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Here we ar e again, back at The Little Theatre, where we last performed in November 2002 with Little Shop of Horrors. This very funny show about a man- eating plant living in a run down flower shop is not to everyone's taste, and advance bookings were very poor. However, word spread about the production, and the last four houses were totally full. Technically demanding, and expensive to present (as our smaller shows go), the show was an excellent production, superbly directed by Ruth Bettesworth, with musical direction by Jonathan Watts and choreography by Michiel Verkoren.
Features of the production were the four plant puppets of varying si zes, constructed by Colin and Rae Gilderthorp. Taking almost 400 man-hours to make, the plants filled Colin and Rae's house through the summer months, and everyone grew quite fond of them (the plants - we were already fond of Colin and Rae!). So good were they that they were sold on to a scenery firm and when Colin and lain Douglas delivered the plants to the firm in February 2003, it was almost like giving the children away. The show went on to win the prestigious Stage Electrics Technical Achievement Award, principally because of the plants, so although it was not a financial success, it was most certainly a big artistic success and garnered the society many new friends.
After a short break it was back to business with the start of rehearsals for our major June 2003 production at the Princess Theatre, the S. Devon premiere of Barry Manilow's Copacabana the Musical . This proved a popular choice with our cast. In fact at the initial rehearsals there were 80 people wanting to be in the show. The committee had a hard job reducing the numbers down to the 45 who eventually took to the stage. Copacabana is a big spectacle, and costs were the highest ever for a TOADS musical at almost £43,000. However, audiences could see where the money had been spent. A new set, masses of costumes (most of the company had between 8 and 11 changes of costume each), and professional lighting design, ensured a glitzy show. A youthful cast gave a highly professional presentation under the expert guidance of Joe McNulty as director, and Jonathan Watts as musical director. Wendy Jackson excelled herself with some fantastic routines. The show proved to be acceptable box office, although sadly did not appeal to our older groups, which was a pity because they would have enjoyed it immensely. The enormous costs involved ensured another financial loss, although nothing to worry the treasurer too much!
The society Fighting Fund continues to provide additional sources of funding. A 24-hour sponsored singathon produced some very sleepy people over the weekend of 24/25 May but raised over £1,300. Well known local artist Peter Cosslett donated a painting to the society, which featured in a grand prize draw, raising another £450. The society also held a number of other social and fund-raising events including a Summer Garden Party, Christmas Party, various theatre trips, and the obligatory show week social events and parties. One now traditional feature of the Christmas Party is the infamous Box Game, where members have to put their hands in various boxes and feel various objects and guess what they are. Needless to say over the years the objects have got more and more rude, and the game is now hilariously outrageous.
The 2003 AGM was attended by over 50 members showing a healthy level of interest in the activities of the society. They learnt that despite being self-supporting, and having two loss-making productions during the year, the society's finances remain healthy. TOADS Operatic seeks neither grant nor sponsorship for its endeavours, and is not a burden on the ratepayers.
Colin Gilderthorp won the Golden Toad Award in June 2003 in recognition of all his efforts making props and scenic additions, and of course those pesky plants from last year's autumn show also played a small part. His wife Rae won the award jointly the previous year, so the TOAD stayed in its place on their mantelpiece.
The NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) South West Weekend was held at Bicton College in East Devon and 15 members attended the weekend, enjoying the company and camaraderie of over 200 like-minded people from operatic societies across the region. TOADS Operatic has always had strong connections with NODA. Late Past President Edgar Crocker was a National President of NODA in the 1960's, Past Chairman Peter Randall was a regional rep for NODA, and current Secretary lain Douglas remains as the NODA Regional Rep for South Devon.
It was reported in the last programme, that in September 2002 a very happy and touching social event was held at the Princess Theatre when life member and former Chairman, Peter Randall was presented with his 50 year NODA medal. Peter was battling cancer at the time, and for a while i t looked like he was beating it. Sadly matters took a turn for the worse, and we were greatly saddened at his death on July 2nd this year. Our thoughts were and are with his wife Margaret (who hopefully will be with us front-of-house for this show) and his daughter Helen, who appears in the current production. You can read about Peter in an article elsewhere in this programme. We were also saddened by the sudden death of Lavinia Palmer early in the year. Lavinia, like Peter was still very active within the ranks. We have also reported in the past, the illness of Sally Watson, who suffered an aneurysm just before our 2001 production and is now permanently disabled and has been hospital bound since then. Many members had not been able to see her since, but it was felt that she would be able to make the trip to see this year's major show and attend the matinee tea. She was clearly overwhelmed by the occasion, as were many of the members at seeing her again.
Daniella Butto got married, and is now expecting her first child, and her best friend, Jane Appleby also got married. Jane assists with this show (she's already had her babies!!) but Daniella is now happily exploding in size and we look forward to the new arrival in December. Vicky Lindley, leading lady in many of our shows, and who always valiantly travelled the 50 miles from Tiverton to rehearse with us, became a mother just after our summer show. Many of us have yet to meet her little boy, and we know Vicky is just itching to get back on stage.
And so to Company. Most societies never stage a Sondheim show, but here we are on our fourth! No-one could ever accuse TOADS Operatic of complacency and lack of imagination. This musically very difficult show has proved a great challenge to the cast over the last two months, but hopefully as you read this, all the hard work will have been worth it. |
