May 2008 Newsletter
Our 2008 season play this year is the timeless and popular ‘Charley’s Aunt’ by Brandon Thomas. It ran for 4 years in London when first performed, giving audiences and casts a look into the lives and minds of academic love and life ever since. Like a good recipe, ‘Charley’s Aunt’ is the perfect mix of youthful humour, comic situations and a happy outcome. Why do so many drama societies perform this play? It is perfectly written, has a cast of young and not so young, is visually appealing and like well prepared good food, leaves everyone satisfied.We are fortunate to acquire Gwyneth Glover to direct this play. Gwyneth has been our costume expert for several shows and now is returning to directing once more. Her experience in innovative theatre is giving us a chance to create a classic comedy in a new setting. The stunning costumes for this play are fashioned by Carol Evans, one of Auckland’s foremost theatre costumiers. Rehearsals are under way with an excellent cast, who are enjoying working together under Gwyneth’s experienced eye.
Charley Wykeham - Andrew Gordon, a young actor playing his first role for us.
Jack Chesney - Steven Oates, a past drama pupil of Gwyneth Glover.
Amy Spettigue - Liz Harrex who is a graduate of EXCEL School of Performing Arts.
Kitty Verdun - Celeste Oram, actor and musician.
Lord Fancourt Babberley - Phil White, tutor at EXCEL School of Performing Arts.
Stephen Spettigue - Rex Steele, who performs with The Stables Theatre, Ellerslie.
Sir Francis Chesney - Bruce Weston, Pilgrim and Dolphin Theatres.
Brassett - Kevin Murray, director and actor at the Dolphin Theatre actor.
Donna Lucia D’Alvadorez - Colleen Sexton, Mairangi Theatre and Pilgrim performer.
Ela Delaney - Uliana Pausina, Film and stage performer.
And featuring Glenda Matchett on the cottage piano-forte.
‘Charley’s Aunt’ Season
July 9th - 12th @ 8PM July 12th @ 2PM July 13th @ 5PM July 16th - 19th @ 8PM
Around the Churches Play
Our Around The Churches presentation will be on tour beginning June 1st with a funny and thought provoking piece, ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Jericho’ directed by Carolyn Flint and performed by Magenta, the group formed to present these plays for the churches. After last year’s popular and successful tour, Magenta was brought together by Carolyn under the sponsorship of Pilgrim. Please try to attend one near you if possible, supporting these actors committed to church drama as part of worship. There will be a final night for friends at Pitt Street Methodist Church on July 6th at 7 PM
Cast:
Kerry Thornton - Ant Booth - Barrie Herrold - Jason Daniels - Chris Webb - Carolyn Flint.
Directed by Carolyn Flint with Helen Grounsell as Director’s Assistant.
TOURING PLAY DATES & ADDRESSES
| June 1st | Devonport Methodist Church, Cnr. Lake & Owens Road | 10 AM |
| Journey Church Grey Lynn Community Centre, Richardson Rd, Grey Lynn | 4 PM | |
| June 8th | Waiuku Combined Church, 85 Queen St, Waiuku | 9:30 AM |
| Greenlane Presbyterian Church, Cnr Greenlane & Gt. South Rd. | 7 PM | |
| June 15th | St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 62 London St. Hamilton | 10:30 AM |
| Melville Methodist, Cnr. Bader Dr. & Normandy Rd. Hamilton | 3 PM | |
| June 22nd | Te Atatu Union Church, Cnr. Te Atatu & Taikata Rds. Te Atatu Penn. | 10 AM |
| Owairaka Vineyard, Wesley Community Centre, Sandringham Rd Ext. | 4 PM | |
| June 29th | St Aidens Presbyterian Church, 97 Onewa Rd, Northcote. | 10 AM |
| St Peter’s Presbyterian Church, Harrison Rd, Ellerslie | 3 PM | |
| Mt. Albert Methodist Church, Cnr. New North & Alexis Rds. Mt. Albert | 7 PM | |
| July 6th | Northcote Baptist Church, 67 Eban Rd, Hillcrest. | 10:15 AM |
| Pitt Street Methodist Church 78 Pitt St. City. Final guest service. | 7 PM |
New seating for The Theatre Pitt, Pitt St Methodist Church, 78 Pitt St, Auckland, has been completed. Yes, we now have extra rostra for seating at the theatre built by Peter Carr and Chris Webb aided by Jackie Rice. No more uncomfortable pews! And we have been donated cushions for the chairs. These new additions will make a huge difference to audience comfort at future productions.
A very well attended voice workshop was held last month under the tutorage of Linda Cartwright, one of N.Z’s most respected voice tutors. Linda directed one of our plays several years ago, My Dearest Kate, a play based on letters by Charles Dickens to his wife. It was a worthwhile and enjoyable event.
A very well attended voice workshop was held last month under the tutorage of Linda Cartwright, one of N.Z’s most respected voice tutors. Linda directed one of our plays several years ago, My Dearest Kate, a play based on letters by Charles Dickens to his wife. It was a worthwhile and enjoyable event.