17.07.10
PRINCIPAL AND CHORUS AUDITIONS FOR THE SOCIETY'S PANTOMIME CINDERELLA WILL BE HELD AS FOLLOWS.
PRINCIPALS 7th September 2010 Those wishing to audition must be 16 years plus.
CHORUS 9th September 2010 All applicants must be 13 years plus.
CHARACTERS:
CHORUS Able to move well with strong singing voices. Some knowledge of dance is helpful but not essential.
PLEASE CONTACT THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY VALERIE HOPPER 0191 257 4366 FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
20.06.10
CINDERELLA DANCER AUDITIONS
These will be held on Sunday 11th July 2010 commencing 1.30 p.m. Those wishing to audition should contact Julie Smith direct 0790 469 1774. The Society searches for the following:-
14 TOTS 4 years and above. Max Height 3ft 8ins. Grade 1 - 3
6 JUNIOR DANCERS Grade 3 - 5 Must have Ballet/Modern/Jazz/Tap
8 SENIOR DANCERS Elementary/Grade 6 Age 15years+ Ballet/Modern/Jazz/Tap
All members of the cast are expected to join in with chorus songs on stage and those attending the auditions may also be requested to sing (in a group).
PRINCIPAL & CHORUS AUDITIONS.
These take place on 7th & 9th September and whilst you will be informed later about roles available etc., this is just a prior warning to update your diaries. These are the only dates the Auditions for "Cinderella" can take place (Dancers excepted) and everyone interested must attend in person as Ian Teoh our new Musical Director wishes to see you all personally.
JUNE 2010 NEWSLETTER
The Treasurer would appreciate an Assistant/s. This is an appeal for volunteers please. It's not complicated work, merely acting in a supporting role and suitable for one who likes number crunching and £ notes. Do contact either Bob or a member of the Committee if you would like to help or know someone willing to support the Society in this way.
Following the success of our return to the Playhouse approval was given for donations to various local Charities Tynemouth Photographic and Video Club £200 Teenage Cancer Unit at the RVI £150. These and other donations will be presented formally at a coffee morning at the Playhouse in the autumn. In the past we have donated to Beacon Hill School and Specialist College for Business & Enterprise. Their 6th form students have set up a social enterprise to recycle glasses (spectacles} Their target is at least 100 pairs to be recycled by Vision Aid Overseas before the end of term. If you can help them drop the glasses in at the school or college or post them direct. Contact Luke Zucceroli 290 0704 for further details.
Finally. JOE BAXTER WINS BRITISH UNICYCLE CROWN. Our own Joe, we all remember his Star performance in Goldilocks, has become the new British Unicycling freestyle, trials and street Champion for 2010/11. Well, we all knew his was GOOD but now the rest of the country knows it too. Well done Joe, congratulations from all your Society friends!
04.06.10
FUNDRAISING
We have started using a great web-site where you can raise funds for Whitley Bay Pantomime Society by shopping on line.
You can shop online with over 2000 well known retailers at www.easyfundraising.org.uk including Argos, Amazon, John Lewis, Boots, Tesco, Marks and Spencer to name but a few. Use the links provided on the easy fund raising site when you make a purchase and a percentage of the price you pay will go to the good cause of your choice. WHITLEY BAY PANTOMIME SOCIETY. You will not have to pay any additional charge.
Easyfundraising is absolutely FREE to use and when you register you will be helping to raise money for a good cause.
01.06.10
An invitation is extended to all members to attend our Annual general meeting at St Andrews U.R.C Eastfield Avenue, Monkseaton. Wednesday 16th June 2010 commencing 7.30PM
28.04.10
Plans for our 2011 Pantomime "Cinderella" are already underway, this will be at the Playhouse, Whitley Bay from 10th to 15th January 2011. Please Note: the show will run the full week Monday to Saturday, Dress Rehearsal on Sunday 9th January. Rowland and Joan have agreed to Produce and Julie is looking after the Choreography and Chorus. Rowland has kindly agreed to the use of his script. The Dancers Auditions are provisionally set for July. Principals and Chorus 7th and 9th September. More details will follow.
The Society's Annual General Meeting will take place on 16th June at 7.30 p.m. at St. Andrew's URC, Eastfield Avenue, Monkseaton and as combining it with a Wine and Cheese Evening provided popular last year the formula will be repeated and let's have even more members attending.
Check out the extra photos of Sleeping Beauty which together with details of Costumes now available for hire from the Society, have been added to our website.
PUBLICITY COMMITTEE. More volunteers to help with this important work are urgently needed. Bob Cresswell (0191 2522501) or Eve Graham (0191 2523681) would be very glad to hear from you. Advance publicity sells tickets and the old adage applies - many hands make light work - so please give this serious thought.
Finally it looks like Spring has finally arrived so let's all enjoy it while it lasts!
09.02.10
FEBRUARY 2010 NEWSLETTER
HELLO THERE!
I hope everyone has now had a chance to relax and revert to their normal
daily routine after working so hard to make “Sleeping Beauty” such an
enjoyable and successful return home to the Playhouse Theatre for the
Society.
Our initial concerns in meeting the requirements of the new theatre and
management were proved unfounded, in fact all the Playhouse staff deserve a
special word of thanks for their friendly welcome and willingness to go that
extra mile for us! We look forward to working closely with them in planning
our 2011 Pantomime “Cinderella” which is provisionally noted in the theatre
diary from 8th to 15th January ( these dates include Get In, Tech and Dress
Rehearsals).
Our audiences also noticeable increased as the week went on, Eve Graham and
our Publicity Committee doing sterling work in drawing people’s attention to
the fact that the real “Playhouse Pantomime” was back!
Having “hooked” our audience however it was then up to the cast and crew to
maintain the Society’s high standard in presenting each night a Pantomime
well able to hold its own against the local professionals. To judge by
various comments received from our audiences this seemed the case. I quote
extracts from some cards, letters and emails I have since received:
“A very professional, beautifully staged and costumed show, very well
performed”
“Congratulatons to you all – Producers, Cast and crew. A Wonderful show in
the new Playhouse”
“Better than the Empire, better than the Royal, a really entertaining
traditional panto, it had the lot! Reserve us tickets now please for
Cinderella!”
Our Video Night was also very well attended and enjoyed by all. Thanks to
John Burton for all his hard work in producing such a splendid video. Check
out the stills that John took of the show which are now on the Society’s Web
site and which will be joined soon by those taken by Roger Scott and Bob
Cresswell.
Your Committee will be meeting again in March when a number of important
decisions will need to be taken on the “Cinderella” Production, however the
Publicity side of things never relaxes and plans are already been drawn up
in respect of the 2011 Pantomime. If you have any brilliant ideas or would
just like to lend a hand with this, please let Bob Cresswell or Eve Graham
know. They will be very happy to hear from you!
VALERIE HOPPER (Society Secretary)
05.11.09
We are in need of a First Aider backstage during the week of the show. The Theatre Management is responsible for First Aid front of house but we must make our own arrangements for backstage. Is anyone qualified in First Aid and willing to volunteer to help in this respect please. This would mean being present each night for the run of the performance. Perhaps if more than one person is willing to help a rota could be organized.
Finally, Anyone who enjoys singing might like to take part in the following:
COME & SING HALLELUJAH! With Northern Sinfonia Conductor: Simon Fidler.
Sunday 6th December 2009 at Hall One at The Sage Gateshead. 10.30 a.m. workshop 5.30 p.m. performance.
Sing Hallelujah is a nationwide project which encourages people to find their voice and discover the joy of singing through Handel’s famous “Hallelujah Chorus”.
Contact: sally.kate@thesagegatehead.org
29.09.09
OCTOBER NEWSLETTER 2009
Auditions are now over and rehearsals have already begun for our 2010 production “Sleeping Beauty”.
The Principal roles have been cast is as follows:
| Lilac Fairy | Sarah Harris |
| Carrabosse | Lisa Bond |
| Princess Beauty | Carol Ann Wilson |
| Prince John | Emma McEnney |
| Fairy Crystal | Christine Carmichael |
| Fairy Thunder | Cheryl Moody |
| Fairy Merryweather | Jenny McGuire |
| Lady in Waiting | Joan Purves |
| King Cecil | Neville Wanless |
| Queen Anastasia (Dame) | Valerie Hopper |
| King Hubert | Roger Scott |
| Muddles | Rob Smith |
| Court Chamberlain | Jack Brown |
| Fuddles | Joanna Wingate |
| Dum Dum | Jack Brown |
We welcome a number of new members among the Principals, the chorus and dancers. Everyone is looking forward to a successful return “home” to the Playhouse in January, under the experienced guidance of Producers Joan and Rowland and Julie our Choreographer/Chorus Director.
We also give a warm welcome to Ian Teoh, our new Musical Director. Ian will be playing and looking after the band for the week of our show but due to prior commitments will not be present at rehearsals until nearer that time so we are very lucky to have the help of Maureen Donkin who has agreed to be piano accompanist for rehearsals.
Please note: There is a professional Pantomime at the Playhouse prior to our own. Some confusion has been caused through this and people have ended up booking seats for the wrong production. Please make sure everyone you know is aware that the Society’s Pantomime is “Sleeping Beauty” and to avoid possible problems book direct with Eve Graham. This makes sense for two reasons. First buying tickets from the Theatre Box Office may incur extra charges if you do not pay by cash and secondly the Executive Committee has allowed a reduction of £2 per ticket (Saturday excepted) to members of the Society whose subscription payment is up to date, providing the booking forms are returned - with full payment - to Eve direct by mid October.
Members are reminded please that if you have not already paid your Membership Subscription, it is now overdue. Please arrange payment of this direct to our Treasurer Bob Cresswell, myself or Julie (if you are Chorus or Dancer) This is particularly important if you want to avail yourself of the discount ticket offer.
Cast photographs will be taken by Roger Scott in October, for the programme. These will not be in costume but copies will be available for sale to those members wishing to purchase.
Can I also remind everyone of the timetable leading up to the staging of the Pantomime at the Playhouse. 5th January Rehearsal at Hall. 6th January Costume issue/fittings at Hall. 7th January Rehearsal at Hall. Sunday 10th January Technical Rehearsal at Theatre (all cast will need to be present as this is in place of our usual Walk On) Monday 11th January Dress Rehearsal at Theatre. More detailed information on what is permitted and not permitted by the Management in respect of Playhouse backstage and F.O.H. will follow later but I am sure that the information given here will keep you busy for the moment!
27.07.09
The Society will be holding Principal and Chorus Auditions for "Sleeping Beauty" in early September.
CHORUS AUDITION 3rd SEPTEMBER
Those wishing to audition for the Chorus must be 14 years plus, with strong singing voices and ability to follow simple dance movement.
PRINCIPALS AUDITION 8th SEPTEMBER
Principals must be 16 years plus, with ability to sing and move well on stage.
ROLES AVAILABLE:
PRINCE PHILIP (Principal Boy)
PRINCESS BEAUTY (Principal Girl)
QUEEN ANASTASIA (Dame)
MUDDLES (Comedy)
FUDDLES (Comedy)
DUM DUM (Henchman)
CARRABOSSE (The Wicked Witch)
KING HUBERT
KING STEPHANNE
COURT CHAMBERLAIN
LILAC FAIRY
FAIRY CRYSTAL
FAIRY THUNDER
FAIRY MERRYWEATHER
Please contact the Society's Secretary for further details by 1st September if possible.
10.07.09
To ensure the success of this production, strong publicity and marketing is needed from now until the week of the show and the Society is appealing for help.
Perhaps someone interested in media studies or the theatre, who would enjoy the challenge of PUBLICITY OFFICER for the Society and head a small team to help us reach the notice of as wide an audience as possible, thus ensuring a successful return to The Playhouse, Whitley Bay.
This may suit someone recently retired who was previously involved with advertising/marketing although previous experience is not essential, enthusiasm and a willingness to devote some time and thought to highlighting public awareness to our production would be a good start.
Please contact our Secretary if you are willing to help.
Volunteers are also needed to help with other small but important jobs - props, staging, Theatre staffing, Programme sales, chaperoning, helping obtain sponsorship etc., all vital to the Society’s future. We rely on Volunteers in many areas so please consider helping.
13.06.09
The Annual General Meeting of the Society will take place on Tuesday 30th June 2009 and this will be combined with a Wine & Cheese Evening.
“Festivities” will commence at 7.00 p.m at St. Andrew’s U.R.C. Eastfield Avenue, Monkseaton. This is a good opportunity for everyone to meet together socially as well as deal with the essential business of the AGM. An up-date on the progress of the Playhouse and our 2010 Pantomime will be given.
May I remind you that whilst all are most welcome to attend this event, only subscribing members over the age of 18 have the right to vote at the A.G.M.
We are still without an MD/Piano Accompanist for this production. This is urgent if anyone can help please get in touch. Any help with Publicity would also be appreciated.
07.06.09
The good news is that we are returning to the Playhouse, Whitley Bay in January 2010.
The Pantomime will be the ever favourite Sleeping Beauty. Because of availability, there will not be a Monday performance. Sleeping Beauty will be performed in the newly refurbished theatre from Tuesday 12th January until Saturday 16th January 2010. There will be the usual matinee performance at 2.15pm on the Saturday and early performances (6.30pm) on Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday. Friday and Saturday evening will be at 7.00pm as usual.
The seating in the theatre will be more comfortable but reduced in numbers, so if you want the best seats it is advisable to book now. For you, our personal and loyal customers you can reserve by phone 0191 252 3681 or by email evegraham@blueyonder.co.uk
Ticket prices are
Tuesday. All tickets £10
Wednesday to Saturday inclusive £12
Concessions available on Wednesday and Thursday only at £10
Family ticket: Wednesday and Thursday only at £40
Block bookings: 1 free ticket per 10 purchased.
Cheques must be made out to Whitley Bay Pantomime Society and bookings must include a stamped addressed envelope. Unfortunately we cannot accept debit/credit cards. For more information, ring or email. The Pantomime Priority Box Office is open now. Tickets for the general public will be available from the Playhouse from September. Tickets purchased directly from the theatre will incur a service charge (unless paid for with cash)
02.04.09
The memories of “Goldilocks” are now fading and many will have been taking a well earned rest but I know some have been wondering what the future holds for the Society. Well let me first of all assure you that your Committee has not been idle, in fact we have already met with North Tyneside Council and the new Playhouse Management team SMG Europe Ltd. to discuss the way forward and as a result of this meeting we are delighted to tell you that the Society will be back home in Whitley Bay Playhouse for our 46th Annual Pantomime “Sleeping Beauty”
The dates are 11th to 16/17th January 2010 (Dress Rehearsal 9 or 10th) Show starts 6.30 p.m. on Tues. Wed. Thursday. & 7.00 p.m. Friday. We are considering two Matinees on the Saturday. i.e. 1.00 p.m. & 5.00 p.m. instead of the traditional 2.15 p.m., & 7.00 p.m. We are also considering performing on Sunday 17th at 1.30 p.m. The change would be beneficial to ticket sales but before making a final decision the Committee is seeking your opinion.
COULD MEMBERS PLEASE LET ME KNOW PREFERENCES BEFORE THE END OF MAY WHEN A DECISION MUST BE MADE.
AUDITIONS FOR “SLEEPING BEAUTY” Thursday 3rd Sept (Principals) Tuesday 8th Sept. (Chorus) Rehearsals commence 15th September. Contact me please for appointments etc.
A MUSICAL DIRECTOR is required for this production. He/She will be expected to play (piano) at rehearsals on a regular basis as well as the week of the show & Dress Rehearsal and work with the producers to select suitable music, particularly current popular music. PLEASE TRY AND HELP US FIND A SUITABLE AND WILLING PERSON. THIS IS AN URGENT NEED.
The Society also wants a new PUBLICITY OFFICER. Roger did a sterling job with Goldilocks for which we are all grateful but is not continuing and we are anxious to find someone willing to spearhead the marketing of our next production. Previous marketing/advertising experience is not essential - although it would certainly help - plenty enthusiasm/ideas and some spare time to work on strategy with a team would fit the bill just as well. IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE - PERHAPS SOMEONE RETIRED WHO WOULD LIKE TO HELP - OR WOULD LIKE TO HELP THE SOCIETY YOURSELF EVEN IF JUST IN A SUPPORTING ROLE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
Also an added appeal for volunteers to help with other small but important jobs. Backstage with props and scenery. Front of house, Theatre staffing, programmes, chaperones, arranging displays in local shops etc. Seeking of Sponsorship and Grants. The Society relies on volunteers so please consider helping.
COSTUME HIRE.
Following the closure of W.A. Homburgs the Society purchased the costumes hired from them for Goldilocks. When not in use by ourselves these are available for hire to other groups and details appear separately on this website.
A COMBINED ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND WINE & CHEESE EVENING WILL TAKE PLACE ON Tuesday 30th June 7.00 p.m St. Andrews URC Monkseaton.
Three final points. Congratulations to Bob our Treasurer on the occasion of his recent marriage.
Eppie and Lucy Averell have recently changed their address and are now resident at Pavilion Court Care Home, Cowgate. See Secretary for further information.
Other members may also have moved since furnishing their details. If you have done so please don’t forget to inform the Secretary, otherwise you may miss out on important information on the Society.
Whitley Bay Pantomime Society
