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20th Jul


Last Chance for Club Night

9 Reasons to see 'Nine'

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

An Evening of Celebration Bill Pearson Award

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Nomad News: February 2002

Stories in this Issue:
Nine: Don't miss out on being in a show to remember
What the Butler Saw - BOOK NOW!
Memory of Water Auditions
Free and Clear!
Br Fraid, be very Fraid...
"Join us at a Prompt Corner Lunch"
One of Our Rowan
Direct Drama Group
A PLEA!
Lost and Found
Moving story
Nine Auditions
That's the ticket! a New Policy
Algernons Ahoy!
Theatre Cleaning Rota
More Money for our New Box Office
2002 Nomad Celebration and Bill Pearson Award
CatchThis: an occasional feature
Nomad Draw


Nine: Don't miss out on being in a show to remember
Nine - A musical written by Maury Yeston - is based on the life, world and mind of eccentrically imaginative film director FEDERICO FELLINI. It opened on Broadway in 1982 and ran for 739 performances, it was nominated for eleven TONY AWARDS and won five including BEST MUSICAL In 1992 it was performed at the ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL with Jonathan Pryce and Elaine Paige and five years ago it was at the DONMAR WAREHOUSE where again it received great accolades.

The critics said "that their faith in musical theatre was reborn, BRILLIANT, CONFUSING & CHALLENGING to the end." Twenty years later it is still unforgettable; we were given one of the most finely crafted scores of any musical.

It is set in the present day at a spa near Venice. Famed film director Guildo Conti has a wife and plenty of mistresses and girlfriends too. He is under contract to start a new movie, but his personal life is getting in the way.

Its story is simple: A director has to start a film, can't remember what it's about but goes ahead with it anyway. His search for the film becomes a search for personal truth, a cinematic psycho-analysis, this is the centre of NINE.

What makes NINE such a special piece of theatre Is its mixture of straight-forward narrative with memories and dreams, as if they were all one.

Ultimately the blurring of the boundaries between reality and fantasy heighten our awareness of both and, for me, makes NINE especially innovative and challenging.

Most productions of NINE are performed with one leading man, 14 women and three young boys. Some roles could be played by either sex, so men, please feel free to audition. NINE is very much an ensemble piece; all characters are on stage at all times and re-enact numerous characters in different fantasies of Guido's

More details to follow on cast details and auditions.
 


What the Butler Saw - BOOK NOW!
What the Butler Saw was first produced in 1967 after the author's death. It is Orton at his best - witty, clever and tilting at the Establishment of the day, very much like Wilde in the previous century.

The action takes place in a private mental home run by Dr Prentice, whose efforts to seduce his prospective secretary create hilarious situations involving his wife, a government medical inspector, a bellboy from a local hotel and a policeman as well as the unfortunate young lady looking for a job.

During the play two people are shot, two put into strait-jackets and two certified insane. Not bad for a cast of six!

And those six are:
Chris Bissex, Elizabeth Eaton, Mat Goldhawk, Martin Lawrance and Nikki Tidy.
 


Memory of Water Auditions

'Blessedly and mercurially funny... Stephenson,
a mistress of comic anguish,' The Guardian.

The Olivier Award winning West End hit, Memory of Water, follows three sisters as they come together on the eve of their Mother's funeral. A funny, tender reflection of families, memories and how we survive as adults with our siblings and lovers. Laughter is an invited guest at this poignant reunion.

There will be a read-through for anyone interested in finding out a bit more about the play on Sunday Fedruary 17th at 2pm. You are welcome to participate or just observe.

Auditions - Thursday 21st February at 7.45pm, Tuesday 26th February at 7.45pm

CAST
Vi
Age 50-70. Mother of three sisters who makes a number of ghostly appearances. A woman who longed for glamour in her life but was ultimately disappointed by her lot.
Mary Age 39. A successful career doctor with an ascerbic wit, longs for a child. Has run away from her past.
Teresa Age 40+. Neurotic sister running an alternative health products business. Has a need to be in control, has a long drunk scene.
Catherine Age 30+. Extremely self obsessed, desperate to be loved, blunt, brash.
Mike Age 35-55. Mary's married lover. A TV doctor, smart, slick and successful.
Frank Age 35-55. Teresa's downbeat, down trodden husband. Quiet, understated, Yorkshire man.

For more information please call Marina Norris on 01273 730985

 


Free and Clear!

If you thought that we have been working in our very own building for the last three years you wouldn't be quite correct. But Brian Rutterford explains below how it is all ours at last.

The few remaining defects in the theatre building were eventually remedied and the Final Certificate of Acceptance was signed by the Architect in October 2001.

Negotiations on the cost details continued almost endlessly by finally, on 16th December 2001 Geoff Partridge received his best Christmas present of all - the agreed Final invoice from the Building Contractor. We were then able to claim the final instalment of the National Lottery Award, which has now been received, and the builders' account settled. At last the theatre building is finished and paid for... a mere 3 1/2 years after the theatre was handed over to us on Practical Completion in July 1998.

The total cost of the project was £1,366,000 - just £20,000 over budget - about 1 1/2% overall. We had already provided for this and had sufficient funds in the accounts for the year ended 31st May 2001.

We are grateful to all those companies that worked on the project: builders, sub-contractors and consultants, but especial mention must be made of Peter O'Donnell, our Architect. His contribution before, during and for so long after construction was completed was outstanding. His close cooperation and commitment to control of costs was key to our success.

I would like to express the appreciation of all our members for the provision of a truly magnificent facility and record that it would not have been accomplished without the dedicated work and attention to detail of Geoff Partridge and the inspired fun-raising managed by Bill Pearson, supported by all those who, in a multitude of ways, helped to achieve this exciting outcome. To Geoff and Bill and to Joan and Eva we extend out thanks and gratitude.

Brian Rutherford
Chairman NPL

 


Br Fraid, be very Fraid...

Our Chairman's son Will - an ex-Nome - and three other Horsley lads (Chris Miller, James Stichbury and Mitch Loan), who make up the band 'Fraid' have reached the Grand Final of the BBC1 show 'The Next Big Thing' - a music-based talent show similar to 'Popstars'.

Fraid will be appearing along with the other heat winners on 8th March at 4.25pm on BBC1. From the 3,200 acts who entered the contest they have reached the final 9 and the national phone vote will decide the winner. For the price of a local call you could help the lads achieve stardom! And then no doubt they will generously and frequently sponsor our productions.

 


"Join us at a Prompt Corner Lunch"

We've some really interesting speakers for 2002, all for £7 with an excellent lunch.
The next two are:

Wednesday 20th February Peter Forbes on Building a Bigger Theatre - The Leicester Haymarket.

Wednesday 20th March Claire Fox, fundraiser for the Yvonne Arnaud, on her varied life in the theatre and of course at the Arnaud.

Call me to book on 01306 730582 by the Monday before the lunch.

 


One of Our Rowan

(headline entered for Pun of the Century)

Rowan Bangs, one of our most talented and inveterate Young Nomads writes:

"I'm coming to the end of my degree in Drama and Theatre Studies now and before I start work in the business that they call show I've directed a little musical at the University of Surrey. It's called A Slice of Saturday Night*, and it's an affectionate look at teenage love in the 1960s. Those of you who have heard of the show will know what a cracker it is; those of you who don't should pop along and see it. I'd love to see you there as the Nomads have helped me so much over the years."

So why not go along and support him? The production is on in the University of Surrey in Roehampton (up the A3 and turn left) from 21st to 23rd March, and the box office number is 07905 721993. Call Rowan on 07779 257871 for instructions on how to get to the University (Yes, we know - study!).

* Barbara Dickson starred in it for two years in the West End.

 


Direct Drama Group

One of the more positive aspects (amoungst many), of The Nomad Theatre is its openness in embracing the community. A fine example of this was the production one cold, wet Sunday afternoon in early February of Cinderella by the Direct Drama Group. This group is made up of youngsters aged 16-28 experiencing learning difficulties. For several this was their first time on stage and the enthusiasm of the company in putting on the play was evident in the energy they displayed throughout the 75 minute show. Their sucess was reflected by the atmosphere they created, hugely enjoyed by the appreciative audience. Credit is due to the tireless activities of Richard Brookman (writing, directing, organising), to the Young Nomads who selflessly gave up their time in helping with the staging and costuming and to some of the Nomes who helped out during the afternoon of the show. Prime movers behind DDG are Christine Charlesworth (chair), and Miriam Oppel (choreographer). We very much hope the group will come back to our stage either as individual cast members or in their own show.

Richard Brookman wishes to add his own personal gratitude to the Nomads involved for their superb help and support.

 


A PLEA!

Please book the use of theatre spaces with Sarah Thomas in plenty of time before you need them. Ring her on 01483 284070 or even send her a note. Use of the theatre is a bit like London Buses - nothing and then several things at once. If Sarah doesn't know about something she can't avoid clashes.

Regular users are:
Tuesday Crew 20.00 - 22.30 every Tuesday come rain or shine.
Nomes Workshops Thursday 17.10 - 19.10, Friday 18.00 - 20.00, and Saturday 9.30 - 14.30 during term time.
Young Nomads Friday 20.00 - 22.00

 


Lost and Found

Sarah Tomas is currently in possession of a mobile phone charging unit found in the ladies dressing room and an earring. Contact her on 01483 284070 if you want them back.

Various books, clothing, makeup, and other sundries have been abandoned and are on a table in the rehearsal room. They will stay there until What the Butler Saw and then they will either be thrown away or donated to DEBRA.

 


Moving story

If you are moving house please add an item to all those lists you make and then can't find - an item reminding you to tell both the Newsletter Editor and the Membership Secretary your new address and telephone number. Drop a line to them at the theatre and help us to keep in touch with you.

FOR EXAMPLE:
Phillippa Saray recently told the Newsletter Editor about her new address, and here it is:

18 Westbury Gardens
Farnham
Surrey
GU9 9RN

 


Nine Auditions

Guido Contini: Flamboyant film director / Casanova type, 50s. Baritone
Young Guido: Lively / excitable child, 9. Boy Soprano
Luisa Contini: His wife, glamorous Sophie Loren type, 40s, Mezzo
Carla: Guildo's mistress, a sensuous sex kitten, 20s Soprano
Claudia: Guido's theatrical/temperamental protegee, 30s Mezzo
Guido's Mama: Motherly (typical Italian Mama), 70s, Mezzo
Liliane la Fleur: Flamboyant film producer (O.T.T), 50s, Mezzo (Maurice La Fleur if played by a man Baritone)
Stephanie Nec: A hard-faced/acid-tongued film critic, 30s Soprano (Stefan Necrophorus if played by a man, Tenor)
Our Lady of the sea: Young/pure/spiritual/beautiful, 20s Soprano
Mama Madelena: Chief of chamber-maids/buxom, 50s Mezzo
Sarraghina: a voluptuous/uninhibited whore, 40s, Contralto
Diana: Italian actress, bitchy type, 30s Soprano
Maria: Italian actress trying to impress Guido, 30s Mezzo
Renata: Italian actress, pushy type 30s, Contralto (Renato if played by a man, Bass)
Annabelle: Italian actress protegee of Guido's/sexy, 20s Soprano
Olga: German actress (able to speak fluent German), 40s Mezzo
(Otto von Sturm if played by a man, Baritone)
2x young boyfriends of the young Guildo (non singing)

There will be a workshop on Sunday 3rd March at 2.30pm for members to familiarise themselves with the audition pieces. Auditions will be held on Sunday 17th March at 2.30pm and Monday 18th March at 7.30pm.

Call Steve Williams on 01737 249815 if you need any further information.

 


That's the ticket! a New Policy

You may have noticed a change to our ticket pricing in the Box Office feature - Tuesdays and Wednesdays are now cheaper. The normal booking pattern is that these evenings tend to be thin, while the rest quite often have waiting lists. Those were, for example, the two evenings that pulled down our pantomime bookings below the 100% mark.

We hope that the lower prices on those early nights will attract new playgoers to come along and enjoy our shows. Apart from anything else, casts very much appreciate good-sized audiences early in the run.

 


Algernons Ahoy!

Keith McDonald is looking for an Algernon (a super part for an actor of 20-25) for the production of The Importance of Being Earnest which he is directing for Creaction Theatre Company at the Electric Theatre from 8th to 11th May. Keith is currently travelling extensively, so please contact Jane Macintyre on 01483 564654.

 


Theatre Cleaning Rota

Those listed below are scheduled for the next few weeks. The asterisked person or persons is responsible for arranging with the others when to meet and do the work.

2nd / 3rd March: Stuart Bangs*, Lisa Arnold, Teddie Backett, Alan Baker, Dianne Bamber, Rowan Bangs, Lucy Barker, Jeremy Barlow, Michael Bartlett, Adrian Bathurst, Ian Harwood, Amber Chandler.

Sunday 17th March: Liz Butt*, Cast & Crew of What the Butler Saw, Gavin Bell, Nicky Bentley.

23rd / 24th March: Roger* Alison & Naomi Brandon-Jones, Jonathan Bleasby, Christine Bonar, Chris & Brenda Brooks, Mr & Mrs Derek Brooks, Elaine Burns, Lawrence Burns.

Many thanks to all who came to give time and elbow grease to spring clean the theatre on 10th February and to Debbie Danaher and Rita Derriman for organising the refreshments. Some dusters, hoovers etc. boldly went where none had been before. Even then that was fewer than 20 people out of a membership of around 200. On the January cleaning day only three people turned up out of the crowd that should have been there.

 


More Money for our New Box Office

We have been given a Global Grant of £2000 from Surrey Voluntary Services Council towards training people to operate the computerised box office we are shortly going to buy. We already have a grant for £2350 towards the computer software, and we are currently seeking further funding.

 


2002 Nomad Celebration and Bill Pearson Award

Quiz question. What do Margaret Herrick's uncle* and Mel and Tessa's Dad have in common? Answer, they both have awards named after them. Unlike the ceremony hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences however, the Nomads do not expect its members and guests to wear black tie (nor indeed its female members to spend the GNP of a small Central American country on a dress) to their annual bash. Neither will they inflict embarrassing speeches of the likes of Sally Field or Dustin Hoffman on the audience (we do our own, very special, line in embarrasing speeches).

Time to get to the point. Following Bill as the inaugural winner for 2000 last year who should be recipient of this year's award? Almost any member who participated in Nomad activities from January - December 2001 is eligible and council members welcome nominations from any and all members. Give it some thought and in the next Newsletter we'll tell you who is ineligible and how to nominate someone who is...

The Celebration of Nomad activities on 2001 followed by the Bill Pearson Award will be held on the evening of Saturday 18th May. Note it in your diary now! It was a lot of fun last year and should be this time around.

Paul Evans

*Oscar

 


CatchThis: an occasional feature

Contributions are welcome. Please make sure the show is running long enough for people to catch it.

Gagarin Way at the Arts Theatre from Feb 27th. Won a Fringe First and other awards at last year's Edinburgh Festival, transferred to the National and now to the Arts.
A compelling, shocking, darkly comic new play which would appeal to those who enjoyed Trainspotting, but also to those who aren't afraid of a little politics in their theatre.

Humble Bay by Charlotte Jones at the Gielgud Theatre.
Another new play that has recently won the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best New Play.
Witty, sad, beautifully staged and acted, this play would appeal to those who enjoy a funny, touching story that includes a few references to Hamlet and astrophysics just to keep you on your toes! The cast includes Felicity Kendall, Simon Russell-Beale, William Gaunt and the most hysterical Marcia Warren.

The Island by Trestle Theatre. Coming to the Epsom Playhouse, so watch for it. Based on a newspaper cutting about an old lady that was found dead on a traffic island. Mask theatre at its most sensitive. It was very much enjoyed by those of us who saw it at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2000.

 


Nomad Draw

The February Draw will take place at the Prompt Corner Lunch on Wednesday 20th.

Ring Brian Rutherford on 01483 282046 to join the Draw Club and treat yourself to a fabulous opportunity to become rich for a mere £13 a year.

 


2002 Newsletters:
January February
March April
May June
July August
September October
November December

Yearly Archive: 1999, 2001, 2002,


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