January - June 2015 Spring Season Guide
Transcription
January - June 2015 Spring Season Guide
spring at January-June 2015 Cheltenham’s Intimate Community Theatre BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk A (very) brief history of The Playhouse In 1801, Henry Thompson bought the entire Montpellier estate from the Reverend Delabere and the first building on this site was erected in 1806. It was built as a spa and for the manufacture of “The Real Cheltenham Salts”, a reduction of the spa water to its solid constituents, which could be added back to water and taken for medicinal purposes. There were also six baths of various sizes. By 1818, there were nine baths on the premises, of which two were cold water baths large enough for swimming. The Montpellier Baths reopened in September 1900 after a major refurbishment, having been purchased by the Corporation of Cheltenham in 1899. The council added many slipper and medicinal baths in the area now used as the green room and rehearsal rooms. Further additions were made in 1916 and 1920. The Baths never made a profit for the council and by 1939 the exterior was looking derelict. During the war, the Baths were closed to become an ARP Centre and the home of a division of the St John’s Ambulance. The premises underwent many refurbishments, enlargements and improvements throughout the 19th Century, with the addition of a sizeable swimming pool, showers, air, steam and vapour baths, plus its own steam mill and bakery from around 1836, which made use of the energy produced by the boilers used in the salts manufacturing process. Discussions and calls for a home for local amateur theatre began in 1944 and the Baths were converted to become the Civic Playhouse which opened in April 1945 making it, as far as we have been able to ascertain, the only new theatre to begin operating during WWII. The town council financed the Playhouse until 1957, when local volunteers took over the running of the venue under the guise of the Theatre & Arts Club. It is still run by volunteers to this day and has been a registered charity since 2001. The main swimming pool could be covered over to allow gymnasium classes and cycling lessons to be held and in later years the baths played host to exhibitions, dances, fancy dress balls, dinners for soldiers on leave and a variety of competitions. 2 Welcome The Playhouse 1945-2015 This year marks the 70th anniversary of Cheltenham’s intimate community theatre. Of course, the building is much older than that, dating from a period when the town barely stretched beyond the current high street! process of writing what we hope will prove to be a very interesting book! However, we thought you might like to know a little more about our history in this anniversary year – see opposite! Our theatrical era began on 9 April 1945, while WWII was still being fought, with a production of George Bernard Shaw’s Arms & The Man, bringing forth a congratulatory message from the author himself, together with celebrated Cheltenham-born actor Ralph Richardson. We’re very pleased that to mark the occasion, Patesian Players are going to stage that same play this April, with their first night being 70 years to the very day of that first performance. This is just one highlight of the first half of our anniversary season of plays, musicals and concerts from local amateur companies and professional performers. Aside from a grant of £5,699 from the borough council, the theatre receives no external funding and relies on revenue from theatre and room hire, a percentage of box office income, bar profits and the goodwill of its supporters. We have made many improvements over the years and wish to make more, let alone maintain the existing fabric. We are therefore looking for sponsorship as well as to increase the number of our volunteer friends who work front of house. For more information please see page 18. Everyone who is involved with this theatre is well aware of its importance and takes their role as a custodian of this fascinating grade-II building very seriously. One of our members, Allen Miller, has been undertaking an enormous amount of research into its history; we now know far more about it and the people that worked, visited, lived - and even died - here than ever before and we are in the CONNECT WITH US In the meantime, sit back, choose which shows you want to come and see and give our box office a call on 01242 522852. Paul Scott Theatre manager @CheltPlayhouse The Playhouse, Cheltenham COVER IMAGES Poetry Festival Previews PAGE 6 Arms & The Man PAGE 10 Ladies Godiva PAGE 11 Being Alive PAGE 13 3 Gloucestershire Youth Theatre presents Cheltenham Operatic & Dramatic Society presents The Quest for the Gold Cup Fawlty Towers SATURDAY 31 JANUARY – SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY No Sunday performance THURSDAY 22 – SATURDAY 24 JANUARY Edmund Noels and Archibald Long have never seen eye to eye. From the first moment they met both men have been trying to out do the other in every facet of their lives. As successful men of Gloucestershire the only way to settle their differences is to buy, train and race their prize horses in The Cheltenham Gold Cup. To the winner the spoils, the glory and the bragging rights… By Connie Booth and John Cleese Directed by Nick Tobias There are hotel inspectors in town; a rather deaf lady complains about the view from her bedroom window; and a demanding American insists on a particular meal. It can only be three episodes of the sitcom voted Greatest Ever British TV Programme in a British Film Institute Poll in 2000. Set in the eponymous chaotic Torquay hotel, we invite you to relive the iconic moments and memorable characters from three of the most celebrated episodes – The Hotel Inspectors, Communication Problems and Waldorf Salad - as misanthropic Basil Fawlty battles with guests, the hapless Manuel and of course his acerbic wife Sybil. 7.00 pm 2.00pm matinee 24 Jan £8 (£5 concessions) 7.45pm 2.00pm matinee 7 Feb £12 (£10 concessions Mon & Tues eves and Sat mat) An amateur production An amateur production by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk 4 Beyond Eternity Promotions presents Rolling Stock Theatre Company presents Elvis vs Jerry Lee Lewis Hedwig & The Angry Inch FRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY WEDNESDAY 25 – SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY Who was the real king of rock ‘n’ roll? This is your opportunity to decide as the two come head to head! Be excited once more by the sheer energy of Elvis’ hits such as Hound Dog, All Shook Up and Don’t Be Cruel and Jerry Lee Lewis’ hits such as Great Balls of Fire, Whole Lotta Shakin’ and Breathless. Then you choose who was the true king and invite them back for one final curtain call. Two breathtaking performers in the guise of Dave B (Elvis) and Peter Gill (Jerry Lee Lewis) and supported by the fabulous Buddy Presley Band remind us all why rock ‘n’ roll will never die! www.beyondeternitypromotions.com A musical by John Cameron Mitchell & Stephen Trask Directed by Anne Cambridge Hedwig, our East German heroine, started life as Hansel. Offered escape from Germany, Hansel emerges from a botched sex-change operation and, in a ball of glitter and rock ‘n’roll, Hedwig is born. Alone in America, Hedwig seduces young rock star-in-themaking, Tommy Speck. But as Tommy heads for stardom with the songs Hedwig wrote, she pursues him, struggling to claim a piece of the starlight for herself. This February, Hedwig, her husband Yitzhak and their band, The Angry Inch, take you on a musical journey of self-discovery, heartache, and wigs. Contains strong language and is not suitable for those aged under 15. 7.45pm £12 (£10 concessions except Sat) 7.45pm £14 (£12 concessions) An amateur production by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk 5 Beyond Eternity Promotions presents Cheltenham Poetry Festival in partnership with The Playhouse presents An Evening with Anita Harris Poetry Festival Preview (Day 1) FRIDAY 6 MARCH SATURDAY 7 MARCH 2.00pm Joyce * Songs and sketches of beloved actress and writer Joyce Grenfell performed by Playhouse actors. £6 (£4) 4.00pm John Hegley The ‘scandalously talented’ (Sunday Times) comedian, poet, performer, Radio 4 favourite and People’s Poet Laureate John Hegley returns to Cheltenham for a special matinee show which fuses poetry, song and stand-up. ‘Bleeding marvellous’ (NME). £10 (£8) 6.00pm Dead Poets, Live! * From Keats to Kipling; Inspired Playhouse actors interpret popular classic poems. £6 (£4) 7.45pm Festival Music Hall * In the great Playhouse tradition, comedy, monologue, poetry, and updated singalong songs; a hilarious melodrama of brothers competing in verse for love, egged on by feisty Lady with Shallots. £10 (£8) Anita Harris has had a breathtaking career spanning over 50 years. She has been a film star, television star, graced the top of the pop charts, become a pantomime legend as Peter Pan, starred in Cats in the West End and featured in seven Royal Command Performances. She has never stopped performing and has worked alongside legendary names in the world of entertainment such as Harry Secombe, Phil Silvers, Morecambe & Wise, Tommy Cooper, magician David Nixon and Clive Dunn. *Devised by Marilyn & Howard Timms of Playhouse New Drama Join her and The Peter Gill Trio in a glorious cocktail of song, chat, glitz and charm in an unforgettable evening. www.anita-harris.com 7.45pm £14 BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk 6 Cheltenham Poetry Festival in partnership with The Playhouse presents Dreamshed Theatre presents Stand Up and be Counted Poetry Festival Preview (Day 2) FRIDAY 14 MARCH SUNDAY 8 MARCH Following their last popular outing, they’re back with another evening of comedy! Join Norman and Beryl’s regulars for an evening of assorted stand-up, sit-down and sketches (not of the drawing kind). “Just what the doctor ordered!” H. Shipman “Best night out I’ve had for a while” A. Coulson 11.00amAF Harrold presents The Imaginary A poetry show for kids and the young at heart. Acclaimed poet AF Harrold reads from his enchanting new book plus some of his quirky and hilarious poetry. £6 (£4) 2.00pm Ann Drysdale – Between Dryden and Duffy Ann Drysdale is an entertaining, humorous and thought-provoking poet, renowned for captivating readings. £6 (£4) 4.00pm Knowing Smirk Expect rhyme and little reason when Knowing Smirk, lead by comedian and poet Joy–Amy Wigman, offer a comedy sketch and improv show – with a tinge of panic and a big-dollop of poetry inspired fun! £10 (£8) 8.00pm Boundless Brothers This ebullient British folk-pop is gaining a huge following for infectious melodies and feel-good tunes. The band consists of brothers Sam Wilson (lead vocals, guitar), Seb Wilson (electric/double bass, backing vocals) and Nathan Cole (banjo, backing vocals). Get ready to dance in the aisles… £10 (£8) 7.45pm £10 BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk 7 The Rococo Players presents Deep End Theatre Company presents Anne Boleyn Accidental Death of an Anarchist TUESDAY 17 – SATURDAY 21 MARCH THURSDAY 19 – SATURDAY 21 & THURSDAY 26 – SATURDAY 28 MARCH By Howard Brenton Directed by Antoinette Wilson Lover, heretic, Queen, revolutionary... A celebration of a great English heroine, Anne Boleyn dramatises the life and legacy of Henry VIII’s notorious second wife, who helped change the course of the nation’s history. Traditionally seen as either the pawn of an ambitious family manoeuvered into the King’s bed or as a predator manipulating her way to power, Anne – and her ghost – are seen in a very different light in Howard Brenton’s epic play. By Dario Fo Translated by Simon Nye Directed by Neil Webber A high-octane political farce based on the real-life events surrounding Italian railroad worker and anarchist Giuseppe Pinelli, who fell - or was thrown - to his death from the fourth floor window of a Milan police station in 1969. A self-proclaimed maniac with a subversive agenda manages to implant himself into the police station in which the dirty business took place. As the truth unfolds anarchy ensues, in a riotous ride full of accusation, impersonation, punctuation and condemnation... Please note that this production is being staged in our Montpellier Room. There is limited seating and unfortunately no wheelchair access. Contains strong language. 7.45pm £10 (£8 concession except Fri & Sat) 8.00 pm £6 (£5 schools) An amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books An amateur production by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk 8 The Playhouse presents The Playhouse presents Family Fun Day Ukulele Night SUNDAY 22 MARCH SATURDAY 28 MARCH Prepare do be entertained at our second annual Family Fun Day with something for everyone to enjoy. Watch Punch & Judy from Mr Wobbles; have your face painted; get creative in the craft corner; dress up in our pop-up theatre; and roar with the dinosaur display! There will be live music (with a chance to join in), a raffle with fabulous prizes, a huge jumble sale of children’s clothes, toys and equipment and scrumptious cakes, drinks and snacks – all in aid of Cheltenham’s community theatre. Entrance is just £1 per adult with kids going free. The first 50 people through the door will receive goody bags packed with freebies and money off vouchers. Cheltenham is the home of the Ukulele Festival of Great Britain, so as a precursor to this year’s sixth festival in June, we’re hosting a night celebrating the humble uke! There will be a cabaret of professional ukulele acts including Tricity Vogue, the King Swingers, The Ukeholics and many more performing alongside the best and most daring amateur acts. Please feel free to bring your uke with you! Not suitable for those under the age of 15. 11.00am – 3.00pm £1 (children free) 7.45pm £12 (£10 concessions) BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk 9 Studio Productions presents Patesian Players presents And 5, 6, 7, 8! Arms & The Man THURSDAY 2 – SATURDAY 4 APRIL THURSDAY 9 – SATURDAY 11 APRIL By George Bernard Shaw Directed by Rory O’Sullivan Arms and the Man was first produced in 1894 in London, and was the play that established Shaw’s reputation as a playwright. It is a satire on both love and war and, despite being very much a period piece, its themes still resonate today. In it Shaw’s mastery of both vivid characterisation and dramatic structure are demonstrated brilliantly as the play swings effortlessly between farce and poignant social comment. On 9th April 1945 the Playhouse opened its doors as a theatre for the very first time with this play, and now, exactly 70 years later, to the very day, the Patesian Players offer their interpretation of this timeless classic. From the artistic team that brought you the sell-out production of Les Miserables (School Edition) last Easter, Studio Productions is proud to present this magical journey through the world of stage and screen musicals. Presenting the best musical moments from our 25-year history, our talented cast of young performers will take you on a journey of laughter and tears that is sure to leave you moved and elated in equal measure. And 5, 6, 7, 8! is a show suitable for the whole family that will have you humming along and tapping your feet. Book now to avoid disappointment! 7.30pm 2.30pm matinee Fri & Sat £12 (£10 concessions) 7.45pm £12 (£10 concessions) An amateur production An amateur production by arrangement with the Society of Authors BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk 10 Beyond Eternity Promotions presents Missy Malone presents Ladies Godiva TheMissy Malone & Friends Burlesque Revue FRIDAY 17 APRIL SATURDAY 18 APRIL Ladies GoDiva are an outstanding triumvirate in the mould of Fascinating Aida. They are hilarious, glamorous ‘old school’ divas with big voices and even bigger personalities. Performing original songs penned by the hugely talented and celebrated Helen Goldwyn this trio, all of whom have graced the West End stages, love to have fun and mix a modern sound with a vintage feel. They dare to sing about the quirks of being ‘ladies-of-a-certain-age’ in a world where everyone is ‘prettier and younger’ and where each birthday is a step closer to that path leading ‘over the hill’. Cheltenham’s resident burlesque queen, Missy Malone and her band of glamorous friends are extremely pleased to be bringing their hugely successful sell out show back to The Playhouse for the 6th year! Presenting the very best in Burlesque and Cabaret from across the globe, this show incorporates vintage style glamour, comedy, circus and music for a spectacular night out. The breathtaking costumes and award winning routines will leave you as bedazzled as the crystal covered costumes you see on stage! www.ladies-go-diva.com Performers include Dusty Limits, Abigail Collins, Beau Rocks, Eliza DeLite and Missy Malone herself! Each show will contain different performances from the cast, as no show is ever the same! “Sassy, slick and chic and all done in the best possible taste” Gloucestershire Echo Not suitable for those under the age of 16. 7.45pm £13 7.00pm and 9.30pm £15 BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk 11 House Full Productions presents Students from the University of Gloucestershire presents A Chorus of Disapproval The Water Babies THURSDAY 7 – SATURDAY 9 MAY SATURDAY 25 APRIL – SATURDAY 2 MAY A new musical based on the novel by Charles Kingsley Written & Directed by Sue Colverd Lyrics by Sue Colverd & Fiona Ross Music by David Last Join Tom, the rough and tumble chimney sweep, and Ellie, a well-bred Victorian girl, as they travel from the evils of a smoke filled London and the wicked Mr Grimes into the enchanted underwater world of the Water Babies to travel through stream, river and ocean to “the-other-end-ofnowhere!” Hold tight to your seats as you meet Mrs Bedonebyasyoudid and Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby and a shoal of all-dancing all-singing water creatures in this new musical - a fantastical evening in the theatre for all the family. By Alan Ayckbourn Directed by Anne Chandler Musical Director Paul Williams One of Ayckbourn’s most popular comedies follows young widower Guy Jones as he decides to join the Pendon Light Operatic Society just as it is starting rehearsals for The Beggar’s Opera. Thanks to his inability to say ‘no’ to almost everyone, including the show’s volatile Welsh director, he ends up rising from a role with one line to playing the show’s lead whilst sleeping with (at least) two female members of the cast and causing untold mayhem in the town’s business community! 7.45pm £11 (£9 concessions Mon & Tues) 7.30pm £8 (£7 concessions) An amateur production by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk 12 Focus Theatre presents Students from the University of Gloucestershire presents Being Alive Smilin’ Through THURSDAY 14 – SATURDAY 16 MAY THURSDAY 28 – SATURDAY 30 MAY Devised & Directed by Sheila Mander and the Company Musical Director Peter Banks Focus Theatre, with their wealth of professional experience, create stories of love, hate, joy, frustration and above all humour in song, drama & dance. Bringing you songs by Sondheim (composer of A Little Night Music and Sweeney Todd), Hamlisch (A Chorus Line), Maltby & Shire (Closer Than Ever), Jason Robert Brown (The Last 5 Years) and more. “It’s Uplifting, It’s Fun, It’s Being Alive” Written & Directed by Sue Colverd Music by David Last & Lucas Bailey The Second World War in Europe is seen through the experiences of four very different families living in London, Gloucestershire, Berlin and Poland who become inextricably linked by the choices that the war forces on them. With new songs, contemporary dance and a breathless factory jive Smilin’ Thru is a poignant tribute to the families of war torn Europe. Not suitable for those aged under 10. 7.45pm Tickets £12 (£10 concessions Thurs & Fri) 7.30pm £8 (£7 concessions) BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk 13 Offstage Theatre Group presents Playhouse Company presents Secretarial Services and Waiting for a Friend The Big Meal TUESDAY 23 – SATURDAY 27 JUNE SATURDAY 6 JUNE By Peter Quilter and Barnaby Eaton-Jones Directed by Lloyd Morgan and Barnaby Eaton-Jones It is Barrie’s birthday and his assistant Janet is helping him get ready for the party. It becomes clear that she would be quite content to settle down with Barrie. Unfortunately, Barrie is more interested in men, but that doesn’t stop him from booking them both on a cruise as a birthday present to himself. Norman Fairbanks is a creature of habit who likes the outdoors, spending every lunchtime on the same park bench eating his neatlypackaged packed lunch. However, there’s nothing he likes more than to talk and, within the course of this lunchtime, his unexpected companions on his favourite bench get a bit more than they bargained for. By Dan LeFranc Directed by Malcolm Ball Sam and Nicole first meet in a typical American restaurant on a typical night. So begins an exhilarating story that follows five generations on a rollercoaster ride through life. Deeply comic and genuinely touching, Dan LeFranc’s acclaimed drama is about love, marriage and raising children. Eighty exhilarating years in ninety minutes. The Big Meal received its world premiere in Chicago, and was declared the ‘Number 1 Play of 2011’ by Time Out Magazine. 7.45pm £11 (£9 concessions except Saturday) 7.45pm £10 An amateur production by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk 14 GENERAL INFORMATION HOW TO BOOK BY TELEPHONE: 01242 522852. Tickets will be held at the box office for collection. IN PERSON: at the box office in the theatre foyer. BY POST: send a cheque made payable to The Playhouse and an SAE if you wish to have your tickets posted to you. The Box Office is open from 10 am – 4 pm on weekdays, 10 am – 2.30 pm on Saturdays and from 6 pm until curtain up on a performance night. We accept most credit/debit cards and there are no booking charges. We are unable, at present, to offer online booking. Reservations without payment will be held for five working days while you send a cheque or wish to collect and pay in person. If the performance is less than five days away, payment must be made at the time of booking. Refunds will only be given in the event that a performance is cancelled. We will, if possible, exchange tickets for another performance of the same production. General exchanges will cost 50p per ticket. Group Discounts may be available at certain performances – please check with the box office. SEATING PLAN FACILITES FOR DISABLED PATRONS Four wheelchairs may be accommodated in the main auditorium and one free seat is available to the assistant of a disabled person who is unable to attend events unaccompanied. There is ramped access into the auditorium and an accessible toilet for disabled patrons on ground level. REFRESHMENTS The lounge bar is open 45 minutes before evening performances and during intervals. At matinee performances, only the coffee bar is open. It is advisable to order your interval drinks before the performance to avoid a queue. The green room bar is open to all patrons immediately following an evening performance but is only open to theatre members and Partners before the show and during the interval. Ice creams are on sale in the auditorium during the interval at all performances. P N M P N M L L K K J J H H G G F F E E D D C C B B A A 15 FACILITIES FOR HIRE Auditorium As we have a large number of regular theatre companies based locally, we tend to plan our calendar much further ahead than most theatres. However, we do occasionally have availability in the spring and early summer for other theatre companies or conference use. Rates vary depending on the nature and period of hire. Meeting/rehearsal rooms There are a number of rooms in the complex that can be hired Monday – Friday, both daytime and evening and are suitable for a variety of uses. Our Montpellier and Pittville rooms, for example, are equipped with Harlequin dance flooring and a piano. For further information, please contact the theatre manager on 01242 579391 or email [email protected] COURSES & CLASSES There are a number of daytime and early evening hirers that use the Playhouse for assorted community interest groups or classes. For more information, please contact the organiser directly: Little Stars Mothers & Toddlers Mondays Jenny on 07747 616145 Knitting & Craft Mondays Zaphira on 01242 513055 French for Babies & Toddlers Tuesdays Lydie on 07535 518539 Playhouse Community Chorus Tuesdays Zaphira on 01242 513055 Irish Dancing Tuesday and Wednesday Tara on 07769 560821 Miniature Music Fridays Zaphira on 01242 513055 Adult Tap Dancing Fridays Zoe on 07793 591758 THEATRE COMPANIES Many companies regularly stage productions here at The Playhouse, some of which are always looking for new members. If you are interested in appearing on stage, helping out behind the scenes set building or operating the lighting board, please visit the company’s individual websites: Playhouse Company www.theplayhousecompany.org.uk Deep End Theatre Company www.detcc.uk Cheltenham Operatic & Dramatic Society www.codsonline.co.uk Cotswold Savoyards www.cotswoldsavoyards.org Patesian Players www.patesianplayers.co.uk 16 THEATRE STUDIO Term-time classes available in: DRAMA & IMPROVISATION - PRIVATE & GROUP SINGING MUSICAL THEATRE - SPEECH & ELOCUTION - DANCE & MOVEMENT Theatre Studio is an independent part-time Performing Arts School, based at The Playhouse, that aims to provide students between the ages of 3-18 years with the necessary confidence that we believe is integral not only on stage, but in any profession and everyday life. Our professionally trained staff provide expert guidance to those wishing to undertake a career in performance as well as those who are looking to find confidence and friendship in all other professions and hobbies. Our new Vocal department is also available to provide specialised lessons for speech correction tailor made to each individual’s needs. With regular performances, half-term workshops, Easter and Summer Schools, Technical courses, Festivals and Examinations, we are proud to be one of a limited number of performing arts schools based in working theatres. For more details about our range of classes please call 07977 227707 or email us on [email protected] 17 SUPPORTING THE PLAYHOUSE We are always looking for additional sources of support – financial or physical – to enable us to continue to preserve this historic building and improve our facilities for community and theatre use. We are reviewing our packages for all three levels of support, but the current details are as follows: FRIENDS Friends are people who support the theatre by donating their time and help rather than money. This could be anything from helping to run the bar, selling ice creams during the interval, selling programmes, stuffing mailing envelopes or helping to paint a room during annual maintenance! In return, they get entry to green room events. For more information please email [email protected] MEMBERSHIP Anyone can become a member of the theatre, whether they tread the boards or not, and membership entitles you to a discount on drinks in the green room bar and entry to green room events. The current subscription is £40 per annum (£20 seniors and £15 juniors). For more information, please email [email protected] PARTNERS In return for their annual contribution, Individual Partners get their name included in brochures and programmes and receive one free drink and one free programme whenever they attend a show. Individual Partnership costs £30 per annum or £80 for three years. There are other benefits for Corporate Partners. For more information, please email [email protected] We extend our thanks to our current Partners: Lindsay Baker Sue Bennett Anne Chandler Ian Chandler Mrs E Chantree Mr Geoffrey Cox Mrs June Cox Mr & Mrs D Elkins Les Godwin David Hall Veronica Hall Elizabeth Maisey Tony Maisey John Morgan Lyn Morgan Eileen Morrison Jane Moseley Peter Oddy Carol Oddy Mr D Powell Mr & Mrs R Ratcliffe Mr C Read Mrs C Read Mr D Williams Mrs E Williams OTHER SPONSORSHIP If you would be interested in other forms of sponsorship – perhaps sponsoring a specific production or equipment for the theatre – please contact the theatre manager on [email protected] 18 GENERAL INFORMATION OTHER TERMS & CONDITIONS Latecomers may not be permitted to enter the auditorium until the interval or other suitable break in the production. Mobile telephones must be switched off before entering the auditorium. Photography and audio/visual recording is not permitted at any time. Lost property will be held at the box office for three weeks, after which time it will be disposed of. This programme is correct at the time of printing but The Playhouse does not accept responsibility for cancellations or alterations to the published programmes. The Playhouse strongly advises parents not to bring children under the age of four except for specific productions aimed at younger audiences. The management reserves the right to ask any patron to leave the premises, without refund, on any reasonable grounds including, without limitation, where the ticket holder breaches these terms and conditions, disrupts other audience members’ enjoyment or does anything that the management considers to be unacceptable behaviour which may cause nuisance, damage or injury. HOW TO FIND US The Playhouse does not have its own car park. However, in addition to nearby on-street parking, there are several pay and display car parks within five minutes walking distance (charges apply until 8 pm). HI G RE A4 ST 6 H LR ET RE ST AD NT RO RE EY AD . LO AD 6 AD HR O D ER OA PELL LEG NT I ER TE RR AC COL MO N DO N RO AD O L XF A4 ON OR 0 DO D N BAT N RD E A 40 CHELTENHAM COLLEGE STR OU BAT D H A46 DOW RO RE LL PE LANS IEL UA AL NT TER UCES M5 A40 OR SQ RI MO G LO ST A4 IER ELL TP K ON AL M W PE IER IM N WE L EN ET M RE O ST TOWN HALL PR QUEENS HOTEL O LIN AD E GT RO DN RO GE OM E ’S PR RG EN RO ST G EO AD YA E LW EL BUS STATION OA D ET Please note that Bath Parade car park closes at 8pm on Sundays. 19 OX LO FORD A 4 0N D O N spring at January-June 2015 THURSDAY 22 – SATURDAY 24 JANUARY SATURDAY 31 JANUARY – SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY FRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY THE QUEST FOR THE GOLD CUP FAWLTY TOWERS ELVIS VS JERRY LEE LEWIS WEDNESDAY 25 – SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH FRIDAY 6 MARCH AN EVENING WITH ANITA HARRIS SATURDAY 7 & SUNDAY 8 MARCH FRIDAY 14 MARCH TUESDAY 17 – SATURDAY 21 MARCH THURSDAY 19 – SATURDAY 21 & THURSDAY 26 – SATURDAY 28 MARCH SUNDAY 22 MARCH FAMILY FUN DAY SATURDAY 28 MARCH UKULELE NIGHT THURSDAY 2 – SATURDAY 4 APRIL THURSDAY 9 – SATURDAY 11 APRIL FRIDAY 17 APRIL POETRY FESTIVAL PREVIEW STAND UP AND BE COUNTED ANNE BOLEYN ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF AN ANARCHIST AND 5, 6, 7, 8! ARMS & THE MAN LADIES GODIVA SATURDAY 18 APRIL THE MISSY MALONE & FRIENDS BURLESQUE REVUE SATURDAY 25 APRIL – SATURDAY 2 MAY A CHORUS OF DISAPPROVAL THURSDAY 7 – SATURDAY 9 MAY THURSDAY 14 – SATURDAY 16 MAY BEING ALIVE THURSDAY 28 – SATURDAY 30 MAY SMILIN’ THROUGH THE WATER BABIES SATURDAY 6 JUNE SECRETARIAL SERVICES & WAITING FOR A FRIEND THE BIG MEAL TUESDAY 23 – SATURDAY 27 JUNE MUSICALS PLAYS DANCE & MUSIC OTHER EVENTS Cheltenham’s Intimate Community Theatre BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk