Our play for spring this year will be The Ghost Train written by Arnold Ridley, for those of you old enough - Private Godfrey from the television comedy Dad’s Army; it will take place at The Dolphins Hall and will run from 25 – 27 April 2019.
Our Director is Alex Ball and he is being ably assisted by Gwen Hobson. Alex has already worked out a time sheet for all the cast plus a session for each actor to work on the character they are playing so that it just comes naturally at all rehearsals and obviously each performance. Phillip Webb is back with us again, we have missed his quick wit and jokes, also Ian Smith – Ian has been responsible for the design and ordering of the wonderful banners that we have had for the last three productions; Ian always does so much behind the scenes, he has been part of Dolphins Dramatic Society since he was about seven years old. In those early years he used to help his Dad, Rob Smith, building and painting scenery, a job he is still heavily involved with.
From our last production, Beauty and the Beast, a thank you should have been extended to Derek Miles – he always does a lot of running around for The Dolphins but more especially for this last pantomime. He made numerous trips backwards and forward to the Goods Shed with props and costumes plus having his home turned upside down from all the cast trouping through to try on their costumes! Every inch of space in Derek and Jenny’s lounge and dining room was covered with costumes, material or props and on the dining table was Jenny’s sewing machine with Jenny busy sewing making any alterations where necessary; there was one spare seat and that was where Derek could sit if he wanted to watch the television! Thank you Derek from all the Dolphins, we do appreciate you and what you have to put up with.
Terri White
Thursday 22 November is the ‘Tetbury Lions night out for the Senior Citizens of Tetbury.’ As we all know Tetbury Lions really are a fabulously generous group, they organise this exclusive night out every year that includes door to door transport, refreshments, raffle and on top of all that they donate the ticket money to the Dolphins Dramatic Society – absolutely brilliant! This year is no different except of course that the show will be at Tetbury Goods Shed instead of the Dolphins Hall. However, usually it is on the Wednesday evening but because the Goods Shed is so busy we couldn’t get an extra night hence the change to Thursday.
Only a few more weeks to go and it will be curtain up (even though we do not have a curtain!), it really has been great fun, all the corpsing (laughing) is now out the way – the lovey dovey scenes were particularly entertaining - anyway we will be on our best behaviour when you come to see us. There is a song that we would like you all to join in with and the only way we could be sure you all had access to the words is by putting them in the programme – it isn’t expensive and there is a lot to look at and read so well worth the £1.50. It’s glossy and posh, professionally printed by IHS Markit – a big thank you to Matt who does such a wonderful job for us.
Did you know that Beauty and the Beast is a fairy tale, written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and was published in 1740. It was an extremely lengthy version of the tale, luckily for all of us it was abridged, rewritten, and published by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont in 1756. Our pantomime version is even more abridged and some additions too - Ben Crocker, the script writer, really does have a great sense of humour but manages most ably to keep the essence of the story i.e. finding love where you least expect it and about seeing with your heart, so do come and join us for a magical night out.
P.S. I got that wrong didn’t I! Emily was actually seven when she started with the Dolphins Dramatic Society – humble apologies Emily.
Photo by David Hobson. Left to right: Neil Hainsworth (Felix), Terri White (Malabelle) and Martin Porter (Ma).
The Dolphins Dramatic Society are performing Beauty and the Beast, the childhood classic you have come to love; a tale of finding love where you least expect it, about seeing with your heart, complete with a needy witch, talking furniture and a giant talking poodle! Fabulous costumes, some new characters and plenty of audience participation – oh yes there is! –it’s fun for your whole family. The panto runs from 23 – 24 November with two performances on Saturday 24 November. Curtain up 7.30pm (2.30pm Saturday matinee) and venue is Tetbury Goods Shed, via Cirencester Road, Long Stay Car Park, Tetbury GL8 8EY. Tickets available from Tetbury Hardware, London Road or online at: www.dolphinsdrama.uk Adults£9.00; Concessions £7.00 and under 16s £5.00. Do come and join us, you can boo and hiss to your hearts delight.
Dolphins Dramatic Society
Well it’s all change with the Dolphins! Hopefully you’ll have read in the September edition of the Tetbury Advertiser that we have, on advice from the Dolphins Hall, packed our bags and trundled off to the Goods Shed for our autumn production of Beauty and the Beast 22 – 24 November; a huge thank you to the Trustees of the Goods Shed for giving ‘The Dolphins’ a temporary home.
Another BIG change involves saying farewell to Vincent Oblyschuk. Vincent has moved to Bournemouth to attend University, he will be studying acting professionally; we will all miss him but wish him lots of luck, hopefully he will pop in to see us all from time to time.
Alex Ball attained his PGCE and is now teaching at the same school as Gwen – she is showing Alex the ropes as he embarks on the final part of his teaching qualification i.e. NQT status (newly qualified teacher) – you will be brilliant Alex.
Emily Bray, who joined the Dolphins at the tender age of eight, has started senior school at Westonbirt, where did all the time go? We all know Emily will do well as she is so conscientious. Emily’s début with ‘The Society’ was as a snail in The Three Musketeers, we’re pleased to say she is still very much part of our happy band and will have two parts in this panto.
Trudie Avis is back with us again, Trudie was about 11 when she first started in The Dolphins; one of her most memorable performances was as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Trudie is now married and has three young children of her own. Hum, that really does make you feel old!
We have also changed where we rehearse, on Tuesday nights we are at Christ Church and on Thursday evenings we are now at Tetbury Fire Station! Dave Smith, Station Commander of Tetbury Community Fire and Rescue Service has very kindly allowed us to use their back room. A huge thank you to Dave and all his colleagues; it’s all very exciting especially if they get called out and we can see these amazing guys in action.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the wonderful Mr David Hudson, he will be with us for the panto to make sure the sound is just right, he has also put together some amazing special effects – on pain of death I’m not allowed to tell you what they are, so you’ll just have to come and see for yourself!
Terri White
In a blink of an eye and it’s all over! Once again another production has been put to bed and already The Society is choosing its spring production.
Anne Smith with the help of Jenny Miles worked, as always, so hard on this production and once again pulled off a great panto. Well done Anne and Jenny. They were both sleepless beauties from all the worry of putting on a good show i.e. issues with the hall and one big concern was Cotswold Costumes. Anne and Jenny like many of us were told it was closing, luckily this proved to be wrong, they were changing hands. Yes folks it is still going strong, what a relief and they were super helpful. The Society has been blessed with the five new members that joined: Martin (The Dame); Neil (Carabosse), Carla (Princess Aurora); Helen (Prince Orlando) and Mark (chorus and stage management) – they were all brilliant; we do so hope they will all stay with The Dolphins.
(Photo by David Hobson, left to right: Gwen Bruist- Hobson – Fairy Peaceful; Carla Gallagher – Princess Aurora and Neil Hainsworth – Carabosse).
As with all productions there are a lot of people to thank, without them the show would not be possible. To the wonderful David Hudson who travels from Cornwall providing his knowledge, vast library of lighting and special effects (without him we would have no stage lighting); Rick Hicks for all the amazing props he made; Ian Smith who works away quietly and does so much for The Society. An extra BIG thank you to The Snooty Fox for displaying our huge promotional banner and lending us two of their chairs; IHS Markit for printing the programme and extra posters; Creative Hairdressers for allowing us to dress their window and put posters up; Malc at Tetbury Hardware, our unique box office and Henrietta’s House for the matinee raffle prize – you are all wonderful and a credit to the town. Thank you also to all the traders who placed adverts and those who were happy to put up posters. Tetbury Lions, you are brilliant, you do so much for so many in Tetbury and the older people really do enjoy their night out at the panto, thank you. The Dolphins Dramatic Society really does appreciate you all.
Most importantly we need to wish Jean Lockey, who has been with The Dolphins Dramatic Society for nearly 40 years and done so much for The Society, Happy 90th Birthday. Jean is an inspiration to us all.
To all of Tetbury, especially those we have mentioned, the audience who support The Dolphins Dramatic Society on a regular basis and those that are new, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.’
Dolphins Dramatic Society
Oh my goodness, how time flies when you’re having fun – I really can’t believe it is only a week away from the opening night. Yes that’s right folks – I do hope you have got your tickets. The play runs from 6 - 8 April 2017, so make sure you get your tickets either from our very unique Box Office at Tetbury Hardware, London Road or online www.dolphinsdrama.uk
Vincent Oblyschuk and Steve Scott have been in numerous productions including The Wizard of Oz, Pirates of Penzance, On The Razzle and Cinderella to name but a few but I’m sure most of you will remember them best for their wonderful stage presence as Dames! Vincent most recently as Dame Trot in Jack and the Beanstalk – he ran riot in the auditorium (hall) picking on members of the audience and causing absolute mayhem. Steve on the other hand heckled the public from the stage in Dracula the Pantomime and organised team singing, heaven help you if you didn’t join in! Steve and Vincent are in this play, they have great chemistry together and with the rest of the cast, they are naturally very funny. This means that any production they are in, the cast can guarantee a good laugh on and off the stage. Brilliant actors and a real asset to the Society.
I spoke about the script writers Brian Clemens and Dennis Spooner in the last Advertiser article, this play will give you the opportunity to discover the other side of the producer and co-writer of "The Avengers" and to get a belly laugh or two on the process. ANYBODY FOR MURDER? might be bad for its victim's health, but the laughs will be good for yours. So come and join us at The Dolphins Hall, the set up will be the cosy layout of tables and chairs and there will be a bar to complete a unique evening out.
( Photo by David Hobson: cast left to right front: Gwen Hobson, Alex Ball, Amelia Federico, Jackie Rymer; Left to right back: Steve Scott, Vincent Oblyschuk).
Dolphins Dramatic Society
Oh my goodness, how time flies just two weeks and it will be curtain up on Abigail’s Party. Our Director Helen Ryder and all the cast have been rehearsing tirelessly and as such, Amelia Frederico, Ian Smith, Martin Porter, Jackie Rymer and Carla Gallagher have taken on the persona of the characters, they are truly amazing so the play is as near to the original as amateur dramatic society could possibly get. As one would expect a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to produce such a challenging production and this one is no exception. Rick Hicks has been in charge of making furniture - 70's style shelving unit with the drop down bar space. As usual, Anne Smith, Jenny Miles and Ian Smith have constructed, papered and painted an authentic set and to ensure the production is shown in the best possible light, David Hudson will be beating his usual track from Cornwall to Tetbury to work his special magic. So do come and see for yourselves and have a brilliant night out; there is a well stocked bar! The dates are 12 – 14 April, 7.30pm curtain up.
Abigail’s Party is one of the most iconic stage plays of the 20th century, thanks partly to its legendary 1977 ‘Play for Today’ production on BBC1. From a time when the height of urban sophistication was cheese and pineapple on a stick, served nonchalantly on a Lazy Susan comes a tragi-comedy about social climbing, prejudice and fear of not doing ‘the done thing’.
The writer and director Mike Leigh called his play “both a celebration and a lamentation of how we are”, because this isn’t just a play about 1970s Britain, it’s a peek into the frustrations and struggles endured by everyone who has ever floundered and grasped their way through life, attempting to ensure everything about them and around them is ‘the done thing’.
Mike Leigh, who wrote and directed this play was born in Salford on 20 February 1943, the son of a doctor, and educated at Salford Grammar School before gaining a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1960. He then went on to further his craft with spells at Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts, the Central School of Art and Design, and the London Film School. After completing his studies in acting, Mike Leigh found himself drawn more to writing and directing, which is a relief as otherwise Abigail’s Party and the many incredible plays and films Mike Leigh is responsible for would not exist. Abigail’s Party is one of the most iconic stage plays of the 20th century, thanks partly to its legendary 1977 ‘Play for Today’ production on BBC1. From a time when the height of urban sophistication was cheese and pineapple on a stick, served nonchalantly on a Lazy Susan comes a tragi-comedy about social climbing, prejudice and fear of not doing ‘the done thing’.
The writer and director Mike Leigh called his play “both a celebration and a lamentation of how we are”, because this isn’t just a play about 1970s Britain, it’s a peek into the frustrations and struggles endured by everyone who has ever floundered and grasped their way through life, attempting to ensure everything about them and around them is ‘the done thing’.
Abigail’s Party is one of the most iconic plays of the 20th century, thanks partly to the legendary BBC ‘Play for Today’ series in 1977 which launched it as a comedic tour-de-force that has impinged on the English national psyche and is as popular today as it was in 1977. Yes indulge yourself in nostalgia and go back 41 years to continue celebrating Abigail’s Party by joining the Dolphins Dramatic Society for a night of sophistication that will include 70’s favourites such as cheese and pineapple on a stick!
Abigail’s Party is one of the most iconic stage plays of the 20th century, thanks partly to its legendary 1977 ‘Play for Today’ production on BBC1. From a time when the height of urban sophistication was cheese and pineapple on a stick, served nonchalantly on a Lazy Susan comes a tragi-comedy about social climbing, prejudice and fear of not doing ‘the done thing’.
The writer and director Mike Leigh called his play “both a celebration and a lamentation of how we are”, because this isn’t just a play about 1970s Britain, it’s a peek into the frustrations and struggles endured by everyone who has ever floundered and grasped their way through life, attempting to ensure everything about them and around them is ‘the done thing’.
Dolphins Dramatic Society
Well folks, there is only a few weeks to go before ‘curtain up’ on The Dolphins production of “Gaslight” by Patrick Hamilton. The play runs from 14 – 16 April 2016, so make sure you get your tickets either from our very unique Box Office at Tetbury Hardware, London Road or online www.dolphinsdrama.uk
The cast has been working hard learning lines and putting the final touches to this Victorian thriller and of course Anne, our director, has been working tirelessly to ensure everyone knows their moves and expressions so that a chilling atmosphere ensues.
Jackie Rymer is playing the lead role and doing a fantastic job. I’m sure many of you regulars out there will remember her playing the part of Edith in Allo Allo, she was brilliant especially with that awful singing; believe me she actually does have a fabulous voice. Jackie has also played the part of a pirate, Miss Prism in The Importance of Being Earnest and more recently Steve, a real likely lad, in Summer Holiday; so as you can see she is a very versatile actress.
The play is a classic not only because it is a Victorian thriller that has stood the test of time, the original play premiered in 1938, but also for the fact that it is responsible for the term ‘Gaslighting’ which has been used in clinical and research literature. In this context, Gaslighting is a form of mental abuse in which the abuser twists, selectively omits or gives false information with the intent of making their victims doubt their own memory, perception, and sanity. This form of abuse can be found in the work place as well as in the home; it is more common for the male to be the abuser and the female the abused. This form of abuse has often been used in the story line of a ‘soap’ e.g. East Enders and recently in The Archers, those of you who are avid Archers listeners will know the two characters I’m talking about.
The Dolphins Hall will be set up with tables and chairs rather than the rows we have for the autumn production and there will be a bar, so if you do get nervous and need some Dutch courage you can enjoy a glass/bottle of wine whilst watching the show. Do come and join us at The Dolphins Hall, New Church Street, Tetbury.