Programme for Taunton Thespians' production of A Servant of Two Masters

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A Servant of Two Masters

present Carlo Goldoni’s

adapted by Dorothy Louise

ON TOUR

2011

Programme

14th to the 25th of June 2011

Programme.indd 1 6/9/2011 7:18:17 PM

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A Servant of Two Masters

by Carlo Goldoni

adapted by Dorothy Louise, with tweaks by Taunton Thespians

directed by Michael Gilbert

Setting

The action of the play takes place in two acts, in a piazza, in Venice and in the past, in a time when the fashionable wear the styles of the 18th century. Other people stick firmly to their own ideas of style.

Act OneScene one A betrothal ceremony, an interruption and an unexpected arrival

Scene two Another arrival and a degree of confusion

Scene three A family dispute and a revelation

Scene four Displays of paternal feeling, of machismo and of strength

Act TwoScene one Dinner is served, love declared and punishment delivered

Scene two Two fathers and a son try to sort things out

Scene three In which all shall be revealed and made clear

Taunton Thespians is a Registered Charity, Number 800217


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Carlo GoldoniFrom the Encyclopaedia Britannica

Carlo Goldoni, (born Feb. 25, 1707, Venice—died Feb. 6, 1793, Paris), prolific dramatist who renovated the well-established Italian commedia dell’arte dramatic form by replacing its masked stock figures with more realistic characters, its loosely structured and often repetitive action with tightly constructed plots, and its predictable farce with a new spirit of gaiety and spontaneity For these innovations Goldoni is considered the founder of Italian realistic comedy The precocious son of a physician, Goldoni read comedies from his father’s library when young and ran away from school at Rimini in 1721 with a company of strolling players Back in school at the papal college in Pavia, Goldoni read comedies by Plautus, Terence, and Aristophanes Later he studied French in order to read Molière For writing a satire on the ladies of the town, Goldoni was expelled from the Ghislieri College in Pavia, and he reluctantly began law studies at the University of Pavia Although he practiced law in Venice (1731–33) and Pisa (1744–48) and held diplomatic appointments, his real interest was the dramatic works he wrote for the Teatro San Samuele in Venice In 1748 Goldoni agreed to write for the Teatro Sant’Angelo company of the Venetian actor-manager Girolamo Medebac Although Goldoni’s early plays veer between the old style and the new, he dispensed with masked characters altogether in such plays as La Pamela (1750), a serious drama based on Samuel Richardson’s novel During the 1750–51 season Goldoni promised defecting patrons 16 new comedies and produced some of his best, notably I pettegolezzi delle donne (Women’s Gossip), a play in Venetian dialect; Il bugiardo (The Liar), written in commedia dell’arte style; and Il vero amico (The True Friend), an Italian comedy of manners From 1753 to 1762 Goldoni wrote for the Teatro San Luca (now Teatro Goldoni) There he increasingly left commedia dell’arte behind him Important plays from this period are the Italian comedy of manners La locandiera (performed

1753; Eng trans , Mine Hostess, 1928) and two fine plays in Venetian dialect, I rusteghi (performed 1760; The Tyrants) and Le baruffe chiozzote (performed 1762; Quarrels at Chioggia) Already engaged in rivalry with the playwright Pietro Chiari, whom he satirized in I malcontenti (performed 1755; The Malcontent), Goldoni was assailed by Carlo Gozzi, an adherent of the commedia dell’arte, who denounced Goldoni in a satirical poem (1757), then ridiculed both Goldoni and Chiari in a commedia dell’arte classic, L’amore delle tre melarance (performed 1761 The Love of the Three Oranges) In 1762 Goldoni left Venice for Paris to direct the Comédie-Italienne. Subsequently, he rewrote all of his French plays for Venetian audiences; his French L’Éventail (performed 1763) became in Italian one of his finest plays, Il ventaglio (performed 1764) Goldoni retired in 1764 to teach Italian to the princesses at Versailles In 1783 he began his celebrated Mémoires in French After the French Revolution his pension was cancelled, and he died in dire poverty Ironically, the pension was restored the day after his death


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Dorothy LouiseDorothy Louise‘s produced plays include Cassatt at Playhouse 46 in New York; What You Will at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia; October Wedding at Playwrights’ Horizons in New York; and The Green Parrot (a revised Cassatt) at the Nexus Theater in Atlanta She also wrote the16 episodes of Center-City Soap, produced by the Philadelphia Company; and the 18 episodes of Starstuff, produced by WCAU-TV (CBS Philadelphia). Other work includes Loveknot, premiered at the Fourth International Women Playwrights’ Conference in Galway, and Hearts in Harness, in a reading at Fontanonestate, Rome She has adapted five classics: La Ronde, The Marriage of Figaro, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and The Servant of Two Masters and Frankenstein (both published by Ivan Dee) In addition, she has written the libretto for Disappearing Act, a piece about Houdini’s quest to reach his dead mother via the mediumship of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, with music by John Carbon; from this a song cycle, “Travels with Queen Victoria,” was presented in New York. That same year her one-act, The Patient Therapist, was a finalist in the Samuel French Short Play Festival at the Actors Theater in New York; and Manhattan Theatre Source presented her Mirrors in a Window Frame Her short play, Sam’s Friends, was presented at Center Stage, New York, then broadcast in the Voice of Vashon drama series, which also produced Singles Match in 2009 Other recent work includes Love’s Labour’s Wonne; The Radiance of Springtime; and Urban Homestead Dorothy has received support from the NEA, the Hawthornden International Retreat for Writers, the Berrilla Kerr Foundation, the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, the Virginia Center for Creative Arts, and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts She is an active member of the Dramatists Guild of America, Inc

For more information, see http://dorothylouise.net

About Taunton ThespiansThe Taunton Thespians have been providing live theatre for and by the people of Taunton and surrounding area since 1928, when Ian Hay’s “Tilly of Bloomsbury” was staged for 3 nights at the Lyceum Theatre (now a block of flats at the end of Station Road). The Thespians' home is “The Place” in Wilfred Road, Taunton

Every year the Thespians entertain thousands of people by: Staging two major productions at the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre• Participating in drama festivals in other theatres around Somerset • Putting on in-house productions for members • Spending two weeks on the road with a touring production every summer •

We also provide Murder Mystery evenings for parties and fund-raising events around the area, and are developing our outreach activities further

To see what's happening in amateur drama in Taunton, come along to a Club Night. There's no charge, and you're very welcome. Just drop along to The Place at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of any month from September to May

If you do fancy joining us, there’s plenty to do, and it doesn’t have to involve getting up on stage Actors and actresses are always welcome, of course, but we do need people who want to design and build our sets, sort out costumes, do makeup and hair, all sorts of things Membership is only £12 a year, and it’s just about the most fun you can have for a pound a month!

For more details call John Burbery on 01823 442118 or email membership@tauntonthespians org uk


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From the DirectorHaving been itching to direct something for our Tour for ages, this has always been in my mind as the ideal play to take on the road The Commedia dell’Arte roots are outdoor performances, after all The trouble with a classic from another language is tracking down the translation that you feel gives you the closest feel to the original, without struggling to pay reverential homage to that original There are plenty of boring versions of Moliere and other wonderful plays Having dug around a bit, Dorothy Louise’s adaptation hit just the right note – for me, at least, but hopefully for you, too – adding a more modern feel whilst retaining the raw and earthy humour of the original Except the bit where Truffaldino eats the cat That’s not in this version Thank goodness Of course, the thing about doing the show outdoors is that you need to take a piece written for a normal theatre, with wings and curtains and technology, and recraft it to work in multiple venues with no effects at all Hence the setting you see before you It needs to serve lots of purposes, to be as versatile as possible and to be as easy to get set and struck as possible The basic setting is very old indeed, dating back to the Romans and before: a square with a house on each side and an inn upstage The various constraints we have mean that this concept needed to be changed a bit, hence the arches you can see in front of you (Although I keep being told that they’ll be blown away, but I have faith ) Just to clear up who lives where, Pantalone, his daighter Clarice and her maid Smeraldina live on your left, Doctor Lombardi and his son Silvio live on your right, the Inn is owned by Brighella, and the rest of Venice is behind you This last fact may explain any damp feelings you might be having I am very grateful indeed to Dorothy for giving us carte blanche to play with her script In an email, she told me “... do feel free. [to make any changes] It’s not just the American-ness, but the contemporaneity -- if I were directing a production today, I’d have to change all those American references, too And I agree with your point re the quality and supply of political jokes -- with New Old Labour and the Clegg/Cameron alliance, I think you are running ahead ” Having said that, the way that this script builds up the female roles is one of its key strengths, in my eyes, so we’ve kept all that intact What is also very obvious to British eyes that the Americans may have missed is the way this play is at the roots of pantomime as we know it, not least for the presence of Beatrice as Principal Boy Finally, I need to thank Tony Leach for creating the music for this show To me, if a play needs music, it should be live, and if any genre benfits from music it’s got to be this one. On top of that, for this open setting, we need to distract you when scenes are bing changed and what better way than a tune As he did last year, Tony has written a tune that’ll take you home humming, which is is just as it should be Even more finally, thanks to you for coming, and enjoy the show! Michael Gilbert

From the Musical DirectorComposing the music for this show has been a challenge but very rewarding It’s always nice to combine my two great interests - treading the boards and tinkling ivory! Having perused this programme you may already know Goldoni wrote this Commedia classic on 1743, and this is the period I have tried to evoke with my music However, the brief by my director was also to accentuate the fun and earthy spirit of the Commedia - a very vital ingredient indeed. And so a sort of fusion was attempted - baroque crossed with Italian street music. I hope you find it works... if not please feel free to borrow Truffaldino’s slapstick and evoke the spirit of the Commedia yourselves upon our good director, Michael Gilbert, who has promised to pass on your feedback in person! Tony Leach


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Facilities will include:

• A state of the art hydrotherapy pool• A thermal suite which includes a sauna & steam room• Relaxing foot spas• Experience showers• Beautiful treatment rooms offering [comfort zone] treatments • A fi tness suite with Technogym equipment• A stunning spa terrace overlooking the gardens• Changing rooms with lockers and complimentary towels

UNVEILING AT THE MOUNT SOMERSET THIS OCTOBER

For more information call us on 01823 442500 or visit us at www.mountsomersethotel.co.uk

MEMBERSHIPS, DAY PACKAGES AND TREATMENTS AVAILABLE.

The Mount SomersetLower Henlade

Somerset TA3 5NBTelephone 01823 442500

Fax 01823 [email protected]

Book any one hour facial in October & November and receive free use of the facilities. Quote MS01.Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.

The Mount SomersetLower Henlade, Taunton, Somerset TA3 5NBTelephone 01823 442500 Fax 01823 442900

[email protected]

MEMBERSHIPS, DAY PACKAGES AND TREATMENTS AVAILABLE.For more information call us on 01823 442500or visit us at www.mountsomersethotel.co.uk

HALF DAYSPA TASTERHalf Day Taster £50 per person

Relax with a morning or afternoon in The Spa with full use of the facilities and a choice of two of the following mini taster sessions, each lasting 30 minutes:

Back Massage . Express Manicure Salt Scrub . Express Pedicure . Individual Facial

Taster morning available from 10am until 2pmor taster afternoon available from 2pm until 6pm.

To book, call 01823 442500 quoting TT06or email [email protected]

Taunton Thespians are grateful to the following:

for displaying billboards: Yule Brown, Taunton

The Crown & Sceptre, Taunton,

The Westgate, Taunton,

Mr & Mrs Tooze, Chelston

for promotional displays: Shops & other premises in Taunton, Wellington and elsewhere

for deploying billboards: Ron Roberts & Mark Dawson

for financial support: Our advertisers

for transporting the set Webbers Removals

for the triple arch Willowtree Productions

for franking service Learning South West

for the licence Samuel French Ltd

Express Print Ad


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Frank Bond Community CentreThe Frank Bond Centre was named after its benefactor, a local builder by the name of Frank Bond He was a private man, with two unusual hobbies: he collected theatre organs and around his garden he had numerous aviaries housing exotic birds He opened his garden once a year to the general public and all money raised went to charity On his death he left his house and garden (now the Centre) and land to the community. The land was used for development - some was used for housing and some was provided for the St Margaret's Hospice to be built The Centre was established in 1983, after alterations to provide accommodation for resident caretakers upstairs and to open up the ground floor area for activities. There is a main room, with a hatch to kitchen and opening into the conservatory In addition there is a smaller separate room. A lavatory and office block were also added. The Frank Bond Trust Limited is a charity and limited company which consists of eight Trustees who manage the Centre The Centre is open to people who have retired and are seeking activity in a local setting

Hartwood HouseThis is our third production at Hartwood House, and David and Rosemary make us very welcome indeed, as did their delightful dog, who became an extra cast member in London Assurance, ambling across the stage with perfect comic timing The house nestles in a 6 acre woodland glade. Exceptionally quiet at night, only disturbed by owls or foxes Red and roe deer are often seen in the fields and woodland. Birdsong fills the garden throughout the day The Freemantles are enthusiastic amateur gardeners and have planted a wealth of trees, shrubs and perennials over the last 18 years - and in Somerset everything grows apace! The garden has much to interest the plantsman, as well as having many quiet sitting areas and space for children to play

Week 1


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Glastonbury AbbeySomerset is littered with medieval abbeys, but the largest and most powerful was Glastonbury Abbey By the time of the Domesday Book, Glastonbury was the richest monastery in England, but it was destroyed by fire in 1184 and later rebuilt before being ransacked during the Dissolution It’s still possible to make out the nave walls, the ruins of St Mary’s chapel, and the remains of the crossing arches, which may have been scissor-shaped like those in Wells Cathedral.In the 13th century, monks uncovered a tomb inscribed with the legend Hic iacet sepultus inclitus rex arturius in insula avalonia, or ‘Here lies buried the renowned King Arthur in the Isle of Avalon’, along with a pair of side-by-side skeletons (supposedly Arthur and Guinevere). The bones were buried beneath the altar in 1278, but were lost following the plundering of the abbey; the site of the tomb is marked in the grass We love this venue, although each performance here has been dogged by ill fortune Hopefully this year everything will come together for a wonderful evening for both cast and audience

The Cleve Spa Hotel & Country ClubThis was designed by Alfred Waterhouse in the contemporary style of 1866 for Joseph Hoyland Fox and his wife Mariana Originally just called “The Cleve”, it was the second of the three houses of the Fox family in Wellington, after the original Tonedale House (The Foxes, being Quakers, didn’t just think of their own comforts, but of those less fortunate than themselves It’s worth knowing that sugar wasn’t served to guests at Tonedale, as it was a product of the slave trade ) When built, there were no bathrooms at The Cleve, although a hip bath was provided for every bedroom This is not a situation guests now have to worry about; not only are all rooms en suite, but there’s a heated indoor swimming pool and fitness suite they can use too! We’re performing in the gardens, which were designed by Joseph Fox, and where he spent much of his time (Information from “More than Two Hundred Years, Wellington and the Foxes” by John Hagen & Michael P Fox, pub Wellington Museum & Local History Society)

Week 1


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Cast in order of appearancePantalone, a miserly merchant Ron Roberts

Clarice, his beautiful daughter Sarah Twomey

Smeraldina, her love-hungry maid Hayley Watson

Dr Lombardi, a lawyer and windbag Arthur Cummins

Silvio, his noble son Chris Key

Brighella, the best cook in town Jane Edwards

Truffaldino, the hungriest man in the world Matt Webber

Beatrice, a lady with a mission Abi Vickery

Florindo, a nobleman of Turin John Skittrell

The Porter, underpaid and overworked Kai Clarke

Pandora, an efficient waitress Nikki Court

Nora, a less efficient waitress Pauline Tilley


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Production teamDirector Michael Gilbert

Producer Mark Dawson

Musical Direction and Original Music Tony Leach

Site Managers Ray Court, Keith Gibbons, Mike Leach

ASMs Nicola Dawson & Di Rawle

Set Build Mark Dawson

Prompt Jacqueline Roberts

Fight Arranger Stuart Lyddon

Recorder, Guitar Tony Leach

Oboe Jane Edwards

Mandolin John Skittrell

Guitar Matt Webber

Ukele Nicola Dawson

Percussion Sarah Twomey, Hayley Watson

FOH Members of Taunton Thespians

Business Manager Karen Kerslake

Publicity & Programme Design Michael Gilbert

Publicity Team Ron Roberts, Nicola Dawson, Jane Edwards, Rene Kilner, Carrie Vaughan

Photos Mark Dawson


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St James ChurchSt James is known to have existed since 1169, and this church was roughly the size of the present nave Around 1308, the original building was pulled down and the present nave and north aisle erected Not much changed until the 19th century, but the Victorians were very active here: in 1832 a south aisle was added, and the upper parts of the splendid tower were rebuilt in 1867 as a replacement for the original, which was in danger of collapse Finally, the chancel was enlarged in 1888, and the south aisle extended into a chapel, and an 18th century gallery removed from the north aisle From the outside, the tower dominates everything Although largely Victorian, its design - executed in a fine, red sandstone - is firmly in the tradition of Somerset towers The red sandstone is enlivened by stone dressings in the famous golden Ham limestone

Maunsel HouseMaunsel House is a magnificent 13th Century Manor set in 100 acres of stunning parkland at the heart of sprawling 2,000 acre Estate, compromising of farms, lakes, woodlands, walnut groves, orchards, Somerset Wetlands, cottages and ancient barn In AD 1086 (Domesday), the manor was called ‘Maunsel’ being derived from the French meaning ‘Sleeve of Land’ and was granted to Count Eustace of Boulogne, kinsman of William the Conqueror. At the time of Henry II,William De Erleigh granted Maunsel to Philip Arbalistarius as a dowry to his daughter Mabel on payment of two pigs every Whitsuntide at his court of Durston His son Philip married the daughter of Sir Hugh d’Auderville and assumed the Surname of Maunsel Philip de Maunsel became progenitor of the family with the surname ‘Maunsell’ and ‘Mansel’

Cleeve AbbeyThe Cistercian abbey of Cleeve is a haven of peace and tranquillity, said to contain the finest cloister buildings in England. Visitors today can catch a glimpse of monastic life 800 years ago; although the abbey church was destroyed by Henry VIII during the dissolution in 1536, the cloister buildings including the gatehouse, 15th century refectory with its glorious angel roof and 13th century heraldic tiles have survived remarkably intact The great dormitory is one of the best examples in the country, and an exhibition and virtual tour tells the story of the abbey and daily life for the holy men that once inhabited it Late 2010 brought to an end the 'Cleeve Abbey Project', a long term research programme aiming to establish the best ways of conserving the fragile wall painting and tiled floors for the future.

Week 2


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Muchelney AbbeyThe Abbey is the second largest in Somerset after Glastonbury Of the main building only some foundation walls remain The south cloister walk and the north wall of a refectory are other surviving features. The only intact structure is the Abbot’s House with well-preserved architectural features including external stonework and inside a great chamber with ornate fireplace, carved settle and stained glass, and timber roof An unusual attraction is the nearby thatched two-storey monks’ lavatory, unique in Britain. Sadly, this isn’t available for our audience The site of the Abbey was effectively an island in the marshy and frequently flooded Somerset Levels. It was therefore an ideal religious retreat (cf Ely Cathedral) There is believed to have been a religious building erected on the site as early as 693, although the Benedictine monks were not established there until the 10th century According to the 11th century Domesday survey, the Abbey owned Muchelney, Midelney and Thorney islands

Mount Somerset HotelThere has been a great deal going on at the Mount Somerset Hotel and Spa in the past 12 months, in fact some would say that The Mount Somerset has been completely transformed and it really has taken on a new lease of life From the exterior, this beautiful Regency country house cradled between the Quantock and Blackdown Hills appears relatively untouched, but step inside and you will find sumptuous interiors with rich fabrics and an air of elegance and grandeur But fear not, the wonderfully relaxed, homely and inviting atmosphere for which The Mount Somerset has become renowned, remains unchanged Taunton Thespians will be appearing at the Mount Somerset hotel on Saturday 8th October for a specially adapted evening of murder mystery The evening is following a 1920’s theme with optional fancy dress. Priced at just £65 per person to include glass of fizz on arrival, three course dinner with coffee. To book or find out more about any of the above events, please call +44 (0)1823 442500 or email info@mountsomersethotel co uk

Maunsel HouseMaunsel House is a magnificent 13th Century Manor set in 100 acres of stunning parkland at the heart of sprawling 2,000 acre Estate, compromising of farms, lakes, woodlands, walnut groves, orchards, Somerset Wetlands, cottages and ancient barn In AD 1086 (Domesday), the manor was called ‘Maunsel’ being derived from the French meaning ‘Sleeve of Land’ and was granted to Count Eustace of Boulogne, kinsman of William the Conqueror. At the time of Henry II,William De Erleigh granted Maunsel to Philip Arbalistarius as a dowry to his daughter Mabel on payment of two pigs every Whitsuntide at his court of Durston His son Philip married the daughter of Sir Hugh d’Auderville and assumed the Surname of Maunsel Philip de Maunsel became progenitor of the family with the surname ‘Maunsell’ and ‘Mansel’


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Lower Henlade, Taunton, Somerset, TA3 5NBTel: 01823 442500 Fax: 01823 442900 [email protected]

H OT E L . R E S TA U R A N T . S PA

H OT E L . R E S TA U R A N T . S PA

www.mountsomersethotel.co.uk

NEW DINNER MENUS A M P L E M E N U

STARTERSalad of roasted wood pigeon, cauliflower purée and black pudding

Steamed Exmouth mussels, Thai spices and coconut milk Spring minestrone soup with gruyère crostini

MAINPan roasted cutlets of lamb, tarragon risotto, tender stem broccoli

and a tomato jusBreast of corn fed guinea fowl, fresh egg tagliatelle and café au lait jus

Fillet of guilt head sea bream, with green pistachio crustand butternut purée

DESSERTGlazed vanilla brulee, cinnamon tuille and raspberry sorbet

Apple pie scented panacotta, vanilla ice cream and caramel pearls Duo of Belgian chocolate, raspberry sorbet and bitter chocolate syrup

TWO COURSESfor £25 PER PERSON


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Arthur Cummins - Dr LombardiDoctor. Lombardi requires a volumaximus voice and a tubby tummy, so I was type-cast for the role. After a life-time of doing it, I suppose I must love acting – but have never quite worked out why, considering the difficulties, – I mean, challenges I've had my “head-done-in” by. The erudite Dr Lombardi has a lorra, lorra Latin to learn which must be terrifying for anyone who hasn't even got GCSE French. OK I'M TERRIFIED !!! Spend hours going over the lines and shall speak the Latin carefully, as the Romans might have advised, “Cogitatio Ante Oratio ”

Ron Roberts - Pantalone Any performance that includes ‘dressing up’ seems added-value fun to an audience, as I well know, having been sitting for countless productions where you are tonight As actors, we share that sense of fun, of course we do, but as part of something rather more far-reaching. It is but one element of putting together an entertainment that has taken months to stitch together It is that sense of ‘the sum of the parts’ (no pun) being a hopefully great ‘whole’ that gives us the real buzz of reacting to each other’s skills and performing to the satisfaction of you, the audience

Sarah Twomey - ClariceThe first time I heard that the Taunton Thespians did a Summer Tour I was desperate to be involved I have only ever watched two 'al fresco' plays before but I count them both among the most memorable and enjoyable of any performances I've seen. All live performances have an element of 'anything could happen' about them, but put them in the open air and the risk factor doubles! That is why I was so excited to be given the role of Clarice (a character who is herself an unpredictable whirlwind of emotions) and the opportunity to widen my acting experience by going back to the roots of our storytelling culture and heading to the great outdoors!

Christopher Key - SilvioI ‘m nearing the end of my gap year, which I’ve spent reading and performing to prepare for an English and Drama degree this September After a thoroughly enjoyable introduction to the Thespians through a small part and backstage work in our last production, The Good Doctor, it’s great to be cast in a more challenging role I have recently played lead characters in the past two Taunton Amateur Operatic Society productions, West Side Story and Hot Mikado I’m a very keen singer and am taking part in an opera and musical theatre course at Ardingly International Music School this August


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Hatley Watson - SmeraldinaBretton Hall Graduate, 30, WLTM man with similar interests and a GSOH Must love comedy and physical theatre, karaoke and "Murder, She Wrote" Mutual experience of Steven Berkoff, Alan Ayckbourn and the Taunton Thespian's murder mysteries is preferable. If you fit the bill we'll be 'maid' for each other!

Jane Edwards - BrighellaI love the Taunton Thespians’ summer Tour I love the memories and anticipation it evokes, of perfectly calm and still summer evenings, the gradual change from natural to artificial light, friends, laughter, late night get-togethers in the pub, singing in the minibus, camaraderie, rain, mud, loading the van in the dark, changing in the dark, midges, more rain… You get the idea I’ve loved the parts I’ve been privileged to play in the last five tours, notably the gloriously named Lady Gay Spanker and the redoubtable Mrs Malaprop And I really love Brighella – like me, she is passionate about creating wonderful food and ensuring her diners’ enjoyment It’s a peach of a part

Abi Vickery - BeatriceLast time I worked with this Director I played a schoolgirl in Daisy Pulls It Off - an innocent, honest and feminine character. This time, not quite so feminine as I play a man (or at least, a woman pretending to be a man) hmm Time to select a fake moustache I think I’ve never played a man before so it’s a great challenge and lots of fun I especially like being able to wear the 18th century male attire and the chance to play with swords! This is my 7th summer tour and I am enjoying it as much as ever

Matt Webber - TruffaldinoI’ve been cast as a fool! One with more than a twist of West Country, a food lover who is not all that bright ‘In steps I ’ as they say Throughout rehearsals I have been working diligently on lines and character, whereas Pasqual’ (one of the other servants) has hardly been there at all! At this rate I’ll have to play both parts Great to see some new faces on the tour this year, let’s hope for weather that befits a Venetian setting. Apart from the waterways, obviously


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Pauline Tilley - NoraMy family have always believed I acted – ‘The Goat’; my husband says I ’act up’! In primary school I played the vital part of third shepherd; progressed to second wise man then a sheep! Secondary school saw me continue stretching my acting muscles as a crowd member I moved to English speaking Hong Kong in the late nineties and once again flexed my acting muscles. My return to China was cut short by a rather severe road traffic accident. On leaving hospital, I was more concerned relearning life skills rather than learning lines – until I moved back to England late 2006 I have been a Thespian for a few years – enjoying the craic, club nights and the fun to be had

John Skittrell - FlorindoThe first show I did was the pantomime Sleeping Beauty at the Wellesley in Wellington in 2003 and since then I have been in many productions there including Robinson Crusoe, Mother Goose, Half a Sixpence, playing Dexter in High Society and a few parts more recently in Oklahoma This type of play is completely new to me and I have enjoyed the comedy aspects and the more outrageous acting! I am really looking forward to performing this show outdoors as this will be a completely new experience I am currently co-directing the Genesis Youth Theatre show at Wellington Arts Centre which will be showing next month Outside of theatre I work part time at a garden centre and also as a self employed gardener, I recently finished my last year at college so am enjoying my new found freedom!

Kai Clarke - PorterI joined the group in late December 2010 when I plucked up the courage to email Taunton Thespians and to ask how I could get involved with live theatre I have been very keen to join, but never really had the courage to do so, also because the fact that I have no acting experience, I now realise that everyone has to start somewhere I attended a club night one evening which I truly enjoyed I felt the mood was very ambient and the other members were very polite and welcoming. I am making my first appearance playing a grumpy porter in Servant of Two Masters To be honest, I feel more comfortable on a football pitch than acting, after all it’s my first performance

Nikki Court - PandoraI am pleased to be part of The Tour again, even briefly! Though not involved last year I have for many years made the costumes, helped with setting up and played many roles Amongst my favourite characters were Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Nina in Comedy of Errors and Mrs Waters in Tom Jones Having recently taken part in my 30th pantomime with The Wayfarers I am obviously a fan of Comedia dell’Arte, from which panto evolved As in the 18th century we too are performing outdoors in a temporary ‘theatre’, I just hope our audiences don’t throw rotten food if displeased!


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This production is entered for

The Phoebe Rees AwardsFounded by Phoebe Rees and run by the Somerset Fellowship of Drama, the competition is open to amateur drama societies and groups in Somerset Plays are adjudicated by members of the Fellowship’s committee who also run an annual Original Playwriting Festival and the county’s first round of the All England Theatre Festival, and organise drama training

The Rose Bowl AwardsFounded by the families of Walter Hawkins and John Coe, this is now funded through the Quartet Community Foundation, with individual awards sponsored by the Bristol Evening Post Amateur operatic and dramatic productions throughout former Avon, Gloucester and Somerset are assessed by GODA qualified adjudicators

Taunton Thespians are members of NODAThe National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA), founded in 1899, is the main representative body for amateur theatre in the UK. It has a membership of some 2500 amateur/community theatre groups and 3000 individual enthusiasts throughout the UK, staging musicals, operas, plays, concerts and pantomimes in a wide variety of performing venues, ranging from the country's leading professional theatres to village halls. Members have access to a wide range of benefits.

NODA aimsTo give a shared voice to the amateur theatre sector • To help amateur societies and individuals achieve the highest standards of • best practice and performance To provide leadership and advice to enable the amateur theatre sector to • tackle the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century

Murder Mystery eveningsAre you looking for a fun evening to raise money for your school, local community or favourate charity? Or are you simply interested in runninga lively, fun social event? Do you have access to a hall or meeting room? If so, why not book the Taunton Thespians to run a murder mystery evening for you Thespians will supply actors to perform an entertaining who-dun-it right in front of your eyes and will involve the whole audience in solving the mystery These evenings work very well when combined with a supper

Dates are available in the autumn for Murder By EngagementSaturday 3rd September, Saturday 10th September, Saturday 1st October

For availability, fees and further details contact treasurer@tauntonthespians org uk or phone 01823 270249


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Taunton Thespians Productions Season 2011 - 2012

We hope you’ve enjoyed this production, and look forward to seeing you next season As ever, we will be staging three main shows, two at the wonderful Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre and the Summer Tour - next year will be our twelfth in a row As far as anniversaries go, 2012 is also the society’s 84th birthday, which is something the few brave souls who gambled on a production of Ian Hay’s Tilly of Bloomsbury could never have imagined As time passes, of course, we lose members – last year saw the passing of Margaret Way, who first performed with us in 1935 and was still an active member, running an elocution workshop for Daisy Pulls It Off in 2009, Cynthia Jones, not long after her wonderful Aunt Ada Doom in Cold Comfort Farm, Thelma Wander who was deeply involved over the years in every aspect of the society, from directing to serving the tea and, last but by very no means least, the inimitable Robin Bush In today’s production, though, we have a team of people of all ages showing that there’s always new blood out there, both on and off stage, willing to work their socks off to put on the standard of show people expect from Taunton Thespians

8th - 12th November 2011, Tacchi-MorrisA Murder is Announced, by Agatha Christie

Directed by Dave Goodall, who has performed with us on several occasions and directed both at the Warehouse in Ilminster and elsewhere Audition dates are Monday 8th August, Wednesday 17th August, Monday 22nd August, all at The Place in Wilfred Road, Taunton Do come along and have a go!This is a classic Agatha Christie, adapted by Leslie Darbon, with a good script and some wonderful parts, so it should be huge fun for both actors and audience alike Characters:- Letitia Blacklock: 50+ Very large part (Has about three pages off); Dora Bunner: Slightly older than Letitia, losing her marbles; Julia Simmons, Patrick Simmons, Phillipa Haymes and Edmund Swettenham; all have to be, or at least appear to be, of similar age Preferably, although not necessarily, around 26; Mitzi: Same age group as above, has a Hungarian accent. Described as small, dark and pretty. Brings some comedy to the show; Miss Marple: 50+, preferably under 5’ 4’’; Mrs Swettenham: 50+; Inspector Craddock: 40+, needs to be 5’ 8’’ or taller; Sergeant Mellors: 30+, needs to be 5’ 8’’ or taller, or if female 5’ 4’’ or taller; Rudi Scherz: 30+ Very small part, could be doubled with Sergeant Mellors.

13th - 17th March 2012, Tacchi-MorrisOutside Edge, by Richard Harris

Directed by Jane Edwards, who is playing Brighella in this show, and whose production of John Mortimer’s Edwin won great praise at this year’s County Drama Festival Audition dates are the 5th, 8th and 13th of December, so put them in your diary We’ll be reading the play on the 19th October; everyone welcome Characters:- Roger: Team captain who seems to enjoys being the leader more than actually playing cricket. Miriam: Has put up with Roger’s cold and uncaring attitude for years, hides her frustration behind a beaming smile Kevin: The closest thing Roger has to a real friend on the team and the demon spin bowler. Maggie: Kevin’s wife who adores him but often behaves more like his mother than his wife Bob: Has a constantly guilty expression and never seems to be able to say no to anyone Ginnie: Bob’s long suffering second wife. Dennis: A carpet salesman who likes to give the impression he is a well connected self made man Alex: There are plenty of reasons to dislike this character; if abundant snobbery and good looks aren’t enough, he is also by far the best batsman on the team Sharon: Alex’s latest girlfriend, who is very shallow and well out of her depth......

Tour 2012, 12th - 23rd JuneLords and Ladies, by Terry Pratchett & Stephen Briggs

Sir Terry’s take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with witches, elves and rude mechanicals running riot across the hills of Discworld, adapted for the stage by Stephen Briggs and to be directed by Nicola Dawson and Martin Jevon We’ll schedule a reading of the script during the autumn, so keep in touch for more information

Other showsAs well as the full-length productions, we’ll also be staging one or two one-act plays, so keep an eye on our website for details - www.tauntonthespians.org.uk


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Programme for Taunton Thespians' production of A Servant of Two Masters

Entertainment & Humor

Transcript of Programme for Taunton Thespians' production of A Servant of Two Masters