- 21 December 2009
From the Playbox Committee we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The Hamilton Playbox Committee wish you and your families a merry Christmas and thank you for your support during 2009.  We hope that 2010 is full of health, wealth and promise for you all and look forward to seeing you again at the theatre.  Playbox had a good year in 2009 and the Committee feels certain that 2010 is going to be even bigger and better.

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- 21 December 2009
Norfolk Island Transtasman Challenge.

Lorna is feels very positive about 2010 and feels it is time to return to Norfolk and challenge the Aussies and fellow NZ thespians for the trophy.  The festival is in early October and Lorna is hoping to get a team of people keen enough to help with fundraising and performing the selected play at different venues from June onwards to sharpen the play so it is really ready to wow the audiences.  Lorna will be publishing more detail in the New Year about times, places etc. But if you are willing, eager and want a nice week's holiday in lovely Norfolk and are prepared to help with fundraising then it may not cost each individual too much at all.

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- 25 November 2009
Keeping up with the Past.

As mentioned in the last newsletter, we are looking to rebuild our historical collection.  If you are able to help us with any material about shows or society, please contact us at history@playbox.org.nz.  Check out the blurb on the Past Shows page.

PS.  Sorry about the lateness of posting the updated page... I made it and then forgot to upload it (whoops!).  I have revised it and uploaded it tonight.

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- 10 November 2009
Front of House actors for 'Christmas at the Oasis'.

More FOH actors are required for our upcoming christmas show.  If you are interested in participating in the action and having some fun, please contact Bryan at Riverlea Theatre on 0800-800-192.

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- 10 November 2009
Auditions for 'The Merry Wives of Windsor Avenue'
A play by Geraldine Brophy
World and NZ Premier directed by Elizabeth Buick for Playbox Hamilton
SEASON: 10-24 April 2010 at Riverlea Theatre

Auditions 28-29 November at Riverlea Theatre

Cast required:
George Page: American Ambassador to NZ (40’s+)
Margaret Page: His wife and Shakespeare’s Mistress Page (40’s+)
Anne: their daughter and Shakespeare’s pageboy Robin (18-25)
Frank Ford: British High Commissioner to NZ (40’s+)
Alice Ford: His wife and Shakespeare’s Mistress Ford (40’s+)
Jack Falstaff: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Shakespeare’s Falstaff (40’s+)
Diana Pistol: Journalist and Shakespeare’s Mistress Quickly (30’s-40’s)
Sir Robert Shallow: Minister for Conservation (40’s+)
Ham Slender: His nephew and legal adviser (30’s)
Ahmed al-Fenton: Waiter (20’s-30’s)
 
To book an audition or for more details, please contact Elizabeth on 021 111 0726 or email ebuick@waikato.ac.nz

- 14 October 2009
Playbox is now officially a registered charity.

It is official!  Hamilton Playbox has become a registered charity.  Registration number CC42426.

Due to a change in the rule governing the charitable status of organisations last year, Playbox had to register as a charity.  Without this we would not be able to apply for any kind of grants or other assistance.  It also means that any tax that is paid as part of any donation is able to be claimed back.

Click on the image above to view the registration certificate.

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- 14 October 2009
Keeping Informed mailing list.

Those of you that have signed up to the 'Playbox Keeping You Informed' mailing list may have noticed that we have been a bit quiet recently.  This is because my laptop harddisk suffered a major heart attack and it required a HDD transplant.  Unfortunately, because of this, I lost the mailing list.  If you wish to keep receiving the periodical email from Playbox then follow this link and complete and submit the form at the bottom of the page to continue to receive news updates from Hamilton Playbox.

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- 1 September 2009
The Darling Buds of May
a final update from director Lorna Ashton

Hello again, this is my last message as Director of "The Darling Buds of May".

"The Darling Buds of May" season was a blast from the first group hug on the preview night to the final group hug on final night presentations.  Final night was great fun.  Greg and I had been telling the cast don't change anything, it is funny the way it has been written and you are doing such a good job, don't spoil it.  Well imagine the ribbing we both got when on final night we made a guest appearance to hand out the refreshments during the party scene.  It was just as well because when a glass was smashed, (I don't think it was from the shock of seeing me on the stage and breaking all the rules) I knew where the brush and pan were backstage so was able to quickly tidy it up before Pa had to crawl under the table.

The aftershow party was great fun and I was absolutely overjoyed and humbled by the kind, thoughtful and encouraging words I received from the cast. 

Once again the pack out with the cast was reminiscent of the pack in.  Just about everyone turned up and it was well and truly done and dusted by the time the Musikmakers group started their rehearsal.  In fact we were setting having a beer and lunch when they arrived.

Another good thing about this show was that it was a financial successful for Playbox and we are now set for the financial records NOT to show a loss for the year.

I look forward to next year and directing Allo Allo and hope it will be as successful as Darling Buds...

Thank you to the committee for having faith in me and thanks to the cast. crew and media for their wonderful support.

Lorna Ashton

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- 17 August 2009
Clubnite - Saturday 22nd August 

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- 17 August 2009
Technical Workshops - Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd of August

This weekend at Riverlea Theatre there are two technical workshops being held.  One is on the subject of sound for live theatre and the other is all about lighting.  If you are interested in joining in and learning more about sound and lighting please contact Bryan Bevege on 0-800-800-192 or enquiries@riverlea.org.nz and register for the workshops.

- 12 August 2009
Auction on TradeMe

One of the stars of our current show, 'The Darling Buds of May', is to be auctioned on TradeMe.  The Spanish Galleon Bar will be appearing on the TradeMe website from Thursday 13th August.

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- 12 August 2009
Don't miss out!

The remainder of 'Darling Buds of May' season is filling fast.  There are only three performances left and two of them are almost at capacity.  Book now!  Don't miss out!  Call the Riverlea Theatre Boxoffice on 0-800-800-192 and book you tickets.

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- 11 August 2009
Flim Flam
courtesy of Dr Michael Easther
 
You really ought to go and see
The show now on at Riverlea.
It is "The Darling Buds Of May"
And, in all modesty, I say
That it's worth seeing, as I'm there
Dressed up to play the Brigadier.
You've got 2 weeks to see the play -
There'll even be a matinee
At 2pm on Saturday,
August the 8th - now don't delay!
Honestly, the play is funny
And good value for your money.

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- 11 August 2009
New Calendar Page
 
Look to the left and you will see that there are now two Calendar pages to look at.  The new page will be updated as information comes to hand.

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- 11 August 2009
Playbox gets social on Facebook
 
Hamilton Playbox has setup camp on the popular social networking site Facebook.
Visit the link below to join in on the discussions of all things about Playbox.
Follow the link below to find the page.

www.facebook.com/pages/Hamilton-Playbox-Repertory-Society/100323457920

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- 7 August 2009
The Darling Buds of May
an update from director Lorna Ashton
 
A preview night, an opening night and bookings still coming in.
 
Thank you to the written press and radio for their wonderful assistance in making the advertising budget stretch so far.  It has really paid off.  As we are only into the run of our season and it looks as though we will certainly break even and maybe even make a profit.  The Playbox Committee are very pleased that in this difficult financial time people are supporting Katie our wonderful caterer and also booking meals.  I think this play has more meals booked than most other Playbox productions, so thank you so much our loyal and wonderful friends. 
However, there are still seats available, so don't miss out, make your booking NOW.
 
The committee are mindful of the expense if one wants to attend more than one show a year and that is why a Playbox Membership is such a good thing.  It costs $25 per annum and you get a complimentary seat to each and every show that Playbox perform in that year.  So attend one performance and you have recouped your membership fee.  We would like to encourage more people to pay memberships as it increases our profile in the community.
 
Greg Hack has now taken over the show, as Director I handed over after the preview night last Friday.  I must say I was rather sad as I really felt that I owned the show and had participated with the committee in so many aspects of getting it on the stage, that I did not want to let it go.  However, I am more than happy to hand over to Greg who has my full support and is a pretty good Stage Manager and I am sure he will keep the cast on the straight and narrow, or at least in line.  At least with helping some nights on the bar and some nights on the props I still get to interact with the cast, being mindful that I must not interfere.
 
The cast are still fighting colds and sniffles and poor Jess one of our children had to leave early on Wednesday she was so poorly.  Get better Jess, we NEED YOU.
 
Shall give one last update after the final night party.
Lorna Ashton

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- 5 August 2009
Review of "The Darling Buds of May"
courtesy of Gail Pittaway and The Waikato Times

What: The Darling Buds of May
Where: Riverlea Theatre
When :  1-15 August

H.E. Bates’ stories from the 1950’s spawned a hugely successful TV series, from which this play is taken. Ma and Pa Larkin live idyllically with their six children in Kent, the garden of England, without the need to register for taxes or other administrative nuisances. Cedric Charlton, (Charlie) a tax inspector, calls one summer afternoon and life is never the same again for him.

Playbox Theatre’s fun production uses a large cast, including 5 cheery youngsters who seem to have the time of their lives as both characters and actors. Then there are the stock characters of provincial Brit Com, Michael Easther’s energetic Brigadier, Mike Bell’s expostulating Sir George Gore Bell, and several splendid local fillies organizing a gymkhana. It’s Midsommer without the Murders.

Pop Larkin is played by Ben Corcoran as a relaxed, smiling individual. A little more voice projection could enhance some of his ‘perfick” lines but he’s well matched by Charlotte Tweedale’s warm, jolly portrayal of Ma, who encourages him to flirt with the local ladies, with deadpan timing.

The love affair between Mariette and Charlie is a highlight and Alice Kimber-Bell and Paul Dickens delightfully contrast her hearty sensuality with his innocent conservatism. The complicated set contributes to the fun, especially a splendid galleon-styled drinks cabinet. Director Lorna Ashton manages all the interactions and machinations well, bringing out the optimism and charm of this look at a simpler ideal world.

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- 30 July 2009
The Darling Buds of May, Production Week
an update from director Lorna Ashton

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- 20 July 2009
The Darling Buds of May
an update from director Lorna Ashton

This week we are in the theatre.  Had a terrific pack in with lots of helpers.  Thanks to the committee for providing pizza for the hard workers.

Progress has been a bit slow this week.  Moving onto the stage and finding our way around the set has put everyone off just a little. Will be back on track now though.  Everyone is keeping reasonably healthy, still a few coughs and colds and one sprained ankle (from falling out of a tree).

Bit stretched for time this week so tune in next week and I will be a further progress report.  Oh something important on Saturday we are going to be out and out at the shopping malls handing out promotional material.  Please come and talk to us if you see us there.

We are perhaps going to do another matinee if numbers keep going up.  Just another reminder to get your tickets early.  Don't be late it would be "ABSOLUTELY GHASTLY" says Miss Pilchester.

See you at the theatre
Lorna

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- 9 July 2009
Wanted: lifelike animals for play

Playbox is performing Darling Buds of May in August at Riverlea Theatre.  Director Lorna Ashton is putting out a plea for some lifelike animals for the scenery, in particular, chickens, rabbits, lambs and maybe a couple of geese.  If you can help her please leave a message on the Playbox website www.playbox.org.nz

Published in the Hamilton Press, 1 July 2009, Page 11

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- 8 July 2009
The Darling Buds of May
an update from director Lorna Ashton

The cast of Darling Buds of May are so far staying fairly healthy.  We have had the odd sniffle and snuffle but everyone is keeping warm (most of the time) and getting some rest.  The rehearsals are going along very well and at this stage some of the cast are already word perfect (almost) and others with enormous roles like Ma and Pa are progressing along really well.  We still have to try some of the cocktails but that is in the future.  Advertising is going along really well and we are getting lots of support from the print media and radio. Bookings also are starting to flow in, so please do not leave it too late if you want a particular day or night, we would hate you to miss out.
Until next time. Keep warm and like one of the characters say "SCREAM".

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- 5 July 2009
12th Annual Norfolk Island Play Festival
3 – 10 October 2009

Lorna Ashton is looking for expressions of interest from people who would like to be part of an entry from NZ in the Norfolk Island Play Festival. She has been once before and the team did rather well having a nomination for the best actor category.   If you are interested please let Lorna know ASAP so she can submit a play for acceptance to the festival.  The play will depend on the ages and number of people interested.  Please contact Lorna through the Playbox website if you are interested in participating. Everyone has to pay their own way, but hopefully there will be an opportunity to perform the play in around the Waikato and that would help offset the costs.

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- 10 June 2009
Playbox announces it's programme for 2010.

Playbox is pleased to announce the 2010 season.
- "The Merry Wives of Windsor Avenue" by Geraldine Brophy (NZ author), subject to confirmation.
- "'Allo 'Allo" by Jeremy Lloyd & David Croft.
- "One Act Play Season", your opportunity to direct a play and win a prize.

More details to come...

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- 10 June 2009
The Darling Buds Of May by HE Bates, show update from director Lorna Ashton.

“One day in 1956, my father handed me the typescript of his latest short story.  It was something of a departure, he told me.  Something quite different, something…funny.

I read the story and agreed with him that it was certainly both different and … funny.  Those modest but telling six thousand words were later to become the first chapter of a novel titled “The Darling Buds of May”.  A novel that in turn spawned four further novels featuring the indominatible Larkins, a feature film, a radio series, a hugely successful television series and … a play.

What H E Bates created then has stood the test of appreciation by viewers and readers all over the world and I hope that this brand new production of his stage version will be just as warmly received and will give as much pleasure to old and new Larkins fans alike as it has given us to produce.
Richard Bates, 1996”

I have to agree with Richard Bates; already this play is giving Playbox committee, our members and cast the biggest buzz.  It started with the audition notice and advertising on our website and we had 43 people strutting their best stuff over the two days of auditions.  What a disappointment that we could not place everyone.  We had some stupendous talent in front of us and I wish we had needed a cast of 43.  I felt really bad that so many people missed out.  However, if you are reading this I need to compliment you all.  Well done, great audition, but you could still help with the production.  Leave a message on the website or contact a committee member and we will find a job for you, either backstage or helping build the set, or helping front of house during the show.

The cast are coming together nicely and we are progressing quite quickly, people are taking on the persona of their favourite characters, it is great to watch and sometimes I am enjoying the dialogue so much I forget that I am supposed to be directing.  I have even been known to applaud.

Make sure you get your bookings in early so you can get the best seats.

See you soon,
Lorna Ashton

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- 08 April 2009
Fundraising opportunity for Riverlea Theatre building fund.

An opportunity to raise funds for the Riverlea Theatre building fund has presented itself.  We are calling for volunteers to help during the Hamilton 400 V8 Supercars racing held from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th of April 2009.  We are looking for people to work in the bars that are dotted around the track.  The money earned during this period goes toward the fund that will be used to build a new theatre, the home of Playbox and Musikmakers.  For more information you can contact Bryan on 0800-800-192 or email enquiries@riverlea.org.nz.

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- 07 April 2009
Playbox AGM welcomes new committee members.

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- 04 April 2009
Biography of Bettine Manktelow, author of Hamilton Playbox's production of 'Curtain Call'.

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- 14 March 2009
Playbox News Release!  Click here to download.

PLAYBOX SHARING THEIR TALENTS  AND HELPING OTHER ORGANISATIONS IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES.  .
 
Playbox, according to Treasurer Lorna Ashton, have a unique way of helping other organisations with their fundraising.  Lorna says it is a win/win situation for all concerned.  Playbox recover the cost of a performance and the organisation booking that night receives a nice bonus for their fundraising activities. 
 
It works by an organisation contacting Playbox at www.playbox.org.nz and requesting a performance night for their organisation.  Playbox then allocate that night to them at a negotiated rate (enough to cover the costs of the performance for that particular night). The organisation then on-sell their tickets at a profit margin.  Organisations in previous years have raised over $1,000 in one night and had an enjoyable evening as well. 
 
The next two shows for Playbox are:
 Curtain Call by Bettine Manktelow
Season: 4th - 18th April 2009
Curtain Call depicts an amusingly chaotic day in the life of Alec Partridge, Manager of the The Thurlow Playhouse.  The roof is leaking and the receipts are not good from recent amateur productions, Alec, is awaiting a visit from the Arts Council, whilst trying to cope with a highly strung amateur director upsetting the stage crew with her demands for real horses and corn in the production of Oklahoma. The flirty Front of House manager upsets his secretary and the Chairman of the Board brings negotiating skills reminiscent of Attila the Hun on an ever worsening situation. All ends happily (for most of them), but not before a few harsh words have been spoken.  This play is directed by Bridget Murphy and produced for Playbox by Lorna Ashton.
Tickets for this show cost $25 Adults, $20 Senior Citizens and Students/Children.
Dinner is also available on selected nights for $25 a head.
Group discounts available.  To make a booking for this show call
Riverlea Theatre on 0800-800-192 or email boxoffice@riverlea.org.nz
 
The Darling Buds of May by HE Bates
Season: 1st - 15th August 2009
Pop Larkin, who makes a fortune from scrap-iron deals but has never paid income tax, lives in rural idyllic bliss with generous-hearted Ma and their six children.  When a young, earnest tax official, Mr Charlton, turns up one hot May afternoon in 1957 to investigate he is bewitched immediately by eldest daughter Mariette and it isn't long before he succumbs to the boisterous Larkin family charm and largesse.
 
President Mark Perry says Playbox went through a bad period a few years ago  but now with a couple of good years under their belts, the launch of their own website www.playbox.org.nz and an awareness of the difficulty with raising funds, they are now in a  position to help other organisations with their fundraising in this particular way.
 
Please either leave a message on the playbox website www.playbox.org.nz or telephone the theatre manager Bryan and he will take your details.  Whichever way you choose to contact Playbox you will be acknowledged.

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- 02 March 2009
A poetic review courtesy of Dr Michael Easther

Now here's a most exciting thought -
Playbox decided that they ought
To have a Website, so how very
Lucky that they had Mark Perry,
As no one better could be found
To get the project off the ground,
While February Twenty Eight
Was chosen as the proper date
To launch the scheme. I am so glad
To say the talent that they had
In years gone by can now be seen
Upon the Playbox Website screen.

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- 28 Feb 2009
Hamilton Playbox launches it's new website and relaunches itself.

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- 17 Feb 2009
This has to be good news for the whole theatre community!  Scientific research that suggests that the Theatre Experience is good for your mental health and happiness.  Something that we knew all along!  More on this story at CNN, Tehran Times and RedOrbit