Nothing like being in at the deep end! It’s Gavin’s first show with the group is 2010's "Half A Sixpence" and he’s paying the lead, Arthur Kipps. And it’s not any normal lead either; Kipps is in just about every scene and song so poor Gavin has had no rest.  How is he going to make the change when the panto comes round and he has to be content with playing one of the rats in the Pied Piper of Hamlyn? In the meantime we’re glad his cricketing background will serve him in good stead for this role and do watch out for a few Springsteen flourishes as Gavin pays homage to his idol.

Not only is 2010's "Half A Sixpence" Emily’s first time performing with Phoenix Players, it is her first time performing Amdram…ever! She has big ambitions though: her dream is to play Sandy in Grease! Oh dear, you really have to wonder how she wandered into our group in that case…?! But don’t be fooled by this mild mannered accountant; she’s a karaoke queen too and if ever there is a cheesy duet to be done, we wouldn’t recommend you stand between her and the mic. 

Victoria joins the group for 2010's "Half A Sixpence" while on a gap year before going to study History at Goldsmiths (the college, not the jewellers). She’s really having a busy gap year too. As well as signing up with Phoenix she has been writing her book (Bridget Jones meets Adrian Mole – don’t ask!), practicing as a trapeze artist and preparing for a parachute jump! We’re glad she has joined though; this Dusty Springfield fan brings a soulful edge to the group and we really enjoy her being with us.

Setting the Scene

All ain’t well in the two-an’-a-half horse-town of Wotsyurn in Cactus-Land. Everything but DOLLY PARDON’s Lucky Star Garter Milk Bar, is owned by tom-boy SNOWY’s wicked step-mother, EVELLA (pronounced ‘eve–lar’). And the town well is a dry as bones. Suddenly bullet shots form an ‘R’ on the well roof. It seems that the masked outlaw ROB HOOD has made the water return. But handsome cowboy and ranch-hand RICK PRINCE is not impressed. As he tells SNOWY, the surprisin’ thing would be if she was crowned Miss Wotsyurn on Founder’s Day. It’s so unlikely that RICK makes a bet with SNOWY that if he looses he’ll sing and dance like a saloon gal! With the water back, the town celebrates Founder’s Day with DOLLY presiding. Waitress ADELE along with the ex-saloon gals are all competing for the beauty queen crown – as is EVELLA. The choice is about to be made when there’s a last minute contestant – SNOWY! Rightly, the JUDGE declares she is the fairest of the ‘fayre’. Poor RICK has to honor the bet – much to the enjoyment of the whole town. Fuming and now desperate to get rid off her rival, EVELLA hires ‘hit men’ BASHEM & COSHEM to bump poor SNOWY off. But being the wrong sort of hit men, they are next to useless. Even tying SNOWY to the train tracks doesn’t work – in part thanks to ROB HOOD. Left alive but alone SNOWY meets the (seven) hillbilly brothers who are looking for gold in the nearby mine. The brothers offer their log cabin as a safe house. There SNOWY discovers the cabin is also a hideout for ROB HOOD and his leggy gang!! When EVELLA learns the truth from her magic brass mirror, which cannot lie, she summons a sisterhood of witches to help her. The Witches come up with devious ways of killing SNOWY off at the Peddlers Fayre. The last of these proves fatal and not even ROB HOOD can save her! Can the town ever be rid of EVELLA? Can Rob Hood stop being an outlaw? Can true love win through? And can DOLLY ever stop being a 9-to-5 working gal? ?

Production Team

• Director - David Armitt
• Musical Director - Marcus Davidson
• Choreography – Jennifer Chadney/Mary Dunn/David Armitt
• Stage managers – Richard Seagroatt/Chris Cockburn
• Costumes – Jennifer Chadney/Debbie Featherstone/Pauline Seagroatt
• Props – Debbie Featherstone
• Tickets/Front of House - Manuela Langotsch

Cast

• Snowy White - Pauline Seagroatt
• Prince Rick/Rob Hood – Tom Scambler
• Dolly Pardon - Barry Pavey
• Adele - Sarah O’Malley
• Evella - Kaz Cockburn
• Bashem – Steve Norton
• Coshem – Jude Figueira
• Norabat/Fifi – Justine Knight
• Hiatus/Calamity Jane - Joanna Walker
• Windsora - Debbie Featherstone
• Gigi/The Mirror - Rachael Parry-Taylor
• Dee Dee – Carol de Burca
• Oui Oui - Jennifer Chadney
• Mimi – Susana Rodrigues
• Indian Chief - Lisa Readman
• Rusty – Geoffrey Bowe
• Dusty - Sam Leach
• Lusty – Seán O’Farrell
• Shady – Peter Krajewski
• Chesty - Darren JA Knight
• Pinky – Sam Cockburn
• Perky – Harry Cockburn
• Train Driver – Richard Seagroatt

This show was written for stage in 1961 and is one of only six musicals ever to have won a Pulitzer prize for Drama (1962). In 1967 it was made into a film but more recently it was a Tony award winning Broadway production in 1995 with Matthew Broderick in the lead. It is a funny (and highly topical!) piece about one man's rise from being a Window-washer up the corporate ladder in an incompetent, hierarchical company – a modern day satire, if you will! The show has many great tunes such as "Company Way", "A Secretary is Not a Toy", "Brotherhood of Man" and the title song "How to".

The Story and Songs

Act 1

J. Pierrepont Finch, a young window cleaner, has a mind for advancement. As he reads “How To Succeed…” we hear the disembodied "Book Voice" tells him what he needs to know. On entering the World Wide Wicket Company looking for a job, Finch knocks J.B. Biggley, the president of the company, to the ground. Finch presses Biggley for a job, who dismisses him to the personnel manager, Mr. Bratt. Rosemary Pilkington, a secretary, is impressed with Finch and offers to help him. Bratt treats Finch brusquely until Finch mentions he was referred by Mr. Biggley. Finch is given a job in the mailroom, where he works with Mr. Biggley's lazy and nepotism-minded nephew Bud Frump. Rosemary dreams of a life with Finch in the suburbs and tells her friend Smitty that she'd be Happy to Keep his Dinner Warm. Coffee break! The fatigued workers fall over each other in their rush to get to the coffee machine, only to find it bone dry. It’s a dubious reason for a song, but hey. Meanwhile we learn Mr Twimble, head of the mailroom, is moving to the shipping department. He tells Finch that the secret to longevity at the company is to play things The Company Way. Twimble appoints Finch as his successor, but Finch, heeding the words of his trusty book, declines the promotion, saying that Bud Frump is more qualified. Frump accepts, vowing to play things The Company Way, too. Twimble and Bratt are impressed by Finch, and Bratt offers him a job as a junior executive in the Plans and Systems department, headed by Mr. Gatch. Frump, seeing that he has been outdone, fumes. Miss Hedy LaRue, a gorgeous Marilyn Monroe-esque career woman is Mr. Biggley's mistress, leaving the men around the office panting in her wake. Mr. Bratt reminds his men that A Secretary Is Not a Toy. It is Friday afternoon, just after five o'clock. As the employees make their way to the elevators, the ever-alert Finch learns that Biggley is extremely proud of his alma mater, Old Ivy, and learns that he will be in the office Saturday morning. Rosemary and Smitty encounter Finch at the elevator. They agree that it's "Been a Long Day", and Smitty helps them arrange a date. Frump runs into Biggley and Hedy, arguing about her job. Frump realizes their relationship and blackmails Biggley into giving him a promotion. For them too it’s "Been A Long Day"! On Saturday morning, Finch enters early and scatters a mess around his office to make it appear that he has been working all night. Biggley arrives and witnesses Finch "asleep" at his desk. Finch "absent-mindedly" begins humming Grand Old Ivy – the Old Ivy song. Finch allows Biggley believe that he, too, is a proud alumnus. Biggley insists that Finch be given his own office and secretary. Bratt assigns Hedy, prompting the Book Voice to warn Finch to beware of secretaries who have many talents, none of them secretarial! Finch realises that Biggley must be her advocate, and sends her on an errand to Gatch, knowing that he won't be able to resist making a pass at her. The scene finishes with Finch promoted to run Gatch’s department as Gatch is dispatched to an out of town office…in Venezuela! A reception for the new Advertising Department head, Benjamin Burton Daniel Ovington, is being held, and Rosemary hopes to impress Finch with her new Paris Original. She arrives first, only to watch all of the women in the office enter wearing an identical design of dress! Hedy has a bit too much to drink, and she exits to shower in Biggley's office. Frump, seeing an opportunity, tells Finch that Biggley is waiting in his office for him. Hoping to trap Finch and Hedy, Frump goes off to find Biggley. In the office, Hedy makes a pass at Finch, and, as they are kissing passionately, Finch realizes that he is in love with Rosemary, who enters as Hedy returns to the bathroom. Finch proposes to her and, as she is about to accept, Hedy comes out of the bathroom clad in only a robe. Rosemary angrily leaves the office, only to find Frump and Biggley just outside the door. Hedy returns to the bathroom, and Finch and Rosemary embrace – just in time for Frump and Biggley to walk through the door. Though JB does not approve entirely of the behaviour Finch gets away with it as JB doesn’t see Hedy in his office. Ovington resigns after Biggley realizes he went to Old Ivy's bitter rival Northern State (the Chipmunks). Biggley names Finch Vice-President in Charge of Advertising, and gives him two days to present his ideas at a meeting. Biggley leaves as Finch and Rosemary declare their love for J. Pierrepont Finch. Bud Frump is once again fuming.

Act 2

It is the morning of the big meeting, and Rosemary is feeling neglected by Finch. She decides to quit, but her fellow secretaries convince her to stay: she's living their dream of marrying an executive and becoming Cinderella, Darling. She relents saying she will give him one more chance. The book tells Finch, that he has done brilliantly… unless he is VP in charge of Advertising, in which case “you must get a brilliant idea". Bud Frump enters and slyly tells Finch about his idea for a Treasure hunt. Finch loves the idea, unaware that Biggley has already rejected it. Finch bounces the idea off Rosemary, who tells him that, no matter what, she'd be Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm (reprise). Hedy tells Biggley she is extremely unhappy with her job and is leaving for California. He begs her to stay, and declares his Love From a Heart of Gold. In the executive washroom, Frump assures the others that Finch's plan will fail and, with it, his career. Finch enters and gives himself a pep talk, saying I Believe in You. Finch presents "his" idea: he will hide five thousand shares of company stock in each of the ten offices around the country and give the audience weekly clues as to their whereabouts. Biggley is about to reject this idea yet again, when Finch explains that each clue will be given by the World Wide Wicket Girl: Miss Hedy LaRue. JB sees the chance to pacify Hedy (and stop her moving to California) so goes for the plan. During the first television show, Hedy is asked to swear on a Bible that she doesn't know the location of the prizes. Hedy, whom Biggley had told the night before where the treasure was hidden, panics and reveals the locations to the entire television audience. It’s a disaster as looting of all the companies’ offices ensues. The book tells Finch, "How To Handle a Disaster. …we suggest that your best bet is to review the first chapter of this book: 'How to Apply for a Job' ". Treasure hunters have wrecked World Wide Wicket Company offices across the country, and the executives, including Chairman of the Board Wally Womper, are waiting in Biggley's office for Finch's resignation. Rosemary tells Finch "I Believe in You". About to sign his letter of resignation, Finch mentions that he'll probably be going back to washing windows. Womper is drawn to Finch as he, too, was a washer of windows and that they both "had a book", Wally's book being a book of betting records. Finch manages to place the blame for the treasure hunt on Bud, also mentioning that Frump is Biggley's nephew. Womper is about to "clean house from top to bottom", when Finch steps in on everyone's behalf. Finch tells the executives that they're all part of the Brotherhood of Man. Everyone is spared, except Frump, who is fired because he is Biggley's nephew. At the finale, we see that Biggley is still president, Bud Frump is reduced to being a window cleaner, Womper is retiring to travel the world with his new wife, Hedy, and Finch will become Chairman of the Board. Rosemary stands by his side and inadvertently inspires him to aspire for Presidency of the United States. Obama had better watch out! The Company Way Finale.

The End

The Production team

• Director - Seán O’Farrell
• Musical Director – Marcus Davidson
• Choreographer - Andrea Gerret
• Stage Manager - Richard Seagroatt
• Costumes - Pauline Seagroatt / Debbie Featherstone
• Props - Debbie Featherstone
• Special Thanks to - Chris Cockburn / Sam Leach / Rachael Parry-Taylor / Carol Morris / Fidelma O’Neill / Justine Knight / Amelia Scofield / Ella Pevsner / Peter O’Donovan / Rick Astley

The Cast

• J Pierrepont Finch – Kevin Shen
• Rosemary Pilkington - Mary Dunn
• JB Biggley - Barry Pavey
• Bud Frump - Tom Scambler
• Smitty - Manuela Langotsch
• Hedy La Rue – Karina Knapinska
• Mr Bratt – Neil Carmichael
• Mr Gatch - Darren JA Knight
• Miss Krumholtz – D’Angeles da Silva
• Mr Jenkins – Roy Parris
• Mr Twimble/Mr Tackaberry - Jude Figueria
• Miss Jones - Pauline Seagroatt
• Daniel Ovington/TV Announcer – Richard Seagroatt
• Mr Womper - Seán O’Farrell
• Book Voice - Dave Chaisty
• Chorus – Kimberley Barrios / Alia Waheed / Charlotte Knell / Debbie Featherstone

Act 1

Rhythm Of Life [amended lyrics] (Sweet Charity) – Company

Something’s Coming (West Side Story) – Colin

Start Of Something New (High School Musical) – Colin & Melody

Dancing In The Moonlight (Toploader) - G&A School of Performing Arts

Happy Working Song (Enchanted) – Chorus

Word Up (Cameo) – G&A School of Performing Arts

In Enterprise Of Martial Kind (The Gondoliers) - Duke, Colin & Melody

Act 2

What Is This Feeling (Wicked) - Chorus

Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life (Spamalot) – Duke / Marta & Tommy

Wish Upon A Star (N Sync version) - G&A School of Performing Arts

Thriller (Michael Jackson) - G&A School of Performing Arts

Bad (Michael Jackson) – Baron Snatcher / Peas & Pye

Tell Me It’s Not True (Blood Brothers) – Melody & Company

Lets Call The Whole Thing Off (Shall We Dance) – Martha Muffett & Tommy

A Happy Ending (Love Off The Shelf) - Company

The Production team

• Director - Seán O’Farrell
• Musical Director - Marcus Davidson
• Choreography - Andrea Gerrett
• G&A School of Performing Arts - Gemma Cottey and Amelia Pluck
• Stage Manager - Richard Seagroatt assisted by Chris Cockburn
• Lights - Darren JA Knight
• Special Thanks to – Carol Morris / Peter O’Donovan / Roy Parris

The Cast

• Colin – Pauline Seagroatt
• Melody – Daina Ashmore
• Duke Of York - Sam Leach
• Martha Muffett - Steve Norton
• Baron Snatcher – Barry Pavey
• Peas – Fidelma O’Neill
• Pye - Jude Figueira
• Maleficent - Justine Knight
• Tommy – Kevin Shen
• Jack - Carol de Burca
• Jill - Dunja Kuhn
• Mother Shipton - Marina Gask
• Chorus – Debbie Featherstone, Karina Knapinska, Silvia Galinda-Santonja, Mary Dunn & Elayne Carby
• Children of the G&A School of Performing Arts – Amy Barton / Bethany Bird / Ellie Martin / Jack Wallbridge / Ella Bellew / Ruby Crabtree / Lauren Phillips / Megan Parker / Ella Radenhurst / Jessica Wallbridge / Elizabeth Lemon / Chloe La Roche / Charlie Richardson / Chloe Vandepeer / Daniel Scott / Megan Cramer / Marianne Lemon / Elvie La Roche / Ruby Maguire / Emelia Tuffield

Ninety years on from the Armistice, Oh What a Lovely War remains a classic of modern theatre and a powerful reminder of the atrocities of war.

It is a theatrical chronicle of the First World War, told through the songs and documents of the period. It is a satirical attack on the military incompetence and the inconceivable disregard for human life. At times funny and deeply moving, Oh What a Lovely War! combines live music, dance, songs and sketches creating a picture of life for those on, and behind, the front line.

First performed at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East, London in 1963, it received the acclaim of London audiences and critics. It won the Grand Prix of the Théâtre des Nations festival in Paris that year and has gone on to become a classic of the modern theatre.

In 1969 a film version was made which extended the play’s popular success. The play is now on the standard reading list of schools and universities around the UK and was revived by the Royal National Theatre in 1998.

Scenes

Act 1

Summer 1914

A scorching Bank Holiday

The Circus Begins

The rumblings of war as various countries dictate their interests and wish for power. The Kaiser wished Germany to be all powerful so planned to conquer France and Russia.

Sarajevo

Archduke Fernand’s assassination resulted in Austria and Hungry declaring war on Serbia. Due to various alliances and treaties the result was that Russia, France, Serbia, Belgium and Great Britain were at war with Germany (US entered in1917).

Germany

Countries begin to mobilize and prepare for war.

London

Ladies encourage their men folk to join up.

French Calvary

Belgium’s input puts the kibosh on the Kaiser.

The Battlefield

A French and German Officer write letters home.

English Recruits

We are not downhearted and men are encouraged to join up by fair means foul.

Allies Confer

Battle plans and insights into ill formed decision making.

England

The first wounded arrive back home and life goes on in theatres around the country.

Trench Warfare begins

The first winter.

Act 2

1915

Conscription act was passed but many men vanished from home. The white feather became the symbol of cowardice.

Grouse Shooting

Business men from warring countries plan on how to get rich.

Trench

Officers visit the men

1916 – A Ballroom

High ranking officers such as Haig and French are more concerned with their status than loss of life on the battlefield.

Battle Plans

Haig and a British General discuss plans and a shortage of men.

A Battle Field

The Irish arrive.

The Battle At Home

The Suffragettes are making a stand and Miss Pankhurst is firm against war.

Battle on the Somme

Men prepare for battle

Church Service

Men and Nurses together in worship

Burial Duty

Men had to dig the graves of their comrades.

Back Home

Women took over the men’s jobs at home, working in factories and keeping the home fires burning.

English Soldiers pay homage

Finale

The Production team

• Director - Rachael Parry-Taylor
• Musical Director - Marcus Davidson
• Choreography - Rachael Parry-Taylor
• Sound Recording / Slide Operator - Neil Carmichael
• Costumes & Props - Pauline Seagroatt, Richard Seagroatt & Debbie Featherstone
• Stage Manager - Richard Seagroatt
• Front Of House - Edith Adejobe / Justine Knight / Barry Pavey / Nicki Parry / Elayne Carby
• With Special Thanks to - The Edward Alleyn Theatre, Carshalton Pantomime & Sheila Seagroatt

The Cast

Ladies

• MC / Photographer & Chaplain - Fidelma O’Neill
• France / Lanzerac / Doctor & English Woman - Marina Gask
• Austria / French Aide & English Woman - Susan Mills
• Ireland / British Soldier & English Woman - Debbie Featherstone
• Lanzerac Aide / Solo ‘Hold Your Hand’ / Ghillie & English Woman - Carol Deburca
• News Girl / British Soldier & Emily Pankhurst - Charlotte Knell
• Solo ‘Man Out Of You’ & Nurse - Pauline Seagroatt
• German Dancer / German Woman / German Soldier & English Soldier - Dunja Kuhn

Gentlemen

• Britain / France / British Officer & Haig - David Croft
• Kaiser / Serbian Secret Police / German Officer / German Soldier & Irish Sergeant – Seán O’Farrell
• Moltke / Austrian Secret Police & British Sergeant - Stephen Norton
• Moranville / French Officer & British Corporal - Kevin Ferny
• Russia & Stall Holder - Jude Figueira
• Wilson / Rawlinson & British General - Sam Leach
• British Soldier / Corporal & Switzerland - Roy Parris