One singular sensation:

One singular sensation: A Chorus Line comes to Titchfield – and into your home

A Chorus Line is one of the longest running shows in the history of Broadway and this July the production is coming to Titchfield Festival Theatre for the very first time. The story explores the lives of dancers as they audition for a place in the new musical, directed by Zach, who has a confrontational and authoritative style.

The show is one of three shows being produced this summer as TFT reopens following the coronavirus pandemic. It is also an important milestone for one of the UK’s largest community theatres; A Chorus Line is also one of the first to be streamed live thanks to the purchase of high-quality HD cameras, mixing and streaming equipment. The investment will enable patrons self-isolating and those who prefer to watch the musical in the comfort of their own home, free of charge. Details on how to view the show live will be available soon.

Rehearsals for A Chorus Line during the lockdown have presented significant challenges for co-directors Becky Weaving and Sam Goodall, with cast members unable to rehearse together. The need to maintain safe and social distancing on stage and in the theatre has also required careful planning, Becky explained:

“A Chorus Line is my favourite musical and I am delighted to be directing the show along with Sam. The pandemic has certainly made the life of a director a completely different experience! However, I can honestly say that I have loved it despite the lockdown. We have had ‘virtual rehearsals’ of the cast singing and dancing and the cast have sent videos via Zoom for us both to critique. Posts on social media have been important too, helping to keep up morale.

“Sam and I have had to make changes though. We have had to adapt the music, the choreography and accommodate people on stage to maintain a safe distance. To do this, we have put 2m markers on the stage for the cast members. We also now have a one-way system to ensure there is no crossing in the corridors. It has been a test – but fun too. We can’t wait for opening night.”

Like Becky, this is Sam’s first production performing the role of director, with both also performing on stage. Sam said, “Whilst it has been stressful at times, directing at a distance, it has been great to see how our cast members have evolved over the last few weeks, gaining confidence and performing in their roles. For me, theatre is an incredibly social experience – especially musicals – so I am really looking forward to meeting up with everyone again.”

Titchfield Festival Theatre has purchased an ozone generator - normally used in hospitals - which will thoroughly cleanse the theatre (stage, auditoria, public areas and backstage) of any viruses or potential infection , following each performance. TFT has also introduced 2 metre spacing between the seats in the auditoria and safe distancing in the bars. Hand sanitising stations will also be available throughout the venues and a thermal check as you enter the theatre.

A Chorus Line is a perfect choice for one of TFT’s first two shows since March, with sizzling dance numbers accompanying Marvin Hamlisch's snappy, agile score in this unforgettable musical.

Who will be the lucky ones? Come along or follow us live or on your screens at home to find out.

A Chorus Line opens on Monday 27 July in the Oak Theatre and runs until Saturday 1 August. There is a matinée showing on Saturday.

For more information including booking tickets, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/or contact our Box Office on 0333 666 3366.        

Titchfield Festival Theatre to launch new live streaming productions

Theatre doors across the country are currently closed, with increasing concern as to the future financial viability of entertainment venues. However, despite the significant challenges facing the performing arts, Titchfield Festival Theatre (TFT) has announced plans to protect its patrons when the doors reopen and to reach new audiences.

Titchfield’s Artistic Director Kevin Fraser and his team have been busy during the lockdown preparing their venues in the light of any potential new regulations required by the authorities as part of the plans to reopen.

When the theatre gets the green light to start performances again, maintaining safe and social distancing is key. The theatre will operate a one-way system, is reviewing capacity and is to implement an even more strenuous deep cleaning system after every run and following each performance. 

To do this, the theatre has invested in a new ozone sanitising machine for the auditorium and other spaces - normally used in hospitals - which will thoroughly cleanse the theatre of any viruses or potential infection. The purpose is to thoroughly sanitise the auditoria and stage areas after each performance. TFT is to introduce a safety distancing system in the bars as well as the auditoria. Hand sanitising stations will also be available throughout the venues.

Keeping patrons safe is the key priority; however, it is not the only significant development. TFT is to invest in brand new, high quality HD cameras, mixing and streaming equipment to enable one of the UK’s largest community theatres to start videoing and streaming shows live.

The company has identified that many of their patrons are in a particular age range or are vulnerable, where they must still shield, TFT wish to reach out to these, often very faithful patrons, who have supported them in the past and still give a full theatre experience whilst still at home. The streaming will also introduce a new and wider audience to TFTs talents.

Kevin Fraser said, “Although we do not know yet when we can reopen, it is important to plan and to make changes to ensure social distancing as well as a safe environment. We have been truly humbled by the response from our patrons and we have received so many supportive messages.

“Reopening the theatre is posing a number of challenges: Cast members will have to get used to rehearsing and performing whilst socially distancing and we need to carefully consider our choice of plays, too; perhaps focusing on smaller productions.

“However, we approach the next chapter of our history with confidence and determination. Our investment in the new cameras and streaming equipment is the start. This will give us the ability to make sure that no-one who is shielding or self-isolating misses out by not being able to get to our venues. Each week when a show is scheduled to run then we will make sure that at least two nights of the run can be downloaded or streamed.”

Further details of our productions can be found on our website: https://www.titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/whats-on including the full 2020 brochure. Revised dates are to be published when known. Details of the 2021 season will be published later in the summer.

The Theatre has launched a new YouTube Channel and a page on its website with videos and information during the closure period.

For more information, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/or contact our Box Office on 01329 556156.

'Elton John' in Titchfield

Friday first of November sees Moviola’s screening of Rocketman at Thtchfield Festival Theatre.

Rocketman (15) is an epic musical fantasy about the incredible human story of Elton John's breakthrough years.

The film follows the fantastical journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John.

This inspirational story set to Elton John's most beloved songs and performed by star Taron Egerton, tells the universally relatable story of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture.

Rocketman also stars Jamie Bell as Elton's longtime lyricist and writing partner Bernie Taupin, Richard Madden as Elton's first manager, John Reid, and Bryce Dallas Howard as Elton's mother Sheila Farebrother.

Films will be detailed on the Titchfield Moviola web site http://www.titchfieldmoviola.com

Tickets (£6 each) on sale at Daisy B’s Kitchen in The Square and on the Door (subject to availability)

Charity Preview Evening Launches Christmas

The Preview evening at the Stewarts Abbey Garden Centre Titchfield allowed customers holding privilege cards the opportunity to enjoy a full Christmas Roast dinner and view the extensive new Christmas department and display.

Santa is to arrive on Saturday 30th November at 10.15am accompanied by his elves and the Fareham Scout Band. Santa will then be ready to meet the hundreds of children who will visit his special winter wonderland until Christmas Eve.

Terry Head, Retail and Marketing Director at Stewarts Garden Centres, said that November will also see the Dine & Demo Evenings on the 13th November at both centres when suppliers with provide sampling and demonstrations, and the full Christmas roast dinner will be available.

“Again the team at both centres have planned and worked hard to ensure that we provide a very festive and traditional run up to Christmas day which delights both children and adults,” said Terry Head, “We wish to thank everyone who supports us and Age Concern Hampshire throughout this popular time of year.”

For additional information visit www.stewarts.co.uk

Avenue Q at Titchfield Fesival Theatre

Cheeky and hilarious award-winning musical Avenue Q hits the Titchfield stage

Avenue Q is an award-winning, irresistible musical telling the story of several loveable characters from downtown New York – with the help of various bawdy, not very politically correct puppets….

Described as an adult Sesame Street or The Muppets on Acid, Avenue Q is sure to keep everyone entertained following the fortunes of Princeton, a bright-eyed college graduate who moves to New York City with big dreams – and a tiny bank account. The only apartment he can afford is way out on Avenue Q, where everyone is looking for the same things he is: a decent job, a stable relationship, and a “purpose.”

Director of Avenue Q is experienced puppeteer Elliott Fendle who said: “Avenue Q is a great musical and hugely entertaining, packed with bad behaviour, rude songs and political incorrectness.

“The show is incredibly funny and when I first saw the musical performed 5 or 6 years ago, I knew that it was perfect for the Titchfield Festival Theatre stage.

“Avenue Q is full of jokes, raunchy humour and has plenty of catchy tunes – and the audience will love the puppets! It has been huge fun rehearsing the play and the superb cast and production team are really enjoying it. Most of the show is tongue in cheek and we are certain that everyone coming along to watch will have a fabulous time.”

This is the first time that Titchfield Festival Theatre has featured puppetry in a main production, hiring in a bespoke set of the iconic puppets especially for the show.

Avenue Q opens on Wednesday 9th October until Saturday 19th October 2019 at 7.30pm in the Oak Theatre, Titchfield Festival Theatre, St Margarets Lane, Titchfield PO14 4BG. Matinee performances: Saturday 12th, Sunday 13th and Saturday 19th October all at 2.30pm.

Note: This show is not “fur” the little ones! Recommended 14+

For more information, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/or contact our Box Office on 01329 556156.

Meet for lunch at The Day Rooms

If you are over 60 and looking for something good and wholesome to eat at lunchtime, why not drop into The Day Rooms in The Square.

The Earl of Southampton’s Day Rooms

You get a home cooked lunch with a pudding for just £4.00.

Please call 01329 847923 the day before to pre-book a lunch.

Or, pop in for a chat and a cup of tea with friends, a cuppa is just 50p.

The Day Rooms are open every weekday from 9.30am to 3pm.

The Earl of Southampton Trust runs Day Rooms

The aim of the Trust is to promote and improve the welfare of anyone in need in Titchfield, Locks Heath, Sarisbury Green, Stubbington, Park Gate, Warsash, Whiteley and Lee on the Solent. The charity seeks to make a real difference and make a positive impact on people’s lives.

Moviola returns to Festival Theatre

Titchfield Moviola is moving back their original venue, Titchfield Festival Theatre, and to the first Thursday in the month apart from November where it will be 1st Friday due to a prior booking at the theatre we hope you will continue to support us. 

The next showing, ‘Red Joan’ will be on Thursday 5th September

Synopsis

Red Joan (12A) Joan Stanley (Dame Judy Dench) is a widow living out a quiet retirement in the suburbs, then suddenly her tranquil existence is shattered as she is shockingly arrested by MI5.

For Joan has been hiding an incredible past; she is one of the most influential spies in living history. Cambridge University in the 1930s and the young Joan (Sophie Cookson), a demure physics student, falls intensely in love with a seductive attractive Russian saboteur named Leo.

Through him she begins to see that the world is on a knife edge and perhaps must be saved from itself in the race to military supremacy. Post-war and now working at a top secret nuclear research facility, Joan is confronted with the impossible: Would you betray your country and your loved ones, if it meant saving them?

What price would you pay for peace? Inspired by an extraordinary true story Red Joan is the taut and emotional discovery of one women’s sacrifice in the face of incredible circumstances. A women to whom we perhaps all owe our freedom.    

Autumn Season



Thursday 3rd October - Collette - (15)

Friday 1st November – Rocketman (15)

Thursday 5th December - Fisherman’s Friends (12A)

All set for Strawberry Fayre

Titchfield Primary School’s ever popular Strawberry Fayre is taking place on Saturday 13th July.

The event runs 12 noon till 3.30pm

There will be a whole range of stalls and games to enjoy as well as the popular BBQ and raffle - and, of course, Strawberries and Cream.

Please feel free to come along to support your local school.

Shakespeare season kicks off in style

Two Gentlemen of Verona, one of William Shakespeare’s earliest plays, is the perfect choice for the start of the 2019 Bard at the Barn season in Titchfield.

Best Friends Valentine and Proteus are in love, but fickle Proteus likes Valentine’s girl Silvia - poor Julia sets out to sort things out! Valentine elopes gets caught and banished…confused?

What are the chances that Valentine will be pursued by Silvia, and Silvia by Proteus, and Proteus by Julia, and that all will be waited upon – after a fashion – by their servants Speed and Launce and even Launce’s dog, Crab? This riotous production is led by a joyful ensemble of players who will delight with songs, romance, music and chaos, and hurl Shakespeare’s anarchic comedy into the wonderful setting of Verona Aka The Great Barn, the ideal place to see Shakespeare’s work performed.

Director Abi Linnartz acted in the very first Titchfield Festival Theatre production at the Great Barn – Much Ado About Nothing in 2001 - and makes her directorial debut for this play. Abi says,

“The Great Barn has been completely refurbished this year, with a new stage and oak hayloft and provides a stunning location for Two Gentlemen of Verona. Unlike many other productions which have often used a more contemporary approach to the story, all the actors in our production will perform in Tudor costumes against a traditional setting.

“Many people consider Two Gentlemen of Verona to be one of the Bard’s first ever plays and there are many references in the dialogue to themes that Shakespeare returned to later in his writing which I find really interesting. I love the open air feel of The Great Barn – and I know that audiences will really enjoy the exciting and versatile new staging. It promises to be a fantastic start to the summer season.”

The 2019 Bard at the Barn season opens on Tuesday 28th May 2019 with Two Gentlemen of Verona and continues until Thursday June 6th. The Sunday matinee is on 2nd June and starts at 2.30pm

For more information, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/or contact our Box Office on 01329 556156.

Panto Time - Oh no its not!

Classic children’s tale Peter Pan set to charm us all at Christmas, but its not a Panto

Peter Pan is the ultimate classic children’s story and this December JM Barrie’s celebrated fairy tale will be performed at Titchfield Festival Theatre.

The fantasy world of Peter Pan and his adventures with Wendy in Neverland has enchanted families for more than a century, since its first performance in 1904. The play contains so many rich and colourful characters which we will remember from our childhoods; Peter Pan, Wendy Darling and her two brothers, the fairy Tinker Bell, the Lost Boys, and of course Peter’s archenemy and pirate, Captain Hook.

Peter flies to London every night to listen to the bedtime stories that Mrs Darling tells to her children.

One night when Mr and Mrs Darling are out at a party Peter sneaks into the Darling children’s nursery to steal back his shadow, which he had lost on a previous night. Wendy, the eldest of the Darling children is awoken by Peter.

He charms her instantly and persuades her to travel with him to Neverland so that she may tell stories to the lost boys who live there. Wendy and her brothers, John and Michael, fly to Neverland which is where their adventure with Peter really begins.

Kevin Fraser, Artistic Director of Titchfield Festival Theatre says, “At Christmas, we all enjoy so many traditional things which no doubt we remember from our childhoods. Everyone loves a great story, which is why Peter Pan is the perfect choice of production for our Christmas season this year; it is beautifully written and nostalgic, with plenty of great characters.

Peter Pan will be the first time that we have actors on stage flying – so we are really excited about that. We have also been extremely fortunate in assembling such a fantastic cast, who hope to build on the great success we had last year with Hansel and Gretel.

We know that families will love the story of Peter Pan, the boy who would not grow up and his magical adventures in Neverland with Wendy. It is a story that will never grow old and we are sure that all the family will love it.”

Peter Pan’s Director is Jamie Ann Templeman who directed the popular story Goodnight Mister Tom last year, as well as other productions. The opportunity to direct Peter Pan is a dream which has come true for Jamie. She says, “Peter Pan is a story that I have grown up with and love immensely. It was the show that I just had to do! We are performing to the original script written by JM Barrie – it is the first-ever Peter Pan, written by Barrie as a play before the book was published.

This really is a classic adventure story; I am certain that everyone will fall in love with Peter and want to join him on his wonderful journeys of discovery in the fantasy world of Neverland.”

Peter Pan opens on Wednesday 12th December until Saturday 22nd December at 7.30pm in the Oak Theatre, St Margarets Lane, Titchfield PO14 4BG. There will be a Sunday matinee on the 16th

December and a special production held on Saturday 22nd December (please contact the theatre directly for details).

For more information, please go to Titchfield festival Theatre or contact our Box Office on 01329 556156.

Mark’s stunning candelabra

Titchfield jeweller Mark Hussey has done it again. He and his team of experts have created a beautiful silver be-jewelled Christmas candelabra.

TV company Channel 4 had learnt of his skills in creating a stunning Christmas tree bauble a few years ago and asked Mark if he could design and make an equally amazing centre piece to grace a festive table.

Finishing touches - Mark Hussey with the candelabra.

So after weeks of hard work by the Hallmark team the candelabra was finally unveiled at a black tie event at the jewellers in South Street. A Channel 4 film crew were on hand to record the event.

The candelabra will be on display in the shop for a few days prior to the show being aired in December.

LINK

Hallmark Jewellers

Passion, politics and pasta at TFT

Passion, politics and pasta….David Hare’s Skylight brings together former lovers Tom Sergeant is a wealthy restauranteur. Kyra Hollis is a young woman and teacher at a local school.

They are two people with different politics and values…. and are former lovers. David Hare’s moving and thought-provoking play Skylight is performed at Titchfield Festival Theatre later this month, enabling the celebrated playwright to observe acutely the contrasting values in our society today.

The scene is set as Kyra unexpectedly receives a visit from Tom. The pair have not seen each other since their relationship ended after Sergeant’s wife discovered their affair.

However, Tom is now a widower following the recent death of his wife and is seeking consolation from Kyra as he tries to overcome his grief.

As she cooks a meal, the two tentatively attempt to rekindle their affair but find that love, politics and spaghetti Bolognese make an uneasy mix. But somehow they were meant to be together…

Kevin Fraser, Artistic Director of Titchfield Festival Theatre says, “Skylight is a masterpiece of modern theatre and brilliantly written. It’s a real ‘state of the nation’ play, with plenty of emotion and passion, as the principal characters exchange insults and revisit memories of their past life together. Their opinions and values suggest they should not be together; however, during the play we can all see that their mutual affection remains strong. It is a powerful piece of theatre which will keep you absorbed throughout.”

Skylight opens on Monday 24th September until Saturday 29th September at 7.30pm in the Acorn Studio Theatre, St Margarets Lane, Titchfield PO14 4BG.

For more information, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/or contact our Box Office on 01329 556156.

Hairspray at Titchfield Festival Theatre

The multi-award winning musical Hairspray, which opens at Titchfield Festival Theatre on 12th September, has delighted audiences since its opening in 2002 and it’s easy to see why.

The show has loveable but believable characters, strong personalities as well as great songs, dance and music routines. Underneath this feel-good exterior there are however, plenty of other themes which are explored making this amazing production radical and hugely engaging, such as racial prejudice, freedom of expression and the importance of individuality.

Hairspray is based on the 1988 John Waters film Hairspray, with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman. In 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, teenager Tracy Turnblad's dream is to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance programme based on the real-life Buddy Deane Show. When Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight and meets a colourful array of characters, increasingly confident to champion the cause of integration and racial harmony.

Artistic Director of Titchfield Festival Theatre, Kevin Fraser explains why Hairspray was an easy and popular choice of show.

“After the huge success of Spamalot last year, we had lots of new, younger actors joining us and getting actively involved in the theatre. Their enthusiasm for musicals and the fact that Hairspray is essentially a story of how young people seek to find ways of fitting into the modern world made this production a natural choice.

“We also love the fact that Hairspray is not afraid to tackle some of the important issues that were so prevalent in 1960s America including race and civil rights; and has a message for us in the 21st century too, for example in challenging the perception that teenagers should aspire to the stereotypical image that is frequently portrayed by models and film stars, all of whom are a perfect size and shape.     

“Above all though, Hairspray is full of fun – and hope, teenage emotion, colour and has an energetic, vibrant feel. We are sure audiences will love it! We can’t wait for the opening night next week.”

Hairspray opens on Wednesday 12th September until Saturday 22nd September at 7.30pm in the Oak Theatre, St Margarets Lane, Titchfield PO14 4BG. Matinee performances are on Sunday 16th September and Saturday 22nd September, both at 2.30pm.

For more information, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/or contact our Box Office on 01329 556156.                                                                                                     

Jazz at the Great Barn

Enjoy an afternoon of superb traditional New Orleans Jazz and support The Friends of St Peters at the same time.

The much acclaimed Solent City Jazzmen will perform during the afternoon of Sunday 16th September from 2pm - 6pm (doors open at 1.30pm).

Guests will be able to have a drink at the Licensed bar and enjoy a Hadlows hog roast at just £3.
Tickets cost £10 for adults, (£5 child) and can be bought in advance from St Peter’s Church office, Daisy B’s and Hadlows.

LINK
The Friends of St Peters

Tickets still available for Pippa Greenwood evening

Titchfield Gardeners’ club have a few more tickers available for ‘An Evening with Pippa Greenwood’ at the Community Centre.

Pippa will first talk about her life in horticulture followed by answering questions from the audience.

Pippa is a frequent panellist on BBC’s Gardeners’ World and Gardeners’ Question Time. For eleven years she ran the Royal Horticultural Society's Plant Pathology Department at Wisley.

Tickets, cost just £8, are available the the Titchfield Community Centre reception, the Village Greengrocer in the Square or by calling 01329 843413

The evening takes place on Friday 29th June and starts at 6.45pm.

For more details contact Titchfield Gardeners' Club

Liver Birds fly in to Titchfield

The Liver Birds: You Dancin’? You Askin’?

Two young women, Sandra and Beryl, share a flat in Liverpool. It’s the 1970s and their lives are filled with dreams, talking about boyfriends and of course, the trials and tribulations of everyday life.

The Liver Birds, written by friends Carla Lane and Myra Taylor became a hugely successful television programme in that decade, entertaining millions with its funny and amusing take on life as the girlspursue their romantic interests whilst keeping their interfering mothers at bay.

The TV sitcom has now been adapted for the stage and Titchfield Festival The atre are delighted to perform this comedy production, directed by Martin Crawley. Martin explains;

“The Liver Birds is a play which brilliantly captures that exciting period at the end of the 1960s and the beginning of the 1970s as women started to discover greater independence, with more freedoms at work and opportunities in their love lives.

This is a hilarious and entertaining show where you will be introduced to a constant stream of colourful and eccentric neighbours, ex-lovers, mothers, fathers and vicars, each who parade through the flat to add to the overall confusion.”

Kevin Fraser, Artistic Director for the Titchfield Festival Theatre says, “We chose The Liver Birds as it was a perfect play to follow on from our classic season. If you remember the 1970s you will love it, however there is plenty for younger audiences to enjoy and appreciate.

The play is suitably nostalgic, superbly co-written by one of Britain’s most popular writers Carla Lane, exploring the relationships of the two young women in an amusing and charming way.”

The Liver Birds opens on Wednesday 9 th May until 19 th May at 7.30pm in the main Oak Theatre, St Margarets Lane, Titchfield PO14 4BG. The Sunday matinee performance is on 13 th May at 2.30pm.

For more information, please go to Titchfield Festival Theatre or contact our Box Office on 01329 556156

David Copperfield: Dickens enduring story comes to Titchfield

David Copperfield is Dickens’ storytelling at its best and this week Titchfield Festival Theatre brings this stunning adaptation to life, following previous productions including A Christmas Carol and Great Expectations. Charles Dickens considered David Copperfield to be his finest piece of work and without doubt, this classic will keep you entertained.

Image: www.posbrookpics.uk

The story of David Copperfield is of a boy making his way in the world, and finding himself as a man and as a writer. Throughout the play you will be introduced to all the favourite characters as David Copperfield wends his way through life with a loving mother and doting nanny through to a wicked stepfather, downtrodden schoolboy and a ‘working hind’ to his saviour in Aunt Betsy, Mr Dick and Tommy Traddles.

Working on a multi layered set representing rooms in David’s life the cast of 25 tell of David’s trials and tribulations, his heartache and eventual happiness. In true Dickens style, all the characters are colourful, vivacious and eager to tell a story. All of this is wonderfully told by this multi-talented cast, with many indeed playing two or three roles.

Artistic Director of Titchfield Festival Theatre and the director of David Copperfield, Kevin Fraser says,

“‘Of all the Dickens stories this has to be one of my favourites, it is crammed full of colourful characters and a rich tapestry of life runs through the whole book. Frank Veresi has brought us a wonderful adaption that our audiences will adore. Patrons are in for a treat, a roller coaster of emotions from laughter and fun to terror and grief. It is all here, just as Dickens wrote it using his own words. If you love Dickens, enjoy a great story or want a brilliant Victorian evening you simply can’t miss David Copperfield.”

David Copperfield opens on Wednesday 11th April until 21st April at 7.30pm in the Oak Theatre, St Margarets Lane, Titchfield PO14 4BG.

For more information, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/or contact our Box Office on 01329 556156.