100 years of Entertainment
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Directed by Karen Bunn
Musical Director - Bill Stoddart Director's Note Well, what a time we've had in the past 12 weeks at rehearsals. Tears, tantrums. . . and that's jus the director. But Seriously, the last time the Masque Players of Kesgrave performed a Music Hall was in the 70's. Well, I'm thrilled to say, they're back! "100 Years Of Entertainment" will take you through a journey of 'Old Time' in the park. 'War Time' village hall cheer, 50's Rock & Roll and right up to the minute with songs from Les Misérables. In between these chorus sections are a variety of sketches, songs and indescribable events... that have to be seen to be believed. I feel honoured to have been given the opportunity to direct such talented group of people (both in front and behind the curtains) who have put their heart and soul into this show. From the bottom of my heart I thank them for their ongoing commitment and I thank you for attending - which is what it's all about. I hope that you agree with me that there is something for everyone in this Autumn's show and, like me, you may leave the hall wondering why this talented group haven't done this sooner. Sit back. relax and enjoy. Vertical Divider
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PROGRAMME
Old Time Section in Park - Chorus Albert & The Lion - Reg Balmforth Solo - Gary Sharman Been to a Marvellous Party - Brenda Caddick, Sue Hayes, Nikki Dunn, Amanda Cunningham & Julie Waters Laurel & Hardy - Lonesome Pine - Patrick Cooney & Neville Woolnough Sandwich Board - Elizabeth Cunningham Comedy Sketch - Julie Waters & Amanda Cunningham Solo - Karen Bunn Yorkshiremen Sketch - Neville Woolnough, Neil Jackson, Patrick Cooney & Julian Mettrick Lilly Marlene - Sue Hayes Wartime Section - Village Hall - Chorus INTERVAL Rock and Roll - Chorus Ying Tong Song - Gary Sharman, Reg Balmforth & Neville Woolnough Lampost Sketch - Julia Waters & Matt Girt Mastermind Sketch - Gary Sharman & Julian Mettrick Duet - Karen Bunn & Bill Stoddart News Sketch - Lisa Phillips, Vanessa Jarrold, Neil Jackson & Julian Mettrick Monologue - Sharon Sturman Chicago Song - Matt Girt, Lisa Phillips, Cathy McLean & Chorus Instrumental - Bill Stoddart Finale - Les Misérables - Chorus Chorus Karen Bunn, Julie Waters, Julian Mettrick, Gary Sharman, Amanda Cunningham, Brenda Caddick, Norma Calver, Elizabeth Cunningham, Rita Drake, Nikki Dunn, Madeleine Wellings, June Parsons, Cathy McLean, Rebecca Bowles, Patrick Cooney, Reg Balmforth, Neil Jackson, Matt Girt, Lisa Phillips, Neville Woolnough, Sharon Sturman, Vanessa Jarrold, Esme McLean, Sue Hayes. Compere - Philip Rawle Choreographer - Sue Hayes |
Directed by Gary Sharman
Assisted by Matt Girt Director's Note 'Allo 'Allo will be the closing production for this, our 70th anniversary year and I am proud to be directing this classic British comedy. I can remember all the evenings that I spent watching both this and the more serious 'Secret Army' from which it parodies both the setting, characters and situations. Our 70th anniversary year has been a busy one for the Masque Players with not just our normal two productions but unusually three with a rerun of our critically acclaimed "The Cemetery Club" at the Sir John Mills theatre at the start of September. It has been an enduring pleasure to be a part of the Masque Players and they have been gracious enough to vote me as their Chairman for the last 7 years. Not sure what I did to deserve this but I thank them all nonetheless. Well, back to this evening. Get comfy and prepare for some good old fashioned fun at the absurdity of life in general and Second World War occupied France in particular. You all know the story. Rene runs a café and tries to balance his work for the French Resistance with keeping his wife and other lovers satisfied! Add in some bungling Germans, a randy Italian and a couple of upper class British Airmen and you have all the ingredients you need for a great evening!. Stir gently and just sit back and let it simmer!" Vertical Divider
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CAST LIST
The French Rene - Neil Jackson Edith - Sue Hayes Yvette - Cathy McLean Leclerc - Patrick Cooney Michelle - Karen Bunn Mimi - Amanda Cimmingham Peasant - Lesley McMaster Peasant - June Parsons Peasant - Gary Sharman Peasant - Lawrence Sharman The Germans/Italians Colonel Von Stohm - Robin Saunders Captain Bertorelli - Neville Woolnough Herr Flick - Julian Mettrick Helga - Lisa Phillips Lieutenant Gruber - Jonny General Von Schmelling - Reg Balmforth 1st German Soldier - Lawrence Sharman 2nd German Soldier - Peter Hands The British Crabtree - Matt Girt 1st Airman - Gary Sharman 2nd Airman - Lawrence Sharman |
Directed by Lesley McMaster
Director's Note A summer evening's barbecue is the setting for a meeting of the local Operatic Society. Next season's musical is to be announced but the Director has promised a different show and the plum roles to four different people. The complex relationships between players emerge as moments of slapstick and farce alternate with drama and pathos. All ingredients that make up the joys and heartaches of amateur dramatics Vertical Divider
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CAST LIST
Teddy - Reg Balmforth Joyce - Carole Andrews Mona - Doris Brynley-Jones Pearl - Amanda Cunningham Roz - Cathy Beckett Jessica - Louise Paine Derek - John Ely Nick - Steve Lyes Deidre - Sarah Caddick Eddie - Julian Mettrick |
Directed by Reg Balmforth
Director's Note General Sir Mallalieu Fitzbuttress has returned from a 4 year stint in Malaya, to find his household isn't exactly as he had left it. The apparent lack of enthusiasm for his return, lead him to question the way of life he has been leading. Taking inspiration from his non-conformist brood, he prepares to make a better life for himself, as a tramp! As his travels come to the attention of the media, he is forced to take refuge in his own garden, where the laws of property protect him. His family seek to attract him back into the fold but find it is they that have to bend to the iron will of the General. With revelations about each character, slowly coming to the fore, this is a wonderful insight into the 1960's way of life, as seen from the inside of family life. Vertical Divider
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CAST LIST
Helga Rasmussen - Emma Kettlewell Lady Fitzbuttress - Jackie Wilks General Sir Mallalieu Fitzbuttress- Reg Balmforth Robert Fitzbuttress - Matt Girt Lesley - Vanessa Jarrold Judy Fitzbuttress - Lisa Phillips Brigadier 'Tiny' Gilliatt- Brown - Neil Jackson Basil Utterwood- Julian Mettrick Vicar - Patrick Cooney |
Directed by Julian Mettrick
Assistant Director - Elizabeth Cunningham Director's Note Welcome to The Masque Players latest production. We hope you will enjoy another typical comedy by the living legend that is Alan Ayckbourn. Bedroom Farce is the story of four couples sharing the funny events of one very long night, the centrepience of which is a not very successful housewarming party at the home of young Kate and Malcolm. The set features three bedrooms and the action jumps from one to another in rapid fashion. This is my fourth time as Director and as ever I'm very fortunate to have a brilliant cast and backstage team to work with. Thanks for coming and enjoy the play! Vertical Divider
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CAST LIST
Ernest - Reg Balmforth Delia - Jackie Wilks Nick - Gary Sharman Jan - Cathy McLean Malcolm - Matt Girt Kate - Lisa Phillips Trevor - Neil Jackson Susannah - Amanda Cunningham |
Directed by Sue Hayes
Director's Note Oh the joy of directing again for the Masque Players! This relatively little performed play sees Alison Murchinson, plain, tubby unloved and bespectacled has been entered into a Wedding of the Year competition by her uncle even before he has found her a suitable husband.! Could Melvyn, a frustrated inventor and an appallingly clumsy young man possibly fit the bill? However, the best laid plans………..! Sit back and enjoy this comedy which has a surprise ending! Vertical Divider
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CAST LIST
Ethel Murchinson Lesley McMaster Peggy Ramskill Julie Waters Walter Thornton Peter Phillips Frank Edwards Neil Jackson Alison Murchinson Helen Johns Honoria Murchinson Cathy McLean Matilda Murchinson Chris Fryer Melvyn Thornton Matt Girt Harry Elphinstone Steve Watts Priscilla Murchinson Jackie Wilks |