DOPSCOL ... Director of Productions Column

August  2008

The Talisman’s contribution to Kenilworth Festival was a credit to the theatre, both in terms of artistic output and also in the smooth running of the Open Day, which saw a steady stream of visitors getting better acquainted with the Talisman and its’ workings.  Saturday 19 July ticked all the boxes for me as DoP – departments pulling together to welcome and intrigue our guests throughout the day, which was then rounded off by two very well received Bare Bones productions in the shape of Ed Pinner’s recreation of the 1938 Mercury Theatre radio show, ‘The War of the Worlds, and the return of the Keith Higgins-devised ‘Jacques Brel Revisited’ show.  Both shows played to respectable audiences, with the vast majority raving at the quality and diversity of what was on offer!  Special thanks are reserved for the tech team who not only ensured the evening ran smoothly, but who also stepped in to save the day at the Festival showpiece in the grounds of Kenilworth Castle.

Elsewhere over the Festival weekend, we also saw the Palace of Varieties entertaining diners at the Tipperary in Honiley, which along with a number of Bare Bones productions, sees us slowly building up a portfolio of shows that can be reprised at various venues, e.g. schools, colleges and other theatres.

July also saw the return of the 48 Hours team for another successful charity fundraiser – that’s six years by my reckoning – as well as an outside let to Clinton School, further cementing our place in the local community.

Next up we have Christopher Ward’s directorial return with The Ghost Train, which promises to wow and thrill our Bank Holiday audiences – further details elsewhere in this edition - which is followed in September by a Bare Bones production of a further three Talking Heads, directed by Sam Harris, building on her 10/10 success in January.

Auditions dates and times for a number of 2009 productions are now confirmed as follows;

Sun. 31.08., 2.30 p.m. (2 p.m. for intros etc.)

Fawlty Towers

Sun. 19.10., 2.30 p.m. (2 p.m. for intros etc.)

a). Steel Magnolias, and b). The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)

Sun. 26.10., 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., lunch 2 – 4 p.m (11 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. for intros etc.)

a). Much Ado About Nothing, and b). Animal Farm (p.m. only)

Full details of auditions, including director contact details, character breakdowns etc. appear either elsewhere in this edition, or will appear in forthcomimg  Talismags, e.g. September.  Further news of 2009 productions will be announced as they are confirmed.

Have a great summer!                                                              

Best wishes

Tim Willis         Tel. 07786 171437      Email. timwillis@warwickshire.gov.uk