February 2019 Hi. It has been a few months since our last newsletter but hopefully you have been kept informed by visiting our webpage :https://nelsonrepertory.org.nz/ or our facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/NelsonRepertoryTheatre.
For those of you who don't visit these pages sorry if you have been left out of the information loop for awhile.
In this newsletter we have a show review of The Christmas Carol Steam Punk Style, a preview of our next show Allo Allo, AGM details, travel opportunities, call for helpers, Dracula auditions and a summary of events. Subscription reminder : How we issue our subs has changed. If you are a regular yearly paying member you will automatically be sent an invoice a year from the date you last paid. If your membership has lapsed please visit our members page on our website and complete the online form: https://nelsonrepertory.org.nz/membership.
The cost is still a very reasonable $20 and being a member allows you big discounts for opening night tickets.Your support is very important to us and we like to keep you in touch with what is happening with your Theatre Group.
A Christmas Carol-Steam Punk Style Review
This was an amazing show to be involved in. We had a large cast of mixed ages all keen and talented. It also proved to be a very successful show which was well received by our audiences.
It was such fun seeing many audience members arriving in costume. Due to the kind donations from Pic's Peanut butter we were able to give away many prizes for best dressed.
We saw some fresh new faces on stage, some of which were newbies to acting although you would never have known this. We were also well supported by a great team backstage who all played a vital part in this shows success.
A big thanks and acknowledgement goes to Alli Campbell our Director and her very supportive Production Manager Nigel Coker whose long hours and attention to detail was much appreciated by all. A big thanks must also go to our sponsors : Rata Foundation, Diverse Boat Hire,and Matthews Eye Care
The team managed to raise funds and awareness for Nelson Hospice.
As part of our promotion we entered the Masked Parade and won 2nd Place. Members from the Hickety Piks, a local Steam Punk group in their amazing costumes, added to our line-up.
Allo Allo
Wed 13 Mar - Sat 16 Mar
Based on the hugely popular TV comedy series, the stage version of Allo Allo follows the adventures of René, the hapless cafe owner in the war-torn occupied France, as he and his wife Edith struggle to keep themselves as priceless portrait stolen by the Nazis and kept in a sausage in their cellar. René is hiding two British airmen and is endeavoring to repatriate them with the help of the Resistance.
However, communications with London through a wireless disguised as a cockatoo add to many embarrassments he endures in the company of his patrons. Matters come to a head with the news that the Fuhrer is to visit the town and the cafe becomes filled with tricksters intending to impersonate Hitler before the event.
René will need all the wit he can muster to save his cafe and his life…!
As a member you can buy opening night tickets for only $11 per person plus service fee or get a group of 4 or more and get tickets for only $15 plus service fee per person.
This is a fun adult play performed by an experienced talented cast.
Book at https://www.theatreroyalnelson.co.nz/show/allo-allo/
AGM NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Members of our Society are advised their Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 18th March 2019, at the Theatre Royal, Rutherford Street, Nelson at 7.30pm.
For more information please go to nelsonrepertory.org.nz/agm/
This critically acclaimed, high energy comedy is having its New Zealand premiere in Nelson!
Join Professor Abraham Van Helsing and his three amateur actors, as they stage a life-changing theatrical production surrounding the arguably true events of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Will they pull it off? It’s highly unlikely!
With four actors playing over 30 characters, you’ll see sensational slapstick, frantic costume changes and airborne props, all strung together with clever dialogue and hilarious wordplay.
‘Dracula: The Bloody Truth’ will be a comedy to sink your teeth into!
PRODUCTION DATES 12 – 15 JUNE
Auditions will be held in the rehearsal room at the Theatre Royal
Sunday 24 February 1 to 3 pm
“Tonight I need you to understand the difference between fiction and truth. Tonight you will discover that Bram Stoker’s Dracula is in fact….fact” Travelling across Europe from the dark and sinister Transylvanian mountains to the charming seaside town of Whitby, Professor Van Helsing and his three amateur actors stage a life-changing theatrical production of Dracula – hoping to establish , once and for all, the bloody truth.
Performed by four actors playing forty characters, “Dracula – the Bloody Truth” is a full-bloodied adaption offering abundant opportunities for Nelson Repertory to sink their teeth into.
“ ‘Dracula – the Bloody Truth’ is side-splittingly funny and is, by far, the best new comedy I’ve seen this year’ Broadway World 2017.
We plan to perform this play with four very versatile actors, two male and two female.
Please contact Hugh for copy of script and audition time on hugh4921@gmail.com or 027 551 1100
Theatre New Zealand (we are a member) have sent us this information.
Shakespeare in Italy Summer School, Florence, July 6-19 5 per cent discount on all bookings received with €400.00 deposit before February 15
Dear Friend,
I'm contacting you with details of Shakespeare in Italy's 5th summer school, to be held this year at the British Institute in Florence from July 6 – 19, and wondered whether you could share this with your members.
The summer school gives participants the rare opportunity to work with tutors who are leaders in their field in the UK theatre world. Royal Shakespeare Company and Globe directors Lucy Bailey and Chris Luscombe will lead work on Julius Caesar and Romeo and Juliet and acclaimed actor/director Philip Franks on The Two Gentlemen of Verona.
Last year in Pizzo Calabro we had a wonderful group, ranging in age from 18 to 95 from all over the world. Everyone took part in putting scenes from the plays on their feet but in past years some people have wanted to participate from the comfort of their seats. Both approaches are welcome!
Our course is practical, and it is open to all, the only proviso being that you can speak English fluently.
The benefits are innumerable and there is always a lot of fun to be had as well as gaining great theatrical insight into the texts. for more details and contact Mary Chater at shakespeareinitaly.eu@gmail.com with any questions you may have.
If you would like to book, just email her without delay. she will give you the details you will need to make your deposit and save your place on the course. Don't forget if we receive this before February 15 you will receive a 5 per cent discount!
With best wishes from Mary Chater (a founder of the company)
Shakespeare in Italy – 'country and playwright – exploring the relationship through performance.' www.shakespeareinitaly.eu – new website is being prepared
+44 (0) 1273 285377 or +44 (0) 7493757302
Testimonials from past years
"I thoroughly enjoyed the Summer School. It was well organised and communication was clear and detailed. Participants were lovely, enthusiastic people. Thanks for a wonderful time. I definitely want to do it again." Francis Cox, Holland
We need more helpers in wardrobe, technical crew, marketing and set construction. It doesn't mean you will have to do hours of work if you don't want. Even a few hours can make a huge difference. Keen on technical stuff? We can offer you training. Retired?
Joining our team is a great way to meet people,and learn new skills .There is a wealth of information out there that we would love you to share with us.We cater for a wide range of abilities so don't ever think you are too old. Contact us at president@nelsonrepertory.org.nz if you want more information.
2019 Brief overview of events
Auditions for Dracula 24th Feb 1-3 pm
Allo Allo- 13-16th March. Book at theatre Royal www.theatreroyalnelson.co.nz/show/allo-allo/
Nelson Repertory A.G.M 18th March 7.30 Theatre Royal
Dracula 12-15th June
One Act Play Festival November 2019
Make sure you visit our facebook page, or website to get further updates.
