robzlog & robznov » performance

A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Ilfracombe and Torrington

robz — Sat, 07 May 2011 10:38:05 +0000

Studio Theatre, of which I am a director and trustee, will be staging a production of Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Ilfracombe and Torrington, North Devon this June.

Not only is this production part of the North Devon Festival, but it is also part of the RSC Open Stages programme, which involves workshops with the RSC, mentoring and the chance to be selected to perform at the RSC at Stratford-upon-Avon. The play is directed by Bob Corwin and the cast features a number of younger performers as Studio Theatre aims to promote both Shakespeare and theatre generally.

You can book tickets online for performances at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe on Thursday 9 and Saturday 11 June or call The Plough Arts Centre, Torrington for tickets on Friday 10 June.

The production promises enjoyment for those who already know Shakespeare and for those new to his plays.

Audition for A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Ilfracombe

robz — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 17:30:42 +0000

Would you like to appear in Studio Theatre’s June 2011 production of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream? Performances will take place at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe and at the Plough Arts Centre, Torrington in North Devon as part of the North Devon Festival.

Audition dates are:

Saturday 29 January – Landmark Pavilion, Ilfracombe – 2.00pm

Sunday 30 January – Landmark Pavilion, Ilfracombe – 2.00pm

If you are 16 or above, you can audition for one of the many roles. This production will feature actors across a broad age range, from the young lovers upwards.

If you are interested, please familiarise yourself with the play before the audition dates. Although you may not be asked to read for a specific character at the auditions, please let director Bob Corwin know what role(s) you are interested in.

Rehearsals will start in March and there will be two open workshops in February.

This is a big production with lots of opportunities.

If you would like to know more about the production or cannot make the auditions, please call Bob Corwin on 07733 080768.

Seem more details at studiotheatreonline.org.uk.

Posted via email from robertz

See superb cast photos of Mack and Mabel

robz — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 21:35:47 +0000

See photos of Studio Theatre’s and Small Pond Production’s forthcoming North Devon premiere of Mack and Mabel at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe on 14-16 October 2010.

See the full gallery on posterous

See more details at studiotheatreonline.org.uk and book tickets at the Landmark Theatre online or from the box office on 01271 324242.

Posted via email from robertz

Sponsor Mack and Mabel at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe

robz — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 17:39:43 +0000

Small Pond Productions and Studio Theatre are staging the North Devon premiere of Mack and Mabel at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe on Thursday 14, Friday 15 and Saturday 16 October 2010. This is the major production of 2010 and is being funded solely by the two companies.

However, the cost of staging such a big production – with a large cast, orchestra, a large backstage and support team and professional stage set – is considerable.

To help us bring this high quality production to North Devon, we seek sponsorship from local businesses to support it.

Sponsorship options

£40 sponsorship of principal cast member with business contact details printed in programme and repeated with a clickable link to sponsor’s web site from studiotheatronline.org.uk

£15 sponsorship of company member with business contact details printed in programme and repeated with a clickable link to sponsor’s web site from studiotheatronline.org.uk

Bigger sponsorship oppportunities – eg stage set – available by agreement.

Ilfracombe and North Devon businesses have always been generous in their support of the companies’ productions and we are grateful for all support provided.

To sponsor Mack and Mabel, please complete and return our sponsorship PDF below or call Robert Zarywacz on 07971 176044.

Production details

For details of the production visit Studio Theatre’s Mack and Mabel pages and to book visit northdevontheatres.org.uk

Posted via email from robertz

See the North Devon premiere of Mack and Mabel in Ilfracombe in October 2010

robz — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 19:39:57 +0000

Studio Theatre and Small Pond Productions present the North Devon premiere of Mack and Mabel in October 2010.

Out of the silent movie era and the heady heights of 1920s Hollywood a, the classic musical Mack and Mabel features the Keystone Kops and bathing beauties. Classic songs include: Time Heals Everything, Look What Happened to Mabel, Tap Your Troubles Away and I Won’t Send Roses.

From the writer of Hello, Dolly! and Le Cage Aux Folles.

Directed by Lee Baxendale. Choreographed by Pamela Beecham.

For more details and cast photos visit see-this.co.uk regularly.

Performances will take place at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe, North Devon on:

8.00pm Thursday 14 October 2010
8.00pm Friday 15 October 2010
2.30pm Saturday 16 October 2010
8.00pm Saturday 16 October 2010

Call the Landmark box office on 01271 324242 or book tickets online.
View Larger Map

For details of all other Studio Theatre productions and activities visit studiotheatreonline,org.uk

Posted via email from robertz

Saucy romp at the seaside? Not Now Darling in Ilfracombe, North Devon

robz — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 19:32:32 +0000

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Studio Theatre’s production of this hilarious, fast-moving comedy tells the story of attempted infidelity as it causes misunderstanding and mayhem and ends up with everyone getting their just desserts.

Set in the Sixties in a West End fashion salon, Oowner Gilbert Bodley and his hapless assistant, Arnold Crouch, lurch from mishap to catastrophe with barely time to draw breath. Loyal secretary Miss Tipdale does her best to keep them out of trouble with some hilarious results. Confusion reigns and it doesn’t help that behind every cupboard door there lurks a flimsily-clad young woman.

Written by Ray Cooney and John Chapman. Directed by Anne Bacon.

Performances are on:

Performances start at 8.15pm with tickets at £8.50.

Call the Landmark box office on 01271 324242 or book online.

Cast of Not Now Darling

The cast of this farce includes Pamela Beecham, Bob Corwin, Larry Fabian, Skye Lucas-Banks, Zoe Mundell, Tony Parker, Su Scott-Goldstone, Rod Vass and Sandi Wildash-Daws.

For full details visit studiotheatreonline.org.uk

Posted via email from robertz

Stacey Kent at the Plough Torrington Saturday 10 October 2009

robz — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:27:40 +0000

Breakfast on the Morning Tram - Stacey Kent

From the very first note she sang it was clear that those of us lucky enough to be in the audience at the Plough Arts Centre, Torrington last night were about to experience two hours of the most sublime singing from Stacey Kent along with husband, composer, producer and saxophonist Jim Tomlinson and backed by an accomplished trio on piano, bass and drums.

Never knowing whether an artist performing live will match up to the expectations created by recordings, I have to say a shiver went down my spine in these opening seconds and on other occasions during this performance.

The set list was broad and varied from American show standards, such as ‘Easy to Remember’ and ‘If I were a Bell’, to the Latin ‘Samba Saravah’ and ‘Corocovado’.

The sign of a great performer is the appearance of effortless and Stacey made every song sound so easy with her perfect vocal control and diction a joy to hear. Another accomplishment is her ability to create her own version of songs, such as ‘Surrey with the Fringe on Top’ and ‘What a Wonderful World.’

Much of the material was from Stacey’s most recent album, ‘Breakfast on the Morning Tram’ including the title track as well as ‘I wish I Could go Travelling Again’ and, one of my favourite numbers of the night, ‘The Ice Hotel’. Jim got an opportunity to shine with an instrumental version of the theme from ‘Alfie’.

Songs were interspersed with Stacey’s often rambling, bubbly accounts of her life, experiences of recording, learning Portuguese, her new album currently being recorded and lots more. I’m certain the audience could have sat entranced for another two hours as the time passed so fast.

Did the night live up to its promise? With a mix of American, Latin, French and Portuguese songs all performed with enthusiasm, sensitivity and emotion, I’d say it did. I’ll definitely look out for future performances in North Devon.

The set list was broad and varied from American show standards, such as ‘Easy to Remember’ and ‘If I were a Bell’, to the Latin ‘Samba Saravah’ and ‘Corocovado’.

Oh, What a Lovely War! See the ever-popular war game with songs, jokes and a few battles in Ilfracombe

robz — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:31:42 +0000

See the ever-popular war game with songs, jokes and a few battles!

Studio Theatre’s production of Oh, What a Lovely War! at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe, North Devon combines the songs that united the ordinary soldiers of the Great War with a wry look at the politicians and officers in charge of the carnage.

Set as a pierrot show, projected images and shocking statistics of the war on the Western Front contrast with the comedy action taking place on the stage in this 1960s satire which achieved West End success.

Throughout the action the ensemble cast sing well-known songs including Belgium Put the Kaibosh on the Kaiser, Hold Your Hand Out
You Naughty Boy, Goodbye-ee, Row Row Row, I’ll Make a Man of You, It’s a Long Way to Tipperary, Christmas Day in the Cookhouse, Sister Susie’s Sewing Shirts for Soldiers and Oh, It’s a Lovely War, many with humorous lyrics adapted by the soldiers in the trenches.

See the volunteers struggle to learn combat drill, watch the Tommies mingle with their German counterparts during the Christmas ‘truce’ and gape at the great European nations as their monarchs, politicians and generals stumble into the morass resulting in four years of pointless trench warfare.

First staged in 1963 and devised by Joan Littlewood and the Theatre Workshop, Oh, What a Lovely War! was influenced by the late Alan Clark’s military history ‘The Donkeys’ as well as by ‘The Good Soldier Svejk’ by Czech humourist Jasoslav Hasek.

Studio Theatre’s cast of 20 share the roles of soldiers, nurses, monarchs, generals, officers, secret police and more from the pre-war empires of Europe, accompanied on the joanna by Mike Riley and commanded from the safety of the auditorium by director Lee Baxendale.

Thursday 5 & Friday 6 November 2009, 7.45pm

Call the box office on 01271 324242 or book online at northdevontheatres.org.uk

Visit studiotheatreonline.org.uk for full details

The Vicar of Dibley returns to Ilfracombe for December 2009

robz — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 17:30:02 +0000

Once again, Ilfracombe in North Devon will be offering audiences in search of special entertainment something fresh and new for Christmas when Small Pond Production’s original cast from their 2007 UK amateur stage premiere re-assemble for a new stage version of the Vicar of Dibley on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th December 2009 at the Landmark Theatre.

Based on three different episodes of the popular BBC TV series written by Richard Curtis & Paul Mayhew Archer, and presented by special arrangement with the writers and Tiger Aspect Productions, the stage show features Debbie Hadley as the Vicar supported by Pamela Beecham, Mike Bennett, Laurence Butler, Tony Scarratt, Ted Turner, Elena Wright and Robert Zarywacz and is directed by Lee Baxendale.

Book tickets for performances on the Landmark web site:

Friday 18th December 2009 8.00 pm evening- Tickets £10; family ticket £36
Saturday 19th December 2009 3.00 pm matinée- Tickets £85.0
Saturday 19th December 2009 8.00 pm evening – Tickets £10; family ticket £36

Buy 10 tickets, get 1 free
Only available for evening performances by calling the box office (not online).

or call the box office on 01271 324242.

For more details and cast photos, visit the Small Pond Productions Vicar of Dibley web site at dibleyonstage.co.uk.

See The Sound of Musicals in Ilfracombe 9 & 16 August 2009

robz — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:52:32 +0000

The Sound of Musicals features the music and lyrics of Rodgers & Hammerstein and is devised and directed by Lee Baxendale.

A glitzy revue of showstoppers from the most successful musical theatre duo ever. Featuring songs from their classic shows, including:

Carousel
Oklahoma
South Pacific
The King & I
The Sound of Music

Join the cast members of Studio Theatre – Rachel Forbes, Debbie Hadley, Elizabeth Kemp, Julie Moore, Elena Wright, Laurence Butler, Neil Rudd and Stuart Thompson – for an enchanted evening as they fly on a bright cloud of music singing a few of their favourite things!

Performances start at 8.15pm.

Tickets £8.50. Family ticket: £28.00. Call the Landmark box office on 01271 324242.

When You’re Smiling II @ Landmark Pavilion, Ilfracombe, North Devon

robz — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:34:31 +0000

When You're Smiling II @ Landmark Pavilion

Studio Theatre recreates film, radio comedy and musical stars who kept Britain smiling through the war years in a fast-moving tribute show.

Family fun and laughter in a cabaret-style setting at the Landmark Pavilion, Ilfracombe, North Devon.

Monday 3 August 2009
Monday 10 August 2009
Monday 17 August 2009
Monday 24 August 2009

Tickets: £7.

Book When You’re Smiling II online or call the Landmark box office to book on 01271 324242.

See details of all Studio Theatre’s summer productions at studiotheatreonline.org.uk.

Hobson’s Choice in Ilfracombe, Croyde & Pilton, North Devon

robz — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:40:00 +0000

Hobson's Choice @ Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe & Croyde & Pilton, North Devon

Studio Theatre will be staging Harold Brighouse’s comedy, Hobson’s Choice, at

• Friday 24 July 2009 – Pilton Church Hall – tickets on the door £7
• Sunday 26 July 2009 – Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe – tickets £8.50. Family ticket: £28.00.
• Thursday 30 July2009 – Croyde Village Hall – tickets on the door £7
• Sunday 2nd August 2009 – Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe – tickets £8.50. Family ticket: £28.00.

Book Landmark tickets online or call the Landmark box office on 01271 324242.

Set in 1880s Salford, Henry Horatio Hobson is a successful shop owner selling shoes made by his employee Will Mossop. Hobson rules his household with a rod of iron, but when his children and shoemaker rebel, what choice is he presented with? Discover the hilarity of his dilemma as Studio Theatre brings this delightful Lancashire comedy to life.

Many will remember the famous film version starring Charles Laughton, John Mills and Brenda De Banzie, and Studio Theatre’s cast bringing the play to life on stage features Alan Bailey, Matt Cann, Larry Fabian, Carla Morgan, Lisa Morgan, James Morrison, Jason Morrison, Sara Pruce, Tony Parker, Peggy Strudwick, Rod Vass and Fenella Watson.

Visit Studio Theatre online for more details.

Small Pond Productions presents It’s Christmaaas at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe

robz — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 22:20:42 +0000

It wouldn’t be Christmas in Ilfracombe without a festive show at the Landmark Theatre. After last year’s smash-hit production of The Vicar of Dibley, this year Small Pond Productions presents It’s Christmaaas, a home-grown mix of song, dance and comedy for the whole family on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th December.

It's Christmaaas at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe

Book your tickets today by calling the box office on 01271 324242 or book online at www.northdevontheatres.org.uk. All tickets £9.

The stage is set for Me And My Girl

robz — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:44:21 +0000

Anyone who is involved in theatre will know what goes into producing a show, so it’s quite exciting when everything starts coming together as it is for Me And My Girl at the Landmark Theatre this week.

The Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe under a full moon

All the line learning, all the preparations, all the singing practice, all the dancing, all the costumes, all the rehearsals: everything is now coming together for Thursday.

The set of Me And My Girl at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe, Devon

Suddenly, the magic is appearing and everyone is being transformed into the 1930s world of Hareford where the show is set. Even the seafront at Ilfracombe took on a magical appearance under the moonlight . . .

The promenade at Ilfracombe, Devon in the moonlight

I just can’t wait until Thursday night!

Me And My Girl coming to Ilfracombe

robz — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:30:42 +0000

Now, a lot of people criticise the Landmark Theatre, calling it a blot on the landscape or looking like a nuclear power station, but for any faults with its external appearance (apparently, the choice of brick used causes an unsightly lichen to turn its cones black!), ‘Madonna’s Bra’ is a wonderful facility for any town, let alone a small seaside town.

The Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe, Devon

From Thursday 16th to Saturday 18th October 2008, two Ilfracombe theatrical groups, Small Pond Productions and Studio Theatre, will be staging a spectacular version (we think) of Me And My Girl. With a hired stage set, a cast of 37 and an 11-piece band, it should be a great evening’s entertainment.

See Me And My Girl at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe, Devon

I’m biased, of course, because I’m playing Parchester, the family solicitor, but I genuinely do think this will be a great show and appeal to many people with such songs as The Sun Has Got His Hat On, Leaning On a Lamppost and The Lambeth Walk. Oi!

Book your tickets from the Landmark Theatre box office.

Studio Theatre & Small Pond present Me and My Girl at the Landmark Theatre

robz — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:11:16 +0000

Studio Theatre and Small Pond Productions are delighted to present Me and My Girl at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe, Devon on:

8.00pm Thursday 16th October 2008 – tickets £10
8.00pm Friday 17th October 2008 – tickets £12
2.30pm Saturday 18th October 2008 - tickets £10
8.00pm Saturday 18th October 2008 – tickets £12
Book your group to see Me and My Girl

Book 10 tickets for any performance and get 11th ticket free.

Thursday 16th evening and Saturday matinée 18th October performances only – for groups of 20 or more – all seats £8.50 – call the Landmark Theatre box office on 01271 324242 and book your group now.

The show

Book and lyrics by L. Arthur Rose and Douglas Furber. Music by Noel Gay. Book revised by Stephen Fry. Contributions by Mike Ockrent.

Originally produced at the Adelphi Theatre by Richard Armitage.

Subsequently produced at the Marquis Theatre, New York City by Richard armitage, Terry Allen Kramer, James M. Nederlander and Stage Promotions Ltd & Co.

A stunning production

If you have seen Studio Theatre’s production of Hello Dolly! and Small Pond’s production of Vicar of Dibley, you will know the high production values we aspire to in acting, singing, dancing, performance, costume and set. Me and My Girl promises to be a stunning production directed by Lee Baxendale and featuring the talented members of both companies.

Book now for a marvellous musical evening of entertainment from one of the best shows ever written.

Summer Showtime in Ilfracombe

robz — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:01:16 +0000

The perfect holiday night out for the whole family

After its success with The Vicar of Dibley, Small Pond Productions returns with a brand new weekly Monday-night summer show.

Packed with toe-tapping show-tunes, mystical magic and cheeky seaside comedy, Summer Showtime also features a live band plus a full-supporting company and is a truly great night out for all the family to enjoy.

Monday 21 July – Landmark Pavilion, Ilfracombe
Monday 28 July - Landmark Pavilion, Ilfracombe
Monday 4 August - Landmark Pavilion, Ilfracombe
Monday 11 August - Landmark Pavilion, Ilfracombe
Monday 18 August - Landmark Pavilion, Ilfracombe
Monday 1 September - Landmark Pavilion, Ilfracombe

10 years of Musical Magic

robz — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:59:22 +0000

Studio Theatre celebrates 10 years of its popular summer musical shows on the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Landmark Theatre by performing a selection of some 40 memorable showstoppers from 40 major musicals performed by a cast of 35, devised and directed by Lee Baxendale.

Performances on:

Sunday 10th August – Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe
Sunday 17th August – Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe

Tickets £8.50; family ticket £28.00.

Book tickets from the Landmark Theatre box office on 01271 324242 or book online at www.northdevontheatres.org.uk.

Join in the fun of this all-singing, all-dancing celebration of your favourite musical moments in a show for all the family.

Visit www.studiotheatreonline.org.uk for more details.

When You’re Smiling in North Devon

robz — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:32:46 +0000

When You’re Smiling, devised by Mike Bennett, is a bubbling summer mix of song, dance and comedy celebrating the stars of the 1940s with performances by Studio Theatre at the Landmark Pavilion and across North Devon.

Laugh at the comedy and listen to the songs of Vera Lynn, Rob Wilton, Flanagan & Allen, Gert & Daisy, the Andrews Sisters, Marlene Dietrich, Max Miller, Groucho Marx, Anne Shelton and Stanley Holloway.

Catch When You’re Smiling @

Saturday 26th July – Landmark Pavilion, Ilfracombe
Friday 1st August – Combe Martin Village Hall
Friday 8th August – Woolacombe Village Hall
Saturday 9th August - Landmark Pavilion, Ilfracombe
Friday 15th August – Pilton Church Hall
Saturday 16th August - Landmark Pavilion, Ilfracombe

All performances start at 8.15pm.

Tickets are £7 on the door or Landmark Pavilion tickets can be reserved from the box office on 01271 324242 or book online at www.northdevontheatres.org.uk.

Tickets for other venues available from Combe Martin & Woolacombe Tourist Information Centres.

More details at www.studiotheatreonline.org.uk.

Blithe Spirit haunts North Devon

robz — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:46:43 +0000

I told you drama was coming and here it is . . .

. . . a production of Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit performed by Studio Theatre at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe and in Berrynarbor and Woolacombe.

An old theatrical favourite, Blithe Spirit is the comic tale of a husband’s haunting by the mischievous ghost of his first wife.

Catch Blithe Spirit @

Wednesday 23rd July @ 7.45pm – Berrynarbor Manor Hall
Sunday 27th July @ 8.15pm – Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe
Wednesday 30th July @ 7.45pm – Woolacombe Village Hall
Sunday 3rd August @ 8.15pm – Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe

Please note start times for each venue.

Book your Blithe Spirit tickets

Landmark Theatre tickets £8.50; Family ticket £28. Call the Landmark Theatre box office on 01271 324242 or book online at www.northdevontheatres.org.uk

Tickets for other venues £7 on the door. You can also buy tickets from Berrynarbor Village Shop and Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre.

Visit www.studiotheatreonline.org.uk for more details.

Drama coming . . .

robz — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:14:02 +0000

. . . soon