Edward Alderton Theatre

Archived News: 2010

21.10.10
Last three performances of Seconds Out! now sold out
Please note that due to the phenomenal success of Seconds Out!, the final three performances are now sold out. Cancellations do occur however, so you can put your name on our waiting list by contacting the Box Office (see Home page) or turn up on the night just in case. The London Tonight feature has now been uploaded onto YouTube: to watch it, click here .

15.10.10
Watch Seconds Out! on London Tonight
London Tonight had a short feature on Seconds Out! transmitted on our opening night, Thursday 14 October. Terry Williams and Paul Standell were interviewed, and there were various shots of the show itself. It is available online for seven days by clicking here . It's approximately 26 minutes in.

14.10.10
Seconds Out! on ITV
The ITV regional news programme London Tonight was present at the dress rehearsal of Seconds Out! on Wednesday. All going well they will feature the Edward Alderton Theatre in their TV news bulletin either today, Thursday 14, or tomorrow, Friday 15 October at 6pm. This will be the first time the theatre has featured on television since Channel 4 made a documentary about Jeffrey Bernard and featured footage from our 1995 production Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell.

13.10.10
Seconds Out! opening night sold out
The opening night of Seconds Out! has now sold out. Tickets are available for other nights, although Friday 15th and both Saturdays are filling fast. To make sure of a seat, please book from our Box Office on 020 8301 5584.

05.10.10
Seconds Out! trailer
Click here to watch the trailer for our next production, Seconds Out! from 14 - 23 October 2010. The trailer features Paul Standell as Freddie Mills, and will appeal to those who like young topless men boxing!

24.09.10
Publicity for Seconds Out!
The 23 September issue of the Bexley Times features a one-page feature on our next show, the world premiere of the new musical about boxer Freddie Mills, Seconds Out! You can read it here . Also please note that the Sunday performance has now been cancelled: the show will run for 9 performances beginning on Thursday 14 October and finishing on the following Saturday.

19.09.10
Hat trick for EAT
At the Arts Council of Bexley annual awards ceremony held at the theatre on 18 September, the EAT won three awards:

Betty Bailey Award for Set Design - The Maids (dir: Ian Long)
Harold Bull Cup for Best Female Actor - Caroline Main (Proof)
Certificate of Merit for Best Production - Proof (dir: Maggi Law)

Congratulations to everyone involved in the two productions. Trophies and certificates will be on display in the theatre foyer.

01.09.10
Proof and The Maids recognised by Arts Council
Cast and crew for Proof by David Auburn (director: Maggi Law) and The Maids by Jean Genet (director: Ian Long) have been asked to attend the Arts Council of Bexley's annual Awards Ceremony to be held at the Edward Alderton Theatre on Saturday 18 September 2010 at 7.30pm. The event is free, but admission is by invitation only. Congratulations to everyone involved in the two productions.

30.08.10
1940s Revue "worthy of West End stage"
We were delighted to receive a letter from Raymond and Audrey Hagley from Chiselhurst, Kent recently, in praise of the 1940s Radio Revue directed by Wendy Marsh:

We felt that we must write and thankyou all for giving us and our friends and the rest of the audience such an entertaining evening last Monday. We all felt that you were superb and that the standard of acting etc was exceptional and worthy of the West End stage. We were particularly impressed by your accents and facial expressions — brilliant. After seeing the three Andrews Sisters I decided to join the ATS myself but sadly was turned down and told that I was the "wrong gender". Never mind, I intend to appeal on grounds of sexual discrimination!

Thanks again.

Yours most sincerely,

Raymond & Audrey Hagley and friends

PS Set and Box Office staff etc also excellent

29.08.10
Quiz Night
We will be holding a quiz night at the theatre on 30 October 2010 at 7.30pm. Tickets are Ł5 (strictly limited) and will include waitress service. Please note: maximum of eight per team. All monies to go to theatre funds. Tickets available on Wednesday social nights or contact Karen Friett by email here . Full details on Facebook.

29.08.10
Smoking
The theatre has received an official letter of complaint from Bexley Council about smoking within the grounds of the theatre and particularly in the garden area. It includes the threat of legal action. To view the letter, click here .

The committee has no alternative but to enforce the council's no smoking policy, in the theatre, in the car park and in the garden area. If you wish to smoke there is no alternative except to walk to Brampton Road. We will be putting signs up reminding people that smoking is banned in all areas, but it is essential that all members of the theatre help to ensure that the no smoking policy is adhered to.

The committee has decided that such is the serious nature of the letter, we have introduced the following disciplinary procedures:

In the first instance, where a member is seen to flout the policy, they will be given a verbal warning.

If a member has received a verbal warning and they continue to smoke in the theatre or car park or garden, they will be given a formal written warning.

If after the verbal warning and written warning a member continues to flout the policy, their membership of the theatre will be terminated.

Says chairman Richard Banks: "I cannot stress highly enough that the future of the theatre would be jeopardized if members and audience members continued to smoke in the car park and grounds. This total ban on smoking applies at ALL times — rehearsals, performances, work nights and social events. Please support the theatre, the committee, members and audience by complying with the policy and helping others to adhere to the policy."

09.08.10
Cast announced for And Then There Were None
Richard Banks has announced the cast for his production of And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (June 2011). Congratulations to the following: Mick Taylor (Fred Narracot), Ian Long (Thomas Rogers), Julie Lovelock (Edith Rogers), Rod Henderson (Philip Lombard), Kelly White (Vera Claythorne), Ben Cowen (Anthony Marston), Kevin Coward (William Blore), Horry Stapleton (General John Mackenzie), Shirley Andrews (Emily Brent), John Hyde (Dr Edward Armstrong) and Tony Donnelly (Sir Lawrence Wargrave).

09.08.10
Cast announced for The Duck Vaiations
Stephanie David has announced the cast for her production of The Duck Variations by David Mamet (April 2011): Tony Donnelly will play George and Gary Heron will play Emil.

25.07.10
1940s Radio Revue on YouTube
For those who missed it (where were you?) or for those who would like to relive the experience, all the acts in our most recent production, the 1940s Radio Revue, as directed by Wendy Marsh, are now available for your viewing and listening pleasure on YouTube:

Fanny Writes a Book	Ian Long and Michael Martin
The Great White Sale	Eleanor McEnery, David Hampton and Ian Long
Pleased to Have Met You	Geraldine Mullins and Mark Campbell
The White Cliffs of Dover	Desni Hanford
The Theatre of Doom: Prologue	Geraldine Mullins, David Hampton, Ian Long, Michael Martin, Mark Campbell, Desni Hanford, Neil Cushley and Richard Banks
The Theatre of Doom: Part One
The Theatre of Doom: Part Two
Simultaneous Broadcast	Michael Martin, Mark Campbell, Desni Hanford and Ian Long
Over the Garden Wall	Desni Hanford and Eleanor McEnery
Stately as a Galleon	Desni Hanford
The Ministry of Shortages: Part One	Geraldine Mullins, David Hampton, Ian Long, Michael Martin, Mark Campbell, Desni Hanford, Eleanor McEnery, Neil Cushley and Richard Banks
The Ministry of Shortages: Part Two
Pots and Puns	David Hampton, Geraldine Mullins and Ian Long
The Andrews Sisters	Wendy Marsh, Charlotte Jacobs and Hannah Jacobs

25.07.10
Next season trailer
A new trailer for our next season, set to Cry Me a River by Michael Buble, is now online at YouTube: click here to be taken straight to it.

17.07.10
Bouncers for September
EAT chairman Richard Banks has organized a special two-night production of Bouncers by John Godber, on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 September 2010, to raise money for theatre funds. The cast features Richard Banks, Paul Friett, Jason Down and Rory Gordon and was first produced by the Riverside Players, under the direction of Kelly White, in October 2009. The performances start at 7.30pm and the tickets are at the new standard price of Ł8. Please contact the Box Office on 020 83015584 or by email to book your seats.

17.07.10
Summer work weekend
The annual work weekend at the theatre will take place on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 August this year. Viv Stapleton will be coordinating the various jobs, which include: tidying the garden; touching up black paint in the auditorium; repainting cream paintwork under bar, sorting, categorizing and photographing props; and costumes sorting. If members know of any other jobs that need doing, please contact Viv.

17.07.10
Cast announced for Revenger's Tragedy
Director Ian Long has announced the cast for his production of The Revenger's Tragedy by Thomas Middleton (July 2011). Congratulations to the following: Rachel de Silva (Vindice), Mark Campbell (Hippolito), Eleanor McEnery (Gratiana), Sonja Grassmugg (Castiza), Tony Donnelly (Duke), Wendy Marsh (Duchess), Richard Self (Lussurioso), Richard Banks (Spurio), Charlotte Jacobs (Ambitiosa), Hannah Jacobs (Supervacua), Martin Gilbey (Judge) and Mark Loveday (Courtier/Officer).

06.07.10
Social evening cancelled
Please note that this week's social evening on Wednesday 7 July will have to be cancelled to allow for the dress rehearsal of the 1940s Revue and preparation of the theatre foyer. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to members.

06.07.10
More funeral details
Matt Clowry's family have decided that flowers will be from family only and that if anyone wishes to make a charitable donation, their chosen charity is the Greenwich and Bexley Cottage Hospice. Donations can be made out to the above and sent to Co-Operative Funeral Services, 299 The Broadway, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA6 8DG.

To confirm, the funeral arrangements are as follows:
11:45 Thursday 15th July
Eltham Crematorium (Falconwood)
Crown Woods Way,
London
SE9 2AZ

And after:
Kings Head Bexley Village
65 Bexley High Street
Bexley
DA5 1AA

03.07.10
Funeral for Matt Clowry
Matt Clowry's funeral will be held at Eltham Crematorium (also known as Falconwood Crematorium) on Thursday 15 July at 11.45. Details about flowers/donations and the venue for the wake will be available shortly. Click here for details about the crematorium. A tribute to Matt appears in this week's edition of the Bexley Times — click here to read the online version.

25.06.10
Matt Clowry
It is with the greatest sadness that we have to announce the sudden death of popular theatre member Matt Clowry. He was killed in a collision with a truck on Bronze Age Way in Erith during the early hours of Thursday 24 June. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this very difficult time. Matt last appeared in our production of Oedipus the King (March 2009) and had just been seen in Sitting Pretty at the Bromley Little Theatre. He was due to make his directorial debut at the Alderton next year.

The police have this morning issued the following statement:

Officers are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision in Erith on 24 June. Police were called at approx 0400hrs on 24 June to reports of a man injured following a road traffic collision in Bronze Age Way, Erith. Officers and LAS attended and discovered a man, believed aged in his 40s, suffering injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police believe they know the identity of the deceased and next of kin have been informed. A post mortem will be scheduled for today (25 June) at Princess Royal University Hospital, Orpington.

At this early stage it is believed the man, a pedestrian, was in collision with a lorry in Bronze Age Way, Erith. As the lorry stopped at the scene it was in collision with another lorry. No reports of any other injuries. Officers from the Collision Investigation Unit based at Catford investigate. Anyone with information is asked to contact the witness appeal line on 020 8285 1574. No arrests, enquiries continue.

We will be having a special evening at the theatre next Wednesday, 30 June. Please come if you can and share your memories of him. Funeral arrangements will be posted here as soon as they are known.

13.06.10
Final auditions date
Open auditions for The Duck Variations by David Mamet, directed by Matt Clowry (New York Stories, 9-16 April 2011) and And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, directed by Richard Banks (4-11 June 2011), will take place at the theatre on Sunday 18 July at 2pm and 3pm respectively. Audition pieces will be available online shortly. These are the final auditions for our next season.

18.06.10
Duck Variations replaces Zoo Story
David Mamet's 1972 one-act play The Duck Variations will replace Edward Albee's Zoo Story for our April 2011 show New York Stories. Like Zoo Story, this series of fourteen short duologues features two men talking on a park bench, which for our purposes will be in Central Park (the area is not specified in the script). It will be directed by Matt Clowry, with auditions taking place on Sunday 18 July at 2pm. Audition details to follow. Information on the play can be found here .

13.06.10
Bexley Arts Festival a great success
Thanks to all those members who were able to help at the EAT table at the Bexley Arts Festival on Saturday 12 June. The day was very successful, with lots of interest in our theatre, the 1940s Revue in July, and our 2010/11 season. Richard Banks organized a free draw to win a pair of tickets for the 1940s Revue which was won by Mrs Joy Buchan from Bexleyheath.

13.05.10
Bexley Arts Festival
The annual Arts Festival which takes place on Bexleyheath Broadway is planned for Saturday 12 June. As usual, the Edward Alderton Theatre will have a table there advertising our presence. If anyone would like to volunteer to help (no experience required), please email Mark Campbell .

06.05.10
Zoo Story cancelled
Sadly it has been impossible to get the rights for Zoo Story by Edward Albee, half of our New York Stories production for April 2011. Plans are currently afoot to choose another American play for this slot, to be directed by Matt Clowry. Watch this space for an announcement.

09.05.10
Cast announced for Blackadder II
Director Wendy Marsh has announced the cast for her production of Blackadder II by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton, adapted by Rebecca Marsh (February-March 2011). Congratulations to the following: David Puckeridge (Blackadder), Ian Long (Baldrick), Jon Meakin (Percy), Richard Banks (Melchett), Charlotte Jacobs (Kate), John Hyde (Kate's Father), David Hampton (Lord Whiteadder), Eileen Warner (Lady Whiteadder), Matt Clowry (Prince Ludwig), Mark Campbell (Lord Flashheart), Jenny McCarthy (Queenie), Liz Gillett (Nursie), Matthew Friett (Spanish Torturer), Paul Friett (Doctor), Clive Madel and Jacob Friett (Guardsmen etc).

06.05.10
The Revenger's Tragedy auditions
Auditions for our July 2011 production, The Revenger's Tragedy by Thomas Middleton, directed by Ian Long, will be held at the theatre on Sunday 6 June at 12.30pm. See Auditions page for full details, including downloadable audition pieces.

06.05.10
Cast announced for Absurd Person Singular
Director Sarah O'Hanlon has announced her cast for Alan Ayckbourn's Absurd Person Singular (December 2010). Congratulations to the following: Linda Gay (Jane Hopcroft), Paul Friett (Sidney Hopcroft), Tina Crook (Eva Jackson), Matt Clowry (Geoffrey Jackson), Eileen Warner (Marion Brewster-Wright) and Hugh Wooton (Ronald Brewster-Wright).

28.04.10
Newsletter available
Our April 2010 newsletter, with information about The Maids, is now available for download - see above.

28.04.10
Cast announced for Seconds Out!
Director Terry Williams has now announced the cast for the first show of our next season, Seconds Out!, the new musical about boxer Freddie Mills. Congratulations to the following people, some of whom are regular EAT members while others are new to the theatre: Jamie Steen (Freddie Mills), Natasha Staples (Christine Broadribb), Michael Martin (Favours), Don McCorkindale (Ted Broadribb), Claire Kingshott (Ma Basham), Nicola Foxfield (Edna/Understudy Christine), Clive Madel (Razors), Eileen Warner (Edna's Mother), Dave Hampton (Edna's Father/Milk Inspector), Brian John (RAF Squadron Leader/Colonel), John Hart (Fairground MC/Chorus), Tony Donnelly (Understudy Ted/Chorus), Ella Banks, Loretta White (Assorted Fairground Characters).

27.04.10
Publicity photographs for The Maids
Twelve high-resolution pre-publicity photographs for The Maids are now available here . The play stars Linda Gay, Aysev Ismail and Rachel de Silva.

26.04.10
Trailer for The Maids
A 2-minute trailer for our next production, The Maids by Jean Genet, directed by Ian Long, is now available on YouTube. The play runs from 15-22 May, excluding Sunday 16th. Click here to watch it.

24.04.10
Soldiering On cast announced
Director Helen Banks would like to thank those who turned up to audition for Soldiering On by Pamela Reeves (in performance April 2011). Congratulations to Viv Stapleton and Maureen Hardwen who have been cast as Pauline and Miss Wilson respectively.

20.04.10
More Blackadder II auditions
We will be holding a second, and final, round of auditions for Blackadder II on Tuesday 27 April from 7pm onwards at the theatre. If you would like to audition for this very popular comedy, please contact the director Wendy Marsh on 02083787063 or 07947573289.

08.04.10
Theatre access
The new Adult Education building has now been completed, and access to the theatre and rear car park is now back to where it used to be - via the gates on the left of the new building. The alternative entrance via the Danson Centre car park is now no longer in use.

08.04.10
Blackadder II and New York Stories date changes
In order to avoid a potential clash with Easter holidays next year, the dates of Blackadder II and New York Stories have been moved forward a week. The new dates are as follows: Blackadder II is now on 24 February - 5 March 2011 and New York Stories is now on 9-16 April 2011.

26.03.10
Blackadder II audition date
Auditions for our special Comic Relief show Blackadder II, written by Ben Elton and Richard Curtis and to be performed from 3-12 March 2011, will take place at the theatre on Saturday 10 April at 11am. Full details are available on our Auditions page.

19.03.10
Seconds Out! songs online
Two songs from our brand-new musical Seconds Out! are now online here: Recitative , Favours' Ditty and I'm Not a Dreamer, all from Act One (right click, 'save target as', then open). Please take a few minutes to listen to them. If you would like to be involved in this exciting new project, in any capacity, please contact the writer/director Terry Williams on 07793211243.

14.03.10
Looking for Normal trailer
A new trailer for our next production, the drama Looking for Normal by Jane Anderson, directed by Rebecca Mason, is now available online at YouTube. Click here to watch it, and if you like it please leave a comment. The play runs from 27 March to 3 April, excluding Sunday 28 March.

11.03.10
Auditions dates announced
Auditions for the 1940s Revue (8-17 July 2010) will take place on Thursday 18 March at 8pm. Auditions for Absurd Person Singular by Alan Ayckbourn (4-11 December 2010) and Soldiering On by Pamela Reeves (16-23 April 2011) will take place on Sunday 18 April at 12.30 and 2.30 respectively. For more information, click here .

31.01.10
Tomb trailer
A one-minute trailer for our next production, the comedy thriller A Tomb With a View by Norman Robbins, is now available online at YouTube. Click here to watch it, and if you like it please leave a comment. The play runs from 6-13 February, excluding Sunday 7.

29.01.10
Seconds Out - world premiere to start new season
A brand new musical about the boxer Freddie Mills called Seconds Out will spearhead our next season at the Edward Alderton Theatre. It will be directed by its writer, Terry Williams. Auditions will take place on Sunday 21 and Sunday 28 February 2010 at St Paulinus Church Hall, Manor Road, Crayford, Kent DA1 4EP, from 2-4pm on both days. There are plenty of singing, acting and dancing roles available for men and women. For full details, please go to our Auditions page.

11.01.10
AGM on Tuesday 16 February 2010
The Annual General meeting of the Edward Alderton Theatre will be held on Tuesday 16 February 2010 at 8.15pm at the theatre. The meeting will include the election of committee members. All the current members are willing to stand for the committee again. The Committee has nine members:

Chairperson	Jenny Devonshire
Treasurer	Jenny Devonshire
Secretary	Maureen Hardwen
Artistic Director	Mark Campbell
Technical Director	Rebecca Mason
Bar Manager	Tony Donnelly
Front of House	Shirley Andrews
Extra	Richard Banks, Wendy Marsh, Viv Stapleton

If you would like to stand for a specific position on the committee please let Maureen Hardwen know by email , together with a nominator and seconder. Nominations for the three extra members may be made at the AGM. Please note that if you wish to stand for the post of Bar Manager you must hold the relevant licence. Please note you may only attend the meeting if you are a fully paid-up member. Subs of Ł20 were due on 1 September 2009.

Archived news
2010 2009
2008
2007

Archived newsletters
June 10
April 10
March 10
Jan 10
Nov 09
Sept 09
June 09
April 09
March 09
Jan 09
Nov 08
Sept 08
June 08
May 08
March 08
Jan 08
Dec 07
Oct 07