Murder most amusing!

 

Tipsy butler Bunting (Richard Dymond) creeps up behind Mildred (Eileen Symonds) and her niece Dorothy (Rachel Fenwick). (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Murder, mirth and mayhem are all on the menu  when Newport Playgoers present ‘Murdered to Death’, an hilarious spoof of Agatha Christie whodunnits.

A group of eccentric characters gather in a country house – only to be murdered one by one.  Can the inept Inspector Pratt and his put-upon assistant deduce who is the killer?

They have plenty of suspects to choose from, including a retired army officer, his strung-out wife, a drunken butler, the village spinster, a suspicious Frenchman and a supercilious socialite.

“This highly entertaining satirical parody is very much in the style of Peter Sellers’ Inspector Clouseau, and will appeal to anyone who loves a good laugh,” said the play’s director Chris Bissex-Williams.

All the unusual suspects: the cast of ‘Murdered to Death’ in rehearsal (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

The bungling Inspector Pratt (Lyndon House) phones for help. (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

“I’m lucky to have some of Playgoers’ finest acting talent in the cast, and rehearsals have been almost as funny as the play itself. The characters have to deliver some outrageous innuendo and then look at the audience as if they’re not quite sure if what they’ve just said is rude. I’m sure audiences will love it.”

‘Murdered to Death’ by Peter Gordon is at the Dolman Theatre from Wednesday 15 – Saturday 18 May at 7.15 pm, with an extra matinee performance on the Saturday at 2.30 pm. To book tickets call 01633 263670 or visit www.dolmantheatre.co.uk. New members are always welcome to join and help out both onstage and behind the scenes.

Desrae Tucker, Leading Light of Newport Playgoers

A long-time member of Newport Playgoers and leading light of local amateur dramatics has died at the age of 68. Desrae Tucker was passionate about the theatre, and acted in and directed many of the city’s most successful amateur theatrical productions. In January she directed the hugely popular ‘Dad’s Army’ which Playgoers staged at the Dolman Theatre.

Desrae Tucker

Born in Newport in 1944, Desrae loved dancing as a young girl and won gold medals for her performance as a ballroom dancer. She was educated at Duffryn High School and obtained her teaching certificate at Caerleon College of Education.

After teaching in several local primary schools she returned to Duffryn to teach English and Drama. After gaining an Honours degree from the Open University, she taught at Bettws High School and from there went on to be appointed head of the English and Drama department at Brynmawr Comprehensive School, where she ended her career as a highly respected and valued Deputy Head.

Her close friend and fellow Playgoer, Ann Kelly, said, “To Des, teaching was a vocation and she considered helping young people to achieve their full potential to be an honour and a privilege. Her past pupils and former colleagues all remember her with great affection and gratitude.”

Outside work, Desrae loved theatre and, as well as directing many productions for Newport Pantomime Society, was a member of Newport Playgoers for over 40 years and a founder member of Dolman Youth Theatre. In her time she acted, organised props, prompted, assisted and directed plays, worked backstage and could, if pressed, organise sound and lights. Her last theatrical success was ‘Dad’s Army’, a triumph of characterisation, timing and team work as well as great fun for everyone involved.

Desrae also busied herself in many other areas of local life. She was a past regional president of the N.U.T. and a past president of the local branch of the Soroptimists – a women’s organisation working to better lives for women in this country and abroad. In addition she was an active member of Newport Rotary Club whose focus on community and international service she supported enthusiastically.  She was also secretary of the Newport Photographic Club and was a keen and highly accomplished photographer.

“Above all Desrae was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend,” added Ann Kelly. “Her passing has left a huge hole in many lives.”

 

Cathy Graduates from Student to Director

This time last year Cathy Morgan was preparing for the final exams in her degree in drama, theatre and media – now she is making her debut as a director at the Dolman Theatre.

Cathy Morgan directs cast members of ‘Entertaining Angels’. (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Cathy is busy directing Newport Playgoers’ production of ‘Entertaining Angels’, a poignant comedy drama about a vicar’s wife who discovers some unpleasant home truths following the death of her husband.

“I’m really enjoying getting some practical experience of theatre work,” said 24-year-old Cathy, who gained a first class honours degree from Glamorgan University.

Mel Edwards as Grace and Stephen Saunders as Bardolph in Newport Playgoers’ production of ‘Entertaining Angels’. (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

“Having directed in university and in the Dolman’s studio, I was excited to take on the challenge of directing for the main stage. It’s been an exciting experience and I can’t wait to show off all the hard work that the cast and crew have put in to the play.

“’Entertaining Angels’ is a tale of grief, regret, lack of communication within a family, and buried secrets – but it has a very funny and perceptive script which ensures the laughter constantly bubbles to the surface,” she added.

Before moving up to directing, Cathy, who lives in the Gaer, played Polly in Playgoers’ production of ‘Fawlty Tower’ and was assistant director on ‘Frost/Nixon’.

‘Entertaining Angels’ is at the Dolman Theatre from Wednesday 17 – Saturday 20 April at 7.15 pm, with an extra matinee performance on the Saturday at 2.30 pm. To book tickets call 01633 263670 or visit www.dolmantheatre.co.uk. New members are always welcome to become involved both onstage and behind the scenes.

Extra dates for ‘Calendar Girls’!

June 2013

Good news for everyone who’s looking forward to Newport Playgoers’ forthcoming production of ‘Calendar Girls’. Due to public demand, Playgoers have added two extra performances of this poignant and much-loved play.

It will now run from Monday 10 to Saturday 15 June.  In addition, there will be a 10% discount for group bookings of 10 or more.

Playgoers will also be bringing out their own calendar in the style of the original produced by the Womens Institute ladies which shot them to fame. Featuring members of the cast, the calendar is hoped to be on sale soon. Watch this space for more details.

Young Actors Will Whisk Audiences Around the World!

Staging a play involving an elephant and a trip in a hot air balloon is an ambitious project – but it’s a challenge being relished by Playgoers New Generation (PNG) as they rehearse ‘Around the World in 80 Days’.

Some of the members of Newport’s newest theatre group PNG enjoying rehearsals of ‘Around the World in 80 Days’. (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Made up of younger members of Newport Playgoers, PNG are the latest addition to Newport’s amazing array of amateur theatrical talent.

Phileas Fogg (Jordan Smith) is not amused when the evil Mrs Price (Natty Niering) makes a move on his sidekick Passepartout (Tim Hawken) (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Following their success with the stage version of the sitcom ‘Hi-de-Hi’ last year they asked local playwright Steven Quantick to adapt Jules Verne’s classic novel.

The result is an ambitious play that will whisk the audience across five continents in its telling of the famous wager made by hero Phileas Fogg.

On his travels he encounters a murderous cult, an elephant called Rudolf and, of course, takes to the skies in a hot air balloon.

“I can’t give anything away about how we’re going to pull of these action-packed stunts but I’m sure the audience will be amazed,” said PNG founder member James Reynolds who is co-directing the play.

Phileas (Jordan Smith) shakes hands on the impossible bet with Ralph (Tyrone Sullivan) while Samantha (Lauren White) looks on. (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Phileas (Jordan Smith) points the way to Passepartout (Tim Hawken) as they set off on their travels. (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

“Everything about this play is new. We’re a new theatre group presenting a world premiere of a new play. It’s all very exciting and everyone is working hard to make this a show people will never forget.”

‘Around the World in 80 Days’ is at the Dolman Theatre on 27,  28 and 30 March at 7.15 pm. To book tickets call 01633 263670 or visit www.dolmantheatre.co.uk.

Exploring the thin line between madness and murder

“Like being trapped in someone else’s nightmare.” That’s how one critic described ‘Veronica’s Room’ which is the next presentation from Newport Playgoers.

Rachel Fenwick, Connor Jenkins, Chris Bissex-Williams and Eileen Symonds in ‘Veronica’s Room’ (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Written by Ira Levin, author of ‘Rosemary’s Baby’, The Stepford Wives’ and ‘Deathtrap’, this chilling thriller tells of two college students who are enticed to a fading mansion by an elderly couple because the girl bears a striking resemblance to Veronica, the long dead daughter of the mansion’s owners.

What follows is a tale packed with twists and surprises. A great night out for anyone who loves well-acted mystery and suspense.

Rachel Fenwick as Susan in ‘Veronica’s Room’
(PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

‘Veronica’s Room’ is at the Dolman Theatre from Wednesday 27 February – Saturday 2 March at 7.15 pm, with an extra matinee performance on the Saturday at 2.30 pm. To book tickets call 01633 263670 or visit www.dolmantheatre.co.uk. More information is available online at www.newportplaygoers.wordpress.com. New members are always welcome to become involved both onstage and behind the scenes!

‘Dad’s Army’ brought to life on Dolman stage

There’s a treat in store for all fans of the sitcom ‘Dad’s Army’ – the show and its cast of wonderful characters will be brought to life on the stage of the Dolman Theatre next week.

The Home Guard on manoeuvres: Richard Dymond as Captain Mainwaring, Ryan Salter as Pike, Eammon Corbett as Sergeant Wilson and.Rob Jacob as Corporal Jones. (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

All the favourites will be on parade as Newport Playgoers present three fun-packed episodes of the classic TV programme, including ‘The Deadly Detachment’ in which the bumbling Home Guard capture a German U-boat crew.

Written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, the show tells of the exploits of the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard as they defend their quaint town against the might of the Nazi invasion force.

Led by bumbling bank manager Captain Mainwaring (Richard Dymond) and effete Sergeant Wilson (Eammon Corbett) the platoon boasts an unlikely fighting force of the elderly local butcher, Corporal Jones (Rob Jacob), fast-talking spiv Private Walker (Jes Hynes) and mother’s boy Private Pike (Ryan Salter).

“Hande hoch!” The Home Guard arrest the crew of a German U-boat in ‘Dad’s Army’. Rob Jacob as Corporal Jones, Ryan Salter as Pike, Richard Dymond as Captain Mainwaring and Eammon Corbett as Sergeant Wilson. (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

The show follows on from Newport Playgoers’ success with the stage version of another hit TV series, ‘Fawlty Towers’, last year.

‘Dad’s Army’ is at the Dolman Theatre from 16 – 19 January 2012 at 7.15 pm, with an extra matinee performance on the Saturday at 2.30 pm. To book tickets call 01633 263670 or visit www.dolmantheatre.co.uk.