Archive for Blog
Dancing at Lughnasa starts rehearsals
Our Spring show is cast and is in rehearsal. Director Eddie Woolrich said “It’s always difficult casting a show, and the worst bit is turning people down, but I have a wonderfully strong cast and I am delighted to welcome 3 new members to the company. The play demands a very strong bond between the 5 sisters and I’m confident that I have a real ‘family’. It’s a wonderfully heart warming play which explores the challenges and conflicts of family and the impact of ‘progress’ in a changing world.I’m looking forward to it immensely”.
Cast list :
The Mundy Sisters
Kate ………………….Cheryl Malam
Maggie ………………Alison Nicol
Agnes ……………….Tanya Chainey
Rose …………………Camilla Morgan
Christine ……………Abbegail Bagley
The Visitors
Michael Evans ……Rick Pedley
Gerry Evans ……….Mike Lawrence
Father Jack ……….Derek Watts
See details about the show and view our promo here
Graphic design Phill Griffith
Our Calendar
See all our events here – shows, rehearsals, auditions and pub nights !
Click on an event for full details and locations.
Subscribe to receive audition alerts for all forthcoming shows
See the 2013 programme of plays here
To see the Guildburys venues map with directions to all Guildbury places click here
Rotary club announces record fund raiser!
We are thrilled that the recent charity performance of The Royal Baccarat Scandal organised by the Rotary Club of Guildford district raised the record sum of £1,800 in aid of Disability Challengers. Guildburys were delighted to be able to assist the Rotary club with raising such a splendid amount of money for such a deserving charity.
Disability Challengers is an independent charity that, for more than 30 years, has developed and delivered inclusive play and leisure for disabled children and young people across Surrey, Hampshire and increasingly the surrounding areas. The charity is based in Guildford (at ‘Challengers Guildford Playcentre’, our headquarters and one of our full time playcentres).
In 2011 they delivered more than 25,500
visits (or 124,292 hours) to 1,240 disabled children. These services were delivered at the Challengers’ Guildford and Farnham Centres as well as schemes based at schools and community youth centres all through the year.
To read more about Disability challengers please click here
Reviews – The Royal Baccarat Scandal
Sardines magazine review
‘The Royal Baccarat Scandal’ tells the true story of Sir William Gordon-Cumming and his role in what was also known as The Tranby Croft Scandal. The basic premise is that Sir William, a close friend of the Prince of Wales (who became Edward VII) took part in a game of Baccarat – a gambling game that was illegal in England – and was accused of cheating. Despite his repeated denial of any wrongdoing, he is persuaded to sign a pledge that he will never play cards again, in return for the matter to be hushed up.
The play is set 30 years after the scandal, with Sir William telling his daughter all about the events that led to his disgrace. In the role of Sir William, Nigel Dams gave a very powerful performance – no mean feat, given that he rarely left the stage. As his daughter (and narrator for the piece), Alison Nicol was superbly relaxed, engaging and a true joy to watch. Robert Sheppard, playing the Prince of Wales was every inch the royal philanderer. Other mentions should go to Ian Nichols (Sir Edward Clarke), Alan Arlington (Sir Charles Russell) and Derek Watts (Lieutenant-General Owen Williams) for excellent performances. In fact, I couldn’t fault any cast member at all.
This play is quite a challenging one to pull off and though long, it isn’t in any way dull or boring – if done right. Guildburys did get it right. The cast, crew and staging all came together to provide a very entertaining evening. Guildburys (and director Gilly Fick) have every reason to be very proud of this production. Well done indeed!! Nicole Rose
Audience comments
“Fantastic – a truly captivating plot brought to life by charismatic performances. The pace moved at a lick to cover the extensive scope and full dialogue of the complex main and sub-plots , then softened at the thoughtful, tense and emotional moments to draw the audience in. The scenes are each recollections from Sir William Gordon Cumming as he explains his past tribulations to his daughter in answer to her question as to why the room fell silent when she had revealed her maiden name in a society party.This is a sensitive treatment of an old man confiding for the first time and the story flowed seamlessly as one memory evoked another episode while the scandal unfolded. The audience’s perspective was moved on a see-saw journey seen alternately through the eyes of an offender and a victim. I felt truly privileged to have been in the audience for intimate and powerful and moving drama. The characters were real, the situations captivating and the conflicting emotions were expressed with dexterity.” G. Ayshford
“Congratulations to all the cast of The Royal Baccarat Scandal. My husband and I really enjoyed the play. Great performances from everyone. I thought Nigel Dams’ performance of Sir William Gordon Cumming was amazing. A. Davey
“Show was absolutely brilliant – loved it. And a unique finale in having to cast a vote” M. Clarke
“A captivating experience, we all thoroughly enjoyed it.” M. Fisher
“Thanks again, Guildburys, for an excellent production of a super, interesting play. As always, a good choice of production, and a brilliant cast. How do you manage to keep up such a high standard? Been coming for years, not seen a duff one yet!!” P. Surrey
2013 – our 50th birthday season
2013 is a really big year for Guildburys – and we are celebrating our 50th anniversary in style !
3 cracking shows and a return to the spectacular setting of The Minack in Cornwall, where our flagship summer show will be performed following it’s run at Farnham Castle.
The Jury Verdict
The verdict of the jury in the case of Gordon Cumming versus Wilson et al in The Royal Baccarat Scandal, heard from November 21 – 24 at The Electric Theatre, Guildford has been cast.
The majority verdict was that
SIR WILLIAM DID NOT CHEAT
Each jury found that he did not cheat
Wednesday evening’s verdict was 70/30
The vote was closest on Thursday evening with a 60/40 split.
Friday evening was 80/20
Saturday evening was a thumping majority of 90/10
The debate continues ……..
The Royal Baccarat Scandal taster
Booking now at The Electric Theatre – our Autumn show is a must for lovers of period drama. Royalty, revenge and retribution to keep you intrigued and entertained !
BOX OFFICE 01483-444789
To book online via the Electric Theatre web site – click here Online booking
Guildburys are chosen by The Rotary Club for charity show
We are delighted that The Rotary Club of Guildford District have chosen our Autumn production ,‘The Royal Baccarat Scandal’ as a fund raising show in aid of local charity Disability Challengers. We are honoured to be helping such a wonderful cause.
Our calendar of events
Want to know what’s on ? Find details of all our events from pub nights to performances, rehearsals and special events. Click on an event for full details,locations and directions.
To see the Guildburys venues map with directions to all Guildbury places click here
Fabulous Review for The Marriage of Figaro
‘ Very merry you can expect to be. This is , not to mince words, a total hoot. A mad farcical plot is presented by skilled actors on a delightful set – lots of blue and gold – with enough doors for the characters to hide behind when they are caught in embarrassing situations. The script, the acting,the directing,the costumes,the music,the lighting, the sound, I could scarcely fault them. Never mind the weather – go and see this show! ‘
CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO READ THE REVIEW IN FULL
