I don’t know if you remember, but we used an actress from your company (Amber Bluck) for a short film we were making back in March.  We were very impressed with her, and we’re now in the process of making 2 new short films that we’d like you to advertise to your members.

The first film is titled “The Temperamental Elevator Of Love”.  It’s a quirky character comedy, about an office worker who develops an unlikely relationship with a lift.

We’re looking for:

• A male actor, to play the role of lead character GRAHAM MATTHEWS, with the playing age of 25 to 30, and with a slim build.
• A female actor, to play love interest JESSICA LUFFBOROUGH, with a playing age of 25 to 30.
• A male actor, to play the role of VIB (Very Important Businessman), with the playing age of 40 to 50, and with a fairly tall build.
• A female actor, to play RECEPTIONIST, with the playing age of 18 to 30.
• A male actor with very clear diction to play the voice of the depressed LIFT, with a voice playing range of 30 to 50.

The other film we’re making is titled “Toya’s Conflict” (the working title), and it’s about a lesbian couple viewing a house to buy. Throughout the house-viewing the cracks of their relationship become apparent for all to see, with embarrassing consequences.

For this film we’re looking for:

• A female actor to play TOYA, with a playing age of 30 to 40.
• A female actor to play HAYLEY, with a playing age of 30 to 35.
• A female actor to play the ESTATE AGENT, with any playing age from 25 to 40.

We should emphasize that although the two lead characters are a lesbian couple, there will be no sexual contact between them in the film.

These films will appeal to enthusiastic individuals, hoping to gain some more acting experience, and we are aiming to screen the films at various festivals and competitions around the country.

We’re hoping to shoot both films mid to late November.

We will be holding an audition on 8th November at the University of Worcester. It will take place in room 131 in the main building. It will start at 9:00, and the latest it will end is 18:00. We’d be grateful if you could tell your members to email us if they plan on attending, and then we will email them back with more details about the audition.

Thanks a lot for your help.

Best regards,

ps. We saw your recent production of The Importance of Being Ernest, and we thought it was fantastic!

Email the STAC webmaster if you’re interested.

Have you always wanted to have a go at acting?

And would you like to meet new people and spend a couple of hours having fun with like minded people?

Enigma Theatre is offering drama workshops for adults which give you a chance to experience drama. The workshops will help build confidence and encourage teamwork through a variety of drama methods and techniques. Weekly sessions will include improvisation skills, role play, mime, movement and script work. The main aim of the workshops is to have fun!

The new sessions begin on Thursday 8th May. Those interested in taking part can download an application form (which also contains more information including where to post the application back to).

UPDATE 4th April: There will now also be a Monday session for beginners (”Chance to Act”) held in the Studio at the Swan Theatre. If anyone is interested they can send the application back to Rachel indicating that it’s the Monday session they are interested in, which start at 7.30pm.

• A scientist, age 50ish, male, grey
• A news Reporter aged 20’s-30’s, male or female

If you want more information or to organise an audition/film session, please make contact through the website and we’ll forward on your details. To be filmed during the next two weeks.

John Phillpot gives a very positive review in the Worcester News:

this is a rootin’ tootin’, rip-roaring rampage through a roster of one-liners, with the gags coming thick and fast. Not only that, but writers Paul Milton and Chris Jaeger also add some topical jokes into the festive mix to give the show extra spice and immediacy.

The cast is a glittering showcase of talent. Worcester lad Ben Humphrey returns to his native city to make a formidable Aladdin, ably partnered by Claire Rimell as Princess Jasmine.

Chris Jaeger has said, “We were blown away with the success of last year’s pantomime, I still have people come up to me in the street and comment on what a great pantomime it was! This will be our 5th pantomime at the Swan Theatre now and we’re confident that we have the perfect recipe for success.”

Aladdin is showing now and runs until Sunday 30th December. Tickets from £8.50 to £14.50 are available from the Worcester Live Box Office.

A letter in the Worcester Standard, 9th November (note: the page online is inaccurately dated as the subsequent Friday, the 16th), had complained that “what is on offer generally at the Swan theatre these days” is too often like the recent tour, Get Naked. (This was a nude a cappella performance by a troupe of male singers, though even this was aimed more at philosophizing about attitudes to the male body than simple lude entertainment.) These shows, Joan Ritchie argued, “are not suitable for a mixed age audience. It seems a shame that a theatre that was brought about by the people, for the people now only attracts limited audiences.” (Her letter is reproduced below.)

Bob Churchill and Chris Jaeger’s responses can be found online on the Standard’s Letters page for the 16th November (or in full below). Bob talks from the perspective of his “own theatrical experience in Worcester (acting) … with the STAC”, detailing the shows STAC have performed in the last year or so, many of which were suitable for a wide range of audiences. And he also mentions the STAC Children’s Theatre shows: “they are very popular, and, I’m proud to say, they cost just £1.50 a ticket. If that’s not inclusive I don’t know what is!”

Meanwhile Chris gave a similar rundown of shows from the broader perspective of the whole theatre, concluding that the Swan “is a genuine community resource with a balanced programme, If you choose not to come, that is your prerogative, but please don’t pretend that there is nothing here for mixed audiences. There is something here for everybody.”

All three letters are reproduced in full below.

From Joan Ritchie, published 9th November:

Following your article asking for comments on the censorship of the ‘Get Naked’ poster (Standard, November 2), I wasn’t particularly bothered by the poster but do feel that it is inappropriate for posting in public places. What bothers me more is what is on offer generally at the Swan theatre these days. I used to be a very regular visitor to the theatre and saw many good plays and shows but have not been now for two or three years. Often performances are like the one in question which are notsuitable for a mixed age audience. It seems a shame that a theatre that was brought about by the people, for the people now only attracts limited audiences.

Joan Ritchie
via email

From Bob Churchill, published 16th November:

What is Joan Ritchie on about? She says that “these days” performances at the Swan Theatre are “often” like Get Naked, “which are not suitable for mixed age audience” (Standard, November 9). Now it has always been the case that “family” productions are only one part of theatre life (though even on television truly cross-generational programs are restricted mainly to the seasonal holidays, or the pointless rubbish on Saturday evenings.) But the Swan — valiantly — does cater very widely for a venue which is so often under-utilized by its would-be audience here in Worcester.

My own theatrical experience in Worcester (acting) is with the STAC (www.stac-worcester.com). In just over a year we have staged, on the main stage at the Swan, an old-time farce (Charley’s Aunt, October ‘06) and the Ayckbourn play Relatively Speaking (this October), both of which are mild-mannered and suitable for anyone from about age 12 and up. We also staged plays only suitable for much older children and adults: Misery (March ‘07), The Dresser (May ‘07) and Popcorn (July ‘07). All of these might have appealed to slightly different adult audiences. That’s not to mention the work we do in the Studio next door (about three productions a year).

In the meantime, we run Children’s Theatre shows once a month on Saturdays, from October to May. These shows, about 45 minutes long, are aimed at younger children; they have been running for many years, they are very popular, and, I’m proud to say, they cost just £1.50 a ticket. If that’s not inclusive I don’t know what is!

Meanwhile WODs may have performed the Fully Monty this year, which falls slightly toward the Get Naked end of the spectrum, but they have also just finished a successful run of Oliver! The grassroots theatre in Worcester is varied and often wholesome (it’s just that naked men tend to accrue a good deal of publicity!).

And true, many of the touring professional productions aimed at children are aimed slightly older, to coincide with the school curriculum, but they are still children-friendly and you don’t have to wait for a school to organise a trip to bring the family to the theatre! Also the annual pantomime is just coming up, in which the whole theatre is turned over to a family-friendly enterprise for two whole months. It seems like a very varied program to me!

It is impossible to cater to everyone all the time. I say, stop complaining about what you don’t want to come and see, and find out more about what’s on, so you can come and see the shows that do appeal. Because there must be something!

If Ms Ritchie has family of an appropriate age, it would be lovely to see her at next month’s Children’s Theatre, which is The Dancing Bear, Saturday December 8th at 10.30am and 11.45am. www.stac-worcester.com/childrens-theatre (I was in this month’s production and it’s always a delightful atmosphere).

Bob Churchill
Vincent Rd, Worcester

From Chris Jaeger, published 16th November:

Joan Ritchie (Standard letters, November 9) says that she has not been to the Swan for 2-3 years as we do not put on things for mixed audiences.

16 weeks a year are hires at the Swan, really good local amateur companies like WODS, WODYS, MMTG, Kay’s Pantomime, Great Witley, Worcester G & S, Academy Dance and many more doing shows like Oliver, The Mikado, Guys and Dolls, Old Time Music Hall and Mother Goose. The Swan stages a professional pantomime for 45 performances - last December, over 14,000 people saw Snow White, a fantastic family pantomime. (Aladdin this year.) Just two weeks ago, we staged an entire week of shows and workshops for young people during the half term week, many of which were sold out.

In the past 12 months a sample of what we have put on is Hull Trucks ‘Bouncers’ attended by over 20 schools and colleges, two Ayckbourn plays, Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’, 17 films for all tastes, Ballet Russe’s ‘Cinderella’, a world premier of a new play about Elgar, music of many genres, comedy including Pam Ayres, contemporary dance (where 80 per cent of the audience is under 18) and much much more. We have a Dancer in Residence, 7 youth theatres and classes for adults in addition to shows staged.

In the last year, we have had only 5 nights when there was a show which had an ‘adult only’ tag, and only three of those could be called ‘tacky’. 5 out of 365, You have no case Joan Ritchie, the Swan offers a huge eclectic range of events and is supported by large audiences (including the adult only nights.) It is a genuine community resource with a balanced programme, If you choose not to come, that is your prerogative, but please don’t pretend that there is nothing here for mixed audiences. There is something here for everybody.

Chris Jaeger
Chief Executive of ‘Worcester Live’

Jared Thomas joined the Swan Theatre Amateur Company last year, first playing a love-sick Jack in Charley’s Aunt (alongside Keith Thompson and Bob Churchill who are both currently playing in Relatively Speaking) and then playing the lecherous best friend in Babysitting Calvin earlier this year. He has since played one of the “rude mechanicals” in the Invitation Company’s Midsummer Night’s Dream this summer.

And now… he is the new Skell, leading Worcester Live’s ghostbusting tours for children around the city.

The Standard article can be found online: “Ghostwalk starts up for new series of fright nights”. Also see the Worcester Live Children’s Ghostwalk page.

He argues that because local authorities are constrained by their budgets “they always ask what things are going to cost”, and yet the arts are not a cost, they are an investment.

[Barcelona] just shouts culture’ - and surprise, surprise, it is one of the most desirable and exciting destinations in Europe.

People flock there, and the art contributes hugely to their experience.

It’s a sound argument! And with the nights closing in, why not make next week a time to delve into the artistic life of Worcester? There is dance, drama and music to enrich the Worcester experience!

STAC’s Relatively Speaking is running most of the week, from the Tuesday to the Saturday (9th to 13th October).

With veteran STAC director and Alan Ayckbourn fan Ann Moore at the helm, a great cast onstage and a diligent crew behind the scenes, the show is set to be a smooth and entertaining comedy

Also next Wednesday (10th October), Attitude dance company, based in Hereford, are performing a triple bill of contemporary dance theatre for one night only in the Spires Theatre, part of the Worcester College of Technology on Deansway. The show, whose title piece is Crossing Borders, features STAC’s very own Vicky Harrison, last seen in Popcorn in June. (See the Worcester News: “They’ve got a good attitude”. Also see the Facebook Event.)

And on Thursday night you can take your pick of music, with Jake Stigers‘ tour visiting Worcester at the Marr’s Bar on Pierpoint Street, or experience some eighties nostalgia with China Chris at Huntingdon Hall.

Who needs Barcelona?

Tickets for Relatively Speaking are on sale from the Worcester Live box office: 01905 611427.

STAC’s own Frank Wellbourne is amongst the cast, pictured here (right) in a fetching Victorian swimming costume.

The Old Time Musical Hall is showing this Friday, 28th September at 7.30 pm and Saturday, 29th at 2.30 pm and 7.30 pm. Tickets from Worcester Live box office as usual (01905 611427), adult tickets £10, children £8.

Profits from the show go back to Worcester Live via donations from the Friends.

(Also see: Worcester News.)

From the Worcester News, Monday:

Holiday death of amateur dramatic’s star

A STAR of Worcestershire’s theatre scene has died suddenly while on holiday.

Liz Brownridge, aged 59, was in Algarve, Portugal, with her husband David when she suffered a heart attack on Thursday, August 16.

A member of Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society (WODS) for 35 years, Mrs Brownridge will be remembered for her dedication to and passion for local amateur dramatics.

Bruce Wyatt, current secretary of WODS said, “She had contributed so much to maintaining the highest possible standards of performance with her enthusiasm on and off stage - there will be a huge gulf that will be impossible to fill.

“She will be sadly and greatly missed by many and our prayers and thoughts go out to David and her two step-daughters Vickie and Helen.”

Born in Hull, Yorkshire, Mrs Brownridge trained as a dancer from a young age. By the time she was 17 she had joined a local dance troupe and was involved with three operatic societies.

When she moved to Worcester in 1972 to work in the pathology laboratory of the former Royal Infirmary in Castle Street, she joined WODS, Kays Theatre Group and the Swan Theatre Amateur Company.

The article continues:

Performing quickly became a full-time hobby. As well as having a number of leading roles in WODS musical shows, Mrs Brownridge was a member of the governing committee for 20 years and honorary secretary for 12.

As a director her work included the award-winning productions of Chess in 2003, HMS Pinafore in 2005, and, more recently, The Full Monty.

In honor of her devoted service she was elected president of WODS in March this year.

Mrs Brownridge was 39-years-old when she discovered she was adopted.

Although she never met her real mother, in 1993 she traced her biological father to Scotland where she met him, her sister and half-brother for the first time.

Funeral arrangements are to be confirmed.

This is the Swan today, a view from the raised balcony round the back, and from the bar across the race course:

The main bridge across the Severn is closed, as is Castle Street. But the theatre is still accessible and dry (though the car park is under water). And the show must go on! The Worcester College of Technology production of We Will Rock You is still scheduled (last we heard) to run this afternoon and this evening.

(More photos here.)