Another Show Begins!

It was good to see so many at rehearsal last night .... the beginning of a new show!

It was also good to have Ian Skipper back at the helm! He has been away too long!

Annie Warbucks will be a good show for all involved ... so Onwards & Upwards.

Next week will be our last rehearsal this year and we will begin again on Wednesday 2nd Jan at WTC (Th 62). The auditions will take place mid-Jan.

See you all next week.

Kevin x

Another Tomorrow Musical!

The last blog was meant to go on the Les Mis blog ....... Technical glitch .... never mind.
Annie Warbucks officially starts 2nite .... Ian Skipper & I shall be there to get going on the latest WWOS epic .... another London Premiere ... and another one no one has a clue about .... It will be a good company show and a good fun show I promise you .... and hopefully will sell to enable us to go on & choose other more risky shows again ....

See you all tonight

Kevin x

Wow, did we Hear The People Sing!

The production team were all blown away by the talent at the Les Mis auditions last Sunday .... and a cast of 28 Boys and 34 girls was cast ...... these members form the company out of which we will cast all the principal roles and solo parts and go on to present the most exciting project to reach the Churchill in some time!
Monday last, the whole Company came together for the first time and produced an amazing sound! ... alot of the cast seemed to know the whole score by heart already. It is going to be an amazing show .......
As the weeks go by it will be interesting to read the views of the cast on this blog .......
Principal auditions will take place on Monday at Wickham Theatre Centre (Th 62) top of corkscrew Hill, starting at 7:30. .... I am Really looking forward to that!

Yours, excitedly

Kevin x

The Sun DID Come Out!

Well, it's all over & I think it went VERY well. Both Annies and both teams of orphans were marvelous we put on a very polished performance!

Highlights include:-

-Sandy, the dog

-Gary the Apple seller

-Michelle the stripper

-The Boylan Sisters, the latecomers

-Gary, the dancer

-The car

-The first Trombone for keeping his cool while the second trombone threw-up!

-Gary, the sound effects man

-The staff at the Churchill

-& EVERYBODY INVOLVED!

Thanks ..... I loved every minute of it ... & role on the Sequel (Un-navigated Waters for us all!)

Kevin xx

Tomorrow finally came!

Thursday morning & 2 shows down. Both Annies & both sets of orphans have proved themselves to be amazing ... stealing the show! Big thanks to them & their parents/chauffeurs!
The whole company (on stage & back stage) have pulled together a very slick & professional show .... a big thank you to the Churchill backstage staff as well!
The ticket sales have picked up & Friday & Saturday shows are practically sold out. ....
Highlights include The dog & Gary Grinham! (in that order!.... & height order, tallest first!)

LOL....... Kevin x

Tomorrow really is just a day away!

Good last run .... a few last minute fluffs & notes ... I'm sure it will be marvelous.... BUT, please, between now & tomorrow(!) please look at words & go through any moves you are unceratin about .....

It's going to be the usual hectic few days to pull all the bits in, but it will be fab!

Go oir it Gary!

Bye for now

Kevin xx

The Last Push!

Wednesday was a good run ... the whole thing looking like a show .... and the story finally making sense, albeit very cheesy!!

Mr Challis .... where were you?

The costumes looking good, apart from the fact that the Dancers French Maid costumes made the look more like Old Maids! .... there are VERY short ones on their way (& I mean SHORT!)

See ya Friday for Gabby's team run .....

Remember, it's still not too late for WORD,TICKETS,WORDS,TICKETS,WORDS,TICKETS etc

Kevin x

The Show's A Week Away!

Good Principal tighten up! .... Radio Scene & Presidents scene hopefully a bit smoother!

& final scene done over & over again!

Tickets still need a good push for the early part of the week so ALL PLEASE now send a group email out to EVERYONE YOU KNOW telling them about this Wonderful show at The Churchill next week! Get them to call Churchill on 0870 060 6620 and book now!

See you all on Wednesday for a run ... & costumes (don't forget to bring a bag to take 'em home in!)

Kevin xx

Just think, A Pig Farm!

Nice run ... getting quicker. A few lines could still be learnt / refreshed to speed up Act II

Highlights:-
Both our Annies
The orphan's Dancing
Chorus numbers as a whole
Jonathan's full body wax!
Gary's lines

Low points:-
Act II dialogue
Men's Movement in "Need The FBI"
Singing at end of same number
Singing at end of NYC

But overall looking good with a week to go!

We need to sell a few more tickets for the beginning of the week ..... Please push 'em now! (Through the Churchill box office only now!)

Kevin x

PS .. I have a couple of single tickets for Sat Mat if anyone needs one!

The Final Push

Only 4 rehearsals left before we are in the Theatre ....! and only 3 of those are runs .... so for all those who still are unsure of words, moves or anything else ... please do something about it NOW before it is too late!

It's looking good, but it could be better. All the company numbers have to be slick and automatic, this cannot be achieved if you have to stop & think of words, moves or steps ... so please do some homework on those bits that are still problematic!

It will be marvelous ..

Kevin x

Gary, Where Were You?

Principal tidy-up rehearsal last night ... Gary, where were you? ... I suppose it's difficult to work on perfection!
Good tidy up, and a bit of setting for the final scene ... Lookin' Good!
Tickets ... we are now well over 50% for the whole week ... but the end of the week is filling up at the expense of the earlier performances! ... Please make an effort to push the Tues, Wed & Thurs performances NOW ... we only have 2 weeks 'till the first night!

STOP PRESS ... the scenic design people have come up trumps with a Fab Set for Annie Warbucks, it will look spectacular! It will be a very busy show for all involved, and it will be another London Premier!

Let's get Annie I going first!

WORDS, TICKETS, WORDS, TICKETS, WORDS, TICKETS!

Bye for now

Kevin x

Phew, wot a scortcha!

Wot a weekend!

Full marks to all, and I mean every single one of the Orphans, for their supreme efforts on Saturday. They sung & danced from 9am until 4:30 ... and I'm sure sold quite a few tickets!

The Sunday run went extremely well, I was very relieved ... just a bit of tidying up here & there & we have a very good show!

The Wed & Thurs eves still need a ticket boost ... so Please direct your ticket sales there! (I have an order for 6 today for the Wed eve!)

Thank you everyone ... keep up the hard work ... it's going to be great ...

WORDS, TICKETS, WORDS, TICKETS, WORDS, TICKETS...........

Kevin x

Only 2 more Wednesdays!

The countdown is upon us (no Adrian, I'm not talking about Carol Vaudaman & Des O'Connor) ... the Countdown to Annie 07!
Three weeks today, we will have had 2 shows and will be preparing for the Thursday Matinee ... and , by the look of it, some people will still be learning words & moves .... Is it really that tricky?
Sunday will see the first run ... and all the separate bits that we have been working on will be put together .. that's the Orphans singing, dancing & acting, the principals, the dog and the Company as a whole .... Exciting huh?
Tickets need a push ... call John Stocks with an order a day please ...!
It's going to be lovely!

Moving house tomorrow, All day at the Glades on Saturday, and rehearsing most of Sunday .... Busy,Busy,Busy!

Kevin xx

ps ... well done Gary, your Apple Seller I'm sure will be an award winning role for you!

"...also known as Danny The Dip!"

Principal rehearsal last night back @ WTC ... it was nice to be back!

The 2 Annies are working very hard and will both be wonderful.

I'm still a bit concerned that we will have this wonderful show playing to partly filled houses in the early part of the week.It is up to us NOW to push these tickets .... It will be too late to sell the Tues, Wed & Thurs evening during the week of the show WE HAVE TO SELL IT NOW!

bi-weekly web-moan over

Keep up the hard work ..... (or, for some of you ... Start it!)

Kevin (..... also known as Monty the Mouth!) xx

Tomorrow's just a day away!

1 Sunday rehearsal gone ..... 2 to go ...... it's getting close!

All company numbers done (except NYC) & looking good, a few word to learn & homework to finish!

Rushed over to the Orphan rehearsal after the adults ... & they are looking great! Please try & pop along next Saturday to support them in The Glades ... We will be there from 9am 'til 6pm ... a long day!

Tickets are looking good ... but we must keep selling to maximise any profit ..... Sell Sell Sell! Wednesday & Thursday evenings and Thurs Matinee need a push, so Push 'Em!

Wednesday @ 8pm back @ WTC (Th 62) ... see ya there!

Kevin x

Lookin' Good!

Another Company rehearsal over .... and our last trip to the Hawes Lane Methodist Church (apart from the Orphans on Sunday)

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS! They have to be learnt ... I know it's a bi-annual moan of mine, but it is important ... it's not as if you have many to learn .. Please make it a priority this week!

Oh, and sell a few tickets!

A few new members asked me why we prefer sales through our own box office .... The reason for this is that we pay a charge for each ticket sold by the Theatre (a charge not paid if sold through WWOS) there is also a booking charge per ticket if you book through the theatre over the phone and a further charge to WWOS if you use a credit card. If you use WWOS box office it benefits you And the Society!

See you all for the Sunday rehearsal back at WTC (Th 62) @ 2:30

Kevin x

ps ... work on that characterisation Gary!

Wow!

What a good rehearsal we had last night!

President's scene is set & looks great!

Radio scene is set & it looks Fab!

Easy Street dance is .... almost set & Tracy & Susan look Great! (& Jonathan is trying hard!)

And ... most importantly (is there such a word?) We have our Dogs ...!

After tough auditions, a few temperamental mutts, we have 2 beautiful canine stars to share the role of Sandy.

A worthwhile evening of hard work!

Wednesday is back at the new venue, The Methodist Church in Hawes Lane ... Please all arrive on time 'co we have a lot to get through ... and don't forget Sunday's rehearsal at Th62 ... starting at 2:30 pm .... ALL ARE NEEDED!!! There is a separate orphans rehearsal on Sunday at the Methodist Church 2:30 - 5:30!

It's goin' to be a Lovely Show!

Kevin x

Tomorrow is a day away!

New venue last night ... Hawes lane Methodist Church..... We eventually all found it!

Big number set ....... starring Drake & Grace ... 2 more company numbers to go, plus a few joining bits. It's all looking good ... The orphans are FAB .. put us all to shame the way they pick up dances quickly & learn all their words!

Next Monday is a rehearsal for all those involved in the radio scene and the Presidents office. It will take place at Emmanuel Church in The Grove (The Griffiths Jones Room) @ 8. We have the Dog auditions @ 7, so if anyone knows of a scruffy medium sized, obedient, sandy coloured Mutt, who who would like to be a Canine Star ... please let me know & bring them along next Monday @7!

Thanks .... Learn & Sell!

Kevin xx

The end is in sight!

Principal & dance rehearsals last night, in the halls to the rear of Emmanuel Church (Not the easiest to find if you have never been there before! ... so says Jonathan!)
John brought a voice coach along to help Annies & others ... very useful ... plus we did a bit more Act II setting & revision.
Words now have to be learnt, so we can put our books down & polish!
Tickets are up to about 33% with 4 weeks to go ... so they need a push!
Posters need to go up & please, putt in your Diaries Saturday 13th October (it was the 6th ... but was moved) for a publicity drive in the upper part of the Glades (outside Zara's). The girls will be singing & dancing BUT we need grown-ups there all day. We have to have 4 adults there At All Times to supervise & handout leaflets. We have to be there from 8am - 6pm!!
See ya Wednesday at The Methodist Church in Hawes Lane West Wickham ... Starts at 8 ... bring your own refreshment!

Kevin xx

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya' Tomorrow

Good rehearsal on Wednesday, despite sharing the hall with the set of Th62 next offering!

We managed to hack our way through everything set to date, which is all Act I involvement and most of it looks OK. A few words maybe missing here and there! please look at them NOW and do not leave it until TOMORROW!

Next week WWOS break new ground as we try out a new temporary rehearsal venue in Hawes Lane .... and we start Act II ... please be prompt.

Plans for Annie Warbucks are well underway with a set being designed / put together (bits from Oklahoma, Mack & Mabel, Hello Dolly, Me & My Girl and Annie ..) It will be a completely new show for ALL involved, so the words "Last time we did this!" will not feature at all!

BUT we have to sell this one first!

See ya next week

Kevin xx

ps ... We are on the move! From 12 Oct 07, Kevin, Louise, Ellen, Max, Kate & Oliver will be found at 107 Hayes Way, Park Langley, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 6RR ..

tel 020 8658 5117

I Think I'm Gonna Like It!

NYC (With car and Senior Students) set last night ... and looking good!

Next Wednesday will be a recap & some extra bits to join Act I together so BE THERE OR MISS OUT!

Please have a look & reminder of Words & Moves between now & then so we don't have to remind EVERYONE where they are & what they should be doing!

Tickets need a push. Over 50% of the adult cast have not ordered a single ticket next! ... others are doing an amazing job. It's the same people making an effort ... so a message to those not selling ... Why Not Try A Bit Harder!

Don't forget to start looking for Hooverville costumes (look on Ebay for a coat for example!) and 1930s suits & general garb!

Bye for now ... I'll see some of you on Sunday, Some on Monday and the rest Next Wednesday

LOL Chef xx

You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile!

Ooooh, it's gonna be good.

Shannon & Gabriella worked very hard last night, as did the rest of the principals and the majority of Act I is set .... please all now learn words for scenes set so the polishing and slight amendments can take place ..

Only 7 weeks to go ....

See you all on Wednesday

Kevin x

Sell Sell Sell

It's The Hard Knock Life!

A long rehearsal for some of us last night …. But we got the new number set, and managed to go over last weeks setting as a reminder. Please learn the words to at least the songs we have set! …. NYC next week!
Another basic practise is the giving of apologies if you are going to be away … there were 5 people not there last night without any notice (and 2 had given apologies / excuses!) If you know you are going to be away PLEASE email Graham (link on Rehearsal Schedule page of Web site) with dates … we have to know who is there and who is not.
And Finally … Please Start To Sell Tickets NOW …. We have to get public awareness NOW that Annie is on at The Churchill … wherever you go (Doctors/Dentist surgery, Libraries, Waiting rooms, Other theatres, Offices etc….. ) take a pile of handbills and leave them there … Start putting posters up EVERYWHERE (They will be available from next week)If you know of any newsletters going out, see if you can slip them with an Annie handbill … We Have To Publicise This Show NOW!

See ya next week

Kevin x

ps .... Well done Gary!

Push Them Tickets NOW!

Good principal rehearsal last night … we have 2 very talented Annies! … the rest of them aren’t bad either …

We only have 8 weeks left and tickets need a Push …. After the initial hype we now have to bring Annie to the forefront in peoples minds and get tickets booked. With only 8 weeks to go we are only 20% sold.. Which is on a par with Titanic & Carousel ….Not Good Enough, This is ANNIE! so SELL, SELL, SELL, (it’s that Blog Time Warp again!)

See all at Wednesday @ 8 … unless you are an orphan when I will see you @ 7.

Kevin x

ps please post any comments, ideas or moans regarding the selling of tickets, because we need everyones input now, before it's too late!

Blog Loop

A Good rehearsal last night, with a lot set for the adults and the kids!
The orphans were very good as well!
A lot of words still have to be learnt (Am I in some sort of Blog loop …. I seem to have said this in a previous Life/show!) … if you learn the words to the numbers we set as we go along it is a lot easier than learning it all at the last minute!
We only have 8 weeks to go to set the whole show and sell all the tickets. Please start pushing the tickets NOW!
We are now fully cast … full cast list is accessible from the Annie web page …. I will be setting both the Radio Scene and the Presidents scene (a lot of parts) on Monday 1st October … so anyone in those scenes PLEASE make sure you turn up for that Monday principal rehearsal.
One other point … you will note from the schedule that we have the Glades booked on Saturday 6th October for a publicity drive. This will be ALL DAY … the 2 sets of Orphans will be performing at times throughout the day … but we need as many of the Company as poss to be there at sometime to support the girls and hand out the leaflets ….. Please put it in your diaries NOW!

Ta
Kevin x

I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here!

Ooops, forgot to post Blog last week!
Last Monday we lost & found an Annie! Unfortunately one of our Annies, Caroline Riley, had to withdraw from the production, however, we had such a lot of talent at the Mammoth Annie Idol Auditions that we were able to call on Gabriella Bishop (Who was one of the little girls in Witches Of Eastwick) to fill the role … she will be great! … We have 34 Wonderful Orphans!
The first Principal rehearsal went well, with quite a few still on holiday, we managed to block quite a bit ….
This was followed by a Company rehearsal last Wednesday … again quite a few away, but Hooverville was set and we had time to do some Music at the end.
Monday (yesterday) was Bank holiday … however the dancers met at WTC and the Choreographic Task Masters Danielle & Charlotte worked them hard in the blistering heat!
Wednesday is another Full rehearsal, starting at 7 with the orphans and Full Company at 8.
See ya there, don't be late ....!
Kevin xx

Annie Warbucks .... the Future

You will see from the Future Shows page that we are now going to present a musical called Annie Warbucks next May .... !
The change from the planned The Full Monty to Annie Warbucks came about because The Churchill have given us the May Half Term Week to perform in, and we really had to find a show that would draw in the kids. I have been researching Annie Warbucks for sometime, and it seemed the perfect choice to follow Annie!
Annie Warbucks is the musical sequel to the Broadway hit Annie. Written by Thomas Meehan with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, It originally played off-broadway but never made it to London.

Annie Warbucks delivers all of the fun that made the original an instant classic. The action picks up right where Annie leaves off. A child welfare commissioner, Mrs Doyle (The new Baddie!) arrives on the scene to inform Daddy Warbucks he must marry in sixty days so the newly adopted Annie can have a proper mother. If he doesn’t marry, then he can’t adopt!
When the legality of this pronouncement is confirmed by his lawyer, Daddy Warbucks responds by speed dating every woman he can find except Annie's choice, his assistant Grace Farrell. His wealth, which is in stark contrast to the plight of most depression-era Americans, makes him quite a catch. The prospect of sharing his affection with any of the prospects drives Annie and Sandy to take advise from her orphanage friends and then hop a train for parts unknown. After a little adventure and some good advice, she is ultimately returned safely to Daddy Warbucks, who has once again called on his friend President Roosevelt for help in his search for Annie!And …. Yes there is a happy ending ….. Again!

Yes, it has the orphans in it! (kids sell tickets)
Yes, there's loads of new chorus numbers & lots of parts
Yes, The dog returns!
Yes, Daddy Warbucks gets the girl (Grace) in the end....
AND...... NO Annie doesn't sing TOMORROW AGAIN!

It has never been presented in London, so it will be another London Premiere ...

If you want to hear the music, contact me after the hols and I will lend you the CD of the off-Broadway production (An ebay treasure!)

Kevin

Summer Hols R Here

Quite a few missing last night at rehearsal ....

The Orphans were great .... they are gonna steal the show!

Please all look at the rehearsal schedule NOW & note in your diaries all the Sunday rehearsals as well as the Friday before the show .... YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!! (Lee)

For the first rehearsal back after the hols (22nd August) Adults, please learn Hooverville ans Orphans please learn the words to Hard Knock Life.

Dancers, you have 2 rehearsals on Weds 8th & 15th Aug @ WTC (Th62)

A lot of work is needed after the break 'cos we only have 8 weeks to put it on AND Sell it out!!

Happy Holidays

Kevin xx

Rehearsal Confusion!

Just to clarify (as if Crystal Clarity isn't enough!) There is a FULL (That means EVERYBODY Lee & Gary) rehearsal on Wednesday 1st August (That's TOMORROW if you are reading this TODAY) and then a 2 week break for most of us (Dancers .... Danielle & Charlotte are arranging something for you) and we start again on Monday 20th August for a Full Principal Call and Wednesday 22nd August for a Full Company Call ..... is that understood?
See you all TOMORROW (or if you are reading this Tomorrow, see you this evening!)

Kevin x

It's over!

Saturday was Amazing! ..... They just kept arriving!
We managed to reduce the numbers from about 250 to 92 recalls ... but the overall standard was SO good.
Grahams organisation of the day was first class, and we received a lot of good feed back from the Churchill and participants parents as to how smoothly the whole day went. Thanks must also go to all the members who turned up to help ... It was a great day
Sunday morning at WTC (Th62) was just as amazing and hard work, as we had to reduce the top 92 down to the 32 orphans + 2 Annies needed .... a very difficult task, as they were all so good ..... but we did it and we have 34 lovely & talented "Little Girls" joining us for the production, a few you may know, but all you will get to know in the next few months!

Kevin

PS again! don't forget the WWOS OTMH will be appearing at The Whitstable Playhouse on Friday 27th July as part of the World Famous Whitstable Oyster Festival .... if you can, please come and see us ... it's a beautiful little theatre in a lovely town!

************STOP PRESS*****************

WWOS OTMH Troup will also be appearing LIVE on BBC Southwest Today @ 6:30pm!!! LIVE From Whitstable

The TOMORROW MUSICAL is cast!

Great auditions last night ..... full cast list on the web-site (there is a separate page if you follow the link on the Annie page)
There are numerous other parts to cast after the Summer break including the Lovely Boylen Sisters, Mr McCracken & Wacky, Jimmy Johnson, Officers Ward & Dibble, Annette & Cecille and, of course, Sandy the dog!
Tickets are on sale now and , YES, this is my first of many ticket pushes ... start thinking now of potential group bookings and programme advertising 'cos after the summer break there will only be 8/9 weeks until we are on!
So ... next Monday is the Dance Auditions (male & female) Next Wednesday is an Old Time Music Hall rehearsal, the following Monday 30th July is a full principal call and then Wednesday 1st Aug will be FULL COMPANY! (orphans from 7 and Adults from 8) before the 2 week summer hols!
It Will Be Lovely!

Kevin xx

PS don't forget the WWOS OTMH will be appearing at The Whitstable Playhouse on Friday 27th July as part of the World Famous Whitstable Oyster Festival .... if you can, please come and see us ... it's a beautiful little theatre in a lovely town!

Leepin' Lizards, 280+!

Audition sing through last night & after 3 people putting their hands up last Wednesday indicating they would be present, about 15 turned up .... They should be a strong set of Auditions on Wednesday .... making the Audition Panel's job a tough one again.
There are plenty of parts in Annie, and if anyone wants to be considered, Please let me know beforehand as we intend to cast the show on Wednesday!
Then will come the Girls' auditions, The Annie Audition Count is now up to about 280 and Graham has had to close the books to any new enquiries .... we only have the rooms at the theatre until 4pm ... Hopefully 7 hours will be enough for round 1, and then comes round 2 on Sunday morning at WTC (Th 62) ... we still need a few more helpers!
It will be a Great Show ...!
Please see the Rehearsal Schedule on the Web Site, 'cos it gives all the dates and most of the venues ... NB the 2 week break at the beginning of August and the last rehearsal before the break when ALL are needed on 1st August @ WTC (Th 62)
Bye for now,

Kevin x

Little Girls, Little Girls, Everywhere I turn I Can See Them!

Good music rehearsal on Wednesday, with a few audition pieces played and a few New Member Auditions ... Welcome to the New Members ....
We now have an adult cast of around 45 members .... add to this the 16 (x2) orphans it should be another bumper cast .... We Need To Sell As Many Tickets As Possible!!
The adults auditions are next Wednesday ... with Audition Piece sing thru on the Monday before .... and then, on Saturday we have Annie Idol at The Churchill starting at 9am ... so far we have over 270 little girls turning up ... AARGHHH! ... round 1 on Saturday and Round 2 (the Call Backs) on Sunday ... we still need some help on the day with the auditionees (and their parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, brothers & sisters etc..) so if you are free and can help for any period, please contact Graham and offer your services!
It Will Be A Lovely Show!!!

*******STOP PRESS******

The Dancers' Auditions Will Take Place On Monday 23rd July @ WTC .... Please spread the word!

Bye for now

Kevin xx

Easy Street!

Lively AGM last night, watch this space for further discussions on our name etc .... & if you have any suggestions please let the Council members know.
An Annie audition followed, with John taking us through some of the Music. As announced, there will be a music rehearsal next Wednesday, with New Members Auditions at the end of the evening. The following Monday 16th will be audition piece sing through, with the Adult Auditions on the Wednesday 18th.
The Annie Audition Count is now just short of 200 (and rising!!) Let's hope there is plenty of excellent talent to choose from. We want 32 little girls in all (when I say little, I mean under 5'1")
Bye for now

Kevin X

The TOMORROW Musical

Oh dear ..... Wickham Halls looks a little sad following yesterday fire. The entire roof (or what's left of it) is on the floor of the main hall. It is unclear at this point, exactly the extent of the damage but let us hope it is not too severe and works can begin soon to restore it to it's former glory.
Annie rehearsal's will go on back at the club and following next weeks AGM (please all come) we will have a Music Rehearsal. Any new members should note that the New Members auditions will be the following week, on Wednesday 11th July, the week before the adult auditions on 18th July.
The Annie Audition Count is now up to 170, with 3 weeks to go!

The Sun WILL Come Out Tomorrow!

Kevin x

Away we go again!

Nice to see some old, some new and some familiar faces at last nights first rehearsal.
Another music rehearsal next Wednesday, at Wickham Halls again and then back to Wickham Theatre centre the following week for the AGM .... please try and come to the AGM, as it's your chance to speak out!
The ANNIE AUDITION COUNT (The AAC) is up to 139 .... with 1 whole month to go! ... should be a long day (& night!)

Just Thinking About Tomorrow....

Kevin x

The witches have now flown into the distance in a blaze of glory! And Daryll has been put to bed (again!) and we move onto The Return of Annie ……

The rehearsals have got to begin straight away, as we only have 4 months to put it on! Annie has a lot of components … there’s the Adult company, the Adult principals, the little girls, Annie herself and, of course, The DOG!

We are on the lookout for 32 little girls (16 each night) and, so far we have about 120 signed up for Annie Idol, which is due to take place at The Churchill on Saturday 21st July. If there is anyone who can help on that day (between 9am and 4pm) please let Graham know!

The show itself is very busy for the whole company, with at least 6 full company numbers (plus complicated walk-downs and loads of walk-on parts) and rehearsals will continue over the summer with full company on a Wednesday & principals on Mondays (see rehearsal schedule!)

The blog will continue and your comments, questions, suggestions and gripes are most welcome!

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow!

Kevin x

Phew

Opened last night after a couple of fraught days, but it was all worth it, the end result is AMAZING!
It must be one of the most technical shows we have done, with the large set, flying, whizz-bangs & large cast ... but looks FAB.
Thanks over the past two days must go to Maggie, Alan & her team, to James, to the chaps from Freedom Flying and to the Churchill back stage team ... all of whom have been priceless ...
Good Luck for the rest of the run

Kevin X

Almost There!

Last nights run was what we expected ..... a few just going through the moves without any real performance ..... we now have to step up a gear and start going for it!
This time next week (& I'm typing this Thursday Morning) we will have had 2 performances ... it is not far off! and it is vital that everyone now looks at their moves & words before tomorrow and turns up at 8pm @ Wickham Halls ready to give 110% to the rehearsal.
It will be an amazing show / experience, the principals are marvelous (I've still got that tingle going down my back!) and the company as a whole will be great.

Thanks for all the hard work so far ... just a bit more needed!

Thanks ... see ya Friday @ Wickham Halls!

Kevin x

Sounds Good!

Worthwhile music brush up rehearsal I think we all agree ... a few of those lost harmonies re-discovered (and found for the first time for some)
Top BBQ as well! thanks to Lucy and all the cooks!
See you all on Wednesday for a faultless run!

Kevin

It's Raining

Looking forward to the BBQ this afternoon, despite the forcast ......!

Yesterday went very well, despite the missing persons ..... does anyone ever put rehearsals in their diaries at the beginning of the rehearsal period ... it's obvious that on the final Sunday we will have a rehearsal .,..... and the schedules were given out at the beginning ....

It's all looking excellent ... just a bit of tidying up needed, and the all important Music Rehearsal today ... ALL ARE NEEDED!

See ya later, in your wellies ..

Kevin xx

"Gonna Be Good!"

Production meeting last night, with Maggie, Alan, James & Ivan to finalise the timing for scene changes, flying (scenery & persons), lighting cues, sound cues, mike plot, sound effects, Whizz bangs .... etc .... It is a very busy show, but will be AMAZING ....
We may need some volunteers the Saturday before, to collect some bits ... can you please check your diaries .......
Oh, and slight costume change for the Wedding at the end .... all Ladies, after The Glory Of Me are going to remain in thier choir robes for the wedding scene ... Men, it is as originally planned, you will have your single-breasted dinner suits on under the robes and just loose the robes for the wedding scene ....
I'll run through this again on Sunday ('cos I'm picking up the robes from DAODS on Sunday morning!)
Oooooooooh I love this lovely show!

Kevin

4 to go!

Four more rehearsals to go ........ then we are in the theatre.
As shouted, sorry ... as said last night, next Monday (as well as the BBQ) we will have a Singing / Music rehearsal with a bit of movement ..... ALL are needed ...
Costumes are arriving and looking good, and it's all coming together.
The first time we will have a full cast (100% attendance) will be the Sunday tech/dress !
Keep selling, Learning & Dancing, it's going to be FAB

Kevin x

Phew, it's here!

Another worry to tick off the list .... Jonathan's red 50's suit has arrived, and It Fits!!! (isn't Ebay a wonderful thing!)
We tidied a few bits up last night, going over the scenes that didn't flow as the should have in the Sunday Run ..... Anthony is getting better at the kissing ... I think the practise has done him the world of good!
Wednesday will be bits .... but ALL are needed, plus we will be doing a couple more publicity shots ... so, please comb your hair!
It's getting to that exciting stage .. pulling all the bits together ... Ooooooo I Love It!

Kevin x

Nearly there!

Sunday run was good ..... thank you to all those who have had a word learning blitz! and hurry up & get on with it for the few who haven't!
Tickets still need a push!
Work is going on behind the scenes while rehearsals plough on, the flying & pyrotechnics are going to be spectacular .... more Bangs and flashes than firework night!
James is doing his magic with the lighting design & the stage crew are working out how to move the huge set on & off in 5 seconds ...and how to motorise a bath with Daryl & Fidel in it! .... It Can Be Done!
Monday (today)and Wednesday is more tidying up bits that need it .... including getting the men on for the Dance With Devil scene ....
Keep selling and don't forget to tell Vickie F when you are going down to the Churchill to hand out the leaflets .... it should be at least 2 each performance, but the more the merrier!
Learn & Sell, Learn & Sell, Learn & Sell.........

Kevin x

A plea from the heart (and wallet!)

Now we are getting somewhere!

If only the tickets would start to sell!

With only 2 ½ weeks to go we all (and I mean ALL) have to push every ticket and sell this spectacular show. Can everybody think of at least one radio programme, television show, publication, newsletter or anything else to write to publicising The Witches Of Eastwick ….. We have 4 or 5 press releases that have been prepared on several aspects of the show, plus a few press photos which can be sent, giving a taster of the show. If everyone in the show can write of email one or two publications advertising this Fab Show, by the process of numbers, something must be published (?). So, please put your thinking caps on & contact me to send to you a press release & photo … kevin.gauntlett@thackraywilliams.com Do it NOW Please.
We must ALL make an effort and not leave it to the usual 2 or 3 to sell!

Moan / Plea over …… It’s looking good, lets sell it!

Kevin x

Onward & Upward!

A few poorly people today … but we ploughed on tidying up the bits that went a bit awry in yesterdays run. We had a long debate concerning a hat stand …. And hope the audience will get the point …..

Ticket sales are still a big problem and we all have to give them a push. Everyone must make an effort and not leave it to the usual few! Please tell everyone how spectacular it will be, and how they cannot miss this show.

See ya Wednesday (@ 8pm)

Kevin x

Well, we got through it, with relatively few stumbles. A few were missing, which was a shame .... but with only 3 weeks to go let's hope the attendance will be 100%!
Still a few words to be learnt but on the whole it looks great ..... the first run is always a good measure as it tells me what is in need of a tidy-up or slight re-think, and gives the cast an idea of what it's all about as well as what you have to do before the opening night!.
Wednesday will be a tidy-up night as well as setting the Who's Bests and the next Sunday another run!
Another quick reminder that Bank Holiday Monday 28th May is a full rehearsal ... for Full Company (it's the week before the show!)

Oh, and don't forget to keep pushing the tickets!

Yours, encouraged

Kevin x

A really good rehearsal last night ... and thank you to those who have obviously done some homework on words & harmonies! It's sounding great ... but there is still a long way to go both on & off stage.
Tickets still need a big push ..... as well as the advertising space sales .... Graham needs to know asap if you have any interested advertisers / sponsors so he can allow room in the programme .. so please make an effort and chase those who were thinking about it!
Sunday is a run, starting at 2:30 pm sharp at Wickham Halls .... should be good ... with the dancers & men called earlier at 1:30 ....
We are nearly all set now, just a couple of linking bits and the Who's Bests at the end .... It Is Going To Be FAB!!!
See ya Saturday at the Ball (Horns & tails optional!)
and then Sunday

Kevin xx

ps Let's have some comments / banter please

A really good rehearsal last nigh ... and thank you to those who have obviously done some homework on words & harmonies! It's sounding great ... but there is still a long way to go both on & off stage.
Tickets still need a big push ..... as well as the advertising space sales .... Graham needs to know asap if you have any interested advertisers / sponsors so he can allow room in the programme .. so please make an effort and chase those who were thinking about it!
Sunday is a run, starting at 2:30 pm sharp at Wickham Halls .... should be good ... with the dancers & men called earlier at 1:30 ....
We are nearly all set now, just a couple of linking bits and the Who's Bests at the end .... It Is Going To Be FAB!!!
See ya Saturday at the Ball (Horns & tails optional!)
and then Sunday

Kevin xx

ps Let's have some comments / banter please

Bank holiday weekend has come and gone, with rehearsals taking place for some on the Sunday (principal run) & Monday (Principal tidy up and the odd new scene) & all is looking good.
Our stage Management team were also there to ensure the smooth running of the scene changes ... it's gonna be tight in a couple of places .... but I'm sure it will be fine! (It should be a doddle after Titanic!!!)
Wednesday is bits and pieces including Glory Of Me & Wedding .... so, in the words of Sukie "Words, Words, Words....."

Kevin xx

PS see the revealing shots on the Websites Eastwick page ... that should sell a few tickets!

Despite the justified moans last night about words, it was a good rehearsal ... the set numbers of Act I are looking good and Act II just needs a bit of a push, but, to be fair, it hasn't had as much rehearsal.
With regard to the Words, apologies to those who had made the effort to learn them, as there were certainly a number who obviously had poured over their books since last week ... it's everyone else who now have to raise their game!
The costume hunt has come up trumps, we have found the Gospel Robes .... from Dartford Operatic Society who acquired them for their production earlier this year .... it maybe that we will have to add a few (because of our numbers) but that particular panic is over!
This Sunday is a Principal run starting at 2 at Wickham Halls, everyone is welcome to come & watch ...you may want to see exactly what this show is all about!.... I promise you, you will not be disappointed! Then next Monday I want to brush up & set the missing bits and need the 5 fishwives (Sheila, Jacqui, Josie, Kerry and Liz) who have a couple of linking scenes and crossovers in Act I ... that will start at 8 at WTC Th 62.
Thanks again and please, don't forget, everyone has a mission to sell 10 tickets by next Wednesday ... John is waiting for your call! 020 8462 5824.

Kevin x

Good rehearsal last night which included setting the Little Girl bits … with the little girls, setting the Wedding and Darryl’s death and some Cello Coaching for Jo / Jane from a student from Langley Park School ….. Jo now knows how to hold a cello between her legs and the art of stroking it ….. I’m sure she’ll demonstrate to anyone if they ask!
The Publicity Machines are now churning and if anyone can think of a publication that needs a bit of Witches info (trade paper, organisation Newsletter, Works Notice board … ANYWHERE) let us know & we can supply an article, poster, photo or anything to fit the bill … Anything to sell them tickets!!

See you Wednesday at the club for a FULL rehearsal Starting at 8!

Kevin xx

Sundays "DANCE" rehearsal at Wickham Halls looked & sounded great .... I only popped in briefly with Kate & Oliver .... but the turnout was great & all the men seemed to be strutting their stuff at the right time and most of them were singing at the same time ...... Should be a good number ....

Words, Words, Words ........ The whole company need to learn WORDS! AND SELL TICKETS!

We are now back at Wickham Theatre Centre (Th 62) for evening rehearsals ....

5 Weeks to go!

See ya Wednesday

Kevin x

ps Has anyone got any ideas about where we can get hold of 40 Choir / Gospel robes?

The Glory of ……… we need to learn the words! … when I said last night that NO ONE KNEW THE WORDS .. it was wrong and I apologise to the two people who did know them …. But we were disappointed at the effort that had been put in by the majority in preparation of last night …. Please learn them for next week … there are only 5 weeks to go and a lot of hard work, publicity and ticket selling to go!
Don’t forget the Sunday Dance rehearsal @ Wickham Halls from 2pm … you should know who & what time you are needed …..
Next week we are back at Wickham Theatre Centre which will be a relief … I intend to go over ALL company numbers next week, so, as well as learning The Glory Of Me … please look over the others ….

Up, Up & Away …..

Kevin xx

Ps … please also turn up at the banner site in West Wickham on Sat morning @ 11am to help Bob & I erect the same …. Lots of support (and someone with a head for heights) would be most welcome!

I don’t know what it is about Emmanuel Church in the Grove, but the odd rehearsal we have there (when nowhere else is available) turns out to be one of the best rehearsals we have! Last nights principal’s rehearsal there was brilliant … we worked through Act II and polished bits we had done & set the end … it looks and sounds great! I am looking forward to joining it all together as the linking bits are just as important as the rest ….
Wednesday is at Wickham Halls for The Glory Of Me
Kevin x

Where have the anonymous comments gone?

Wednesday's rehearsal went well (ish) re-setting 2 reprises in Act II which shouldn't really have needed so much work! ..... but we also got onto Dance With The Devil, which is going to be FAB. Just to confirm, there will be a special extra Dance With The Devil Rehearsal at 2pm on Sunday 29th April @ Wickham Halls.

Yesterday (Thursday) afternoon saw the beginning of a new WWOS venture, instead of the usual Annual Old Time Music Hall Matinee at The Churchill we were asked to present an afternoon of Gilbert & Sullivan .... this we did under the banner of West Wickham's Occasional Savoyards (also WWOS) ... despite the few rehearsals and vast drop out rate .. it went VERY WELL ... and received a wonderful response from the very good numbered audience .... hopefully it will have made a profit for WWOS of between £1500.00 - £2000.00 ... The Music Hall Troup are also performing regularly .. the next date being 21st April (tomorrow) at West Kent Golf Club .... BUSY BUSY BUSY.....So Well Done and Congratulations to all involved in these Extra-Curricular pofitable activities!!!.

Ticket sales are not that good at present, and we are pursuing many new ticket sale / advertising routes and incentives and hope all members will help to push The Witches Of Eastwick which will be a spectacular show.

Finally, please note next Monday's rehearsal is at Emmanuel Church in the Grove, and next Wednesday at Wickham Halls again.

Onward & Upwards

Kevin x

Now returned refreshed & tired out from Easter @ Center parks .... I'm ready for the downhill journey to The Witches Of Eastwick. Wickham Halls again on Wednesday for the Full Company ... starting at 8pm!
Ticket sales are VERY disappointing at present ... we really have to start selling NOW .... please do not rely on the other WWOS members to sell this show .... Tickets must be sold now, we cannot afford a crashing loss on this expensive show. T W of E will be a spectacular show and it is up to every single participant to get out & sell tickets!
Call John now 0n 020 8462 5824 and start booking ... only 6 weeks to go.

See ya Wednesday

Kevin xx

NB

The Next 3 Wednesday Company Rehearsals are at Wickham Halls
That's the 11th, 18th & 25th April @ 8pm

Kevin

NB

The Next 3 Wednesday Company Rehearsals are at Wickham Halls
That's the 11th, 18th & 25th April @ 8pm

Kevin

Good rehearsal again last night, learning & setting 2 Act II reprises which don't look much on paper but must be set properly as they come in a crucial part of the fast moving Act II. The set changes round the reprises are big .... wouldn't it be lovely to have a week of technical rehearsals once we get to the theatre ... 'fraid it's not possible, I think The Hodgson would have something to say on that point.
Eastwick T-shirts are now available ... at the remarkable knock-down price of just £5 ..... with profits going to the mounting production costs!
Next Wednesday is the beginning of Dance With The Devil, when ALL men are needed, together with all the dancers and principal fishwives ... PLEASE do not forget!...... then, the week after is everybody again ... when there will only be 6 weeks left until curtain up! Please use the Easter Hols to look at, & learn the words to the songs we have set ... there are still a load of you who do not have a clue as to what you are meant to be singing and relying on the person next to you for a prompt! ... well, at the moment HE does not know the words either!!!!
Good news ... Gary's back next week for good! and Lee might make an appearance if we are lucky
Keep plugging those tickets and Have A Wonderful Easter

Kevin xx

Ellen & I went to see the Mountview Theatre School production of The Witches Of Eastwick last night at the Albany Theatre in Deptford ..... it was really good. A smaller production than ours (with a cast of about 30 in all ) but the underlying "FUN" factor certainly came over and the flying was FAB! The chorus were great, with everyone taking on their own character but moving as one in that character!
If anybody gets a chance, they should try & get to see it over Easter (see website www.thealbany.org.uk but be warned, the dates given are wrong 'cos they do not perform on Good Friday, Sunday or Easter Monday!)
The designer was Enid Strutt, who is usually responsible for the brown, grey and black Kentish Opera sets.

Another good rehearsal ….. unfortunately without a few key players and without a pianist!!!
But we had a lot of dialogue scenes to work out and the big Evil scene for Clyde & Felicia, where they both murder each other! (Knocks spots off any Coronation St. story line!)… It’s looking very good.
On Wednesday we’ll be learning & setting the two short reprises of Dirty Laundry & I Love A Little Town … in Act II …. Before turning to Dance With The Devil the following week (when all men, dancers and fishwives are needed only!)
Please keep looking at words and selling tickets!

Great rehearsal last night ...... went through the 3 big Act I numbers which are beginning to look really good. We just have to learn the words & we'll be there!!

John has promised to have some CDs for Dirty Laundry & The Glory Of Me ready for after Easter ..... which should help a bit . We still have 2/3 big numbers to set in Act II, so don't relax yet!

Thanks to all for the hard work last night ... it's all going to be FAB.
Oh, and thankyou to Gary ... who took a little time out of his Oliver! rehearsal
to join us for the end of the rehearsal!

We began Act II last night, with the famous Bed Scene … poor old Jonathan went home exhausted, with 3 Women and Pete! …. And Pat did a lot beating up Chris and throwing-up … What a Lovely Show we are doing!
Also ran most of the Act I scenes, to fit Fidel in and the linking music (It is VERY complicated …. If it all works, with the big scene changes and lighting it will be Amazing!)
Tickets have got off to a limping start … please take handbills and small posters on Wednesday to spread the word that Witches is on ….. Public awareness is very important and the more we can spread the better. If anyone has any wacky publicity ideas, please let me or Vicky (publicity officer) Faint know …. We are always on the look out for something New and Different!

We finally got to the end of Dirty Laundry …. Which may seem complicated, but once everybody is doing it correctly, will look FAB. I am disappointed at the number of people who obviously do not have a clue about the words and music. PLEASE do some homework & learn something between this week and next … the moves will be so much easier if you know WHAT you are singing!
Nice to see Pete at rehearsal, playing the part of Fidel. I first met Pete through my brother Richard, when they played Pigs in a Childrens TV programme called Pigsty. He has done many professional films and stage productions over the years and I was over the moon when he agreed to take part in the WWOS production.
Next week we’ll go through all Act I bits (there are a couple more small scenes to set) and also look at a Dirty Laundry reprise in Act II (Not a lot of movement this time ‘cos it’s a front cloth scene!)
We have a Technical Production meeting tonight, when I meet up with Maggie & Alan (Stage management) James (lighting) and Ivan (Sound & Whizz-bangs) to go through the technical staging of the show .
…..The only other point to make is Please start selling those tickets.

Bit of a disaster Director-wise last night. I had a meeting in the afternoon that went on until 9 (I do have to work sometimes!) and although I had made plans for being a bit late … I had not planned the fact that I had left the lights on in the car when I parked it at 4, and therefore had a flat battery when I finally got away. Jeremy to the rescue …. (thanks Jeremy) and I got to rehearsal about 9:45!
I understand that a lot of music work took place, which was needed (not because it was bad, but because there is quite a lot of it for the principals!)

Roll on Wednesday ……

Wonderful Rehearsal …. Got a lot done & revised….. hopefully the moves set now match the music that will be played!? Although, following our research (John & Myself) it would appear there are many discrepancies between the scores, the chorus parts and the orchestra parts … on well, keeps us all on our toes!!!

Next week, if you could bring a couple of dusters each, we can get the feel of the full action!

Thanks also to Eileen last night for her Back end of a walking bus demonstration …. It good to see our members out there providing help in the community … If anybody driving in the morning or evening sees Eileen “on the job” it would be great to have a photo to share on the web!!!

On another note … the hard working Music Hall Troup (Who over the past few years hav raised 10s of thousands of pounds for WWOS!) will be appearing at The Barn Theatre Oxted in a Charity Music Hall on Saturday 24th March at 7:30 on behalf of Bromley Rotary Club …. It is always a Marvellous evening in wonderful surroundings …. (The Barn is beautiful!) If anyone would like tickets, please call John Corney (from Bromley Rotary) on 01732 885568 …. It would be great if our members could support this worthy cause … (The cause being Bromley Charities & WWOS!) I promise you a Nostagic night of Fun & Frolics including a serious Jonathan French, a naked Jonathan Faint and a cross dressing Paul Mount!!!

Onwards & Upwards!!!

Another good principals night, revising most of Act I, moves and music. All looking very good, most scenes with books down. We start blocking Act II next Monday!
Committee meeting tomorrow night (tonight if you are reading this tomorrow (Tuesday)) …. That was just a reminder for the committee!
Sell, Sell, SELL!

Phew ..... nearly finished the first part of Dirty Laundry .... I must apologise to the men who didn't do a vast amount last night, sometimes it is difficult to know how quickly a number can be set ... and we only managed to set up to the very moment the men enter ..... but they did go through the music and will be word/note perfect for the next setting rehearsal next Wednesday!
It's looking good, thanks to Sue who simplified my complicated choreography into workable steps!
Please look at words & music for next week ... as it is easier to set numbers if people know when & what they are meant to be singing and then put the moves to it. Once Dirty Laundry is set, that's Act I finished (apart from a couple of Felicia's cronies scenes!)
Costume wise ... we are on the lookout for about 50 choir / gospel robes for The Glory Of Me number in Act II. They have to all match and ideally be colourful ... has anybody got any ideas?

Principals are working hard …. With many scenes being played with books down (with 3 months to go …. Unheard of!!!)
Jonathan is enjoying being ravished by 3 witches ……. Jo’s music scene has got to be seen to be believed.
Looking & sounding good ….
We are now on the Churchill Website ... and tickets are officially on sale ..... SELL SELL SELL!

Great rehearsal …. Finally finished I Love A Little Town … with our bums in the air!
Isn’t good to be back at WTC! and thankyou to all those who turned up to start at 8!
Thankyou to Ian Skipper for filling in at the piano, and Congratulations to Paul & Heather Showell on the birth of their son Jack (an plausible & acceptable excuse for missing a rehearsal!)
Oh, and Congratulations also to Robert & Karen Heather on the birth of their daughter Amy Rose last Friday! (I'm told Robert is already busy converting the Pirates Ship into a radio-controlled pram!)
We will be starting (and hopefully finishing) Dirty Laundry next week, so please, between now and then, get your books and and refresh your memories on the words and music … there’s a lot more to sing in this one.PLUS start learning the songs we’ve set ‘cos there are a lot of people who haven’t got a clue on the words to the opening, let alone the moves and where they are meant to be! (spot the weekly moan!)
Please feel free to post some feedback on this blog .....

Another good principals rehearsal last night …. It’s good to be back at WTC … despite the fact that due to an accident over the weekend, our beloved piano ended up on its back in pieces (I’m sure there’s a joke there somewhere!)… But they have rebuilt it, and it is as good as ... the second hand bashed about piano it always was!!!
On a costume front, it is hoped, once again, that we (WWOS) and the members can come up with a lot of these ourselves …… we have to think America & the 50s … who remembers Happy Days … that’s the look we are hoping for (No Gary, you can’t be the Fonz!) We are drawing up a list of needs, at this stage I can tell all the men that they will need a single breasted dinner suit (with thin trousers … sorry no flares Adrian!)
See you all on Wednesday, back at the club, at …… 8 o’clock sharp.

Went on a bit last night … but we nearly finished “I Love A Little Town” … almost there. As said at the end of last night, we will finish it off next week and hopefully start something new.
A few missing last night, most with worthy excuses, but you must understand the frustration of having to set things AGAIN when missing people finally turn up. Please try and block out every Wednesday in your diaries and in your mind for WWOS. Witches is a very complicated show to set, with a lot of precise movement which needs rehearsing.(Weekly moan now over!)
Oh, and, Well done Gary, for the bit of rehearsal you attended!
The new Churchill brochure should be out next week, so the usual initial press releases will be sent and the Witches Excitement can officially begin.
Publicity for this show is very important, and if anyone has access to any trade magazines, Church brochures, resident association newsletters OR anything similar, that could include a small or large article, press release or advert PLEASE let me or Vicky Faint (Our over worked publicity manager) know & we will provide yo with a suitable insert. It maybe that we could simply slip such publication with a handbill … the important end result is to SELL ALL THE TICKETS!!

Good principal rehearsal with the three Witches, the Gabriels, Darryl and the Young lovers. At least one scene completed with books down!
Although John doesn’t physically have the tickets yet, he is taking orders, that can be booked by phone 020 8462 5824 or via the web …. Follow the link on the Witches page!
I cannot stress how important it is to sell this show well!
See you all on Wednesday at Wickham Halls again …At 8PM!

Another good rehearsal last night, and on Valentines Night! shame about the odd gaps, I assume all those missing last night were out dining & wining their loved ones! We seem to be getting through the setting quickly, the problem will come when we have to brush up on the music! AND then do it altogether (Music & Movement!) It is helpful if people do some homework between Wednesday rehearsals, learning word and harmonies. Thankyou for all those who obviously have!
Thanks also to Martin, our relief Pianist, for filling in so well.
The dancing auditions went well and Sue chose her troup .. (Well done to Gary who scraped through again!) There will be some separate dance rehearsals scheduled soon, so watch the website & listen to announcements!
Oh, and for everyone’s information, the rehearsal schedule can be viewed at the society’s website http://www.wwos.org.uk/ with links from the Title page, the Next Show page and the Site Plan.
One final point ... PLEASE START SELLING THOSE TICKETS ... ONLY 5250 TO GO!!

Good principal rehearsal last night ….just a few of us in Wickham Halls ….. the witches are sounding great together … and we seem to be plotting quickly …..
Wednesday is at Wickham halls again, with the full company for the opening and reprise (with some minor changes as numbers fluctuate) and Paul on the piano. Sue will also be taking time out to audition the Dancers so come prepared with your body stockings & leg-warmers!

ON ANOTHER POINT ….Do you realise, The Churchill Theatre celebrates it’s 30th birthday this year …. Which also means we have been performing there for all that time. Witches will be our 48th full production at The Churchill, not forgetting the 20 or so Music Hall matinees and the odd concert. We will be taking some part in the Theatre’s birthday celebrations so watch this space!See you all on Wednesday AT 8!

A Good first company floor rehearsal, we managed to set the whole of the opening. A few were missing, most had given acceptable apologies, some blamed the snow (that fell this morning!!!) and some just didn’t show …. The full company are only called once a week … please try and avoid arranging other things for those nights … oh, and one other point …there still seems to be a confusion about the start time for rehearsals … Just to confirm …

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY EVENING REHEARSALS BEGIN AT 8 O’CLOCK WHICH IS 20:00 hrs. I do get annoyed when people can't be bothered to make the effort to arrive on time! (Moan over)
Thank you to Brook, our student pianist who filled in for John and Paul last night … a daunting task for anyone. Paul will be back with us next week, when it is again at Wickham Halls and begins at 8 PM!
Next week, it will be a Valentine's Special, when we will refresh our memory on the opening, hopefully with all words learnt, and then set the short reprise, which is just before Daryll’s entrance. I don’t think we’ve sung that through yet, as it involves several groups (a bit like the Rumour in Fiddler!!) And then, towards the end of the evening … the dance/movement auditions.
Tickets are now on sale through our own box office on 020 462 5824 …. So if you want good seats please phone through your preliminary orders now. Please think about selling this show NOW as it is an expensive production to put on with all the flying and special effects.
Monday’s rehearsal will be for the three witches, Daryll, and Jennifer (I know Michael is not available) for music & setting.

Upwards & Onwards .....

Music rehearsal last night, for just Jo, Susan & Amanda ……. (Jane,Sukie & Alex ... same initials!!).... A lot of close harmony for the three of them, which sounds great. I went along to do some blocking work for Wednesday, but ended up sitting back & listening.
Anthony was also there so we took the opportunity to some early work on his dialogue.
One more piece of BREAKING NEWS :-We have a new man coming Wednesday, a waiter picked up one night by WWOS talent scouts Jacqui, Josie and Tracy! According to them he has good co-ordination! (?)

Full Company Music Rehearsal last night, the first full rehearsal since the auditions. Very good turn out, although there are still some people who are not aware of the fact that evening rehearsals begin at 8pm!
It was also the last Music Only rehearsal … from now on we start to block it, however we will be revising the music each week and it is hoped that everyone will do some homework between rehearsals learning the words and music in advance of setting the number!
We are now fully cast, having heard both Michael auditions again, this time singing opposite Nicola who will be playing Jennifer … the part went to Anthony …
We have a total cast of 53 …. Not the 75 of Titanic, but still a big cast. We could do with a few more men, and if anyone knows anyone who is interested, please let me know!
The dance auditions will take place on 14th Feb, 2 weeks time, but Sue Finn (Hann that was) will be there next Wednesday to tell us what she is looking for.
The handbills & posters are out and Tickets are on sale now! Hopefully the new Churchill Theatre Brochure will be out mid-Feb, until then we have to spread the word ourselves!
People keep saying to me that we have plenty of time …. But the time will go quickly and it is a big show to set and sell …. We all have to work NOW (setting, learning & Selling!) and not leave it to the last minute!
Onwards & Upwards … Music rehearsal for the 3 Witches on Monday at WTC (which may involve further underwear discussions) , then first floor rehearsal next Wednesday, for full company at Wickham Halls.

1st principal rehearsal last night … read through of the entire show and general discussion of characters, set, costumes (in particular, the underwear) Only a couple missing …. Suitable and acceptable excuses were furnished in advance!The dialogue is very funny … and sometimes a bit risqué ….. I wish I was in it!

First Entry

Auditions last night …. A marathon, nearly 4 hours of excellently prepared auditions and some very hard decisions. The auditioning panel, after ratification by the committee, announced the cast to the few patient auditionees and WWOS members who stayed to the bitter end. A big thankyou to our pianist Paul Showell and the readers, Louise and that well known training bra expert .. Jonathan!
The only part uncast was Michael, the son. We are asking the two members who auditioned for that part to come back next Wednesday, to sing with Nicola, who was cast as Jennifer, before we make a final decision.
The full cast list is available on the Witches web page. The rest of the parts are being worked out & will be posted as soon as they are available.
I think we have a very strong cast and now look forward to finally getting down to the floor work and watching The Witches Of Eastwick as it pulls together into the spectacular show it must be.
All principals are called to a read through next Monday at Theatre 62 (Wickham Theatre Centre) at 8 pm (all are welcome to come and listen and find out exactly what it is all about) and then another full company rehearsal on Wednesday when (hopefully) a full rehearsal schedule will be available.

Onwards & Upwards

Kevin
Kevin