84 Charing Cross Road

OCTOBER 28TH – NOVEMBER 7TH

AT THE THEATRE PITT

Notes from the director, Richard Purro.

84 Charing Cross Road is a play about books, ideas and friendship.

At the heart of the story are Helene and Frank. She is a brash, shoot from the hip, New York television writer. He is a quiet, dignified British bookseller with the self deprecating sense of humour typical of the war generation. Two people who seemingly couldn’t be more different, yet a simple letter enquiring about rare books, leads to a friendship that spans decades.

While Helene lives alone in her Manhattan apartment, Frank oversees the staff at Marks & Co: Cecily and Megan trying their best to bring a feminine touch to the shop: Bill, single and living with his great Aunt and old Mr. Martin.

These characters form the backbone of a play that has charmed audiences with its celebration of the power of simple acts of kindness as well as the power of ideas to transcend place and time. 84 Caring Cross Road is not just an address, it is a state of mind.

Helene and Frank corresponded for over 20 years and yet never met. Internet style relationships are not new.

About the Director.

Richard Purro is an American actor and director now living permanently in New Zealand. He received his drama training at the Conservatory for the National Shakespeare Company in New York City, spending more than 20 years as a professional actor in the U.S.A and in the U.K. During that time, he was lucky enough to appear in more than 70 productions, working with some of the best directors in the business, including Trevor Nunn, Roger Hayman, Daniel Sullivan and Joan Welch. He was also in the original London production of Sunset Boulevard.

His own directing credits include productions of Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Hot L Baltimore. We are fortunate to have Richard direct this play which he says that has many layers.

About the cast.

Lynn Webster, an extremely talented, award winning and experienced actor who recently appeared in our last production, ’The Day They Kidnapped The Pope’ is playing the pivotal role of Helene Hanff, The New York script writer. Lynn was also recently in ‘The Graduate’ for Caught Jester Theatre. As well as acting for other drama and music theatre groups, Lynn also teaches yoga.

Bruce Weston is playing Frank Doel, who works for Marks and Cohen, antiquarian bookshop, 84 Charing Cross Road, London, that really did exist. Bruce has been a Pilgrim member for many years, appearing in several productions as well as directing. He also performs at other Auckland theatres with awards for acting at Dolphin Theatre and a best actor award from NAPTA for a Pilgrim play, ‘The Whales Of August.’

Also in the play are Geoff Barlow (Mr. Martin) who was in our production of ’12 Angry Men’, Karen Yates (Megan) a new comer to the stage, Jen Gregory-Lyons (Cecily) another new actor for us, Andrew Gordon (Bill Humphries) who played Charley in our production of ‘Charley’s Aunt’ last year and Glenda Matchett (Mrs.Todd) often seen playing the piano in our shows.

Performing in a play is exciting but the preparation is lengthy, involving many more than the cast. A back stage team is hard at work building the set while costumes and properties people are tirelessly gathering materials needed. Publicity is organized while front of house staff are arranged for each performance. We always need willing helpers and committee members. If you are able to help in any way, please contact Marion - 376-6583 or Glenda - 418-4547.

A. G. M.

The A.G.M. has been held and the Annual Report is available on request. Thank you to all who attended and to the past committee for all their dedicated work. A new committee was elected.

Chairman – Marion Hines, Vice Chairman – Bruce Weston, Secretary – Glenda Matchett,
Treasurer – Neil Lobb, committee members – Mary Boyd, Kathy Lobb, Carolyn Flint, Peter Carr, Chris Webb and Barrie Herrold.

Despite a recent newspaper report on the state of amateur theatre in Auckland, there is an enthusiastic interest and involvement in musicals and plays at the many theatre groups in and around the city and suburbs. Information about current shows and events is available on their websites. Click on to the links to see what is happening at a theatre near you.

Pilgrim Productions – Entertaining and uplifting Theatre in the city.

July 2009 Newsletter

Our first play of the year,

a New Zealand premier production of a comedy by

Jao Bethencourt

‘The Day They Kidnapped The Pope’

was skillfully directed by Gwyneth Glover, her second production for the society. Last year, Gwyneth presented the ever popular ‘Charlie’s Aunt’ which won us a Best Comedy Award at the annual ACTT nominations. While other directors had given this funny and timely play a miss, after reading it, Gwyneth saw the possibilities immediately and offered to direct it for us. It was a bold move. The play was written for a large amount of technical effects calling for complex sound as well as television. By using real TV presenters on stage, this production problem was solved. Combined with an amazing set and turning the theatre around, adding authentic looking costumes and with a dedicated and talented cast, the risks were well worth taking. This complex and thought provoking play broke new ground for us. Laughter was heard at every performance while audible sighs of the recognition of the reality of the world’s problems at the end of the play were reason enough for us to be well pleased this play was chosen.

With casting finally settled only a few weeks before opening night, it all hands to set up the theatre ready for the first performance. A huge thank you to Chris Webb for his design and set construction. Costumes created by Marion Hines were outstanding and props, provided by Mary Boyd and the cast, gave authenticity to the production. So many people give of their time to our productions and without friends and families to lend a hand, the show would never go on. A huge vote of thank to everyone who helped in whatever capacity.

Director Gwyneth Glover assembled a great cast of actors including Neil Shaddock, Lynn Webster, Dennis Petrone, Lillian Shaddock, Hilary Grant, Stan Goudge, Richard Glover, Steven Oates, Gail Hosken, Bruce Weston and Anthony Carroll as the Pope. Along with Glenda Matchett who also was one of the off stage voices, back stage crew included Ryan Stevens, Chris Webb, Peter Carr and Jaquie Rice. Neil Lobb stage managed the production while Kathy Lobb welcomed patrons and took care of the front of house.

For information regarding our next production in October - read on.

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