Ruth Rutter

The very sad news has reached us that Ruth Rutter, one of the very early members of the Davenham Players has died. The funeral is being held on Thursday 26th November at Weaver Methodist Chapel, Swanlow Lane, Winsford CW7 1JE at 3:00pm.

Ruth and her husband George had recently celebrated their 90th Birthdays and George has inspected the Davenham Players accounts for many years up to the current time.

Our sympathies go out to George and the Rutter family.

dp November Update 2015

        

ENTERTAINING ANGELS by Richard Everett TUESday 17^TH – SATurday 21^ST NOV

Don't leave it too late to book for our Autumn production Entertaining Angels, set in an English vicarage garden and opening next week at Davenham. Sheila Hetherington assisted by Maggie Innes direct and the cast of four women and a man are in final rehearsals. Richard Everett's play was first staged at the Chichester Festival Theatre in 2006 starring Penelope Keith – Just the right sort of actress to portray the witty, sarcastic, recently widowed Grace in this very English comedy with real emotion. In Chichester, it played to a record-breaking 26,000 people in three weeks followed by a sell-out National tour.

Our production of Entertaining Angels opens Tuesday November 17^th running to Saturday November 21^st. Tickets are available online at http://www.danarts.org/events/davenham-players-entertaining-angels/ or from Andrea on 01606 259596 @ £9.00 each.

MOSAIC PROJECT – Win your own Mosaic Angel !

Whilst you are at the theatre for Entertaining Angels, you will be able to see sections of the Davenham Community Mosaic, some completed and others still being built. There will also be a special raffle held during play week in which the prize is, appropriately, a mosaic Angel! Jan Johnson and team are now holding fortnightly Mosaic workshops, the next date being Sunday 22^nd November. Booking is essential to avoid disappointment and for details of session times and availability, see Facebook page The Davenham Village Mosaic Project.

Jan and her team have come up with a couple of opportunities to create and take away your own hand-worked Mosaic item. Children have already made tile-surrounded mirrors to their own individual design and the latest opportunity is a kit to make a star in mosaic – ideal for the Christmas tree!

JAZZ@DAVENHAM – Cameron Vale Quartet  Thursday 26^th November

Jazz@Davenham's next gig is in the week following Entertaining Angels on Thursday 26^th November, starting at 8:00pm. For further details, see the Jazz@Davenham Facebook page or http://www.davenhamplayers.co.uk/jazz/. As always, book at jazz@davenham.co via email or phone Harry (01606 74502) or Dave (44253)

PLAY READING Thursday 3^rd December

Denise Barry's monthly play readings recommence after Entertaining Angels on Thursday 3^rd December from 7:30pm at the theatre. All welcome to come along and read or listen.

This is an ideal opportunity to try out your hand at reading if you are not sure whether or not you would like to try your hand at acting. A play reading is also an excellent way of finding out what a play actually sounds like rather than just reading to oneself. 

We are always on the lookout for new people to join us, to bring new talent and new ideas to the group. Remember too, that it is not necessary to act to join us. There are 101 jobs to be done and Arthur is always in need of a hand with set building and maintenance.

Carol Singing – Thursday 10^th December 6:00pm at Theatre

We meet at the theatre at 6:00pm on Thursday 10^th December prior to singing carols in locations around the village. More news later this month from organizer Mike Beddard.

PSA Testing at ASDA Winsford Saturday 14th November 10:00am-2:00pm

Readers may know about Bob's personal connection with Prostate Cancer and a local charity who provide PSA testing for any man who turns up at the session for a £10.00 donation (to help cover the cost of the laboratory analysis). The next local session is being held at ASDA Winsford on Saturday 14^th November from 10:00am to 2:00pm. All men over the age of 40 are strongly recommended to monitor their PSA which could give an early warning of Prostate Cancer.

See the Players website http://www.davenhamplayers.co.uk/ Make it one of your favourites for the first news about our events or productions at neighbouring groups.

Paulette's Autumn Newsletter

We're back again after our Summer recess [a bit like Parliament, but far nicer!]…..

OUR AUTUMN PRODUCTION ENTERTAINING ANGELS TUES 17^TH – SAT 21^ST NOV

The cast is well into rehearsals for the forthcoming production of Entertaining Angels, directed by Sheila Hetherington. After having great difficulty in finding an actress for one of the parts, we are now happy to welcome Jess Lloyd to the production. Jess, a drama teacher at the Grange School, Hartford, uses our theatre for her junior drama group productions from time to time so is familiar with the theatre but has not acted with us before. Also in this production we welcome new member, Maggie Innes who is assisting Sheila in direction. Maggie has moved to Northwich from Scotland and, like Jess, is experienced in the drama field.

Our production of Entertaining Angels opens Tuesday November 17^th running to Saturday November 21^st. Tickets are available online at http://www.danarts.org/events/davenham-players-entertaining-angels/ or from Andrea on 01606 259596 @ £9.00 each.

VISITING DRAMA – KISSING FROGS 8:00PM Thursday 22nd October 2015

Sophie Osborne visits Davenham with one of the first evenings of her one-woman show Kissing Frogs.  Meet Jessica Ramsbottom - or Jess to her friends. Jess has just turned 30 and she's STILL single, no children and stuck in a dead-end job.
In a whirlwind world of speed dating, online dating and one-night stands, does her perfect man really exist? Will she find the husband of her dreams or will she be the only one of her friends not to be married?
Kissing Frogs is a journey of love, loss and self-discovery, full of laughter and set to a backdrop of classic hits from the 80's.
Tickets £8.00 may be reserved via susi.osborne@hotmail.co.uk or phone 01606 553433.

MOSAIC PROJECT

Jan Johnson and team are now holding fortnightly Mosaic workshops, the next date being Sunday 25^th October. There are now two sessions per workshop day and booking is essential to avoid disappointment. For details of session times and availability, see Facebook page The Davenham Village Mosaic Project. The team have come up with a couple of opportunities to create and take away your own hand-worked Mosaic item. Children have already made tile-surrounded mirrors to their own individual design and the latest opportunity is a kit to make a star in mosaic – ideal for the Christmas tree!

 AGM

We began the season with our AGM on 5^th Sept which was well attended this year. The  main issues discussed were :-

·         Mike Beddard has carried out a Health and Safety check and several items have been attended to. We now have an emergency key in place at the bottom of the steps to access the audience door in the foyer in case of fire. Risk assessment checks are carried out before each event. There is an accident book in the auditorium.

·         We have been awarded a £10,000 grant from the Arts Council towards the mosaic, which is coming  on apace. Sunday workshops are well attended. The next one is 18^th Oct 12-4pm. It is hoped to use some of the money to develop the yard and entrance so as to show off the finished mosaic to best effect.

·         We are saving steadily for the extension project.   Detailed plans have been submitted and the next step is planning permission.

·         The existing committee was willing to be re-elected and Lee Morgan has joined the committee.

To realize our dream of extending the building we are going to need to raise somewhere in the region of £90,000 so if any of you have fund raising ideas please let us have them.

PLAY READINGS

The first play reading took place in September and this month's was on Thursday 15th October. There will not be a November one due to our play Entertaining Angels but readings will restart in December.

This is an ideal opportunity to try out your hand/voice [?] at reading if you are not sure whether or not you would like to tread the boards. A play reading is also an excellent way of finding out what a play actually sounds like rather than just reading to oneself. 

We are always on the lookout for new people to join us, to bring new talent and new ideas to the group. Remember too, that it is not necessary to act to join us. There are 101 jobs to be done and Arthur is always in need of a hand with set building and maintenance.

NEW WEBSITE www.davenhamtheatre.co.uk or www.davenhamplayers.co.uk

Our new website 'went live' earlier this month. Its url hasn't changed – it remains as http://www.davenhamplayers.co.uk/. However, it has had a considerable facelift and is now a fully functional website that will be used to publicize all events at the theatre including Jazz, Music and Drama and of course the Mosaic project. For this reason, we have also bought the alternate url www.davenhamtheatre.co.uk. Both urls point to the same site, so you can use either. The remodeled website will take over from the Blog, which will no longer be updated once all the information has been transferred.

CHRIS BANNISTER AT DAVENHAM FRIDAY 23^RD OCTOBER AT 8:00PM

The popular local singer Chris Bannister returns to Davenham to present an evening of music by John Denver. Although this event is sold out, there is a waiting list for cancellations. Phone 01606 259596.

JAZZ@DAVENHAM - The Matt Owens Quintet Thursday 29th October – dave atherton reports

Last year Matt Owens gave us a copy of his debut album The Aviators Ball which incorporates elements of jazz, world, classical and folk music. What a lovely album - co-produced by Kirsty Almeida, mixed by John Ellis at Limefield Studio, Manchester and released by All Made Up Records. Matt will be playing this album and other music during this gig. Most of Matt's line up is very well known to us but we are excited to be able to welcome the fabulous singer Rioghnach Connolly to jazz@davenham, for the first time. Featuring Matt Owens bass, Rioghnach Connolly vocals, Neil Yates trumpet, John Ellis piano, Sam Draper drums. For further details, see the Jazz@Davenham Facebook page or http://www.davenhamplayers.co.uk/jazz/. As always you can book at jazz@davenham.co via email or phone Harry (01606 74502) or Dave (44253)

DAVENHAM IN FILM – NEWS FROM ALAN FLEET

I thought it may be of interest to the Davenham Players and supporters that I have uploaded three short films to YouTube. Of particular interest may be A Good Slap which was filmed in Davenham and Little Leigh and features Ed Green and David Gilliver. Castle of the Rock was filmed at Beeston Castle and Giri was filmed on Merseyside.

I hope you enjoy the films. All are, of course, free to view. Here is the link to my channel. Please pass on the link – Alan Fleet

www.youtube.com/channel/UCVRlwxYG5G4SXPzQN_NcQ3g

ASHTON HEYES - HELP WANTED

'Whatever it is, it never starts out at Truro, and it never runs into St. Anne  If it be a natural thing   where do it come from... where do it go?" Man Wanted to play Richard Winthrop, aged 30-50 for Production of The Ghost Train at Ashton Hayes Nov 17th -21st - contact Yvette 07707 830286 ASAP, please. Yvette promises a new, fast-moving take on Arnold Ridley's play. Please help them get this play back on the rails.

ED green's SHAKESPEARE PRODUCTION at kingsley players

Kingsley Players present Bite-sized Shakespeare ( 7:30pm on Wed 21st – Sat 24th October Kingsley Community Centre, Smithy Lane) With acknowledgements for the great ideas of Flic Goodman & Tom Barry on how to re—assemble the Bard. This production has extracts from 12th Night, “The Scottish Play”, Midsummer Night's Dream & Romeo and Juliet

Tickets (£8/£7/£5) available on http://www.kingsleyplayers.co.uk or phone 07925 516760.

Harlequin Players present the birds Wed 21^st –  Sat 24^th October

Next up at the Harlequin Theatre 'The Birds', This is an atmospheric play, chilling, claustrophobic, questioning, mesmerizing and with a twist. Definitely one not to be missed!! Four amazing actors, Carol Cullen Smith, George Ogazi, Natalie Duddle, and Kyle Preece, directed by Angie Orme  Wed 21st - Saturday 24th October. 7.45 pm. Tickets are £10 and £9 for students available online www.harlequinplayers.com or by Telephone 01606 246831.

PSA Testing at ASDA, Winsford Saturday 14th november 10:00am-2:00pm

Readers may know about Bob's personal connection with Prostate Cancer and a local charity who provide PSA testing for any man who turns up at the session for a £10.00 donation to help cover the cost of the laboratory analysis. The next local session is being held at ASDA Winsford from 10:00am to 2:00pm. All men over the age of 40 are strongly recommended to monitor their PSA which could give an early warning of Prostate Cancer.

 Dates for your diary.

22^nd Oct    Kissing Frogs - a journey of love, loss and self- discovery . This is a visiting drama show starring and written by Sophie Osborne. Tickets £8 from susi.osborne@hotmail.co.uk or 01606 553433

23^rd  Oct Musical evening with Chris Bannister- tickets £10 from  01606 259596

Jazz nights - 29^th Oct, 26^th Nov, 11^th Dec

17^th-21^st Nov – Play week ‘ Entertaining Angels ‘ booking see above.

10^th Dec Carol singing. Last year 5 of us raised £129  and it was a fun evening . Please bring yourselves , your warm clothes and your VOICES [ good or bad!]

That’s all for now folks.

Paulette

Play Reading Tonight

Denise Barry is holding one of her monthly play readings at the theatre TONIGHT Thursday 15th October from 7:30pm.

The first play reading took place in September and the next is on Thursday 15th October. There will not be a November one due to our play Entertaining Angels, but readings will restart in December.

This is an ideal opportunity to try out your hand/voice [?] at reading if you are not sure whether or not you would like to tread the boards. A play reading is also an excellent way of finding out what a play actually sounds like rather than just reading to oneself. 

We are always on the lookout for new people to join us, to bring new talent and new ideas to the group. Remember too, that it is not necessary to act to be part of us. There are 101 jobs to be done and Arthur is always in need of a hand with set building and maintenance.

URGENT - Female Actor Needed

To all female Actors

We are short of a female cast member for our forthcoming play 'Entertaining Angels'  to be put on in early November, week beginning Monday 9th Nov. 

This is a really good play and the part is of Sarah, who is starting as the new vicar. Sarah is 7 months pregnant by the end of the play. 

We are becoming concerned now as time is running out so please give it careful consideration and see if you can possibly help us out. 

Thank you,

Paulette

Play Reading Wednesday 9th September

There is a play reading this Wednesday 9th Sept at 7.30pm [not an audition!] This to be the first of monthly play readings organised by Denise Barry. 

This month's play is The Memory Of Water, written by English playwright Shelagh Stephenson and first staged at Hampstead Theatre in 1996.

This is a good opportunity to familiarise ourselves with plays and practice reading without the pressure of an audition! 

We have welcomed some new members recently and are always keen to see new members coming along and getting involved. So if you are one of those new people or know of anyone who may be interested, these evenings are an ideal way of getting to know us and trying out new skills.

Hope to see you Wednesday with friends in tow!!!

Paulette

Paulette's Summer 2015 Newsletter

JESSIE HARPER

A reminder for those of you who remember her, Jessie Harper's memorial is at Davenham Church on Monday next 24th August at 12 noon. Jessie was a founder member of the Players and chairman for some time.

ONE-ACT PLAY FESTIVAL

After the success of our recent collaborative event with Moulton Drama Group with the One- Act plays in July, we are taking a well earned break for a week or two while we regroup and consider the forthcoming programme. The one act plays were well received, although audiences were not as full as in the winter months. The varied programme had something for everyone and was a valuable exercise in getting to know and work with another drama group. We would like to thank MDG for joining us in this project.

COMMUNITY MOSAIC PROJECT

The Mosaic Project is going on apace and Jan Johnson has been running various workshops for people to get involved. The work so far is looking amazing and Jan is always open to offers of help. The next workshop is Sunday 30th August from 12 to 4pm. Just go along to Jan’s house next door to the theatre and enjoy! For up-to-date mosaic news, see the mosaic Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheDavenhamVillageMosaicProject 

PLAY READINGS

Denise Barry is going to hold monthly play readings starting on Thursday 9th September then after it will be the first Thursday in the month. It is hoped to keep these going even when a play is in rehearsal as it an ideal opportunity to familiarise ourselves with a wide range of plays and to read for pleasure without the pressure of an audition!

NEXT DAVENHAM PRODUCTION

Sheila Hetherington, from Moulton, is going to direct our Autumn play. It is to be ‘Entertaining Angels’ by Richard Everett and the audition is Thursday 27th August. The play is to be performed w/b 12th October

A summary of the play from Sheila…..

As a clergy wife Grace has spent a life time on her best behaviour. Now, following the death of her husband, Bardolph, she is enjoying the new found freedom to do and say  exactly as she pleases. The return of her eccentric missionary sister Ruth, together with some disturbing revelations, force Grace to confront the truth of her marriage. With sharp tongued probing wit, this play asks whether God can be trusted to do anything right at all, or is the whole thing a divine exercise in trial and error?

The play offers 5 great character roles for 4 females and 1 male [ages F: 2x 60’s  1x30-40 1x 20-30 and M: 60’s ] Obviously as the rehearsal period is short, people would need to be willing to earn lines early.
We will also need a prompt, for one month before and during the play; a props team and someone to oversee costumes please. 
If anyone has a burning desire to direct in the future, Sheila is happy for them to be an assistant. 

FOR YOUR DIARY

So - get those diaries out for forthcoming events…… 

Thursday 27th August Audition for ‘ Entertaining  Angels’ 7.30pm

Sunday 30th August 12-4pm Mosaic workshop

Thursday 3rd September AGM 7.30pm A chance to air your views . After the meeting there will be a slide show of this year’s plays and some light refreshments.

Saturday 5th September 7.30pm -an invitation to Moulton Drama Group’s Cabaret evening. There is no charge and people will be performing ‘turns’. There will also be a Faith supper. BYO drink. Please let Sheila know if you are attending on…..      sheila.playon@wobble1.plus.com

Jazz dates Thursday 24th September, Thursday 29th October, Thursday 26th November and Friday 11th December. See http://dsp-davenham.blogspot.co.uk/p/jazz.html

Week Beginning 12th October Our Autumn production ‘Entertaining Angels’ by Richard Everett

Friday 23rd October An evening with Chris Bannister at Davenham. Tickets £10 from 01606 259596 or www.danarts.org

Week Beginning 23rd November Moulton Drama Group play week Neighbourhood Watch by Alan Ayckbourn - see http://www.mdg.org.uk/

Saturday 23rd January 2016 Musical evening with Ailsa and John Booth at our theatre 23rd Jan 2016

That’s all for now folks. Hope this finds you all well and eager to start the new season at THE DAVENHAM PLAYERS !!!!

Paulette

Wanted - Loan of Old Printer for Davenham Accounts

A rather old computer has been used to produce the Davenham Players accounts and each year I print off the reports for the Auditor to review.

Unfortunately this year, the printer would not work and I am urgently looking for a similar type printer for this one job.

The type of printer my old computer needs uses an LTP interface cable - an outdated form of connection between the computer and the printer. The cable is thickish and looks a little like a SCART cable that you might use for your TV. The plugs on the ends of the cable are about 2 inches across and have lots of pins - see photos.

If you have a printer that can use this type of connection, please contact me via our Contact Us form or by phone on 01606 45186. I only need to borrow it for a day or so.

Thanks,

Bob.

July News

JOINT ONE-ACT PLAY FESTIVAL IN CONJUNCTION WITH MOULTON DRAMA GROUP

This week at Davenham and next week at Moulton we present a joint One-Act Play Festival with our friends at Moulton Drama Group. Tickets are still available so come along and help us raise funds for our theatre improvements. See below for booking information.

Moulton's contribution is Calling Time - a Comedy by Derek Webb, a One Act play with four separate sections, with bookends, all depicting meetings in a pub. The titles of Moulton's four sections are:-

·         Goodbye Simon - directed by Sheila Hetherington

·         What’s Yours? - directed by Annie Makepeace

·         Mr Critchley, isn’t it?-  directed by Sheila Hetherington

·         Who’s Joe? - directed by Annie Makepeace

Davenham's contributions are four individual pieces all directed by Paulette Anderson, the first two of which are monologues:-

·         Saying it with Flowers by Christine Furnivall

·         Manny's Party by Geoff Saunders

·         plus a two-hander Lost by Tony Moore and lastly...

·         a short play for five people What's for Pudding? by David Tristram

Tickets cost £8.00 at either venue and all eight plays will be presented at both theatres at 7:30pm on the following evenings. If you can't make this week at Davenham, you have a second chance at Moulton next week.

Thursday 16th July - Saturday 18th July at Davenham Theatre

59 Church Street, Davenham, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 8NF. Tickets online from http://www.danarts.org/events/one-act-play-festival--davenham/ or by phone on 01606 259596

Thursday 23rd July - Saturday 25th July at Moulton Village Hall

Moulton Village Hall,  Main Road  CW9 8PB. Tickets online from http://www.danarts.org/events/one-act-play-festival--moulton/ or by phone on 01606 594178

AUDITION – QUARTET BY RONALD HARWOOD

Barbara Crellin has so far been unable to complete her casting for Ronald Harwood's play Quartet following last Thursday's audition. If you look as though you ought to be retired or know someone that is, please get in touch or else we might miss the chance to see this well-known play on which the 2012/13 film was based. Barbara intends to present Quartet this coming Autumn and you can contact her on 01606 41461. A further audition will be held if possible actors can be found.

Quartet is a comedy play about aging opera singers set in a retirement home for musicians. Three elderly former opera singers, Reginald, Cissy and Wilfred, who often worked together, are sitting on the terrace. They are about to be joined by newcomer Jean, a major star in her day and to whom Reginald was unhappily married. A gala concert is shortly to take place at the retirement home to celebrate the birthday of renowned Italian opera composer Giuseppe Verdi. Three of the four are keen to recreate the third act quartet from Rigoletto and one isn't !

Reginald - quiet, serious

Wilfred - jovial, talks about sex a lot

Cissy - Sweet, slightly daffy                                                                                                        

Jean - rather a diva - has been a great soprano.

PROSTATE CANCER TESTING AT BYLEY VILLAGE HALL SATURDAY 18^TH JULY 10:00-13:00

I have good reason to be grateful to my wife and also to Leighton Hospital Prostate Cancer Support and Awareness Group, for helping me find out that I had cancer of the Prostate and – importantly – in time for the disease to be treated with an excellent chance of a cure.

This was back in 2013 in my 65^th year. About 18 months previously I had visited my doctor because, like many men, I had heard about the increased incidence of prostate cancer in men of retirement age and I wanted to ask whether I ought to be having some sort of routine test just in case I was one of the unlucky men. After a chat about my symptoms, which were not really any different to those expected by men of that age, I was persuaded not to bother having a *PSA test because the doctor told me that he knew two men who had been treated, possibly unnecessarily, for Prostate cancer; one had become impotent and the other incontinent.

Although I was content to leave things as they were for the time being, Shirley had remained concerned that I had not taken things further. Then, in 2013, she noticed that a local charity were offering PSA Testing in Northwich and persuaded me to book an appointment.  A blood sample was taken and analysis indicated that I was in a high risk group and was strongly recommended to visit my doctor and insist on further diagnostic assessment.

This I did and a further PSA test confirmed the first and I was referred to Leighton Hospital. Further examinations and diagnostics took place and I was treated, "with curative intent"; i.e. there is a very good chance of permanently arresting the progress of my Prostate cancer. Fortunately, there were no signs that the cancer had spread outside the Prostate. If I had not gone to get  the PSA test at the time I did, I might not be in this fortunate position.

I can thoroughly recommend all men say over 45 to have a PSA test, either from their own Doctor or at Byley Village Hall this Saturday between 10am and 1pm. No appointment needed – the Group just ask for a £10 donation to partially cover their costs. If anyone has any questions about the testing or about Prostate cancer in general, they would be most welcome to call me on 01606 45186 or 07891 146 567 so long as I am not on stage in the one-act plays.

* NOTE:  PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen, a substance that is generally found in the blood in higher quantities than normal in men suffering from Prostate cancer.  There are, however, known problems with the PSA test in that men with a high PSA result do not always have cancer and conversely that men with a low PSA result may yet have the cancer. For this reason, the Leighton Hospital Prostate Support Group, who carry out an extensive programme of PSA testing, also commission a second test on the blood sample called 'Free to Total'. The PSA level combined with the Free to Total figure give a much better indication of whether a man has the cancer.

CHESHIRE THEATRE GUILD ANNUAL DRAMA FESTIVAL AWARDS EVENING

The Cheshire Theatre Guild annual awards ceremony is at 7:45pm on Wednesday 15th July at the Club Theatre Altrincham, followed by the Guild's AGM on Sunday 19^th July at 11am in the Harlequin Theatre, Northwich. Davenham's production of "The Female of the Species" has been nominated for Best Set Presentation. See http://www.cheshiretheatreguild.org/nominations for full details.

COMMUNITY MOSAIC PROJECT

After much hard work by Jan Johnson and some fantastic advice from Pam Beddard, a funding application was submitted to ACE (Arts Council England) at the start of June and the excellent news has just reached us that our application has been accepted ! We now have to plan a launch of the project and put in place the correct procedures to manage the ongoing work. Look out for more news on our website and Blog.

JAZZ @ DAVENHAM

Jazz@davenham is currently in summer recess until the first gig of the new season on Thursday 24^th September 2015 when Amy Roberts will be playing. Meanwhile, any enquiries should be directed to jazz@davenham.co or by phone to Harry on 01606 74502 or Dave on 01606 44253.

JOINT ONE-ACT PLAY FESTIVAL PRESENTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH MOULTON

The next production at Davenham is a joint one with our friends at Moulton Drama Group and will be a series of one-act plays each one produced by one of the two groups.

Moulton's contribution is Calling Time - a Comedy by Derek Webb, a One Act play with four separate sections, with bookends, all depicting meetings in a pub. The titles of Moulton's four sections are:-

·         Goodbye Simon - directed by Sheila Hetherington

·         What’s Yours? - directed by Annie Makepeace

·         Mr Critchley, isn’t it?-  directed by Sheila Hetherington

·         Who’s Joe? - directed by Annie Makepeace

Davenham's contributions are four individual pieces all directed by Paulette Anderson, the first two of which are monologues:-

·         Saying it with Flowers by Christine Furnivall

·         Manny's Party by Geoff Saunders

·         plus a two-hander Lost by Tony Moore and lastly...

·         a short play for five people What's for Pudding? by David Tristram

Tickets cost £8.00 at either venue and all eight plays will be presented at 7:30pm on the following evenings.

Thursday 16th July - Saturday 18th July at Davenham Theatre

59 Church Street, Davenham, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 8NF. Tickets online from http://www.danarts.org/events/one-act-play-festival--davenham/ or by phone on 01606 259596

Thursday 23rd July - Saturday 25th July at Moulton Village Hall

Moulton Village Hall,  Main Road  CW9 8PB. Tickets online from http://www.danarts.org/events/one-act-play-festival--moulton/ or by phone on 01606 594178

AUDITION – QUARTET THURSDAY 9^TH JULY 7:30PM AT THEATRE

Barbara Crellin is holding an audition for the play Quartet by Ronald Harwood on Thursday 9th July 2015 7:30pm. The cast is four people of retirement age. Barbara intends to present the play this coming Autumn.

Quartet is a comedy play about aging opera singers set in a retirement home for musicians. Three elderly former opera singers, Reginald, Cissy and Wilfred, who often worked together, are sitting on the terrace. They are about to be joined by newcomer Jean, a major star in her day and to whom Reginald was unhappily married. A gala concert is shortly to take place at the retirement home to celebrate the birthday of renowned Italian opera composer Giuseppe Verdi. Three of the four are keen to recreate the third act quartet from Rigoletto and one isn't !

Reginald - quiet, serious

Wilfred - jovial, talks about sex a lot

Cissy - Sweet, slightly daffy

Jean - rather a diva - has been a great soprano.

Barbara is keen to hear as many potential actors as possible. If in doubt, come, come along and read the play. You can phone Barbara with any questions about the play and audition on 01606 41461.

CHESHIRE THEATRE GUILD ANNUAL DRAMA FESTIVAL AWARDS EVENING

The Cheshire Theatre Guild annual awards ceremony is on the evening of Wednesday 15th July at the Club Theatre Altrincham. Tickets are £5.00; please let Paulette Anderson know ASAP (01606 79779) and she will book them. Nominations come out at noon on Monday 21^st June. See http://www.cheshiretheatreguild.org/ for details.

JAZZ @ DAVENHAM

Jazz@davenham is currently in summer recess until the first gig of the new season in September 2015 when Amy Roberts will be playing. Meanwhile, any enquiries should be directed to jazz@davenham.co or by phone to Harry on 01606 74502 or Dave on 01606 44253.

COMMUNITY MOSAIC PROJECT

After much hard work by Jan Johnson and some fantastic advice from Pam Beddard, a funding application was submitted to ACE (Arts Council England) at the start of June. ACE have confirmed that the application fits their eligibility criteria and a decision as to whether we will receive a grant should be received within six weeks of the application. Some work has been done on a trial area of mosaic for planning purposes, but the serious work will start in mid-July.

GRAHAM'S ANNUAL BARBECUE – SATURDAY 4^TH JULY

Graham Hough is inviting all Davenham members to his annual Barbecue on Saturday 4^th July. If you wish to come, please let Graham know as he needs to know numbers for food preparation.

Audition

Quartet by Ronald Harwood
 

Barbara Crellin is holding an audition for the play Quartet on Thursday 9th July 2015 7:30pm. The cast is four people of retirement age. Barbara intends to present the play this coming Autumn.

Quartet is a comedy play about aging opera singers set in a retirement home for musicians. Three elderly former opera singers, Reginald, Cissy and Wilfred, who often worked together, are sitting on the terrace. They are about to be joined by newcomer Jean, a major star in her day and to whom Reginald was unhappily married. 

A gala concert is shortly to take place at the retirement home to celebrate the birthday of renowned Italian opera composer Giuseppe Verdi. Three of the four are keen to recreate the third act quartet from Rigoletto and one isn't !

Reginald - quiet, serious

Wilfred - jovial, talks about sex a lot

Cissy - Sweet, slightly daffy

Jean - rather a diva - has been a great soprano.

Barbara is keen to hear as many potential actors as possible. If in doubt, come, come along and read the play. You can phone Barbara with any questions about the play and audition on 01606 41461.

Jessie Harper

Sad news has reached us from Ruth Rutter that Jessie Harper, a longstanding member and sometime chairman of the Davenham Players has died. Our sympathy goes to her family. 

May Newsletter

COGNITIVE THERAPY BY MRS PETE BROMAGE OPENS TUESDAY 12TH MAY

Cognitive Therapy, the author’s first play, is a comedy published by New Theatre Publications whose patrons are comedy writing legends Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.

• Take five new patients who are to start Cognitive Behaviour Therapy classes at the local health centre.
• Stir in a doctor, a counsellor, a clinical psychologist and a receptionist.
• Add a tea trolley...
• ...and remember the saying, 'if you need to see a psychiatrist you need your head examining'
• This lot are well beyond that.
• Especially as one is an undercover policewoman.
• Another is a cold blooded murderer.
• Love is to blossom amongst the tea cups?

This play has numerous twists and turns and alongside all the entertainment and comic momentum there is a willingness to touch on some of the more troubling aspects of mental illness and depression. 

Cognitive Therapy runs from Tuesday 12th May to Saturday 16th May at Davenham Players Theatre, 59 Church Street, Davenham CW9 8NF. Doors Open 7:00pm. Show at 7:30pm

Tickets at £9.00 each are available online via Danarts at  http://www.danarts.org/events/davenham-players-cognitive-therapy/ or by phone on 01606 259596. Don't leave it too late to book!

THURSDAY 28TH MAY - JAZZ @ DAVENHAM – THE MAGIC BEANS

On Thursday 28th May, Jazz@Davenham is pleased to present the MAGIC BEANS and then on Thursday 18th June the JAZZ WORRIERS come to Davenham. Bookings are currently open for both concerts and is strongly recommended to ensure you get in.

Thursday 28th May - THE MAGIC BEANS

For those who like singers, we have a very entertaining concert. The MAGIC BEANS are a musical democracy between Zoe Kyoti (voice), guitarist Ulrich Elbracht and double bassist Matt Owens. The band likes to experiment with a quirky cover or two stretched in a completely new direction with a sprinkling of originals. Arrangements come from a diverse range of sources from jazz standards to soul & rock bands but re-worked into the Magic Beans' sound of roots, acoustic, folk & jazz. Their second Album Anything You Can Dream, was released in March. Sure to be great fun.

Thursday 18th June - THE JAZZ WORRIERS 

Jazz@Davenham is pleased to present and welcome back, in conjunction with Jazz North, this highly entertaining quintet. All the guys in the Worriers are firmly established northern based musicians, well known and respected on the scene. Their coalescence into The Jazz Worriers was through the drive and creative urges of both Neil Yates (Trumpet) and Dean Masser (Sax). For those who haven't yet had the pleasure you have a treat in store. Think  Blue Note , Art Blakey's Messengers, Dexter Gordon and you are on the mood of this impressive quintet.

Tickets for both gigs can be booked by email or by phoning Harry on 01606 74502 or Dave on 01606 44253. Click here to see the Jazz page. Advance booking is strongly recommended for both gigs. Doors and Bar open at 7:30pm. Music starts at 8:00pm.

NORTHWICH LITFEST 2015 ALL THROUGH JUNE. NINE EVENTS AT DAVENHAM

Northwich LitFest is again holding a number of events across Northwich in the month of June 2015 and nine of them are at Davenham Theatre. Several events are free to enter.

The events at Davenham are listed below, but for a full list of events and descriptions click here. 

• Thursday 4th June - Carol Matthews
• Saturday 6th June  - Simon Guerrier
• Monday 15th June - Martin Edwards
• Wednesday 17th June - Maureen & Mike Melville
• Friday 19th June - Rowan Coleman
• Tuesday 23rd June - Elizabeth Williams
• Thursday 25th June - Laura Lockington with Sarah Rayner
• Saturday 27th June - Laura Lockington with Carole Solazzo
• Tuesday 30th June - Mark Carey

PETER RILEY – A LEADING LIGHT AND DRIVING FORCE OF THE DAVENHAM PLAYERS

Sad news has reached us that Peter Riley, one of the earliest members of the Davenham Players, died last month. Peter was an architect by profession and took a leading role in the Players' purchase of our Church Street theatre. The theatre, once a local 'dame school' was previously a Conservative club and the main hall was used as a snooker room.

Peter and his fellow members at the time got together to raise the funds to purchase no. 59 and then converted it for its present use as a theatre. Peter was also heavily involved as both an actor in and director of Davenham plays but his skills as an architect became invaluable when the group took on the task of transforming the Club into a theatre.

Peter had not lived in the area for some time – he and his wife moved to southern England some years ago, but he is remembered by several current Davenham members. Paulette Anderson acted with him and was directed by him, notably in a production of Billy Liar, which play she in turn directed in 2013. Peter travelled up to Cheshire to see Paulettes's version of the play  a couple of years ago and this was the last time they met.

PLAY READING THU 21ST MAY, COMMUNITY MOSAIC AND FUNDRAISERS

Paulette Anderson is holding a reading of one-act plays to be performed as a joint production with Moulton Drama Group in July. The date of the reading at the theatre is Thursday 21st May 7:30pm. The plays will be performed at both theatres – first at Davenham from Thursday 16TH July to Saturday 18th July and then at Moulton from Thursday 23rd July to Saturday 25th July.

A substantial  amount was raised for Comic Relief at our last production The Price to Pay. 

One of our members, Shaun Dunne, together with Northwich Rotary, has also raised almost £1,000 towards our theatre improvement project. A big Thank You to all those who attended these fundraising events and a special Thank You to Shaun and those who collected and donated.

You may remember that, towards the end of last year, we told you about a Community Mosaic project that has the aim of designing, building and installing a Davenham-themed mosaic in the side  yard of our theatre. The excellent news is that the design is complete and that building the mosaic is to start imminently. Jan, the next-door neighbor of the theatre, is masterminding the project. Jan is recently back from successfully completing a qualification (in Venice!) as a Mosaic Designer, so the project could not be in better hands. Look out for the opportunity when next visiting the theatre to sponsor a tile.