- 7 Jul 2010
We are putting our foot down!

Because of the problems experienced at the 2010 Soccer World Cup, Playbox has decided to ban the Vuvuzela from all future productions.
 
 
 
 
 
 

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- 6 Jul 2010
Norfolk Island Transtasman One Act Play Competition

We have our play "The Witches of Prestwick", our flights are booked and accommodation is also booked.

Saturday 25th September will see us flying off to Norfolk in an attempt to bring the Transtasman trophy back with us.  Last time we went we managed to get a nomination for best Actor, that was Arno.  He will not be with us this year, but going will be Genevieve Batchelor, Liz Sheppard, Jane and Alastair Barnett and Lorna Ashton (director, sound, lighting, props and porter..... no I draw the line at that, they can carry their own bags!).

Playbox have kindly contributed $1,000 to our costs and they have kindly donated all money collected from programmes during Allo Allo performances.  A novel idea for this production is that everyone that donates some money for a programme will receive a number and at interval that will be drawn and the winner will receive a one year membership to Playbox. This is a very good deal because with this membership, not only do you get a newsletter and a card that entitles you to cheaper drinks at the bar but also one free ticket for each Playbox production held during that year. So put your hands in your pockets and help these stalwarts of Hamilton theatre.

There are several Amateur groups going from New Zealand this year and it promises to be even bigger and better than previous years.

Most of the funding organisations unfortunately do not fund for overseas travel or plays performed out of NZ, so if anyone is keen to help out with a donation that would be appreciated.

There are still seats available on the plane that flies to Norfolk Island the week of the festival so why don't you take a weeks holiday and support us.

See you at the theatre,
Lorna

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- 6 Jul 2010
Update on 'Allo 'Allo

Rehearsals going really well.  I tried a bit of a new approach this time and have kept rehearsals to a minimum and put pressure on the cast to learn lines and do homework out of rehearsal.  Has that paid off you ask?  In bucketloads, the cast are working really hard and due to their extreme hard work, we always get through the scheduled work and sometimes finish early.

Last night we concentrated on three scenes from Act II.  The bedroom scene was particularly funny when Greg finally clicked what a line referred to when he was in bed with Jane (almost blushed).

The theatre seen involving Helga and Alberto is another scene stealer, especially with the surprise at the end. 

Booking have opened and we have some really special deals for groups wanting to attend.  Firms could also book out a complete night and treat their staff to a mid winter treat.  Phone Bryan at Riverlea and he will explain all the options, and if you do not like going out at night in winter, there is no excuse as we have several matinees for you to choice from.

The cockatoo is now complete and ready for its first rehearsal.  Was great fun sticking on the feathers for each feather I stuck on three stuck to my hands.

Yours in theatre,
Lorna 

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- 28 Jun 2010
'Allo 'Allo, we have a cast!

'Allo 'Allo has been successfully cast and had the first couple of rehearsals.  Most of the cast have their characterisations sorted, accents are coming along nicely and some even know some of their lines.

Of course with a play this funny, it is sometimes hard to keep a straight face and not join in the hilarity.  There has been a lot of "Leesten I shall say this only once" and "I shall disappear like a phantom into ze night".  For our co-workers be prepared for some funny accents and responses.  Some of the men are growing moustaches and some are having to shave their heads a little, but all in the name of theatre.

Booking office is open and sales are going well even this early on.  There are lots of deals available for groups.  Although you can come to show only, we would encourage as many of you as possible to take the dinner/show option and enjoy some of Katy's excellent cooking.

Come dressed as your favourite character or why not book out a night for your work's mid christmas entertainment.  Contact Riverlea theate booking office to find out the best option available for your group.

I shall keep you informed of how we are progressing. 

Yours in theatre,
Lorna Ashton

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- 2 May 2010
Clubnite
You will see in the latest newsletter that there will be a club night on Friday 7th of May to present the concept of the NEW theatre we hope to build on the Riverlea site.  The presentation will include a virtual walk through of the theatre on screen.  It is very exciting.

The Board would like all members of both societies, Friends of Riverlea and Stagecraft families to get in behind and be involved with this huge undertaking.  This is your opportunity to hear the vision, ask questions and voice opinions.  If you have expertise in any field that would be of help and are prepared to offer your services, that would be great.

What the newsletter doesn't tell you about the 7th is that we have persuaded some of the principals from Miss Saigon to sing a few songs from the show which I know you will enjoy.  Please come along and support the Board and the Miss Saigon team.

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- 2 May 2010
Riverlea Newsletter

We are still trying to reduce the cost of our excellent newsletter.  In order to upgrade our database and stream line sending the newsletter, please either email Bryan Bevege at enquiries@riverlea.org.nz

or write to
Riverlea Theatre  
P.O.Box 11010,
Hamilton 3216
by May 7th. 

If we receive no notification at all from you, we will take it that you no longer wish to receive the newsletter and will take you off our mailing list.   The May edition will be the last newsletter you receive.

Please contact us now.

Many thanks,
Riverlea Board

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- 17 Apr 2010
Auditions for 'Allo! 'Allo!

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- 17 Apr 2010
13th Norfolk Island Theatre Festival
25 September to 2 October 2010
By Lorna Ashton

THEATRE IN PARADISE

Yes, that is exactly what it is. This Transtasman competition held between the Norfolk Islanders, Austalian companies and NZ companies is held annually.

It is an experience not to be forgotten. We last competed there in 2005 and had a nomination for best male actor and with a score of 84 out of 100.  I selected “Knitting” by Brian E Turner a NZ playwright.  After our performance the Adjudicator asked me why I selected this particular play. I replied that because we were a NZ company and this was our first competition of this calibre I elected to select a NZ written play. I had researched previous entries on the website and found that no-one had attempted something this absurd.  The final comment from the adjudicator was
“This is a very absurdist portrait of people trapped within themselves. With a tightening of the lines it would accomplish this admirably. Thank you very much.”

The difficulty with this production was that I directed and acted in it, so it was a little difficult at times to get the overall balance. But that said it was a most successful and enjoyable experience.  I want to establish a fund so that each year Hamilton can send an entry to the festival. It is great to meet fellow thespians from throughout New Zealand, Australia and Norfolk.  There are always some wonderful master classes to attend and also a chance to do some sightseeing and even shopping if you are that way inclined.  The two most memorable events for me outside of the competition was after the first night cocktail party mix and mingle, we bought a pizza and drove over to the old part of the island and parked in the pitch black and ate our pizza and just looked at the night sky, no words needed, we were gobsmacked.  The second was going out in the glass bottom boat to look at the reef. Amazing.

This year I, once again have had a look at previous entries and think the two plays I have selected will be most suitable and a little different. I say two plays because it depends largely on who wants to join us in representing Hamilton and NZ at the festival. 

I have two dates booked for performances so that this play can be really polished come time to head off to Norfolk.

What now you say:

MEET ME AT RIVERLEA THEATRE ON WEDNESDAY 21 APRIL AT 6.30PM AND WE WILL DISCUSS THE LOGISTICS AND HAND OUT SCRIPTS ETC.

-Lorna

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- 2 Mar 2010
Playbox Committee for 2010

Last night Hamilton Playbox held it's Annual General Meeting at Riverlea Theatre.  We are pleased to announce the committee for 2010.

President - Mark Perry
Vice-President - Greg Hack
Secretary - Ben Corcoran
Treasurer - Lorna Ashton
Committee - Liz Buick, Charlotte Isaac, Richard McBride, Joy Shewan and Al Williamson.

Playbox also asked Elisabeth Easther and Michael Easther to serve as Patrons.

Congratulations and we look forward to a terrific year ahead.

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- 2 Mar 2010
Presidents Report

Presented to the Playbox AGM, 1 March 2010

The year of 2009 will, I hope, been seen as a turning point in the fortunes of Hamilton Playbox. There has been a lot of activity over the past year and I have found that compressing it all into a one page report a challenge. There have been two major productions, a society event and a big celebration of our past.

The first big event was the successful launch of the Playbox website and the re-launching of Playbox itself. The website was created to keep our members and the world informed of who we are and what we are doing. Since it's launch the traffic to the website has been steadily increasing with a decline in visitors recorded only during September. In last years report I stated that the committee had started new initiatives to boost our profile and membership, and the website is part of that effort.

During April was the first of our major productions, 'Curtain Call'. This was a late replacement as the director of the originally scheduled show, 'Middle-Aged Spread', had to pull out. Bridget Murphy stepped forward to direct and selected 'Curtain Call' by Bettine Manktelow. This is the story of a day in the life of a manager of a local theatre who has to deal with the demands and personalities of running a small theatre. This British comedy was a little eerie as I was able to put a real name to a few of the characters in the play. Unfortunately this play was not a financial success. It may have been due to the unknown play, playwright or the hard economic times.

In the month of August our second major production was staged. Lorna Ashton directed the very popular play 'The Darling Buds of May' by HE Bates. Ma and Pa Larkin live with their six children in Kent, without the need to register for taxes or other administrative nuisances. Cedric Charlton, a young tax inspector, calls one summer afternoon to check on Pa Larkin's financial affairs and his life is never the same again. The auditions for this play saw 43 people turn out to try for a part. The show was a financial success and a lot of fun for cast and crew alike.

On behalf of the committee I would like to thank the hard work put into both shows by the directors, producers, cast and crew. Your dedication to putting on these shows is no small feat and your time and efforts are appreciated.

On the 31st of October Riverlea Theatre held a celebration of 25 years in it's temporary home. It was great to see some of the old faces from years ago and to hear the stories of what they got up to when they were active in Playbox and Musikmakers.

One of the future challenges for our society as well as our fellow resident society, Musikmakers, is the future of the Riverlea building. Plans for the rebuilding or refurbishment have been discussed at length and one concept has been drawn up. The challenge ahead for all involved is to come up with a viable business plan and to start fund-raising. If you know of any wealthy benefactors that are looking to sponsor a community theatre, the Riverlea fund-raising committee would love to hear from you.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee of 2009 of it's support and dedication. The executive, Charlotte Isaac (as vice-president and secretary) and Lorna Ashton (as treasurer). The committee, Al Williamson, Liz Buick, Ben Corcoran, Greg Hack, Richard McBride and Joy Shewan. I also thank our patron, Dan Blackmore.

I heard a phrase a couple of weeks ago that seems to be ringing true for many theatrical societies, and Playbox is no exception. That phrase is 'Volunteer Fatigue'. It seems that when a job needs to be done, more often than not, it falls to someone on the committee. Now while all of those on the committee willingly spend their time and effort to further the Playbox cause, being loaded with too much takes the fun out of what is a hobby. We need to start approaching the society members that have expressed an interest and ask them to take some of the load of our committee (especially those that are incapable of saying “no”), or else we will start loosing them; committee members for overwork and society members for lack of interest. Mentoring could also spawn more interest in standing for the committee, which keeps the society going with fresh ideas and perspectives, which in turn will keep Playbox going well into the future.

Mark Perry
President, Hamilton Playbox

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- 16 Feb 2010
RIVERLEA NEEDS YOU!

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- 9 Feb 2010
Playbox Annual General Meeting

Welcome to 2010.  Well, it is that time again... AGM.  The Hamilton Playbox Annual General Meeting is being held on Monday the 1st of March 2010 at the Riverlea Theatre Lounge.  The meeting will start at 7.00pm. 

The bar will be open and nibbles will be served after the meeting.  There will also be play reading, an excerpt from an upcoming production.

What: Playbox AGM
When: 1st March 2010 at 7.00pm
Where: Riverlea Theatre Lounge

Come along and support your club.  Maybe even stand for the committee, nominations from the floor are accepted on the night.  We all look forward to seeing you there!

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