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X Y T NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2010

Heard on the grapevine: Jess Benest is getting married this month. Good luck Jess!!

Seen on TV: Bill Tapley in a re-run of an Ultimate Force episode on ITV4 … Anne-Marie Crawford’s name as First AD in the credits of a repeat of The Inspector Lyndley Mysteries … and also a brief (non-speaking!) appearance of Rebecca Mitchener (née Wallace) on the BBC Ten O‘clock news in connection with the installation of the Vatican Raphael Tapestries at the V&A for the exhibition, for which she is the V&A’s Project Coordinator. (IRW & TJRH are going to be visiting this later this month when they’ll also be taking in the Diaghilev exhibition of giant theatre cloths designed by Picasso, original costumes, set designs, props etc.)

AUGUST 2010

Tim Hill: Sometimes this news may be about the Archive itself! Having recently discovered a reluctance of Google and other search engines to properly index some YTA pages (with albeit slightly dodgy html) the Yahoo and All the Web search engines seems to overlook a few errors introduced by some otherwise time-saving tools. It finds more pages. Try finding yourself with this:

I have been through the site and repaired these <script> issues so Google et al should be able to see everything that's visible soon. There are some cast lists which are scanned images though; these will soon be supplemented by (searchable) textual versions.

JULY 2010

It has been very sad to learn of the sudden death of Cindy Linley at home in Little Chalfont. The funeral will be at Amersham Crematorium at 1.45pm on Friday 6th August. [More details] Our thoughts are with the family. [My enduring memory of Cindy is her 'flying' across stage (on a tea trolley) as Jean the Genie in TFT's Aladdin in 2002. :-) Tim.]

Taking up Bill Tapley‘s generous offer of arranging for reduced priced seats for ex-YT members to see Dirty Dancing at the Aldwych (where he is coming to the end of his stint playing Jake Houseman) - Peter Sharman went on July 9th - whilst Helen Chaldecott (née Wallace) organised a trip with sister Rebecca, and mum Sue on July 24th and they all met up briefly with Bill afterwards. The show - and Bill - received rave reviews from all concerned!

Rob Bowen and Ben Crowden are appearing in The Deadly Factor - the darkest of comedies by Jan Moran Neil at the Amersham Community Centre on Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August. []

You may have noticed that The Young Theatre at Beaconsfield are planning J. B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls for performances in October at the Beacon Centre. Any ex-members who would like to be involved should please get in touch.

MAY 2010

A couple of snippets — Lis Brownbill had had a son...a brother for Eryn — Sharon Calcutt is now a tutor in Stage Management at RADA

Suzie McPherson (née Buckley) is playing Viola in the Chiltern Shakespeare Company production of Twelfth Night in June at Hall Barn, Beaconsfield.

From Andy Brimelow: I was in YT at Beaconsfield in the late eighties (1984-8). I am now living in New York, working for the UN. I was working for the Red Cross movement for the last 5 years (in Africa, Asia and London). Just married (last September) and we're expecting our first baby in July this year. Nothing that exciting! I just happened across the YT website and thought I'd join in somehow. Hopefully when I'm back living in the UK, I'll be able to come and support whatever's going on, and even get my kids involved. [Andy was YT at Beaconsfield's Publicity Manager in 1985/6; and it's Treasurer in 1986/7 - as well as actively participating in a number of YT shows during the period 1983-88 including Here We Go, The Pied Piper, The Wiz, Snow Queen - and going on the South Coast Tour in the summer of 1987.]

APRIL 2010

From Paul Bacon: I’m diversifying - currently concentrating on my Elton John tribute act - Ultimate Elton - Have a look at my website - www.ultimateelton.com - It’s a lot of fun and people seem to like it! I've attached a photo for your amusement! I'll probably be involved in Mark[ Britton]'s production - Joan of Arc, and also singing with another local group - Songbirds...

We have just heard from Bill Tapley. He is playing one of the leads in Dirty Dancing at the Aldwych: Dr Jake Houseman (Baby's Dad) until 30 July. He says that if anyone formerly of or currently in YT wishes to go, he can arrange premium seats at less than half price (Mon thru Fri matinee - £30 instead of £62.50) and a third off Fri night, Sat mat, Sat night (£62.50 instead of £95) and should be able to show them round afterwards. Anyone interested should please email Ian who will pass your messages along to Bill. (Please note this is only if requests are from current or ex-members of The Young Theatre. Please do not ask if you do not qualify.)

Two quick snippets: Debbie Lewis is moving to Alderney from Berkshire and Karen Ogborn is expecting a baby in May. [Not connected, of course!!! Congratulations Karen, 'bye Debbie. Good luck to them both - ed.]

MARCH 2010

Not this time, we’re afraid! Unfortunately Michael Hulls got pipped at the post for a Laurence Olivier Award for this year by the Rambert Dance Company (for an outstanding year of new work) in the Outstanding Achievement in Dance category. Nevertheless, he deserves many congratulations for being nominated for such a prestigious award. So - well done, Michael!

What a lovely surprise! We've heard from one of the founding members of YT Beaconsfield ... David Blott ... who, with his family, was so involved in the early days of the group. Amongst their many contributions: sister Susan served on the Committee; mother Patricia directed Lady Precious Stream in June 1971; and father David used his contacts to acquire props and scenery for YT shows from Pinewood Studios!
David writes ...
Dear Ian, Have just been looking at the archive of the Beaconsfield Young Theatre. I notice that you have listed the Blotts in your ‘Where are they now?’. Sadly, my father David Blott died a few years ago of cancer but my mother Patricia Blott is well. They enjoyed many years of retirement together and we sometimes talked about those ‘theatre’ days. My sister, Susan, is the school secretary of Windsor Girls School and last year became a grandmother (she has 4 children). I'm hoping I've got a few years to go before one of my 3 children make me a granddad! I'm a deputy head of a primary school in London and although I've not done any acting since (although you could argue that part of the art of teaching is acting) my theatre training has come in very useful in the number of plays etc I've had to organise over the years.
I can see that you've dedicated your life to youth theatre and the catalogue of work in the archive is impressive. I hope you are taking it easier nowadays, although I do remember the theatre being rather addictive. Attached are some pictures from the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe production which I didn't see on the website. I do have a box in the cellar with all my bits and pieces from my days at Beaconsfield and when I get a chance I'll dig it out and see if I have anything else that is not on the website. Have such fond memories of those productions - so thanks for the memories. Regards, David Blott

We've heard again from John Varah - in response to a note from IRW letting him know about Michael Hulls' Olivier nomination - who writes that he is about to become a grandfather. He agrees that Michael really deserves recognition so fingers crossed. His Brighton life is very good. He is still doing 70 hour weeks trying to keep his company afloat. They are an Arts Council RFO (Regularly Funded Organisation) but always under threat as budgets are about to tighten. His folks (Bill and Phyll) are still extant and have their diamond wedding this summer. John Varah a grandfather?! Now that's made IRW feel even older than he is ... which is saying something!!

From: Rob Bowen
I am in two three-handed one-act plays by Peter Shaffer in April. The plays are in a double-bill from Wednesday April 28th to Saturday May 1st at the Beacon Centre in Beaconsfield. The first play is called White Liars and the second (in which I play the title role) is called The Public Eye. Oh yeah, and I am the only person in both plays!
Tickets can be booked at http://www.btg-theatre.org or 07880 962 514.

From Andrew Kitchen ...
Artsbowl Competition for Theatre Enthusiasts
deadline: 13 April 2010
Artsbowl is running a competition in celebration of World Theatre Day on 27 March. Enthusiasts, students and amateur performers are invited to post a blog of between 200 and 300 words, or a video clip of up to one minute long, about why they love theatre — on or off the stage.
Further details of the competition are available at http://artsbowl.com/i-love-theatre-competition-terms-and-conditions.

We have received the following from John Varah in Brighton where he is the Artistic Director of the arts charity Same Sky
Dear Friends
We hope you get a chance to visit our exciting Young Peoples Art Exhibition at Phoenix Brighton.
It's a great opportunity to see some of the company's school work and celebrate the creativity of all our young artists.
The show is on till 28th March and is open Wednesday - Sunday 11am - 5pm
Its also lit up at night!!!
John
Artistic Director
So - if you're in the Brighton area - why not drop in?

Olivier Awards 2010: Andrew Kitchen has brought to our attention the exciting news that Michael Hulls has been nominated for an Olivier Award!
Andrew writes:-
In case you haven't heard (I have just today) Michael Hulls of yesterdecade's YT (and for me Dartington of almost 30 years ago) - this is starting to depress me despite the good news - has been nominated for an Olivier Award this year for:
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN DANCE
Michael Hulls for his lighting designs for Russell Maliphant's TWO:FOUR:TEN at the London Coliseum; and for Russell Maliphant's AFTERLIGHT and for Ex Machina & Sylvie Guillem's EONNAGATA at Sadler's Wells.
Thought it should be on YT's website! Cheers. A
Full list of nominations

FEBRUARY 2010

We’ve heard from Jim Culverhouse (ex-YT Harrow) who writes “Just stumbled across the website! Brought back some memories I can tell you. Still remember being in The Thwarting of Baron Bolligrew alongside Robert Glenister”.

Another Britton musical! .. Lost - “a musical for today” - written by Mark Britton and Graham Wilkinson, (both of course XYT) will be performed at St.Andrew‘s Church, Hatters Lane, High Wycombe on 25th, 26th & 27th March - starting each evening at 8pm. Tickets available (£6 Adults; £4 Concessions) from St.Andrew‘s Church Office 01494 529668 or 01628 526845.

Seen on TV . . Rick Warden joined the cast at Holby City (BBC1) as consultant Toby Geddes who successfully succeeded in irritating virtually everybody around - staff and patients alike - on day one! Playing “out-of-character” obviously(!) - but is this an indication of a short-term contract?!

Also Robert Glenister appeared as a guest star in the final episode of series two of Law & Order on ITV1. as DS Jimmy Valentine - a policeman with a doubtful pedigree! (Yes - another one . Pie in the Sky and Frost being two previous outings in this characterisation, although with some variation!)

Melissa Alder (ex-YT Beaconsfield) is to support David Owen (Honorary Life Member at Beaconsfield) at his latest Musical Rendezvous event - the St. David's Day Musical Dinner at Datchet Golf Club on February 27th. David has also enlisted the services of singer/harpist Lucy Bunce. Melissa studied at the Royal Academy of Music and has been a professional singer for fifteen years. Having begun her career at Glyndebourne she is currently a soprano at The Royal Opera House Covent Garden. She also is using her expertise closer to home in classes aimed specifically at making singing special for children in the Chalfont St Giles area with Over the Rainbow Singing.

JANUARY 2010

William Tapley (Bill) - (another ex GD at Beaconsfield!) - turned up on Ready Steady Cook (BBC2: 26th January) partnered by chef Paul Rankin and got his “Winner’s Plate” by just one vote!

Robert Glenister has returned as Ash Morgan in a further series of Hustle on BBC1 - whilst Virgin 1 are also re-running an earlier series!

Helen Chaldecott (née Wallace) has given birth to a second daughter - Amelia Grace. She arrived safely on 16th January, much to the obvious delight of her big sister, Megan. Mother, baby, father, big sister - and grandparents! - are all well!!

Rob Bowen (ex-GD at Beaconsfield) is appearing in the Fourways production of Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet at the Wycombe Swan Town Hall on February 4th, 5th & 6th at 8pm. However it should be noted that the play contains strong language, may offend some people and is not suitable for children.

More information please!

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How YOU could help with this Archive!

If you were a member of The Young Theatre - at either Harrow or Beaconsfield - we will be delighted to hear from you. If you have any more information about Young Theatre productions, or indeed about any Young Theatre activities, then please get in touch with us. If you know any other ex-members of YT, then please tell them about this site - we would very much like to hear from them too!

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