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.

Raffles pictures now on view

Written by Webmaster

Tuesday, 14 December 2010 22:05

The Raffles pictures are now in the gallery for you and for all members to view online. Please feel free to review them at your leisure - there are 5 pages of images to view, so have fun! Find them here: http://www.henleyoperatic.co.uk/gallery/index.php

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The Green Room re-christened!

Written by The Chairman!

Tuesday, 14 December 2010 01:06

You twitter followers will already have got the message that your committee has decided to give the Green Room a title more befitting its function. It is not actually a Green Room in the true sense of the word and we would like to put on more productions - so from henceforth, the new name will be "HAODS Studio" - giving it the truly dynamic image that it deserves!

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AGM minutes (AGM Minutes 2010 09 27.rtf)

Written by Webmaster

Thursday, 02 December 2010 20:44

The AGM minutes for 2010 are now on the site. Go to the management page to view: http://www.henleyoperatic.co.uk/component/option,com_contact/catid,72/Itemid,153/

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HAODS on twitter - become a follower and help the society

Written by Webmaster

Thursday, 02 December 2010 19:17

Some of you may have noticed the HAODS Twitter feed on the Front page and the news page (bottom right). This is taken from our 'presence' on Twitter which is run by Carlos Miguel. He regularly posts little snippets of information about what's on regarding HAODS. Twitter is a good method of posting brief headline information, each tweet can only be 140 characters in length so it is particularly useful for newsflashes. We already receive the benefit of having the Twitter feed as this feed, in combination with other sources, always means that something new is being posted on the front page of our site. This is good for our Google ranking which in turn means that more people see HAODS. Carlos asks if more people could please have a look at the live twitter feed and requests that you become 'followers'. Simply put, a follower is someone interested in what HAODS has to say. A twitter feed is live and appears to the second so it is a good place to receive the most up to date gen. To become a follower simply log onto Twitter and visit this page: http://twitter.com/HAODS. Then click on the follow button. .

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7 minute outage

Written by Webmaster

Tuesday, 30 November 2010 14:03

The site had a 7 minute outage on the 30th at 13:20, sorry about that - I was just increasing a quota and it had a little problem, all resolved within 7 minutes! Webmaster .

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Henry Hawes's review of Raffles

Written by Ian Senior (Raffles)

Tuesday, 30 November 2010 10:23

NODA review of Raffles of Singapore Wow, what a great review! The icing on the cake for us all.. Huge thanks are due as follows: - to Martin Jarvis, who was the first answer our circulated letter about Raffles to about 150 NODA societies; - to Terry who showed enthusiasm when Richard and I button-holed him after a performance of Titanic and who as chairman persuaded the committee to allow us to present Raffles to an open meeting of the Society on 24June 2009; - to Julia for her outstanding direction with creative ideas such as the opening sequence of shots of Singapore and the battle for Java that delighted Richard, me and the audience and for giving us open-access to rehearsals; - to Jul for her perennial charm and commitment in publicising the show, building an audience for an unknown product, her vision and attention to detail in organising the gala evening thereby raising £9,500 for Alzheimer's and all this with a day-job to keep going; - to Tim whose patience and professionalism in rehearsal was superb and who put together a band that was totally professional in playing from manuscript band parts; - and to the entire company, actors, backstage, lighting and sound, box office (Sandra Moon and others), and front of house who brought it all together. HAODS has done Raffles of Singapore proud and you have all helped Richard and me take the show forward by proving that beyond doubt it is a good musical. Yours gratefully Ian Senior and Richard Cleghorn-Brown Co-writers PS. Now all that is needed is for Bryan Villars to tell us that Raffles has made a profit to provide the icing on the icing

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IMPORTANT DATES

Written by The Chairman!

Sunday, 28 November 2010 14:50

IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE: HAODS Carols Evening is on Monday 13th December AT 8.00PM Follies READINGS - 29TH AND 30TH NOVEMBER AT 7.45 Auditions Saturday 4th December at 12.45pm Sunday 5th December at 10.00am

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Follies Performance Dates

Written by The Chairman!

Sunday, 28 November 2010 17:18

Stephen Sondheim's Follies Directed by Judy Yeates Musical Director: Amy Wanlass Choreographer: Jennifer Scott Show Dates: 8,9, 10+ 14, 15, 16th April 2011 Sondheim's Broadway hit musical, Follies is a true Holywood spectacular.It has a string of nominations and awards to its name and has been voted the9th most popular musical. Impresario Dimitri Weissman, who created andran the Broadway Follies in the ?40s,has invited his then stars to a reunion party at the old theatre which is dueto be demolished to make way for a car park. At the party 30 years on, guestsare haunted by memories and ghosts of their past. The story is told through thewonderful lyrics and music by Stephen Sondheim, including Broadway Baby and BeautifulGirls. For tickets go to www.henleyoperatic.co.uk

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Follies Cast list

Written by The Chairman!

Sunday, 28 November 2010 17:14

I hope everyone is looking forward to our next venture - Follies. There is double bubble for the four main leads - as the characters look back on themselves as they were thirty years ago and also lots of delicious cameos for up for grabs. The audition pieces will be taken from the librettos, which may be taken away on the night. Follies Cast SALLY DURANT PLUMMER Funloving Follies girl who married stage-door-johnny,Buddy. Despite children and a lovinghusband she allows an old, intense but unrequited passion for Ben?s friend ro marr her life. She comes to the partyhoping to see him again. Acting age49?52!! Sensitive Emotional Unsophisticated. AUDITION?Page44 to 48 Song??Losing my Mind? Page 12 to14 ?In Buddy?s Eyes? BUDDY PLUMMER An appealing,lively man, alwayssmiling. A good salesman. Meanswell and loves Sally but commits adultery because he feels she doesn?twholeheartedly return his love. Acting age?53!!! AUDITION----Page5 Song----?The Right Girl? Page44 to 48 PHYLLIS ROGERS STONE A stylish, sophisticated and intelligent woman. From a shy diffident girl, she hasmoulded herself into the sort of woman she feels her husband, who she loves, wants. She is cynical about and unhappywith what she has achieved. She doesn?t feel she has made him happy. Acting age?49----52!! AUDITION---Page44 to 48. Song----?Could I Leave You?? Page 12 to 14 BEN STONE A distinguished, authoritative and successful man who likes toget his own way. He is selfish and immature emotionally and finds himselfunable to cope with s Sally and Phyllis? demands. Acting age-----54, 55. AUDITION?Page51 to 53. Song??Too Many Mornings? Page 44 to 48. STELLA DEEMS - Marriedto and at the party with Max Acting age ?62!! AUDITION Page 9 Song ?Who?sthat Woman? SOLANGE LA FITTE-Successful business woman: Acting age ?66!! AUDITION Page 10 Song ?Ah, Paris!? CARLOTTA CAMPION- Sexy one-time movie star, a tough cookie. Acting age:?49 AUDITION Page 20 & 48 Song ?I?mStill Here? HATTIE WALKER Well liked gets on with life! Acting age ?70 AUDITION Page 14 Song ?Broadway Baby? EMILY WHITMAN-Married and partnered by Theodore.A bitvague. Acting age?71 AUDITIONPage 28 Song? Listen to the Rain on the Roof? HEIDI SCHILLER Queenly, tough but frail: Acting age?80 AUDITION-Page19 Song ?One More Kiss.? CHRISTINE DONOVAN, MERIDITH LANE, DEE DEE WEST Acting age ?50?s AUDITION Song ?Who?s that Woman? FOLLIES?Cast List YOUNG CAST-The Past - 1920 to1939.(aged late teens, early 20?s) Young Sally, Phyllis, Buddy, Ben---Acting, Solosinging, Dancing.. Young Stella----Singing, Dancer. Young Heidi---Solo Singing. YoungVincent and Vanessa---Dancers Dance Chorus?Girls and Boys. The Present---1970 Francesca?Acting, Singing, Dancing. Kevin-----Acting (Singing and Dancing?) Waiters,Waitresses, Photographers, etc OLDER CAST?Summer 1970 (Actingage range?49 to 80) WOMEN-Sally Durant Plummer, Phyllis Rogers Stone, Stella Deems, Emily Whitman, Solange La Fitte, Hattie Walker,Carlotta Campion,----Acting, Solosinging, Dancing. Heidi Schiller?SoloSinger. Christine Donavon, Meredith Lane, Dee Dee West,-- Singing, Dancing. Vanessa?Dancing (Acting, Singing) MEN - Buddy Plummer, Benjamin Stone, Theodore Whitman, Acting, Solo singing, Dancing Dimitri Weisman?Acting. Max Deems, Willy Wheeler, Vincent?Dancing, Singing. Roscoe?Solo singing. Major Domo, Chauffeur..

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Haods do not rest on their laurels

Written by The Chairman!

Sunday, 28 November 2010 17:21

At 2.30am on Sunday Morning 21st November, Henley AmateurOperatic and Dramatic Society were having a party! Having just finished ahighly successful run of the UK Premiere of Raffles of Singapore, which nettedover £9k for the Alzheimer?s Society, HAODS seem to be inexhaustible. Never ones to stand still, even whilst theywere still partying, they were planning their next show, another ambitiousproject, Stephen Sondheim?s Follies. This vibrant Society is always looking for new members ? whether it istreading the boards or in the engine room that is the back stage of anyproduction. If you do not want to act,maybe you have a particular talent for wardrobe or make up ? or you may even beinterested in lighting or sound, or can help out in other ways - or maybe youhave just moved to town and want to get to know new people ? HAODS will want tohear from you. As well as the excitingproduction of Follies, they are alsoproducing Little Shop of Horrors inautumn of 2011. If you are interested in joining the Society? don?t just thinkabout it, contact the membership secretary Martin on 07941 265 340 ? or throughour web site at www.henleyoperatic.comwhere you can download a membership form and book tickets for the shows. Sondheim's Broadway hit musical Follies is truly a show for all ages,with a string of nominations and awards to its name, including best musical,best score and best lyrics and has been nominated as the 9th most popular musical. Many famous stars have played in it on Broadway including Angela Lansbury, LeeRemick and Carol Burnett Readings and Auditions are coming up very shortly for the show next Aprilwill be held in the HAODS Green Road, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BP onthe following dates 1stReading Monday 29th November2010 - 7.45 p.m. 2ndReading Tuesday 30th November 2010 -7.45 p.m. Danceworkshop Wednesday 1st December 2010 - 7.45 p.m Main Auditions Saturday 4th December 2010 - 12.45 p.m Dance auditions Sunday 5th December 2010 - 10.00 a.m The show tells the story of Dimitri Weissman, animpresario who created and ran the ?Broadway Follies" between the two world wars. Now in the early70?s, he has invited his then stars to a reunion party at the old theatre whichis due to be demolished to make way for a carpark. The "Beautiful Girls" with theirpartners, now 30 years older, arrive at the party where the old theatreconjures up memories and ghosts of their past. The glamorous, wealthy Ben andPhyllis and the unsophisticated Buddy and Sally, arrive at the reunion tryingto recapture the happiness of their youth and comparing it with their presentunhappiness their heightened emotions magically transform the old theatre whichsweeps them into a cathartic, chaotic sequence called " Loveland"which brings them to their senses and makes them realise they have to createhappiness with what they have. The story is told through the wonderful lyricsand music by Stephen Sondheim HAODS will be delighted to welcomeyou. For more information please callthe director Judy Yeates on 0118 947 0242

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Press Release 31/10/2010 - HAODS bags UK Premiere of hit musical,Raffles of Singapore... the history

Written by Webmaster

Sunday, 28 November 2010 17:49

It was born here... in Henley, well in Lambridgewood Road actually, and was the brainchild of Ian Senior and Richard Cleghorn-Brown. The musical, Raffles of Singapore is the latest production from Henley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society and they are delighted to have secured the UK Premiere of the show. It was commissioned in 1979 by a Singapore based producer who raised enough sponsorship to fund a full company of professional West End actors, to rehearse them in London and fly them to Singapore to perform in the famous Victoria Theatre. The “Sold Out” sign was on the door every night. It was a similar story when the show transferred to Hong Kong and Perth. But the conception of Raffles of Singapore is not the only connection with Henley as Sir Stamford Raffles is documented as having spent part of his second honeymoon in Henley, most likely at The Red Lion Hotel. The show was set to light up the stage in London, but sadly, yet another recession hit Britain in the early 80’s and the funding for the transfer was withdrawn. The authors put the show on the shelf and went about their business concentrating on other projects. Thirty years on Ian and Richard decided to resurrect the show, but how do they go about getting the show produced in the UK? The first consideration is that even with doubling, it would require a cast of around twenty, not including a cameo role for a girl of about 8, which would mean three Charlottes, six chaperones, an orchestra and authentic 1820’s costumes - hence more cost. It would be a big risk for West End Management. They are in the business of making profits and as commercial managements have to be a bit cagey when assessing the risk of what they produce. The same applies to amateur societies – more so in the current climate. The instinct is to go for gold-plated winners such as My Fair Lady, West Side Story and Fiddler on the Roof. However, Henley Operatic is a truly enterprising society and has taken up the challenge. HAODS has worked closely with the authors and the production has – like Topsy – just grown. Distinguished illustrator, Lord David Holmes has designed the stunning poster, and sponsorship has been secured from The Singapore Tourism Board, Singapore Airlines and the famous Raffles and Stamford Hotels “Singapore Sunday” on 14th November has been added. A Singaporean buffet will be served in the Green Room at the Kenton Theatre from 12.00noon to 3.30pm prior to curtain up at 4.00pm. Also in the mix is a Gala dinner at Phyllis Court on Saturday 13th November, in aid of the Alzheimers’ Society. This glittering occasion will not only play host to Rolf Harris, Richard E Grant and Kevin Whately, who was in the original production, but to a host of West End Managements headed by Alan Scott, producer of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, who have been invited along to see what for them is the showcase for the production Some years ago, Sir Cameron Mackintosh sponsored Just So, a new musical in the Tricycle Theatre, London, before it became well known. For big producers, the sponsorship costs of putting on a brand new musical by solid, amateur societies could come out of the petty cash box and they could reserve the rights to the show if it was a success. So, could HAODS pioneer a new trend by which amateur societies feed the West End with great new shows rather than the reverse? HAODS certainly hope so.

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Press Release 20/09/2010 Celebrities are like buses!

Written by Webmaster

Sunday, 28 November 2010 17:47

Celebrities are just like buses... first of all there are none, then suddenly three come along together! This is the case in point for the Gala Performance being held in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society, by Henley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, as part of the UK Premiere of their latest production, Raffles of Singapore, on Saturday 13th November. The musical tells the story of a remarkable man, Sir Stamford Raffles, who founded Singapore and was bankrupt by the East India Company for his trouble. Authors, Ian Senior and Richard Cleghorn-Brown have a special interest in the Alzheimer’s Society and along with HAODS hope to raise in the region of £6,000 for charity. The three special guests are Rolf Harris, Richard E Grant and Kevin Whately, who along with other dignitaries including His Excellency the High Commissioner of Singapore, will be attending a pre-theatre dinner at Phyllis Court. The evening will consist of a champagne reception whilst listening to music from the show being played on the grand piano, followed by a three dinner with wine, topped off with Coffee and mints. There will be an auction of promises which will be conducted by ??????, an experienced Bonham’s Auctioneer. Time is restricting the number of promises that can be auctioned, but the promises on offer are of the highest quality. They include an original oil of the statue of Raffles in Singapore, by Robin Tunicliffe, our own Bill Mundy has offered his tremendous skills to paint a miniature in a gold frame, worth in the region of £1600 and to top off all this, Singapore Airlines have donated two return flights to Singapore, with the Swissotel chain giving the lucky winners four free nights at the five star deluxe Stamford Hotel and if this is not enough, the world famous Raffles hotel have also donated dinner for two and unlimited Singapore Slings! (However, I understand that you can only manage two anyway!) The Stamford Hotel can be seen if you are watching the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend as it is situated on turn 9 of this famous race! I doubt that you can miss it, as it is the tallest building in South East Aisia with magnificent views over Indonesia and Malaya. For more information and some fantastic pictures, go to www.swissotel.com/singapore - And if all this is not enough, guests will also be able to enjoy champagne in the interval of this exciting new show, in the Green Room next to the theatre. The whole evening will be presided over by Henley’s only female Toastmaster – who incidentally qualified top of her class, beating all the men - Claire Wallis, in full regalia. Representatives of the National Alzheimers’ Society will also be on hand to help with the smooth running of the evening, but the money raised will be going to support local projects, so if you have someone close to you has Alzheimer’s and would like to support this event, you can be assured that your relative will benefit directly from the evening. Tickets cost £85 (with almost half being the donation to the Society) and can be obtained from HAODS Chair, Julie Huntington on hunting311@aol.com. For tickets for the rest of the run, including the Singapore Sunday Matinee on 14th November, when Singaporean food will be served in the Green Room, book on-line at www.henleyoperatic.com . Raffles of Singapore runs from 12th – 20th November at the Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley. .

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Press Release 1/11/2010 Raffles Comes to Town in aid of the Alzheimers? Society

Written by Webmaster

Sunday, 28 November 2010 17:42

MENTION the word ‘Raffles’ and we immediately think either of the hotel, or the jewel thief! However, in this case, it is neither. This musical is about the British statesman and visionary, Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles best known in the Far East for his founding of the city of Singapore. In England, it is a little known fact that he was a leading botanist and founded London Zoo. Often described as the Father of Singapore, he was heavily involved in the conquest of the Indonesian island of Java from Dutch and French military forces during the Napoleonic Wars and contributed considerably to the expansion of the British Empire. The famous hotel takes its name from him. Sir Stamford Raffles founded Singapore in 1819 without permission of the East India Company and was later financially broken by the company for his pains. But his stoic resolve and love of his wife win through and he achieves a moral victory to allow a bitter-sweet ending. Thus making him in many eyes a man, lover and hero. In late November 2008, author Ian Senior and composer Richard Cleghorn-Brown were so impressed with Henley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society’s production of Titanic — The Musical, that they offered them the opportunity to present the UK premiere of their musical, Raffles of Singapore, which was last performed professionally to great acclaim in Singapore in 1979 and featured an up and coming actor, Kevin Whately — now of Inspector Morse and Lewis fame. The economic downturn at the time which caused West End Theatres to go dark was the only thing that prevented it transferring to London. Now the authors are hoping that production will make the unusual reverse turn and transfer from the amateur stage to the professional. The UK premiere on 12th November at the Kenton Theatre, will be a showcase for the production and will be launched by a celebrity gala dinner at Phyllis Court in aid of the Alzheimers’ Society on November 13. Kevin Whately from the original cast, who is now an Alzheimers’ Ambassador, will be at the Gala, along with many West End promoters who will be looking to transfer it to the West End, some 30 years later than it was destined to be there. .

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Courier Review - Press Release - Raffles of Singapore, a dazzling success 15/11/2010

Written by Webmaster

Sunday, 28 November 2010 17:39

When in June 2009 Henley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society chose to produce the UK premiere of an unknown show about Sir Stamford Raffles they knew they were taking a risk, but there is no doubt that it has paid off. Raffles of Singapore is a dazzling vehicle for period costumes, some excellent acting, singing and choreography all framed within a historically true and romantic story. The story charts Stamford Raffles’ rises from obscurity as a clerk in the East India Company, as he becomes a Lieutenant Governor, founds Singapore without permission and is ruined financially by the Company for doing so. This is a feel-good show with memorable music by Richard Cleghorn-Brown and Ian Senior. The musical director, Tim Cumper, conducts an excellent band. The show develops the character of Raffles, ably performed by Alan Elston who has a commanding presence from the moment he walks on stage. He is brilliantly complemented by Michelle Wesson as Olivia, his wife. She has real strength of character but breaks down after the death of their eight-year-old daughter, Charlotte (the character of Charlotte is double cast, and is played by Charlotte Yates and Sarah Robinson). I defy anyone to have a dry eye when Olivia sings her cradle song for her dead child. Her tormented lament is almost unbearable. The villain of the piece, William Farquhar, provides an excellent vehicle for Raymond Burton’s acting skills. He has a particularly fine voice but uncertainty with his dialogue produced some unwanted hesitation, but this could have just been down to nerves on the night. There also is plenty of fun throughout the piece. Raffles’ two pretty sisters Agatha and Agnes (Samantha Field and Jennamarie Smith) giggle their way through flirtations with the boozy Colonel Gillespie (Ian Head) while their mother (Val Jeffries) tries desperately to keep them in order. David Parsonson’s choreography is effective and there is a delightful candle-dance by children from Emma Jane Taylor’s performing arts school, StageWorks. The whole show was pulled together by director Julia Rymer who is to be congratulated on her vision of an unknown show. On Saturday 13th November, Julie Huntington, the current chair of HAODS, hosted a glittering gala dinner in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society at The Phyllis Court Club. Guests, who included Alzheimer’s ambassador, Kevin Whately and the High Commissioner of Singapore, were treated to a champagne reception and a three course meal before strolling around to the theatre to enjoy the show. An auction of promises, which included a trip to Singapore staying at the famous Stamford and Raffles hotels, helped to raise more than £9,000 for the charity. From the warm applause and from the buzz after the show it is clear that the audience really liked it. So where will it go now? Other operatic societies are coming to see it and some West End producers were in the audience at the gala opening. Raffles of Singapore has proved an undoubted hit for HAODS. Can it go forward to the West End? Time will tell! .

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A word from the President regarding Raffles that went out to all members 15/11

Written by Webmaster

Sunday, 28 November 2010 17:36

I do hope that you can all get along to the glorious Kenton Theatre this week, to see Henley Operatic Society’s production of Raffles of Singapore. For many years I have been so proud to be the President of HAODS and it is typical of them to be at the front of the queue when it comes to challenging projects, which is why I am so full of admiration for this production about Stamford Raffles, a somewhat overlooked hero in history who not only founded Singapore, but was president of the London Zoological Society for many years and also founded London Zoo. (I was amazed to find that it's not about a copycat gentleman thief!). HAODS have a formidable track record, in particular I loved Singing InThe Rain and Titanic-The Musical, big projects for the Kenton Stage. Raffles of Singapore is a UK Premiere which itself is quite a coup. A great production team is in place: the director Julia Rymer, the musical director Tim Cumper and the choreographer David Parsonson are all top class and the cast is headed by the very popular Alan Elston as Stamford Raffles – so all the ingredients are in place….but the proof of the pudding is in the eating. So fingers crossed we're in for a treat. Enjoy… Simon Williams President HAODS

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Press Release - Raffles Of Singapore: The Blog, Written by Alan Elston

Written by Webmaster

Sunday, 28 November 2010 17:04

Discovering The Character: Getting to know Sir Stamford Raffles has been a fascinating process, there are so many sides to his character and I am really enjoying the combination of bringing my research of the man, the script and my interpretation of his character to life. I have played real life characters before in The musical ‘Titanic’ as Bruce Ismay, the ship owner and now Sir Stamford Raffles. I have a strange feeling of duty to represent them in the sense of who they were and the part they have played in our history. Sir Stamford was without question a great man, though like all great men, those around him often paid the price for his single minded, idealistic vision that drove his success and ultimate downfall. He is strong, powerful and often perceived as arrogant with an ability to provoke those around him both personally and professionally, some of which set out to ultimately did bring him down. He was a sitting target for those who disagreed with his approach and ideals. They had implications on them as individuals and often the current working practices of the day. Great fortunes were made in The East India Company from slaves, and it’s the ultimate corporate dilemma, how do we balance profitability with integrity – to some they chose to ignore it, to Sir Stamford, it was his intention to abolish slavery and create a free society. He achieved just that and delivered on his vision 20 years before anti slave legislation was introduced. What part did he play in driving such a change in law, that he would never see? His vision ultimately became a reality. What Drives The Man? The most successful of men have a drive, a vision, a determination and ruthless desire to make their mark on the world. Where does such drive come from, what makes a man drive forwards with such hubris and conviction to achieve their goal? No body will ever be able to accurately answer that question, maybe Sir Stamford didn’t exactly know himself, though we can guess at the influences that contribute to such a determination. His Early Years: His father was a slave ship captain, in his early life Sir Stamford must have seen the conditions of slavery and the direct individual impact slavery had on the people who endured unimaginable hardship and suffering. Seeing it first hand must have taken its toll. A Sense Of Duty: Forced to leave school early and taken on by The East India Company as a junior clerk, there may have been a sense of being deprived a good education and therefore a determination to catch up and make something of himself. This could be further emphasised when Stamford finds himself responsible for supporting his mother and two sisters in the absence of his Father, who I believe died young. Throughout the show we can see the burden of responsibility he assumes for all three of them and his own wife. He wants to look after them and takes his responsibility seriously. So his ambition may have been even more focused due to such a burden. To add context to this, if we imagine that Raffles lived in a time when women could not support themselves or own any assets, they were a burden on him and their welfare as the only man in the family, was his sole responsibility. Sir Stamford assumes this responsibility with kindness and compassion. Being Married To Sir Stamford Raffles: Olivia is obviously a devoted wife, who shows immense strength of character throughout the show, though even she has her limits when everything is taken from her. Of the people who suffer for Sir Stamford’s vision and determination, she pays the greatest price. Through thick and thin, she stands by his side and endures a life in an uncomfortable, hostile and often life threatening environment. It is often said that behind every great man, there’s a great women, Olivia is worthy of such a title. The show explores the various stages of their relationship, the wonderful sense of fun and intimacy between them and the compassion she shows him as a loving and dutiful wife, who quite clearly adores him despite his apparent neglect and complete lack of consideration for her wants and needs. As with many great men, he is difficult, single minded, neglectful and often behaves like a selfish child in the pursuit of his vision, and Olivia always stands by his side. The Corporate Man: Sir Stamford Raffles was a corporate man, with the vision of the entrepreneur. Ultimately as is often the case, his greatest strength is his ultimate downfall. It’s interesting that men like him are what makes such powerful and incredibly successful businesses like The East India Company. They are then dismissed for being what they were encouraged to be and despite their success are brought down by bureaucracy and the people that gave them the opportunity in the first place. By anybody’s judgement, his success was not rewarded and he ultimately paid the price for his determination and vision. The Price – Who Pays It? Despite his success, Stamford Raffles had to face some real misfortune in his life. He suffered with excruciating headaches throughout his life that ultimately lead to his tragic early death at the age of 44 years old, from a brain tumour. During his life, he lost his life savings to a bank that went bust, jeopardizing the financial security of himself and his family. As an accomplished botanist and artist he lost much of his life’s work when the ship he was aboard sank and took a great of his writing and drawings with it. He also lost his own family due to illness and tropical disease. At the end of his life he was left penniless and in considerable debt to The East India Company of which he had given his entire career and the best part of his life. His story, whilst in many ways is an inspiration, was fraught with tragedy and hardship throughout. .

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Press Release - Sir Stamford Raffles ? An all round good chap

Written by Webmaster

Sunday, 28 November 2010 16:59

Sir Stamford Raffles – An all round good chap So, I have explored Raffles the man, the lover and the hero. I have delved deeply into the script to discover the Faustian pact that he made with his own “devil”. I have learned my lines and I have rehearsed the songs until I wake up with them playing constantly in my head. Raffles is now a way of life and I have discovered that I have a great affection for this remarkable man and I am proud to be giving him life, albeit briefly, on the Kenton Stage. Despite the fact that he was so focused on his vision, sometimes to the detriment of his family, I have decided that he was altogether an all round good chap! Talking of the stage, we are now in the theatre, laying claim to our little part of the dressing room that is going to be like home for me and the rest of the cast for the coming week. With opening night just a week away, we have to rehearse our costume changes, stand for hours in this place or that on the stage to make sure that the lighting is right, that the sound is balanced and the back stage crew know where and when to change the scenery. Often there are more people back stage than in the cast! The programme has been assembled and the advertising boards have been put up around the town. The arrangements for the Gala performance on 13th November, with our guest, Alzheimer’s Ambassador Kevin Whately, are all in place. This has been a very special journey for me, in a very special show. I hope I have arrived in the right place and that you will enjoy the performances that I and my fellow cast members have worked so hard on perfecting. I would like to thank the production team, headed by director Julia Rymer for ensuring that all the pieces of the jigsaw are in place. All we need now, is the audience. This is something I can do nothing about, just hope that you, the great supportive Henley public have enjoyed reading my blog and following my journey to the core of this multi faceted character and come and see the show about someone who is an all round good chap. .

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15/10 Press Release Alan Elston is playing Sir Stamford Raffles in HAODS autumn show, the UK Premier

Written by Webmaster

Sunday, 28 November 2010 16:56

Alan Elston is playing Sir Stamford Raffles in HAODS autumn show, the UK Premiere of Raffles of Singapore, at the Kenton Theatre 12th – 20th November Sir Stamford Raffles – The Hero The production is now almost there. I am nearly Sir Stamford, but I still have a little way to go. The songs are in my head constantly, the sense of triumph and the sense of humour, but I have yet to get the sense of him as a hero. My research into his character has revealed some fascinating facts. As a hard working official of the East India Company, he was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Java and later of Bencoolen on Sumatra. As well, he was a self taught scholar, whose History of Java earned him a knighthood, and a naturalist who was a co-founder of the London Zoo. He is, however, better known as the founder of Singapore. Since the first book-length biography of Raffles appeared in 1897, he has been the subject of more than sixteen biographical works crafting him into an unassailable hero. And hero he was. It takes a brave man to stand by his convictions in an age where morals were lax and slave trading is the norm. Raffles was employed by the largest institution of its day, therefore was a corporate man, but he had the vision of the entrepreneur. One could almost say he was the 19th Century equivalent of Sir Alan Sugar, for when he acted on his own instincts, great things occurred, as in the founding of Singapore. It is interesting that his stamp of man often helps to make such a powerful and incredibly successful businesses, then are dismissed despite their success as they have achieved their goal. What happened to Raffles is true in big business today. During his governorship, Raffles introduced partial self governorship, stopped the slave trade, became an early opponent of the Opium trade by placing strict limitations upon its importation, much to the dismay of Calcutta, led an expedition to rediscover and restore Borobudur and other ancient monuments, and replaced the Dutch forced agriculture system with a land tenure system of land management. He also changed the Dutch colonies to the British system of driving on the left, which is why Indonesia drives on the left today. Under the harsh conditions of the island, Olivia died on 26 November 1814, an event that devastated Raffles. In 1815, he left again for England after the island of Java was returned to control of the Netherlands following the Napoleonic Wars under the terms of the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814, but not before he was officially replaced by John Ferndall on account of the poor financial performance of the colony during his administration, as deemed by the successors of Lord Minto in Calcutta. Raffles sailed to England in early 1816 to clear his name, and en route, visited Napoleon, who was in exile at St. Helena, but found him unpleasant and unimpressive. I believe that Raffles was a hero in the true sense of the word, as he put the welfare and wellbeing of the people he was governing and strove to make a better life for them, before his own health, and even his own family. Raffles is revered and honoured all over Singapore, with statues, tributes and many road names and hotels are named after him. The people of Singapore obviously feel the same way. .

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Follies - dates for your diary

Written by Martin Jarvis, Secretary

Thursday, 25 November 2010 10:15

Follies – A super Sondheim Show for springtime with parts for all ages and sexes! But we have to begin at the beginning in the usual way – all in our Green Room: Readings and preparation for Auditions, including Singing and Dancing: 29th, 30th November and 1st December – 7.45 pm Open Auditions Saturday 4th December: from 12.45 pm Dancing Auditions (and others who couldn’t audition on Saturday) Sunday 5th December 10.00 am First Rehearsal Tuesday 7th December If you have any queries do call Director Judy Yeates on 01189 470242

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Carols Evening dates for your diary

Written by Martin Jarvis, Secretary

Thursday, 25 November 2010 10:14

Carols Evening This will be at 8.00 on Monday 13th December and not 20th as in Stage Whispers – mulled wine, mince pies, raffle and special 100 Club draw – and Big Al! Always a lot of fun and a great social occasion in our Green Room Raffle prize donations very welcome – bring them along on the evening. Your Raffle Tickets will be with you soon…

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