Over the next few weeks I have the opportunity to follow the UP production team and some of the longer standing performing members and quiz them about past roles and also about how they are getting the next production ready at the Palace Theatre.  As a keen theatre goer I have always wondered about what goes on behind the scenes – the set itself has to be designed and built in a particular space; the set has to be dressed with appropriate interior designs and furnishings; costumes and props have to be sorted not to mention lighting and sound effects.   The first decisions being made by the UP team are about set design.  David Humphries is set designer and has kindly agreed to answer some questions:

David……..How long have you been a member of the UP?  -  I got dragged along to the UPs in the year 2000 just to hang a few doors. Farce was the speciality and as everyone knows the loss of trousers and numerous doors play vital parts in every farce. Of course one thing led to another and as often happens it became impossible to leave and my role expanded to designing & constructing sets for our village hall productions and our annual production on the professional stage in Redditch.

Which behind the scenes jobs do you usually get involved with? – As well as working on the set and other effects I also run the Ullenhall Player’s mailing list and the box office for village hall productions.

What has been your favourite production so far and why? – A parent should never have a favourite child! But if pressed I would say that our production of “No Room For Love” by Anthony Marriott & Bob Grant at the Redditch Palace Theatre because it won hands down for the number of doors (7+) and it had a “working” lift.

Do you get involved with set designs for others? – I don’t, but anyone is welcome to get in touch – if you can afford me!

You have most recently designed the set of the next UP production “Season’s Greetings” – What kind of set is this going to be? – All our productions are normally staged at a single location indoors. This one is no exception.

Any particular design issues that you have had to deal with? – The exception to the previous rule is that the set this time covers three rooms and a staircase at the same time – come along and see how we do it!

How do you make sure the designs work at the Palace Theatre – does this stage present any particular challenges? Because of the way our productions are staged they are normally in a “box” set. This enables us to use a set of standard flats to create walls, doors & windows. At Redditch the stage slopes down towards the audience (at one in 27 for the technical), this in its self creates problems keeping the set upright (so that the doors work)! With this production we also have the staircase leading to a landing. Building this in the short time that we have available is a challenge that we will rise to as we always do! 

I know that you are given very short building time on stage at the Palace Theatre in Redditch – I’m looking forward to seeing what the Season’s Greetings set will look like and how those three rooms and staircase are going to work.

More quizzing soon – watch this space and feel free to send in any production related questions to Sue at ullenhallplayers@1066.uk.com to pass on to the UP cast and crew.

To book tickets contact the Civic Hall or call Malcolm on 01789 763901.

Click here for more information: Me & My Girl poster 2012

We are later than usual this year at the Palace Theatre in Redditch, and the dates are the Wednesday the 23rd to Saturday the 26th of May.

This will be our production of “Season’s Greetings” by Alan Ayckborn. We will be sending more information about this Christmas themed comedy when tickets are available. To join our mailing or email list send your details to ullenhallplayers@1066.uk.com.

I just wanted you all to know how much my wife and I enjoyed your performance of Ghost Writer, last week.

The story is a clever concept, all the actors were strong and enthusiastic, there were no weak links, and the performance ran smoothly and tightly from start to finish. Comedies can be dire if someone’s timing is out and there are embarrassing pauses. We think it would go down very well at Hall Green Little Theatre. Congratulations! – Tony Parsons

“Ghost Writer” – what an excellent evening’s entertainment. A very strong cast, a good story, a good set – and an excellent atmosphere in the small but attractive venue.
Well done Aston Cantlow for making a new home for Ullenhall Players!
Graham Robson

Thanks to everyone who has sent us such great comments, and to the nearly four hundred folk that came along to Aston Cantlow last week to see us.

If you know anyone who would like to find out about future Ullenhall Players productions they can be on our mailing list by sending details to ullenhallplayers@1066.uk.com

David came along to the last night and left us a most complimentary message. This is followed by a selection of the other marks of appreciation that we have received.

Just to say thanks for a great show and for all your hospitality – you represent all that’s great about amateur theatre, both on and off stage, so please keep doing what you do.

My work is safe in your hands!

Regards
David Tristram

We have seen you several times perform at the Palace theatre, Redditch and it is always an enjoyable experience.
Last night was really enjoyable. The play itself had such a good script and the cast were excellent and the whole production very professional and all credit to you all for getting involved. Many of us also approved of the collection being given to the Samaritans, such a worthy cause.
Once again, thank you for the time and effort. Hope I will see you all again in your next production.
Best wishes. Maureen Pullen

What a brilliant show you all gave last night! We had a wonderful entertaining evening – thank you so much. Congratulations! – Janet Sweet

Keep a look out for our next production at Redditch on 23rd to 26th May 2012

Here are some great comments for our audience:

Hi. My wife & I came to see Ghost Writer last night at Aston Cantlow. What a fabulous show it was! We were laughing from the start and thought the standard of acting was just brilliant.  We have seen lots of your productions and thought this was probably the best yet.  Thanks for a super evening’s entertainment and please pass on our congratulations to the cast and team.  We look forward to your next production. Best wishes, Adrian and Wendy Peters.

We came to see Ghost Writer last night and thought it was just terrific! A superb cast with some great acting and spot on delivery. Alex was hilarious, but everyone played their parts perfectly. A truly fab night. Why are you not touring this show?! More people should have the same treat we had! Well done to all concerned! – Emma Chadwick

My husband & I came to see Ghost Writer last night and just wanted to say a huge thank you for a fabulous evening! We couldn’t believe we were watching amateur theatre. It was terrific.  Hope the other nights go as well for you all. Well done! – Jayne Green

There’s a full house tonight (Friday), but a few seats left on Saturday – get along – we wouldn’t want you to be disappointed!

David Tristram’s “GHOST WRITER” has been selected for your delight and to book you can call 0121 706 1066 or email boxoffice@ullenhallplayers.co.uk

The production is on stage at the Village Hall in Aston Cantlow on the 27th, 28th & 29th of October and curtain up is at 7:30pm on each night.

If you’re not familiar with Aston Cantlow Village Hall it is just opposite the Red Lion in the centre of the village and the address is:

10 Bearley Road  Aston Cantlow   HENLEY IN ARDEN   B95 6HZ

Here is a brief synopsis to whet your appetite……

A London theatre company decides to stage a new production of Shakespeare’s classic Hamlet – fronted by TV Soap star Julian Dando, and backed by a cast of second-rate hams.

At the last-night party is one Edward Pinfold, a promising young playwright, and husband of the talented but tempestuous actress, Ruby, who had played Ophelia.

Tragically, that very night, Ruby – a renowned reveller with a reputation for burning the candle at all three ends – is found dead in bed from an overdose of naughty pills and booze.

The theatre world went into a state of mourning that barely lasted into the afternoon. One year later, however, Edward remains deeply affected. Unable to face the emotional torment of living in his own home, he has moved into the attic room of one of his oldest actor friends, Alex.

Alex, by the way, is gay. Now, that may well have nothing to do with anything. But then again, it might. I mention it merely because it is a fact, though how pertinent a fact you will have to wait and see.

So, there you have it. I trust you have followed me so far. Because what happens next, as Alex once famously said, could be a bit hard to swallow. We join the story on the first anniversary of the death of Ruby Pinfold. May she rest in peace…..

Tickets for this production can be ordered by calling 0121 706 1066 or emailing: boxoffice@ullenhallplayers.co.uk