HAODS - For the best entertainment in live theatre, together with top quality drama - amdram at its best, Henley Operatic & Dramatic Society has it all. Performing at the Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames, NODA award winning HAODS musicals and plays are renowned for excellence.

Good bye to an old friend - Eric Yates

Written by Chairman

Friday, 11 May 2012 00:29

Many members of the Operatic Society attended Eric Yates Funeral on Monday 30th April at the Reading Road crematorium in Caversham. . The humanist service was very touching and warm, and was appreciated by the large congregation. His wife, Lutena, herself a HAODS member for many years held up well and was a true trouper throughout her touching tribute to Eric. His sister Marjorie, herself a professional actor and his brother John also gave touching eulogies. John had composed a particularly touching poem to Eric, using his childhood nick name, "Nickle Eck" There was a period of quiet reflection during which organist, our own Angela Pengilley, played Elgar's Enigma Variations - Nimrod. However, in true "Eric" style the final song was a rousing chorus of "Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye!" Good old Eric! Always leaves us laughing! The Operatic Society has made a donation to Cancer Research UK in Eric's honour. John's poem is very moving reflecting on their young lives together when they were evacuated in the war To my brother - "Nickle Eck" Remember our young years together When the bombs came most of the nights We slept in an Anderson Shelter And the city shut down all its lights With our gas masks and small possessions We travelled away from the blitz The train it ended at Retford Where we started to live by our wits Then we were forever together You were a constant, there by my side Your little hand entwined into mine Which was always a comforting sign We were not very welcome at Retford As we emptied their local canal The magistrate threatened a caning And a week of detention as well! We roamed the woods and the forests Fished for hours ? with little success At the market we scrounged at the stalls To try and sate our tummies? hungry calls We broke Old Girl Gollands Green House And managed to drink all her wine I pushed you into a muddy pond And you were all covered in slime! Now you are the one I look up to, With intelligence sharp, deep and wide Your acting is simply quite brilliant And I feel for you with such pride. You must forgive me my childhood pranks For electrocution, pain and stress As you are the brother I love so much And brought me such great happiness Your forever loving brother, John However, I would like to leave you with some words of hope written by Eric himself in celebration of the New Millenium: Be of Good Cheer Somewhere, out there, someone Will hurl water at the moon Somewhere, out there, someone Will grow a grain to feed the multitude to come And somewhere, out there, someone Will sing a song to comfort the lowly and Brace the strong for the next two thousand years. Goodbye, Eric Julie Huntington

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Rip Roaring success for HAODS

Written by Chairman

Sunday, 22 April 2012 19:29

The subject of the Ripper murders in 1888 may not be considered appropriate for a stage musical but this production of Jack the Ripper ? The Musical, by Henley Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society at the Kenton Theatre manages to step the fine line between the macabre and voyeuristic to produce a memorable evening of fun and music whilst still acknowledging the unfortunate fate of murdered women. The authors, Ron Pember and Denis de Marne have created, via dialogue and music a stunning tour de force which HAODS, under the skilled direction of Michael Huntington, have brought to life on the stage. The simple set, enclosed and claustrophobic, is a time capsule of the dreadful events. The outside world is viewed through two windows through which the images of past events are displayed. Starting in modern times we are reminded that these horrific murders are still with us today but the show swiftly propels us back to the gas-lit streets of 1888 and a pub/music hall in the East End under the management of the comic, Thernadier-like characters, Caroline Hopkins and Ronnie Gunn. Derek Gilbert?s sharply observed lighting creates a mysterious and, at times, sinister atmosphere which then contrasts well with the musical numbers as the locals seek to forget their awful lives in booze and music, whilst Bruce Smith has produced some amazing graphical effects. I cannot single out stars in this production. Everyone is. However, it is to the eight prostitutes that a lot of the plaudits must go. Led by Karen du Plessis, backed up by doss-house owner Julie Huntington, along with Rosie Louden, Samantha Riley, Rowena McMenamin, Mia Harris, Sue Brown and Jackie Anderson, they provide a vivid singing and dancing corps (no pun intended!) to the show. They return as white-clad spirits- a poignant reminder of their fates, which I thought was a wonderful touch emphasizing that, although the people of Whitechapel were trying to get on with their lives, the spectre of the murders was always with them. The eight unfortunate ladies are murdered ?before your very eyes!? by the sinister Mr. Druit, the main Ripper suspect in this production, played by Richard Evans. It is a total ensemble show in which all the actors work together, never leaving the stage, producing stunning effects such a ship built entirely of ladies and a knife-throwing act. (How did they do that!?) The comic gang of toughs led by Gareth Saunders, with David Parsonson and Andy James provide light relief as they sing and dance together and at times, mocking the Salvationists, actors Ian Smith, Jenny Haywood, Nicoletta Hartin, Pauline Smith, and Carolina Turrini. I particularly enjoyed the fun piece when the gang dressed in drag, taking the mickey out of policeman Ian Beyts. The pub?s music hall entertainment programme is in the capable hands of the chairman, Tim Sloane who works amusingly with the delightfully foolish Queen Victoria, played by Basil Evans. (Er, yes, a bloke!)Newcomers Bruce Mason and Bernard Carvell acquitted themselves well as boozy customers in the Steam Packet. Having said there are no stars, there certainly is a scene-stealer in the shape of Neil Allen, playing Lord Overcoat, and Daisy, his dog, playing herself! The dancing, under the skilled choreography of David Parsonson, is imaginative, lively, and at all times a joy to watch, especially the girls who are clad in revealing but appropriate garb for ladies of the night. A highlight for me was the ballet scene with Sam Butler, Samantha Riley, Rosie Louden, Nicolletta Hartin and Sue Brown. The ?tonsorial titillation? by Beba is very stylish and detailed costumes are a credit to the society, giving a nod to the glamorous, yet still maintaining the Victorian atmosphere. Costume is often the most difficult job, but Julie Huntington and Jenny Haywood have done a superb job to create the right tone. The singing is of a very high standard and the cast is a credit to the Musical Director, Anthony Witt, who, along with his little music hall ensemble is situated in the heart of the action on stage ? that is in the Steam Packet! It is a joy to listen to multi-part voices in the twenty or so memorable musical numbers. Although I only saw a dress rehearsal, the performance was impeccable ? but then I would expect nothing less from this talented Society! Robert Stirling, April, 2012 Jack the Ripper the Musical runs from 18 ? 21 April 2012 at the Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley, RG9 2BP ? Tickets from £7 ? Box office 01491 575698 ? or via the Kenton Web site www.kentontheatre.co.uk. . For more information visit www.henleyoperatic.com Evening performances 18 ? 21 at 7.45pm: Saturday 21 Matinee 1.00pm ? Evening 6.00pm Car Parking for the Saturday Matinee is available at Henley Rugby Club £2.30 all day Julie X Julie Huntington Chair HAODS

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JUST DANCE! Special Deal for Mature Ladies Dance Classes

Written by Chairman

Monday, 16 April 2012 14:27

Emma-Jayne Taylor, who runs the highly successful StageWorks in the Studio, is offering mature HAODS members a very special deal. JUST DANCE (Henley and Caversham), Mature Ladies Dance and Tap, offers classes for adults at The Studio during term time (all abilities welcome!) For further information please call Ann on 07708 823177 or Emma-Jane on 07956 176166 or visit www.stageworks.org.uk or www.emmajanetaylor.co.uk As a HAODS member you receive 10% off your first term fees if you join any adult class before July 2012! Also Emma-Jane is offering a special rate on a 12 week 'bikini body' personal training course to all HAODS members. Please call 07956 176166 for further information! C'mon girls, we all want that Bikini body don't we? Contact Emma now, before she runs out of bodies!

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ChairWords

Written by Chairman

Monday, 09 April 2012 13:38

I hope you all had a good Easter and are looking forward to our spring production, Jack the Ripper ? The Musical. This really is a great fun show, so I hope that you have your tickets! We really need to make sure that this show is a financial success in order to have sufficient funds to stage our Autumn production of Guys ?n? Dolls. The cast have been outstanding in their efforts selling to friends and family and work mates. Three cast members alone have sold 120 tickets between them and our Hon Secretary Clancey Smith has threatened and bribed all her friends and family and has a massive party of nearly forty coming on Friday night. Well done everyone ? it is a brilliant effort! Talking of our Autumn show, we have a great line-up at the helm, with Raymond Burton as director, Andy Smith Musical Director and Sally-Anne Coleman as choreographer. All the details of the readings and auditions are later in the newsletter. Last month Daisy O?halloran had to resign from the committee because of heavy commitments in other areas. We all thank her for the work and support she has given in the past and wish her well for the future. However, Sam Riley and Jennamarie Smith have volunteered to be co-opted on to the committee and I would like to offer them a warm welcome. I shall send around the committee list with our new additions shortly. Our next big fund raising event is our Fun Run on 7th May and I am sure that Richard Evans, who is this year?s organiser, will be calling for marshals very soon. Although the run will still be taking the same route, this year the run will start from Temple Island Meadows. This will have the advantage of runners being able to park on site, bring their families and picnic after the run has finished, turning it more into a family day out. How many of you are going to take the plunge and run? Why not get yourselves sponsored for us? Any further income would be welcome. Remember we are a charity too, and every year give over a major part of our profit to other local charities in the area, so as I said above, it is essential that our fundraising efforts bear a lot of fruit this year! Finally, on a sad note long time member of the Society, Eric Yates who moved to Devon with his wife Lutena several years ago, is seriously ill, and has been struggling with chemotherapy for some time. Eric and Lutena made the trip up from Devon for the 90th Anniversary Celebrations last year. However, he is having a hard time of it, and cannot cope with the thought that his stage career is over. However, a little while ago, Eric and Lutena performed a short sketch called Dinner for One, which tells the tale of a butler and his mistress, who entertains her long lost lovers every year ? with a twist! It wowed the South Hams in Salcombe and Dartmouth. For those of you who have never heard of it, the original was performed by Freddie Frinton and May Warden. Frinton was a not too well known small time comedian of the 50?s. Frinton stumbled across the sketch, and bought the rights to it ? a prudent move as it was snapped up by German television and has since become a mandatory institution on German, Danish, Finnish and Swedish television on New Year's and has even spread to Australia where it has been shown on 23 December for at least the last fifteen years. Mention the phrase ?Same procedure as last year?? to any of the above Nationals and they will instantly collapse with laughter. Eric and Lutena?s performance has recently been put up on YOUTUBE by a friend, and is every bit as funny as the original. As something of a tribute to him, please go to YOU TUBE and enter DINNER FOR ONE ERIC and you will see the sketch. I am sure that this will make him very happy indeed. Julie Huntington Chair HAODS

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jack the ripper photos

Written by Webmaster

Saturday, 10 March 2012 00:01

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Cast have a Ripping Trip

Written by Webmaster

Wednesday, 07 March 2012 18:58

There he goes ... a-creeping up the alley with a great big bloody weapon in his hand ... ! Saturday night in Whitechapel, where the infamous murders took place, was the scene of a fascinating trip into the horrible history of Jack the Ripper, Britain’s most notorious serial killer, for members of the Cast of Jack the Ripper, The Musical. Our latest production takes a light-hearted look into the story and in many ways is historically accurate. It will not only have you squirming in your seats but will also have you crying with laughter as the authors take liberties with the facts and impose an OOmpah-pah style score on a witty and telling libretto. The guided tour, lead by Lindsay Siviter, who was recently seen in the latest Ripper documentary, Jack The Ripper, The Definitive Version, culminated in Mitre Square, scene of the one of the bloodiest murders of the Ripper’s fourth victim, Catherine Eddowes. Lindsay promised that more information was coming to light all the time, and very soon it was possible that the real identity of the killer would come to light! Before scaring ourselves half to death, Tim Sloane, who plays the Chairman in the Steam Packet Music Hall Pub in the show, took us to Armourers Hall in Coleman Street, where he had been Chief Executive for some eleven years after leaving the Navy. The Worshipful Company of Brasiers and Armourers' was founded in 1322 and has occupied the same site in the City of London since 1346, surviving the blitz with just minor burns! The Company is now one of the leading charities in the UK supporting metallurgy and materials science education from primary school to postgraduate levels. They never open their doors to the public, but we were privileged to be given a guided tour of the premises and to take in some of the most breathtaking art and decor throughout the building and of course, suits of Armour! There are many traditions build up over hundreds of years in the company and banging a gavel at meetings is one of them! For his role in Jack the Ripper, Tim has borrowed an ancient gavel from the company, and Tim will be banging away with it on Kenton Stage during the show!

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A Dickens of An Evening - Devised and Directed by Julie Huntington

Written by Chairman

Thursday, 23 February 2012 15:19

Our second Studio production - A Dickens of an Evening - was a superb success, with all members of the cast raising their game to intereperet their characters beautifully. Everyone was dressed in suitable costume of the era, all from our store, and along with the simple "drawing room" set, with bits borrowed from various cast members, looked absolutely in period. Special mention must go to Richard Evans who looked startlingly like Dickens in a costume that looked as though it was tailored for him. Jenny Haywood gave us the vapours with all her babies as she played Mrs Dickens. Thanks go to Karen DuPlessis, Christine Jarvis, Mary Dickinson, Alan Phillips. Cherry Tyer, Nansi Diamond and Gareth Saunders - who held the audience spellbound with his reading of The Death of Nancy. (That is Nancy from Oliver Twist - not Nansi Diamond!) Audiences both on Friday and Saturday recieved the piece enthusiastically, the content being both informative, fun and different. The profit made was well over £400. So congratulations to all involved - proving once again what a great performance space the Studio is!

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A Dickens of an Evening -- Celebrating 200th Anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens - A Studio

Written by Chairman

Wednesday, 18 January 2012 02:05

Did you know that Charles Dickens had hardly any formal schooling and his father went to Debtors prison? Learn more about this iconic author and meet many of his colourful characters. Follow his own remarkable rags to riches riches story from Fleet St hack to world renowned author. A delightful evening documenting the life and times of this enduring author, in the company of some of his most colourful characters with even more colourful monikers that pepper his literary career. Meet the likes of Mr. Sloppy, Wopsle, Bumble, Scrooge and Sweedlepipe. Hardly everyday names encountered on the streets of London. These names were purely the product of Dickens' unique imagination, which would often befit the characters Books by Charles Dickens will be on sale courtesy of the Bell Bookshop 8.00pm Friday and Saturday: Adults £7, Children £5 Tickets available from the Bell Bookshop, Henley, RG9 or call 07514 054 384 or 07831 546047 Refreshments available The HAODS Studio, New Street, Henley-on-Thames Oxfordshire RG9 2BP Friday 17 Feb 2012 and Saturday 18 Feb 2012 Website: www.henleyoperatic.co.uk

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Under Milk Wood Full Cast

Written by Webmaster

Monday, 31 October 2011 22:28

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Under Milk Wood - A Review

Written by Chairman

Monday, 31 October 2011 21:18

And the Cheers and applause went on and on...... Whilst in that euphoric half sleep in the darkest before dawn, I was there. I was there in Llareggub, that sleepy little Welsh sea-side village of less than five hundred souls and three quaint streets and black dab-filled sea, where the one place of worship with its neglected graveyard is of no architectural interest and bugger all happens. Dylan Thomas? words pulsing rhythmically through my mind, backed softly by Polly Garter singing wistfully about her long dead lover rocked me gently awake. For for a few short hours the night before, I had been privileged to hear the story of Under Milk Wood by the Welsh wizard word-smith who has woven such a story in words around this sleepy back water of life that has enthralled audiences for almost sixty years. The words simply stay with you ar hyd y nos ? all through the night. Llarregub is, of course, Bugger all backwards and for just two nights, Henley Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society gave spellbinding performances of this classic tale in their intimate performance space, The HAODS Studio. The dreaming, the scheming, the drinking, the dead and the living all portrayed with graphic clarity by the members of the Society. The story of Under Milk Wood was actually the play within the play for it was the Pontypridd Repertory Amateur Thespian Society ? The P.R.A.T.S - who had won the a competition in 1954 to broadcast their reading of the play at the BBC Wales studios in Cardiff. I have seen it as a full stage play, but this was a unique way to stage it, for Thomas actually described it as ?A Play for Voices? and that is exactly what we were treated to, as we were transported back to those heady days when radio was in its zenith and sound effects were created live with an array of implements including a very convincing cock ? crow that came from somewhere among this talented cast! The cast were all reading from their scripts, which I thought at first would be distracting, but of course, in a radio broadcast, they do read from their scripts. I soon discovered that it was not distracting at all and I could simply close my eyes and drink in the rhythms and rhymes as though I was back 1954 listening to a radio broadcast. They even managed to get around the fact that the children in the play could not turn up as they were ill with measles and in quarantine and the fact that one member of the cast was obviously an Englishman! The fourteen strong cast deftly played the sixty plus characters demonstrating a deep understanding of the text, thereby wringing out every humorous moment and every moment of pathos. This was a well drilled cast who had taken their jobs very seriously. They are too many to mention by name, but I have to pick out one or two for special mention, Gareth Saunders, who played the PRATS? aptly-named Treasurer, Dylan Bevan, also gave us the voice of the narrator ? ?First Voice? and the Rev Eli Jenkins, his delicious soft Welsh tones drawing us into the word-painted-picture aided deftly by Richard Evans playing Aneurin Idris-Williams taking the part of the Second Voice with equal verbal dexterity. The blend of these two voices was simply a masterpiece. A third voice was introduced for some of the longer narratives, played by the token Englishman, Geoff Atkinson as Quentin Ormerod ?Thomas, the Artistic Director at BBC Wales, which I felt worked well and gave the audience light and shade. I was especially impressed by Brian Head who as Meredith Edwards played Blind Captain Cat. This actor had the best line in the play when remembering his lost love Polly Garter, and begs her to let him ?Shipwreck in your thighs?. What was so impressive was that Brian is actually blind and therefore was the only one who had to learn his lines. The rest of the cast were all of equal dexterity switching from character to character moving from one microphone emblazed with the Prince of Wales Feathers to another which kept us on our toes. The whole production was accompanied by Anne Edwards on a very in-keeping accordion and again, the sounds she produced were a perfect fit with the production. What was also a perfect fit with the production was a highly amusing programme (there were not enough of them though!) and a rendition of Ar Hyd y Nos, the beautiful Welsh ballad lead by the director, Julie Huntington ? who was also the PRATS director, by the way, and of course finally a rousing chorus of the Welsh National Anthem that had the by then very emotional Welsh in audience (and there were quite a lot!) on their feet raising the roof with descants and harmonies. HAODS ? or the PRATS for that matter, were left in no doubt about the success of the production for the applause and cheers simply went on and on and on .... Congratulations to you all on such a moving, funny, entertaining and thought provoking evening. If you missed it, I feel sorry for you... but I was there......

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little shop pictures

Written by Anonym

Tuesday, 25 October 2011 18:12

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Sweeney Todd a personal recommendation

Written by Webmaster

Wednesday, 19 October 2011 12:32

A reputable recommendation for a night out to see a good show is always a good thing to have. Well this is one. Your webmaster went to see Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton in the Sondheim musical Sweeney Todd at the Chichester Festival Theatre last night. I would strongly recommend you get a seat in one of the remaining 30 performances. Imelda steals the show with perfect timing and wonderful charcterisation. Michael Ball is a very good Sweeney, believable. Someone tells me Michael has been in other things but I can say I have never met anyone else like Sweeney on stage, or off. This version of Sweeney Todd is so good that it is one of those lifetime experiences you would be wrong to miss. So a personal recommendation from one of your web team, it is a long way to go but do so! - Sweeney Todd at the Chichester Festival Theatre.

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Readings and Auditions for Jack The Ripper, the Musical

Written by Chairman

Tuesday, 18 October 2011 23:00

Dates for readings and auditions for Jack the Ripper the Musical will be announced shortly

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HAODS 90th ANNIVERSARY SPRING PRODUCTION, 2012

Written by Chairman

Tuesday, 18 October 2011 18:28

THE AWARD WINNING Jack The Ripper ~ The Musical by Ron Pember and Denis de Marne For our Spring production in this, our 90th Anniversary year, HAODS has chosen Jack the Ripper, the Musical, by Ron Pember and Denis de Marne. You may think this is a bit of a macabre choice, but although it does have its obvious dark side with the subject matter, there is a lot of fun in the show. Set in an East End Musical Hall Pub, The Steam Packet in 1888, this intriguing show, which has just enjoyed an award winning tour in the States, centres around the infamous murder of five women in Whitechapel, which is now written into English folklore. The story is told in ?real time? through song and satire through the music hall songs, some nineteen musical numbers in all. All cast are on stage 90% of the time and is packed with memorable songs and dances with parts for all ages, so with lots of opportunities for singers and dancers alike, including a ballet sequence, this is a true Society show. However, for all its fun, it brings home the fear felt by the local community and makes a social comment which is still relevant today. HAODS last produced this show 16 years ago and performed to packed houses. We have the chance to re-visit the Steam Packet and bring a fresh new look at the show, but hopefully with the same audience levels! Cast: The victims: Marie Kelly (tart and music hall entertainer) murdered 9 November Lizzie Stride (tart and runs a boarding house) murdered 30 September Annie Chapman (tart) murdered 8 September Polly Anne Nicholls (tart) murdered 31 August Catherine Eddowes (tart) murdered 30 September Liza Pearl Martha Tabram Frances Cole Montague Druit (social reformer) Chairman of the Steam Packet show/Sir Charles Warren Daniel Mendoza (Gang leader) Dinky Nine-Eights (gang member) Bluenose Stack (gang member) Slop Wallace (gang member) Lord Overcoat ( dirty old tramp) Police Sergeant Coles. P.C. Bogey P.C. Farty-nine Holy Joe (salvationist) Queen Victoria chorus: Dockers, Salvation Army, Boozers at the Steam Packet Ballet dancers

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CELEBRITIES WHO PERFORMED AT THE KENTON THEATRE

Written by Bill Port

Tuesday, 18 October 2011 17:00

No.18 Stanley McMurtry - Cartoonist (1936- ) Stanley McMurtry ? better known as ?Mac? for almost forty years the celebrated cartoonist of the Daily Mail ? was born in Edinburgh but moved to Birmingham when he was just eight years old. At the age of fourteen he became a student at the Birmingham College of Art and in 1954 he was, like many of us, called up for National Service.. After leaving the army he became a film animator and also began to submit cartoons to various magazines. About this time he moved to the Henley area and joined the Henley Players, In January 1961, Today magazine published one of his cartoons and this was the beginning of a career as a freelance cartoonist. For several years his drawings were seen in children?s comics such as Wham! and Buster and he was, at the same time, a regular contributor to Punch. In 1968 he joined the Daily Sketch where he adopted the pseudonym ?Mac? and, when the Sketch was absorbed by the Daily Mail in 1971, ?Mac? was also absorbed and soon became the regular Political and Social Cartoonist. His style has been described as ?apolitical? but ?Mac? himself says ?My philosophy is simple; I?m not just making a social or political comment, I?m also making people laugh.? In 2008, ?Mac? revealed that he had, for many years, included a portrait of his wife somewhere in his daily cartoon, sometimes in the ripples of a puddle, floating in the clouds or tangled in a hedge. Stanley McMurtry appeared in several of the Henley Players productions but he is probably best remembered for his portrayal of Carnoustie Bligh in Sailor Beware, performed at the Kenton 4th ? 7th February 1959. Bill Port

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Up Close and Personal ? The Show Must Go On - A disaster turned to triumph!

Written by Chairman

Wednesday, 12 October 2011 14:57

Ever woken up with a bad hair day? This is how HAODS chair, Julie Huntington felt when she heard the news at the eleventh hour that the first in the season of ?Up Close and Personal? with a West End performer might end in disaster when she heard that the billed star, Jodie Jacobs, had gone down with serious throat problems. With Jodie?s opening night in Rock of Ages at the Shaftsbury Theatre looming in just two days time, doctors had ordered her to bed. Thus, HAODS were potentially left with a stage without a singer! However, enterprising musical director, Andy Smith called in several favours and not only turned up trumps with a replacement star, but he managed to pull four out of the hat! The evening was rescued by James Milton, who was nominated for best Actor for his role as Marius in Les Miserable, Poppy Carter, who has recently played opposite Keira Knightley in Children?s Hour in the West End, Stuart Armfield, whose credits include Gad in Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat and Samuel in Pirates of Penzance and Helen Petrovna, who swore to us that she was ?only a dancer? despite having played Cosette in Les Miserables, and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors! The stars chatted casually with the audience, sharing personal information and some funny anecdotes about their performances ? more often than not about things that had gone wrong and how situations were rescued! The slick performances of solos, duets and ensemble numbers were rehearsed at Andy?s home in the afternoon and with just one run through at 6.00pm the artists were ready to perform at 8.00pm. The show was a resounding success, just going to prove the true professionalism of the stars that Britain is lucky to have gracing the stages in the West End. An enthusiastic audience were also treated to some comic songs from little known musicals by HAODS member, Ian Head and some songs from James Gwynne and Sally Rowlands who are playing the lead characters of Seymour and Audrey in their up-coming musical, Little Shop of Horrors, which will be performed at the Kenton Theatre 13 ? 19 November (Kenton box office 01491 575698) Watch out for the next Up Close and Personal ? this time starring James Gillan, which will be held in the Studio on Sunday 23rd October at 8.00pm. Box office number for all Studio productions is 07514 054384.

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Under Milk Wood - Cast

Written by Chairman

Wednesday, 12 October 2011 14:54

Under Milk Wood By Dylan Thomas Cast Gareth Saunders First Voice Dylan Rev Eli Jenkins Richard Evans Second Voice Aneurin Idris -Williams 3rd Neighbour Mr Cherry Owen Child: Billy Swansea Johnnie Crito Geoff Atkinson Huw Ormerod Thomas Third Voice Willy Nilly Utah Watkins 5th Woman 4th drowned Child: Ricky Rees Child Brian Head Blind Captain Cat Meredith Edwards Old Man Jack Black Myfanwy Bournon Polly Garter Gwenllian Bevan Wife Gossamer Beyon Miss Myfanwy Price Lily Smalls Child: Maggie Richards Krystle Hall Rosie Probert Gwyneth Thomas 2nd Neighbour Mrs Dai Bread Two 4th Woman Little Girl /Matti Richards Child: Gwennie Nansi Diamond Mrs Ogmore-Pritchard Dilys Davies Another Mother Mrs Organ Morgan Bessie Bighead 2nd Woman Robert Watkins Nogood Boyo Dilwyn Evans 3rd Drowned Fisherman Mr Ogmore Child: Little Gerwain Dicky Sheila Green Mrs Beynon Ceridwen Roberts Mrs Willy Nilly 4th Neighbour 1st Woman Mary Ann sailors Basil Evans Dafydd Hughes Evans the death (Dav-ith) Voice of Guidebook Mr Pritchard Lord Cut Glass 5th Drowned A Drinker Frank Auger Mr Waldo John Glyn Jones A Voice Butcher Beynon 2nd drowned Child Jackie with the sniff Cherry Tyer Mrs Cherry Owen Olwen Owen 1st Neighbour 3rd Woman Mae Rose Cottage Our Sal Andy James 1st Drowned Geraint Griffiths Dai Bread Mr Pugh Preacher Sinbad Sailors Jeni Wood Waldo?s Mother Mair Rees Mrs Utah Watkins Mrs Pugh Mrs Dai Bread One 5th Woman TBC Mr Mog Edwards Ianto Morgan Organ Morgan (Yan-to) Little Boy Waldo Child: Tommy Powell

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HAODS 90th Anniversary Celebrations

Written by Webmaster

Wednesday, 12 October 2011 12:45

The President, Chairman and Committee would like to extend a personal invitation to attend HAODS’ 90th Anniversary Celebrations Sunday 16 October 2011 HAODS through the ages ~ 5.00pm to 6.30pm ~ The Studio See an exhibition of memorabilia for as far back as we can remember! and afterwards a Gourmet Gala Buffet ~ Hotel du Vin with some surprise guest stars! £20 per person RSVP by 1st October 2011 - Includes Buffet & welcome drink Julie on: hunting311@aol.com Cash only bar available Dress Code: True theatrical style; Glitz, glam, feathers and fur!

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Love and romance theme at Sing Speak Be performance

Written by Webmaster

Saturday, 03 September 2011 13:29

AT a concert last Sunday, Liz Balmford’s “Sing Speak Be” students performed for family and friends at the HAODS Studio in New Street, Henley. Taking place the night before Valentine’s Day, the theme for the evening was “love, romance and heartbreak”, so the students sang their way through musical theatre favourites like I Could Have Danced All Night, Someone To Watch Over Me and Take That Look Off Your Face. They also regaled the audience with chart ballads such as Make You Feel My Love, The Weakness In Me and Dream Catch Me, which had the audience sighing with appreciation. In her performance coaching practice, Sing Speak Be based in Sonning Common, Liz teaches singing to adults and coaches youngsters for drama school auditions and musical scholarships. By staging regular concerts in tandem with her singing lessons, Liz hopes to boost the confidence of her students. Liz says: “As a performer, you make rapid progress if you get the chance to perform in public, so I like to stage concerts to give my students this opportunity. The simple act of standing in front of people changes your performance — and the courage it takes can increase confidence, impacting on all areas of life. “This concert was a chance for my students to share their progress with their peers and to experiment with new material in front of a friendly audience.” For more information on training with Liz, visit her website www.singspeakbe.com Extract from the Henley Standard (http://www.henleystandard.co.uk/news/news.php?id=880332)

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Head for Llareggub

Written by Webmaster

Saturday, 03 September 2011 13:25

Extract from the Henley Standard: (http://www.henleystandard.co.uk/news/news.php?id=972130) IF you possess an authentic Welsh accent and love Dylan Thomas, go along to The Studio in New Street, Henley (next to the Kenton Theatre), on Wednesday, September 7. Henley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society will be holding readings and auditions for its planned performance of Under Milk Wood at 7.30pm. The performance will take place in The Studio on October 28 and 29. The production will take the form of actors performing the classic in the radio studio in 1954. But there is intrigue around the actors, to add to the tension of the production! HAODS is presenting this piece as part of its initiative to bring low-cost, high-quality drama to Henley. So, if you fancy yourself as a bit of a Richard Burton and would like to challenge the sun to “wipe its shoes...” you are welcome to go along to the readings and auditions. The piece requires a considerable number of characters and there will be quite a bit of doubling up, so only one character need be auditioned for. For more information call Julie Huntington on 07831 546047.

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