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NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024

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Hi Everyone

I expect like me you are all eagerly awaiting Spring. Oh my, what a wet and windy winter this is and more than a little chilly at times. Never mind brighter days are ahead ( hopefully). We did try and lift the mood with our latest production “Dracula” What fun that was and performed so brilliantly by all the cast. Many congratulations to them all, and especially the director Tony Hudson.

So onwards to our April production “Stones in his Pockets” directed by yours truly. The play is set in County Kerry in Southern Ireland where we find two young men playing extras in a Hollywood film. We meet many colourful characters during the play all performed by our two brilliant actors.

We have a very varied programme this coming year - hopefully something for everyone, so looking to seeing you all at the Priory in the coming months. See below for further details

Best wishes

Dawn Smithers, Chairperson

 

FORTHCOMING PRODUCTIONS

Dawn has already referred to our next production, ‘Stones in his Pockets’, which is booking now. This will be followed, at the end of May, by ‘Trestle’, a bittersweet comedy by Stewart Pringle, and winner of the 2017 Papatango

New Writing Prize. This play, directed by Richard Greenhorn, will be auditioned on 13th March and further details can be found in the ‘News/

Auditions section of this website. Our flagship Arundel Festival production is ‘Cider with Rosie’ by Laurie Lee, directed by Gill Lambourn. This charming, feel-good, autobiographical play tells the story of Lee’s childhood, growing up following the First World War. Gill is looking for a large cast with a wide variety of roles to be filled, both large and small, so please do come along and try your hand. A copy of the audition notice can be found in the ‘News/Auditions’ section of this website. Looking ahead to the Autumn, we are now able to announce our October production - ‘The Suspicions of Mr Whicher’. This is a true crime Victorian murder mystery taken from the book by Kate Summerscale, adapted by Alexandra Wood. The play will be directed by Yasmin Nixon and auditions will be announced in due course. This will be Yasmin’s directorial debut with the Players but she comes with an impressive C.V. and we are delighted to welcome her into the fold!

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THE SHOW MUST GO ON…

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We have much to celebrate here at the Players. Our audience numbers are up across the board, with many sell out performances. We are justifiably proud of the quality of our productions. However, we cannot afford to be complacent. Of late, we have experienced difficulty in casting some of our plays. We currently stage seven productions a year, and we need to encourage more actors to attend our auditions. Whether you have been treading the boards for years, or just want to give it a try in a small part, please do come along to our auditions which are open to all, both members and non-members alike. You will receive a very warm welcome.

 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

  • Stones in his Pockets 1st to 6th April 2024

  • Trestle 27th May to 1st June 2024

  • Cider with Rosie 17th to 24th August 2024

  • The Suspicions of Mr Whicher 21st to 26th October 2024

 

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

‘The world is a stage, but the play is badly cast’

Oscar Wilde

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