Online review of Montselier which had been part of Grimfest at Barons Court Theatre. The link was shared privately by Cathy Wippell for the purpose of this review.
It's currently day 453 since day zero happened and acid rain is still falling outside after the Nuclear storm first raged down upon the City. Montselier is finding solace in performing and dealing with the new reality by entertaining audiences away from the dangerous conditions outside.
Montselier is a one-person, 60-minute show about the talented accordionist. There are a few songs composed using the accordion which Montselier uses to describe the end of the world as they see it, while engaging with the audience, who are also fellow survivors from the nuclear storm.
Life for everyone has been a challenge and Montselier addresses these challenges throughout the performance, explaining how they have attempted to survive and make sense of the new world we are all living in.
Although Montselier uses a fictional play about a Nuclear attack you can't help but reflect and consider what might happen to the world as we know it if we suffered an actual Nuclear attack. These entertainers would be a lifeline as everything would more than likely be lost.
Cathy Wippell has written a good play which has plenty of room for development and future performances. It's not very often nowadays that you find an accordion player on stage and it was a pleasure to watch.
Our Spring show for 2026 will be Brassed Off, directed by Kim Freeman. The play, written by Paul Allen and Mark Herman is a heart-warming story about community spirit and triumph in the face of adversity.
Brassed Off is equally funny and poignant and we are delighted that the show will feature live music played by local favourites, the Hook Norton Brass Band. This is a new adventure for Lynden Players- we have of course worked with some brilliant musicians over the past 50 years but never a real life brass band. Come along and find out more about the play, the characters and how the band will be integrated into the show. Auditions will beheld in January, and audition pieces will be available after the presentation. There are 7M and 5F characters plus a supporting chorus. Full coaching will be given to the characters 'playing' band members. Rehearsals begin in January and show dates are 7-9 May 2026. If that bit of good news wasn't enough- the presentation will also give you a sneaky peek at our Lighthorne entry for 2026. "Rambles on Radio" by Robert Scott is a hilarious, fast paced, one act comedy- 3M, 2F, 1MorF, running time 30 minutes. Director Ben Tutt will give us a short overview of the play with audition/rehearsal information. The festival runs 2-6 June 2026. Everyone is welcome at the presentation, come and have a drink and find out more about Lynden Players and how you can get involved.
The Old Fire Station, 2a Norwood High Street, SE27 9NS
The Madwoman of Chaillot By Jean Giraudoux
Audition one: 30 Nov 2025 10:00 - 12:30 Audition two: 1 Dec 2025 20:00 - 22:00 PERFORMANCES: 24 - 28 Mar 2026 First Rehearsal: 11 Jan 2026
Beneath the charming streets of Paris, greed is bubbling to the surface. A group of ruthless businessmen has discovered oil under the city and plans to destroy it in the name of profit. But they haven't reckoned with the Countess Aurelia, the eccentric Madwoman of Chaillot, and her loyal friends, whose wit, imagination, and faith in humanity just might save the world. Note: Roles with asterisks are multi-rolled. Director: Cristina Jerney
Characters: Countess Aurelia: Playing age 40 - 70s, female. The Madwoman of Chaillot. An eccentric but wise woman who lives in her own poetic world. Beneath her apparent madness lies sharp insight and moral courage.
Irma: Playing age 20s, female. A kind-hearted waitress at the cafe.
*The Waiter: Playing age 20s - 40s, any gender. A waiter in the cafe.
*The Prospector: Playing age 20s - 50s, male. A visionary obsessed with drilling for oil beneath Paris.
*The President: Playing age 30s - 50s, male. A ruthless capitalist who sees the world purely in terms of profit.
*The Baron: Playing age 40s - 60s, male. An aging, corrupt aristocrat. Vain and self-important, he serves as a sycophantic follower to the President's schemes.
*Dr. Jadin: Playing age 30s - 50s, any gender. A good-natured but slightly ridiculous doctor who tends to everyone's imaginary ailments
*The Street-Singer: Playing age 20s - 40s, any gender. A wandering musician, symbolic of art and hope surviving in a cynical age.
*The Ragpicker: Playing age 30s - 50s, male. The shabby philosopher of the streets. Though outwardly cynical, he possesses deep wisdom and compassion.
*The Peddler/Juggler: Playing age 20s - 40s, any gender. A wandering street vendor who sells small, humble items and drifts through the café like a thread connecting everyday Parisian life
*The Broker: Playing age 30s - 50s, male. A manipulative businessman who speaks the language of markets and merges.
*The Doorman: Playing age 20s - 40s, male. A loyal servant to the Countess, protective and patient, who helps maintain the dreamlike order of her world.
COMPLETE THIS FORM to book an audition slot.
Please only email the director if you need further information, not to apply for an audition.
cristinajerney@gmail.com
We are proud to offer the best Theatre Dine experience in the area. It's time for our Three Comedies with fish and chips plus cake to follow on Saturday or A High Tea at our new Matinee performance with sandwiches and a selection of mini cakes.
This year's plays are: 1. The Neville Report - Village of Fear by. G. Diamond, J. Fryer & R. Lawrence Do you remember the 50's radio plays of Dick Barton well meet Neville Reville ace Fleet Street reporter. Unfortunately, the script seems to have been edited by Spike Milligan and could resemble the Goons show! 2. Carrot by David Tristram Running a factory is never an easy task especially when the young new boss seems clueless and the foreman is a stickler for the rules. Can harmony be found on the shop floor? 3. Jilted Lovers Helpline by Johnny Grim True love rarely runs a straight course. So when problems arise in your relationship there is only one place to call for help. Where and when? Saturday November 22nd doors open at 7pm curtain up 7:30pm Unless otherwise specified fish and chips will be ordered, alternatives are sausage or vegetarian burger and chips. You can also bring your own food. Tickets are at a lower price for those not wanting our food offering. Sunday November 23rd doors open at 3pm curtain up 3:30pm A selection of sandwiches and mini cakes will be available. Vegetarian option available, sorry we cannot offer a vegan choice. Again you can bring your own food if you do not want the food offering, Tickets are £15 each with food included per person. If you do not require food or wish to bring your own tickets are £8 each. Please bring your own drinks.
We offer:
- Live Performance video recording
- Green Screen Video Recording
- Live streaming
- Multi cam PTZ Video HD Recording (4 cameras)
- Multi Cam Recording Static HD Camera Recording
- Performance Photography
- Poster Designs and Print
- Programme Design and Print
- Web Design
- Flyers and Road sign design and print
- Social Media Graphics
We are a new, local non for profit youth theatre group called Utopia Unlimited and we will be specialising in producing, rehearsing and performing shows, Mainly Gilbert and Sullivan in a short time frame. We have a track record of this as all our staff have worked in youth theatre working with different groups for a long time. We are based in the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales
We run monthly socials with our young people where we will be running a singing group for 2 hours followed by a social where the young people can watch a Gilbert and Sullivan show and learn more about opera and musical theatre. We also plan to do trips to watch professional performances and run workshops with professionals to inspire the next generation of performers. We recently went to watch Opera Norths production of 'Ruddigore' We are a member led organisation. This means we run what our young people want. We provide this in a safe environment where young people can thrive. Many of our members are Neurodiverse, or members of the LGBTQ community. We welcome people from all backgrounds. We aim to be fully inclusive so everyone feels welcomed. As well as being experienced, all our staff have full DBS checks and there will be registered chaperones on site at all times. Welcome to Utopia Unlimited Theatre An exciting new youth theatre group specialising in Gilbert and Sullivan.
Are you passionate about theatre and ready to bring your vision to the stage? Glenbrook Players is thrilled to announce that we are now seeking potential directors for our 2026 season! Whether you are an experienced director or looking to direct your first production, we welcome your application.
2026 Season Productions We are pleased to have secured the rights for a dynamic and varied slate of possible plays for 2026: 1. All My Sons by Arthur Miller 2. An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen 3. Verdict by Agatha Christie 4. When the Rain Stops Falling by Andrew Bovell 5. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang 6. Tartuffe by Molière We invite applications to direct any of the above plays. Kindly contact secretary@glenbrookplayers.com.au if you would like a perusal copy of any of the scripts listed above. If you have a different play in mind that you feel would enrich our 2026 program, we also welcome proposals for additional productions. The following considerations are part of deliberations when the committee choose which plays we produce: 1. We have a share arrangement with the Glenbrook Cinema for use of the venue and can stage only two productions each year. 2. We attempt to give as many of our members as possible opportunities for stage and behind the scenes creative work. 3. We rarely choose full-length plays with very small casts. 4. New or more challenging plays are generally staged in the May slot. 5. Plays with larger casts and often lighter, more comedic themes are generally staged in November. 6. Plays for the year are chosen to give our audiences the greatest diversity & quality possible. They are selected in light of what has been staged before and what will follow. Support for Directors We believe in fostering a supportive and creative environment: 1. First-time Directors: If 2026 will be your first time directing, you will be assigned a mentor-an experienced director from our committee-to guide you through the process. Applicants are also welcome to recommend a mentor from within Glenbrook Players if preferred. 2. Experienced Directors New to Glenbrook Players: If you have directed elsewhere but are new to Glenbrook Players, you will receive ongoing support from our committee and a designated main contact to assist you throughout your production journey. How to Apply To be considered, please complete and submit your application form using the link below. Make sure to indicate which play(s) you are interested in, or provide details for your own play proposal. glenbrookplayers.com.au/directing-application Deadline for submission: 5:00 PM on 30 September 2025. We encourage both new and seasoned directors to take this opportunity to become part of Glenbrook Players' creative community. We look forward to seeing your ideas and working together to create an outstanding 2026 season. Kind regards, Glenbrook Players Inc.
"As a professional pantomime director, I know how important picking the right script is. The balance between traditional and modern, humour that makes children and adults of all ages laugh, and the flexibility to customise your script to your production budget and cast. It creates the foundations of every aspect of your production, and I'm passionate about writing scripts that help every part of your show shine."
Alex is a writer and director who grew up just outside of Exeter where he first caught the pantomime bug watching productions at the Exeter Northcott Theatre. He has been writing pantomimes for nearly a decade, and licenses dozens of scripts every year across the UK and internationally as far afield as Singapore, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. Alex is also a founding trustee of the UK Pantomime Association, the organisers of The Pantomime Awards.
Beauty Salon - Steel Magnolias, hairdryers etc Production Start Date - September / October2 025
Posted 28/07/2025
Recently Posted Articles
THE LAST DAYS OF TRUMP (A Liberal Fantasy)
Coming to the 2025 BUXTON FRINGE FESTIVAL It's 2028 and octogenarian two-term President Donald Trump is finally about to be replaced for good. Will he go rogue like last time, or will a plan to keep him focused on golf, gorilla documentaries, porn, and developing his perfect presidential library avert disaster?
"Do not see this terrible witch-hunt of a play! It's created by nasty people who hate America so very very much!" ~anonymous, Mar-a-Lago, FL (unverified).
This new play begins with a declining Trump watching the results of the 2028 US election that will choose his successor roll in. Yes, it's set in the future! The Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of staff is concerned and engages White-House-intern-cum-Chief-of-Staff Morgan to keep Trump occupied developing his Presidential Library - one without books no less. But the library project reinvigorates Trump and fate hands him a chance to achieve the dictatorial status he craves. But will fate intervene again for the liberals?
Written and directed by Eoin Carney, an early incarnation titled "I, Trump" played at the INDYfringe and Pittsburgh Fringe festivals in the United States to enthusiastic audiences (and a few walkouts by unimpressed Trump supporters). Soon to be endorsed by Elon Musk(?), THE LAST DAYS OF TRUMP is coming to the Palace Hotel in lovely Buxton and IT'S GOING TO BE INCREDIBLE! Less a partisan hit-job than a satire about unintended consequences and the hand of fate, this political comedy explores how we all would love to be a dictator deep down.
THE LAST DAYS OF TRUMP (A Liberal Fantasy)
by Eoin Carney
Friday 18th July, 7-8pm, Palace Hotel, Buxton, UK
Thursday 24th July, 7-8pm, Palace Hotel, Buxton UK
TICKETS
Investment Street recently purchased The Ritz building in Rushden (NN10), and we will be retaining part of the building for commercial use. As the space use to be a theatre and is being made smaller, it would lend itself well to amateur dramatic groups. We are currently in the early stages of renovating the space meaning that (to an extent) we could work with the tenant to configure and design the space to suit their needs. If you know any AmDram groups in Northamptonshire that would be interested in renting out this space, please let me know and I will be happy to provide more details. Best Regards Jennifer Mills
Bring the Heart of Scotland to Your Stage with Our Scottish Plays
I'd like to introduce you to our collection of Scottish plays that beautifully capture Scotland's culture, spirit, and history. We have over 300 one-act and full-length plays covering various themes including Comedy, Drama and Social Commentary. These plays are perfect for theatre groups looking to bring authentic, captivating stories to the stage that resonate with audiences both familiar with and curious about Scotland's rich heritage. If you would like more information, or have a colleague who would like more information, I can send a PDF with our full catalogue or more details can be found at: www.scottishplays.co.uk
I look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you to bring Scotland's vibrant culture to life on your stage. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
My local theatre group, Blackmore Players were going to do this, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, a while ago then COVID hit! Having a tidy up tonight and found these in the stage store. Unused x 20. Not written in at all, brand new. They cost £10 each but if we got £5 each, they would be happy. Bargain all round! If you are thinking of doing this, DM me and if you're not far from Blackmore, CM4, then sure we can sort something out. Thanks all.
I would be interested to speak to anyone who has produced "Til Beth Do Us Part" (Jones/Hope/Wooten") as some aspects of licensing are unclear. More generally, it's on the books of Dramatists Play Service in the USA. Their website doesn't list any alternate rights holders in the UK (there are for Asia, Scandanavia etc). There are some suggestions that weinbergers holds DPS rights in the UK but I get redirected to the MTI site and I'm just likely to around in circles. Anyway if anyone can offer advice here or message me I'd be grateful to hear experiences. Thanks in advance.
Please message me https://www.facebook.com/rob.burbidge
Peter's response:
Hi Rob,
I'm afraid I don't have any information that would help.
I will post your query in the #Advice section of www.dramagroups.com asking anyone who is able to help to contact you directly via Facebook.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO PROVIDE MUSICAL DIRECTION FOR CRAZY FOR YOU?
We commence rehearsals for our October show, Crazy For You, in May. We are looking for a Musical Director to work with us. We are based in Witham, Essex. We are a multi award winning society, having recently celebrated our centennial, having performed in the impressive Witham Public Hall for 100 years. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming society, with fun being as important as producing a quality show.
If you are at all interested in providing MD services for Crazy For You, or any of our future productions, let's have a chat.
I’m Amanda. I’m currently doing make up artistry at West College Scotland. I am in my first year level 6.
I am looking for any work experience I could do. Anything at all would be great. Any local groups who need makeup artists for their productions do please get in touch.
Vintage Welsh Tapestry Talgarth House green Celtic design wool cape cloak OSFA
Genuine vintage 50s Sportaville black strapless sun top 28" waist 32"/34" bust
Genuine vintage 1960s 70s Welsh Tapestry blue cross patterned cape coat 16/18
Genuine vintage 60s 70s Welsh Tapestry reversible cape poncho red green OSFA
