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Award-winning group Belmont Theatre has announced its February 2018 comedy, The Actress, showing at The Pump House Theatre.This show will be Belmont Theatre’s entry into the 2018 Barnet and District Drama Festival.
Writer Peter Quilter is a West End and Broadway playwright whose works have been translated into 27 languages and performed in over 40 countries. His shows have been performed in major theatres in cities across six continents. He is best known for his Broadway play End of the Rainbow, a musical drama about the final months in the life of Judy Garland, and his West End comedy Glorious! He has twice been nominated for the Olivier Award (Best New Comedy and Best New Play) and his Broadway debut was nominated for three Tony Awards. The Actress is a comedy centred on Lydia, as she prepares for her emotional farewell performance in a London theatre. Various people from her colourful life invade her dressing room to say their goodbyes, declare their undying love, spit insults and renew old battles. It is a beautifully-written and paced piece by a playwright that keeps you engaged and entertained until the final curtain. Director Daniele Robson says: “After appearing on stage with Belmont Theatre in Separate Tables and Ladies Who Lunch in 2017, I was delighted to be in the director’s seat again, albeit for the first time with Belmont Theatre. “When I first read The Actress, it not only made me laugh but also moved me. Its intelligent and witty dialogue makes for a gripping collision between comedy and drama. Setting it in the 1930s has presented obvious challenges, but our amazing production team has supported my vision and directing such a dedicated and talented team of actors is a joy.” The Actress opens at The Pump House Theatre, Watford, on February 21 and runs until February 24 at 7.45 pm, including a Saturday Matinee at 2.45 pm. 1 comment Link : http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/15866944.classic-comedy-from-award-winning-writer-to-be-restaged/?action=success#comments-feedback-anchor As usual, anyone is invited to come along to The Pump House Theatre & Arts Centre to meet us, drink coffee (free!) and see what goes on behind the scenes to bring a theatre production to life on stage. It's all free and we'd love to see you anytime between 11am and 3pm
VENUE: Pump House Theatre, Local Board Road, Watford, WD17 2JP Belmont Theatre Audience Newsletter
FOR A FULL VERSION OF THE NEWSLETTER PLEASE SEE BELOW: Thank you to Eddie Stephens for putting together. http://mailchi.mp/5ca8701e23f8/brighten-your-february-with-some-sparkling-comedy-at-the-pump-house Dear Friend Belmont Theatre would like to wish all of our friends, patrons and audience members a healthy, happy and prosperous 2018. With all the festivities behind us, what better way to stave off those post-festive doldrums than looking forward to a night of top-quality theatrical entertainment at The Pump House. NEXT MONTH, we will be presenting Peter Quilter's cracking comedy, The Actress. Some performances are already well over half full so please book soon to be sure of your favourite seats. A poignant comedy, dramatizing the events backstage as Lydia, a colourful, complicated actress makes her farewell performance, while dealing with a string of unexpected visitors.. Drama and comedy collide as people say their goodbyes, declare their love, roar with laughter, spit insults, grab a final embrace, and renew old battles. Some wonderfully comic dialogue to have you chuckling until the final curtain. Written in 2014 and premiered in the US the same year, The Actress has since had productions in Germany, Brazil, Russia and the UK. Reviews..."The audience was thrilled and greatly moved by the show" - Dez Minutos de Arte "A huge success... The applause just didn't want to end...The play is full of witty dialogue that is also philosophically profound...A smart, intelligent and very amusing play." - The Mercury "This play is so rich...Quilter's characters ring true" - Woodinville Weekly Your cast.... some favourite Belmont names, plus, we're delighted and excited to welcome two new faces to the Belmont family and the Pump House stage...can you tell who they are? Lydia: Judi Campion Paul: Mark Dosher Nicole: Tash Welch Katherine (Lydia’s dresser): Carole Baynes Margaret (Company Manager): Kim Wedler Charles (Lydia’s lover): Michael Collins Harriett (Lydia’s agent): Paula Welham Gaev (Cherry Orchard): Steven Mercer Lopakhin (Cherry Orchard): Mark Dosher Thank you for your continued support of live theatre in Watford. We hope very much to see you at the Pump House in February. P.S. We are always looking for new members to join in the fun. Please do contact us (or speak to anyone of us if you're coming to a show) if you or someone you know wishes to find out about getting involved either onstage, behind the scenes, stewarding or to volunteer specialist skills to help run this friendly group and create the magic of live theatre. There really is nothing like it A colourful comedy entitled ‘Haywire’ written by Eric Chappell.The play will be performed the week commencing 21st May 2018 and there are 6 in the cast, 2M and 4F. All the characters are larger than life with some priceless dialogue. This will be great fun to rehearse. Synopsis Alec Frith runs a bookshop and lives in the flat above with his wife Maggie. He is having an affair with the glamorous Liz who works in the shop and he has arranged an illicit holiday with Liza in Marbella as his wife has another holiday away with friends. Everything is carefully planned by Alec, what could go wrong? Well, his cantankerous mother arrives, having ‘escaped’ from the home and then his son and daughter, whom he is relying upon to manoeuvre the situation to his advantage, turn up with their own problems and are definitely a distinct hindrance rather than a help. He does get to Marbella but will this be with Liz? We are arranging a reading of the play for Tuesday 27th February 2018 with the auditions on Thursday 1st March 2018. We will be rehearsing in the Carpenders Park area, close to the main line station, every Tuesday and Thursday (commencing 20th March 2018) If you are interested then please email me back or give me a buzz on 0208 864 3104 (Michael) with any queries or questions. Also view our website www.belmonttheatre.co.uk to see details of our current production ‘The Actress’.  A big thank you to Mary for hosting our Christmas get-together last Sunday 10th December , a few sturdy people made it through snow bound South Oxhey - a lovely buffet and The Belmont Christmas tree looked stunning :- A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM US ALL AT BELMONT THEATRE - look forward to seeing you at our next production in FEBRUARY 2018 - 'The Actress'  We are pleased and excited to announce the cast for our up-coming play 'THE ACTRESS',
The cast is as follows: Lydia: Judi Campion... Paul: Mark Dosher Nicole: Tash Welch Katherine (Lydia’s dresser): Carole Baynes Margaret (Company Manager): Kim Wedler Charles (Lydia’s lover): Michael Collins Harriett (Lydia’s Agent): Paula Welham Lopakhin or Gaev (Cherry Orchard): Steven Mercer The Production team are as follows: Director: Daniele Robson Producer: Lorna Alder (assisted by Michael Collins) Stage Manager: Mark Dreelan Prompt: Dawn Harvey Set Design: Bill Rebello Lighting design & sound: Eddie Stephens & Helene Smith Costumes: Judi Campion and Anne Wick Props: Helen Sherwood and Mary Woolf Well done to ALL the auditionees, it was wonderful to see you. Get in early and book your ticket:- https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/belmont-theatre-company OR CALL THE BOX OFFICE ON: 07917 324179 Making theatre isn’t easy, but the Samuel French Theatremakers Workshop aims to make it that little bit easier.
Join us at the Actor’s Centre in London for a day-long event devoted to the art and craft (and the graft) of amateur theatremaking. You'll have the chance to take part in two acting workshops on a choice of 4 topics, led by top professional tutors. There'll also be advice and inspiration on everything from finding the best shows to making the most of your marketing, and opportunities to meet Samuel French staff and other theatremakers. With all this and tickets at just £15 if you book this week, it’s sure to be an inspiring and enjoyable day. Everyone will have the opportunity to take part in two of the following workshops... Movement for Actors led by Sarah Perry Tools for Learning an Accent led by Elspeth Morrison Comedy Technique led by David Boxer Portraying Injury and Death in Performance led by Lyndall Grant The event takes place on Sunday 5th November, starting at 10.30am and finishes at 5pm, when you’re invited to join us for a glass of wine. It will be held at The Actor's Centre in London. Tea and coffee, lunch and a glass of wine are included in the ticket price. BOOK EARLY AND SAVE Earlybird tickets are just £15 (regular price £20) if you book by Wednesday 11th October Behind The Scenes Open Day
We will of course be hosting our usual 'Backstage Open day' on Sunday 22nd October. Please do come along and check out the behind the scenes areas or even just have a chat with us. See how a blank stage is transformed into a seaside hotel and lighting and sound are set up. No booking necessary, just turn up at the Pump House anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tea and biscuits on the house! We are always looking for new members to join in the fun. Please do contact us (or speak to anyone of us if you're coming to a show) if you or someone you know wishes to find out about getting involved either onstage, behind the scenes, stewarding or to volunteer specialist skills to help run this friendly group and create the magic of live theatre. There really is nothing like it!
Belmont Theatre Committee is pleased to announce the cast for Separate Tables -
Show Dates; 25th to 28th October 2017Directed by Carole Baynes CAST in no particular order:
Production Appointments:
BOX OFFICE: Judi Campion & Mark Dreelan - Now open for bookings. THE HARVEY KESSELMAN COMEDY AWARD Judi Campion, Belmont Theatre Company - Sylvia in Stepping Out4/7/2017
 23rd June 2017 - NODA Review - Suddenly At Home - with thanks to NODA amd Gillianne Morris-Monk23/6/2017
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:-
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. Judi and Carole have been nominated by London NODA Region 10 for the London District NODA Awards. We wish them both well for the forthcoming District awards.
Sybil Conway Award - Best Female in a Play CAROLE BAYNES - Night Must Fall - Belmont Theatre Harvey Kesselman Comedy Award JUDI CAMPION - Stepping Out - Belmont Theatre -0- MORE GOOD NEWS We have also been shortlisted for the Poster award for our Stepping Out Poster. (as below) - Well done to Mike Morrow for the design. |
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