News
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05 September 2018
07 August 2018
Book your tickets for next season now!
All of our shows for next year are now bookable through TicketSource. Find out more here>>
06 August 2018
Casting Call for Cinder's
We are still looking for our Hairy Godmother
It is a wonderful part for a man 35-60, to be played as a man. The character speaks in rhyme all the time !!!
It is set ‘today’ not the old trad Panto lots of modern twists. If you are tempted to have a go and have fun please contact Suzanne Harris.
All other parts are cast.
Performance dates:
Dec 7th - 2 matinees(1.30pm and 5pm)
Dec 8th - 2 matinees
Dec 10th - 13th - 8pm
Dec 14th - 2matinees
Rehearsals start October 29th - Mon/Wed/Fri 8pm and Sunday 25th November am and Sunday 2nd December Double Run. 10am -4pm.
Contact Suzanne.
Email...suzannesbriggs@btinternet.com
"Dear EAT Committee,
30 July 2018
Lovely feedback for 'You're A Good Man Charlie Brown'
Today we received a lovely email from a pleased audience member who came to see 'You're a Good Man Charlie Brown', the last play of our 2017/2018 season.
"Dear EAT Committee,
I’ve been a keen visitor to your theatre for a couple of years now, enjoying each and every performance immensely. Last night I came to see the last night performance of Charlie Brown – but what a mistake - If only I’d been able to see it on the first night; because then I could have come back to see it again!
The whole production was just great. Very funny.
I’m no theatre critic but I do appreciate good entertainment and I was so impressed with the standard of each and every cast member; great acting, humour, timing and singing, so much talent. And to add to the atmosphere, excellent musical backing from the Peanuts Combo.
How sad though that there were so many empty seats. The people of Bexley clearly don’t know what they’re missing.
Many thanks for providing such great entertainment for local people by local talent. Keep up the excellent work, I’m looking forward to your next production in October."
We hope that everyone enjoyed the show and are looking forward to our next season.
07 July 2018
Next Season Casting Announced
Although we are still looking to fill a few of the characters we have now announced our casting for the next season.
Take a look at the next seasons cast here>
10 June 2018
New Season Launch
Last night we announced our shows for the next season. With an amazing turnout for the announcement we are looking forward to the next season.
We will be holding auditions on 16th and 23rd June 2018, so if you are interested in auditioning download the audition notes and come along and give it a go.
Next Season:
'A Clockwork Orange' | 20 - 27 October 2018
Audition date: 23 June at 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Click here to download the audition notes >
'Cinders: The True Story' | 8 - 15 December 2018
Audition date: 23 June at 12 - 2 pm
Click here to download the audition notes >
'Gaslight' | 16 - 23 February 2019
Audition date: 23 June at 10 - 11:30 am
Click here to download the audition notes >
'Bug' | 6 - 13 April 2019
Audition date: 16 June at 10 - 11:30 am
Click here to download the audition notes >
'NSFW (Not Safe for Work)' | 25 May - 1 June 2019
Audition date: 16 June at 12 - 1:30 pm
Click here to download the audition notes >
'Charley's Aunt' | 27 July - 3 August 2019
Audition date: 16 June at 2 - 4 pm
Click here to download the audition notes >
16 May 2018
Special Offer - Pre-Show Dining
Book a pre-theatre meal at either the Toby Carvery or the Danson Stables to receive a special offer.
Just show a member of staff your EAT ticket to recieve:
Toby Carvery (Crook Log) - Two carvery meals for £10
Danson Stables (Danson Park) - 10% off food and drink
22 January 2018
New Season Launch night - 9th June
Please join us at the Theatre on Saturday 9th June as we host the New Season Launch night. The six new productions for the 2018/2019 season will be announced on the evening and, once again, the Director for each production will introduce themselves and tell us about their hopes and plans for the shows.
Please come along at 7.30 for an 8.00 start. The bar will be opened at 7.30
AUDITIONS dates: Saturday, June 16th AND Saturday June 23rd, time from 10am - 4.30pm. Plays and their audition times to be announced at The Launch.
5 December 2017
Meet the cast of: 'ALLO 'ALLO! by Jeremy Lloyd & David Croft, in performance 9th December - 16th December 2017
2 December 2017
Christmas Carols @ the Theatre
Come and join the fun on Wednesday 20th December at 8 p.m. for an evening of song, mulled wine and mince pies.
29 November 2017
Meal Deal @ Danson Stables before the EAT shows!
Danson Stables Restaurant, Danson Park is offering a pre Theatre meal deal on all Shows at The Edward Alderton Theatre
10% off the Food Bill Dine between 5pm and 7pm Show your Ticketsource or eticket
26 November 2017
ALLO, ALLO Cast in rehearsal. Performances start from 9 December 2017
5 June 2017
Reminder: Audition day is Saturday 1st July 2017
If you are not able to make it and would like to note an interest or get details of any audition pieces please contact the Directors via email
Keep an eye on the website for synopsis of the plays and characters
New Season productions 2017/2018 and Audition times on Sat 1st July
Love from a Stranger
by Frank Vosper.
Based on a story by Agatha Christie
Director: Keith Harper cleanunderfoot@yahoo.co.uk
October 21st - 28th 2017
(Audition time: 15.00 - 16.00)
Allo Allo
By Jeremy Lloyd & David Croft
Director: Cathie Parker cathiepathome@hotmail.com
December 9th - 16th 2017
(Audition time: 13.00 - 14.00)
Rattle of a Simple Man
by Charles Dyer
Director: John Hart johnstokeshart@hotmail.com
February 10th - 17th 2018
(Audition time: 12.00 - 13.00)
Whose Life is it Anyway?
by Brian Clark
Director: Suzanne Harris suzannesbriggs@btinternet.com
April 7th - 14th 2018
(Audition time: 11.00 - 12.00)
Time and the Conways
by J.B Priestly
Director: Ian Welch standrewsmottingham@tiscali.co.uk
May 26th -June 2nd 2018
(Audition time: 14.00 - 15.00)
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
(Musical version)
Based on The Comic Strip ‘Peanuts’ by Charles M. Shultz
Book, Music & Lyrics by Clark M Gesner
Additional Dialogue by Michael Mayer
Additional Music & Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Original Direction for this version of ‘You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown’ by Michael Mayer
Originally Produced in New York by Arthur Whitelaw & Gene Persson
By arrangement with MusicScope and Stage Musicals Limited of New York
Director: Keith Neville keith.neville@tiscali.co.uk
July 21st - 28th 2018
(Audition time: 16.00 - 17.00)h
20 May 2017
*** ANNOUNCING OUR NEW SEASON 2017-2018 ***
Thank you to everyone who attended the season launch last night. We are pleased to announce the productions for the 2017-2018 season as follows:
'Love from a Stranger' - Directed by Keith Harper (21st October - 28th October 2017)
'Allo Allo' - Directed by Cathie Parker (9th December - 16th December 2017)
'Rattle of a Simple Man' - Directed by John Hart (10th February - 17th February 2018)
'Whose Life Is It Anyway' - Directed by Suzanne Harris (7th April - 14th April 2018)
'Time and the Conways' - Directed by Ian Welch (26th May - 2nd June 2018)
'You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown' - Directed by Keith Neville (21st July - 28th July 2018)
Auditions are to be held at the theatre on Saturday 1st July 2017 (see below).
20 May 2017
*** AUDITION TIMES *** 1ST JULY 2017 ***
11am - Whose Life Is It Anyway?
12pm - Rattle of a Simple Man
1pm - Allo Allo
2pm - Time and the Conways
3pm - Love from a Stranger
4pm - You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
19 April 2017
EAT 2017-2018 Season Production Auditions
Following our very successful ‘One Day of Auditions’ last year, we are pleased to announce that the EAT Auditions Day for 2017 will be Saturday 1st July from 10am – 5pm, bar open from 12. Please join us in what will be an exciting, fun and productive day of auditions for our 2017-2018 Season.
The running order of the six production’s auditions times will be announced nearer to the date.
14 April 2017
Advertising in the EAT Production Programmes
We have had inquiries from companies and individuals in regards to advertising their services within our production programmes. We are more than happy to assist and have put together the following price list for advertising.
Per Programme
Full page - £50.00. Half page - £30.00
X 3 Programmes
Full page - £125.00. Half page - £75.00
X 6 Programmes
Full page - £250.00. Half page - £150.00
Should you wish to advertise with us please drop Kevin Coward (EAT Publicity Officer) a line at coward.kevin@gmail.com and he will be happy to assist.
2 April 2017
New Season Launch night - 20th May
Please join us at the Theatre on Saturday 20th May as we host the New Season Launch night. The six new productions for the 2017/2018 season will be announced on the evening and, once again, the director for each production will introduce themselves and tell us about their hopes and plans for the shows.
Audition date (one day auditions, as we did so successfully last year), for the new shows will also be announced during the evening. Please come along at 7.30 for an 8.00 start. The bar will be opened at 7.30.
28 February 2017
Director RICHARD SELF introduces the play SKELLIG, in performance 8th - 15th April 2017
24 January 2017
MISS JULIE Cast in rehearsal. Performances start from 11 February 2017
20 January 2017
Cast confirmed for 'No Sex Please, We're British':
Peter Hunter: Kevin Coward
Frances Hunter: Helen Quinnell
Eleanor Hunter: Viv Stapleton
Brian Runnicles: Steve Padgham
Leslie Bromhead: Paul Friett
Superintendent Paul: Tony Henson
Mr. Needham: Kevin Onley
Susan: Shirley Andrews
Barbara: Dorothy Holmans
Delivery Man: Tony Donnelly
14 January 2017
Credit Cards payments
We will no longer be accepting credit cards at the Theatre as this facility has hardly been used in the past. You will, of course, be able to pay by credit or debit card when booking your seats with Ticketsource.
22 December 2016
Thank you for joining us for the official opening of our new signage and Christmas Carols evening. Here are some pictures from this events.
21 Novemnber 2016
We are currently working through the list of proposed productions for the 2017-2018 season, however, it is not too late if you would like to put yourself forward as a director.
If this is something that interests you, then please contact Helen England, our Director Co-Ordinator at edwardalderton@hotmail.co.uk.
We look forward to hearing from you.
03 September 2016
** OPEN DAY *** 10TH SEPTEMBER 2016 ***
On Saturday 10th September we will be holding an Open Day for anyone who is interested in visiting our theatre to meet our members or would like a tour of the venue. Come along for a cup of tea and a biscuit, or if you prefer something a little stronger, then our bar will be open from 12pm onwards.
Members of our Management & Drama Committees will be on hand to answer any of your questions and to show people around.
Our Chair, Liz Gillett, will be holding a training session at 11.30am for anyone interested in Stage Management. This will include an overview of all duties/responsibilities and how to operate the SM box. Full training and support will be given if you decide you want to take on a production.
Come along and support your local theatre. We hope to see lots of you there!
12 July 2016
Work weekend 13th/14th August
10 am start
This is the weekend where we do all the little maintenance jobs , painting ,tidy garden props costumes and box office to spruce up our Theatre for the coming season
This is essential work so please help if you can even if it's only a couple of hours it will be very much appreciated
There will be a BBQ on the Sunday with a free drink and a chance to socialise
This will be proceeded by a fire drill we have just had a new system fitted and need as many Front of House and seat 11 people to attend it is also a stipulation of our lease.
23 June 2016
Calling All Ladies interested in Fashion and Costume.
We are looking for new members for our costume team.
If you can sew on a button ! shop at charity shops and like a natter, and have a few hours to give each month then come and join us.
For more information please contact
lizgillett212@aol.com or come along to our social evening every Wednesday apart from show week from 8pm
15 June 2016
Cast change: Lend Me a Tenor (Non-Musical Version), in performance 23-30 July 2016
Cast: Darren Cullen (Max), Charlotte Jacobs (Maggie Saunders), Kevin Coward (Tito Merelli), Van Corbould (Maria Merelli), Linda Gay (Diana), Viv Stapleton (Julia) and Seb White (Bellhop), Nicholas Hewitt (Henry Saunders)
Director: Nicholas Hewitt,
Stage Manager & Co-Director: Laura Cakebread
Lighting: John Gardner
Sound: Mick Taylor
Prompt: Louise Ody
World-renowned tenor Tito Merelli has signed on to play Otello at a Cleveland operacompany in the fall of 1934. He arrives late and, through a set of crazy circumstances, passes outafter mixing wine with a huge dose of tranquilizers. Believing that the divo is dead, the excitableopera manager taps his hapless assistant, an aspiring singer named Max, to suit up as the Moorand replace Merelli. Meanwhile, the tenor’s jealous wife, his ambitious female co-star, Max’s younggirlfriend and the flirtatious head of the opera guild are on the scene fighting—sometimes literally—for the star’s attention...
10 June 2016
*** CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT ***
Congratulations to the following people who have been successfully cast in our February 2017 production of ‘Miss Julie’.
Director: Suzanne Harris
Miss Julie: Clare Elizabeth Mcnamara-Ledger
Jean: Stephen Maylon
Kristin: Louise Ody
'Miss Julie' is in performance from Saturday 11th February 2017 to Saturday 18th February 2017
(No Sunday performance).
9 June 2016
*** CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT ***
Congratulations to the following people who have been successfully cast in our April 2017 production of ‘Skellig’.
Director: Richard Self
Ensemble cast as follows:
Chris Cole
Kevin Coward
Aisling Dunne
David George
Maureen Hardwen
Eleanor McEnery
Daniel O'Brien
Ciara O'Hare
Jennifer Walker
'Skellig' is in performance from Saturday 8th April 2017 to Saturday 15th April 2017
(No Sunday Show).
8 June 2016
*** CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT ***
Congratulations to the following people who have been successfully cast in our May/June 2017 production of ‘Bracken Moor’.
Director: Ian Welch
Edgar Pritchard/Eileen Hannaway: Aisling Dunne
Elizabeth Pritchard: Rachel de Silva
Harold Pritchard: Nigel Taylor
Terence Avery: Daniel O'Brien
Vanessa Avery: Eileen Warner
Geoffrey Avery: Kevin Coward
John Bailey/Dr Gibbons: Richard Self
'Bracken Moor' is in performance from Saturday 27th May 2017 to Saturday 3rd June 2017
(No Sunday Show).
Message from the Director:
'Congratulations to all concerned! There was an excellent turn-out for the audition, with a very high standard of acting and I was in the very privileged position as a Director of being spoilt for choice. Thank you to everybody concerned for all of their hard work and enthusiasm.' Ian.
7 June 2016
*** CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT ***
Congratulations to the following for successfully being cast in ‘Blithe Spirit’, our first production of the new season:
Director: Viv Stapleton
Charles Condomine: Ian Welch
Ruth Condomine: Rachel de Silva
Dr Bradman: Stuart Pinel
Mrs Bradman: Helen Quinnell
Madame Arcati: Maureen Hardwen
Elvira: Linda Gay
Edith: Ciara O'Hare
'Blithe Spirit' is in performance from Saturday 22nd October 2016 to Saturday 29th October 2016
(No Sunday Show).
6 June 2016
*** CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT ***
Congratulations to the following people who have been cast in ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens.
Eric Whiting - Ebeneezer Scrooge
Company:
Curtis Boylan
Susie Clarke
David George
Liz Gillett
Melinda Hunt
Vivien McQuillan
Ciara O'Hare
Stuart Pinel
Gary Larnder
Directed by Keith Neville.
Well done to all of you!
Performance dates 10th December 2016 to 17th December 2016
(no Sunday show).
10 April 2016
On behalf of the EAT Drama Committee, we are pleased to announce our new season for 2016-2017:
‘Blithe Spirit’ by Noel Coward – In performance 22nd October 2016 to 29th October 2016
(Director Viv Stapleton)
‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens – In performance 10th December 2016 to 17th December 2016
(Director Keith Neville)
‘Miss Julie’ by August Strindberg – In performance 11th February 2017 to 18th February 2017
(Director Suzanne Harris)
‘Skellig’ by David Almond – In performance 8th April 2017 to 15th April 2017
(Director Richard Self)
‘Bracken Moor’ by Alexi Kaye Campbell – In performance 27th May 2017 to 3rd June 2017
(Director Ian Welch)
‘No Sex Please We’re British’ by Alistair Foot and Anthony Marriott – In performance 22nd July 2017 to 29th July 2017
(Director Roz Betts)
Auditions will be held on Sunday 29th May 2016. Times as follows:
‘No Sex Please We’re British’ – 10am-11am
‘Miss Julie’ – 11am-12pm
‘Blithe Spirit’ – 12pm-1pm
‘Skellig’ – 2pm-3pm
‘A Christmas Carol’ – 3pm-4pm
‘Bracken Moor’ – 4pm-5pm
9 April 2016
Launch Night & 40th Birthday Celebrations
What an amazing night! Our official Launch Night was an overwhelming success and it was wonderful to see so many new and old faces join us to celebrate our 40th anniversary! We hope that you all had an enjoyable evening and look forward to seeing you all again very soon. Remember, social nights are held every Wednesday and are open to all. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to get in touch and a member of our Drama Committee will be happy to help. Again, thank you to everyone for making last night such a special occasion.
28 February 2016
AGM summary
Our AGM was held on Tuesday 23rd February 2016 and we saw Sarah O’Hanlon, Mark Campbell & Roz Betts step down from the committee. We would like to extend our thanks to them for the outstanding service they have offered to the EAT over the years.
The rest of the committee were returned and two new members joined us. Timothy Webb joins us as a member without portfolio and Liz Gillett as our new Chair. I know they are both delighted to be on board and looking forward to starting their work!
In other news; our new 5 year lease is due to be signed in April and we are having all our auditorium seats renovated, along with a new fire alarm system installed. We are also looking into upgrading our external signage to make the theatre more visible.
Whilst we have had some difficult times recently (and this was reflected in the meeting overall), it was a fantastically positive evening! Everyone at the theatre is looking forward to a brighter, more stable future where we can build on the excellent work done over the past 40 years at the EAT.
12 February 2016
AGM on Tuesday 23 February
Our AGM will be held on Tuesday 23 February 2016 at 8.15pm. As many of you know, several members of our current committee are standing down and, as such, it offers an opportunity for those of you who would like the chance to serve on the EAT Committee either to put yourself forward or to nominate someone who you feel would be an asset to the committee (it is a good idea to check with them first!). The three committee members who are standing down are Sarah, our chair, and Mark and Roz, our Artistic Directors (this position has been replaced by the Drama Committee). Therefore there are three committee places available—the five other members are prepared to restand.
Serving on the committee involves attending meeting approximately six times a year to discuss all aspects of the theatre and make decisions based on those discussions. It has been a challenging time for the EAT in terms of the building works, lease negotiations, internal improvements and declining audience numbers and theatre members. We still have many challenges and no doubt will come across more in the future. But with the building works now completed and the council reopening active negotiations regarding our lease and our Drama Committee planning an exciting new season, this is a great time to join the EAT committee and help mould the future of our wonderful little theatre.
If you are interested, then please contact Karen Friett on 07976905437 or karenfriett@aol.com and she will be delighted to discuss it with you.
7 February 2016
Cast change for The Golden Age of Radio Comedy
With great sadness, Roz Betts has had to bow out of our February show due to a minor accident. In her place we are happy to announce that Viv Stapleton will be stepping into the shoes of the one-and-only Betty Marsden. Please click here to watch the trailer on YouTube.
20 January 2016
Casting announced for Lend Me a Tenor
Congratulations to the following people who have been cast in our July 2016 show: Darren Cullen (Max), Niti Williamson (Maggie Saunders), Kevin Coward (Tito Merelli), Van Corbould (Maria Merelli), Sara Bowers (Diana), Viv Stapleton (Julia) and Steve Padgham (Bellhop). The role of Henry Saunders is yet to be cast. Lend Me a Tenor by Ken Ludwig (the non-musical version) is directed by Nick Hewitt and is in performance 23-30 July 2016. Please note there is a minor cast alteration to Uncle Vanya: Ian Welsh is now playing Vanya, while Mark Campbell is Dr Astrov and Steve Hunt is Serebryakov.
07 December 2015
Carols evening
We will be holding our traditional evening of carol songs on Wednesday 16 December at the bar from 8pm—all welcome!
17 October 2015
Cast chosen for Radio Shows
We are delighted to announce the following cast for our February 2016 show The Golden Age of Radio Comedy. Congratulations to Ian Long, Kevin Coward, Steve Padgham, Mark Campbell, Michael Taylor and Roz Betts , who will be playing various roles in The Goon Show, Steptoe and Son and Round the Horne. The show is produced and directed by Sarah O'Hanlon and Mark Campbell.
10 October 2015
Drama Committee appointed
Following on from Roz Betts and Mark Campbell stepping down as joint Artistic Directors, it has been agreed that a group of EAT members will now work together as a Drama Committee. This committee consists of Liz Gillett, Steve Padgham, Helen Rowe, Richard Self and Viv Stapleton.
Helen Rowe says: “As a collective, we hope to bring a new and fresh approach to the productions that we put on at the theatre. We are currently looking for people to direct shows for the forthcoming 2016-2017 season and this is your chance to get involved. If you or anyone you know has a desire to direct, whether it is a musical, play or showpiece then please contact me about a script that you wish to put forward. On the other hand, if you fancy directing but are unsure as to what, then again, please feel free to contact me as we have a range of productions that we can hopefully offer you.
Our first committee meeting will be within the next few weeks. This will be our chance to bring all your ideas to the table and discuss the possibility of all forthcoming shows, in what we hope will be an exciting and diverse new season. I look forward to hearing from you all!”
If you would like to contact the Drama Committee, please send an email to edwardalderton@hotmail.co.uk.
16 January 2015
TicketSource to take over bookings
A specialist theatre booking agency called TicketSource will be taking over all bookings for the Edward Alderton Theatre from 1 March 2015. The current Box Office telephone number will apply until the final performance of Antigone, after which a brand new telephone number will be used for all future performances. That number will be publicised on all future publicity material, alongside this website and all social media platforms. Alongside that, for the first time, patrons will be able to book their own seats online, using TicketSource, with no additional fee. Telephone bookings will incur a flat £1.50 service fee which includes ticket delivery.
The Edward Alderton Theatre is a non-professional performance venue in Bexleyheath, Kent, founded in 1976. It has a raked auditorium seating 74, a proscenium stage, a fully licensed bar, a deaf loop, toilets and free onsite parking. Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere on the premises. Performances commence at 8pm. Social evenings are held every Wednesday from 9pm, except during show weeks. Non-members welcome.
