The Society, in its present form, was inaugurated in July 1958 by reviving the old Tenterden Operatic & Dramatic Society and incorporating The Tenterden Players and The Masquers into that Society. They are now more often referred to as TODS. It
has been the practice of the Society to stage three productions a year, in January, April and October. The January production was always a traditional pantomime but in 1994 the Society ventured into the world of musical plays and staged ‘The Sound of Music’. The April productions have for many years been Kent Drama Association Full Length Play Festival entries and have gained the Society a considerable number of awards as well as many individual acting awards.
TODS are proud to be affiliated to the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) which was founded in 1899 and has a membership of over 2,300 amateur societies and 3,000 individual enthusiasts throughout the UK, staging musicals, operas, plays,
concerts and pantomimes in a wide variety of performing venues, ranging from the country’s leading professional theatres to tiny village halls.
2006
Talking Heads
Kindly Leave the Stage
Bazaar & Rummage
2007
Disco Inferno
The Day After the Fair
Day Of Reckoning
2008
Under Milk Wood
The Secret Rapture
Plaza Suite
2009
Our Musicals Re-Viewed
Brontë
Farce & Furious
2010
The Railway Children
The Beauty Queen of Leenane
Hay Fever
2011
Well That’s Life!
Road
Relatively Speaking
2012
Coram Boy
The Chalk Garden
The Unexpected Guest
2013
Calendar Girls
The Mystery of Talbot Manor (M)
The New Electric Ballroom
What the Butler Saw
2014
Shout!
Oh What a Lovely War!
Verdict
2015 Sweet Charity
The House of Bernarda Alba
Shop for Charity (M)
Wife After Death
2016
Abigail’s Party
Side by Side by Sondheim
Equally Divided
SEE BACK COVER FOR TODS
NEXT PRODUCTION
TODS are always looking for new members, either to perform or to help with the myriad of other tasks that make a production complete. If you are interested in joining either as an acting member
or in any other capacity, then please contact our secretary:- TODS c/o Angela Patrick, Holly Cottage, Orchard Court, The Street, Benenden, Kent TN17 4DE
Tel: 01580 241966 email: [email protected] or via online & social media – details on back cover
(M) Members Night Productions / (Y) TODS Youth Productions
The original Broadway production opened as long ago as 1954 and ran for 1,063
performances. It opened in London within a year to huge acclaim. This popular show
has since had several Broadway and West End revivals, in London as recently as 2014.
It was originally directed by George Abbott and Jerome Robbins with some additional
Bob Fosse choreography. (Shirley MacLaine made her debut in the show when the
lead she was under-studying was ill for several weeks, which lead to her screen
career.) A successful film was made of the show in 1957 with the original stage cast,
the exception was that the main lead was taken by Doris Day.
It is 1950s America and love is in the air at the Sleep-Tite pajama factory as handsome
new superintendent Sid Sorokin falls for the fire-brand Union Rep Babe Williams.
Sparks fly when the workers’ demand for a pay rise is turned down, leaving Sid and
Babe at odds as the temperature rises.
‘The Pajama Game’ is a buoyantly blissful blend of romance and comedy and features
golden hits such as “Hey There (You With The Stars In Your Eyes)”, “Hernando’s
Hideaway”, “Steam Heat”, “This Is My Once A Year Day” and “There Once Was A Man
(Who Loved A Woman)” plus lots of other enjoyable songs.
When TODS asked me to direct their next musical production, and for my suggestions, I immediately thought of “The Pajama Game” as it’s such a lively, fun musical with characters of all ages.
The cast have really thrown themselves into the project, and been most welcoming to a new director from ‘foreign parts’! We have overcome some challenges along the way and had a lot of laughs too. I do believe that rehearsals should be a satisfying mix of hard work and fun!
“The Pajama Game” has been a delight to direct, and I have particularly enjoyed working with the hugely talented members of the cast.
I’d like to thank them all for their hard work and warm welcome, and I hope you enjoy the show!
Heather Kemeys
Director………………………………………………………...Heather Kemeys I have been directing and performing in the theatre for many years. From semi-professional singing with a band for most of my 20s, I joined Crawley Operatic Society (COS) after seeing “Hello Dolly” and was instantly smitten!
Principal roles started with Mabel in “Pajama Game”(!), Miss Adelaide in “Guys & Dolls”, Kate in “Kiss Me Kate!”, Golde in “Fiddler” and Mother Abbess in “Sound Of Music”. My directing career started with “Good Fun” by Victoria Wood in the Hawth Studio. COS immediately asked me to take on the huge and daunting task of directing “Kismet”, and from there I went on to direct “Singin’ in the Rain”, “Gigi”, “Carmen”, “Meet Me In St Louis”, “La Cage Aux Folles”, “42nd Street”, and “Hairspray” among many others plus numerous pantos and plays.
Having moved here to Tenterden last year, my partner Colin and I have loved getting involved with TODS and I appeared in TODS’ “Side By Side By Sondheim” which was a wonderful challenge. By day I run an interior design business, Gorgeous House. Musical Director……….………………….…………......Emily Neighbour This is my fourth show with TODS. Steve Bowen recruited me as keyboard
player in his band for Shout! in 2014. I followed that as MD for Sweet Charity
in 2015. In 2016 I played second keyboard for Side by Side by Sondheim with
Ciara Crossley-Roberts. I’ve played piano since I was six but until my involvement with
TODS I had spent more time as an adult playing folk music on my piano accordion,
mainly in my folk band Rude Albert.
Choreographer.........................................................Millie Friday I have been dancing since the age of three and I now make a career from
teaching my passion to others of all ages. “The Pajama Game” was an ideal
project for me as I studied Bob Fosse’s work at university and his stylistic
qualities are clear in the number of ‘Steam Heat’.
The Pajama Game Opening - Hines
Racing With The Clock - Babe, factory girls & guys
A New Town Is A Blue Town - Sid Sorokin
I’m Not At All In Love - Babe & girls
I’ll Never Be Jealous Again - Mabel & Hines
Hey There - Sid
Her Is - Prez & Gladys
Sleep Tite - Full company of Sleep Tite employees
Once A Year Day (and polka) - Sid, Babe & company
Her Is (Reprise) - Prez & Mae
Small Talk - Sid & Babe
There Once Was A Man - Sid & Babe
Slow Down - Factory girls
Hey There (Reprise) – Sid
THERE WILL BE A 20 MINUTE INTERVAL BETWEEN ACTS I and II
Steam Heat - Gladys, Mae & Poopsie
Hey There (Reprise) - Babe
Think Of The Time I Save - Hines & girls
Hernando’s Hideaway - Gladys & ensemble
Jealousy Ballet - Gladys, Hines & men
7 ½ cents - Prez, Babe & company
There Once Was A Man (Reprise) - Sid & Babe
The Pajama Game Closing & Finale - Full Company
Sid Sorokin………………………………………....Matty Hurst Favourite production you’ve been involved with? "Little Shop of Horrors" where I met my beautiful wife as we were cast as Seymour and Audrey. Now, 7 years later, Coralie and I have been given the most precious gift, our daughter, Fosse, to whom I dedicate my performance. Strictly or Scandi box set? Strictly, every time! Courgetti or spaghetti? Is courgetti a thing? Definitely spaghetti. A night out on the town or in with a good movie? A night in with a film, preferably a musical or a classic Disney [not Frozen!]
Babe Williams....................................Monika Green Favourite production you’ve been involved with? Would be when I was studying my BTEC National Diploma in Musical Theatre and we did a showcase of musicals, and I played the part of Christine from the musical "The Phantom Of the Opera". I loved playing Christine and really enjoyed portraying her vulnerability and infatuation towards the Phantom. I had to just be in a trance for the whole song and I loved it. Ant or Dec? Dec because he's cute and short...and is probably just a little taller than me which would make things easier. Cinema or theatre? I absolutely love both with a passion, both are my hobbies so it is difficult to decide, if I had to choose I would go with theatre. Owl or lark? Owl, I love my sleep!
Vernon Hines…………………..…………...David Richardson Favourite production you’ve been involved with? "Abigail's Party", I've always wanted to act in a play directed by Heather Leslie. Great cast, great director, very enjoyable, even though I had to die at the end! Strictly or Scandi box set? Strictly, then match of the day. Courgetti or spaghetti? Spaghetti, I suppose. Exercise class or couch potato? Exercise class, definitely.
Gladys.....................................................Fiona Murch Favourite production you’ve been involved with? My two favourites would be "Calendar Girls" because we were such a cohesive cast with a great director in Heather Leslie and "Cabaret", directed by Ian Rutter, because it is so much more than just a musical. Strictly or Scandi box set? No contest, Strictly. Cinema or theatre? Theatre every time, I love the Donmar Warehouse. Do you intend to grow old gracefully or disgracefully? Hopefully with a touch of each!
Prez……………………………………….………......Steve Bowen Favourite production you have been involved with? "Return to the Forbidden Planet", who wouldn't want to play a roller skating robot? Owl or a lark? - A lark, I'm in the swimming pool by 6.00a.m most days [so maybe more of a duck]. Cinema or theatre? Cinema Real ale or fine wine? Both, often!
Mr. Hasler………………………….……….....Michael Patrick Favourite production you have been involved with? “Wife After Death” as I was the Director Do you intend to grow old gracefully or disgracefully? Gracefully Sean Connery or Daniel Craig for Bond? Sean Connery. Courgetti or spaghetti? Spaghetti
Mabel.....................................................Gillian Davis Favourite production you have been involved with? “Loot” by Joe Orton, in which I played Nurse Fay McMahon. In my view the production was faultless in its conception, staging and direction. Strictly or Scandi box set? Scandi box set, if only for the sweaters! Owl or lark? I used to be a lark ascending but now I'm more an owl descending. Do you intend to grow old gracefully or disgracefully? When I become old I do not intend to do anything ungracious.
Mae…………………………………………………..Heather Leslie Favourite production you have been involved with? So many I could call my favourite but the top three would be; "Calendar Girls" for the feeling of camaraderie in the cast, "Shout" for the utter professionalism of the cast and their fantastic singing and "Return to the Forbidden Planet" for its innovation. Courgetti or Spaghetti? Definitely courgetti, I’m a bit unusual in that I can take or leave pasta, but I worship all veggies. Sean Connery or Daniel Craig for Bond? Oh, no competition, Sean Connery. It's my age! Cinema or theatre? Theatre every time. Nothing compares to the thrill of experiencing a live performance.
Pop........................................................Peter Huxley Favourite production you have been involved with? "The House of Bernada Alba" for the final result of everyone's efforts building the set. Real ale or fine wine? Red wine [usually]. Cinema or theatre? Neither, I prefer old films or comedy. Do you intend to grow old gracefully or disgracefully? Disgracefully.
Max…………………………………………….………..Colin Barnes Favourite production you have been involved with? "Hairspray". A joyous show to be in with so many young, energetic people! Exercise class or couch potato? Exercise class. Real ale or fine wine? Wine. Sunny holiday or skiing? Sunny hols.
Joe……………………………………………………...Philip James Favourite production you have been involved with? "Calendar Girls " because
of the camaraderie of the cast and director. Cinema or theatre? Theatre.
Real ale or fine wine? Fine wine. Sunny holiday or skiing? Both.
Brenda ............................................... Angela Patrick Favourite production you have been involved with? So difficult to make a
choice but it has to be between “Calendar Girls” – for pure enjoyment, fun &
laughter and “The Beauty Queen of Leenane” for the challenge and total
acting satisfaction. Both plays, festival award winners, for the range of emotions they
covered. Do you intend to grow old gracefully or disgracefully? A bit of both
hopefully. Sean Connery or Daniel Craig for Bond? Most definitely Sean Connery.
Courgetti or spaghetti? Both but as I have to choose, courgetti.
Poopsie………………………….……………Charlotte Bennett Favourite production you have been involved with? "Peter Pan", fun with all
the different characters and costumes. A night out on the town or in with a
good movie? A night in with a good film is always my go to. Cinema or
theatre? I love watching performances on stage, so theatre. Ant or Dec? It has to be
Dec, no questions asked.
Charlene……………………………..………………Sophie West Favourite production you have been involved with? "Daisy Pulls It Off"
because Trixie was my favourite character to play. Courgetti or Spaghetti?
Always spaghetti. Exercise class or Couch Potato? I love walking and being
outside. Strictly or Scandi box set? Neither.
Ensemble...................................Matthew Meredith Favourite production you have been involved with? This is my first
production with TODS so I would have to say this one. I have previously sung
in variety shows and barbershop. Owl or lark? Definitely a lark. Are you a
cat or a dog person? - I have no preference. Sean Connery or Daniel Craig for Bond? I
am a Roger Moore fan.
Ensemble……………………………...…..….Margaret Bassan Favourite production you have been involved with? "Guy's and Dolls", lots of
fun and dance. Sean Connery or Daniel Craig for Bond? Daniel Craig. A night
out on the town or in with a good movie? Night out with friends and plenty
of fun. Do you intend to grow old gracefully or disgracefully? I HAVE grown old
disgracefully!
Keyboards & Musical Director……….………..…………......Emily Neighbour Drums………………………………………..………………………..…….....Ken Wellard Flute……………………………………………………………………..……….Aileen Lehos Bassoon.………….……………………………..…………………Gillian Bartholomew
Director…………………………………………………………………...Heather Kemeys Assistant Director…………………………………..………………….....Fiona Murch
Chorus Master……………………………………………..……………..Heather Leslie
Choreographer...................................................................Millie Friday
Stage Manager………………………………………………………..…....Sally Klemen
Assistant Stage Manager……………..…...…….…..……...............Steve Coles
Lighting, Sound & Programme….…………………………………....John Sewell
Lighting Assistant………………………………………………..……….Steph Beeken
Props.............................................Morag Hutchison & Lynne Andrews
Costumes….Angela Patrick, Charlotte Maughan-Jones & Fiona Murch
Makeup ……………………………..……………………………....Eleanor Gutteridge
Photography..........................................................................Don Clark
Prompt………………………………………..…………………………………... Olive Neal
Set Design...................................................................Heather Kemeys
Set Construction…………………………………………………………….Peter Huxley
Front of House…………………………………………..Jackie Whiles & members
Publicity............................Barry Thomas, Brian Fagg & Emma Isworth
Tickets………………….Julia Jessett, Ticketsource & Advantec Computing
Advantec Computing, C.O.D.S,
Tenterden Day Centre, Tenterden Town Council,
All members and friends who have helped in any way
All of our advertising sponsors in this programme
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