National Operatic & Dramatic Association                               London Region
 
Society                 : Belmont Theatre
Production         : Suddenly At Home
Date                      : 24th May 2017

Be inspired by amateur theatre

 Venue                  : Pump House Theatre
Report by            : Gillianne Morris-Monk
 
                                                                                                                                

Show Report
 
Thank you for inviting me to review your production and for the kind welcome and hospitality from FRANKIE HOGAN and the front of house team, which was co-ordinated by ESTELLE DELL.
 
‘Suddenly At Home’ is a murder mystery with a difference. Early on we see the murder taking place before our very eyes and therefore know ‘who dunnit’.  The mystery is whether or not the murderer will get away with it. We are used to plays of a high standard from Belmont and this production, set in the 1970’s, did not disappoint. The curtains opened to yet another beautifully presented set.  Well done to set designers PAUL BOTLEY and BILL REBELLO with construction by MARK DREELAN and members of the company.
 
Directors GRAHAM BRODERICK and PAUL BOTLEY had put together a well flowing piece of gripping storytelling, with each character playing their part to keep us in suspense. The action moved along at a good pace to maintain the interest of the audience throughout.  The actual ‘murder’ was extremely well directed with lots of complicated business especially with the handling of the ‘body’. For a first attempts at directing, Graham, you did very well and I hope you enjoyed the process as much as the audience enjoyed your production.
 
Properties and furniture were well sourced by HELEN SHERWOOD and ELLEN MOYES with special props by LES SUTHERLAND. All were in keeping with the period and for a number of us in the audience there were some nostalgic moments as we recognised items from our youth in the 1970’s.
All changes were carried out smoothly and efficiently by the team, stage managed by LORNA ALDER.
 
Lighting and sound by EDDIE STEPHENS, KIM RODGER and HELENE SMITH really enhanced the production.  The mysterious, eerie music at the beginning and during the changes set the scene, getting the audience in the mood for what was to come.  However, there was a moment in Act 2 when music over dialogue was a little too loud so that we struggled to hear what the actors were saying.  Also, the doorbell and slamming of the front door offstage were rather too loud to be natural.  A small point but something that can be easily remedied. Because of the layout of the Pump House stage and auditorium, this is always a problem for all the companies that perform here so it is worth spending a little extra time sound checking at get-in.  Lighting filled the stage with no shadowed corners enabling us to see the actors at all times, even during moments of low ‘mood’ lighting. I am always pleased to leave a performance without remembering too much about the lighting as this means it has been natural and well executed, enhancing the actors’ performances, not drawing attention from them.
 
Wardrobe by ANNE SUTHERLAND was exactly right for the 1970’s and for each character. For those of us who remember this decade well, it was a trip down memory lane.
 
The programme was well laid out and informative.  The posters were eye-catching and in keeping with the subject matter. Both were well designed by MIKE and MAGGIE MORROW with photography by ALICE BREZINSKA.
 
Glenn Howard – MICHAEL COLLINS
What a fun role to play, so competently performed by this seasoned and experienced actor.  The intricacies of the dialogue flowed with ease and all the business when alone on the stage was slick and kept the audience enthralled.  The plotting and then the carrying out of the actual murder, then dealing with the body, was handled so efficiently and naturally, to be totally believable. I was particularly impressed with the contrast between the confidence before the murder and the unease as things begin to unravel after the murder. I certainly forgave the moment when Michael called Helen Sheila and then muddled everyone’s names on opening night, as I am sure the character would have done the same at that point under such pressure!
 
Helen Tenby – NATASHA WELCH
This was a good, confident performance and no-one in the audience would be able to tell that this was Natasha’s first performance as an adult if they had not read the programme. Dialogue was delivered in a natural manner, although, to begin with it was a little rushed and I did miss some of what was being said.  However, that is understandably due to opening night nerves and Natasha did settle into a more measured delivery as the action progressed.
 
Maggie Howard – DAWN HARVEY
What a peach of a role, flamboyant and, as Dawn herself said, larger than life.  Dawn threw herself with gusto into her performance. Projection and diction were good with nice facial expressions. As the murder victim Dawn is to be commended on her handling of the actual murder scene and the subsequent length of time being left on stage as the body, remaining completely still, even when being man-handled by the murderer, until she could finally leave the stage.
 
Sheila Wallis – TARA PATHIRANA
This is quite a tricky role as Sheila is in on the plot and has a part to play providing an alibi, but she is uncomfortable with the situation and worried that something will go wrong.  Tara successfully gave us a ‘nervy’ performance leaving us in no doubt as to Sheila’s unease, especially when things don’t go to plan. Tara articulated clearly and moved well around the stage, interacting well with the other characters.
 
Sam Blaine – LAURENCE CONWAY
An effortless performance from this experienced performer. Good delivery of dialogue throughout. There was a convincing change of character from the happy-go-lucky author of saucy books to the fearful murder suspect, who realised he is being set up and likely to be accused of committing the crime. Nice interaction with the other characters.
 
 
Ruth Belcher – DURBA ROY KINI
Although a small role, Durba did well in her debut performance for Belmont.  Be careful Durba, not to rush your dialogue when you are nervous – the opening dialogue was a little difficult to understand on opening night but once you had steadied your nerves every word could be understood.  Good facial expression and natural movement around the stage.
 
Detective Inspector Appleton – STEVE MERCER and Remick – MIKE BLAND
Although small roles that do not appear until much later in the play, both are extremely important to the plot and the final ending. Steve and Mike played their parts well with solid characterisation and well-handled interaction with the other characters.
 
I do love a murder mystery and really enjoyed this production.
 
Thank you once again for your very kind welcome and hospitality.
 
Best wishes
 
Gilli Morris-Monk
Regional Representative
NODA London District 10
 
 

Congratulations to Judi Campion  for winning the Harvey Kesselman Comedy Award at the NODA London Awards 2017! - for STEPPING OUT. - All at Belmont Theatre are very proud of her.

I am quite sure that Belmont Theatre Company’s next production – Separate Tables – will be familiar to most of the members.  We are performing it from October 25th – 28th. You will recall that it is actually two one act plays both taking place in Beauregard Private Hotel in Bournemouth.
I am intending to amalgamate the two plays so that the two featured storylines occur concurrently – which is how it was presented on film and television.
One storyline concerns a down-at –heel journalist confronted by his ex-wife, a former model.  They had a volatile marriage, which ended when he was imprisoned for physical violence towards her. This ruins his budding political career. After many years and another failed marriage she tracks him down – realizing that she is still in love with him.
The second storyline concerns a “self made” army major whose loneliness and insecurities lead him into reckless behaviour and criminal charges are brought. He receives comfort from an unlikely source – a timid spinster overshadowed by her domineering mother.
Another essential character in the problem solving for both storylines is the capable and self- sacrificing hotel manager Miss Cooper.  There are other interesting guests staying at the hotel each with their own interesting background story.
CHARACTERS:-

• Miss Cooper : Hotel Manager  - Middle aged  Capable,  efficient and in love with the journalist.
• John Malcolm:  Troubled journalist – 40s-50s – drinks too much, violent temper, embittered by his self destruction.
• Anne Shankland: Glamorous model – 40s-50s – Spoilt, self-obsessed but lonely, worried about getting older.
• Major Pollock:  Military man – 50s-60s – who, for all his bravado is shy and insecure.
• Sybil Railton-Bell :  Very timid, spinster – 30-40 ish. Totally dominated by her mother.
• Mrs Railton-Bell:  Strong, bigoted woman – 60s-70s. Presumed widow likes to have her own way.
• Lady Matheson:  Meek, former nobility – 60s-70s.  Widowhood has left her impecunious. Frightened by Mrs Railton-Bell.
• Miss Meacham : A bit of an eccentric – 70+ Not intimidated by anyone. Likes to study the horse-racing form.
• Mr Fowler – Retired public school housemaster – 60-70. Pedantic, always reflecting on past and old school boys.
• Waitresses – 1 or 2 depending on availability.
• Some of the action takes place in the dining room when food is being served – so we will be needing a couple of chef’s s well! These do not appear on stage.

I believe this play will suit our company and audiences alike and I look forward to seeing plenty of members at the read through and auditions. (Well I can dream can’t I)
Carole Baynes (Director)

Belmont will have a publicity stall set up promoting the group and also we will be providing the entertainment. We took part in this event last year. It was great fun and a worthwhile way of connecting with the local community.

The stall will be set up by Mary Woolf, thanks Mary for this, and our entertainment will be organised by Estelle. Thanks to you both for volunteering to help.
 
It opens at 11.00 am and the entertainment will happen about 12.30 pm.
Entertainment Lined up so far - Dawn Harvey (Belly Dance) Natasha Welch (Fusion Dance)
Graham Broderick (Singing)

Please come along and support the group. It’ll be fun and a bit of a social event for the group. They made us so welcome last year.

National Operatic & Dramatic Association                               London Region
 
Society                 : Belmont Theatre Company
Production         : LADIES WHO LUNCH
Date                      : 24th February 2017


Be inspired by amateur theatre

 
Venue                  : Pump House Theatre Watford
Report by            : Michael Monk
 
                                                                                                                                Show Report
 
The play opened with a nice use of a short recording of a news report providing the background of the story ahead. The recording was a very effective way to open the play, well put together and compiled as though watching any standard television news broadcast. The production is staggered across three continents as we visit UK, Australia and America. Belmont Theatre produced a stunning set, designed by BILL REBELLO and members, easily identifying each country. Stage Management efficiently run by LORNA ALDER with minimalistic props managed well. by EILEEN & DAVID MOYES and KEITH CLOUGH.
 
Director – MARY-ANNE ANARADOH delivered a very fast paced production from beginning to end. The acting credits and highlight of the production must go to the three wives. However, the gentlemen really held their own in the one scene they had together, with nice confusion on their faces as they begin to realise the betrayal, with nobody being quite ready to accept they’ve been outplayed by a woman.  Congratulations on your debut and a job well done.
 
Lighting & Sound EDDIE STEPHENS & HELENE - All area lighting for each apartment was straightforward and all on cue. Sound with musical interludes for covering costume/scene changes were suitable, appropriate and pleasing to listen too.
 
Costumes – ANNE SUTHERLAND – All the costumes were very suitable for each of the characters. There were also plenty of costume changes and the ladies were always very well turned out. 
 
Lady Amelia – DANIELE ROBSON – A very confident performance providing the solid, scheming brains behind the operation. In control from the beginning to the end. Good chemistry with Joane & Rachel. Good stage presence and mischievous scheming.
 
Rachel Milchan – KIM WEDLER – A very different and simplistic role from Kim on this occasion. Good American accent maintained throughout. You revelled in the comedy in your American household. I enjoyed, in particular, your one to one scene with Harry.
 
Joane Stocks – JUDI CAMPION - Strong performance from a very accomplished actress. Great facial expressions and stage presence throughout with perfect comic timing, having most of the great one liners in the play. Congratulations on holding the ‘Aussie’ accent from start to finish.  Good chemistry with Amelia & Rachel.
 
 
 
All three ladies gave exemplary performances with strong characterisation and teamwork. It is difficult to find anything to criticise or suggest improvements for such a formidable line up. As well as working so well together you also had some of your best material when acting with just your husbands. Bravo!
 
 
 
Sir John – MICHAEL COLLINS – Very nice upper-class characterisation and confident performance throughout. Your scene with the other two husbands was very enjoyable.
 
Harry Milchan – LAURENCE CONWAY – Confident performance as Harry, a man who can never find the words to describe how bad the situation is becoming. Your scene with Rachel was extremely funny.
 
Ken Stocks – GRAHAM BRODERICK – Interesting that the Aussie accent wasn’t to evident but perhaps the London accent was too hard to lose when moving to Aus! Having said that, Graham held his own throughout.
 
As I said earlier Gentlemen. I did enjoy the one scene you had all together, delivering excellent facial expressions as the betrayal unfolded.
 
Good support from the remaining members of the cast, Geri – TARA PATHIRANA, D L Wallis – GILLIAN WEINBERG and Bonnie/Mary – HELEN SHERWOOD
 
The programme, MIKE & MAGGIE MORROW, was extremely well presented and very informative. Please consider entering your poster and programme into the annual NODA competitions.
 
Thank you, Belmont Theatre, for a very good evening’s entertainment. I am sure you will do very well in the Barnet Festival with this play – Good Luck and do let me know how you get on please.
 
Thank you once again for your very kind welcome and hospitality.
 
Best wishes
 
Michael Monk
Regional Representative
NODA London District 10
 
 
Please invite your members to follow @NODA_London on Twitter, and like the NODA London Facebook page
 
If anyone would like to get the NODA London newsletter directly, just email Nick Ford at nick.ford@noda.org.uk to sign up
 
 

Link to Youtube for Prologue for Ladies Who Lunch - https://youtu.be/d_cmQjvysA0

Belmont Theatre Company Open Day.  Sunday 19th February 2017
 
The current show is a sell out and the cast are really looking forward to the opening night and curtain up on ‘LADIES WHO LUNCH’.
 
We move into the theatre on Sunday 19th February to build our set and rig the lighting/sound ready for the evening technical rehearsal.
 
For each show we have an OPEN DAY where people interested in the nuts and bolts of a show can come along to the theatre for a conducted tour. A chance to see the lighting being rigged, the set being built and see the show slowly take shape.
If you are interested then please come along to theatre between the times of 10.00am and 3.00 pm. You will be most welcome and view what is going on, from the Front of House preparations, set building and a view backstage. Tea and Biscuits will be on tap. Be great to see you.
 
Please email our Chairman, Michael, if you’d like to come along or require further information   michaelc76@outlook.com
 
.

NEXT AUDITIONS - for 'SUDDENLY AT HOME'

FORMAL READING - Tuesday 28th February 2017

AUDITIONS - Thursday 2nd March 2017

SHOW DATES - Suddenly At Home -  24 - 27 May 2017
 
The May 2017 production is a thriller by Francis Durbridge. Suddenly At Home is an eight- person play set in the 1970’s telling a story of love and greed.  Maggie Howard is a wealthy woman and doesn’t mind letting people know it. Her husband Glenn Howard is unsatisfied with his life and craves a fresh start, one filled with money and prospect. It seems the only way to reach his idyllic dream is by murdering his wife.
 
 
The Characters  -  Cast: 4M/4W
 
Maggie Howard   -       Late 30’s. Fairly out spoken type. Somewhat   coarse in speech + manner.
 
Helen Tenby        -       Late 20’s. Maggie’s sister. Smart intelligent    looking woman.
 
Ruth Bechler       -       20’s. Maggie’s au-pair girl. Attractive. European.
 
Sam Blaine          -       30’s – 40’s. Faintly conceited yet rather likeable.
 
Sheila Wallis        -       30’s. Attractive manner. Tense disposition.
 
Glenn Howard     -       30’s – 40’s. A man with easy charm and a mission.
 
Appleton             -       50’s. A police inspector.
 
Remick               -       30’s – 40’s.  A man who is not what he seems.
 
Please note all ages are adjustable to accommodate casting.
 
Performance dates 24 - 27 May 2017 at the Pump House Theatre, Local Board Road, Watford.
 
Rehearsals commence Tues 14 Mar (Tues+Thurs 7.45-10.00) at Carpenders Park Community Hall, Carpenders Park. Sunday rehearsals commence 23/April (10.00-1pm).
 
All are welcome to the play reading on Tues 28/Feb and auditioning on Thurs 2/Mar both at 8pm at Carpenders Park Community Hall.
 
For further information about this production please contact the directors:
 
Graham Broderick (mob 07956352209)  /  Paul Botly (mob 07816872293)