1. art and entertainment
2. theatre

Contact
The newsletter of The New Forest Players
January 2015 Issue 544
Welcome to the January edition of Contact and a very Happy New Year to all
our Members and Patrons. It has been a hectic few weeks putting on our
production of “Cinderella” but the hard work was definitely all worth while. The
feedback has been extremely positive and great fun was had by all.....cast,
crew and audience alike!
Cinderella Review
Scene One
Linda Kirkman
I take great comfort in the fact that
some things never change: many, many
years ago – you really don’t want to
know just how long, but I was only 11
or 12 at the time – a friend’s sister was
in a pantomime at her school, and we
went along to see it. I can’t remember
which panto it was; in fact I can
remember only one thing about it,
which was that they sang ‘If I Were Not
In Pantomime’. I loved it then and tonight, when Buttons, Prince Charming and
Dandini gave us their own manic take on the song, I sat there with a silly grin on my
face, loving it all over again.To be fair, I sat there with a silly grin on my face
throughout the whole evening, and I do apologise to the elderly couple in front of me
who seemed rather stunned when I joined in the audience responses with such gusto.
Well, you have to, don’t you?
Panto needs to tick all the right boxes to be a success, and without a doubt this one
certainly does. Pantomime expert extraordinaire Lee Redwood has written the story,
which sticks pretty much to the traditional tale we all know and love but has its own
unique touches, and director Sarah Haberfield has done a great job with her cast. Lee
is also musical director, so the singing, and the songs too, are very impressive.
Debbie Crowton is absolutely glorious as a north country Fairy Godmother; she has a
lovely rapport with the audience and the confidence not to be fazed when something
1
doesn’t quite go according to plan - I understand that at the dress rehearsal the
smoke machine worked so well that the cast could barely see each other at one point,
but I think nerves got the better of it on the first night and the smoke was loathe to
make an appearance at all.
There always have to be baddies, of course, and the characters played so well by Jo
Mansfield (Baroness Hardup), Chris March (Lavinia) and Martin Mansfield (Lucinda)
definitely tick that box, taking great pleasure in being absolutely vile to everyone
around them, not least to poor Baron Hardup (Nick Squires) and his sweet daughter
Cinderella.
Despite her youth, Hermione Mason has been making quite an impression on the local
musical theatre scene over the past few years, and she is the perfect Cinderella:
pretty, wistful and with the most glorious singing voice. Her Prince Charming,
Shannon Fisher, is equally talented and together they make a really delightful pair,
their voices blending beautifully.
Another young person who always gives a first-rate performance, and who has the
audience in the palm of his hand, is Jack Haberfield. He is a truly wonderful Buttons in
every way and there is a lovely, genuine-seeming chemistry between his character
and that of Cinderella which at times is really moving.
Sorcha Fisher, making her pantomime debut, is a fine Dandini and Martin Pitman also
makes a great impression as Broker’s man Bodgit. And where would panto be without
the chorus? Whether adult or child, those in this show are, to a person, smiling and
confident.
Finally, those all-important touches like costumes and sets are absolutely super, and
the gorgeous coach in which Cinderella goes to the ball is just beautiful.The show runs
until Sunday but if you haven’t got a ticket you’ll need to hurry, as some
performances are already sold out.
A DVD is available! Please let Sarah know if you would like a copy.....only £5
2
December Club Night
Well, eat your hearts out all those who missed this
action packed evening.
First off we were treated to 30 minutes musical
entertainment from some of our young people, all
from the cast of Cinderella. Hermione (Cinderella
herself – again in case you missed that too!)
opened and closed the piece with beautiful
renditions of “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”
Nick the Christmas elf!
and “Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas” the
latter of which we were encouraged to join in.
Robyn and Max sang Adele songs, “Someone Like You” and “Turning Tables”,
which were a bit more up to date and new to some of us oldies. Daisy, the
youngest, sang “Castle in the Cloud” and Amelia another “Someone Like You” but
this one from the musical Jekyll and Hyde. (Must look that one up). Finally Emma
played her Guitar and sang “Merry Christmas” again which we all joined in. The
song contained the words ‘Look to the future it’s only just begun’ and for these
courageous and talented young people and hopefully NFP, that was most
appropriate.
Tony Partington, a new member and towards the other end
of the age range, played his guitar and sang a country song
and an Elvis oldie. Thank you Tony, for showing us that the
young people don’t have a monopoly on all the talent.
Then came the presentation of the Mansell Trophy,
presented in memory of valued members, John and Edith
Mansell. This year it was awarded to Richard Fereday for all
his excellent contributions to the NFP. After which we
enjoyed mince pies and mulled wine (thank you Christopher
for your culinary skills) and Glenis who produced a
refreshing fruit punch. While relaxing we were able to apply
our brains to Tina’s quiz which consisted of a list of
acronyms of Christmas carols and songs.
The second half of the evening started with Richard Fereday and his ‘Million
Pound Drop’ a game which took some of us with slower brains a while to get our
heads round. However, most of us did eventually but by then it was too late to
beat, guess who, the young people who went home with a big tin of chocolates.
Thank you Richard for yet another contribution.
3
The evening ended on a traditional
note with Bob on the piano and all
joining in the Carols with good voice
and enthusiasm. Lovely. Bob must
also be thanked for providing and
putting up the striking decorations
which added the final festive feel to
a most enjoyable evening.
Wendy Beaumont
Bob playing and Max, Mike and Jack as
those Three Kings!
............................................................................
We are holding a Barn Dance on
Saturday 31st January to chase away
those winter blues!
St Mary Magdalene Church Hall, New
Milton, 7.30pm
Includes a Ploughman’s Supper!
£7.50 for Adults £5 for Children
Please let Ann Ramm know by
Wednesday 28th January if you would
like to come :01425 674668
[email protected]
............................................................................................................
“It Runs in the Family” by Ray Cooney
Directed by Ann Ramm
15th -18th April 2015
The audition for this farce was held on Wednesday 14th January. However,
as several people were unable to attend, a further audition is being held on
Wednesday 21st January at Ballard School from 7.30pm.
The Cast will be announced in the next edition of Contact.
4
SAVE
THE DATE!
February Club Night
Thursday 26th February
Ballard School PAC
7.30pm
WANTED
At each production we hold a raffle
which hugely helps to boost the coffers.
If you feel able to donate a suitable
prize (maybe an unwanted Christmas
present!), please contact Glenis Bilton
01425 610752 [email protected] who
will be delighted to receive your
donation.
Production Sub-Committee
01425 628005 or email [email protected]
Wendy would still like to hear from anyone interested in directing a play for the
Spring or Summer 2016 season or Panto for Jan 2016. Suggestions for plays are
always welcome but the Production Sub-Committee also have some ideas. If you
have not directed before and would like to “try it out” first, then our monthly Club
Nights provide the perfect forum. Please contact Tina Fagan 01425 277946 or
email [email protected]. Of course, experienced directors are also very
welcome to direct for a Club Night!
5
Dates for your Diary
2015
21st January
Wednesday
It Runs in the Family
2nd Audition
7.30 PAC,Ballard
School
31st January
Saturday
Barn Dance
7.30 St Mary
Magdalene Church Hall
3rd February
26th February
3rd March
19th March
7th April
12th April
Tuesday
Thursday
Tuesday
Thursday
Tuesday
Sunday
Committee Meeting
Club Night
Committee Meeting
Club Night
Committee Meeting
Get-In It Runs In The Family
7.30 Len’s House
7.30 Ballard School
7.30 TBA
7.30 Ballard School
7.30 TBA
10am Ballard School
15th-18th April
Weds - Sat
It Runs in the Family
7.30 Ballard School
19th April
Sunday
Get-Out
10am Ballard School
5th May
28th May
Tuesday
Thursday
Committee Meeting
Club Night
7.30 TBA
7.30 Ballard School
2nd June
Tuesday
Committee Meeting
7.30 TBA
18th June
Thursday
Club Night
7.30 Ballard School
7th July
Tuesday
Committee Meeting
7.30 TBA
12th July
Sunday
Get In The Day After the Fair
10am Ballard School
15th-18th July
Weds - Sat
The Day After the Fair
7.30 Ballard School
19th July
Sunday
Get-Out
10am Ballard School
New Forest Players Executive Committee 2014/15
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Membership Secretary
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Contact Editor
Len Reid
01425 638565
Ann Ramm
01425 674668
Beryl Parkinson 01590 642674
Jane Fereday
01425 276038
Beryl Parkinson 01590 642674
Terry
01425 617001
MacQuaide
Sarah Haberfield 01425 673804
Publicity Manager
Dinah LeMay
[email protected]
Property & Equipment
FOH Manager
Glenis Bilton
Christopher
Minutes Secretary
Fradd
Chairman Production sub- Wendy
committee
Beaumont
Club Night Coordinator (from Tina Fagan
2015)
Alan Whitty
[email protected]
[email protected]
01425 610752
[email protected]
01425 614605
[email protected]
01425 628005
[email protected]
01425 277946
[email protected]
07731 809181
[email protected]
Non Committee Posts
Box Office
Maureen Beven 0845 166 8775
[email protected]
Welfare
Patronsʼ Secretary
Jane Sykes
01425 617324
Maureen Beven 01425 274708
[email protected]
[email protected]
6
A couple more reviews.......
Members Helen Davison and Courtney Fereday have both kindly submitted reviews of
Cinderella. Apologies if this edition seems a bit Cinders-centric, but having taken the
trouble to write them, and having a bit of space left, here they are!
Review of “CINDERELLA”
Helen Davison
Last Saturday I went to see “Cinderella” at the Memorial Hall. This was very unusual for
me because, as quite a few of you people know, pantomime is not my thing. Am I glad I
gave it a whirl because, at the advanced age of 87, I discovered a panto I really, really
enjoyed. It put a smile on my face and a spring in my step.
This production really worked for me on many levels:
First, the script was good. Not from Frenchʼs but written locally. Well done Lee Redwood
and also congratulations on filling the role, very successfully, of Musical Director. A great
talent.
Great young leads - Cinderella (Hermione Mason) and Prince Charming (Shannon Fisher),
both of whom had excellent voices. Their duets were charming and their voices blended
well. To complete this talented trio we had Dandini (Sorcha Fisher). Thank you Shannon
for the choreography throughout. Everybody had been well rehearsed and how happy they
all looked.
The comedy was strong. Buttons (Jack Haberfield) gave an athletic and confident
performance. The audience warmed to him straight away. Martin Pitman (Bodgit) gave a
well-timed performance and the scenes between him and Baron Hardup (Nick Squires)
were cleverly written and a joy to watch. “If I were not in Pantomime...” kept giving me
heart failure when their well-rehearsed movements, which got more and more frantic,
looked dangerously close.
The Baroness (Jo Mansfield) and her obnoxious daughters, Lavinia (Chris March) and
Lucinda (Martin Mansfield), got the audience (including me) booing loudly. And tripping the
light fantastic, enter the Fairy Godmother (Debbie Crowton) who endeared herself to
everyone with her homely characterisation. I donʼt think her efforts at ballet will secure her
a place at Covent Garden but we all loved her right away! My only comment is perhaps it
might have been fun to have given Debbie one of those wands that droop to order. This
last comment brings in Props....well done to Jane Sykes.The Ballroom scene was
spectacular; scenery, costumes and lighting.
The chorus work was well rehearsed and I particularly loved the Childrenʼs Chorus and the
Gypsy Camp. Oohs and Aahs all round when the little animals came on!
This was traditional panto. Congratulations to Sarah and her team. I think why I completely
relaxed into Cinderella so I could enjoy it was because I felt totally secure in this
production. No blips, no insecurities and a happy cast. WELL DONE....youʼve made an old
lady very happy and I shall certainly be booking for next year.
7
CINDERELLA REVIEW
Courtney Fereday
Pantomimes come about but once a year and with them bring magic to the hearts of
children and parents alike. But this magic doesn’t appear out of nowhere and it isn’t
conjured up by a fairy in a big pink dress, it comes through a lot of hard work. Hard work
made to look easy, work that leaves the adults laughing and children in awe. All this was
achieved with ease and a smile by this year’s cast and crew of the New Forest Players
production of Cinderella.
Having been involved in the two previous pantomimes put on by this society it was a
pleasure to get to sit down and watch the show. It was a delight, and I’m not just saying
that because this is going in Contact. The songs were enjoyable the story was fun and the
jokes were, well they were pantomime jokes, but what more could you want! And of
course there was the added pleasure of seeing Chris March as one of the UGLY sisters
and Jack Haberfield searching down Chris’ top for a key, a key that was on the floor.
This year’s cast was full of talent. With a beautiful singing voice, Hermione Mason
immediately captivated the audience as the sweet Cinderella. Alongside her Shannon
Fisher charmed the crowd with her wonderfully talented performance as Prince Charming.
And together the two made a perfect team when it came to their flawlessly sung duet.
The cast was full of many other wonderfully gifted performers. Debbie Crowton as a very
sweet and funny Fairy Godmother, and Nick Squires as the devious but loveable Baron
Hardup. Jo Mansfield seemed almost too good at the role of evil step-mother and Martin
Pitman made playing Bodgit look effortless. Possibly a favourite of mine was the evil pair
Lavinia and Lucinda played by Chris March and Martin Mansfield. Together the two had
the audience in fits of laughter and that was before they had even got onto the stage.
Sorcha Fisher took up the role as Dandini and Jack Haberfield as Buttons. This talented
pair were perfect for their roles and along with Shannon brought the house down with ‘If I
were not in Panto’.
So clearly the cast were chosen perfectly and behind this and all the other hard work put
into the show, as-well as getting the chorus to smile, was the superb Sarah Haberfield.
Who deserves a massive round-of-applause for all the time and effort put into getting
this enjoyable show on the stage. And also one for Lee Redwood and Shannon Fisher for
getting the cast singing and dancing well and in time.
Yet to have been mentioned is the Chorus, although they don’t get to stand in the
spotlight, a Panto is not complete without them. And weren’t they good? They were alldancing, all-singing, all-smiling and downright enthusiastic. So together all these people,
as well as back stage crew and front of house, made the whole experience one that I
thoroughly enjoyed and I’m sure everyone else did too.
Please send anything for inclusion in the February edition
of Contact to Sarah by 16th February.
[email protected]
8