Latest News From the Arden
And the Show Went On
...despite the snow!
Cast and audiences alike trudged to the theatre through snow and slush to cheer ALADDIN on his way. When they got there it was all well worth it, and a good time was had by all.
SPECIAL HAITI HELP DAY
30th January
Come and enjoy tea, buns, music and a tombola in the afternoon. Entry free.
That a Gig at 7.30 with bands, music and comedy. Tickets costing 4.00 are available from Carter's Newsagent, Maarket Place, Faversham.
All proceeds to the DEC Haiti relief fund.
NEW ARDEN ENTRANCE
We are delighted to open our new side entrance door to our audiences. This is the latest in our programme of achievements, and makes life easier for us all. We are most grateful to all the people who have helped with their kind donations and hard work. Our fund raising efforts continue, of course; you may have noticed the gradual re-upholstery in glowing red of the auditorium seating, replacing the rather tired-looking blue originals, and then we're looking to provide a proper pathway in the garden to the car park gate.
LOST PROPERTY
Has anyone lost a small-size watch in the auditorium? Please contact Mary on 01795 531600 or 533159 if you think it may belong to you, or if you know who is the owner.
Ayckbourn's Woman in Mind
September Production
Alan Ayckbourn's WOMAN IN MIND proved to be a challenging and absorbing production for cast, crew and audiences alike. Well received, well attended, and altogether successful!
A member of the audience writes...
Full House for Woman in Mind
The Arden Theatre, Faversham, 16-19 September 2009
It is as if Ayckbourn had written the play for the team that delighted the Faversham audience. Though a Yorkshireman, Ayckbourn's Woman in Mind readily translates to a middle-class Kent in which we seem already to know the characters, real and imagined. Even the convincingly devised stage-set left us overlooking a familiar garden.
The plot revolves around the mental excursions of a lively woman confined by marriage to a world from which, as a result of a minor concussion, she escapes, fluctuating between wish-fulfilment and drab reality- a sleight of hand that Ayckbourn so skilfully brings off. Inevitably, a lot depends on the players and their stagecraft in leading the audience to suspend reason, which most did - never missing a laugh.
Melanie Williamson, in the lead role of Susan gave a commendable performance, as did Joan Sach as her spinsterly virginal sister-in-law. Invidious as it is to single out individuals in a team production, the overriding memory is one of a brilliantly constructed play, brought ably and entertainingly to life by collaboration of cast and crew - a credit to Faversham, to Sir Alan Ayckbourn in his 70th year, and to those who filled the Arden Theatre four nights running.
Improvisation Evenings
A double Whammy!
Greg Watkin will be organising a two-night session of this popular entertainment. Watch this space for further details.
FAVERSHAM YOUNG PLAYERS
The Youth Group, FYP for short, meets at the Arden on Saturday mornings.
There are two sessions, 9 - 10 am for 8 - 11 year olds, and then 10.30 - 11.45 am for young people from 12 up. The fee for each session is £3 a head.
FYP offers drama workshops with an emphasis on comedy, possibly leading to a variety production later in the year. The emphasis is on young people having fun and gaining in confidence whilst acquiring the rudiments of stagecraft.
The leader, Pat O'Connor, is a qualified Drama teacher, formerly head of drama at Highsted School in Sittingbourne; he has also had a considerable amount of professional experience (notably appearing in panto at the Marlowe Theatre). For further information call him on 01227 450528 or on his mobile 07745 178505 - or just come along on a Saturday!
Autumn begins 5th September.