April Newsletter

Our last production ‘Steaming’ directed by Jerry Park from Nantwich, proved to be a resounding success with full houses each night. It’s amazing how the people roll up when a bit of bare flesh is on the cards!! We welcomed new member Mandy James amongst the cast and hope she will be with us for a long time to come.

Thanks go to all the people who helped backstage and to Arthur, Bob and their crew for building such a fabulous set.  Due to illness and accident, we struggled  to get enough backstage help  and with a cast of 7, there were precious few members left to offer to do this immensely important job.  Please do offer your help if you are not acting in the play, for every 1 person on stage there are 2 backstage doing their utmost for the smooth running of the play. A big thankyou to Mike Beddard , Sheila Hetherington , John and Ailsa Booth and Jan Johnson who stepped in at the last minute to help Barbara[ stage manager] with props and costumes. Thank you too to Annie Wilson and the bar and front of house staff.

It is not easy being a visiting director, and not being familiar with the group, but Jerry did a great job and travelled a fair distance to direct for us and we hope he will do more for us in the future. He must like us a little bit as this is his second play with us and in this one he had to put up with 6 women [as did poor Pete, being the only man in the cast!!!] Thanks Jerry !

Our next production is ‘Moonshine’ - a beautiful and funny Irish play by Jim Nolan, directed by Barbara Crellin in week beginning 19th May.  Please note that there will be no Saturday performance for this play so it will run from Tues to Fri. Also please note our new policy that all bookings should be paid for in advance.

Barbara has cast her play and has started rehearsals. We welcome new member Peter Brammall and returned member Jon Bowen amongst the cast; also new member, Shaun Dunne, who is bravely treading the boards for the first time.

Due to many spillages from drinks in the auditorium during the last play, the committee have decided that NO DRINKS ARE TO BE TAKEN INTO THE THEATRE DURING A PERFORMANCE.  Drinks will continue to be allowed during music and social events.

A local children’s drama workshop called, coincidentally,  ‘The Young Players’ - see http:/www.youngplayers.co.uk/] use our theatre every Thursday after school and plan to put on their Spring performance in May. How nice it would be if these youngsters could be the Davenham Players of the future.

Talking of new members, please could I remind you that there are still some outstanding subs to be paid from existing members and that you need to be a member to be in a play.  £15 and cheap at the price!!!

Dates for your diary.
24th April -  Jazz -  Amy  Roberts
26th May - read through of ‘The Female of the Species’ by Joanna Murray- Smith [to be our November production] 7.30pm
20th-23rd May - Moonshine By Jim Nolan 7.30pm start  Tickets £8 from 01606 835582 or www.danarts.org
29th May -  Play Reading- Female of the Species led by Paulette Anderson
30th May -  Jazz- Nicola Farnon
5th June – Quiz night –run by Jamie Morris £1 pp. Teams of 4/5. 7.30pm for  an  8pm start. No need to book , just come along.
7th June  - Litfest Event-An evening with the ‘Archer’s’ script writers
12th June - Jazz - Phil Robson Trio
20th June – Litfest Event-Lizzie Enfield & Ian Williams
25th June - Litfest- Julia Crouch- Crime writer.
26th June - Chris Bannister – Chris came in Nov and was well received singing many of John Denver’s songs This time he will be performing his own material.
24th July- Audition  for ‘ The Female of the Species’ which is to performed  19th-22nd Nov and directed by Paulette Anderson 7.30pm. There are 6 characters - 3 of which are female –
1  x student age, 1 x 20’s-30’s,  1 x mature 60ish . 3 male - 2 x 30ish and 1 x 60 ish. Come along to the read through & to find out more. Play copies are available from me.  Hope to see you at all or at least, some of these events.

Paulette.

Audition for Moonshine - Wednesday 5th March 7:30pm

Davenham Easter production – Moonshine by Jim Nolan 21st-24th May 2014

Award-winning director Barbara Crellin  has found another unusual and thought-provoking Irish play to present in 2014. Easter - time . A seaside town in the south of Ireland. The Protestant church is closing down and the local undertaker is determined to stage a ' version' of A Midsummer Night's Dream - how the two are related forms the story of the play - moving and funny as many Irish plays are...

There will be a read through on Wednesday 26th Feb with a first audition on Wednesday 5th March.

Cast is 4 men ages ranging from 20s to 60s
2 women in their 20s- 30s
These ages can be a little flexible......

January e-News

Welcome to a New Year of varied entertainment at Davenham.

This is your January e-news and there's quite a lot of it ! To help you find the things that might interest you, I have tried to use a little colour-coding.

For DRAMA – look for the BLUE sectionS

For MUSIC – look for the RED sectionS

For Members' activities – look for the GREEN section.

Hope you are following this so far – off we go !

HELP WANTED WITH davenham spring production –19^th-22^nd Feb

We are looking for a number of bodies to help with Steaming (see below). Jobs like Costume Supervisor, which can be done largely before the production, Props Supervisor and Scene Change Assistants. We would also welcome offers of help Front Of House and Bar.

If you feel you can help, especially in final rehearsals and the week of the play, please contact me by replying to this eMail or phoning Paulette on 01606 79779.

davenham spring production – steaming by nell dunn 19^th-22^nd Feb

Jerry Park, visiting director from Nantwich and cast (see below) are already rehearsing Steaming by Nell Dunn. This is a play in an unusual setting – a Turkish Bath in Manchester. The baths are threatened with closure (some things don't change!) and a group of lady bathers are discussing their past lives and how they will cope if and when the baths close. The cast is Violet - Denise Barry, Bill (the only man, never seen) Peter Lownds, Josie (who has had a fascinating life) - Andrea Scott, Mrs Meadow - Paulette Anderson, Dawn - Pam Molloy, Nancy - Lorraine Dunne, Jane - Mandy James.

Although you might think that costumes in a Turkish Bath are not going to be a problem, this is one of several jobs that need to be done backstage and front of house. If you can help, please contact me by replying to this or phone Paulette on 01606 79779.

the young players – CHILDREN'S DRAMA CLASS STARTS this week at davenham 

As their website says " The Young Players is an exciting new theatre school based near Northwich in Cheshire". The Young Players is led by two local former drama professionals – Jess Lloyd and Tom Guest. From 9^th January 2014, their weekly drama class will be held at Davenham Players Theatre leading to a series of performance projects for children aged 7 to 12. In December the Young Players presented their Christmas production Hoodwinked at Davenham, drew good audiences and both children and leaders enjoyed the experience of performing at Davenham. Because of this, they asked to be able to use Davenham as their permanent venue from January and this was agreed with the proviso that the classes would not be allowed to interfere with existing music and drama activities at our theatre.

If you have a child who might be interested in joining the Young Players, you can contact Jess Lloyd by phone on 07875744655 or by email on Hello@youngplayers.co.uk. For further information see their website at http://youngplayers.co.uk/

davenham Easter production – moonshine by jim Nolan 21^st-24^th May

Award-winning director Barbara Crellin  has found another unusual and thought-provoking Irish play to present in 2014. Easter - time . A seaside town in the south of Ireland. The Protestant church is closing down and the local undertaker is determined to stage a ' version' of A Midsummer Night's Dream - how the two are related forms the story of the play - moving and funny as many Irish plays are... There will be a read through on Wednesday 26th Feb with a first audition on Wednesday 5th March.

Cast is 4 men ages ranging from 20s to 60s
2 women in their 20s- 30s
These ages can be a little flexible......

A CHANCE TO SEE ED GREEN AS WIDOW TWANKEY IN HIS FIRST (LAST?) PANTO

Antrobus Players
Present
Steve Shaw's
 ALADDIN
At Antrobus Village Hall
On Friday 24th January 2013 at 7.30pm
Saturday 25th January 2014 at 7.30pm
Sunday 26th January 2014 at 2.30pm
Booking Forms for tickets available from Village Shop or telephone 01606 891379

JAZZ @ DAVENHAM 2014 SEASON

Jazz@Davenham restarts Thursday 23^rd January with the Josh Kemp Quartet. As usual, there is full programme of Jazz music running up to Summer 2014. This year's dates released so far are:-

Thursday 23rd January 2014 – Josh Kemp Quartet

A London based band including Tim Lapthorn, Piano; Mick Hutton, Double Bass; and the wonderful playing of Matt Skelton on Drums, as well as Josh on sax. (Mick Hutton was last at Davenham with Julian Arguelles!)

Thursday 27th February 2014 – Steve Oakes Quintet

Straight ahead jazz with one of our stalwart jazz@davenham supporters and favourite jazz guitarists. Steve is joined by Gavin Barras on bass, Ed Kainyek on tenor sax, Tim Franks on drums and George King on piano.

Thursday 27th March 2014 - White Canvas Quartet

A kaleidoscopic blend of catchy melodies, toe-tapping beats and free-flowing improvisation that refuses to be categorised. Barry Dallman on Piano, Andrew Hulme on Guitar, Grant Russell on Bass and Adam Goldberg on Drums

Thursday 24th April 2014 - Amy Roberts Quintet

A favourite at Davenham, Amy features with the Chris Barber Band. Amy Roberts - flute, clarinet and saxes, Ian Bateman - trombone, Tom Kincaid or Craig Milverton - piano, Sandy Suchodolski or Jim Swinnerton - bass, Nick Millward or John Watson - drums. 

Friday 30th May 2014 - Nicola Farnon Trio

Another Jazz gig, but note on Friday not Thursday.  A classic performer, whether in the Ella Fitzgerald swing or Dusty Springfield soul mould - Nicola Farnon is widely recognized as one of the classiest and accomplished jazz/swing vocalists in the UK. With her unique talent as swinging vocalist and double bass player she has accumulated many years of experiences and performed with some of the world's top musicians - whether headlining or playing alongside such greats as Georgie Fame, Alan Price, Claire Teale, Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth.

For full details, see the Jazz page on the Davenham Blog at http://dsp-davenham.blogspot.co.uk/p/jazz.html

Midnight Train at Hartford Social Club Friday 7th February

Midnight Train have roots going back to the late sixties when they were a popular blues and soul band regularly playing at venues like the legendary ‘Twisted Wheel’ club in Manchester haunt of bands like John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton, The Spencer Davies Group with Steve Winwood and many other big names from both sides of the Atlantic.

Midnight Train still has two of the original band joined by four other experienced members all of whom have played with a range of bands over the years but have now returned to their original musical influences and play an eclectic mix of blues, rhythm and blues, some classic soul and a sprinkling of jazz by artists as diverse as Muddy Waters, Van Morrison, J J Cale, The Animals, B B King, Eric Clapton, Dr Feelgood, Little Walter, Wilson Pickett and even a bit Gershwin.

The line up sees Clive Pritchard on vocals, Martin Watts on guitar, Stewart Speirs on harmonica, Brian Booker on bass guitar and Mike Storey on drums. During the evening we will also be treated to a set from that the talented singer / songwriter Pauline Wright. A great start to the weekend on a night which re-visits many R&B classics and will be sure to have your feet tapping and your memories stirred!

URGENT – FEMALE ACTOR/SINGER NEEDED AT MOULTON

Is there some wonderful lady out there who is willing and able to take on a delicious part in "Glorious", as our leading lady has been obliged to leave us. It's a wonderful, award winning comedy going on from Feb 25 - March 1st and we were just about to start rehearsing, Tues, Thurs, Sun eve's at Moulton Drama group. Singer preferred but we can always use mime if that suits. Likely candidates please contact Sheila Hetherington 01606 551673 straight away.

NORTHWICH'S GOT TALENT – AUDITIONS 12^TH JAN AT THE GLADSTONE CLUB

WHERE IS ALL THE TALENT IN NORTHWICH?

You'd better believe it – Northwich Does Have Talent ! And Joanne Storey (assistant Secretary of the Northwich Carnival Committee 07887 498191) wants to find it at the Gladstone Club, Northwich CW9 5RB auditions starting 1pm on Sunday 12^th January. The Final is on  SATURDAY 25TH JANUARY 2014 starting at 7.30 pm and is being held  at Winnington Recreation Club in Northwich.

You could win £500 too – all talents welcome. To qualify for entry, you must be at least 12 years of age your home must be within one of the "CW" postal areas. For full details and to download an entry form (£2.00 fee for individuals) click on the following url http://www.gonorthwich.co.uk/whats-on/northwichs-got-talent/

Who Killed Cupid Murder Mystery in aid of 1st Davenham Scouts

Here is an opportunity for anyone with some free time on 14^th February and who would like to help the 1^st Davenham Scouts with a rather fun fundraiser – a murder mystery evening to be held at Davenham British Legion. They are looking for (as some of our leaders are a little shy when it comes to acting!!!) people to fill several parts – see below. A three-course meal will be provided for anyone wishing to help out. The play is mainly scripted and we do have character booklets for each person.

Rehearsals will be held in Davenham Primary School as Head Teacher Phil Hilditch has kindly said he will be Di Bobby Wood! just waiting for school to return after hols for dates. Costumes are anything that suits the part/wedding stuff if people haven't got things like tight trousers am sure we can scrounge from somewhere!!!

We are still looking for the following people 

Mike Dupp – Sound FX coordinator. There’s no better way to say it: this man’s a geek! But the noises he can make with the oddest things are truly amazing!

Tony Deff – Gondolier. Tony cuts a fantastic figure in his striped traditional gondolier’s shirt, waistcoat and tight trousers. Just don’t ask him to sing – you’ll regret it!

Aaron Ageestring – Guitarist. With long hair and glasses Aaron seems to be a bit behind the times in flares and sandals; but he plays well enough.

Iona Kamara – Photographer. With a camera around her neck, and in a business suit, weddings (or murders for that matter) are all simply business for Iona. With this part, they are hoping to try and find someone with a camera who wants to earn a little bit of money by taking photos of guests as they arrive (we are asking people to come in wedding attire) or if they would like to donate them to us to sell!!

For more information, you can contact Pat Barlow at p.barlow27@hotmail.co.uk. There is also a Facebook page Who Killed Cupid Murder Mystery (in aid of 1st Davenham Scouts).

dp Subscriptions now due - £15.00

Please send yours to Paulette Anderson at subs are now due  £15.00 payable to Davenham Players and sent to 24 Queensgate Castle Northwich CW8 1DX

See the Players website http://www.davenhamplayers.co.uk/

and blog at http://dsp-davenham.blogspot.com/ 

Make it one of your favourites for the first news about our events or productions at neighbouring groups.

dsp DATA PROTECTION POLICY

Note that dsp will not pass your personal contact details (including email) to other organizations.

We do occasionally send you information about local events run by other organizations

If you no longer wish to receive newsletters, please reply to me and your name will immediately be removed from our circulation list

Audition for Steaming by Nell Dunn

I will be directing Steaming at Davenham for performance from Wednesday 19 February to Saturday 22 April 2014. Rehearsals will begin as soon as possible after the auditions, and take place twice-weekly from 7.30pm to 10.00pm, with up to three Sunday rehearsals (afternoons or evenings). 

Auditions will be held at the Theatre at 7.30pm on Monday 2 December. If you cannot attend that evening, but want to audition, please contact me at home (‘phone 01270 626215; email park50@hotmail.com), so that we can arrange to meet at an alternative time.  

Steaming takes place in the early 1980s in an East London public steam bath left over from the Edwardian age. The personalities of its female manager and clientele are explored as the baths are threatened with closure. Nell Dunn was a cutting-edge writer on social and feminist issues in the 1960s and later. Not a great deal happens in the play, so the emphasis is on establishing truthful characterisation, and showing its development through humour (it is very funny). A London accent, and a willingness to appear on stage in bathing gowns or capacious towels, is essential.

Roles 
Violet Baths manager, forties, chatty
Bill         Baths handyman, a small role, heard but not seen, so any age!
Josie Client, thirties, raucous, underworld contacts
Mrs Meadow Client, sixties, Dawn’s mum, decent, worn out
Dawn Client, thirties, friendly, innocent, has learning difficulties, 
Nancy Client, thirties, more middle-class than the others 
Jane Client, thirties, mature student, ‘bohemian’

There is some flexibility about most of these indicative ages.

Audition Pieces
Pages 9 – 14         Violet, Bill, Josie, Mrs Meadow, Dawn

Pages 43 - 45 Nancy, Josie, Jane

Pages 57 – 14 Nancy, Josie

Pages 62 - 64 Jane, Josie, Violet, Nancy, Dawn



Jerry Park

Breathing Corpses

Book On-Line via the DAN website or by phoning 01606 559065.

Davenham member Denise Barry who has organized this concert says

We've known Chris's father  for many years. Chris is from Lancashire and we saw his concert in a packed hall in Lancashire a few months ago. I thought our audiences would love his type of music so I was excited when I managed to secure a booking for 15th November.

Chris has been a professional singer for many years and has performed many times in Nashville with John Denver's lead guitarist. He has a wonderful voice and his performances are both captivating and memorable.

After speaking to our audience members I was surprised at just how many people are fans of John Denver's music, therefore I urge you to book early to avoid disappointment.

To hear Chris's music for yourself, visit www.chrisbannister-musicofjohndenver.com

Neil McSweeney is a songwriter and musician based in Sheffield, England. His acoustic guitar playing style combines folk, blues and country influences but it is his voice, likened by The Guardian to a male Tracy Chapman, and his direct and personal lyrics for which he is most recognised. His first album, Remember To Smile, was released in 2006. After a warm response from national press and radio, London-based Warner subsidiary Kids got involved for a couple of singles. Neil decided once more to self-release for his second album, Shoreline (2009), which again garnered strong reviews and caught the attention of Richard Hawley, leading to support slots in the UK and Europe.

Neil's third album 'Cargo' is recorded by leading trad-folk producer Andy Bell, and features the talents of BBC Folk Musician of the Year nominee 2013, Sam Sweeney, Lucy Farrell, M.G. Boulter, Brooks Williams, Andy Seward and many more.

“Deeply felt, brooding songs rich in imagery. He has the tools to make a huge impact.” **** The Guardian

“McSweeney is the genuine article. Highly recommended.” **** Daily Express

“Steelier than your average troubadour.’ Q Magazine

“Songs so subtle and well-crafted that you can’t help but be drawn in…they deserve much wider acclaim.”DrownedInSound.com

Tickets £8 Book on-line at www.danarts.org or ring 01606 74502.

Bar at 7.30pm gig starts at 8pm