Highbury Players SEASON GUIDE

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1 September 2013 July 2014 Highbury Players SEASON GUIDE Box Office Sheffield Road Sutton Coldfield West Midlands B73 5HD

Our Mission Our mission is to raise, develop and re-define the standards of community theatre A good theatre never stands still John English, Highbury Founder Member Welcome to Highbury A very warm

2 Our Mission Our mission is to raise, develop and re-define the standards of community theatre A good theatre never stands still John English, Highbury Founder Member Welcome to Highbury A very warm welcome to our 2013/14 season. As usual the programme has been carefully selected by our hard working Arts Committee and contains some familiar titles together with intriguing offerings which all in all adds up to a compelling and varied season. Last season we introduced a special war time quiz during our production of Flare Path and due to its success there will be more special quizzes this season. We also added a Meet the Director and Cast session after a performance of Entertaining Angels and we are introducing this for each of our main house plays. Have a look in this guide for full details. In the current climate we are ever mindful of the need to ensure we provide good value for money coupled with an efficient, reliable service for all our patrons, old and new. With this in mind we are planning on introducing an on-line booking facility with seat selection for those who prefer to book this way. For those who don t, please rest assured that traditional methods will be maintained and our Box Office will be open at the usual times to take calls or personal visits. As always, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our willing helpers in helping sustain our reputation as one of the Midlands leading amateur theatres and our audience members for their continued support. We have great plans for the future and during the course of the next 12 months some will be revealed! Enjoy! Rob Phillips Highbury Players Chairman players-chairman@highburytheatre.co.uk Contact Us Keep in touch with us on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. Find out more about the next production from the director and cast on YouTube. Just search for Highbury Players Find us under Highbury Theatre Centre Follow us on Images by Alastair Barnsley, Hannah Parry & Charlie Syme

Educating Rita by Willy Russell 17 th 21 st September 24 th 28 th September 2013 COMEDY Willy Russell s classic comedy

Dissatisfied with her mundane life, Liverpudlian hairdresser Rita signs up for an Open University course, hoping

Her alcoholic tutor Frank finds her a breath of fresh air, but is education all it promises?

& The Proposal by Anton Chekhov COMEDY 14 th 19 th October 2013 7.

3 Educating Rita by Willy Russell 17 th 21 st September 24 th 28 th September 2013 COMEDY Willy Russell s classic comedy gets our season off to a lively start! Dissatisfied with her mundane life, Liverpudlian hairdresser Rita signs up for an Open University course, hoping education will broaden her horizons. Her alcoholic tutor Frank finds her a breath of fresh air, but is education all it promises? Saturday 21 st September Meet the cast and director after the play in the auditorium SPECIAL The Bear The Anniversary & The Proposal by Anton Chekhov COMEDY 14 th 19 th October pm STUDIO TRIPLE BILL In three amusing short plays, Chekhov explores the ridiculous conventions of middle-class society, exposed through a number of largerthan-life characters; a widow vows to mourn for ever, until an unexpected encounter, a bank official s planned presentation descends into chaos, and a marriage proposal gets off to an inauspicious start.

4 Kindertransport by Diane Samuels 5 th 9 th November 12 th 16 th November 2013 Eva s parents send her from 1938 Germany to England to escape danger from persecution. When her parents fail to escape to join her, Eva changes her name and denies her past. But when Eva s daughter discovers some old letters, Eva is forced to confront the truth in this award-winning play. Wed 6 th November Domestic World War II Quiz Please hand in your answers at the end of the interval Sat 9 th November Meet the cast and director after the play in the auditorium DRAMA SPECIAL 1 SPECIAL 2 CABARET 24 th November pm and 7.30pm MAIN STAGE All tickets 15 (no concessions) Adrian Grove makes a welcome return to Highbury after last year s sell out, with songs from the shows. Promoted by Highbury Theatre Centre Friends The Mince Pie of Doom by Richard Walter & Simon Baker Wednesday 11 th December 2013 A rehearsed reading 7.30pm STUDIO SPECIAL COMEDY A drunk narrator, a stolen sleigh, a six foot elf, a secretive detective, four Santas, a thousand year old love triangle, an evil confection and a plot to cancel Christmas. It can only be The Mince Pie of Doom! Join us for some Christmas fun with a rehearsed play reading. All tickets 5 (no concessions)

Jack and His Amazing Multi-Coloured Beanstalk by Geoff Bamber 12 th 15 th Dec 2013 2.30pm & 7.

5 Jack and His Amazing Multi-Coloured Beanstalk by Geoff Bamber 12 th 15 th Dec pm & 7.30pm MAIN STAGE YOUTH THEATRE When Jack exchanges a cow for a handful of magic beans, his widowed mother is furious. But Jack climbs the beanstalk to the giant s house, and after returning with golden treasures, he kills the giant. This traditional family pantomime from our Youth Theatre will delight young and mature audiences alike! PANTOMIME Matinée 2.30pm Evening 7.30pm The Complete History of America Abridged by Long, Martin & Titchenor 7 th 11 th January 14 th 18 th January 2014 Join us on a hilarious romp through the history of the United States from prehistoric times up to modern days in this irreverent version of how America got where it is today. See the American greats as you ve never seen them before, portrayed by just three talented actors at breakneck speed! This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd. COMEDY Wednesday 8 th January History of America Quiz Please hand in your answers at the end of the interval Saturday 11 th January Meet the cast and director after the play in the auditorium SPECIAL 1 SPECIAL 2

6 Honour by Joanna Murray-Smith DRAMA 27 th January 1 st February pm THE STUDIO What happens when a comfortable, middleclass, middle-aged marriage suddenly stalls? When values and responsibilities are no longer shared? When the opportunity arises for one life to be renewed but at the expense of another s happiness and security? This intriguing play explores how everything changes when love drifts from its anchor. Loot by Joe Orton 18 th 22 nd February 25 th Feb 1 st March 2014 BLACK COMEDY McLeavy s wife has died, and it is the day of the funeral. Her son Hal has robbed a bank, the police are at the door, so Hal and his mate Dennis decide to hide the money in the coffin, and put Hal s deceased mother in the wardrobe. A black comedy! Saturday 22 nd February Meet the cast and director after the play in the auditorium SPECIAL

Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling DRAMA 25 th 29 th March 1 st 5 th April 2014 In an American beauty shop, six women share the ups and downs of their day to day lives, their

Saturday 29 th March Meet the cast after the play in the auditorium SPECIAL Death and the Maiden by Ariel Dorfman DRAMA 13 th 17 th May 20 th 24 th May 2014 After a long

Paulina was a political prisoner, tortured by a man she cannot forget, whose identity she never knew.

7 Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling DRAMA 25 th 29 th March 1 st 5 th April 2014 In an American beauty shop, six women share the ups and downs of their day to day lives, their hopes and dreams for the future, and their worries and sorrows as the years unfold. A life-affirming play, exploring the nature of love, and the realities of human experience. Saturday 29 th March Meet the cast after the play in the auditorium SPECIAL Death and the Maiden by Ariel Dorfman DRAMA 13 th 17 th May 20 th 24 th May 2014 After a long period of dictatorship, an emerging democracy struggles to redress old wrongs. Paulina was a political prisoner, tortured by a man she cannot forget, whose identity she never knew. When her husband Gerardo brings home a stranger, she believes it s her tormentor. But is Roberto innocent or guilty? Contains adult themes and strong language Wednesday 14 th May Performance of music by Schubert at 7.30pm before delayed curtain-up Saturday 17 th May Meet the cast and director after the play in the auditorium SPECIAL 1 SPECIAL 2

Foxfinder by Dawn King 2 nd 7 th June 2014 7.30pm STUDIO DRAMA Set in a future where the state controls the land, a foxfinder arrives at the Coveys farm to investigate a suspected contamination.

8 Foxfinder by Dawn King 2 nd 7 th June pm STUDIO DRAMA Set in a future where the state controls the land, a foxfinder arrives at the Coveys farm to investigate a suspected contamination. Driven to unearth and destroy an animal that he believes threatens civilisation, his investigation changes the lives of all those involved. A tense play with a shocking conclusion. She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith 17 th 21 st June/24 th 28 th June 2014 COMEDY Mr Hardcastle wants to marry his daughter Kate to the son of a wealthy acquaintance but she has to pose as a maid to overcome his shyness. Despite thwarted romantic intrigues, mistaken identity and a scheming mother, love still triumphs at last. This popular comedy ends the season in grand style. Wednesday 18 th June Georgian Era Quiz Please hand in your answers at the end of the interval Saturday 21 st June Meet the cast and director after the play in the auditorium SPECIAL 1 SPECIAL 2 Around the World in 80 Days by Phil Willmott, Annemarie Lewis Thomas & Jules Verne 9 th 12 th July pm MAIN STAGE YOUTH THEATRE FAMILY MUSICAL Our vibrant Youth Theatre concludes our season with the delightful story of Phileas Fogg and his servant Passepartout, as they endeavour to circumnavigate the world in eighty days and so win a wager. With all sorts of transport problems involving a balloon and a performing elephant, and villains around every corner will they make the deadline?

Art Exhibitions in the Foyer exhibitions@highburytheatre.co.uk If you arrive early you can take time to enjoy the exhibition from a local artist or photographer in our foyer.

Email to find out more. Supper Parties boxoffice@highburytheatre.co.uk Make your visit an evening to remember.

9 Art Exhibitions in the Foyer If you arrive early you can take time to enjoy the exhibition from a local artist or photographer in our foyer. Exhibitions are launched with a Sunday coffee morning, when the artist comes along to talk about their work. We are always looking for new artists who might wish to exhibit in the theatre. to find out more. Supper Parties boxoffice@highburytheatre.co.uk Make your visit an evening to remember. Book a party of twenty or more for an excellent pre-show buffet supper at a very reasonable price. Contact box office and we ll get back in touch with you. Social Events socialchairman@highburytheatre.co.uk We organise events throughout the season. In the spring we plan to visit a fellow LTG member theatre in the Midlands. Sat 7 September 2013 Quiz Night 7.30pm at the theatre Sat 26 October 2013 Hot Punch and Spooky Tales 7.30pm at the theatre Sat 30 November 2013 Christmas Fayre 11am - 3pm at the theatre Sun 15 December 2013 Carol Service 7.30pm at Emmanuel Church and mince pies after at the theatre Sat 25 January 2014 Quiz Night 7.30pm at the theatre Keep an eye on our website, the e-newsletters and the social committee noticeboard by the box office for more event details. 200 Club boxoffice@highburytheatre.co.uk Cash prizes totalling 60 (plus 100 Christmas Bonus) are drawn at the end of each main house production for just 7 per year. Pick up a leaflet in the theatre foyer to join. Welcoming and accessible Highbury extends a warm welcome to everyone who visits the theatre. Lifts to all floors, auditorium handrails, wheelchair positions, a hearing loop induction system and specially designed toilets all help to make our theatre accessible. If you need any particular assistance, please mention this to the box office staff.

10 Would you like to see our productions? Like many little theatres we are a membership theatre. For a nominal fee of 4 we would be delighted to welcome you as a new member and to see you at our productions and other social events. Ask at our box office or download a membership form from our website. The benefits include: Members ticket prices for Highbury Players productions The opportunity to buy a book of vouchers and save up to 17 Full use of our coffee shop and club bar Regular newsletters by Invitations to social events Annual individual centre (audience) membership 4 Annual family centre (audience) membership 12 (2 adults + 2 or more children) Annual group centre (audience) membership 20 (parties of 15+) If you would prefer to become a temporary member for the evening you are welcome to buy a ticket that includes the 2 membership fee and give your name and address to our box office. How much do tickets cost? boxoffice@highburytheatre.co.uk Annual Member Temporary Member Adult Concessions 9 11 (under 16, student, unwaged, over 60) Do you want to buy a season ticket? boxoffice@highburytheatre.co.uk Members can buy a book of eight vouchers, one for each of the seven Highbury Players main stage productions and one voucher for a guest, giving a saving of up to 17. Each voucher then needs to be exchanged for a ticket for the named production. Vouchers are not included for productions in the studio or Youth Theatre productions. Please remember that the purchase of a voucher does not guarantee you a ticket. Some nights sell out so exchange your voucher for a ticket early to avoid disappointment. Book of eight vouchers 63 Book of eight vouchers (concessions) 56 Would you like to become part of our theatre company? membership@highburytheatre.co.uk Highbury Players are the resident company who run the theatre and put on the Highbury Players productions. If you are interested in taking an active part - acting, making costumes, building sets, working behind the scenes during productions, or selling tickets, programmes or drinks - we d be delighted if you d come and join us. You become a part of the welcoming volunteers who make up Highbury Players, with the same additional benefits as all other Centre members. Come to find out more and have a look around one Monday evening or Wednesday morning. Annual Highbury Players membership Annual Highbury Players membership (concessions) 6

11 Regular Activities EVERY MONDAY EVERY WEDNESDAY 10am - 12noon 10am - 1pm 10am - 4pm Production Activities stage-director@highburytheatre.co.uk Members work parties 7.30pm 9.30pm Join us to help build sets, organise props, general maintenance or admin. Members work parties and coffee morning The Theatre is open for everybody. Meet and make friends at our Coffee Morning Work in our Wardrobe Group Help our Workshop Group build sets, paint and make repairs arts-director@highburytheatre.co.uk About three months before each production opens, we have two readings. Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the show (including non-members) is welcome to attend the first reading, at which the play is read aloud, so people can become familiar with it. The second, casting reading is where people audition for the different parts. They don t need to have come to the first reading. The dates are publicised on our website, our Facebook page and Highbury Players membership cards. Highbury Youth Theatre youththeatre@highburytheatre.co.uk Highbury Youth Theatre welcomes everyone aged 14 to 18 to explore all aspects of theatre every Sunday 2.15pm pm. Membership includes LAMDA exams, working alongside other Midland youth theatres and access to all National Association of Youth Theatres workshops. There are regular workshops and opportunities to take part in Highbury Youth Theatre and Highbury Players productions. The annual membership fee is 6 plus 1 per session. Please to check availability of places. Theatre Development The Little Theatre Guild development@highburytheatre.co.uk We have been discussing the future of the theatre and are now looking at how to develop it to meet the needs of all our users in more detail. As part of this, we are very keen to have feedback from people who visit and use the theatre, to understand what we are doing right, where we can improve and what else we should aspire to do in the future. If you have got any comments, views or ideas, please our development committee or pop them in the suggestion box in the foyer. ltg-rep@highburytheatre.co.uk The LTG, founded in 1946, grew from the idea that independent theatres like ours benefit from regular meetings. The Guild has an annual programme which includes seminars and conferences. There are now more than 100 member companies and Highbury Little Theatre, as we were then, was a founder member.

12 Parking Parking Parking BUS STOP BUS STOP Quick Guide see listing for details Educating Rita Sept 13 The Bear/The Anniversary/The Proposal (Studio) Oct 13 Kindertransport 5 16 Nov 13 The Mince Pie of Doom (Studio) 11 Dec 13 Jack & His Amazing Multi-Coloured Beanstalk Dec 13 The Complete History of America Abridged 7 18 Jan 14 Honour (Studio) 27 Jan 1 Feb 14 Loot 18 Feb 1 Mar 14 Steel Magnolias 25 Mar 5 Apr 14 Death and the Maiden May 14 Foxfinder (Studio) 2 7 Jun 14 She Stoops to Conquer Jun 14 Introduction to 2014/15 Season 29 Jun 14 Around the World in 80 Days 9 12 Jul 14 Highbury Theatre Centre Boldmere Road - B4142 Gravelly Lane Sheffield Road One Way Road Chester Road -A452 Marston Road Chester Road Station Knipersley Road Lichfield Birmingham Green Lanes Florence Road Birmingham Road Sutton Road Sheffield Road Sutton Coldfield West Midlands B73 5HD Situated between Erdington and Sutton Coldfield, Highbury Theatre Centre is easily accessed by public transport. A regular bus service operates from Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield along the Birmingham Road and trains run on the Cross-City Railway line from Longbridge through Birmingham to Lichfield. We are on a one way road so, by car, approach via Marston Road off the Chester Road. Free parking is available on the railway side of Marston Road. Please avoid parking in front of people s houses. Box Office Open Mondays 7.30pm pm Open Wednesdays 10.00am - 12 noon Open two weeks prior to and during a production Monday to Friday 7.30pm pm At other times, please ring and leave a message Highbury Theatre Centre Limited is a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital. Registered in England and also registered as an educational charity

2017/18 Season. Save nearly 20% with a Season Ticket. Have a laugh at the Lyceum. lyceumtheatre.org.uk

2017/18 Season. Save nearly 20% with a Season Ticket. Have a laugh at the Lyceum. lyceumtheatre.org.uk 2017/18 Season Have a laugh at the Lyceum Save nearly 20% with a Season Ticket lyceumtheatre.org.uk Welcome to the 2017/18 Season at Lyceum Theatre Oldham. With so much going on in the world, we've chosen