Author: davidcartwright

18th – 20th May 19.30 “Family Spirit” by Pat Wollaston, directed by Mark Dunn. @ the Dolphin Hotel Function room.

Its Back to School! – Teechers at The Dolphin 15th – 17th October 2015

‘The Long and the Short and The Tall’ by Willis Hall was presented at Bovey Tracey Town Hall from the 24th to the 27th October 2012. The play was directed by David Wilson. The play tells the story of a small British patrol in the Malayan jungle in the Second World War just before the Japanese invaded the peninsula and eventually Singapore. On a routine patrol they take refuge for a short break in an abandoned miners hut. The play illustrates the dilemmas faced by the soldiers and their NCOs and the tensions that arise between a mixed bag of reluctant heroes who don’t really want to be there. The situation becomes more complicated when they capture a lone Japanese soldier, and the decision has to be made as to what to do with him. This was a strong performance well up to The Players usual standard, and the Director had assembled a very capable cast who illustrated clearly the mundane side of soldiering as well as the very real horrors of jungle warfare. A simple but effective set showed the action well and the different personalities of the different members of the patrol were well portrayed by the cast with some very realistic accents. Black humour made the audience laugh at times and the drama of the situation kept them involved throughout the performance. A good addition to the canon of the Players work. Photos courtesy of Bim Photography

Shelagh Stephenson’s 1996 play The Memory of Water explores the fractured relationships between three sisters on the eve of their mother’s funeral. David Wilson’s production with the Bovey Tracey Players gave the good-sized audience plenty to enjoy with moments of both excellent comedy and plausible and affecting pathos. Jenny Connelly played Mary the eldest of the three sisters with an air of weary sadness and it is to her credit that the scenes shared with both her lover, performed with admirable confidence by Mark Dunn and the ghost of her late mother, played with an affecting melancholic tone by Liz Parr, gave an altogether different, more vulnerable side to the character that was hidden in the scenes with her sisters. The two younger sisters were performed by Su Kaye as Theresa and Lisa Huet as Catherine both of whom gave contrasting but equally impressive interpretations of these pivotal characters, the latter giving the play some vital energy and comic relief. The production had many highlights including a wonderful scene between Teresa and her husband Frank, who was played with clarity and perfectly judged restraint by Mark Godwin, but was never more moving than in its final moments as Mary, unable to escape the persistent, eroding effects of her own memories, prepares to face the remainder of her life alone. This was an excellent play very well performed by its cast; a brave choice perhaps for a local drama group but one that was amply rewarded. I look forward to 2011 and another successful season by the Bovey Tracey Players, beginning with its traditional pantomime ‘Dick Whittington’ directed by Juliet Harper.

David Wilson directed our spring production, a thriller called “The price to pay”. This play was entered into the South Devon Drama Federation Festival and the wash-up evening was a great success with a very high standard from all entries. The Players recieved two nominations for best supporting actor – James Harper and Darren Parr, Darren was the lucky recipient of the award for his portrayal of the truculant police Sergeant. The Players’ latest production in the Town Hall was “The Price to Pay” by Ian Hornby, a thriller in which Laura, an ‘ordinary housewife’,  is kidnapped  by Dianne and Benny to ensure that Laura’s husband Roger,  will help them steal his firm’s payroll.  We haven’t put on a thriller for a long time now, so ‘The Price to Pay’ made a welcome change.  The play was entered for the South Devon Drama Festival.  With a split set – one half Roger and Laura’s suburban house and the other a barn – the director and crew had quite a challenge but the result was a great success and received praise from Peter Reeves the adjudicator. The cast:  Juliet Harper (Laura), James Harper (Benny), Liz Parkyn (Maria), Darren Parr (Dave), Sarah Mallett (Diane) and Jenny Connelly (Carol).   The cast was a mixture of experienced actors and relative newcomers to the Town Hall stage (this was only Jenny’s second appearance with us) and also welcomed David Wilson to the Players as Director.  Although it was his first time Directing with us, David is an ‘old hand’ at directing and acting with TOADS and other groups.  Thank you David. Peter Reeves was very complimentary about the whole production and awarded Darren ‘Best Supporting Actor’ at the ‘Wash-up’ last Sunday.  Congratulations to all.

We have Nigel Gillingham to thank for the Spring production. Due to unforeseen circumstances we could not put on Farenheit and Celsius as originally planned so Nigel bravely stepped in and offered to direct Outside Edge by Richard Harris, and what a success it was! A real ‘bums on seats’ comedy; Outside Edge attracted an audience of more than 350 over its four night run, all of whom went out with smiles on their faces. It also gave us the opportunity to welcome some new faces to the Players’ stage and also welcome back some familiar faces from past productions – returning to us after many years. Of course it was also a pleasure to see some of our stalwart ‘regulars’. Sarah Mallett who played Maggie is a newcomer to the players, as is Su Kaye who played Sharon. We hope that these were the first of many appearances on the Bovey stage. Darren Parr made a welcome return after his last appearance in ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ two years ago. More recently we have become used to seeing Bob, Kevin and Bim appearing in Pantomime so it was good to see them in a straight play (after 17 years for Kevin!), whereas Liz has recently become a more familiar figure at the piano at our cabarets – nice to see you acting again Liz! Kirsten last appeared on stage for the Players in ‘Charlie’s Aunt’ as a teenager! It is great to have her back on stage in a superb performance as Mim, appearing undaunted by such a demanding role. Timing is of the essence in such a complicated play and this was seemingly effortlessly achieved, giving a slick and pacey production. This would not have been possible without the convincing sound effects which, together with Bernie’s set (complete with very realistic grass), added to credibility of the evening. We have come to expect a professional standard from the Players and certainly this production did not disappoint – congratulations to everyone! ……….. Patricia Berry

Three one act plays, very different in style but with a linking theme of confusion, loss and distress, caused by words, spoken and unspoken. The Monkey’s Paw is a creepy tale of avarice, curses and ghosts, a warning to us all to be happier with our lot. Early Blight, a short play from the Deckchairs collection, is about the manipulation of another person’s life. And lastly, Sliced was written by James Gillingham, a member of the Players. It is a moving account of life after a death, a time when we realise that we didn’t ask enough questions or give enough answers, when we wish we had talked a bit more about the things that mattered to us.

Ten Times Table. For a better view of the programme right click your mouse and use the zoom, I will try for a better copy later. A super picture of the cast, clearly enjoying their costumes, or someone has just fallen over at the back of the hall.

Well it’s quite obvious who did it, the butler alias Nigel Gillingham. And if it wasn’t him, well book him anyway for looking shifty.

A copy of the original programe for the double production ‘Take two’  featuring ‘Us and Them’ written by David Campton and Last Tango in Bovey Tracey by David Tristram.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

Some Photos of the 1996 production ‘The Mouse that Roared’.  There is also a copy of the original programme.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

Can’t remember a lot about this play except Mark Neals extra large feet. Some more photos would be good, a great painted audience by Christin Langrish, especially of the feet. The Proposal went on to great success at the One Act Festival.

Although we don’t archive our performances at Festivals this one I think is worth a mention. You will read in the newspaper article the multi-award winning production of the Proposal at the One Act Festival,was the last scene for character actor/director and all round goody Mabs Scarle who passed quietly away while watching the HAPS perform a play she had directed. Gone but not forgotten.

Yet another award for the Players, Director Mabs Scarle and her cast of four. A spooky play set in a 17th Centuary labourer’s cottage owned by Rachael and Edmund. A Christmas visit by their friends Dan and Margaret set off some strange and macabre events.

A copy of the original programme for the 1994 production ‘Lloyd George knew my Father’.  There is also a copy of the original programme, a poster and several newspaper clippings.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin.

A Photo from the 1993 double production ‘The Reluctant Doctor/After Magritte’.  There is also a copy of the original programme.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin.

A copy of the original programme of the 1993 production of ‘Abigail’s Party’.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin.

Some Photos of the 1992 production ‘Anastasia’.  There is also a copy of the original programme.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

A copy of the original programme for the 1991 production ‘A Lady Mislaid’.  There is also a copy of an original publicity poster.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin.

A copy of the original programme from the 1991 production ‘A Chorus of Disapproval’.  There is also a copy of a poster and several newspaper clippings.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

Unfortunately we currently have no items relating to this production,  If you have any material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

A copy of the original programme for the 1990 production ‘Two and Two Make Sex’.  There is also a poster and several newspaper clippings.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

A Photo of the 1989 production ‘Pack of Lies’.  There is also a copy of the original programme..  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

Some Photos of the 1989 production ‘Deathtrap’.  There is also a copy of the original programme and a newspaper clipping.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

Some Photos of the 1988 production ‘The Deep Blue Sea’.  There is also a copy of the original programme and a newspaper clipping.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

A Photo of the 1988 production ‘Month of Sundays’.  There is also a copy of the original programme and several newspaper clippings.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

Some Photos of the 1987 production ‘Confusions’, (five interlinked plays). There is also a copy of the original programme.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

A Photo of the 1987 production ‘Jekyll and Hyde’.  There is also a copy of the original programme.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

Some Photos of the 1986 production ‘Absurd Person Singular’.  There is also a copy of an original newsclip.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

Some Photos of the 1986 production ‘Pink String and sealing wax’.  There is also a copy of the original poster and a newspaper clipping.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

Some Photos of the 1985 production ‘Flare Path’.   If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

The cast for this production were, David Rogers, David Cartwright, Norman Broom, Kirstyn Broom, Viv Clark, Bim Bollard, Pat Berry, Fiona Rogers. I have no reviews but going from the photos it looks jolly good fun.

Some Photos of the 1984 production ‘Night Must Fall’.  There is also a copy of the original programmeand of a publicity poster.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

Some Photos of the 1984 production Not now darlingk’.  There is also a newspaper clipping.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

Some photos of this fabulous production would be very nice. Contact Kevin from the contacts page.

Can we still say Ten Little Indians, not sure, anyway some Indians are missing from the photo so if you have another one please get in touch.

Some memorabilia of the 1982 production ‘Round and Round the garden’.  There is a copy of the original programme, a poster and a newspaper clipping.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

A news photo of the 1981 production ‘The Ghost Train’.  There is also a copy of the original programme and a poster.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

Nice photo of the cast, and look, a photo of the elusive back stage crew. Ahhh

Some Photos of the 1980 production ‘The Wind of Heaven’.  There is also a copy of the original programme and a newspaper clipping.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

As with a lot of other plays, we are in short supply of photos. Search your attic and your wifes drawers and if you find any please do share.

Mike Norths play Buzz off we’re British was very different from the usual Players fare in that it was a play, and written by Mike North. He did sting us for royalties though. We waited a long time for another member to write us a play, Sliced by James Gillingham.

Some Photos of the 1979 production ‘Rookery Nook’.  There is also a copy of the original programme, a poster and several newspaper clippings.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

Celebration, my first play, happy days – well, I still had some hair. I showed this photo to some friends in London and they were most upset they hadn’t been invited to the wedding.

Some Photos of the 1978 production ‘Nude with Violin’.  There is also a copy of the original programme and several newspaper clippings.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

A Photo of the 1977 production ‘Ladies in Retirement’.  There is also a copy of the original programme and a newspaper clipping.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

Some Photos of the 1977 production ‘The Chalk Garden’.  There is also a copy of the original programme and several newspaper clippings.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

A copy of the programme for the 1976 production of ‘No time for figleaves’. If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

Some Photos of the 1976 production ‘The Constant Wife’.  There is also a copy of the original programme.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

A copy of the programme for the 1975 production ‘Blithe Spirit’.  There are also several newspaper clippings.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

Some Photos of the 1975 production ‘Bonaventure’.  There is also a copy of the original programme.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

A picture from the 1974 production ‘Ring around the Moon’.  There is also a copy of the original programme and a newspaper clipping.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

A copy of the original poster (in two halves!)for the 1974 production ‘The Cure for Love’.  There is also a newspaper clipping.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

A newspaper picture of the 1973 production ‘A letter from the General’.  There is also a copy of the original programme and a poster.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).

This was the first Players production outside the church, and only one name from the cast lists is still a member, Anne Broom, with Sheila Iley (yet to join) as prompt.

A Photo of the November 1972 production Breath of Spring.  There is also a copy of the original programme and two newspaper clippings.  If you have any additional material relating to this production that you are willing to share – please contact Kevin Bunclark (our archivist).