Valentines is the theme for Dorset Voices at St Michael's church Penselwood, Saturday Feb 11th 2012 at 7.30pm.Tickets cost £7 on the door. A Raffle will raise funds for CRY and ticket sales will be shared between the Players and the church.. Venue information
Winfrith Drama are presenting "Stepping Out" by Richard Harris in Winfrith on 30th and 31st March. Tickets from Winfrith post office or use the booking form on their website .winfrithdramagroup.org
2011 Archive
John Bowles devised a Dorset Voices evening held at Tarrant Keynston on Saturday 3rd December. The Players enjoyed the evening every bit as much as the audience and organisers. It was great to have Brian Slater back in his role as Master of Ceremonies. The friendly banter between him, the Players, and a young member of the audience, made an excellent evening of entertainment pass all too quickly.
A Thanksgiving service for Norrie Woodhall's Life took place at the United Church, Dorchester, 2pm, Monday 21st November 2011. Norrie was very proud of her New Hardy Players and would have loved the devotion shown by everyone there.
The Social evening was a wonderful occassion. We thought about Norrie, wished Anita well before she goes to Edinburgh, and said Happy Birthday! to Jill. Jill's cake was accompanied by bubbly generously provided by her - Thanks Jill!. Mike and Pat Toms joined us as honoured guests and friends, and announced that Norrie asked that we create two annual awards. One for a worthy young actor, the other for a senior member.
Charles Buckler has invited us back to Penselwood in the Spring of 2012.
We have donated £5000 to the Weldmar Hospice Trist. Well dne to everyone involved for making 2011 such a special year.
Norrie asked us to perform "The Woodlanders" for our 2012 summer production. The adaptation is now being written by Emily Fearn with the help of Devina Symes.
Five players performed a 10 minute opener for the Volunteers Centre's Annual Awards evening.
A small group performed a short programme at the Durbeyville Centre, Wool to help the Cancer Research groups fund raiser
After eleven successful performances our 2012 tour of Tess of the d’Urbervilles had its grand finale at Athelhampton House on August Bank holiday. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this production such an outstanding success.
A special performance of Tess took place in the garden of Max Gate, Dorchester
Devina and Brian Caddy took part in the Big Dorset brunch on BBC Radio Solent, Saturday 13th August 2011. Harry Crawford asked them how the NHPs came about and gave them the opportunity to promote the forthcoming Max gate and Athelhampton performances of Tess.
The New Hardy Players were invited by the BBC to perform the wife selling scene from The Mayor of Casterbridge for an insert into their Countrywise programme. In the programme, first broadcast on Sunday 14th August 2011, John Craven explores Hardy Country in some detail. The Players travelled to Weyhill fairground near Andover, which Hardy probably visited and imagined to be Weydon Fair. The programme can be viewed using the BBC iPlayer.
June 2011
Performances at Moignes Court and Corfe Castle went very well, despite the weather conditions!
The first performance of Tess of the d'Urbervilles took place on Friday 3rd June 2011. Norrie Woodhall as the guest of honour and enjoyed seeing hardy's masterpiece performed in the Corn Exchange Dorchester for the first time since 1924, 87 years since she first appeared before Hardy himself to deliver the extra line he gave to her character Liza Lou. Norie's sister Gertrude played Tess, who he felt was the ideal vision of his character. Emma Hill played Tess alongside Eddie Dale as her true love Angel Clare and Terry Bird as the bounder Alec d'Urberville. The scipt was adapted by Devina Symeswho include the final scene as done in the 1924 version at the request of Norrie
May 2011
Norrie Woodhall enjoyed a special preview of some key scenes from Tess at her home. Norrie passed her much valued opinion and gave her enthusiastic approval.
April 2011
Rehearsals for Tess are well under way to be ready for the first performance on Friday 3rd June at the Corn Exchange, Dorchester. Information
The London Hermit: Or Rambles in Dorsetshire was performed in the Dorset County Museum on 29th April.
February 2011
The AGM was held 7th March 2011 at Magna, Hollands House, Poundbury Road, Dorchester.
December 2010
From Time to Time was on ITV Boxing day
Happy Birthday! to our wonderful president on reaching her 105th year. To celebrate this wonderful occasion Norrie performed two of her own poems during a special presentation at the United Church, Dorchester. An Audience with Norrie was devised by Devina Symes for the New Hardy Players to make Norrie's birthday a very special day. Despite the snow and difficult travelling conditions Norrie, her family, the Players and the audience made it to the church and had a wonderful time.listening to music, poems and readings, and enjoying birthday cake, sandwiches and mince pies.
November 2010
Auditions for Tess took place on Sunday 28th November, 2.30pm for a 3pm start on Sunday 21st November at Magna, Holland House, Poundbury Road, Dorchester. DT1 1SW.
“An Audience with Norrie” to celebrate her 105th birthday, plus a book signing of her 2nd book took place at the United Church, South Street, Dorchester on Saturday 18th December at 3.pm. A hardy audience came along to share Norrie's birthday cake and enjoy a cup of tea. Payment by donation. Devina Symes devised the programme
A presentation of Seasonal readings took place at Poundbury Garden Centre, New Poundbury during the afternoon of Saturday 4th December 2011. Brian Caddy organised the programme.
A read through of Devina’s adaptation of Tess took place on Sunday 21st November
Our social evening was a great success at the Octagon, on Thursday 18th November. Thanks to everyone who took part.
BBC RADIO 4 THE LAST OF THE HARDY PLAYERS
The New Hardy Players and our wonderful President Norrie took part in this first class programme. Julian Fellowes told the story of The Hardy Players, an amateur theatre group inspired and supported by Thomas Hardy, whose celebrity status drew London critics to Dorchester to review the performances for the national newspapers. Original cast member Norrie Woodhall, who still performs occasionally with The New Hardy Players, recalls the rehearsals at the author's home. More info
Tess of the d'Urbervilles - Dates - Read through 3pm Sunday 21st November at Hollands House, Poundbury Road, Dorchester. Auditions 28th November, same time, same venue.
Thursday 18th November 7pm for 7.30pm; Our social evening at the Octagon. Please tell Devina if you are coming
Please support a brilliant production from an excellent theatre company run by our dear friend Jane McKell..The As One Theatre Company present a final performance for the autumn season of "She Opened the Door!", Mowlem Theatre, Swanage - 6th November, 7.30pm - 01929 422 239. The play is based on fact interweaving the real and fictional women from Hardy's life and work with his first wife Emma at its heart. More info.
The Dorchester Volunteers Awards evening held 28th October was opened by our variation of th "sniffing scene" from The Distracted Peacher. A small cast worked with Tim Laycock to create a piece of fun that would involve the audience and be relevant to the theme of volunteering. An audience of volunteers from across Dorset enjoyed joining in to sniff out barrels fo French brandy, hidden from the "Revenue" by the villagers (smugglers) of Hardy's invention, Nether Moynton (Owermoigne)
Many Players attended a reception at the Dorset County Musuem and everyone had the opportunity to view the museums latest exhibition "Thomas Hardy on Stage and Screen", in whch the original Hardy Players are the major feature. Dr Keith Wilson talked about "Hardy Performed: Thomas Hardy and the Stage" 7.30pm on Thursday 4th November.
Did you know that we have raised more than £30.000 for the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust and over £12,000 for other Dorset good causes?
Players who were extras in Julian Fellowes new film "From Time to Time" attended a showing in the Athelhampton House Cinema along with friends and supporters. Congratulations to all for such a remarkable performance! Thanks to Patrick Cooke, proud owner of the setting for this brilliant film, for his hospitality.
Buckham Fair, Sunday 22nd August, was a bit wet! Despite the weather condidtions and a noisy Bucking Bronco, we managed several readings. Norrie arrived in style on a pony and trap and had a thorougly good time chatting with us, looking at news cuttings, and meeting Martin Clunes. Now we know the score we can plan better for it next year.
The first reprise performance of The Mayor of Casterbridge took place at the Lighthouse, Poole on Friday 23rd July 2010. What a marvellous effort from cast and crew! The performance was faultless and the audience suitably impressed. There was at least one convert to Hardy - one of the excellent techhnical crew from the Lighthouse. He will not be the only one who has found that Hardy is not quite what they thought! The following performance at the United Church, Dorchester on Sunday 25th July was very well received by a knowledgeable and interested international audience, many attending the Hardy Conference. The feedback from both performances has been very positive indeed.
The Distracted Preacher
A "hardy" crowd enjoyed a performance in the lovely setting of Lulworth Cove. The cliffs in the background helped to create Hardy's imaginary Lulwind Cove and the smuggling that took place there in his well observed story "The Distracted Preacher". The weather provide its own special effects to create the illusion of the cliff tops on a wet and blustery night. The whole cast played on without hesitation as the weather threatened to repeat the Millennium Green experience. The audience didn't pay the weather much attention, and a special mention for the young couple in T shirts who simply cuddled up together, the young lady even took part as a " very engaging little sniffer" in the brandy hunt scene.
Hundreds turned up on a glorious sunny eveing to watch The Distracted Preacher in the Borough Gardens, Dorchester on Sunday 27th July. A large sum of money was collected from the very appreciative audience, so we will make sizeable donation to local charity. We ere honoured that Town Mayor Les Phillips and his wife Vonty attended. Special thanks to the Town Clerk Dennis Holmes and his staff for helping to make this such a great event.
Corfe Castle was a the atmospheric setting for The Distracted Preacher on Sunday 20th June, The audience of 80+ included the wife and friends of the late Ray Sargent who adapted the play. Thanks to many of the audience who took the trouble to make such positive and encouraging comments. Next performance is in the Borough Gardens Dorchester, 27th June at 6,30pm. Please arrive by 4.30pm
The first performance went very well indeed, despite the extreme special weather effects, which actually addded to the bleakness of the cliff top scene set at Lulwind Cove! Well done to everyone for such a magnificent effort. The next performance is at Corfe Castle.
Rehearsals for the Distracted Preacher ended with the final dress rehearsal at West Stafford Village Hall
Hardy’s Night – Chapter and Verse: Thanks to all who supported this very worthwhile cause. It was a marvellous evening and raised a fantastic £2,400 towards the cause. The manuscripts have been saved and will be returned to Dorchester very soon! Anita has put together a super album of her photo’s taken during the South Street Skimitty ride and the wonderful performance in the museum.
The Distracted Preacher - Performances
Sunday 13th June on the Millenium Green, Bridport
Sunday 20th June at Corfe Castle .
Sunday 27th June at the Borough Gardens Dorchester
Friday 2nd July on the Green by Lulworth Cove
The Mayor of Casterbridge:
Rehearsals for the ‘Mayor’ are at West Stafford Hall on Thursdays the 15th and 22nd July at 7.pm. and Sundays the 11th and 18th of July at 3.pm. Performance dates: Friday 23rd July at The Lighthouse at 7.30pm, and Sunday 25th July at the United Church, Dorchester at 8.pm.
New dates for your Calendar!
Saturday 5th June outside County Hall, late afternoon: As part of the Hardy birthday weekend, the NHPs performed an extract from the ‘Preacher'.
Saturday15th May at the Rex Cinema, Wareham at 7.15pm: There was a showing of the Gryphon School’s production of ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’.
Sunday 22nd August on Beaminster Downs 10.am – 4.pm: This is a Country fair organised by Martin Clunes. Norrie’s great nephew, Michael, is a sponsor and asked Martin if the NHPs could take part. The answer was a resounding ’yes!’ Martin asked if we would come in costume and perhaps perform some poems or a short play.
More news: Our social evening at the Octagon, Poundbury on Friday 26th March was a great success. Lorna Chiniah and her sister Ann joined us to talk about their Great Aunt Dolly who worked for the Hardy's at Max Gate. Thanks to Jane and Jason for a lovely meal.
A Skimmity ride took place in South Street, Dorchester on Saturday 13th February to help publicise Hardy's Evening Chapter and Verse (12th March) and to highlight the need save the Hardy manuscript collection. Thanks to all who helped.
The new committee for 2010 comprises:
Chairman Andy Worth: Vice Chairman Brian Slater: Hon Sec Emily Fearn Hon Treasurer Brian Caddy. Committee members: Devina Symes, Sue Worth, Diane Stonham, Jenny Trotman, Linda Faulkner, Anita Harries, Jan Graham. Terry Bird.
Our annual AGM took place on 27th January. John Yonwin stood down as Chairman, as did Hon.Secretary Linda Faulkner, The meeting expressed its sincere thanks for the sterling work they have both done while in office
NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2010
A Very Happy New Year to you all!
The autumn and winter 2009 Dorset Voices were well received and £387 was raised for the group. Thank you to all who took part.
The first event for 2010 is a fundraising one to help purchase some Hardy manuscripts, which, if not enough money is raised, will go abroad. The manuscripts were once owned by Harry Tilley and are the scripts of the Hardy Players. They include 12 of Hardy’s novels and short stories which date from 1908 – 1924.
The date is Friday 12th March at 7:30pm; the venue, the Dorset County Museum. It will be a Dorset Voices type evening with Hardy or Hardy related pieces.
Monday 15th March, Dorset Voices at West Lulworth Village Hall. (evening). The NHPs will be entertaining the W.I. Group Meeting. Diane and Devina are organising.
The Cornwall weekend: 5th – 7th March. Four members of the group went to Cornwall to perform The Queen of Cornwall on the cliffs at Tintagel.
The Distracted Preacher:
Sunday 14th March: The ‘read through’ took place at West Stafford Village Hall.
Sunday 21st March: The auditions took place at West Stafford village hall.
Thursday 25thMarch and every Thursday until 29th April 7.10pm for a 7.30pm start – rehearsals at the Church Hall, Broadmayne.
Thursday 13th May until Thursday 3rd June 7.10pm for a 7.30pm start rehearsals at West Stafford village hall.
Performance Dates: There are two confirmed dates:
Sunday 20th June at Corfe Castle 7.pm.
Sunday 27th June at the Borough gardens Dorchester at 6.30pm.
Other dates could be Sundays the 6th and 13th June: Friday and Saturday the 2nd and 3rd July or Friday and Saturday 9th and 10th July. Sundays the 4th and 11th July are also possibilities. Not all these dates will be needed.
The Mayor of Casterbridge:
Performance dates: Friday 23rd July at The Lighthouse at 7.30pm, and Sunday 25th July at the United Church, Dorchester at 8.pm.
Rehearsals for the ‘Mayor’ are dependant on when the ‘Preacher’ finishes, but could be on Sundays 11th and 18th July, and Thursdays 15th and 22nd July.
SOCIAL: At the Octagon, Poundbury on Friday 26th March. 7pm for 7.30pm. This will be a Curry evening: Cost £7-50 per head for two courses. The New Hardy Players Newsletter UPDATE - September 2009
Happy Birthday to our President. Norrie reached the stately age of 104 then went on to perform at the County Museum one day later!
The Christmas Dorset Voices at the County Museum was a resounding success, despite Norrie giving us all a bit of a fright. The audience were very complimentary about the whole evening. Many commented that Norrie gave the best ever performance of The Ruined Maid. We were all enthralled by her surprise poem about her feelings and aspirations for the players. What a trooper!
St Mary's church at Netherbury was a lovley venue for a Christmassy Dorset Voices on 12th December. A full house not only enjoyed the poetry and readings, but the company of Norrie Woodahall who read two poems exquisetly. As Norrie will be 104 just before the next Dorset Voices at the County Museum on the 19th of December, we all sng her Happy Birthday.
The good people of Sydling were wonderful hosts to Dorset Voices on a very wet 5th of December. The sausage rolls were spectacular and the audience as warm hearted as the scrumptius mince pies!
Our Social evening at the Octagon cafe, Poundbury, Dorchester. took place on Saturday 21st November at the Octagon Cafe, Poundbury. At least 20 members enjoyed a fine meal and each others company.
Dorset Voices at Pen Selwood was a great success. £700 was raise for CRY. Charles and Rosalind were very touched by the great number of players that made the effort to travel so far to help their cause. Sincere thanks to all, and Well done!
23rd September, our president, Norrie Woodhall, presented two cheques to Caroline Nickinson from the Weldmar Hospice for the wonderful combined amount of £3,765. It was a happy occasion attended by Mrs Cree from Moignes Court, our chairman, John Yonwin, Brian Caddy, Diane Stonham and Devina Symes.
Following feedback from the cast of `The Mayor of Casterbridge', and the recent committee meeting, the following decisions have been taken for 2010.
The Mayor of Casterbridge will be performed on Sunday 25th July in the evening at the United church for the Hardy Society's bi-annual conference. Also on Friday 23rd July at the Lighthouse at Poole. This will be in the evening. Further information will follow in the next newsletter. Rehearsal will be twice a week (Thurs and Sun) from the 8th July.
Our main production for 2010 will be `The Distracted Preacher', which was adapted by the very talented Ray Sargent, who sadly died in 2008. We are very fortunate that Tim Laycock is joining us to direct this production, which promises to be a lot of fun, and will include songs and dances. Rehearsals will begin on Thursday evenings in March, with performances in June and early July. More information in the next newsletter.
