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OUR AUTUMN PRODUCTION!
15th ~ 21st November 2009.
Directed by Mike Huntingdon.
Musical Director: Ian Head.
Choreographer: Sally-Ann Coleman
Monday 11th May Information evening at 8 pm
Thursday 14th May Information evening at 8 pm
 Facebook Group for Forbidden Planet - can be found here
The NODA review for the show can be found here
To view the Forbidden Planet Photo Gallery - click here
Return to the Forbidden Planet is an award winning Rock
‘n’ Roll musical that has been wowing audiences for over 18years. The
show is the brainchild of Bob Carlton and is loosely based on the 1956
film Forbidden Planet and integrates the great works of Shakespeare and
the hits of the fifties. The plot is based upon The Tempest and a brief synopsis of the show goes like this:
On a stormy night way back in the winter of 2009, mad scientist Doctor
Prospero worked late into the night in his laboratory, developing an
elusive formula with which he would change the world.
Doctor Prospero, is overpowered by his wife, Gloria and sent him into
hyperspace in an old shuttlecraft. Little did she know that due to
cutbacks in the laboratory their infant daughter Miranda was aboard
that shuttlecraft, and was catapulted light years into the future with
her father.
Many years later, a routine survey flight, Intergalactic Starship
Albatross, takes off under the watchful command of Captain Tempest.
An all-singing, all-dancing production
 Firstly, it is important to note that
RTTFP is set to Shakespearian pentameter, and that much of the dialogue is a
concoction of the Bard's various famous texts. With "golden-oldie" rock'n'roll
songs thrown in for good measure.
We begin with a crew aboard a
spaceship, navigating through space. On their travels, they receive a distress
signal which leads them to a drifting vessel: aboard is the famous (and
eccentric) Scientist Prospero and his daughter Miranda: whom the Ship's cook
takes an instant fancy to (the Captain does as well, although he struggles with
such feelings for a much younger girl). After they are welcomed aboard, we
discover that they were abandoned there by Prospero's evil wife...
Gloria.
Prospero is working on a miracle wonder drug that will cure any
ailment, and grant eternal life to those that drink it. Although it's hasn't
been tested, the stress of seeing his daughter fallen in love with the Captain
drives him to foolhardy impatience. Shortly after he takes the drug, the ship is
attacked by a monstrous creature: "Is this a monster I see before me, with
tentacles instead of hands?" They only avoid certain death because of Prospero's
trusty robot, Ariel, who forces the monster back with his laser weapon defences.
But then someone else turns up... Gloria.
Gloria explains that her
intentions in abandoning her husband were good; that she had abandoned Prospero
in an attempt to save the human race. It seems that his wonder drug has a nasty
side effect - it brings horrors from the user's subconscious to life. And the
multi-tentacle space monster that attacked them was one such creation, from the
depths of mad Scientist's mind.
In realisation of this awful truth,
Prospero makes peace with Gloria, and charges the Captain to take care of his
daughter. He takes the only step he can to end the madness... and ends his own
life by jettisoning into space. The crew all sing farewell with "You'd Better Go
Now".
A Note from the Director - Michael Huntington
Welcome to this production of one the lost masterpieces of Will Shakespeare.
Not a lot of people know that WS was not only a master playwright but also
a talented, though amateur, musician and astronomer. He was renowned as
one of the early players of the Space Horn and assisted Holst in the Planets
Suite. Several of tonight’s songs owe a lot to his early music, the text being
found by Buzz Asprin when space walking to clear a headache, finding the
remains of the Elizabethan Space probe launched to celebrate the defeat of
the Armada at the same time. This rocket launch followed several unsuccessful attempts, one of
which burnt down the original Globe Theatre, which prompted him to write a Comedy of Errors.
Recent investigations by NASA (North Acton Shakespeare Agency), excavating in Ann Hathaway’s
garden midden* have revealed the remnants of several “lost” manuscripts including Gentlemen of
Venus, Othello the Moor of Mars and the follow-up The Merchant of Uranus. This has raised speculation
that Shakespeare was indeed responsible for inventing the first space satellite washing powder called
Ariel.
I hope you will all enjoy tonight’s production. This show has proved a most memorable one for me,
mainly due to the enthusiasm of the cast and production team, so Great Balls of Fire to everyone
who has fun and Good Vibrations to the rest.
CyberMike
Michael Huntington - Director
 Michael is actually a one-man theatre kit and can turn his hand to every aspect
of producing a show from scenery building to costume making. He has
directed more than twenty five very successful shows at the Kenton Theatre
for HAODS, the Henley Players and KT Productions, including Oh What a
Lovely War!, Jack the Ripper – The Musical, Showboat, Cabaret, The Entertainer,
Chicago and many more top class productions including the School of Reform –
Or How To Rule A Husband – the very first play that was staged at the Kenton
more than 200 years ago. Michael tracked down a copy of the script in the
British Museum, but had to re-write it somewhat to make the dialogue more pc as the language of
200 years ago would not be acceptable today – especially what the gentry called their servants! He
is no slouch on stage either, his last major role on stage was as one of the outrageous Vinticelli in
Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus in 2005, but made a comeback in Titanic – The Musical as a deck hand and
as a villager in HAODS last production, Fiddler on the Roof. In his spare time, he is studying English
Language and Literature at Oxford University.
Ian Head - Musical Director
 When not working in the Stock Market, Ian divides his time between trombone
playing, singing and conducting. He has worked with HAODS since he appeared
on stage as The Sergeant of Police in Pirates of Penzance in 2002, and more
recently as the roguish Alfred Jingle in Pickwick - TheMusical. This is Ian’s second
show as Musical Director with HAODS, and he tells us that this is one of the
most talented casts he has had the pleasure of working with.
Sally-Anne Coleman - Choreographer
Sally-Anne has had a love for the theatre from an early age, directing,
choregraphing and performing in many musicals productions and other shows
around the UK. The strangest engagement she has had so far was a stint with
Fossets circus in Ireland (no not as the bearded lady!) as dance captain. Sally-
Anne likes to be busy and often has several projects on the go at once. When
not choreographing, she thoroughly enjoys the classes she teaches at the stage
school StageWorks and will be back at the Kenton very soon for their performance of TheWiz. Sally-
Anne is looking forward to seeing all the hard work she and the cast have put in on Planet play out
on the stage. Break a leg Planteoids!!
Captain Tempest - Joshua Young
Return to the Forbidden Planet will mark Joshua's return to HAODS after a one year
absence working on other projects. Previously he appeared with HAODS as Riff,
in the NODA Award Winning West Side Story. Joshua has also played Gary, the
ladies-man, in MAOS A Slice of Saturday Night, and a mixture of lead and
supporting roles in Shakespeare's The Tempest (upon which RTTFP is based),
King Lear and Macbeth with the Reading Shakespeare Company.
Johnpaul Mallard - Cookie
Johnpaul has appeared in several shows over the last three years including the
NODA award winningWest Side Story with HAODS in which he played Bernado.
He thoroughly enjoyed playing the role of Bernado at the Kenton working with
such a talented cast and director. He cannot wait to play the part of Cookie in
Return to the Forbidden Planet with what he considers to be an equally talented
group of people. Johnpaul hopes you all enjoy the show but insists you buckle
up and listen carefully to the flight crew as you’re in for a bumpy ride!!!
Science Officer - ClaireWallis
Claire has been performing in amateur productions since she was eleven and
has played several roles over the years including Sally in Cabaret, Sarah in Guys
and Dolls and more recently Chava in HAODS’ production of Fiddler on the
Roof. She is very honoured to be playing the part the Science Officer/Gloria.
Claire first saw Return to the Forbidden Planet when she was fifteen, but never
imagined that she would get the chance to perform in it, let alone play the part
of Gloria so she is really looking forward to wearing her AmyWinehouse style wig.
Sarah Calderbank - Navigation Officer
Last seen playing Hero in the Black Widows’ outdoor production of Much
Ado About Nothing and the lead in HAODS’ Calamity Jane in 2007. Sarah has
appeared in numerous plays and musicals both in Henley and her native
Cumbria. Productions include: Billy (Liz), Streetcar Named Desire (Stella), Jesus
Christ Superstar (chorus), Kiss Me Kate (Bianca/Lois), Playing with Fire (Elizabeth)
and Crazy for You (Patsy). She is looking forward to playing the Navigation
Officer and asks you all to join in with the Polarity Reversal Drill - fasten your
seatbelts and enjoy the ride.
Bosun - Phil Couch
“Friends, crewmen, passangers! Lend me your ears! What a journey it has been
to get to get here! But once again we’re back on the stage with our latest
creation, what a difference it has been to Fiddler on the Roof!” cries Phil, who
plays the iconic Bosun in the show. This will be his fourth show with HAODS
since joining the Society for West Side Story in April 2008. Phil has been with
many groups including SMTC, WLOS and HAODS and has recently joined
MAOS and will be appearing in their next show in March, All Shuck Up. He has
enjoyed working with old (Sam) and new faces in the cast. The sun is
out, the sky is blue, sir. There’s ot a cloud to spoil the view.......
Sir! So sit back and have a great flight upon the US Starship
Albatross... I say "Yeah yeah!”.
Peter Ashton - Dr Prospero
This is Peter’s first appearance with HAODS although he is no stranger to the
Kenton Theatre both on and off the stage. He is a big fan of Return to the
Forbidden Planet and was fortunate (and old enough) to be in the audience during
the first week of its release at the Cambridge Theatre, Seven Dials in the West
End. Since then he has seen the show several times in different locations around
the country and was stage manager for the production produced by Shinfield
Theatre several years ago. Peter has great respect for the 'crew' in
this show as they dance and sing their little socks off and put in way
more time and work than he did!
Lucy Potter - Miranda
This is Lucy's first lead in a HAODS production, having mostly played the
confident gung ho types, this transformation into a timid and very (seemingly)
innocent Miranda has been somewhat of a challenge for her! Lucy’s last
performance at the Kenton was playing the sexy but rather dumb Gratziella in
the Noda Award winning West Side Story and her most recent appearance was
as Maria, the mischievous lady in waiting in Black Widow’s production of
Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Lucy also sings in a band called Bleak
Angel which has just been signed by COPRA which is very exciting! She
hopes that you enjoy the show.
Ariel, the Robot - Karen Hemingway
This is Karen’s first show with HAODS but her second flight aboard the SS
Albatross after appearing in a production of Return of the Forbidden Planet with
WYSPAS. She has been performing on stage for almost eight years, not only
with WYSPAS and MAODS, but also The Completely Cuckoo Theatre
Company. She is having great fun getting her skates on for HAODS!
Monster of the ID - Roddy Grey
Roddy’s singing talent was discovered at the check-out counter at Tesco’s and
floated his musical career as Mr Hutchins in Titanic – The Musical. He enjoyed
that sinking feeling so much that he could not wait to return to the stage and
has also appeared as the Rabbi’s son in Fiddler on the Roof. Roddy is really
enjoying the rock and roll of The Forbidden Planet.
Production Team
Director Michael Huntington
Musical Director Ian Head
Choreographer Sally-Anne Coleman
Stage Manager Jerry Anderson
A.S.M Jackie Anderson
Lighting design: Derek Gilbert
Lighting Crew: Joe Holyome and Liam Begley
Director’s Assistant Ann Jenkin
Karen du Plessis
Set Design and Build Michael Huntington
Rehearsal Pianist Angela Pengilley
Sound Design Bruce Smith
Audio Visual Design Black Widows
Huston Control Bruce Smith, Hilary Dawes
Costumes Isabelle Foley
Make Up Kate Carter-Windle
Hairdresser Hazel West-Manning
Dressers Penny Gilbert
And Friends of HOADS
Prompt Annette Bowden
Properties Karen du Plessis
Stage Crew Andrew Lewis
Jonathan Moses
Photography Jason Huntley
Flyers, Programme and Publicity Julie Huntington
Printing Synergie Duplication Ltd
Band:
MD & Trombone - Ian Head
Trumpet - Liz Hinton
Saxophone - Diana Head
Keyboard - Elizabeth Easton and Nic Cope
Drums - Paul Craggs
Bass Guitar - Christian McNally
Lead Guitar - Ben Head
Damage Control Crew
Axel Dent - Fanny Abelsson
This is Fanny’s third show with HAODS. Her first production was Titanic –
The Musical, joining the cast shortly after she moved here. She enjoyed the
experience so much that she decided to stay for a couple more! This HAODS
show has been the biggest challenge so far for her, since it has included a lot
of dancing, but it has been a new and fun experience with a great cast!
Ellie Jefferies - Anti Septic
 After
playing Kate Murphy in Titanic – The Musical, Ellie is pleased to be
returning to HAODS for her second production as part of the Damage
Control Crew. The rock and roll music and dancing that the show
features very much appeals to her and she is enjoying the experience
very much.
Rowena McMenamin - Cutie Cull
Rowena is generally seen tackling meaty straight-acting roles, but has stepped
wayyyyyyy out of her comfort zone in order to join the all-singing, all-dancing
crew of the starship Albatross. Rowena regards this aberration as a form of
mid-life crisis, and hopes she survives this temporary madness to take on a
more sensible and mature role in the future. Meanwhile, she is having an
absolute BLAST! Go girl, go!!
Nicoletta Hartin - Myke Rochipp
This is Nicoletta's fourth show with HAODS, performing in the award winning
West Side Story, Titanic – The Musical and most recently, Fiddler on the Roof.
Professionally she has appeared in the recent St.Trinians film as an extra and
has just recently been filming in a main role for a magical TV advert called
Books To Life which is showing on twenty five TV channels so she hopes that
you will recognize her! As well as working to devlop her professional acting
career, Nicoletta thoroughly enjoys being part of HAODS.
Tanya Hyde - Michelle Jewell
This is Michelle’s second show with HAODS following her debut in Fiddler On
The Roof. She has previously appeared in a television commercial and
performed in numerous dance shows with the Tanwood School of Dance.
Currently practicing as a Solicitor, Michelle has loved letting off steam
rehearsing with such a fantastic cast for Return to the Forbidden Planet.
Daisy O’Halloran - Wanda Brar
This is Daisy's third show with HAODS. After working backstage in
Titanic – The Musical, she went on to be a villager in Fiddler on the Roof and was
bitten by the acting bug again. Studying Law and competing on her horse
(Floyd) has taken her focus since school but she is pleased to be back in the
theatre. She has thoroughly enjoyed her time rehearsing for Forbidden Planet and
loved the challenge of dancing and singing having never learnt a dance routine
before (let alone 19!). She hopes you enjoy the show.
Lou Briccant - Rachel Dixon
Rachel has sung and danced in many shows over the years and has sometimes
threatened to do some acting. Her debut came when she appeared as Bridget
in Slice of Saturday Night....twice! - totally type cast you understand! Rehearsals
for Return to the Forbidden Planet have been like being on a rollercoaster – a
real white knuckle ride! but after 6months she would like someone to explain
to her exactly what the storyline is!!! Luckily Rachel is having such good
vibrations about working with ex West Side Story crew again so she hopes you all enjoy the show!
Justine Kase - Samantha Dixon
This is the second time Samantha has performed with HAODS, making her
debut last April in the NODA award winning production of West Side Story.
This year she has also landed her first principle role as Sharon in A Slice of
Saturday Night, working alongside her sister, which was entertaining in many
ways! Samantha has always had a strong passion for music and dance, having
performed in many dance shows with Tiptoes Dance School, and is currently
choreographing the musical All Shook Up for Marlow Amateur Operatic
Society, which goes on stage in March next year. Samantha is working
with a lot of old friends in this cast as she has orked with many of
them before and can't wait to get back on stage with them for Return to
the Forbidden Planet.
Ian Beyts
Following his triumph in Titanic – The Musical - a performance so overwhelming
that it left the critics paralytic, Ian returns to the Kenton, but fortunately to the
screen rather than the stage. We can rest assured then, that his last night's
performance will be no improvement whatsoever on the first night's!
Numbers
1. Wipe Out N.O.
2. Albatross Bosun, N.O., Tempest, S.O.
3. It’s a Man’s, Man’s Man’s World Tempest, S.O., Bosun, N.O.
4. Great Balls of Fire OMNES
5. Don’t Let me be Misunderstood Prospero, Tempest, BV
6. Theme for “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”
7. Good Vibrations Tempest, Prosp. Cookie, Ariel, Miranda, BV
8. Yeh yeh Bosun, Cookie
9. Ain’t Gonna Wash for a Week Cookie, BV
10. I’m Gonna Change the World Tempest, Ariel, Prospero
11. Teenager in Love Miranda, BV
12. Young Girl Tempest, Mirada, BV
13. She’s not There Cookie
14. Shaking all Over Tempest, Miranda, Prospero
15. GLORIA OMNES, Monster
16. 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 Gloria -- OMNES, Monster, BV
17. Underscore Medley S.O., Prospero
18. Who’s sorry now Ariel, BV
19 She’s not there Tempest, Cookie
20. Tell her S.O., N.O.,Cookie, Tempest, Prospero, Bosun, BV
21. It’s a Man’s World, underscore S.O.
22. Oh Pretty Woman, underscore
23. War Paint Ariel, Tempest, Miranda
24. Robot Man Miranda, Ariel, Tempest, BV
25. It’s a Man’s world, underscore Miranda
26. Shake Rattle and Roll Ariel, Cookie, BV
27. Gloria, underscore N.O., Prosp, Tempest, S.O., Monster, Omnes
28. Go Now S.O, BV
29. Eulogy, underscore Tempest, Prospero, S.O.
30. Only the lonely Cookie, Bosun, BV
31. The young Ones Tempest, Miranda, BV
32. Born to be Wild Tempest, Cookie, N.O., Ariel
33. Wipe Out N.O.
34. Telstar
35. Mr Spaceman Miranda, BV
36. I Can’t Turn You Loose/The Monster Mash Omnes
37 Great Balls of Fire Cookie
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