BP News

Artistic Director's Blog

I just wish I was an American and then I could say 'Oh my God!' with some real conviction along with the word 'awesome' - as in 'it was so-o awesome!' We English can sound really flat sometimes. I was pondering this because I wanted to share how absolutely painful doing the What's On is. It's done, by the way. This season we are trying out something different so it's out with the booklet and in with the folder. The thinking - folders are easier to open out and put up on the wall. So I went to great pains to map out an A3 sheet which folds down to an A5 (half of A4). Much work late into the night ensues with people putting their head round the door saying 'Ooo - you still here. Shall I lock you in?' as they go off to their nice inviting beds. Once it's done it looks like a Donatello masterpiece, an intricate and beautiful creation. Only as I'm showing around, Mike Everitt says: 'It'll never fit in the folder stands we have - or anybody else's for that matter' Aghast I realise how true that is! So reluctantly I go back to ye olde pc and one rapid re-design later - the new What's On is ready for the printers. Awesome!

I thought I would be hyper-modern and send everyone on the emailing list an advert for The Graduate. I dunno what I did but it seems I sent a file the size of the Ark Royal six times! This clogged up everyone's inbox and I had one or two less than flattering responses of the 'how dare you..!' variety. If you were affected - sorry.

I hope you lot are in the mood for some acting 'cos there are lots of auditions coming up: Rosemary has a myriad of roles on offer in the new version of Sleeping Beauty, our Christmas production. Then there is Radio Fun (on in January) and I think John Addison is looking for 4 men and 1 woman who can do a few voices: Bluebottle, Hancock, Sid James, Pete 'n' Dud and so forth. The great thing about the show is it's on the radio - so no lines to learn! Finally there is a classic Ayckbourn which goes on in February - Season's Greetings directed by Edith Pratt. It's a superb comedy with a good size cast - more details in next month's newsletter.

Finally - do come and see our shows! While many of you do - lots still don't and we really would love to see you. It's great place to be - down at the old QMT!