site search by freefind advanced

 

Whispers

The Newsletter for 'Solo' and Duet' Members of
The Association of Community Theatre

No 101fep                                                                                                                                     October 2011

Here we are with the first of the Newsletters directed especially to those who are 'Solo' or 'Duet' Members of A.C.T.

Even the most optimistic of the founders of ACT could not have envisaged the interest shown in the Association no doubt due to the democratic and totally transparent nature it has adopted for the management.

I have been asked to put together a few lines of items which we I hope will be of interest to you. Essentially I hope that you will respond with your own contributions. I know that you must have many memories and stories to tell of your involvement in Community Theatre embracing all its different strands including Plays, Musicals, Exhibitions of Dance, Gang Shows, Cabaret and Revue. Tell me your stories ! Memories of Shows and Plays we never seem to see these days. Or you may be committed to the new-wave of Productions and you have a 'Drum-to-Beat about groups who are unadventurous.

Tell me your opinions on the 'Roving Principals' HI!! That's a subject that always gets opinions bandied about. What policy do think Societies should take (ie Preference to Loyal 'One Society' Members or 'Go for the Best' every time.???) Or should groups have a preconceived idea of how a performer should 'look' (Example: Should The King' in 'King & always look like Yul Brynner— "When he was alive of course !! regardless of acting ability) ?

I think you will have the idea now. This is your Newsletter because the Managers of ACT value your membership and are interested in your involvement.


CHRISTMAS PARTY and AWARDS NIGHTXmasParty

Who would have thought just 12 months ago that we would now be looking forward to a super massive gathering of the member societies of ACT to celebrate Christmas and to hand out the richly deserved Awards for outstanding performances, Productions and Entertainment as well as much valued 'Recognition of Service'. I am sure you will be well aware of the arrangements (just take a look at the Web Site www.actuk.org ).

ACT have arranged a fabulous Christmas Party and linked this with Recognition Awards. We will all be gathering at ALMA LODGE HOTEL on 19th November 2011. A Fantastic Four Course Festive Dinner, Awards Ceremony.

A truly professional Cabaret spot of Live Music from `ABBA AGAIN' (successful in national and European tours) with all the familiar songs. After resumption of recognition Awards ABBA AGAIN will present a different set in with their 'Forbidden' Cabaret slot. There will be time of course to visit the Traders Stands and discuss your needs. All this for only £29 per person

Take up of tickets has been exceptionally active and to avoid disappointment you need to waste no time contacting ACT UK on sarahactuk.org or alternatively telephone 9161 278 1976.


MEDALS and BADGES;

Management of ACT is anxious to introduce due recognition of service and membership of ACT. They are equally conscious that this must be responsible administration and record maintenance, the correct style and lasting design and available at a realistic price. That is why enquiries with suppliers and manufacturers has been ongoing and it now looks as though a decision will soon be made and an announcement will follow. Keep your eye on the Web Page and the next Newsletters for information.


 

JUST A COUPLE OF ITEMS FROM THE WIDER 'WORLD' OF COMMUNITY THEATRE:

Who hasn't heard that 'Calendar Girls' has been released for a restricted period for presentation by amateur societies. This phenomenon has understandably been scheduled by many groups for 2012. I would not be surprised if the 'take-up' has exceeded any other similar release. The problem seems to be that there has been no control on the number of releases and the media has included stories of neighbouring societies having been granted licences only to discover that the same production will be playing at close-by venues within a matter of days or even at the same dates. Even worse than that there has been a suggestion of two groups who use the same venue have both been granted permission to stage this work within a matter of weeks No doubt some groups will have to decide whether to proceed with the production. I believe a suggestion has been considered that 'close neighbours' might pool casts for this one and share the (hopeful profits). What has made me smile are the groups so obsessed about claiming to be the 'Amateur Premier' are staging their first performance at Midnight to achieve the so called 'honour'.

CHANGES IN REGULATIONS BY THE CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU

Hopefully by the time of the next publication of the Newsletter I will be able to point anyone who is perplexed by the dreaded problems posed by the CRB in the appropriate direction for advice. The regulations are confusing and recent relaxation does not mean they can be ignored altogether. If you are involved in any Community Activity which embraces young people you should ensure you are familiar with the regulations and comply with them. As we approach Pantomime time this becomes a greater problem for many groups introducing young people to our activities. If it comes to that I have wondered how far the 'enforcers' would go when young people from the audience are introduced onto the stage.

The sad news that Geoffrey Holme had died came as a terrible loss to many in Amateur Theatre. There was no-one better than Martin Roche to write the obituary and this follows:

GEOFFREY HOLME
01.08.1931       - 27.09.2011.

Geoffrey Holme was a legend. He was my best friend and a second father, but I guess that I do not have the market cornered in that respect. He died on the 27th September in Spain, having finally moved there only several days before, delayed by poor health which in the end took him from us. His medical complications had plagued him for many months but when he passed away he was surrounded by a family who loved him so very much, which ultimately is all any of us can hope for.

He was the backbone for what seems a lifetime of the GMDF and an Adjudicator, Actor, Director, Compere, Raconteur, after Dinner Speaker, Lecturer, Cabaret Artiste, Singer, Teacher, Mentor, Confidante, Friend......where does one stop ?

Geoffrey taught me all I know about the theatre and performing. But all that I know probably only accounts for a fraction of all that Geoffrey in particular knew.

It is no exaggeration that he had a national reputation. He was involved in theatre when it was huge and won awards when they meant something and were not dished out like confetti. He had performed in some of the most prestigious theatres such as The Palace and The Liverpool Empire in defining roles that made him one of the most sought after performers of his time. 'Danilo' in The Merry Widow, 'Billy Bigelow' in Carousel, 'Haj' in Kismet were just a taste of his repertoire and skills in both amateur and professional performance.

His one man show was legendary and in cabaret he could not be equalled and I doubt he ever will be.

His knowledge of drama and musical theatre was immense and the master classes that he ran were not just interesting and informative, they were inspirational. As a consequence, he has influenced the careers of many successful professional performers of stage and screen.

Geoffrey had a personality as large as his hearty and he did more for charity, good causes and the common good than anybody I know or have heard of. In this rather suspicious, cynical and secular world, his faith was his rock and influenced the countless things he did every day to help others. If you asked Geoffrey to do something, his answer always was ".......if I can"; but then, he always did.

I believe we are the product of all the people with whom we have shared our journey. Geoffrey contributed so much to so many without exception of thanks or reward; the ultimate gentleman, the epitome of style and the end of an era.

The world is a better place for having been blessed by the life of Geoffrey Holme. it is now a darker, quieter and a little less beautiful place without him.

1 and many, many others mourn his loss and to all who knew him I know we share a love, appreciation and the greatest of respect for a man we have an obligation, never toforget.

Martin Roche