Wizard of Oz Week 2: It's all coming together!

This week we’ve been finishing off Act One as Dorothy, Toto, Tin man, Scarecrow and Lion journey through the Wicked Witch’s enchanted poppy field where the Witch attempts to proven them from meeting the Wizard by using the smell of the poppies to send them to sleep! 

The Poppies in action

Once that was set we then started focussing on Act Two where our intrepid adventurers made it to the gates of Oz and met the slightly bonkers Guard. They soon discover that, in fact, everyone in Oz is slightly bonkers!  And their costumes certainly reflect that!

 

The Oz Beauticians

Throughout the week cast members have been taken for costume fittings so that adjustments and embellishments can be made to each individual piece to ensure that our production is as amazing as it can possibly be.




A sneak peek of some costumes!

Elsewhere, The Jitterbugs have been learning their rather intricate and complex dance routine, which we know will amaze our audiences.

We’ve also been running monkey workshops, so that our team of flying monkeys have the actions and movements of monkeys to a tee.  This came a little easier to some of our performers than others, having quite a few cheeky monkeys in the cast already!



Frazer Bear watching over the crew

On the production side of things, the set has been painted and is looking fabulous, and scenery that is flown in and out has been hung, and the is an abundance of glitter.  We’re set for our most colourful and sparkly Summer School yet!

Some scenery being flown in

 

The Wizard of Oz opens on Wednesday 5th August and runs until Saturday 8th August. There are 2.30pm matinees and 7.30pm evening performances to choose from (no matinee on Wednesday 5th August) Tickets are £10 / £9 concessions with family tickets also available from the box office. You can book tickets online here.

 

Manchester Camerata Announcement

Stafford Borough Council has been unsuccessful in a bid which would have kept Manchester Camerata in residency at the Gatehouse Theatre.

Manchester Camerata has been performing at the Gatehouse since 2002 with the local authority successfully securing money from the Arts Council England to fund the project.

But the latest bid for £47,369 each year - to fund a two-year series of classical concerts at the theatre - has been turned down. The project also included educational workshops with schools, young people, and adults with mental health problems.

In recent years, Camerata and Gatehouse Theatre has attracted world-class artists such as Gábor Takács-Nagy and Nicola Benedetti to Stafford to sell out houses. However, box office income covers only £12k of the necessary income each year and without the Arts Council Funding, the series is not “sustainable financially.”

Councillor Mike Smith, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said it was sad that the successful partnership with the chamber orchestra for more than a decade had come to an end.

“For a number of years we have been able to secure grants which have enabled us to bring these world-class musicians to Stafford and it is very sad that funds will not be available to continue doing so.
 “But the Arts Council has rejected our application this time because ultimately they want the project to be sustainable which, even with full houses, would not be the case.”

He added: “As always we will continue to provide the wide variety of musical performances at the Gatehouse Theatre – whether that is opera, pop, folk or classical – but unfortunately that programme will not include the Manchester Camerata.”    

Bob Riley, Chief Executive of Manchester Camerata, said: “We’d like to thank Arts Council England for supporting the series in Stafford over the past 13 years. We’ve always received a fantastic welcome from the audience each time we play, and hope our many loyal supporters are able to come and enjoy Camerata in Manchester.

“Our presence at The Gatehouse Theatre has enabled wider community activity in partnership with the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Music Education Hub. This work has reached 2,700 people over the past three years, including 900 school children as part of In Harmony Telford & Stoke on Trent – one of six national In Harmony programmes.”

For a full list of events at the theatre www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk/. And Camerata will continue to deliver world-class concerts with a range of exceptional artists in Manchester. Full details from www.manchestercamerata.co.uk.

A Wonderful Wizarding First Week!

The first week of summer school has nearly come to an end and what a busy week it’s been! Our production of The Wizard of Oz is shaping up to be quite spectacular.

Our cast of 80 young performers have been working incredibly hard learning songs, dance routines and working on their scenes with Director Elizabeth Rose.

While the opening scenes in Kansas were being set, Uncle Henry, Aunty Em and Dorothy were trying to prevent the terrifying Miss Gulch from taking Toto away.

The residents of Munchkinland have been rehearsing in The MET Studio learning "We Welcome You To Munchkinland" while The Lullaby League and Lollipop Guild have been busy learning the steps to their routines with Choreographer Verity Bray.

The Lullaby League and Lollipop Guild

 The arrival in Munchkinland scene was set and was no mean feat what with nearly 60 people on stage! The mayor of Munchkinland officially announced that the wicked witch of the East was dead and therefore, the Munchkins learned a celebratory dance routine to combine with the song they had already learned with Musical Director Ben Kennedy.

Rehearsals with Musical Director Ben Kennedy

Behind the scenes lots of exciting activities have been taking place too –the show floor has been put down, the souvenir programme is ready to be printed, the Tinman’s heart is being built and lots of fabulous green glitter is being added to all sorts of props! Phew!


We have another full week of rehearsals ahead and then we will be into technical and dress rehearsals before opening on Wednesday 5th August. You can book your tickets for The Wizard of Oz by calling us on 01785 619080 or by clicking here.

Stafford Gatehouse Youth Choir needs you!

 

 

SGYC needs you!

We are launching a brand new venture for young performers! In September we are launching SGYC: Stafford Gatehouse Youth Choir.

This exciting, modern choir will be led by the hugely talented Musical Director Simon Allen. The sessions will take place on Wednesday evenings from 6pm – 8pm (other evenings and weekends may be asked for) for a term up until December.

If you are aged between 16 and 21 and have a passion for performing and music then we want to hear from you! All you have to do for now to register your interest is simply email
ehogan@staffordbc.gov.uk with the following information:

• Your name and age
• Your address and telephone number
• Any musical background information
• The last song you purchased
• Parent or guardian details if under 18

No previous experience is necessary and is open to 16-21 year olds living in Staffordshire.

We need all potential members to email us no later than Monday 31st August. After this date we will get in touch with all who have emailed us with further information. It’s that simple!

Comedy In The MET 25.7.15 Suggested Line Up

We're looking forward to another night of top banana comedy in The MET this Saturday! There's a few tickets left (if you're quick!) for just £10 to see the three fantastic acts below:

Rudi Lickwood

With a super confident playful personality oozing charisma, Rudi’s infectious charm has made him a desirable commodity. Rudi has built an outstanding list of Radio and Television projects with his headline performances at esteemed venues across the UK. Recent television and media projects include; Get me the Producer (Ch4) and Funny Business (BBC2). Rudi is currently working the series ‘Lickwood’ with BAFTA award-winning writer Sharon Foster.

Felicity Ward

Felicity Ward is a multi-award winning, Australian stand-up comedian, comic performer, writer and actor.
Her debuted her full-length stand-up comedy show, Felicity Ward’s Ugly As A Child Variety Show was awarded Most Outstanding Newcomer and then nominated for the same award at the following Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Ward also won the ‘Spirit of the Fringe Award’. Since then, Felicity has written and toured numerous solo shows across Australia, Europe and the USA to great success.

Carey Marx

Carey Marx has been a circuit favourite for years, mixing his own blend of dark humour with his mischievous and gleeful delivery. Carey regularly comperes the best clubs in the country and plays at the most prestigious festivals.  His first solo show to appear at the Leicester Comedy Festival won a nomination for Best Show.

Carey has performed all over the world and he performed at the New Zealand Comedy Festival for the first time in 2010 scooping the award for Best International Show.
In 2011 Carey returned to the New Zealand Comedy Festival to perform, where he was awarded the prize of Best International Show for the second time- making him the only act in the history of the festival to achieve such a feat.

You can book your tickets  for Saturday's show by clicking here.

Please note this line up may be subject to change. We recommend an age guidance of 16+ for Comedy In The MET.

Cabaret and burlesque extravaganza returns to Stafford

Stafford is set for a scorching hot night this July, not outside, but in the secluded intimacy of The MET Studio when Stafford’s only cabaret and burlesque night returns.

Très Très Cabaret presents a stellar line up of acts, all are to surprise and delight you for a night of glitz, glamour and so much more.

First announced on the bill was Missy Malone who appeared at the very first Très Très Cabaret in September 2013, and she'll be bringing her latest act with her to surprise and excite!


Missy Malone, photo by Cherry Bomb Rock Photography 

Also returning to Très Très Cabaret with never-seen-before acts specifically created to surprise, is Velma Von Bon Bon, a Veritable Tour de Force in Neo-burlesque hilarity! She was voted in the top 10 UK Burlesque Performers 2014 by readers of 21st Century Burlesque Magazine and top 20 2013. Velma's unique take on burlesque fuses comedy and glamour and she has been setting stages alight (not literally) since 2009. Velma's acts are as unique as her sweet self and guarantee to raise a smile.

Audiences are in for a double whammy as Velma Von Bon Bon will be performing a double act! She will be bringing out Natalia Klashnikov, Velma's daft drunk Russian alter ego with a desire to be just like the oh-so glamorous Dita Von Teese. This vodka swigging Russian has a lust for danger and will be demonstrating this live on stage with her Martini Madness act!

Natalia Klashnikov, photo by Steve Angstrom

British burlesque legend and international superstar Amber Topaz will be setting pulses racing. She was Sir Terence Conran's birthday surprise. She's been photographed by David Bailey. And she'll be live on stage for Stafford’s entertainment!  This is a rare opportunity to watch her weave her magic up close in the up-close-and-personal surroundings of the MET Studio.

And finally, adding to July 31st's stellar line-up are none other than slapdash magicians Griffin and Jones! Award-winning tricksters Griffin and Jones are famous for their own brand of high energy comedy and haphazard magic, are likely to have you glued to your seats and rolling in the aisles in equal measure! Whether trying to flog you snake-oil, coerce you into playing one of their ridiculous games, or leaving you watching through your fingers in horror, these guys will not only leave audiences asking how they did it, but why…

Stage Door Johnny

The evening will be hosted by Très Très Cabaret’s Stage Door Johnny.

Tickets for the spectacular show on Friday 31st July are just £15 and can be booked by calling us on 01785 619080 or by clicking here.
The show will start at 8pm in the MET Studio.

Très Très Cabaret is strictly for over 18s only.

Meet the Much Ado About Nothing Cast: Edward York

Edward as Leonato, with Phylip Harries as Dogberry

As we head into our final performances of Much Ado About Nothing at Stafford Castle we had a catch up with Edward York. He's playing two roles in the show; Leonato, Hero's father and is also playing The Watch, the latter having the audience in stitches.
 
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre: What made you want to be involved?

EY: Working with some old friends. Making some new ones. It’s a fun play. Friends who are done it before tell me that it’s a great gig.  Happy. Fun. Relaxed. If the sun shines, what more could one ask for?
 
SGT: The event takes place in a very unique setting, have you performed in the grounds of a castle or any other unusual setting before?

EY: I’ve done the Lancaster outdoor summer show a couple of times. The atmosphere for the open air productions is always good, because people come determined to have a good time and enjoy themselves  - and they usually bring wine!

SGT: Could you tell us a bit more about Leonato?
EY: He is father to Hero. He welcomes the returning warriors to his home, and that's when the shenanigans start. People fall in love. Fall out of love.  Fall back in love!..



Edward with James Haggie, as The Watch

SGT: What do you think Leonato brings to the play?

EY: Humour, pathos and a lovely relationship with Hero, his daughter. He’s a nicely rounded character, who runs the whole gamut of emotions in the play.

SGT: What do you love most about Much Ado About Nothing as a play?

EY: It’s a sunny ‘open-air’ kind of play. It starts happily, then everything’s turned upside down, then it’s turned back up again and all ends well (sort of). At the conclusion everyone’s heading off for more dancing!
 
SGT: What do you think the audience will enjoy most about this year’s production and setting?

EY: The joyous nature of the story. There are dastardly deeds, but they don’t prevail. Love, humour, music and dance prevail. If only life were always like that!

You only have until this Saturday (11th July) to see Edward in action at Stafford Castle. You can book your tickets here or call us on 01785 619080.

 

Meet the Much Ado About Nothing Cast: Phyl Harries

Phylip in action as Dogberry

He's had audiences in stitches as Dogberry, so we grabbed the lovely Phylip Harries for a chat to see how he is enjoying his fourth Stafford Festival Shakspeare Production. 
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre: Hi Phyl, how would you sum up the experience this year?

Phylip Harries: Good weather, good company, good fun.

SGT: What made you want to be involved again?

PH: The quality of the production values and fantastic cast and creatives. Every year the festival gets better and better. The people of Stafford always give us a warm welcome, and of course there’s the oatcakes!

SGT: Have you performed in the grounds of a castle or any other unusual setting before?

Phylip in action with James Haggie as the Watch

PH: Ludlow Castle, the grounds of Dyffryn House, near Cardiff. The big pit mining museum in Blaenavon.

SGT: For those who haven't seen the show yet, could you tell us a little bit about that the character of Dogberry?

PH: Dogberry is the master of the watch. A small fish in a very small pond. He has delusions of grandeur and thinks everybody is beneath him. He is meant to bring some light relief to the play after certain moments of tension. He unwittingly brings a conclusion to Don John’s villainy and gives himself a large sanctimonious clap on the back for doing so.

SGT: What do you love most about Much Ado About Nothing as a play?

PH: Apart from the wonderful schooldays memories of performing the messenger in a National Youth Theatre of Wales production, I think the wordplay of Benedick and Beatrice has to be my personal highlight.

SGT: What do you think the audience will enjoy most about this year’s production and setting?

The pomp and circumstance of the pageantry following the end of the First World War, some fantastic acting, beautiful music and of course as the sun finally wends its weary way over the M6, Stafford Castle itself keeping us all safe in its lengthening shadow!

You have until Saturday 11th July to see Phylip in action at Stafford Castle.

Book your tickets here.

 

 

Meet the Much Ado About Nothing Cast: Sherry Baines and Philip Bretherton

It's not easy taking on one of Shakespeare's most iconic roles, even more so when it is one of Shakespeare's most loved couples. Sherry Baines and Philip Bretheron have been a huge hit with the audience since our production of Much Ado About Nothing opened at Stafford Castle last week. We caught up with them to see how they're enojoying the show.

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre: What are you enjoying the most with the show? 

Sherry Baines: Good audiences and wonderful weather.

Philip Bretherton: Good weather and a real festive atmosphere in keeping with the play.

SGT: What made you want to be involved?

PB: Working with my partner Sherry on a play for the first time in too many years. But what a play!

SB: Lots of things: a part I’ve always wanted to play, the challenging experience of performing in the open air and the fact that I’ll be playing opposite my real-life partner. A dream job.

SGT: The event takes place in a very unique setting, have you performed in the grounds of a castle or any other unusual setting before?

PB: A disused military academy in Jerusalem.

SB: I’ve performed in classical Greek comedy in front of ruins of a Greek temple in the British Museum.


SGT: Could you tell us a little more about your characters?

SB: Beatrice is intelligent, quick-witted and a match for the men. She’s a great character to play and get my teeth into.

PB: Benedick is a man committed to never being committed.

SGT: What do you think Beatrice and Benedick bring to the play?

PB: The pleasure of seeing a man determined never to be ensnared in romance finally meet his match.

SB: A combination of humour and heart.

SGT: What do you love most about Much Ado About Nothing as a play?

SB: The relationship between Beatrice and Benedick.

PB: The contrast of the joyful festivity of a post-war society with the vicious undercurrent of a plot burning with resentment and naked malevolence.

SGT: What do you think the audience will enjoy most about this year’s production and setting?

PB: The timely setting of the play given the anniversary of the First Would War, the intrigues of the lovers and the music of the period.

SB: The music, the period setting, hopefully the whole experience.

 

 

 

 

 

You have just one week left to see Sherry and Philip in Much Ado About Nothing at Stafford Castle. You can book your tickets here or call 01785 619080.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet the Much Ado About Nothing Cast: Genevieve Helson

Opening week for Much Ado About Nothing couldn't have gone better and today we caught up with Genevieve Helson. She is performing as Ursula in Much Ado About Nothing.

Genevieve Helson

SGT: Hi Genevieve, what are you enjoying in this year's show? 

GH: Working with very talented actors and musicians and giving Shakespeare a bash.

SGT: What made you want to be involved?

GH: Being part of a really funny company and I’ve always loved doing Shakespeare, so I’m enjoying getting stuck into a show I haven’t done before.

SGT: Have you performed in the grounds of a castle before?

GH: I’ve never performed outside before, so it’s definitely a new experience!

SGT: Could you tell us a bit more about the character of Ursula?

GH: Ursula is Hero’s maid. She is quite a loyal maid who is also quite perceptive and I think up for a laugh.

Genevieve as Ursula with Catherine Lamb (Hero)

SGT: What do you think she brings to the play?

GH: A little bit of wedding and wit, but also some essential maid duties.

SGT: What do you love most about Much Ado About Nothing as a play?

GH: I love the changing and tense relationship between Benedick and Beatrice, I hope to play her when I’m a bit older.

 
SFS: What do you think the audience will enjoy most about this year’s production and setting?

GH: It's very picturesque and also as a comedy, hopefully they will find it funny! (One hopes)

You have until Saturday 11th July to see Genevieve at Stafford Castle. Book your tickets here