JULY 2017

Our Next Production A Chorus of Disapproval by Alan Ayckbourn | directed by Cassie Tillett

13-15 & 19-22 July 2017 at 7.30 pm, matinée 22 July at 2.30 pm

Photography: Sean Owen of Reflective Arts

Pendon Amateur Light Operatic Society (PALOS) is staging a production of John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera. (“It makes a change from The Student Prince.”) The director is a loud, energetic Welshman with all the subtle social skills of a breeze block. The love interest is played by his wife. A wide range of very recognisable characters, including stroppy daughter, bolshy barmaid, unsuitable boyfriend, local councillor and ambitious businessman, sit waiting for the director to reach their scenes in the show. And into this mix wanders Guy: a lonely, newly-widowed man, who is unable to say No to anything, whether it be a request for confidential business information or an offer of illicit sex, and through a series of accidents and actor tantrums he advances from a one-line part to playing the lead. We’ve been having way too much fun in rehearsals with this cast, who are a magnificent and talented bunch. The fourteen of them are singing, dancing, arguing, fighting, loving and laughing their way through this exceptionally funny and sometimes painful observation of life in community theatre. Come along and see who you recognise! Cassie Tillett - Director Please note: the opening night is, at the time of writing, almost completely sold out, and the rest of the run is selling well; advance booking for this popular show is highly recommended. Booking details below.

Bookings Our telephone and walk-in ticket bookings are handled by St George’s Music Shop (near the Norwich Playhouse). Chris and his team will be pleased to welcome you to 17-19 St George's Street Norwich NR3 1AB, tel: 01603 626414, or visit our online bookings link at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/sewellbarn.

Our previous production Talking Heads A Lady of Letters | Soldiering On | Her Big Chance by Alan Bennett | directed by Judi Daykin

8-10 & 14-17 June 2017 Alan Bennett is well known for his observant, hilarious, often painful creations. His Talking Heads monologues - two series, each of six characters, one male and five female - are widely acknowledged as being some of the finest solo works in the theatre. While we were sad to have had to cancel our planned June production due to casting difficulties and illness, we couldn't have been more delighted with its replacement. Three very different women told their stories; and audience reactions were enormously enthusiastic. The word ‘masterclass’ was repeated many times in respect of these three magnificent performances. "Saw a lovely production at the Sewell Barn last night. Alan Bennett's Talking Heads superbly and inventively directed by Judi Daykin was a delight. Splitting the action between the three monologues was inspired, and increased the anticipation of the outcome of the fate of the three very different women. The acting was confident and extremely enjoyable to watch. Dawn Brindle, Hattie Scopes and Judi Daykin were all excellent. A very enjoyable, amusing and thought provoking evening. Thank you all." David W Many more reviews, including our favourite ("I pity the fool who doesn't go and see Talking Heads @sewellbarn before the run ends on Saturday") can be found on our blog at http://sewellbarntheatre.blogspot.co.uk.

Photography: Michael Stanislaw

Coming Soon Lark Rise to Candleford by Keith Dewhurst | adapted from the novels by Flora Thompson | directed by Robert Little

11-14 & 18-21 October 2017 It’s the first day of harvest at the end of the 19th century, in the isolated hamlet of Lark Rise. Through the eyes of young Laura we witness the hard but happy lives of the people who work the land. A few years later, in the second play, we meet Laura again, working in the Post Office at Candleford. Here at the centre of the community, we are introduced to the people who live and work there, sharing the joyous moments that turn into real fulfilment and pleasure. This lively ensemble production full of music and song records a disappearing way of life in lyrical but realistic detail.

These are two separate plays, each standing on their own, and their playing dates are as shown below. However, if you would like to follow the whole story, you can book for the matinée of Lark Rise and the evening performance of Candleford on either 14 or 21 October, and receive a free cream tea in between the two performances. Lark Rise: 11,13,19 October 2017 at 7.30pm | matinées 14 & 21 October at 2.30pm Candleford: 12,14,18,20 & 21 October 2017 at 7.30pm

Auditions Our next casting opportunity is the exciting production of Blood and Ice by Liz Lochhead, which plays in January 2018 and focuses on the world of Mary Shelley, her famous and monstrous creation, and those around her, including her husband Percy, her sister Claire, and the infamous Lord Byron. Several wonderful roles, ranging from teens/twenties to forties, are up for grabs in this atmostpheric show. Auditions will be held on Sunday 30th July at 6.30 pm at the Barn, and you’ll find more details on our website at www.sewellbarn.org/bloodauditions.html.

Membership renewals Just a quick reminder that membership fees for Friends of the Sewell Barn are now due. It’s an excellent way to support our work at the Sewell Barn, and we very much appreciate it. It costs £10 for a year, £15 for a couple at the same address, or £50 per person for lifetime membership. The Friends are entitled to voting rights at our AGM (the date for which will be announced in our next newsletter), giving you an active say in the running of your theatre, and receive a free drink on Welcome Wednesdays during the run of each show. If you’re receiving this mailing electronically, a link to renewal details will be emailed to you separately; if you’re receiving it by post, a paper copy is included with this newsletter.

Front of House Calling all Front of House stewards and Bar helpers (and anyone else who would like to help) We propose to hold a social evening in September for everyone who has helped on the bar or as stewards. If you haven’t and would consider helping in either of these two areas, please come along as well and find out what is involved. This date will need to fit in between rehearsals for Lark Rise to Candleford, so the date will be announced soon. Many thanks!

Jill Fuller

Can you help? The Sewell Barn is run on an entirely voluntary basis, and we can’t do it without you. As we move into a new season of shows, we are urgently in need of helpers in the following areas. If you’re able to assist with any of the areas below, please contact admin@sewellbarn.org and we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Front of House and Bar We must have sufficient staff to cover these roles for every performance, otherwise we are legally not permitted to open the show. It’s a great way to get to know the theatre and meet people; training will be given if you’re new to the role; and FOH stewards get to see the show for free!

Technicians The actors, directors and stage management might work their socks off, but without our techies, the shows won’t happen – it’s as simple as that. Programmers will need to set up and program the show, normally on the weekend before it opens; operators will need to run the computerised board at the tech and dress rehearsals plus all eight performances. If you have an interest in programming or operating, sound or light, we’d be thrilled to hear from you.

Set design and build We are still looking for a couple of set designers for the new season, and will always welcome folks who are happy to wield a paintbrush or a hammer to be on the construction teams. Some shows are very simple black box, others (for example, The Kitchen Sink earlier this season) are much more complex. In all cases, many hands definitely make light work. Please let us know you’re willing to help out and we’ll include you in our lists each time we need to call for help.

Prompts While we don’t use prompts in performance, they’re a vital part of the team for approximately 3-4 weeks – usually between the show moving in to the Barn space and the final rehearsals before the dress rehearsals. Even a couple of evenings will be a help.

Wardrobe Are you handy with a needle? We have a superb collection of costumes of all periods, both for hiring out and for our own productions. We are in need of more volunteers to be part of the valuable teams that support each show and help bring the characters to life by dressing them appropriately and convincingly, and performing alterations and maintenance where necessary. Do let us know if you can help.

Photographer We have a regular team of three excellent photographers who are responsible for creating rehearsal, publicity and dress rehearsal images – so vital to our promotion of our shows, and capturing wonderful memories. Michael Stanislaw, who has been a key member of the team for many years, has decided to take some time off from the role (although we hope he’ll be back!) and so we need somebody else to join Andrew and Sean to cover the 2017/18 season. If you’re interested, please let us know and we will send full details of what’s involved.

What else is on in the area?

Maddermarket Theatre www.maddermarket.co.uk St. John's Alley, Norwich. NR2 1DR Taking Steps by Alan Ayckbourn 21-29 July at 7.30pm; matinees at 2.30 pm on 22 & 29 July