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From the Chairman and Director

Andy Miller Chairman of

The Rotherfield Players

This has been an exciting ride to get the show on the road. The original director scheduled for this slot had to withdraw due to personal reasons just before starting. That meant we had to hit the ground running to be able to fit choice of play, casting, rehearsals, set design etc. into the time available. Fortunately Derek was able to oblige as director and with a play with which he was already familiar, and also one with a small cast and relatively simple set and costumes. Nevertheless, like many initial ill winds, some good blew. Very good as it happens! We have had two new active off-stage additions – Robert Chesterton and Alan Varley. And as usual various members who were supposed to be ‘resting’ for this production have been back to work with props, set etc. I have been able to see a number of rehearsals, and right from the start, they have been a wonderful mixture of that clever Jewish humour mixed with very genuine pathos. Cemetery Club is a play to laugh with, have a tear with, and to think about afterwards. Now, as they say, the Coming Shortly. We have two productions for the autumn – a Junior Production, Sondheim’s ‘Into the Woods’ directed by Gussie, and a Studio Production in the Institute of Jim Cartwright’s ‘The Rise and Fall of Little Voice‘ directed by Becky. So more exciting and stretching work for the Players. In addition, Alan Powell is seeking the licence for another adventurous production for the January slot – we’ll pass on the news as soon as things are clear. So enjoy the show, and if you aren’t already a member I hope you’ll be inspired to join us – whether on stage or off; and if you’re already a member, consider trying different roles. Whatever, you will have fun, enjoyment and add a new skill to your repertoire!

Derek Holland Director of

‘The Cemetery Club’

I first saw the The Cemetery Club performed in Mayfield by the Phoenix Players 5 years ago and vowed to direct this wonderful piece myself one day. Not only was their production very well acted but I was completely absorbed by this fantastic and all-consuming story. It concerns the relationship between three American Jewish ladies who have lost their husbands. They meet every month and go to the cemetery to pay their respects to their dearly departed. All is well until Sam shows up to pay his respects to his wife after which the ladies begin to compete for his affections. This is where the fun begins! The title of the play undermines the sheer hilarity, tenderness and a little sadness which occurs as the story unfolds. Ivan Menchell’s skilful text made me laugh one minute, cry at the poignant sadness the next and then smile at the tenderness from a newly formed relationship. I know it will have the same effect on you too. I have been blessed with five incredibly talented actors who have simply been a real pleasure to direct. Together they weave a spell which will tax your emotions but will hopefully send you home having joined them in a thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking adventure. They have managed to totally excite as well as exhaust me in rehearsals and I think I can safely say that we can’t wait to entertain YOU.

HAVE A GREAT

EVENING!

The Cast

Ida - JACKY JENKINS This funny and heart-warming play has been such a pleasure to have been involved with. My character, Ida is probably the most rational and level-headed of the three friends and tends to have to mediate between the other two on many occasions. The three women are very different characters and are all at different stages of the healing process after the loss of their husbands. Ida has had a very happy marriage and close loving family but has now got to a stage in her life where she feels ready to move on and find happiness again. This causes

upset and conflict with the other two friends. The play is a story of friendship and grief and moving on with life after loss. It had us all laughing and crying at different stages during rehearsals and we hope our audience finds it as warming and touching as we have.’

Doris - ALISON ORGAN Since the Rotherfield Players started in 1976 I have had the opportunity to be involved in numerous ways with many plays. Amongst other things I have directed Kiss me Kate. The Crucible, A Streetcar named Desire, and The Farndale Townswomen’s Guild, versions of both Macbeth and Mikado. Among my favourite acting roles are Mrs Venebales in Suddenly Last Summer, and Mrs Burling in An Inspector Calls, I am delighted to be given the chance to play Doris in The Cemetery Club, as it is a play that is both funny and moving. It also is rare

to find a play with parts for four women of an interesting age!

Lucille - ROS WILLIAMS Being part of this production has been enormous fun and with such a lovely group of people too. I’ve been a member of the Players for over 16 years now and have been fortunate to have played a variety of characters. I have really enjoyed the part of “Lucille”, she is fun loving and warm, yet volatile, damaged and vulnerable, and she “never knew from shy”. Shalom!

Sam - GRAHAM SCOTT Graham is delighted to join Rotherfield Players for his third show with them, and to be working with some great and talented people both in the cast and backstage. Previous shows at Rotherfield are The Elephant Man and Road. Graham has also appeared with several other amateur dramatic groups including Pantiles Players, Wateryard Group, Dallington Society and Rushlake Green Village Players.

Mildred - DEIRDRE CORNFORD It has been a lot of fun rehearsing this play with a great cast and supporting backstage crew, not to mention the director. The cameo role of Mildred is short and sweet, but quite disruptive too!

Backstage

Director Derek Holland Costumes Robert Chesterton

Producer Alan Varley Cast

Stage Manager Robert Chesterton Stage Properties Alan Powell

Set Design Andy Miller Prompt Anna Thompson

Mark Tasker Front of House Judith Hardy

Set Construction Mark Tasker Publicity Becky Syms

David Tasker Programme Gillian Earle

Set Painting Robert Chesterton Box Office Nicky Dawkins

Lighting James Harris Hire Photography Mark Kennedy

Keith Finch Bar Brett Seath

Sound James Harris Hire Mary-Ann Mellor

Keith Finch Tickets/Licence/Finance James Gallifant

About the Play

-Synopsis The play revolves around three American Jewish widows who meet each month and visit the cemetery in memory of their lost husbands. It follows the emotional contrast between them as they each cope with a single life after marriage. The story is a comedy, but deep and disturbed feelings are always near the surface to test their friendly relationship.

- Mid Autumn - the presentTime

- The action of the play takes place in the Placeliving room of Ida’s house and at the cemetery in Manhatten.

Act 1Scene 1 Ida’s Living Room Morning

Scene 2 The Cemetery Afternoon

Scene 3 Ida’s Living Room Late Afternoon

Scene 4

The Cemetery

Late Afternoon one month later

Interval

Act 2Scene 1 Ida’s Living Room Morning

Scene 2 Ida’s Living Room Night-time 2am

Scene 3 Ida’s Living Room The following morning

Scene 4 The Cemetery Late Afternoon

Rehearsal Photographs

2015 Charity

In 2014, The Rotherfield Players raised £1,000 for Taylor-Made Dreams; a charity set up by Suzi Mitchell, in memory of her late son Taylor, to enable children with life limiting illness achieve their dreams and provide the families with support at the most difficult of times. 2014 marked the centenary of World War One, and as we reflected on this towards the end of the year, it seemed fitting to select the Rotherfield branch of The Royal British Legion as our chosen charity for 2015. The Royal British Legion is the UK's leading Service charity providing care and

support to serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and their families. The Royal British Legion helps the whole Armed Forces community through welfare, comradeship and representation as well as being the Nation's custodian of Remembrance. All money raised will go towards supporting members of our local community who have been a member of the Armed Services (and/or still are) and their families. Amongst other services, the charity provides specialized support services within the home, as well as supporting families to have an opportunity to spend time together. By working with the charity throughout the coming year, The Rotherfield Players hopes to build a supportive relationship with them, through understanding their goals and receiving regular updates on the work they are doing.

The Last 10 Years

The Magic Fruit

Calamity Jane

Garden District

The Wizard of Oz

The Final Curtain

An Ideal Husband

Goldilocks and the Three

Bears

Godspell

Bard from the King’s Arms

Caught in the Net

Sleeping Beauty

Kiss Me Kate

Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Cinderella

Busybody

2005

2005

2005

2006

2006

2006

2007

2007

2007

2007

2008

2008

2008

2009

2009

Our Country’s Good

Babes in the Wood

Present Laughter

The Railway Children

(Junior Players)

Farndale Avenue Housing

Estate Townswomen’s

Guild Production of

The Mikado

Wind in the Willows

Little Shop of Horrors

Three Characters in

Search of a Verdict &

Round the World with

Class Six (Junior Players)

All My Sons

2009

2010

2010

2010

2010

2011

2011

2011

2011

Aladdin

The Sound of Music

The Elephant Man

Robinson Crusoe & the

Pirates

Noises Off

Annie Jr (Junior Players)

A Streetcar Named Desire

Jack and the Beanstalk

Road

Are You Being Served?

Beauty and the Beast

2012

2012

2012

2013

2013

2013

2013

2014

2014

2014

2015

The Next Production

Into the Woods Junior Players Musical

directed by Gussie Penny

with the help of Michael Stanton

16th - 17th Oct 2015 Further info from

players@rotherfieldplayers.co.uk

New Members

The Rotherfield Players is a vibrant village dramatic society. We have a healthy membership but we always welcome new faces both on stage and back stage. Many different skills are required to put on a show apart from acting, singing and dancing. There’s carpentry, painting, sewing and even computer skills. If you are interested in joining our group please contact

James Gallifant Tel: 01892 654219

Email: members@rotherfieldplayers.co.uk

For more information about Rotherfield Players, go to www.rotherfieldplayers.co.uk

Programme Printed by Units D-G,

18 Chapman Way, Tunbridge Wells,

Kent TN2 3EF

Published by The Society of the Rotherfield Players

Productions go back as far as 1976

and a full list is on our website

www.rotherfieldplayers.co.uk

Rotherfield St Martin

Registered Charity No: 1119458

Memorial Institute, North Street, Rotherfield

Providing social facilities and support for senior citizens.

Opening Hours

Mon 10.00am - 12.30pm

Tue - Fri 10am - 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 4pm

For information about activities, bookings for therapies and Volunteer Driver Scheme

Tel: 01892 853021

Email: office@rotherfieldstmartin.org.uk Website: www.rotherfieldstmartin.org.uk

Supported by: Rotherfield Parish Council St Denys’ Church

Bed & Breakfast

Hill Cottage, Mount Pleasant, Crowborough, TN6 2NF

Maggie & Ted Hirst offer a really warm welcome to their charming 17th century

cottage in a peaceful spot on the outskirts of Crowborough.

For details and availability call

Telephone: 01892 662243 E-mail: bandb@hillcottage.me.uk

or visit the Website: www.hillcottage.me.uk

Opening Times Mon - Sat

08:00 - 17:00