NEWS ARCHIVE - 2009

The Young Performers - 2010 Production - March 2010

Grimm Tales -  a compilation of Grimm's fairy tales including; Little Red Riding Hood, The Frog Prince, Rapunzel, and Cinderella told by the brothers Grimm to a princess who won't go to sleep……..

Rehearsals:  11am - 12pm on Saturday mornings in the JoG Youth & Community Centre, Priory Road.  Newcomers aged 5 to 8 are welcome to come along .   

NWN Feature

On 3rd September 2009 the Newbury Weekly News N2 section ran a brilliant article about CHTC, how it started and some of our highlights over the years.  It included several photos of recent and past productions.

Click image right to see a copy of the article.
                                                                             
                                                                                                                 

CHTC SUCCESS STORIES!

We are proud to provide theatrical opportunities for people of all ages and talents and are overjoyed when our members shine and move on to bigger and better things in the performing arts.  We want to celebrate their successes and provide an inspiration for others.  To help this, we have added a new section to the web site.  You can find it by clicking HERE .   

WEST END STARRING ROLE for Philip Desmeules

From 5th to 31st October 2009 , Phil starred in a single-handed play - My Real War 1914-? - at The Trafalgar Studios in London's West End. 

It was based on real letters, sent home by the young Lieutenant Le Mesurier to parents. To his mother he writes about his unusual adventures in and out of the trenches; the French chateaus to which he is billeted. The wine – the girls. To his father, he is much franker…
Philip's next big production is his own wedding in Hungerford on 5 December 2009 and we wish the happy couple well for their big day! 

PUSS IN BOOTS for Georgina Hendry

Oh Yes She Is!  The latest news is that Georgie is to join the adult cast of the professional Newbury Pantomime for the Christmas season 2009/10.  She will be part of the ensemble for Puss In Boots and possibly play a cameo role.  There will be 2 weeks of rehearsals in London before the cast relocates to the Corn Exchange. Georgie is currently enjoying studying for a BTEC in performing arts at Newbury College, and thinks it is a great course.  It seems that they are releasing her for the panto run. 

Success Story feature in NODA LONDON Magazine

The Autumn 2009 Edition of the NODA LONDON Magazine featured a full page spread on CHTC entitled Stars in the making at Hungerford.  Well done to Barry Waddell for submitting it to them for publication.

Click the thumbnail left to read the article.

The magazine also features a brief review of our July 2009 Theatre in The Arcade production.     CLICK HERE to read that review.

Theatre In The Arcade - A theatrical first for Hungerford

Join The Community of Hungerford Theatre Company for a unique experience as we perform an evening of theatrical entertainment from within the famous Hungerford Arcade, noted for its Antiques & collectables.  You'll be amazed at the transformation !!  Click thumbnail left for NWN article.

Before the show and in the intervals there will be the opportunity for refreshments or to browse through some of the nooks and crannies.

This adventure involves the creation of a `micro theatre` in the middle of the Hungerford Antiques Arcade.  Seating only 24 at ground floor and gallery levels has produced some challenges not least ‘the removal and storage of several thousand books before each performance!’ said Adrian Gilmour the Arcade proprietor. ‘We have also needed to produce some ingenious solutions related to lighting, sound and the set, not to mention the creation of the theatre every evening which will be broken down again at the close to allow for business the following morning!’ said Michael Thurgood the Stage Director.
(Photos by Sean Cameron of Hungerford Camera Club)

Performances are nightly at 8 p.m.  from 20th to 25th July 2009 - Part of HADCAF  Tickets are £7 from The Arcade.  If you can manage to get a ticket (there are only 144 available for the week!) you are in for a treat !                     
Youth Theatre and Players Productions - Three one act plays will be performed - something for everyone.   Click the links below for more information and photographs: -

• A CREAM CRACKER UNDER THE SETTEE  - a dramatic monologue by Alan Bennett

• A DOG'S LIFE - by Pam Valentine
  

• STILL WATERS - by Delsie Darke                               

The Children's Theatre - 2009 Production
Robin Hood & Friends - A Musical by Debbie Campbell

A story of chivalry, rivalry, love and friendship

Successful performances took place at the John O'Gaunt Community Technical College on Saturday 27th June at 2:30 pm and 6:30pm

Special appearance at Cobbs Farm on Sunday 28th June at the St John's St Johns Ambulance Fun Day.
(Rotary Club performance Friday 3rd July is CANCELLED)

This fun musical explored the relationships between Robin Hood and his many friends and enemies. Swash-buckling scenes alternated with sensitive moments, and dungeon scenes contrasted with feasting and dancing.
CLICK HERE fore more information (and brilliant photos)    

The Players 2009 Production was The Love Nest - A Farcical Comedy in Two Acts by Raymond Hopkins.  This successful production ran on 28th - 30th May, 2009 at the Croft Hall in Hungerford.  Following the hugely successful 2008 Players production of Love Begins at 50... this was a brilliantly written follow up comedy by the same author, Raymond Hopkins, who again joined us on the Saturday night.  We were very pleased when he praised our production and all the hard work that went in to putting it on.
He is pictured left posing with the cast on the set.

In a close-run contest, the cast award for most responsive audience goes to the Friday Nighters.  By way of thanks, you all qualify for a 5% discount on your next booking at Sea View Guest House!

David and Janet Thompson were deeply in love when they married thirty-two years ago.  That was until Janet's mother moved in with them.  In a last attempt to save the marriage, the couple returned to the guest house where they spent their honeymoon.  But this was doomed from the beginning.  The mother-in-law decided to come with them and upset everybody.  David was pursued by an over-zealous waitress, a frustrated newly-wed and an admirer from the past.  Did true love win through in the end?  Only Tyson, the mouse, had the answer!

Some comments from our audience ...........

"Would you please pass on to cast and crew, a grateful and sincere thanks for a Fantastic evenings entertainment, in their production of ‘The Love Nest’.
Each member of the cast had got their character nailed down.  The director had come up with some innovative ideas!!  The sound and lighting crew (it was refreshing to see youngsters doing the job) were right on the ball.  The scene change crew were quick and efficient, so important to keep the play moving. 
The set was wonderful and the props were (I’m sure it was a nightmare getting everything) great!   Front of house very welcoming.
All your hard work has paid off!!  We all left with the Feel good Factor, plus your royalties have gone to M.S. research.       Very, very many thanks "  
Raymond Hopkins (Author)

".... we both found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable evening.   We are truly fortunate in Hungerford to have such a terrific group of players who put on excellent productions.
So, thanks again from both of us".   The Mayor, Elizabeth Cardwell and Town Clerk, Jennie Collins.

" Last night was so funny, we both enjoyed ourselves so much, actually we have not laughed so much in yonks.   Everyone was perfectly cast ...  if you were just round the corner I would come again tonight ... well worth coming to though. Break a leg tonight." 

" Loved the show!  Very funny, great characters, best lines you've ever had ... it was really funny."

" Thoroughly enjoyed the show last night,- it was worth all the hard work."

• CLICK HERE for Photo Gallery and more       

 Theatre In The Arcade - A theatrical first for Hungerford

Join The Community of Hungerford Theatre Company for a unique experience as we perform an evening of theatrical entertainment from within the famous Hungerford Arcade, noted for its Antiques & collectables.  You'll be amazed at the transformation !!

Before the show and in the interval there will be the opportunity for refreshments or to browse through some of the nooks and crannies.

Youth and Players Productions - Three one act plays will be performed

Auditions for members of the Youth Theatre who would like to take part in A Dog’s Life ....

And
Auditions for Still Waters, a second one act play with an adult cast will take place on Monday 1st June, 7:30pm at the John O'Gaunt Youth & Community centre.

TUG-O-WAR - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Barry Waddell is trying to put together a Tug of War team to represent the theatre company at the St Lawrence's Church Fete on Saturday 13^TH June 2009 .

• Says Barry "The title is currently held by the British Legion and if any chaps would like to help me take this from them please let me know". 

• In total we need 6 people but it wouldn't hurt to have a few reserves.

As last year, we also need a team name - any suggestions from the membership would be appreciated as long as they are decent !!    {How about last year's suggestion "Crowd Pullers"? - Editor}

The Future's Bright

An article on CHTC was published recently in the Newbury Weekly News - Arts section.  Click the image on the right to see a scan of it > >

CHTC SUCCESS STORIES!

We are proud to provide theatrical opportunities for people of all ages and talents and are overjoyed when our members shine and move on to bigger and better things in the performing arts.  We want to celebrate their successes and provide an inspiration for others.  To help this, we have added a new section to the web site.  You can find it by clicking HERE or the "Successes" button on the top menu bar of every page.  Currently we feature Philip Desmeules, Georgina Hendry, Natalie Hyde, Hoffi Munt, Roushka Munt, George Olney and Johnathan Pike.  Below are recent news items from our featured group.

AUDITION SUCCESS AND DISAPPOINTMENT for Georgina Hendry

In early April Georgina auditioned for Boogie Nights, the summer youth project at Wyvern Theatre in Swindon.  Of the 200+ children between the ages of 9 and 21 Georgina got through the recalls all day and was asked to return next day for more auditions. 

She made it to the last five girls for three main parts, but the director eventually chose older girls as the characters were supposed to be twenty years old and Georgina looked young against the male leads. However, Georgina will have a solo and be a main dancer, so is now very excited. Well done Georgina.

Georgina was then overjoyed to hear on 14th April that she had been cast in His Dark Materials at Oxford Playhouse.  Sadly, she has now heard that they have decided not to include anyone under 16 in the cast.  This is a huge disappointment as the director was very impressed with Georgina at the audition, and thought she would have been perfect for the show.  Sometimes life seems very unfair!

ITALIA CONTI SUCCESS for George Olney

George Olney recently won a coveted place at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts on the 3 Year performing arts course where he starts in September 2009.  We congratulate George on this success. 

• Click the thumbnail above for a scan of the Newbury Weekly News report. 

Greenham Common Trust and West Berkshire Council Grant 2009/2010

Greenham Common Trust and West Berkshire Council, through its small grants scheme, donated £2,500 to the Community of Hungerford Theatre Company, which celebrates the 30th anniversary of its first performance in 2010.  The money will part-fund live performance for Young Performers, Children’s Theatre, Youth Theatre, Players and the Town Show, specifically to support the cost of venues, staging, lighting, scripts, music royalties and costumes during the 2010 season.

Greenham Common Trust chief executive Stuart Tagg said: “For nearly three decades the theatre company has been helping generations of Hungerford residents enjoy the creative arts. The Trust is happy to continue supporting this valuable community resource.” 

"The Community of Hungerford Theatre Company are very grateful to Greenham Common Trust and West Berkshire Council for the generous Grant of £2,500" says David Clayton its Chairman. "The Grant will allow the company to continue training young actors  and provide them with the productions to display their talent.  It will also assist in the funding of the annual Town Show which this year reaches its' 30th production.  Details of next Februarys landmark show will be announced very soon".

VOCAL RECITAL by Natalie Hyde - Soprano

Saturday 28th March 2009 at 7:30pm - St Lawrence's Church, Hungerford.     Free Entry, Retiring Donations - Proceeds Towards National Youth Choir Tour & St Lawrence's Church

This was an excellent classical recital enjoyed by a small  but appreciative audience.  It included songs by Purcell, Hadyn, Bizet, Faure, Schubert and more.      Please CLICK HERE for the poster. 

Natalie is a local singer who started with CHTC at the age of 7, turning 8 shortly before her first appearance in Fiddler on The Roof in 1998.  She has since performed in many more Town Shows working up through the Junior and Adult Chorus before making her sensational lead debut as Mei Lei in Flower Drum Song in 2006.  She also took on a number of roles with the Youth Theatre in productions such as The Gut Girls, Once a Catholic and Ritual for Dolls.  In 2007, she returned to CHTC briefly as a one-person pit choir for Hello Dolly!

Natalie left St Gabriel's School in Newbury to spend her sixth form years at The Purcell School  near Watford under the DFES Music & Dance Scholarship Scheme.  Purcell is a specialist music school where she sat her A levels.  Whilst there she performed at venues including The Wigmore Hall, St John's, Smith Square and the Barbican Centre in London, The Birmingham Symphony Hall, and The Croft Hall in Hungerford!  She is currently training at the Birmingham Conservatoire of Music.

Natalie is a member of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and performed on their recent, critically acclaimed CD, Sanctum Est Verum Lumen.  She will be touring with The NYC in the USA this summer at venues including the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City and the Disney Hall in LA.  This recital will help raise funds to cover the tour costs.

We wish her the best of luck for the future.

Young Performers - The Fate of King Minos
 Saturday 28th March 2009 at 2.30pm - Croft Hall

The Hungerford Young Performers (ages 5 to 8 years) presented their annual production at the Croft Hall, Hungerford on Saturday to a packed audience. The play, The Fate of King Minos was specially written for the group by local playwright, Hoffi Munt and well directed by Roushka Munt both members of The Community of Hungerford Theatre Company.
The youngsters. some of them taking their first steps on the stage showed very few nerves and considerable talent.  The cast showed an ability to play comedy well beyond their years and had the audience laughing in all the right places.

TOWN SHOW
The successful 2009 Town Show was Rodgers & Hammerstein's The King and I 

It ran Wed 18^th to Sat 21^st February 2009 at the John O'Gaunt Community Technology College Hall

"Huge cast of adults and children gives audience every reason to smile"

CLICK HERE for Scan of NWN Review       Click Here for on-line Review

THE SHOW WENT ON (IN SPITE OF THE SNOW) !! 

"I'm sure the King of Siam never had blizzards and ice to worry about", reports Barry Waddell, "but that’s exactly what The Community of Hungerford Theatre Company had to contend with recently as they pulled together the 2009 Town Show".

"Many cast members were unable to make rehearsals some of which had to be called off as it simply wasn't safe to travel.   Junior cast and those trekking in from surrounding villages found things particularly difficult. "

"Additional rehearsals were arranged but for that to work we needed a bit more Spring and a little less Winter" said Sarah Olney.  

The sets were built in some out buildings on the North side of Hungerford but as Michael Thurgood said "it was sometimes too cold to work and the paint didn't always dry as quickly as we would like!"  

Despite these setbacks the show did of course go on. 

NODA Summer School 2009

   NODA are offering a range of drama courses over the summer.  

• For more information visit: http://domain992762.sites.fasthosts.com/ebook/summer-school-2009/index.asp

CHTC Calendar Now Available! - Are You in this Calendar?  

Send a calendar to your friends and relations that features you!

• The calendar covers scenes from Young Performers, Children's Theatre, Youth Theatre, Players and Town Show Productions. 

• You can have a copy for only £10 (all profit goes to the company's funds so that we can stage future productions). 

• Order your calendar now by contacting either
  Shirley Dancey  (01488  683531) or
  Tessa Brown     (01488 682241).

• Also available from Crown Needlework. 

• A great present for the New Year!

CHTC and Cobbs farm have recently linked up with a new idea for CHTC members to serenade diners as they eat on selected evenings.

• On Friday Jan 9th Helen Bonner delighted a packed restaurant by performing a selection of over 20 songs during the "Food, Music & Wine" evening.

• Sat 17th January saw a large group of Junior and adult members take time away from a busy rehearsal schedule to showcase songs from our forthcoming show "The King and I".  These were performed together with numbers from other stage musicals whilst appreciative diners at this sold out event enjoyed a farmhouse super.

• Watch this space to discover what future performances may be lined up.

Tara gets Married!

Congratulations to Tara Burden who was married  to Craig Kersey on Saturday 13th December 2008 at St Lawrence's Church in Hungerford.

We would like to wish Tara and Craig all the best for their lives together and, while we hope they have a great honeymoon,  we look forward to Tara's return and completion of the choreography for the coming production of The King and I, due to be on stage 18th to 21st Feb 2009!!

Love and happiness…………..   `

Hungerford Victorian Extravaganza
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; Reindeer! Big Wheel; Steam Engines; Stalls; Shops open................

The date for your diaries this year was Friday 12 December 2008.  This was the Towns 17th Victorian Extravaganza, and it was the biggest and best yet. In addition to new attractions, the event also spilled out further down the town into Bridge Street.

CLICK HERE or on the photograph to watch a short video clip of CHTC in the parade! 
(File size is 6.7Mb so please give it time to download!)              Many Thanks to Ken Findlay for the clip

• We met at the Corn Exchange 6.30pm and proceeded to Casanovas where the parade began.

• We also had a pitch outside Crown Needlework where we handed out leaflets and sold our new calendars.