Our Previous Production WHEN THE RAIN STOPS FALLING By ANDREW BOVELL Directed by Ginny Porteous Ghosts Familial. Sins of the Fathers.

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1 Season Newsletter 9: July 2013 Editor: Jill Fuller, 20, Blofield Road, Brundall, Norwich, NR13 5NN ; Our Next Production Heroes By Gérald Sibleyras Translated by Tom Stoppard Directed by Scott Brown July 18 th - 20 th and 24 th 27 th at 7.30 pm; also matinée at 2.30 pm on July 27th The marriage of Gérald Sibleyras French absurdist humour and Tom Stoppard s sparkling wit, Heroes tells the story of three World War One veterans and their attempt to escape their old soldiers home and run away to Indochina: or at least reach the poplars on the other side of the valley. Often hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time, we watch Gustav, Henri and Philippe plot their expedition, bicker about whether or not making a woman climax is as important as making her laugh and prop each other up as they strive to complete one last sortie before autumn sets in. The three men live with the physical badges of their heroism and sacrifice, but they hardly speak of their experiences in the war. Often, people who have lived through something as harrowing as warfare choose not to discuss it, as they don t want to dredge up a memory they would rather not remember. The three men would only ever refer to themselves as heroes with a large dash of irony, self-deprecation and within the construct of making a joke. Society and history will view them as heroes for their actions in their youth: however I think it s their immaturity and well-meaning idiocy in the face of overwhelming odds that makes them heroes in the play. Think Dad s Army, crossed with Last of the Summer Wine, played out on a terrace in the French countryside with just a touch of ennui and you re pretty much there. (Interestingly, Heroes was Stoppard s third choice for the title: when the original London production was in the final stages of rehearsals he told the Telegraph that he had concerns about translating the original French title Le Vent des Peupliers into English: The Wind in Poplars being too close to The Wind in the Willows. His second choice was to call it Veterans, but this title belongs to a play by Charles Wood. He settled for Heroes, but I can see why it was his third choice.) John Hare, Christopher Whitley and Peter Wood are the three old boys I have had the distinct pleasure of working with: I sincerely hope that audiences have as much fun watching the show as I have had seeing this crack commando come together. Scott Brown

2 Our Previous Production WHEN THE RAIN STOPS FALLING By ANDREW BOVELL Directed by Ginny Porteous Ghosts Familial. Sins of the Fathers. Sins of the Mothers. Symbolism. These are just few of the many ideas and concepts Bovell draws on in his play which spans eighty years in the lives of two families existing on opposite sides of the world London and Australia - but united by blood. Bovell does not underestimate his audience. His scenes shift from the future to the present to the past to the present and finally back to the future. His technique challenges the audience to concentrate on the action. His clever erudite script is full of clues that help the audience to understand why his characters have behaved, have reacted, have finished up in the life they have. Like a magpie Bovell has collected those sparkling literary and historical treasures which help to shed light on the actions of his characters. Like a weaver he has known which colourful threads of thought and experience he needed to draw together for his audience eventually to relate to the fabric of their own lives, of the lives of those people they have known and of those sufferings common to both. Themes of sexual abuse, requited and unrequited love and alcoholism predominate the play and all were convincingly introduced and portrayed by a well chosen and strong cast. From the start this production had all the ingredients that would satisfy the visual and aural appetites of any audience. From the choreography of the opening scene...the stage awash with umbrellas and raincoats protecting man from the incessant rainfall so well and simply portrayed by the movie reel lantern slide backdrop via the shock effect of the fish falling from the rain filled sky manna from heaven so timely as it was- to the authentic Australian accents which remained constant throughout. Ginny Porteous vision of the comprehensive nature of this play was faultless in managing to convey the complexity of Bovell s thought, action and intent. Her deep understanding was reflected by what seemed initially to be a simple set. On closer inspection the set design was as complex as the play. The play s messages (literally in the case of the postcard images with realistically proportioned stamps and lines from the play) and themes rain, water- were imaginatively conveyed drawing on Aboriginal inspired symbolic patterns. Timing is an important factor in successful theatre as is pace. The pace maintained by the cast was consistently high ensuring that scenes changed seamlessly. To help these smooth transitions the lighting team showed great focus and the sense of good timing. This production succeeded on many levels provoking thought, raising questions, interpreting the author s intentions faithfully and truthfully. More importantly Ginny, the cast and the unseen technical team maintained the high standards of concept, practice, acting, technical and theatrical innovation for which the Sewell Barn Theatre Company is renowned Nigel Coates

3 ART THAT PROVOKES, CHALLENGES AND ULTIMATELY ENRICHES! Our third launch day as joint Artistic Directors was welcomed enthusiastically by our creative army of volunteers. It was exciting to be able to introduce guest directors, including two new directors to the Barn Luke Owen (The Shape of Things by Neil LaBute) and Jen Dewsbury (The Attractions by Tony Marchant). Season One saw us gently initiate our artistic visions for the future of the company. Season Two is proving to be all we had hoped for artistically and we are beginning to see our ideas come to fruition. Next season 2013/14 we are dedicated to forging ahead. Our aim is to create art that provokes, challenges and ultimately enriches both our company members and our audiences. The season opens with Festen, adapted for the stage by David Eldridge. It premiered at the Almeida in London in A thrilling modern tragedy, which when performed in the confined space of the Barn, will undoubtedly achieve an undeniable intensity. Further productions include the amateur premiere of a fast moving adaptation of Aldous Huxley s ground-breaking novel, Brave New World, and A Cricket Match by one of Britain s most popular playwrights, Alan Ayckbourn. The season also boasts the powerful 20 th century classic All My Sons by Arthur Miller, Once In A Lifetime by Moss Hart & George S Kaufman, closing on a high with an outrageously bawdy, sexually indulgent comedy, The Libertine by Stephen Jeffreys. Season 2013/14 will certainly get people talking. We look forward to sharing the season with you! Michelle Montague & Robert Little Joint Artistic Directors BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS As our current season draws to a close with Heroes, directed by Scott Brown (July18th 27th) We can be justifiably proud of a 12 month programme that has proved challenging, yet enormously satisfying. We have been incredibly moved and we have laughed, and whatever our reaction to the drama seen on stage, we have been deeply impressed by the standard of acting, and the amazing technical back up offered by our backstage teams. I wonder if any of us are really aware of the huge amount of work that designing a season puts on the shoulders of our Artistic Directors, who have to begin their planning around Christmas in order to be ready for the following year. On May 26 th a buzz of excitement was heard in the auditorium as the launch day arrived. There was a good turn out of people eager to see what was on offer for 2013 /2014, and as usual Miche and Robert arrived with literature in hand, the projector up and running, and Directors lined up to present their choices to the gathering. Sitting with the new brochure in front of me, I am reminded of my childhood, when my mother would take me down to the local sweet shop on a Saturday to choose my weekly pick and mix ration. I confess that I tended to go for the same selection every week, the exciting colours and familiar shapes of Liquorice Allsorts being irresistible, and dark chocolate pushed aside in favour of the creamy Mars Bars. However, occasionally I might be persuaded to try something new, and would often be surprised at how much I enjoyed the unfamiliar taste. This analogy brings me to the choices on offer as we approach another season which opens with Miche s production of Festen by David Eldridge (October 10 th 19 th ) once again I feel like the girl in the sweetshop being tempted by a tremendous variety of choices before me. Wild romps and psychological mysteries, sitting alongside more classical themes. Big casts, offering opportunity to a wide range of ability, and lesser known playwrights standing next to those who have achieved world wide fame. An exciting new venture into three performances of Music Hall (March 6 th 8 th ) promises to be a great evening out We welcome new directors to the Barn who bring a wealth of experience to our stage, and those of us who have the privilege of being asked to direct, know how lucky we are to have all the technical teams in place before we even start rehearsals.

4 For those who were unable to get to the launch and who have not yet caught up with the new brochure, do take the opportunity to look at our superb website, designed and executed by John Holden and Ginny Porteous. Finally we need audiences, and therefore the support of Company Members and Friends is essential, Over the past year, one or two outstanding productions have suffered a lack of ticket sales. It is of course inevitable that busy people sometimes find it hard to get to everything, but a great pity if a show is not supported because the theme looks a bit challenging. For the coming season we actively encourage you to be greedy, you don t have to pick and mix, you can enjoy the whole lot on offer, so enjoy the Mars Bars and the much loved Liquorice All Sorts, but be brave and try the dark chocolate. You may surprise yourselves! Jenny Hobson AGM and LUNCH The AGM and lunch will be on September 22 nd. Please keep the date free. For many years our Chairman, Jenny, has (with some help) provided us with a splendid buffet lunch. This is her retirement AGM and she would like some help with the catering. She is asking for someone to co-ordinate/ take responsibility for two of the three sections of the meal: 1) The main course 2) salads 3) the home made puddings. She is happy to take on the third herself. Please do not leave this all to the committee. Please let Jenny know if you can help Jenny Hobson Telephone jenny.hobson@freeuk.com Wardrobe department Come and see what we do to make our productions lively and authentic. If you are interested in fashion or period costume, we have an Aladin's store of wonderful costumes. We are a small group of friendly people, who have fun and get a sense of achievement from the presentation of a well dressed play. Joining us is a great way of getting to know the theatre and all the people who are involved. This coming season presents its own challenges. We will be needing a number of dressers to help with quick changes in our November production. There will be a notice on the Theatre board for anyone to sign up, if they wish to be involved. Alternatively, call me. June Gentle Wednesday Performances Don t forget that if you are in the audience for a Wednesday performance and you show your current membership card at the door, you will receive a free drink voucher for the bar!! Committee Meeting If any member wishes to raise a question for discussion at the next committee meeting, please let Jonathan Redding our Secretary know. j.redding@talktalk.net Next newsletter The next newsletter will be due to go out late August / early September. If you have anything to be included, please let me have it by mid August Many thanks Jill

5 Company News Workshops Wednesday 31 July oopm: AN INTRODUCTION TO CLOWNING Led by Scott Brown Through simple exercises and games, Scott Brown will help you to bring out your inner idiot. The importance of entrances and exits, the relationship with the audience and allowing your Clown to interact with other Clowns will all be addressed. Although red noses might be used, it is worth noting that this is not a workshop in circus clowning (there will be no makeup, custard pies or rainbow coloured wigs), more a practical exploration of silliness with some comic theory thrown in. You are invited to bring along a red nose and/or items of weird clothing that you don t mind being worn by other people large items tend to be best! You should arrive in clothing suitable for movement. You d be a fool to miss it! Michelle Montague Audition FESTEN by David Eldridge It is general knowledge that I don t usually get much of a turn out for my auditions. I ve heard people say I m not sure about that play and will audiences like it? Imagine my surprise when faced with a foyer packed with actors all buzzing about the chance to audition for such a thrilling play and the new season programming! It was a great evening filled with excitement and laughter although the subject matter was hard-hitting. Festen will indeed be something to celebrate! I would like to thank everyone who supported the evening and who offered me the challenge of casting from such a range of versatile and talented actors. After much deliberation, the casting is as follows: Christian - Luke Owen Michael - Matthew Buck Helene - Jo Sessions Mette - Ruth Bennett Girl - Rachel Godfrey Helge - Terry Cant Else - Glenda Gardiner Helmut - Neil Auker Poul - Steve Askew Pia - Naomi Miller Kim - James Thomson Lars - Matt Nobbs Gbatokai - John Brown Rehearsals have yet to begin but why not take a leap of faith and buy your ticket now. How amazing would it be for the Sewell Barn Theatre Company to announce that we had sold out of tickets for our opening play before opening night! Michelle Montague Audition for A Cricket Match by Alan Ayckbourn Performance dates: November 28 th December 7 th with a matinée on December 7 th. Director: Carole Lovett Date: Monday July 22 nd 7.30 pm Those auditioning will be expected to come with a prepared audition piece and will be seen individually. The script to be used is: Intimate Exchanges Vol 2 For details of the play please see our web-site; Or contact Carole: carolelovett@btinternet.com What else is on in the Area? The Maddermarket Theatre: Rope by Patrick Hamilton: August 22 nd 31 st Time:7.30pm; also matinée Aug. 31 st at 2.30 pm. The Garage: Squally Showers Little Bulb Theatre. July 11 th and 12 th Performance at the Millennium Plain: (Free) 29 th July 2 nd August 1pm 2pm Flawed Charges Best o Both Theatre 6 th August 7.30pm at the Garage Peter Pan 23 rd & 24 th August 7 pm also 3pm on 24 th at the Garage