BTC Newsletter Dec 2023

Hi Members

Our year is almost over, although we are planning a General Meeting/Christmas celebration at the end of November.  This will be an opportunity to meet others and celebrate our year.  Details to follow.

In late September we performed Laura Wade’s satire Home, I’m Darling.  Although we did not have full houses we certainly had some enthusiastic audiences.  It is a major task to put on a production with actors who may be working or studying.  Our production manager pulled out as did our two stage managers and one actor!  We carried on bravely with our Director Gabiann Marin stepping into the role of the estate agent and Myra Hutton and Sabine Erika stepping into  the roles of Production Manager and Stage Manager.  Despite all these challenges the play was a success, albeit not financially owing to the high cost of the Hall (over $4000).  The play required many rehearsals in the hall as it was quite complicated.  The set was superb, mostly sourced by the director.  The old fifties frig and cupboards were much admired by audiences, some of whom wanted to take them home!  All in all we were pleased we took the plunge and put on a little known modern play.  As usual our front of house team, under the direction of Christine Watts, produced a stunning fifties atmosphere.

In October we were honoured with a wonderful Characterisation Workshop led by Margaret Davis. Those of us who took part learned a lot and we hope she will do another one next year.

As mentioned in our previous newsletter we are putting on an old favourite in April 2023, The Inspector Calls by J B Preistley which will be directed by Sabine Erika and Assistant Director, Peta Toppano.  There is already a great production team in place consisting of Gail Stephenson as Production Manager, and Elizabeth Giddey and Georgina Pretty as Stage Managers.

Our very busy Short Play Director, Liz de Koster, together with committee members and general members, read the submitted short plays and four have been chosen: Shafted by Tim Fahey; Two Chairs by Lucy Twomey who you will remember as  one of the Coco Chanels in More Than a Little Black Dress last year; Tongue Tied by Mark O’Flynn; and Variations by David Caplice. These will be performed in July next year.

We look forward to seeing you all at the General Meeting/Christmas Party at the end of November, and wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and 2024.

If you would like any more information please contact the President, Arwyn Kamarudin.