2012 PRODUCTIONS: WANTED! DIRECTOR AND CHOREOGRAPHER FOR 'HALF A SIXPENCE'!

After a very successful year, in which, for the first time for quarter of a Century, the Society performed two Musical productions, here are our productions for 2012.

The spring production is Mike Harding’s classic comedy ‘Fur Coat and No Knickers’, to be performed from Thursday 7^th to Saturday 9^th June at 7.15.

‘Fur Coat and No Knickers’ needs no introduction from me – it is a laugh riot from beginning to end.

The read through/auditions for the play will be held on Wednesday 15^th February at the Art Theatre, Jodrell Street, New Mills SK22 3HJ. For information contact Paula Waddacor at pinky.paula@hotmail.co.uk.

The November musical is ‘Half a Sixpence’, to be performed from Tuesday 27^th November to Saturday 1^st December at 7.15 pm, with a Matinee on the Saturday at 2.15.

The get-together will be towards the end of March, but in the meantime here is some information about the show. The show has 2 Acts, with 18 scenes and is based on H.G Wells’ novel ‘Kipps’. The Book is by Beverley Cross, with Music & Lyrics by David Heneker

There are a large number of parts in the show, with 13 principals, straight roles with minor singing and dancing and a large singing and dancing chorus. Almost everyone dances at least a little. The choreography includes the opening ballet: a day's business at the Emporium; soft shoe, modern, promenade, couples number, tableau, modern, photograph number.

The play opens in Shalford's Drapery Emporium where Kipps works and lives as an apprentice draper. Ann, Kipps's childhood sweetheart, is in service so they don't get much chance to see each other. Kipps thinks that a lovers’ token might help the romance along but the next day brings news that is to change his life. He learns that solicitors are looking for him and consequently gets a little drunk. He is marched off to join his woodwork class run by Helen Walsingham. Kipps falls for her without much hope. Ann is cross with Kipps for not meeting her and walks out on him just before he learns that he has inherited a fortune. Spurred on by his new social standing Kipps proposes to Helen, but her family pressure makes him realise that Ann is his first and real love. Kipps and Ann marry but his yearning to maintain his social standing creates problems between them which are only resolved when a fortune is lost. A small fortune is offered to him ... he rejects it. "What a rum do everything is," he comments.

Sadly, two members of our stalwart production team are leaving this year. So the Society is looking for both a Director and a Choreographer for ‘Half a Sixpence’. I’m pleased to say that Dave Chapman and Tim Walker will still be looking after the musical side of things. If you know of a potential Director or Choreographer who is interested in working on ‘Half a Sixpence’, please let me know on 01298 25750 or geoff.lunn@btopenworld.com.
 

NOTHING AMATUER ABOUT OLIVER! AT NEW MILLS ART THEATRE

Visitors to New Mills Art Theatre last week were treated to outstanding performances of Lionel Bart’s Oliver by NMAODS (New Mills and District Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society). This well loved musical was brought lovingly to life by the dedicated and talented cast – including fourteen under 13 year olds!! The leads, particularly Fagin, Nancy and Oliver, were worthy of the professional stage with their acting and singing prowess, and are well supported by a dedicated technical team and stage management team.

With a history starting as far back as 1911, this theatre has gone from strength to strength in its performance facilities – it has a permanent revolving stage allowing innovative and flexible delivery of scenes. The skilled back-stage team re-created the London of the 1850’s with considerable attention to detail and a real treat for the audience’s eye.

Considerable investment has also been made in the important areas of stage sound and lighting. The theatre has the advantage of having Paul Holt as their Technical Director. As well as being a New Mills’ resident, born and bred and part of NMAODS since a teenager in the early 1980’s, Paul is the Managing Director of PG Stage, theatre facilities specialists based in Manchester. “From the continued support of the New Mills’ and district community and hard work of the members, we have been able to invest in both the stage lighting and sound systems to compliment and enhance the performances. At PG Stage, we have been working closely with some of the largest theatres in the UK since 1985. New Mills Art Theatre gets just as much attention as any of our professional clients making the audience experience what feels like a truly professional performance.”

Paul and PG Stage look forward to supporting the New Mills Art Theatre next production of an Aladdin Pantomine at the end of January put on by the Friends of the Art Theatre.

(source: www.pgstage.co.uk  - December 2011)