2020s
2020
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
On Sunday 2nd February, auditions for our production of Sweeney Todd took place. This was to be performed at the New Wolsey Theatre in June Directed by Owen Berry. The cast was chosen and rehearsals began with a buzz.
This Sondheim musical score is extremely challenging and rehearsals were proceeding at great pace. The last rehearsals took place on Thursday 12 March and soon after the country went into lockdown.
In these unprecedented times our main concern was for all of us to keep well and safe.
2021
SOUNDS LIKE CHRISTMAS
Production Team: Stephanie Brown, Bridget Jackaman and Owen Berry
Musical Director: Mike Wren
Venue: St. Peters by the Waterfront
‘We began our rehearsals in September after an 18 month break due to Covid and how great it felt to be together again. Whilst we were unaware in the circumstances of whether we would be able to continue we proceeded rehearsals with optimism. Fortunately, luck was on our side and we performed our 4 nights starting Tuesday 7th and finishing Friday 10th December. Dressing rooms were carefully organised on a rota basis for changing and worked well. The church looked wonderful with our usual trees and decorations, stalls and draw prizes on display. The weather was against us with wind and rain every night but this did not deter our audience from coming out. The enthusiasm from the audience at every performance was very evident and they enjoyed a glorious variety of musical arrangements, solos and group selections. It felt very emotional at times with the feeling that after such a long unprecedented separation we were once again united in what we love doing. As usual the refreshments were very well received and a profit was made on the production. Here's to the future.’
2022
SWEENEY TODD THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
Director: Sally Broatch
Artistic Director: Owen Berry
Choreographer: Luke Berry
Musical Director: Mike Wren
Venue: New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich
‘Finally after a 2 year Covid break, this wonderful Sondheim show took place. Since auditions in 2020, some of the original cast members were not available but the gaps were soon filled and the production commenced rehearsals with great optimism. Set in the 1930's instead of the usual 19th Century it was costumed tastefully by our great wardrobe team and the contemporary choreography worked so well with the choice of costume. An extremely creative set included windows allowing the vocal chorus to be involved on stage and enhance the ensemble with this very challenging score. This was all brought together by our own fantastic orchestra also on stage. Despite its macabre content, tickets very quickly sold out and we played to full houses. Another wonderful production from our talented team and one that proved artistically and financially a resounding success. The Wolsey marketing team received some lovely feedback, the following being one that particularly stood out:-
"Sweeney Todd is my favourite musical. I've watched the film a number of times and seen two West End productions including Michael Ball and imelda Staunton at the Adelphi. Of the five productions, this is my favourite. The visual movement of the whole cast was wonderful and the singing was of a high quality. The set was very atmospheric and the whole audience loved 'The Chair' - though not as much as Todd did! Added to that we had some great seats on our first visit to the Wolsey Theatre, which made for an impressive night out. Only on the morning after did I realise the cast were amateurs. Well done everyone concerned with the production".’
FIRST STAGE - OUT OF THE WOODS
Venue: Henley Community Centre
‘How lovely to see Henley Community Centre filled with many Mums and Dads eagerly awaiting this year's production after a 2 year wait through Covid. It was a medley of songs from the shows along with large sections of dialogue which was very well remembered. Some of the numbers covered included The Addams Family, Beauty and The Beast, Wicked and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Thanks to Roxy and Julian who work tirelessly with their team of helpers to create another successful production. Thanks to all involved front and backstage.’
SOUNDS LIKE CHRISTMAS
Production Team: Stephanie Brown, Bridget Jackaman and Owen Berry
Musical Director: Mike Wren
Venue: St. Peters by the Waterfront
‘Rehearsals began in September with a well planned and packed schedule full of Christmas delights. This year was our 5th year at St. Peters which has proved very popular. Tickets sold well and all performances were full and extremely well received. The church looked so magical with the trees and decorations and this year the solo's and group selections ran slickly due to revised staging. The audience enjoyed some beautiful arrangements enhanced by our wonderful band. The side stalls, draw and refreshments were again so well received and it was another profitable year.’
2023
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Director: Sally Broatch
Choreographer: Luke Berry
Musical Director: Mike Wren
Venue: New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich
‘This year sees the society's 3rd production of this story of a jewish family in Tsarist Russia. This was first performed by the society at the Gaumont Theatre (Now Regent) in 1973 and then repeated there in 1985. The show has run for nearly 50 years but is never more relevant today with the war in Ukraine and this production brought that situation up to date with poignant touches resonating the trauma going on in Ukraine. Unfortunately, after months of rehearsal, I personally was unable to take part as I broke my leg the week before resulting in an operation. In my 60 years of always saying to the cast "break a leg" how ironic it really happened. The show went on to be a wonderful success, playing to full houses and great reviews.
The storyline tells of a poor farmer, his wife and five daughters in Anatevka living with their traditions and how these affect all of their lives and expectations. A great company show full of musical numbers and exceptional dance routines building up to the well known Bottle Dance. All this was greatly enhanced by our talented orchestra as always, with such an imaginitive set allowing the cast to interact with the show throughout and cleverly move props in a choreographed manner. There was attention to detail in spades. The production was a financial success and in support of the British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal, the society donated all the proceeds of their raffle to the charity.’
FIRST STAGE - IN THE NEWS
Venue: Henley Community Centre
‘Here we are again at our weekend in July to showcase the hard work put in during term time. This year's performances included 'Gypsy', 'Come From Away', 'Newsies', 'Hairspray' and 'Matilda'. The two performances were as usual well received with Sunday being a full house. Next year Taylor will be taking the lead as Roxy will be stepping down but will still be involved. Thanks to all involved front and backstage. Costs were covered with a small profit made. The dates for 2024 are 13th/14th July so make a diary note.’