Cinderella Trophy
Reviews Jan 2019
Dick Whittington is one of my all-time favourites so I was very much looking forward to watching this production performed by CUDOS at the Victoria Hall in Crewkerne; a wonderful venue for a pantomime.
It was an absolute joy to meet up with familiar faces again. Thank you for the warm and courteous welcome and providing interval refreshments.
On my arrival into the hall there was a magnificent sewer pipe (if you like that sort of thing!) cleverly hiding the proscenium stage left and a glorious golden bell stage right. We could all guess who was going to make their entrances through these as the evening progressed!
The script, written by the popular Alan P. Frayn, was easy to follow containing necessary ingredients of a traditional pantomime, incorporating a lovely balance of songs. Overall the script was good – other than a few repetitive loo jokes – and seemed nicely shortened. At times I felt the dialogue in this pantomime clouded scope for greater and more imaginative activity. Additional audience interaction was required from principals and occasionally the show needed to be lifted up a degree with more energy and drive. Nonetheless this was Leonie Dash’s debut as director and having to start somewhere made a commendable effort. What a task you set yourself Leonie and at such a young age.
I could tell that you all work as a team as no one upstaged the other. There were certainly some memorable performances.
Richard Walters’ gave an excellent performance as King Rat. I have only ever seen you in a dress Richard! You attacked your audience right from the start making sure they disliked you immediately. You had great eye contact and tongue movement and built a tremendous rapport with us. A very convincing baddie.
The Ratlings all worked extremely hard playing their parts with great enthusiasm and energy. I loved the acrobatics. Congratulations Christian, Jess, Daisy and Lillie.
Natalie Gowan’s Dick Whittington portrayed the role realistically. You had good stage presence Natalie with clear diction. Your posture and manly strut always commanded our attention and I did notice the thigh slap! Your duet Rule the World with Jas Cook’s Alice kindled the romance and you both had a good balance of singing voices.
I very much enjoyed the antics of Lottie Dixon’s Tom. From the moment you walked on stage Lottie you had everyone held. Your movements were handled ‘purfectly’. Well done.
There were some lovely dance routines and praise must also be given to the junior chorus and off stage singers.
Strangely the scenes were not published in your programme but congratulations must go to Ann and Dave Brolly for their set designs. It was nice to introduce a UV moment although a little more imagination and movement would have enhanced this scene. Perhaps the final appearance of a shark may have been appropriate considering that we were all going to be singing about one later!
All costumes were society made and looked refreshing on stage. Make-up was a tad sparse though. Idle Jack’s features were unimaginative and I felt he needed rosy cheeks. Freckles would have also added enhancement providing an additional comedy touch. It also appeared that the Alderman did not have any applied at all!
The audience were with you all of the way and it was evident that everyone was enjoying your opening night production, especially those seated in the back row!
Thank you for letting me share Dick Whittington’s adventure with you. I certainly enjoyed my pantomime experience.
Nigel Ford
Moderator SFD
- Jan 13, 2019
CHAIRMAN'S CHAT
Happy New Year to you all and I hope you all had a fantastic christmas. Time flies by and we are now only a couple of weeks away from panto....Oh yes we are! Good Luck to all performing but mostly to Leonie on her directorial debut. Please don’t forget to come and support your Society and your friends, go online and book your tickets before it’s too late as tickets are going fast. It’s so nice to see another member of the Society putting themselves forward to direct, please make it known to the Committee if you are interested in directing and, if it’s your first time then we will pair you up with a mentor. Kerryx
PANTO - DICK WHITTINGTON 23-26 JAN Director - Leonie Dash
MD - Mathew Rock
Choreographer - Anthony Dexter (Dex)
Not long now before Dick sets out for London town. Tickets are selling very fast so don’t delay otherwise you will be disappointed…... ‘Oh yes you will’. Tickets available from www.cudoscrewkerne.com any problems email us on cudostickets@gmail.com or from Wendy on 01460 74380. Price £10 concession £8.
SPAMALOT
We are delighted to announce we have received the following nominations in the David Beach Competition (for musicals) run by the Somerset Fellowship of Drama:
Best Set
Best Costumes
Best Leading Male - Ben Woof as ‘Arthur’
Best Supporting Male - Shaun Driver as ‘Patsy’
Best Chorus
Best Direction - Nick Harris
Small Venue Trophy
Best Show
Congratulations to all and we look forward to the Awards Evening in March when we find out if we have been successful.
Congratulations also to Members who have been nominated in other productions:
Mandy Bussell and Shaun Driver in Avenue Q (Beatnik) and Shaun Driver who won the Rose Bowl for his role in Top Hat (YAOS).
WORKSHOP Sunday 24th February 2019
9.30 - 5.30pm
Devising, Stagecraft and Confidence
David Richey of HOUSE OF THEATRE is to hold another workshop for members over 16 years of age. “In this workshop they look beyond the notion of performing and examine the creative process and how we can engage with it on a deeper level”. The cost will be £15 per head, space is limited to 12 on a first come, first serve basis. You will need to bring a packed lunch but hot and cold drinks will be provided. If you would like to take part please contact Kerry to book your place at kerry.peters@live.com or on 07557 447078. Payment must be made in advance by 17th February at the latest. The workshop held in 2017 was much enjoyed and found to be beneficial by those who took part.
PLAY 2019
Ann Brolly is to direct AGATHA CRUSTY AND THE VILLAGE HALL MURDERS’ by Derek Webb
Date 8 - 11 May
Workshop Monday 4 February
Auditions Thursday 7 February
Both at 7.30pm in the Victoria Hall
MUSICAL 2019
Dendy Harris is to direct THE SOUND OF MUSIC from 11th to 14th September. Matthew Rock is to be Musical Director. Further details will be announced shortly.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The AGM will take place on Thursday 28th March in the Victoria Hall. Voting forms for you new Committee and full details will be sent to members in February. We are always pleased to welcome Patrons to the AGM but they will not be eligible to vote. After the close of Meeting there will be a chance to catch up with everyone over a glass of wine and nibbles.
Congratulations to Diana Hodgson and Jim Stephens on the birth of their daughter Talia Eloise Stephens, born on 27th December, weighing in at 7lb 4oz. A much loved little sister for Eliza (who is being an amazing big sister) and another granddaughter for Polly.
- Sep 25, 2018
CHAIRMAN'S CHAT
Hi all, well what an absolute hit Spamalot was, well done to Nick and crew and to all the cast, the buzz from the audience was brilliant. Now it’s time to move on to our next venture, the very popular Christmas Concert. I for one am looking forward to getting back on stage so hopefully see plenty of you at the first rehearsal. Don’t forget we have the Dinner Dance coming up, always a great night so make sure you get your tickets. Hope to see you all very soon. Kerryx
DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER
Congratulations to Kirsten Dexter and Anthony Dexter (Dex) who have been nominated in the Best Actress/Best Actor categories in the SFD Phoebe Rees Competition. We look forward to the Awards Evening on 13th October. Congratulations also to Richard Walters, Chantelle Souttar and Fiona Edgington who received nominations in productions with Civic Players.
SPAMALOT
Director - Nick Harris MD - Gill Merrifield
Choreographer - Lisa Gage
Another huge success for CUDOS receiving many accolades, you missed a treat if you didn’t get a ticket. Well done Nick on your Directorial debut. Congratulations to Jas Cook who was presented with the Trish Cook Award.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT 7/8th DECEMBER
Director - Ann Brolly
MD - Lucy Singleton
The first rehearsal is to be held on 1st October in the Victoria Hall at 7.30pm -thereafter as below:
October - Monday and Thursday
Tuesday 30th Oct
November - TUESDAY -please note change of day
December 3rd - Monday
Dress rehearsals - Wed 5th & Thu 6th
Evening Performance - Friday 7th
Matinee and Evening - Sat 8th at 2pm & 7.30pm
Tickets go on sale to members and patrons from the 8th October and to the general public from the 22nd October. For priority booking you will need to use the password ............(all lower case, no spaces) available from www.cudoscrewkerne.com or from Wendy on 01460 74380. Price £7.50 to include a mince pie and mulled wine/orange juice. This year we are including a matinee and there will be 80 seats available at each performance.
QUIZ Friday 19th October
This years quiz will be hosted by Vikki Rolley. The quiz will be held in Oscars Wine Bar back room at 7.30pm for 8pm prompt start. Price £8 to include supper to be paid in advance. Places are restricted to 24 on a first come first served basis. Name and money to Wendy by 12th October. (Please advise if you have any dietary requirements when booking your place) 01460 74380 - 07773 882709. At the time of print there are only 4 places left so don’t delay.
DINNER DANCE 10 November 2018
If you haven’t already booked your tickets for the Dinner Dance now is the time! Bring your friends and family and enjoy a fabulous evening. Always a great night, this year is a 1940’s theme with Italian cuisine and dancing the night away to Twisted Vinyl. Tickets £30 (Minimum age 18 years) from Sue Miller 07725 910009 or suem92943@gmail.com
PANTO - DICK WHITTINGTON 22-25 JAN Director - Leonie Dash
MD - Mathew Rock
Choreographer - Anthony Dexter (Dex)
Readthrough - 7.30pm 29 Oct
Workshop - 7.30pm 1 Nov
Auditions - 2.00pm 4 Nov
All held in the Victoria Hall
Minimum age 7 years - non paid up members will be required to pay an audition fee deductible from membership if you are successful in coming in to panto.
NEW DATE FOR DIARY
Carol Singing - 30 Nov
CUDOS have been invited to lead the carol singing at the Lighting Up Ceremony, everyone is welcome to come and join us, please meet outside the Victoria Hall at 6.20 prompt.
JUNIOR WORKSHOP
A few words from Georgia England who attended the workshop, funded by the Presidents Fund.
On Sunday 12th August me and 11 juniors all did a dancing, acting and singing workshop. We had three different songs showing off different skills. I found this really helpful because you get to focus on one certain thing but also finding new ways to focus on the skill.
We first did a warm up which interacted with everyone in the group, vocally and physically. Next we did ‘Hard Knock Life from the movie ‘Annie’. this one was to show our acting skills and also working around props and interacting with each other. After that we did ‘WE Go Together’ from Grease. this focused on our dancing and it was great learning new dances and how you can learn such a difficult dance in such a short space of time. Finally we did ‘When I Grow Up’ from ‘Matilda’ and this focused on singing, this was really useful because we got to use a range of different notes and working together to get a great tune. Overall the day was amazing and great fun, I would love to have more of these as they are super helpful. Thank you CUDOS, Lucy and Lisa.
Georgia x
JOE BROWN
Joe came along whilst at the Park School and helped with set builds and lighting for many shows, a great asset to CUDOS. Joe popped in to see us recently and we are delighted to hear he was awarded a 1st Class Degree, BA Theatre Production, from the Bath Spa University and is now joining the Macbeth UK and Ireland Tour with the National Theatre as Technical Swing. We wish him every success in his future career.
CONDOLENCES to Kirsten Dexter, Dex, Jake and Daisy on the loss of Kirsten’s dad. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
