1. art and entertainment
2. theatre

spring
at
January-June 2015
Cheltenham’s Intimate Community Theatre
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
A (very) brief history of The Playhouse
In 1801, Henry Thompson bought the entire
Montpellier estate from the Reverend
Delabere and the first building on this site was
erected in 1806. It was built as a spa and for
the manufacture of “The Real Cheltenham
Salts”, a reduction of the spa water to its solid
constituents, which could be added back to
water and taken for medicinal purposes. There
were also six baths of various sizes. By 1818,
there were nine baths on the premises, of
which two were cold water baths large enough
for swimming.
The Montpellier Baths reopened in September
1900 after a major refurbishment, having been
purchased by the Corporation of Cheltenham
in 1899. The council added many slipper and
medicinal baths in the area now used as the
green room and rehearsal rooms. Further
additions were made in 1916 and 1920. The
Baths never made a profit for the council
and by 1939 the exterior was looking derelict.
During the war, the Baths were closed to
become an ARP Centre and the home of a
division of the St John’s Ambulance.
The premises underwent many refurbishments,
enlargements and improvements throughout
the 19th Century, with the addition of a sizeable
swimming pool, showers, air, steam and vapour
baths, plus its own steam mill and bakery from
around 1836, which made use of the energy
produced by the boilers used in the salts
manufacturing process.
Discussions and calls for a home for local
amateur theatre began in 1944 and the Baths
were converted to become the Civic Playhouse
which opened in April 1945 making it, as far as
we have been able to ascertain, the only new
theatre to begin operating during WWII.
The town council financed the Playhouse until
1957, when local volunteers took over the
running of the venue under the guise of the
Theatre & Arts Club. It is still run by volunteers
to this day and has been a registered charity
since 2001.
The main swimming pool could be covered
over to allow gymnasium classes and cycling
lessons to be held and in later years the baths
played host to exhibitions, dances, fancy dress
balls, dinners for soldiers on leave and a variety
of competitions.
2
Welcome
The Playhouse 1945-2015
This year marks the 70th anniversary of
Cheltenham’s intimate community theatre. Of
course, the building is much older than that,
dating from a period when the town barely
stretched beyond the current high street!
process of writing what we hope will prove
to be a very interesting book! However, we
thought you might like to know a little more
about our history in this anniversary year
– see opposite!
Our theatrical era began on 9 April 1945, while
WWII was still being fought, with a production
of George Bernard Shaw’s Arms & The Man,
bringing forth a congratulatory message from
the author himself, together with celebrated
Cheltenham-born actor Ralph Richardson.
We’re very pleased that to mark the occasion,
Patesian Players are going to stage that same
play this April, with their first night being 70
years to the very day of that first performance.
This is just one highlight of the first half of our
anniversary season of plays, musicals and
concerts from local amateur companies and
professional performers.
Aside from a grant of £5,699 from the
borough council, the theatre receives no
external funding and relies on revenue
from theatre and room hire, a percentage
of box office income, bar profits and the
goodwill of its supporters. We have made
many improvements over the years and
wish to make more, let alone maintain the
existing fabric. We are therefore looking for
sponsorship as well as to increase the number
of our volunteer friends who work front of
house. For more information please see
page 18.
Everyone who is involved with this theatre is
well aware of its importance and takes their
role as a custodian of this fascinating grade-II
building very seriously. One of our members,
Allen Miller, has been undertaking an
enormous amount of research into its history;
we now know far more about it and the
people that worked, visited, lived - and even
died - here than ever before and we are in the
CONNECT WITH US
In the meantime, sit back, choose which
shows you want to come and see and give
our box office a call on 01242 522852.
Paul Scott
Theatre manager
@CheltPlayhouse
The Playhouse, Cheltenham
COVER IMAGES Poetry Festival Previews PAGE 6 Arms & The Man PAGE 10 Ladies Godiva PAGE 11 Being Alive PAGE 13
3
Gloucestershire Youth Theatre presents
Cheltenham Operatic & Dramatic Society
presents
The Quest for
the Gold Cup
Fawlty Towers
SATURDAY 31 JANUARY –
SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY No Sunday performance
THURSDAY 22 – SATURDAY 24 JANUARY
Edmund Noels and Archibald Long have
never seen eye to eye. From the first
moment they met both men have been trying
to out do the other in every facet of their
lives. As successful men of Gloucestershire
the only way to settle their differences is to
buy, train and race their prize horses in The
Cheltenham Gold Cup. To the winner the
spoils, the glory and the bragging rights…
By Connie Booth and John Cleese
Directed by Nick Tobias
There are hotel inspectors in town; a rather
deaf lady complains about the view from
her bedroom window; and a demanding
American insists on a particular meal. It can
only be three episodes of the sitcom voted
Greatest Ever British TV Programme in a
British Film Institute Poll in 2000.
Set in the eponymous chaotic Torquay hotel,
we invite you to relive the iconic moments
and memorable characters from three of
the most celebrated episodes – The Hotel
Inspectors, Communication Problems and
Waldorf Salad - as misanthropic Basil Fawlty
battles with guests, the hapless Manuel and
of course his acerbic wife Sybil.
7.00 pm
2.00pm matinee 24 Jan
£8 (£5 concessions)
7.45pm
2.00pm matinee 7 Feb
£12 (£10 concessions Mon & Tues eves and
Sat mat)
An amateur production
An amateur production by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
4
Beyond Eternity Promotions presents
Rolling Stock Theatre Company presents
Elvis vs
Jerry Lee Lewis
Hedwig &
The Angry Inch
FRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY
WEDNESDAY 25 – SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY
Who was the real king of rock ‘n’ roll? This is
your opportunity to decide as the two come
head to head! Be excited once more by the
sheer energy of Elvis’ hits such as Hound
Dog, All Shook Up and Don’t Be Cruel and
Jerry Lee Lewis’ hits such as Great Balls of
Fire, Whole Lotta Shakin’ and Breathless.
Then you choose who was the true king and
invite them back for one final curtain call.
Two breathtaking performers in the guise
of Dave B (Elvis) and Peter Gill (Jerry Lee
Lewis) and supported by the fabulous Buddy
Presley Band remind us all why rock ‘n’ roll
will never die!
www.beyondeternitypromotions.com
A musical by John Cameron Mitchell
& Stephen Trask
Directed by Anne Cambridge
Hedwig, our East German heroine, started life
as Hansel. Offered escape from Germany,
Hansel emerges from a botched sex-change
operation and, in a ball of glitter and
rock ‘n’roll, Hedwig is born. Alone in America,
Hedwig seduces young rock star-in-themaking, Tommy Speck. But as Tommy heads
for stardom with the songs Hedwig wrote,
she pursues him, struggling to claim a piece
of the starlight for herself.
This February, Hedwig, her husband Yitzhak
and their band, The Angry Inch, take you on a
musical journey of self-discovery, heartache,
and wigs.
Contains strong language and is not
suitable for those aged under 15.
7.45pm
£12 (£10 concessions except Sat)
7.45pm
£14 (£12 concessions)
An amateur production by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
5
Beyond Eternity Promotions presents
Cheltenham Poetry Festival in partnership
with The Playhouse presents
An Evening
with Anita Harris
Poetry Festival
Preview (Day 1)
FRIDAY 6 MARCH
SATURDAY 7 MARCH
2.00pm Joyce *
Songs and sketches of beloved actress
and writer Joyce Grenfell performed by
Playhouse actors. £6 (£4)
4.00pm John Hegley
The ‘scandalously talented’ (Sunday Times)
comedian, poet, performer, Radio 4 favourite
and People’s Poet Laureate John Hegley
returns to Cheltenham for a special matinee
show which fuses poetry, song and stand-up.
‘Bleeding marvellous’ (NME). £10 (£8)
6.00pm Dead Poets, Live! *
From Keats to Kipling; Inspired Playhouse
actors interpret popular classic poems.
£6 (£4)
7.45pm Festival Music Hall *
In the great Playhouse tradition, comedy,
monologue, poetry, and updated singalong
songs; a hilarious melodrama of brothers
competing in verse for love, egged on by
feisty Lady with Shallots. £10 (£8)
Anita Harris has had a breathtaking career
spanning over 50 years. She has been a
film star, television star, graced the top
of the pop charts, become a pantomime
legend as Peter Pan, starred in Cats in the
West End and featured in seven Royal
Command Performances. She has never
stopped performing and has worked
alongside legendary names in the world of
entertainment such as Harry Secombe, Phil
Silvers, Morecambe & Wise, Tommy Cooper,
magician David Nixon and Clive Dunn.
*Devised by Marilyn & Howard Timms of Playhouse New Drama
Join her and The Peter Gill Trio in a glorious
cocktail of song, chat, glitz and charm in an
unforgettable evening.
www.anita-harris.com
7.45pm
£14
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
6
Cheltenham Poetry Festival in partnership
with The Playhouse presents
Dreamshed Theatre presents
Stand Up and
be Counted
Poetry Festival
Preview (Day 2)
FRIDAY 14 MARCH
SUNDAY 8 MARCH
Following their last popular outing, they’re
back with another evening of comedy! Join
Norman and Beryl’s regulars for an evening
of assorted stand-up, sit-down and sketches
(not of the drawing kind).
“Just what the doctor ordered!”
H. Shipman
“Best night out I’ve had for a while”
A. Coulson
11.00amAF Harrold presents The Imaginary
A poetry show for kids and the young at
heart. Acclaimed poet AF Harrold reads from
his enchanting new book plus some of his
quirky and hilarious poetry. £6 (£4)
2.00pm Ann Drysdale – Between Dryden
and Duffy
Ann Drysdale is an entertaining, humorous
and thought-provoking poet, renowned for
captivating readings. £6 (£4)
4.00pm Knowing Smirk
Expect rhyme and little reason when
Knowing Smirk, lead by comedian and poet
Joy–Amy Wigman, offer a comedy sketch
and improv show – with a tinge of panic and a
big-dollop of poetry inspired fun! £10 (£8)
8.00pm Boundless Brothers
This ebullient British folk-pop is gaining
a huge following for infectious melodies
and feel-good tunes. The band consists of
brothers Sam Wilson (lead vocals, guitar), Seb
Wilson (electric/double bass, backing vocals)
and Nathan Cole (banjo, backing vocals). Get
ready to dance in the aisles… £10 (£8)
7.45pm
£10
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
7
The Rococo Players presents
Deep End Theatre Company presents
Anne Boleyn
Accidental Death
of an Anarchist
TUESDAY 17 – SATURDAY 21 MARCH
THURSDAY 19 – SATURDAY 21
& THURSDAY 26 – SATURDAY 28 MARCH
By Howard Brenton
Directed by Antoinette Wilson
Lover, heretic, Queen, revolutionary...
A celebration of a great English heroine,
Anne Boleyn dramatises the life and legacy
of Henry VIII’s notorious second wife, who
helped change the course of the nation’s
history. Traditionally seen as either the pawn
of an ambitious family manoeuvered into
the King’s bed or as a predator manipulating
her way to power, Anne – and her ghost –
are seen in a very different light in Howard
Brenton’s epic play.
By Dario Fo
Translated by Simon Nye
Directed by Neil Webber
A high-octane political farce based on the
real-life events surrounding Italian railroad
worker and anarchist Giuseppe Pinelli, who
fell - or was thrown - to his death from the
fourth floor window of a Milan police station
in 1969. A self-proclaimed maniac with a
subversive agenda manages to implant
himself into the police station in which
the dirty business took place. As the truth
unfolds anarchy ensues, in a riotous ride full
of accusation, impersonation, punctuation
and condemnation...
Please note that this production is being
staged in our Montpellier Room. There
is limited seating and unfortunately no
wheelchair access.
Contains strong language.
7.45pm
£10 (£8 concession except Fri & Sat)
8.00 pm
£6 (£5 schools)
An amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books
An amateur production by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
8
The Playhouse presents
The Playhouse presents
Family Fun Day
Ukulele Night
SUNDAY 22 MARCH
SATURDAY 28 MARCH
Prepare do be entertained at our second
annual Family Fun Day with something for
everyone to enjoy.
Watch Punch & Judy from Mr Wobbles; have
your face painted; get creative in the craft
corner; dress up in our pop-up theatre; and
roar with the dinosaur display! There will be
live music (with a chance to join in), a raffle
with fabulous prizes, a huge jumble sale of
children’s clothes, toys and equipment and
scrumptious cakes, drinks and snacks – all in
aid of Cheltenham’s community theatre.
Entrance is just £1 per adult with kids going
free. The first 50 people through the door
will receive goody bags packed with freebies
and money off vouchers.
Cheltenham is the home of the Ukulele
Festival of Great Britain, so as a precursor to
this year’s sixth festival in June, we’re hosting
a night celebrating the humble uke! There
will be a cabaret of professional ukulele acts
including Tricity Vogue, the King Swingers,
The Ukeholics and many more performing
alongside the best and most daring amateur
acts. Please feel free to bring your uke with
you!
Not suitable for those under the age of 15.
11.00am – 3.00pm
£1 (children free)
7.45pm
£12 (£10 concessions)
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
9
Studio Productions presents
Patesian Players presents
And 5, 6, 7, 8!
Arms & The Man
THURSDAY 2 – SATURDAY 4 APRIL
THURSDAY 9 – SATURDAY 11 APRIL
By George Bernard Shaw
Directed by Rory O’Sullivan
Arms and the Man was first produced in 1894
in London, and was the play that established
Shaw’s reputation as a playwright. It is a
satire on both love and war and, despite
being very much a period piece, its themes
still resonate today. In it Shaw’s mastery
of both vivid characterisation and dramatic
structure are demonstrated brilliantly as the
play swings effortlessly between farce and
poignant social comment.
On 9th April 1945 the Playhouse opened its
doors as a theatre for the very first time with
this play, and now, exactly 70 years later, to
the very day, the Patesian Players offer their
interpretation of this timeless classic.
From the artistic team that brought you the
sell-out production of Les Miserables (School
Edition) last Easter, Studio Productions is
proud to present this magical journey through
the world of stage and screen musicals.
Presenting the best musical moments from
our 25-year history, our talented cast of
young performers will take you on a journey
of laughter and tears that is sure to leave
you moved and elated in equal measure.
And 5, 6, 7, 8! is a show suitable for the whole
family that will have you humming along
and tapping your feet. Book now to avoid
disappointment!
7.30pm
2.30pm matinee Fri & Sat
£12 (£10 concessions)
7.45pm
£12 (£10 concessions)
An amateur production
An amateur production by arrangement with the Society of Authors
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
10
Beyond Eternity Promotions presents
Missy Malone presents
Ladies Godiva
TheMissy Malone
& Friends
Burlesque Revue
FRIDAY 17 APRIL
SATURDAY 18 APRIL
Ladies GoDiva are an outstanding triumvirate
in the mould of Fascinating Aida. They are
hilarious, glamorous ‘old school’ divas with
big voices and even bigger personalities.
Performing original songs penned by the
hugely talented and celebrated Helen
Goldwyn this trio, all of whom have graced
the West End stages, love to have fun and
mix a modern sound with a vintage feel.
They dare to sing about the quirks of being
‘ladies-of-a-certain-age’ in a world where
everyone is ‘prettier and younger’ and where
each birthday is a step closer to that path
leading ‘over the hill’.
Cheltenham’s resident burlesque queen,
Missy Malone and her band of glamorous
friends are extremely pleased to be bringing
their hugely successful sell out show back to
The Playhouse for the 6th year! Presenting
the very best in Burlesque and Cabaret from
across the globe, this show incorporates
vintage style glamour, comedy, circus and
music for a spectacular night out. The
breathtaking costumes and award winning
routines will leave you as bedazzled as the
crystal covered costumes you see on stage!
www.ladies-go-diva.com
Performers include Dusty Limits, Abigail
Collins, Beau Rocks, Eliza DeLite and Missy
Malone herself! Each show will contain
different performances from the cast, as no
show is ever the same!
“Sassy, slick and chic and all done in the best
possible taste” Gloucestershire Echo
Not suitable for those under the age of 16.
7.45pm
£13
7.00pm and 9.30pm
£15
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
11
House Full Productions presents
Students from the University of
Gloucestershire presents
A Chorus of
Disapproval
The Water Babies
THURSDAY 7 – SATURDAY 9 MAY
SATURDAY 25 APRIL – SATURDAY 2 MAY
A new musical based on the novel by
Charles Kingsley
Written & Directed by Sue Colverd
Lyrics by Sue Colverd & Fiona Ross
Music by David Last
Join Tom, the rough and tumble chimney
sweep, and Ellie, a well-bred Victorian girl,
as they travel from the evils of a smoke
filled London and the wicked Mr Grimes
into the enchanted underwater world of
the Water Babies to travel through stream,
river and ocean to “the-other-end-ofnowhere!” Hold tight to your seats as you
meet Mrs Bedonebyasyoudid and Mrs
Doasyouwouldbedoneby and a shoal of
all-dancing all-singing water creatures in this
new musical - a fantastical evening in the
theatre for all the family.
By Alan Ayckbourn
Directed by Anne Chandler
Musical Director Paul Williams
One of Ayckbourn’s most popular comedies
follows young widower Guy Jones as he
decides to join the Pendon Light Operatic
Society just as it is starting rehearsals for The
Beggar’s Opera. Thanks to his inability to say
‘no’ to almost everyone, including the show’s
volatile Welsh director, he ends up rising
from a role with one line to playing the show’s
lead whilst sleeping with (at least) two female
members of the cast and causing untold
mayhem in the town’s business community!
7.45pm
£11 (£9 concessions Mon & Tues)
7.30pm
£8 (£7 concessions)
An amateur production by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
12
Focus Theatre presents
Students from the University of
Gloucestershire presents
Being Alive
Smilin’ Through
THURSDAY 14 – SATURDAY 16 MAY
THURSDAY 28 – SATURDAY 30 MAY
Devised & Directed by Sheila Mander
and the Company
Musical Director Peter Banks
Focus Theatre, with their wealth of
professional experience, create stories of
love, hate, joy, frustration and above all
humour in song, drama & dance. Bringing
you songs by Sondheim (composer of A Little
Night Music and Sweeney Todd), Hamlisch
(A Chorus Line), Maltby & Shire (Closer Than
Ever), Jason Robert Brown (The Last 5 Years)
and more.
“It’s Uplifting, It’s Fun, It’s Being Alive”
Written & Directed by Sue Colverd
Music by David Last & Lucas Bailey
The Second World War in Europe is seen
through the experiences of four very different
families living in London, Gloucestershire,
Berlin and Poland who become inextricably
linked by the choices that the war forces on
them. With new songs, contemporary dance
and a breathless factory jive Smilin’ Thru is
a poignant tribute to the families of war torn
Europe.
Not suitable for those aged under 10.
7.45pm
Tickets £12 (£10 concessions Thurs & Fri)
7.30pm
£8 (£7 concessions)
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
13
Offstage Theatre Group presents
Playhouse Company presents
Secretarial Services
and Waiting for a
Friend
The Big Meal
TUESDAY 23 – SATURDAY 27 JUNE
SATURDAY 6 JUNE
By Peter Quilter and Barnaby Eaton-Jones
Directed by Lloyd Morgan
and Barnaby Eaton-Jones
It is Barrie’s birthday and his assistant
Janet is helping him get ready for the
party. It becomes clear that she would be
quite content to settle down with Barrie.
Unfortunately, Barrie is more interested in
men, but that doesn’t stop him from booking
them both on a cruise as a birthday present
to himself.
Norman Fairbanks is a creature of habit who
likes the outdoors, spending every lunchtime
on the same park bench eating his neatlypackaged packed lunch. However, there’s
nothing he likes more than to talk and, within
the course of this lunchtime, his unexpected
companions on his favourite bench get a bit
more than they bargained for.
By Dan LeFranc
Directed by Malcolm Ball
Sam and Nicole first meet in a typical
American restaurant on a typical night. So
begins an exhilarating story that follows five
generations on a rollercoaster ride through
life. Deeply comic and genuinely touching,
Dan LeFranc’s acclaimed drama is about
love, marriage and raising children. Eighty
exhilarating years in ninety minutes.
The Big Meal received its world premiere in
Chicago, and was declared the ‘Number 1
Play of 2011’ by Time Out Magazine.
7.45pm
£11 (£9 concessions except Saturday)
7.45pm
£10
An amateur production by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk
14
GENERAL INFORMATION
HOW TO BOOK
BY TELEPHONE: 01242 522852. Tickets will be held at the box office for collection.
IN PERSON: at the box office in the theatre foyer.
BY POST: send a cheque made payable to The Playhouse and an SAE if you wish to have
your tickets posted to you.
The Box Office is open from 10 am – 4 pm on weekdays, 10 am – 2.30 pm on Saturdays and
from 6 pm until curtain up on a performance night. We accept most credit/debit cards and
there are no booking charges. We are unable, at present, to offer online booking.
Reservations without payment will be held for five working days while you send a cheque or
wish to collect and pay in person. If the performance is less than five days away, payment
must be made at the time of booking.
Refunds will only be given in the event that a performance is cancelled. We will, if possible,
exchange tickets for another performance of the same production. General exchanges will
cost 50p per ticket.
Group Discounts may be available at certain performances – please check with the box office.
SEATING PLAN
FACILITES FOR DISABLED PATRONS
Four wheelchairs may be accommodated
in the main auditorium and one free seat
is available to the assistant of a disabled
person who is unable to attend events
unaccompanied. There is ramped access
into the auditorium and an accessible
toilet for disabled patrons on ground level.
REFRESHMENTS
The lounge bar is open 45 minutes
before evening performances and during
intervals. At matinee performances, only
the coffee bar is open. It is advisable
to order your interval drinks before the
performance to avoid a queue.
The green room bar is open to all patrons
immediately following an evening
performance but is only open to theatre
members and Partners before the show
and during the interval.
Ice creams are on sale in the auditorium
during the interval at all performances.
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15
FACILITIES FOR HIRE
Auditorium
As we have a large number of regular theatre companies based locally, we tend to plan
our calendar much further ahead than most theatres. However, we do occasionally have
availability in the spring and early summer for other theatre companies or conference use.
Rates vary depending on the nature and period of hire.
Meeting/rehearsal rooms
There are a number of rooms in the complex that can be hired Monday – Friday, both
daytime and evening and are suitable for a variety of uses. Our Montpellier and Pittville
rooms, for example, are equipped with Harlequin dance flooring and a piano.
For further information, please contact the theatre manager on 01242 579391
or email admin@cheltplayhouse.org.uk
COURSES & CLASSES
There are a number of daytime and early evening hirers that use the Playhouse for assorted
community interest groups or classes. For more information, please contact the organiser
directly:
Little Stars Mothers & Toddlers
Mondays
Jenny on 07747 616145
Knitting & Craft
Mondays
Zaphira on 01242 513055
French for Babies & Toddlers
Tuesdays
Lydie on 07535 518539
Playhouse Community Chorus
Tuesdays
Zaphira on 01242 513055
Irish Dancing
Tuesday and Wednesday
Tara on 07769 560821
Miniature Music
Fridays
Zaphira on 01242 513055
Adult Tap Dancing
Fridays
Zoe on 07793 591758
THEATRE COMPANIES
Many companies regularly stage productions here at The Playhouse, some of which are
always looking for new members. If you are interested in appearing on stage, helping out
behind the scenes set building or operating the lighting board, please visit the company’s
individual websites:
Playhouse Company
www.theplayhousecompany.org.uk
Deep End Theatre Company
www.detcc.uk
Cheltenham Operatic & Dramatic Society www.codsonline.co.uk
Cotswold Savoyards
www.cotswoldsavoyards.org
Patesian Players
www.patesianplayers.co.uk
16
THEATRE STUDIO
Term-time classes available in:
DRAMA & IMPROVISATION - PRIVATE & GROUP SINGING
MUSICAL THEATRE - SPEECH & ELOCUTION - DANCE & MOVEMENT
Theatre Studio is an independent part-time Performing Arts School, based at The Playhouse,
that aims to provide students between the ages of 3-18 years with the necessary confidence
that we believe is integral not only on stage, but in any profession and everyday life. Our
professionally trained staff provide expert guidance to those wishing to undertake a career
in performance as well as those who are looking to find confidence and friendship in all
other professions and hobbies. Our new Vocal department is also available to provide
specialised lessons for speech correction tailor made to each individual’s needs. With
regular performances, half-term workshops, Easter and Summer Schools, Technical courses,
Festivals and Examinations, we are proud to be one of a limited number of performing arts
schools based in working theatres.
For more details about our range of classes please call 07977 227707
or email us on info@theatrestudio.co.uk
17
SUPPORTING THE PLAYHOUSE
We are always looking for additional sources of support – financial or physical – to enable
us to continue to preserve this historic building and improve our facilities for community and
theatre use. We are reviewing our packages for all three levels of support, but the current
details are as follows:
FRIENDS
Friends are people who support the theatre by donating their time and help rather than
money. This could be anything from helping to run the bar, selling ice creams during the
interval, selling programmes, stuffing mailing envelopes or helping to paint a room during
annual maintenance! In return, they get entry to green room events. For more information
please email friends@cheltplayhouse.org.uk
MEMBERSHIP
Anyone can become a member of the theatre, whether they tread the boards or not, and
membership entitles you to a discount on drinks in the green room bar and entry to green
room events. The current subscription is £40 per annum (£20 seniors and £15 juniors).
For more information, please email club@cheltplayhouse.org.uk
PARTNERS
In return for their annual contribution, Individual Partners get their name included in
brochures and programmes and receive one free drink and one free programme whenever
they attend a show. Individual Partnership costs £30 per annum or £80 for three years.
There are other benefits for Corporate Partners. For more information, please email
admin@cheltplayhouse.org.uk
We extend our thanks to our current Partners:
Lindsay Baker
Sue Bennett
Anne Chandler
Ian Chandler
Mrs E Chantree
Mr Geoffrey Cox
Mrs June Cox
Mr & Mrs D Elkins
Les Godwin
David Hall
Veronica Hall
Elizabeth Maisey
Tony Maisey
John Morgan
Lyn Morgan
Eileen Morrison
Jane Moseley
Peter Oddy
Carol Oddy
Mr D Powell
Mr & Mrs R Ratcliffe
Mr C Read
Mrs C Read
Mr D Williams
Mrs E Williams
OTHER SPONSORSHIP
If you would be interested in other forms of sponsorship – perhaps sponsoring a specific
production or equipment for the theatre – please contact the theatre manager
on admin@cheltplayhouse.org.uk
18
GENERAL INFORMATION
OTHER TERMS & CONDITIONS
Latecomers may not be permitted to enter the auditorium until the interval or other suitable
break in the production.
Mobile telephones must be switched off before entering the auditorium.
Photography and audio/visual recording is not permitted at any time.
Lost property will be held at the box office for three weeks, after which time it will be
disposed of.
This programme is correct at the time of printing but The Playhouse does not accept
responsibility for cancellations or alterations to the published programmes.
The Playhouse strongly advises parents not to bring children under the age of four except
for specific productions aimed at younger audiences.
The management reserves the right to ask any patron to leave the premises, without refund,
on any reasonable grounds including, without limitation, where the ticket holder breaches
these terms and conditions, disrupts other audience members’ enjoyment or does anything
that the management considers to be unacceptable behaviour which may cause nuisance,
damage or injury.
HOW TO FIND US
The Playhouse does not have its own car park.
However, in addition to nearby on-street parking,
there are several pay and display car parks within
five minutes walking distance (charges apply
until 8 pm).
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Please note that Bath Parade car
park closes at 8pm on Sundays.
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OX
LO FORD
A 4 0N D O N
spring
at
January-June 2015
THURSDAY 22 – SATURDAY 24 JANUARY SATURDAY 31 JANUARY
– SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY FRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY THE QUEST FOR THE GOLD CUP
FAWLTY TOWERS
ELVIS VS JERRY LEE LEWIS
WEDNESDAY 25 – SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH
FRIDAY 6 MARCH AN EVENING WITH ANITA HARRIS
SATURDAY 7 & SUNDAY 8 MARCH FRIDAY 14 MARCH
TUESDAY 17 – SATURDAY 21 MARCH
THURSDAY 19 – SATURDAY 21
& THURSDAY 26 – SATURDAY 28 MARCH
SUNDAY 22 MARCH
FAMILY FUN DAY
SATURDAY 28 MARCH
UKULELE NIGHT
THURSDAY 2 – SATURDAY 4 APRIL
THURSDAY 9 – SATURDAY 11 APRIL FRIDAY 17 APRIL
POETRY FESTIVAL PREVIEW
STAND UP AND BE COUNTED
ANNE BOLEYN
ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF AN ANARCHIST
AND 5, 6, 7, 8!
ARMS & THE MAN
LADIES GODIVA
SATURDAY 18 APRIL
THE MISSY MALONE & FRIENDS
BURLESQUE REVUE
SATURDAY 25 APRIL – SATURDAY 2 MAY
A CHORUS OF DISAPPROVAL
THURSDAY 7 – SATURDAY 9 MAY
THURSDAY 14 – SATURDAY 16 MAY
BEING ALIVE
THURSDAY 28 – SATURDAY 30 MAY
SMILIN’ THROUGH
THE WATER BABIES
SATURDAY 6 JUNE
SECRETARIAL SERVICES
& WAITING FOR A FRIEND
THE BIG MEAL
TUESDAY 23 – SATURDAY 27 JUNE
MUSICALS PLAYS DANCE & MUSIC OTHER EVENTS
Cheltenham’s Intimate Community Theatre
BOX OFFICE 01242 522852 www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk