The Rotherfield Players Presents an Amateur Performance of

Wind in the Willows Adapted for stage by John Morley

3rd - 5th February 2011 - Rotherfield Village Hall - Programme £2

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The Wheatsheaf Public House

Mount Pleasant, Crowborough, TN6 2NF Tel: 01892 663756 www.wheatsheafcrowborough.co.uk

Ted and Maggie extend a hearty welcome to you at Crowborough’s most traditional and friendly pub,

with great beer, fine wine and good company

Delicious home made food is available at lunchtime (Mon-Sat), and in the evenings (Tues-Thurs)

Roaring fires and no pretensions

From the Chairman

James Gallifant It doesn‟t seem like five minutes ago since the Rotherfield Players celebrated 30 years of action. That just goes to show how quickly life goes by, particularly as one gets older, because I‟m pleased to announce that we will be celebrating 35 years since we first performed “The Happiest Days of Your Life” in April 1976. That first production was cobbled together as a charity event. The cast and crew had such a great time that they decided to produce another play… and another. Now that first show was performed in the Rotherfield Memorial Hall (aka The Stute to locals). 1980 saw the opening of the new Village Hall and so we moved location, albeit the new hall did not have a stage when it first opened.

The group decided to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a re-run of “The Happiest Days of Your Life”. Alas the new Village Hall had started to collapse and we returned to The Stute for this production although the Stute no longer had a stage. The lack of a stage has never been a barrier to the Rotherfield Players. Alas, the stage in the Village Hall was built before the reconstruction of the main hall and thus it retains the height of the original 1980 design as opposed to the ceiling that you can see above you.

We became bolder, following the turn of the century, and started doing musicals, although we did have musical experience with pantomimes. We now have a complete mix of productions, some that are there simply to make people laugh, some to make people cry and some that are a combination of both.

We do have a very wide range of productions under our belt and we do think that we are a successful amateur dramatic group. So we are going to celebrate our 35 years this year. Perhaps any excuse will do for a party‼

From the Director

Adam J Hardy Ahoy There! Welcome to the Rotherfield Players Production of „The Wind in the Willows‟, the wonderful tale beloved by adults and children alike is bought to life on stage. Join Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad in their escapades on the river bank as they use all the cunning and strength to outwit the evil Chief Weasel.

The whole production has been a delight to rehearse and watch come together. Everyone has worked so hard on stage and behind the scenes to bring this fantastic production to you. None of this could be possible without the support of my fantastic team. Sue Burnett as Musical Director has worked tirelessly on the music for the

show both with the cast and the band. It has been a pleasure to work with her on this production and I thank her for all she has done. Becky Syms has done an excellent job on the choreography for this production and nobody would believe it is her first time as choreographer. Her wonderful dance moves and arrangements have added an extra level to the production and I am immensely grateful to „Miss Becky‟ for her hard work and fantastic movement. Sarah Truelove is my Stage Manager and she has worked selflessly in this role as well as planning for her own production which is coming up next, the musical extravaganza „Little Shop of Horrors‟. Sarah has always been a great friend to me having been my mentor for my first production, she continues to support me and advise me in all my productions and I am extremely grateful for her continued support. My final thanks goes to Alison Organ, Ros Williams, Helen Gallifant and all those who stepped in at the last hour to take over the organisation of the costumes. I will always be grateful to them for their support and guidance. The cast has worked tirelessly in bringing this production to you. The rehearsals have been, at times, quite intense; some people going without a break in order to perfect singing and dancing and I am so pleased with what they have produced. It is a wonderful feeling when you see a production come together and I have had a fantastic time rehearsing it.

To finish, I hope you have as much fun watching this excellent show as I have had directing it.

Cast List

The Band

Toad Tom Ellis Piano Sue Burnett

Ratty Louise Coe Flute Katherine Crowley

Mole Ruth Mason Clarinet Nigel Burnett

Badger Lynn Lunn Kate Shaw

Chief Weasel Alan Powell Saxophone Phil Illman

Dobbin Cecilia Marshall Bassoon Robin Fox

Jess Fitzherbert Trumpet Karen Boynton

Mrs Otter Geraldine Davies Drums Mark Howard

Portly Otter Jessica Martin

Reginald Andrew Burnett

Fiona Rachel Martin

High Court Judge Gussie Penny

High Court Clerk Jessica Hardy

Policeman Zach Coe

Jenny Holly Moffitt

Nellie James Gallifant

Maggie Jess Hardy

Bargewoman James Gallifant

Queen Zelda Kate Organ

Rabbits, Field Mice, Washerwomen

and Boating People

Stoats, Weasels, Ferrets, Washerwomen

and Boating people

Gypsies and Aunts

Josephine Day Jenny Whelan

Stacey Brackley Bethany Earle

Holly-May Penny Caitlin MacHare Esther Akehurst

Andrew Burnett Rachel Martin Kate Organ

Deb Findlater Alice Burrell

Jes Lunn Emma Hufflett Holly Murphy

Millie Coe Tabitha Newman

Nikita Softley Samuel Small

Sammy Dawkins

Rachel Martin Jess Hardy Kate Organ

Josephine Day Jenny Whelan

Jes Lunn Stacey Brackley

Deb Findlater

Backstage Crew

Director Adam Hardy

Producer Charles Truelove

Musical Director Sue Burnett

Choreographer Becky Syms

Stage Manager Sarah Truelove

Prompt Caroline Brackley

Props Clare Newman, Barbara Fee

Costumes Alison Organ, Helen Gallifant

Ros Williams, Jane Littlefair

Beattie Smitham

Stage Gaffers Phil Ireland, Trevor Skinner

Mark Tasker, Stuart Clark

Lighting Nigel Cassford, Nigel Mason

Sound Nigel Cassford

Set, Stage & Props Design

Janet Duchesne

Front of House Judith Hardy

Bar Manager Jane Littlefair

Publicity Ros Williams

Programme Design Gillian Earle

Box Office James Gallifant

From the Musical Director

Sue Burnett Is it a panto? Is it a musical? No! It‟s a play with some songs, and as such it is a new departure for the Rotherfield Players. The script is very reminiscent of the mood and era of Kenneth Graham‟s book, and the song words that are written into the script, such as “Toad‟s Song” in Act 1, and “Victory for Toad” in Act 2, are parodies of traditional folk songs. Because of this, the music I have chosen, with two exceptions, has its roots in an earlier age. I should like to take this opportunity to thank my stalwart band, who, because

of time restraints, were willing to forgo the usual Band Call, and sight-read their way through the score in public, as they accompanied the cast in the final rehearsal before Show Week. Working as a team with Adam and Bex has, as ever, been most enjoyable, and I should like to thank them and the cast for all their hard work and support.

The Main Characters

Tom Ellis - Toad This is my first production with the players having recently moved into Rotherfield late last year. Previously I have been involved in numerous performances whilst at

school. Highlights of these include playing: Oberon in A Midsummers Nights Dream, Napoleon in Animal Farm and The Captain in Anything Goes. Whilst this may be my first performance in Rotherfield I also helped backstage in the junior players production of The Railway Children. I hope you all enjoy the show, I know I have enjoyed being involved with it tremendously.

Louise Coe - Ratty Louise has become a bit of a rodent specialist with the Players. She played the part of Martin Mouse in Goldilocks back in 2007 but now has to adopt a deeper voice and

longer tail for this part. Perhaps she would like us to recall her role as Hattie in Kiss Me Kate but we prefer the rodent link.

Ruth Mason - Mole After having had a short break from the Rotherfield Players to do my exams, I'm glad to be back and have enjoyed all the rehearsals, and its great to be working

with such a lovely cast. The character of Mole is fun to play too, although Mole spends most of his time confused, so really there isn't that much acting for me to do at all!

Lynn Lunn - Badger Now we know Lynn as a comedienne both on and off the stage. Playing one of the bag ladies in Godspell, the girls laid in the front porch of the church looking like down

and outs. Inevitably, some kind hearted people tossed coins to them. Well, you wouldn‟t want to touch them either, would you?? Had to look hard to find her serious roles but we would mention Steel Magnolias

and An Ideal Husband. So she can keep a straight face on occasion.

Alan Powell - Chief Weasel Alan stunned us with a trio of roles in Our Country‟s Good, each one having a different accent. Perhaps more remarkable was his portrayal of Noel Coward in Present

Laughter. And today he is a weasel for which his accent is spot on. We all know how weasels speak, don‟t we. Jessica Martin - Portly Otter This is my first play for the Rotherfield Players. It is really good fun. I have been in Oliver before playing Fagin. I love acting and would definitely do one again.

Andrew Burnett - Reginald Pantos and Comic plays are always good fun, and I just couldn't resist taking part again this year! Rachel Martin - Fiona Rachel has been a member of the Rotherfield Players for several years and has taken on a wide variety of roles including Madame Tourvelle, in Les Liaisons Dangereuse,

Daphne in “Present Laughter” and Mary Warren in “The Crucible”. However, she hasn‟t played an animal since taking on the role of a green cat in “The Tinderbox” many years ago so she is relishing the opportunity to brush up on her animalistic skills and play an evil weasel. She is also enjoying playing the rather bossy Fiona.

Gussie Penny - High Court Judge This is my second production with the players and I‟ve enjoyed playing the role of the Judge, she‟s nothing like me. I don‟t think I would get away

with calling the rest of the cast impertinent, although I do quite enjoy it!!

Jess Hardy - High Court Clerk and Auntie Maggie I have had the pleasure of having two parts in Wind in the Willows. The Clerk being the first, the power is great! The second part is one of the

Aunts. I hope you enjoy the performance and don't use the 'Ronnie O'More' till the end.

Holly Moffit - Jenny Hi, I‟m Holly. I‟m fifteen and this is my first Rotherfield Players production. After I saw The Railway Children several months ago, which by the way was amazing, I knew

that I wanted to be part of the Rotherfield Players. Being in Wind in the Willows has been awesome, I can‟t get over how nice everyone has been and how much fun I‟ve had in rehearsals and I hope that after the panto I will be in many more productions.

James Gallifant - Auntie Nellie and Bargewoman People have mentioned names such as Shakespeare, Checkhov and Pinter to me but alas they mean nothing. Now is the season for

donning weird dresses and acting the complete fool. I just love it.

Kate Organ - Queen Zelda A longstanding member of the players Kate has undertaken many roles with the Rotherfield Players both on and off stage including Ronnie / Koko in the Players last

production of the Farndale ladies version of „The Mikado. Amongst other parts she has also played Lois / Bianca in „Kiss Me Kate‟, the title role in „Calamity Jane‟, Eliza in „My Fair Lady‟, Maggie in „Cat on a Hot Tin Roof‟ and Monica Reed in „Present Laughter‟. Her most recent appearance in pantomime was a Bad Witch Hazel in „Sleeping Beauty‟. Kate has also directed may productions for the Players which range from „Les Liaisons Dangereuses‟ to „Puss in Boots‟. She is also a member of TWODs with whom she has

both directed and been on stage in a number of shows. It seems obvious why Kate has so enjoyed playing Zelda, queen of the gypsies, as Kate hates to say no to the chance to sing, dance and act in a show.

Our costumes lassies are a bunch of fun. As soon as the cast had finished their fittings we found the team trying on hats and having a giggle. Back stage jobs are fun and essential to the show. We do have to keep their noise down though during performances!! It would be good to see a man join the costumes team. Then some wag could comment that he doesn‟t know the first thing about the offside stitching rule. We would have to sack that wag of course!!

Mark Tasker Here he is with wheel and swords that he made. Mark also made the car and goodness knows what else. Just as well that we don‟t pay him!!

Raffle Proceeds

Rotherfield and Brook Surgeries League Of Friends

Charities Commission number: 802475

It was formed in 1989, and is run by the patients of Rotherfield and Jarvis Brook Surgeries. Its primary aim is to provide better facilities and equipment for the patients of both surgeries, and so far we have bought ECG machines, Autoclaves, Dopplers, diagnostic sets and many other items of equipment.

Scenes

Act 1

Scene 1 - The Riverbank and Willows

Scene 2 - The Courtroom Procession

Scene 3 - The Courtroom

Scene 4 - The Hole

INTERVAL

Act 2

Scene 1 - The Canal Bank

Scene 2 - Further along the Canal Bank

Scene 3 - The Riverbank

Scene 4 - Toad Hall

Next Productions

Help Night Monday 7th February at 8:00pm

Rotherfield Memorial Hall

Auditions Friday 11th February at 7:30pm

Rotherfield Village Hall

Little Shop of Horrors is a rock musical, by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, about a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood. The musical is based on the low-budget 1960 black comedy film The Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Roger Corman. The music, composed by Menken in the style of early 1960s rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown, includes several well-known tunes, including the title song, "Skid Row (Downtown)", "Somewhere That's Green", and "Suddenly, Seymour". In addition to the original long-running 1982 off-Broadway production and subsequent Broadway production, the musical has been performed all over the world. Because of its small cast and relatively simple orchestrations, it has become popular with community theatre, school and other amateur groups. The musical was also made into a 1986 film of the same name, directed by Frank Oz

Information taken from Wikipedia

presents

‘Three Characters in Search of a Verdict’ and

‘Round the World with Class Six’ An evening of two one act plays

Friday 15th July 7.30pm and

Saturday 16th July 2.00pm & 7.30pm Directed by Adam J Hardy and Lynn Lunn

Three Characters in Search of a Verdict

The action takes place in a courtroom and follows the prosecution of three classic fairytale and pantomime characters: First Case – The Crown vs Jack‟s Mother Second Case – The Crown vs Goldilocks Third Case – The Crown vs The Big Bad Wolf

Round the world with Class Six Class Six are well-behaved, hard working… and bored. Every day is much the same – until Mr Parker, the supply teacher, sets them an interesting project: to re-enact Sir Francis Drake‟s circumnavigation of the world in 1577. Within minutes the room is transformed into an Elizabethan sailing ship and the brave adventurers set sail! This boisterous, entertaining and informative comedy is ideal for youth theatre performances. Due to time constraints there will be no familiarisation evening and Auditions will be held on Friday 18th February at 6.00pm in Rotherfield Village Hall. The audition pieces will be from the „Three Characters in Search of a Verdict‟ and the successful people will then automatically be given a part in the second play. The „Three Characters in Search of a Verdict‟ script will be in the dressing room at the Pantomime or request a copy from Adam Hardy.

11th - 14

th

May 2011

Musical

LITTLE SHOP of

Horrors

Past Productions

The Happiest Days of Your Life 1976 The Diary of Anne Frank 1976 Lord Arthur Saville‟s Crime 1977 Rother Jubilant 1977 Pool‟s Paradise 1977 The Winslow Boy 1978 Goodnight Mrs Puffin 1978 Night Must Fall 1979 I‟ll Get My Man 1979 Dark of the Moon 1980 The Creature Creeps 1980 Ghost Train 1981 When We Are Married 1981 The Rose and the Ring 1982 Separate Tables 1982 Just the Ticket 1982 Jack and the Beanstalk 1983 A Letter from the General 1983 The Chiltern Hundreds 1983 Aladdin 1984 The Man Born to be King 1984 Doctor in the House 1984 Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs 1985 Berkeley Square 1985 Bedroom Farce 1985 Little Red Riding Hood 1986 The Crucible 1986 A Separate Peace 1986 Season‟s Greetings 1986 Goldilocks and the Three Bears 1987 Mother Figure 1987 Larkrise 1987 Plaza Suite 1987 The Tinder Box 1988 Moonset Over Zeron 1988 Murder in Company 1988 Key for Two 1988 Pinocchio 1989 The Brute 1989 A Festival of Short Plays 1989 Getting On 1989 Cinderella 1990 Something Borrowed 1990 Arms and the Man 1990 Our Town 1990 Mother Goose 1991 A Resounding Tinkle 1991 How the Other Half Loves 1991 A Coat of Varnish 1991 Sinbad the Sailor 1992 Rotherfield Pageant 1992 Ten Times Table 1992 The Sleeping Beauty 1993 Bird Bath 1993

Ghost Writer 1993 Cat on a Hot Tin Roof 1993 The Matchmaker 1993 Ali Baba 1994 Sailor Beware 1994 Hedda Gabler 1994 The Magic Fruit 1995 Queen Alice 1995 Absurd Person Singular 1995 The Happiest Days of Your Life 1996 Babes in the Wood 1997 My Fair Lady 1997 An Inspector Calls 1998 Blithe Spirit 1998 Smugglers 1999 Evening of One Act Plays 1999 Aladdin 2000 A Midsummer Night‟s Dream 2000 A Review for the Millennium 2000 Cinderella 2001 Oliver 2001 Importance of Being Earnest 2001 Jack and the Beanstalk 2002 Don‟t Dress for Dinner 2002 50 Years on the Throne 2002 Steel Magnolias 2002 Puss in Boots 2003 Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen‟s Guild Production of MacBeth 2003 Inn Love with Shakespeare 2003 Dick Whittington 2004 „Allo „Allo 2004 A Murder is Announced 2004 The Magic Fruit 2005 Calamity Jane 2005 Garden District 2005 The Wizard of Oz 2006 The Final Curtain 2006 An Ideal Husband 2006 Goldilocks and the Three Bears 2007 Godspell 2007 Bard from the King‟s Arms 2007 Caught in the Net 2007 Sleeping Beauty 2008 Kiss Me Kate 2008 Les Liaisons Dangereuses 2008 Cinderella 2009 Busybody 2009 Our Country‟s Good 2009 Babes in the Wood 2010 Present Laughter 2010 The Railway Children (Junior Players) 2010 Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen‟s Guild Production of The Mikado 2010

Registered Charity No: 1119458

Rotherfield St Martin

The RSM Centre, Carisbrooke, New Rd

Providing social facilities and support for senior citizens.

Opening Hours

Mon 10.00am - 12.30pm

Tue - Fri 10am - 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 4pm

For information about activities, bookings for therapies and Volunteer Driver Scheme

Tel: 01892 853021 Email: rsmcentre@googlemail.com

Website: www.rotherfieldstmartin.org.uk

Supported by: Rotherfield Parish Council St Denys‟ Church

Kim & Justin welcome you to

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Kings Arms

Large car park * Open all day * Food available all day

Real ales & fine wines * Warm, friendly atmosphere * Log fires

Traditional home-cooked food and mixed specialities using fresh local produce

Public bar with pool table * Attractive patio & beer garden

Double B&B room available

High Street, Rotherfield, TN6 3LJ Tel: 01892 853441 VAT No. 879429657

New Members

The Rotherfield Players is a vibrant village dramatic society. We have a healthy membership but we always welcome new faces both on stage and back stage. Many different skills are required to put on a show apart from acting, singing and dancing. There‟s carpentry, painting, sewing and even computer skills. If you are interested in joining our group please contact James Gallifant Tel: 01892 654219 Email: members@rotherfieldplayers.co.uk

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