but not least, congratulations to all the back stage and front of house members for all their hard work and commitment. Although it is the actors who get on stage, it would not be possible to put on a production without the dedication of the team supporting them - another job well done guys.
Also, a quick note to say anyone else out there interested in lending a hand back stage, or on stage for that matter, please do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you no matter how much, or little, experience or time you have to offer!
The Settlement Players would like to express their gratitude to David’s Music, Letchworth, for acting as the Box Office.
“The Boys Are Back In Town”
Festival Play and Cast Chosen
A play titled “A Sort of Versuvius” has been chosen for the Settlement Players entry into this years Drama Festival.
Stuart, Ivan and Cliff were chosen as the all male cast, which on past experience should guarantee an excellent end performance - even if the rehearsals often fall into chaos!!
The Settlement Players are already booked to perform at the Bedford Festival, running between the 16th - 24th March, so come along and support the lads!!
A decision on the Welwyn Festival, planned for the 4th - 9th June, is yet to be made. Check the website for the latest.
Settlement Players Christmas Party is held with a “Grip of Iron!”
On Saturday 6th January the members of the Settlement Theatre Club were treated to a festive party, including performances from three young singers borrowed from the Hitchin Starlight Theatre School and a short play performed by some of the Players themselves.
The evening commenced with a great turnout of Theatre Club members who had braved the cold to attend our annual party.
After tucking into the food and enjoying a few... glasses of mulled wine the entertainment began.
The evening started with a superb display of singing abilities by the three young students (Elliose Jones, Kim Williams and Lindsey Williams) of the Starlight Theatre School run by Sarah-Jane and Steve Anderson. The crowd were left mesmerized by the quality of the students’ voices, and the professionalism with which they performed their individual songs. This part of the evening was concluded by all three students singing together, a fantastic finale which secured a place in everyone’s memory.
After this the answers to the quiz were announced and I can happily report that our particular table of Players’ did terribly... Still, we blame the mulled wine!!
Then came the time for the Settlement Players to follow the standard set by the Starlight School and perform our short Panto / Play, THE GRIP OF IRON.
The stage was set, the lights went down, Rob began his Les Dawson impersonation on the piano and the play began. What followed was a rip roaring success of a play with all actors more than meeting the challenge. Stuart Cocks’ portrayal of the murderer, known as the “Grip of Iron” for his use of strangulation in claiming his victims, was particularly strong, compelling some members of the audience to “Boo” and “Hiss” in response. At least we’re claiming they were booing character, and not the play itself....
Both Ivan Phillips and Gill Marshall continued the high standard of acting with their superb performances as the heroic Bow Street Runner, Sir Toby Feltham, and the unfortunate damsel in distress, Lucy!
A special mention for Helen, whose debut as the “newsboy”, advertising the latest murder with such glee, is sure to lead onto bigger things.
A fantastic night was had by all, so well done to everyone involved!
Who was the eleventh man?
The heart warming and gentle comedy, A Month of Sundays, was yet another success for The Settlement Players.
A bittersweet comedy about the challenges of growing old. We met the characters: Cooper- mentally fit but physically frail and his friend Aylott- physically strong but aware of the onset of dementia. Together they faced the onslaught of old age with it’s complicated feelings involving family and friendships, and the challenges of developing new relationships with the characters that populated their new world, Mrs. Baker and Nurse Cooper.
The locals of Letchworth, and some from further afield, were treated to superb performances by some of the regular faces of The Settlement Players, namely:
Cooper ................. Vince Cook
Aylot ...................... Albert Clack
Julie ...................... Sonia Weston
Peter .................... Cliff Francis
Nurse Wilson ....... Rachael Barnes
Mrs Baker ............ Val Cook
Fond farewell to all!
Just a quick note to say thank you to everyone that I have worked with over the past couple of years for making it such an enjoyable and fun filled time. I joined the Settlement Players after attedning one of the September open evenings and watching a very entertaining short play, the name of which escapes me. On that night I met Rob and John who showed me what was involved back stage and encouraged me to join and have a go. Needless to say, I did, and have thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Whether it’s helping out with set building, setting the lights, endlessly searching the web for THAT sound effect, or sitting at the back of the hall on performance nights hoping I press the right button at the right time, I can’t think of a better group of people to do it with. I’ve made some good friends, had some great experiences (including a couple of successful Drama Festival entries) and would highly recommend it to anyone out there considering joining a Theatre group. The Settlement Players in particular are an incredibly friendly and supportive group of people who know how to have a good time and don’t take things too seriously. Saying that, the performances are always excellent and everyone a professional when it matters.
Thanks guys and I’ll see you all in November when I return as an audience member (even though David keeps threatening me with helping out when I visit - which I actually wouldn’t mind doing...)
Ben Green
Volunteer Required for Technical Role
(Sound & Lighting)
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!!!
Due to one of our current Technical Volunteers leaving the area a position will be available to help out with the Technical side of the Theatre, including Lighting and Sound.
The role doesn’t involve any previous experience, just an interest in the technical side of Theatre Production and some free time to commit to rehearsals and performances. The Players put on three major performances a year, plus the festival plays and open evening events. The volunteer would be required to attend some of the rehearsals, usually on a Wednesday evening and Sunday afternoon, with the amount of time required dependent on the complexities of the play.
This is a great opportunity to get involved with a very friendly Theatre group, meet some new people, learn some new skills and generally have a laugh. Also, you get to watch all the performances for free!!! A wonderful perk of the job!
If you are interested in finding out more please contact Rob or come to our next performance and someone would be glad to speak to you and show you what is involved.
Look forward to hearing from you soon!!
STAGE EXTENSION COMING ALONG NICELY!
Following on from the recent building of a new classroom in The Settlement in space previously occupied by The Players’ Scenery Store, the second phase of the project is now nearing completion. This is adding an extension on the rear of the stage to replace the storage space and Settlement Workshop. In addition, it includes a new dressing room, and, most coveted of all, a corridor connection across the back of the stage! No more dashes through the car park in the rain or snow for us!
The picture below shows work in early August.
SEASON’S GREETINGS GOES WITH A BANG!
Playing to packed audiences every night, the Settlement Players’ latest production “Season’s Greetings” by Alan Ayckbourn provided a welcome start to the festive season.
Set in a “normal” middle class household over the Christmas period the play contains all the elements expected in an Ayckbourn play. Drunken Auntie Phyllis cooking, or rather ruining, the dinner. Uncle Bernard with his interminable puppet show of the three little pigs, marionettes definitely with a life of their own. Pregnant Patti, fourth child, with a husband who would much prefer to be in the shed tinkering with gadgets than helping with the three children already there. Spinster sister whose latest beau, an aspiring writer, has been invited to stay for Christmas but is much more interested in his host’s wife, and she in him. Gun toting Uncle Harvey convinced Father Christmas is there to steal the presents rather than give them out!
An accomplished cast played with pace and excellent comic timing, making the characters real as well as comic or tragic as the play demanded. Often acting scenes in three “rooms” simultaneously the Players expertise in ensemble playing came to the fore.
Sonia Weston and David Smith played the perfect hosts coping with disaster upon disaster. Vince Cook brought a military air to Uncle Harvey piling on the pressure on Douglas Harding as a beleaguered puppet master. Jean Williams’ spinster was a very convincing portrayal especially when under the influence of drink and likewise Rachael Barnes proving that cooking and drinking do not go together. Stuart Cocks as the likeable but inattentive husband and Lisa Pannell as his long suffering wife were amusing and sad in turn. Ivan Phillips as the amorous writer brought a new meaning to enjoying yourself under the Christmas tree!
The set was ablaze with the colour and excitement of Christmas and excellent lighting effects enhanced the effect of being in the three downstairs rooms of a charming family home. The icing on the cake was the snow that dutifully fell on cue most evenings!
A very comic play with elements of family life that everyone could recognise, the Players proved once again that they are the top value for entertainment in Letchworth as they have been for the past 80 years.
Over 300 people flocked to The Little Theatre recently to see The Settlement Players’ production of “An Inspector Calls.”
Players in Drama Festival Success!
The Settlement Players recently returned from the Bedfordshire Drama Festival clutching another piece of silverware. They won “Best Theatrical Moment” with their production of Noel Coward’s Still Life - The play on which the film Brief Encounter was based. In addition, Douglas Harding and Val Barber were nominated for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress respectively.
Congratulations to director, Pat Baskerville, and her team!
Drama Festival Success!
The Players have been on a winning streak this year in the local drama festivals.
Congratulations to Ivan Phillips who won Best Actor at the Bedfordshire Drama Festival. Jean Williams was also nominated for best Actress.
We also won the Charles Pilgrem trophy for Stage presentation at the Welwyn Drama Festival, and The Rose bowl for Stage design and presentation at the Sawston Drama festival, where, in addition, Ivan and Jean were nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress.
Director Stuart Cocks receives the award from Lesley Morgan (L) (SCDC Arts development officer for Sawston and Linton), and Jill Colby (Adjudicator)
GASLIGHT
By Patrick Hamilton
Thursday 18th - Saturday 20th February 2010
Over three hundred people came to see our recent production of Gaslight.
Festival Success!
The Players’ 2010 Drama Festival team got off to a winning start, by coming joint third in the Sawston Drama Festival, and winning the prize for stage design. Congratulations to all involved. The team will be taking this year’s play, The Ruffian on the Stair by Joe Orton, to the Cambridge, Bedfordshire and Welwyn Drama festivals - why not go a long and support them there?!
Facebook Group launched!
Why not join our new Facebook Group? It’ll help to keep you up to date with performance dates and other news.
STAGE LIGHTING REWIRING WORK COMPLETED
The Settlement Stage lighting system has been rewired over the summer, bringing it bang up to date, and making it more capable than before. The Players would like to thank Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, North Herts Arts Council and Letchworth Civic Trust for their grants.
The Players are happy to announce that the proceeds from one night of "Beyond Reasonable Doubt" amounted to a donation of £500 for the M.S. Trust. Beyond Reasonable Doubt played to just over 250 people over the three nights and was very well received.
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Settlement Players
Letchworth Settlement
Nevells Road
Letchworth Garden City
Herts.
SG6 4UB
