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Am Dram Man »
Volcanic Ash? Hold your breath and count to Tenerife......
Posted on 1:03pm Sunday 16th May 2010
So who missed me? No one it seems well thanks a lot. Two weeks in Tenerife called so that’s where I have been hiding. Sun, sea and……well that’s it really. Narrowly managed to avoid the old Icelandic ash situation, I felt for some folk at Tenerife airport who had been stranded for a couple of days due to no fault of their own, or the airline come to that. On things relating to drama, keen types will know from previous blogs we and a few selected chums are orf to see Fun Run by local playwright Joe Graham at the Old Fire Station this week. As previously mentioned the play is being staged by the Balancing Act theatre company. A fully detailed review of this brand new comedy will be featuring in next week’s blog, so keep paying attention. Fun Run is at the OFS Studio from 18th-22nd May. Due to my much-needed break in the Canaries, retirement is such hard work you know, I missed the drama group AGM but I hear Mike Lacey was voted in as Chairman, congratulations Mike. Whatever else was discussed I haven’t heard but rest assured all facts will be passed on as soon as I know. We are entering a short play into this Tuesday, 18 May. The play is called The Summer of my Thirtieth Year by Mark Rees and is directed by Susi Dalton. All are welcome to come and see the open dress rehearsal at the Hall at 8pm. Entry is free and we should be glad if you would stay and join us for a drink and a chat afterwards. The cast would welcome an audience, which always makes such a big difference to those performing, and we would appreciate your feedback afterwards. Talking about the ODN festival, this year it is on from 31st May until the 5th June. Well worth a visit to the Unicorn Theatre in Abingdon. More details on www.oxfordshiredramanetwork.org. Glad to see the election is over at last and we have got the Lib-Dem influence in government, something nobody voted for, the next few months/years will be interesting if nothing else. At least it can’t be as bad as the last thirteen years under Labour. To more educational matters:On the first day, God created the dog and said: 'Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.' The dog said: 'That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?' So God agreed. On the second day, God created the monkey and said: 'Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span.' The monkey said: 'Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?' And God agreed. On the third day, God created the cow and said: 'You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years.' The cow said: 'That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?' And God agreed again. On the fourth day, God created man and said: 'Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years.' But man said: 'Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?' 'Okay,' said God, 'You asked for it..' So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone. Life has now been explained to you. There is no need to thank me for this valuable information. I'm doing it as a public service.
Am Dram Man »
Hastings and all that........
Posted on 11:45am Wednesday 28th April 2010
Every year I bang on about the ODN (Oxfordshire Drama Network) Festival held at the Unicorn Theatre in Abingdon. This year the dates are May31st- June 5th. Two or three plays are put on every night and a good time is had by all. The adjudicator puts their slant on the performances after each play and a thing or two is learnt by all. A great way to while away a summer’s evening I can tell you. Further details can be found by visiting www.oxfordshiredramanetwork.org.
Am Dram Man »
The best laid plans of mice & men seldom coincide.....
Posted on 9:39am Thursday 22nd April 2010
As we took down the set on Tuesday night of the production that never was the question of why the play was cancelled kept surfacing. A I have mentioned previously I have never come across a production that was anywhere near ready to go on three weeks prior to opening night. However the feeling among some members of the cast was hat little could be done to salvage the exercise and it was the Director’s reluctant decision the axe was dropped. So that’s it. End of story.
Am Dram Man »
Remember once you're over the hill you begin to pick up speed.....
Posted on 11:27am Sunday 11th April 2010
Still no further word on the cancellation of our spring offering of ‘The Female of the Species’ rest assured dear reader we will get to the bottom of it, my best intrepid reporter is on the case.
Am Dram Man »
The Show musn't go on.............
Posted on 9:52am Sunday 4th April 2010
Oh dear, oh dear, after months of rehearsals, publicity, production meetings and hours of set building our April production of ‘The Female of the Species’ has been cancelled.
The Page Turner »
Pursuing Philip Pullman
Posted on 4:30pm Monday 29th March 2010
Fantasy writer Philip Pullman must have thought I was stalking him at the weekend but he was far too polite to mention it.
Am Dram Man »
John Blandy School Quiz goes to the top of the class.......
Posted on 12:12pm Monday 29th March 2010
Following last weeks whinge about the ODN Quiz, imagine how good it was last Friday night to experience the delights of the John Blandy Boffin’s Quiz in Southmoor Village Hall.
Sauvignon Blonde »
Interview with Peach Pubs Wine Buyer
Posted on
Jo Eames, wine buyer for Peach Pubs, talks about how she chose the wines and her trip to Argentina. Resulting in The Fishes pub (of North Hinksey) Argentine Wine & Steak night!
Am Dram Man »
Dinner Ladies serve up a feast of laughs......
Posted on 11:24am Sunday 21st March 2010
Following my in depth review of ‘Prescription for Murder’ last week I had a very nice e-mail from the leading lady Julie Kemp-Harper. Apparently Julie hasn’t trod the boards since her teenage years until she won the lead in the play by default. So congratulations are indeed in order for such a polished performance. I look forward to the next Old Gaol production with some relish.
The Page Turner »
A flutter of excitement
Posted on 11:17am Thursday 18th March 2010
With the Oxford Literary Festival starting at the weekend, I should be developing some highbrow reading habits.
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