Fancy getting involved with Newbury Musical Theatre Society?

We are always happy to welcome new members on stage, behind the scenes and as Vice Presidents, who follow the society & give support.

For more information, visit our website www.newburymusicaltheatre.co.uk

  

Calling all boys 9‐15!! Are you interested in performing? If so, why  don't  you  come  and  gain  some  experience  with  our youth  group  YoungStars   before our next major production Oliver.  For  more  information  please  contact  Sarah  Scott       sarah.youngstars@hotmail.com  

Honorary Officers and General Committee Members 2014/2015 President: George Reginald Oliver Molyneux Herbert The 8th Earl

of Carnarvon

Chairman: Jeremy Mann, Vice Chairman: Martin Rogers Chris Austin, Alice Billington, Amy Billington, Shaun Blake, Kate Izzard, Debbi Ledwith, Deanna Mason, Tony Randall (Treasurer), Joanne Spratt , Scott Taylor and Jaz Wilson

Newbury Musical Theatre Society Formerly Newbury Operatic Society.

Established in 1922. Affiliated to the National Operatic and Dramatic Association.

Registered Charity No. 261370 www.newburymusicaltheatre.co.uk

Synopsis When Frederic was still a little boy, his nurse (Ruth) was told to apprentice him to become a pilot. She heard the word incorrectly and apprenticed him to a band of bikers known as ‘The Pirates’, remaining with them herself to keep an eye on him. Although Frederic did not like being a member of the gang, he dutifully stayed to fulfil the terms of his contract. As the curtain rises on ‘The Pirate’s Lair’ beach bar, which is the base of the Pirates, Frederic’s apprenticeship is up and he announces his intention to leave the band and devote himself to the extermination of piracy and illegal crime. He urges the bikers to join him in and become ‘legal’, but they refuse. Ruth, however, wishes to become his wife. Having seen only a few women during his life with the gang, Frederic hesitates to accept a woman so much older than himself, but he finally consents to take her. Just then a group of girls appear, all the daughters of Major-General Stanley, on their way to a picnic. Frederic sees their beauty—and Ruth’s plainness—and renounces her. Of these girls, Mabel takes a particular interest in Frederic, and he in her. The other girls are seized by the pirates and threatened with immediate marriage. When the Major-General arrives, he manages to dissuade the pirates by telling them that he is an orphan, and by playing on their sympathies they let him and his wards go free. However, in the days and nights that follow, this lie troubles the Major-General’s conscience. He sits brooding over it at night in a ruined chapel. He is only consoled by the sympathetic words of his daughters and Frederic’s plan of immediately leading a band of police against the pirates. The police are reluctant, but Frederic is still enthusiastic. Meanwhile the Pirate King and Ruth seek out Frederic with surprising news. They have discovered that his apprenticeship was to run until his twenty first birthday, and—as he was born in Leap Year on February 29th—he has really had as yet only five birthdays. Bound by his strong sense of duty, he immediately rejoins the pirate bikers and tells them of the lie told by Major-General Stanley. The Pirate King and Ruth storm off threatening revenge, and Frederic sadly bids Mabel farewell. When Mabel tells the police of the change in circumstances they comment on the bad luck that follows them, then decide to hide. The pirates storm the chapel, seize the Major-General, and easily defeat the policemen. However, when their loyalties are challenged and they are requested to yield, they do so at once. Ruth reveals that these apparently lawless bikers are “all noblemen who have gone wrong.” The Major-General pardons them and allows them to marry his daughters.

ESTATE AGENTS At Hillier & Wilson we pride ourselves on our friendly approach and our commitment to the highest level of customer service, ensuring that all of our clients are treated with the utmost of importance and respect. We are extremely passionate about our work and customers needs, and have built up great relationships with many of our clients over the years, leading to repeat business on several occasions. Our commitment and dedication are second to none and guarantee an excellent service experience for all of our clients. We are highly motivated and committed independent company. We wish to concentrate on delivering a quality personal service which a large organisation cannot always provide. The founders of the Company, Tony Hillier and Lorraine Wilson, have been involved with some of the most successful estate agents in Newbury for many years. Bartholomew House 64 Bartholomew Street, Newbury RG14 7BE Tel: 01635 522044 www.hillierandwilson.co.uk sales@hillierandwilson.co.uk

The Production Team Debbi Ledwith - Director

Debbi is more usually found on stage during NMTS performances and her favourite roles to date have been Reno in Anything Goes, Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd and Maria in The Sound of Music. Her ‘day job’ as Head of Performing Arts at an Arts College in Basingstoke means that she gets to work on all aspects of performance with students, directing three shows a year. However, this is Debbi’s first time directing adults and she is really happy to have such a lovely cast to work with. The Pirates are coming!

Neil Streeter - Musical Director. It was in 1961 that Neil first saw Newbury Operatic Society (as it was called then). Throughout the 60’s Michael Evans, the Musical Director, encouraged him to attend orchestra rehearsals and become involved on the musical side even though it was not until 1966 that he was old enough to join as a singing member for concerts and the 1968 production of The Merry Widow. Whilst at college he “took the plunge” and conducted his first musical returning to Newbury to teach at Turnpike School, where he directed over a dozen musicals .During the 80’s he was often “heard” playing percussion for various shows and musically directed a number of shows with Newbury Nomads. He also directed five productions for this Society and was appointed Assistant Musical Director by Michael. On two occasions he stepped in at short notice to conduct when Michael was unwell.

In the 90’s he started to work with the two Basingstoke Societies (B.A.T.S and B.A.O.S.) conducting Westt Side Story, 42nd Street and a concert with the Basingstoke Symphony Orchestra at the Anvil. He has continued to work with B.A.T.S and is conducting their production of The Wizard of Oz at the Haymarkett Theatre in November. Between 2006 and 2012 he was also Musical Director with Andover Musical Theatre Company. Neil is delighted to be back with his “first” society , that still very much enjoys a “good sing” and he considers it an honour to follow in Michael’s footsteps. Jaz Wilson - Choreographer

Jaz Wilson, well what can I say? Jaz has not been in the society long and has been welcomed in with open arms, not just as an actor, dancer and singer but now a choreographer (using the term loosely). Jaz has choreographed and taught dance before with a dance school, mainly working with street dance, but being asked to choreograph the policemen within a G&S production is a lot different. He felt challenged but has tried to embrace it and in between laughing like a hyena, actually managed to get a group of people to move around the stage and dance :) Jaz has enjoyed choreographing and is looking forward to being a pirate with a twist.

Shaun Blake - Producer Shaun has really enjoyed his time with Newbury Musical Theatre Society and continues to do so having been a member for about 11 years. Previous roles with the society are: Wiggins in The Revenge of Sherlock Holmes, Fyedka in Fiddler on the Roof and most recently Tobias in Sweeney Todd. Shaun has recently been venturing into behind the scenes territory, having been a producer for a variety show with another society, as well as being Producer for the recent Corn Exchange production of Guys and Dolls. Shaun’s latest stage appearance was playing the role of Annas in BATS’ production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Haymarket. He hopes you continue to enjoy NMTS’ productions.

OVERTURE ACT 1

“POUR, O POUR THE PIRATE SHERRY” - Pirates and Samuel “WHEN FREDERIC WAS A LITTLE LAD” - Ruth

“OH, BETTER FAR TO LIVE AND DIE” - Pirate King and Pirates “OH, FALSE ONE, YOU HAVE DECEIVED ME!” - Frederic and Ruth

“CLIMBING OVER ROCKY MOUNTAIN” - Girls, Edith, and Kate “STOP, LADIES, PRAY!” - Frederic, Edith, Kate, and Girls

“OH, IS THERE NOT ONE MAIDEN BREAST” - Frederic, Mabel, and Girls “POOR WANDERING ONE!” - Mabel and Girls

“WHAT OUGHT WE TO DO” - Edith, Kate, and Girls “HOW BEAUTIFULLY BLUE THE SKY” - Girls, Mabel, and Frederic

“STAY, WE MUST NOT LOSE OUR SENSES” - Frederic, Girls, and Pirates “HOLD, MONSTERS!” - Mabel, Samuel, Major-General, Girls, and Pirates

“I AM THE VERY MODEL OF A MODERN MAJOR-GENERAL” - Major-General, Girls, and Pirates “OH, MEN OF DARK AND DISMAL FATE” - Ensemble

ACT 2 “OH, DRY THE GLISTENING TEAR” - Girls and Mabel

“THEN, FREDERIC, LET YOUR ESCORT LION-HEARTED” - Major-General and Frederic “WHEN THE FOEMAN BARES HIS STEEL” - Sergeant, Mabel, Edith, Kate, Major-General, Police,

and Girls “NOW FOR THE PIRATES’ LAIR!” - Frederic, Pirate King, and Ruth

“WHEN YOU HAD LEFT OUR PIRATE FOLD” - Ruth, Frederic, and Pirate King “AWAY, AWAY! MY HEART’S ON FIRE” - Ruth, Pirate King, and Frederic

“ALL IS PREPARED” - Mabel and Frederic “STAY, FREDERIC, STAY!” - Mabel and Frederic

“NO, I AM BRAVE!” - Mabel, Sergeant, and Police “WHEN A FELON’S NOT ENGAGED IN HIS EMPLOYMENT” - Sergeant and Police

“A ROLLICKING BAND OF PIRATES WE” - Pirates, Sergeant, and Police “WITH CAT-LIKE TREAD, UPON OUR PREY WE STEAL” - Pirates, Police, and Samuel

“HUSH, HUSH! NOT A WORD” - Frederic, Pirates, Police, and Major-General “SIGHING SOFTLY TO THE RIVER” - Major-General and Ensemble

NEWBURY MUSICAL THEATRE SOCIETY

Newbury Musical Theatre Society wishes to express its gratitude to Thatcham Town Council and Greenham Common Trust

for their generous support towards this production and the Society

The Pirates of Penzance

Behind the Scenes Stage Manager Joanne Spratt Back Stage Crew Ian 'Spud' Smith, Colin Eales, James Foster, Ed Collins, Scott Taylor, Nathan Marney, Michael Scott-

Cound Stage Combat Director Sarah Hollins Props Gay Buchanan Lighting Designer Vicky Allen Sound Alastair Hunter Sound Effects Paul Hyde Set Design Crissy Quirke, Elizabeth Firth-

Powell Wardrobe Nikki Rogers,

Laura Randall Make-up Cat Wheelan,

Ros Kitson Prompt Amy Billington Front of House Team Gerald Picton,

Peter Brown, Alice Billington, Amy Billington

Rehearsal Accompanist Neil Streeter, Oliver Williams

Poster Design & Programme Martin Rogers Production Photography Rhys Swan Special thanks to Samantha Roscoe, James Pascall-Smith, Cathy Black, Ros Kitson and Russell Barrett Orchestra Neil Streeter Percussion Oliver Williams Keyboard John Barham Bass

The Cast List

The Principals Frederic - Sam Prentice

Mabel - Kate Izzard Pirate King - Martin Rogers

Samuel - Shaun Blake Major General - Paul Hyde

Sergeant - Jez Mann Ruth - Crissy Quirke

The Daughters Hollie Coghlan

Lucie Dale Eloise Trumper

Anna Neary Sarah Preston

Lucy Fitt

The Pirates Tony Randall Chris Austin

Finch Leonard Jaz Wilson

Jamie Ledwith Matt Collins

Policemen / Governesses

Bev Lewis Justine Fry

Jennifer Telling Helen Fantom Jane Howard Jean Austin

Maureen Prince Elizabeth Firth-Powell

Sarah Foley

The Cast Sammy Prentice - Frederic

Sam is 17 years old and has been interested in theatre from a very young age. He started drama lessons when he was 8 and has been doing them ever since, performing several lead and ensemble parts in productions by New Era theatre company, with the most notable being Smike in Nicholas Nickleby. This is his second show with NMTS, having joined the group for the production of Guys and Dolls which was put on in spring this year. This is Sam’s first ever leading musical theatre role and he hopes to do it justice.

Kate Izzard - Mabel This is Kate's third show with NMTS, having previously played Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls and Johanna in Sweeney Todd. Kate loves to sing and performs as often as possible, both as a soloist as a part of local band Sweet Music. She also works part time as a Disney princess performer for Routine Riots, playing characters such as Elsa, Belle and Ariel. Kate has always loved musical theatre, and hopes one day to pursue a West End career. She has loved playing Mabel, and would like to thank the amazing cast and crew for making it such a fun and enjoyable show to be a part of!

Martin Rogers - Pirate King Martin has really enjoyed his time with Newbury Musical Theatre Society, and has been lucky enough to play such principal roles as Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls, the Beast in Beauty and the Beast and Anthony in Sweeney Todd. He has really enjoyed his first taste of G & S and loves the new twist. He says it’s been an absolute pleasure working with such a talented Director, Musical Director and wonderful cast of performers. He hopes you have a swashbuckling time!!

Paul Hyde - Major General Paul’s first stage appearance, way back in the dark ages of the 1970’s, was in the chorus of a school production of HMS Pinafore. He is grateful for this opportunity to take on such a delightful, if tongue-twisting, role as his second G&S show and has enjoyed the rehearsal process with such a talented bunch of people. In June (with only 10 days to learn the part) Paul appeared as Jarvis Pike in A Chorus of Disapproval. In the prior months he has performed locally as Harry The Horse (Guys and Dolls), Cowardly Lion (Wizard of Oz), Tevye (Fiddler on The Roof), Beadle Bamford (Sweeney Todd), Roy (The Odd Couple) and as Captain Treacherous (Up Pompeii). In his spare time, Paul is also singer/guitarist in a classic pop/ rock band based in Hungerford.

Crissy Quirke - Ruth From a young age, Crissy has been involved with the performing arts as her mother was a singer and her father was a musician/song writer. Not surprisingly, she started out on her performing path as a singer fronting various rock bands, latterly as a backing recording artist. She progressed into musical theatre some 30 years ago and has taken lead roles in many stage musicals over the years. From the mid 90’s she became involved and remains involved in film and television performance. Crissy last performed with NMTS in their 2013 production of The Sound of Music and she is delighted to be taking part in this production of Pirates of Penzance.

Jez Mann - Sergeant

Jez is delighted to be performing again at Trinity school having played the role of the Pirate King in the society's last production of Pirates of Penzance in 2007. This time he "leads" the policeman in Act 2 as the Police Sergeant although leading astray perhaps sums it up far more accurately! He has really enjoyed working on a production which requires such a big sing and thanks must go to Neil and Oliver for superb musical direction and of course to Debs and Jaz for strong stage direction and choreography and for giving this old show a right good kick up the jacksy! The highlight...........Hail Poetry, what else?!!! Enjoy the show.

The Daughters Left to right Hollie Coghlan, Anna Neary, Kate Izzard, Lucy Fitt, Lucie Dale The Pirates Back Row, left to right Finch Leonard, Tony Randall, Matt Collins, Chris Austin Front Row Shaun Blake, Jaz Wilson, Jamie Ledwith, Jez Mann Policemen / Governesses Back Row left to right Justine Fry, Helen Fantom Maureen Prince, Jennifer Telling, Jean Austin, Bev Lewis Front Row Elizabeth Firth-Powell, Jane Howard, Sarah Foley