WHARF THEATRE SPOTLIGHT – March 2023 | Issue no. 121
Welcome from the Chairman
It’s been a while since we have had a newsletter, it takes a lot to compile and there are never enough hours in the day to do this along with everything else! With that in mind, we would like to say a massive thank you to David Thew, who’s agreed to pick up the mantle.
The Wharf has had a great few months, the pantomime and Ladies’ Day both sold out before their opening nights, Instant Wit had a nearly full auditorium and a very busy bar, Ode to Joyce also sold out, which meant we had loads of new people in the theatre which is always a good thing.
The next big Wharf production is Measure for Measure, directed by Liz Sharman; now I know that Shakespeare would not be everyone’s first choice to watch but, on this occasion, I think that if you give it a go, you will be pleasantly surprised – It has a great cast and from what I’ve seen in rehearsals, it is going to be another crack
ing show, so let’s get behind it and get your tickets now.
Finally, we are having an Open Day on Saturday 1 April between 10am and 2pm. We hope to attract some new people and also give our existing members a chance to have a good look around, including backstage and through some of the technical areas. So, save the date, come along and take the opportunity to see how you can get more involved.
Chairman | Pete Winterton
I can’t believe it’s been a year!
As we approach the end of my first year as Artistic Director, I can look forward to and reflect on some great shows.
Debby Wilkinson left the theatre in a good place regarding shows already programmed, and as the Hire Manager, I had already amassed a list of visiting productions for consideration. We have shows planned up to early 2025… now it’s just a case of working out what availability we have to slot in visiting shows, and although that sounds a long way off it comes around very quickly!
I’ve been very lucky with people approaching me asking if they can put on a show, including some new to directing at the Wharf. We have a good support network so if you have ever fancied being the one with the notebook telling people where they need to be, let’s have a chat.
I am usually about in the theatre when we have a show in – If I’m building a set, the side door is usually open but bring biscuits as I get peckish and if I stop, I will be making tea!
We have been fortunate to have had a number of sell-out shows this year, the panto sold out with 3 weeks still to go! I’d like to thank you for your support and remind you that as a member, you have early access to tickets, so you don’t miss any of our shows, we have some crackers coming up.
Artistic Director | John Winterton
Adult Actors Company
The Wharf has a newly formed group comprised of adults who have wanted to revisit those days of school drama. We meet on a Friday evening and look at various plays and practitioners. Last term we looked at the theatre of cruelty and this term we’ve been working on naturalism looking at Stanislavski and Ibsen.
We run during term time and welcome any newcomers no matter your ability and experience | 18+
Drama Teacher | Lou Cox MA (Hons) Theatre BA (Hons) Performing Arts, LTCL Teaching
Youth Actors Company
On 11 March, students from the Junior & Senior youth groups had their first-ever group acting examination through LAMDA, London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art. They had been preparing scenes to showcase their acting skills in hope that they would be rewarded with great feedback, marks and a shiny certificate to help towards their CV and education applications later on in life. The exams help with confidence building, teamwork and the opportunity to build on performance techniques. We look forward to receiving their results.
Drama Teacher | Lou Cox MA (Hons) Theatre BA (Hons) Performing Arts, LTCL Teaching
Junior School years 6-9 | Senior School years 10-13 See online for details or get in touch with this email:
Measure for Measure
The cast of Measure for Measure has been busy since last November getting to grips with Shakespeare’s dialogue and creating a sharp production that is fresh and relevant to modern audiences.
With themes of weak government, leaders who flaunt the rules that they impose on their own people and sexual harassment in high places, what could be more current? This play attracted more interest at the audition stages than any other I can remember, and we have managed to put together a cast of vintage Wharf actors (both tragic and comic!), plus some brand-new talent in the lead roles – a perfect combination!
We hope that audiences will grab the chance to discover this hidden Shakespearean gem and – a far cry from studying dusty ‘set texts’ at school – will enjoy letting the twists and turns of this dramatic story unfold before them.
Director | Liz Sharman
Open Day 2023
We are having an Open Day on Saturday 01 April between 10am – 2pm, at the Wharf Theatre. There will be lots to see, why not enjoy a tour, and find out all about the benefits of being a member and how it all works.
There will be a general meet and greet as you arrive, along with a supply of tea, coffee and soft drinks to keep you refreshed.
How does the theatre function? It’s not only about acting and directing, there are other areas that make a production work; what as costumes, props, lighting, sound, music, Front of House and the Box Office. Don’t forget for the more youthful, we have a Youth Theatre as well, so pop the date in your diary, come on along and find out all about us!
Dates for the Diary
- Measure for Measure | Mon 27 March – Sat 1 April
- OPEN DAY | Sat 1 April / 10am – 2pm
- Walk on Back to Happiness | Sat 15 April
- The Railway Children | Mon 8 – Sat 13 May Jack and Jordan | Sat 20 May
- Having a Baby… | Fri 26 – Sat 27 May
- AGM | Wed 31 May / 7pm – Agenda to follow
- Watson & Brown Little Big Band | Thu 8 – Sat 10 June California Dreams | Sat 24 June
- Girls Like That | Thu 20 – Sat 22 July
- BOX OFFICE
Copy deadline
If you have any articles or notices you wish to feature in the next edition of Spotlight, please contact us by Thursday 1 June at