Thursday 8th January – Audition for The Price to Pay

Thursday 29^th January 2015 – Audition for Neighbourhood Watch

Denise Barry, who is to direct the May production at Davenham is holding an audition for Alan Ayckbourn's Neighbourhood Watch at the theatre on Thursday 29^th January starting at 7:30pm. Please contact Denise if you would like to know more.

Could You Take On our Ticket Sales?

We have to admit that our ticket selling operation could be improved. At present, we have up to three methods by which the public may book tickets and problems have been experienced in recent sell-out shows. We urgently require someone to take ticket booking by the scruff of the neck and come up with a 21^st century, maybe even automated, solution. The committee is open to all suggestions – we just want ticket booking to be permanently fixed! If anyone out there would consider being booking officer for the next and subsequent plays, please contact us here or phone 01606 45186 as we are desperately in need of one person to fulfil this very important job.

Thursday 26th February – Slowlight Quartet

Tickets can be booked by email or by phoning Harry on 01606 74502 or Dave on 01606 44253. Click here to see the Jazz page on the Davenham blog. 

FEMALE OF THE SPECIES BY JOANNA MURRAY SMITH

Many congratulations to the Cast, Crew and Director of Female of the Species which was a complete sell-out for its six-night run at the theatre in November. It was clear to all that the hard work of the cast, the attention to detail of the crew and the determination of the director, Paulette Anderson,  that the production was to be just right paid off in a marvelously entertaining theatrical experience. Michaela Warrilow, the Cheshire Theatre Guild adjudicator, commented "Paulette allowed this production to be character led, an aspect within theatre that most directors are afraid to do". Paulette said "I was so pleased with the audience response and feedback. The cast deserved the praise they received and were ably supported by a great crew. I thank them and all the helpers wholeheartedly."

help Needed Now to design a Davenham Community Mosaic

Our theatre's neighbour Jan Johnson has been making progress with her amazing scheme to build and install a Community Mosaic on the end wall of the theatre yard. Jan came to the committee with a variety of interesting design proposals last week. The committee unanimously selected an option that should give people and organizations within the Davenham community the opportunity to express their part in bringing Davenham together. Jan is now preparing some detailed requirements for the design and construction of the mosaic and is ready to welcome any enthusiastic participants. If you are interested in becoming involved in any way, please contact Jan on 01606 47278.

December e-News

WEDNESDAY 10TH DECEMBER – PLAY READING OF THE PRICE TO PAY
Graham Hough holds a reading of The Price to Pay by Ian Hornby, which requires a mixed cast of seven actors. All are encouraged to attend regardless of previous experience. The play's performance will be in March 2015. Any questions to Graham on 01606 835582. If you can't make the reading, drop Graham a line and come along to the audition anyway on Thursday 8th January.
SATURDAY 13TH DECEMBER - CAROLS AT DAVENHAM MEET 6:30PM AT THEATRE
Longstanding Davenham members will remember that, in the 'old days' it was an annual event for the Davenham Players to sing carols in the village, raising funds for the theatre and then retire to a local hostelry or house for warming refreshment. Mike Beddard suggested that we revive this ancient tradition on Saturday 13th December and it will be so. Verily, we shall meet at the theatre at 6:30pm to distribute carol sheets and maybe have a quick practise. Then we will set forth, following a friendly star, towards the village to sing at various locations and to rattle collection boxes to raise gold, frankincense and myrrh (preferably the former) for the theatre extension project. Please email Paulette if you intend to come so that we have an idea of numbers. NOTE: A torch might be useful!
JAZZ @ DAVENHAM – ZOE GILBEY, WALKER/MCCALLUM, SLOWLIGHT QUARTET
Thursday 18th December - Zoe Gilbey Quartet
Thursday 15th January – Mike Walker / Stuart McCallum
Thursday 26th February – Slowlight Quartet
Tickets can be booked by email or by phoning Harry on 01606 74502 or Dave on 01606 44253. Click here to see the Jazz page on the Davenham blog.
THURSDAY 8TH JANUARY – AUDITION FOR THE PRICE TO PAY
Graham Hough holds an audition for the Davenham Spring production  The Price to Pay by Ian Hornby, which requires a mixed cast of seven actors starting at 7:30pm. The play's performance will be in the week of 9th – 14th March 2015. Any questions to Graham on 01606 835582.
COULD YOU TAKE ON OUR TICKET SALES?
We have to admit that our ticket selling operation could be improved. At present, we have up to three methods by which the public may book tickets and problems have been experienced in recent sell-out shows. We urgently require someone to take ticket booking by the scruff of the neck and come up with a 21st century, maybe even automated, solution. The committee is open to all suggestions – we just want ticket booking to be permanently fixed! If anyone out there would consider being booking officer for the next and subsequent plays, please contact us here or phone 01606 45186 as we are desperately in need of one person to fulfil this very important job.
FRIDAY 23RD JANUARY 2015 – NEW YEAR'S QUIZ NIGHT WITH JAMIE MORRIS
Jamie Morris presents another of his well-liked quizzes - this one based on a New Year theme - at the theatre. Get there for 7:30. Teams of up to four will be accepted and anyone without a team will be found a place. All welcome to this fun but mildly competitive evening. Bar open soon after 7:00pm.
THURSDAY 29TH JANUARY 2015 – AUDITION FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Denise Barry, who is to direct the May production at Davenham is holding an audition for Alan Ayckbourn's Neighbourhood Watch at the theatre on Thursday 29th January starting at 7:30pm. Please contact Denise if you would like to know more.
 FEMALE OF THE SPECIES BY JOANNA MURRAY SMITH
Many congratulations to the Cast, Crew and Director of Female of the Species which was a complete sell-out for its six-night run at the theatre in November. It was clear to all that the hard work of the cast, the attention to detail of the crew and the determination of the director, Paulette Anderson,  that the production was to be just right paid off in a marvelously entertaining theatrical experience. Michaela Warrilow, the Cheshire Theatre Guild adjudicator, commented "Paulette allowed this production to be character led, an aspect within theatre that most directors are afraid to do". Paulette said "I was so pleased with the audience response and feedback. The cast deserved the praise they received and were ably supported by a great crew. I thank them and all the helpers wholeheartedly."
HELP NEEDED NOW TO DESIGN A DAVENHAM COMMUNITY MOSAIC
Our theatre's neighbour Jan Johnson has been making progress with her amazing scheme to build and install a Community Mosaic on the end wall of the theatre yard. Jan came to the committee with a variety of interesting design proposals last week. The committee unanimously selected an option that should give people and organizations within the Davenham community the opportunity to express their part in bringing Davenham together. Jan is now preparing some detailed requirements for the design and construction of the mosaic and is ready to welcome any enthusiastic participants. If you are interested in becoming involved in any way, please contact Jan on 01606 47278.

To sign up for a regular copy of our e-newsletter, just drop an email to dsp.blog1@btinternet.com and we will do the rest. 

NOVEMBER e-NEWS

WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 17TH NOVEMBER – FEMALE OF THE SPECIES BY JOANNA MURRAY SMITH - DIRECTED BY PAULETTE ANDERSON

Tickets for Female of the Species which opens on Monday 17^th November and runs to Saturday 22^nd November are selling well, so much so that the Thursday and Saturday evenings are now sold out. Friday is close behind, but there are ample seats available for Monday to Wednesday. To find out more about the play or to book seats (£8.00 each) you can click on this link.  This humourous yet surprising production is a 6-hander (three women, three men) written by Joanna Murray Smith. The theme involves an established author trying to write a new novel whilst suffering from writer's block. She is surprised at her desk in a country retreat by unexpected guests who divert her attention from the task in hand. There's no interval, so arrive early to get a drink at the bar. Drinks are allowed in the auditorium, but please try not to kick over your glass and remember to take it out with you at the end !

WEEK COMMENCING TUESDAY 11TH NOVEMBER to Saturday 15^th November Caramba's Revenge by William Norfolk  at Moulton

Luckily, you have the chance to see two productions in two weeks with Moulton Drama Group performing the comedy Caramba's Revenge the week before our play at Davenham. Click here to see Moulton's website for further booking information. Tickets are available via www.danarts.org.

Could you help design a Davenham Community Mosaic?

Our theatre's neighbour Jan Johnson made an offer to co-ordinate the design and installation of a Community Mosaic on the end wall of the theatre yard. We are aware that the yard has never been the most attractive part of our surroundings and were keen to accept Jan's offer. To kick off the project, Jan is looking for people with ideas for a design. If you are interested in becoming involved in any way, please reply to this and I will put you in touch with Jan and her team.

JAZZ @ DAVENHAM – The Weave, Midnight Train, Zoe Gilbey

Thursday 27th November - The Weave

Friday 5th December - Midnight Train

Thursday 18th December - Zoe Gilbey Quartet

Tickets can be booked by emailing jazz@davenham.co or by phoning Harry on 01606 74502 or Dave on 01606 44253. Click here to see the Jazz page on the Davenham blog.

Wednesday 26^th November – Play Reading of Neighbourhood Watch

Denise Barry, who is to direct the May production at Davenham is holding a reading of Alan Ayckbourn's Neighbourhood Watch at the theatre on Wednesday 26^th Nov. Starts 7:00pm

CAR PARKING AT DAVENHAM – 20 mph ZONE

Theatre patrons should be aware that Davenham Village centre is now a 20 mph traffic zone and that our theatre lies within this speed restriction. Please take special care when approaching the theatre from the village and when parking. It is important that all our members and visitors are aware that we rely on the tolerance of Church Street residents and we ask all arriving at the theatre by car to:-

·         Park considerately, not blocking any driveway or access

·         When Church Street parking is busy, please drive past the theatre towards the parish church where you will find space. The driver may wish to drop off passengers nearer the theatre before walking back

·         When leaving the theatre, please do so QUIETLY without slamming doors and without noisy conversation

SANTA URGENTLY NEEDED at Blakemere !

Davenham resident Victoria of Blakemere Craft Centre has recently contacted the Players, looking for a second Santa! Victoria says that the new Santa "is to work in our themed Grotto starting on Saturday 15^th November, to work every Saturday and Sunday until the 21^stDecember from 11am until  4 – 5pm depending on demand."

Victoria adds "The successful candidate will join an existing Santa to ‘speed up’ the process through our Grotto. You will be facing the public and will need to demonstrate great personable skills and be a good team member. You will be working with children so high levels of enthusiasm and a passion for the magic of Christmas are essential, along with high levels of customer service and a positive attitude during the busy period. This is a costumed role, which can be provided if you don’t have your own costume. A DBS check will need to be carried out if you don’t already hold one.  Own beard an advantage! (but not essential). £10 an hour paid in cash. Paid weekly. Food provided during the working day." If you are interested in this post, please contact Victoria asap on
01606 883261 victoria@visitblakemere.co.uk

Carols at Davenham Saturday 13^th December

I know it's a bit early to talk about carol singing, but I thought you would like to know about this event in advance as diaries do get full around this time of year. Longstanding Davenham members will remember that, in the 'old days' it was an annual event for the Davenham Players to sing carols in the village, raising funds for the theatre and then retire to a local hostelry or house for warming refreshment. Mike Beddard has suggested that we revive this tradition on Saturday 13^th December. So make a note to come and join us on that day – details of where and time to meet will be announced in good time.

Davenham November Production

CAR PARKING AT DAVENHAM – 2O MPH ZONE

Theatre patrons should be aware that Davenham Village centre is now a 20 mph traffic zone and that our theatre lies within this speed restriction. Please take special care when approaching the theatre from the village and when parking.
It is important that all our members and visitors are aware that we rely on the tolerance of Church Street residents and we ask all arriving at the theatre by car to:-
• Park considerately, not blocking any driveway or access
• When Church Street parking is busy, please drive past the theatre towards the parish church where you will find space. The driver may wish to drop off passengers nearer the theatre before walking back
• When leaving the theatre, please do so QUIETLY without slamming doors and without noisy conversation

WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 17TH NOVEMBER – FEMALE OF THE SPECIES BY JOANNA MURRAY SMITH - DIRECTED BY PAULETTE ANDERSON

Our Autumn production which opens on Monday 17th November is a 6-hander written by Joanna Murray Smith. Paulette Anderson is already rehearsing her three men and three ladies to act in this humourous yet unnerving production. The theme of the play involves an established author trying to write a new blockbuster but suffering from writer's block. She is surprised at her desk in her country retreat by several unexpected guests who divert her attention from the task in hand. That's all I'll say for the time being, except that a cow comes to have some relevance to the plot! Tickets are available NOW. Click here for details.

2014/15 New Season at Davenham

CAR PARKING AT DAVENHAM – 2O MPH ZONE

Theatre patrons should be aware that Davenham Village centre is now a 20 mph traffic zone and that our theatre lies within this speed restriction. Please take special care when approaching the theatre from the village and when parking.
It is important that all our members and visitors are aware that we rely on the tolerance of Church Street residents and we ask all arriving at the theatre by car to:-
• Park considerately, not blocking any driveway or access
• When Church Street parking is busy, please drive past the theatre towards the parish church where you will find space. The driver may wish to drop off passengers nearer the theatre before walking back
• When leaving the theatre, please do so QUIETLY without slamming doors and without noisy conversation

THURSDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 7:30PM –ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

On Thursday 18th September, the AGM of the Davenham & Sandiway Players will be held at the theatre starting at 7:30pm. The committee will report on the activities of the last year and those attending will have the chance to raise for discussion any matters of interest.
FRIDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER 7:30PM - NEIL MCSWEENEY SINGS AGAIN AT DAVENHAM
Andrew Whalley has arranged for Neil McSweeney to perform at Davenham on Friday 19th September. Doors and bar open at 7:30pm for an 8:00pm concert start. Neil McSweeney (born Irvine, Scotland) is a songwriter and musician based in Sheffield. His acoustic guitar playing style combines folk, blues and country influences but it is his voice, likened by The Guardian to "a male Tracy Chapman" and his direct and personal lyrics for which Neil is widely recognized. For more of Neil's biographical and musicological information, see Neil's website at http:/neilmcsweeney.com/ or his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Neil-McSweeney/59584487296. Tickets @ £8.00 can be obtained by phoning Andrew Whalley on 01606 41052 or online via the DAN Website at http://www.danarts.org/events/neil-mcsweeney-in-concert/.

SATURDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 7:30PM –ONE NIGHT ONLY! - LAUGH OUT LOUD

For one night only, Davenham member Denise Barry has brought together our best comedy talent to present an evening of comedy monologues, poems, prose and sketches on Saturday 20th September. If you have a party piece you would like to do in front of an audience, why not come along to the rehearsal on Monday 15th September at 7pm and speak with Denise. Tickets @ £5.00 include a free raffle entry. Doors and bar open 7:00pm.

THURSDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 7:30PM – JAZZ @ DAVENHAM - THE JOHN ELLIS TRIO

Dave Atherton of Jazz @ Davenham asks "Could this be the best programme we have ever produced? We think so". Tickets are now available from the usual sources for the first two gigs and there is a new initiative for 2014/15 in which Jazz @ Davenham would like to reward their fantastic regular customers. The following will apply from the first gig...
• The cost per gig will rise to £10 from £9 (mostly to save hassle on the door) BUT...
• for every 3 gigs attended in the 2014/15 season you will be able to choose the 4th one FREE so...
• if you come to 4 gigs you will be paying £30 instead of £36
The first gig of the season is on Thursday 25th September and features the John Ellis Trio. John's musicianship has been employed by well known artists such as Tom Jones, Corinne Bailey Rae, Lily Allen, John Squire (Stone Roses) and others, as well as being a founder member of The Cinematic Orchestra and contributing heavily to the albums "Everyday" and "Man With The Movie Camera". For more details of this and later gigs, see the Davenham Players blog Jazz page at http://dsp-davenham.blogspot.co.uk/p/jazz.html.
Tickets can be booked by emailing jazz@davenham.co or by phoning Harry on 01606 74502 or Dave on 01606 44253

WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 17TH NOVEMBER – FEMALE OF THE SPECIES BY JOANNA MURRAY SMITH - DIRECTED BY PAULETTE ANDERSON

Our Autumn production which opens on Monday 17th November is a 6-hander written by Joanna Murray Smith. Paulette Anderson is already rehearsing her three men and three ladies to act in this humourous yet unnerving production. The theme of the play involves an established author trying to write a new blockbuster but suffering from writer's block. She is surprised at her desk in her country retreat by several unexpected guests who divert her attention from the task in hand. That's all I'll say for the time being, except that a cow comes to have some relevance to the plot! Tickets are not yet available, but we'll let you know in good time !
See the Players website http://www.davenhamplayers.co.uk/
and blog at http://dsp-davenham.blogspot.com/
Make it one of your favourites for the first news about our events or productions at neighbouring groups.

dsp DATA PROTECTION POLICY
Note that dsp will not pass your personal contact details (including email) to other organizations.
We do occasionally send you information about local events run by other organizations

July at the Players Davenham

Jacqui Campuzano wins Best Supporting Actress at Cheshire Drama Awards

There was great news at the Cheshire Theatre Guild award ceremony earlier this month in Macclesfield, when our own Jacqui Campuzano won the Geoffrey Kellett Cup for Best Supporting Actress for her part in Breathing Corpses.

Well done Jacqui and indeed to directors Graham  Hough and Ed Green.  Although that was the only award won, we were nominated in several sections and adjudicator Garth Jones said some very complimentary things about Peter Brammall and Lauren Bell in Moonshine and about the set for Steaming, for which we thank Arthur Jones. Andrea Scott and Denise Barry also had mentions as portraying a good partnership in Steaming. It was also rewarding to see members Sheila Hetherington and Jerry Park win awards for Glorious and Death of a Salesman at Moulton and Nantwich respectively. Our Secretary Paulette Anderson said afterwards "The awards ceremony is always an entertaining evening and this year was enjoyed by the party of ten of us from Davenham who attended. Very well done to all ! "

LitFest & Music at Davenham in June !

Now, with England almost certainly out of the World Cup, there's not much to watch on TV - at least until Wimbledon anyway - so here's news of events coming up at Davenham. These include three events in the Northwich Litfest (brilliantly organized by local author Susi Osborne) and a music event with Chris Bannister - who last year played music of John Denver to a sell-out audience - organized by Davenham member Denise Barry.

Read on for details…….

Note, if you are having difficulty seeing the images in this newsletter, click here to see the text plus images on our blog.

Chris Bannister sings again at Davenham – Thursday 26^th June

You will probably remember that, last year, singer Chris Bannister performed an evening of John Denver songs at Davenham to great acclaim. Chris returns again in 2014, this time performing his own songs. Tickets are available now by phone on 01606 556646 or on-line from the DANARTS website www.danarts.org. See end of this page for flyer.

Friday 20th June 7:30pm - Lizzie Enfield & Ian WIlliams

A Northwich LitFest event. Lizzie Enfield (formerly worked for the BBC, journalist, novelist, sister of Harry Enfield and equally as entertaining!!), and Ian Williams. The Bad Doctor & The Bad Patient - Two very different writers dealing with matters of life and death and everything in between; anxiety and acceptance, regrets and wrong decisions, fear, friendship, love and loss…cycling, music and the difficulties of being a proper grown up! Ian Williams is a physician and comic artist, whose graphic novel, 'The Bad Doctor', explores the darker side of medicine, revealing the harsh realities of human interaction and behaviour during times of stress and fear. Lizzie Enfield is a journalist and writer whose prose novel, 'Living With It', examines the far-reaching consequences of the MMR controversy through the personal upheaval and emotional turmoil it causes two contemporary families. Together they will discuss the crossovers between medicine and fiction, the responsibilities of writers and doctors towards their patients and subject matters, the use of medical conditions for plot and ethical dilemmas as focus for moral debate. Book Tickets Online Here

Monday 23rd June 7.30pm - Myriad Edition Publishers

A Northwich LitFest event. How To Publish Your Novel - An event which promises to be hugely entertaining as well as highly informative. A representative from Myriad Editions Publishers, together with two authors who have been published by Myriad, discuss how to get published. Making a welcome return to Northwich to host this event (in addition to one on 25th June) is the doyenne of the literary interview - Laura Lockington. Joining Laura will be:- Eleanor Crawforth - Marketing Manager at Myriad Editions Publishers. Nina de la Mer - Author of '4am' and the critically acclaimed 'Layla'. Hannah Vincent - Already a successful playwright, Hannah’s first novel, 'Alarm Girl', was shortlisted for the 2013 Hookline Novel Competition. Book Tickets Online Here

Wednesday 25th June 7.30pm - Julia Crouch and Erin Kelly in conversation with Laura Lockington

A Northwich LitFest event. Dark & Stormy - An Evening of Crime sounds an intriguing event, to say the least! This evening Laura will be talking to two hugely successful authors. Both are writers of crime and psychological thrillers. And with Laura Lockington, the doyenne of bookish-type interviews in the chair, anything is possible! Julia Crouch - Author of the widely acclaimed first novel, 'Cuckoo', which for Julia, resulted in a three book deal with Headline and deals around the world. 'Cuckoo' was followed by 'Every Vow You Break', 'Tarnished' and most recently, 'The Long Fall' - which is about a terrible thing that happened on a Greek island in 1980. Erin Kelly - Author of 'The Poison Tree', 'The Sick Rose' and 'The Burning Air' and her latest book, 'The Ties that Bind'. 'The Poison Tree' was a Richard & Judy Summer Read and became a major ITV drama. Erin has also co-written, with screenwriter Chris Chibnall, 'Broadchurch: The Novel' which will be out in August, ahead of the next TV series. Julia Crouch is a crime fiction writer from Brighton who is published by Headline. Book Tickets Online Here

Thursday 24th July 2014  7:30pm - Audition "Female of the Species

Our Autumn production is already planned and there will be an audition for‘The Female of the Species’ by Joanna Murray Smith on Thursday 24^th July at 7.30pm. The play is to be performed  from 19^th - 22^nd  November and Paulette Anderson will direct. There are plenty of parts of both sexes. 6 characters in all. The 3 females - 1 x student age, 1 x 20’s-30’s, 1 x mature 60ish. The 3 males - 2 x 30ish and 1 x 60 ish. Come along to the read through to find out more. Play copies are available from Paulette on 01606 79779.

See the Players website http://www.davenhamplayers.co.uk/

and blog at http://dsp-davenham.blogspot.com/ 

Make it one of your favourites for the first news about our events or productions at neighbouring groups.

Davenham News

CHRIS BANNISTER SINGS AGAIN AT DAVENHAM – THURSDAY 26TH JUNE 

You will probably remember that, last year, singer Chris Bannister performed an evening of John Denver songs at Davenham to great acclaim. Chris returns again in 2014, this time performing his own songs. Tickets are available now by phone on 01606 556646 and on-line purchase details will be available soon.

April Newsletter

Our last production ‘Steaming’ directed by Jerry Park from Nantwich, proved to be a resounding success with full houses each night. It’s amazing how the people roll up when a bit of bare flesh is on the cards!! We welcomed new member Mandy James amongst the cast and hope she will be with us for a long time to come.

Thanks go to all the people who helped backstage and to Arthur, Bob and their crew for building such a fabulous set.  Due to illness and accident, we struggled  to get enough backstage help  and with a cast of 7, there were precious few members left to offer to do this immensely important job.  Please do offer your help if you are not acting in the play, for every 1 person on stage there are 2 backstage doing their utmost for the smooth running of the play. A big thankyou to Mike Beddard , Sheila Hetherington , John and Ailsa Booth and Jan Johnson who stepped in at the last minute to help Barbara[ stage manager] with props and costumes. Thank you too to Annie Wilson and the bar and front of house staff.

It is not easy being a visiting director, and not being familiar with the group, but Jerry did a great job and travelled a fair distance to direct for us and we hope he will do more for us in the future. He must like us a little bit as this is his second play with us and in this one he had to put up with 6 women [as did poor Pete, being the only man in the cast!!!] Thanks Jerry !

Our next production is ‘Moonshine’ - a beautiful and funny Irish play by Jim Nolan, directed by Barbara Crellin in week beginning 19th May.  Please note that there will be no Saturday performance for this play so it will run from Tues to Fri. Also please note our new policy that all bookings should be paid for in advance.

Barbara has cast her play and has started rehearsals. We welcome new member Peter Brammall and returned member Jon Bowen amongst the cast; also new member, Shaun Dunne, who is bravely treading the boards for the first time.

Due to many spillages from drinks in the auditorium during the last play, the committee have decided that NO DRINKS ARE TO BE TAKEN INTO THE THEATRE DURING A PERFORMANCE.  Drinks will continue to be allowed during music and social events.

A local children’s drama workshop called, coincidentally,  ‘The Young Players’ - see http:/www.youngplayers.co.uk/] use our theatre every Thursday after school and plan to put on their Spring performance in May. How nice it would be if these youngsters could be the Davenham Players of the future.

Talking of new members, please could I remind you that there are still some outstanding subs to be paid from existing members and that you need to be a member to be in a play.  £15 and cheap at the price!!!

Dates for your diary.
24th April -  Jazz -  Amy  Roberts
26th May - read through of ‘The Female of the Species’ by Joanna Murray- Smith [to be our November production] 7.30pm
20th-23rd May - Moonshine By Jim Nolan 7.30pm start  Tickets £8 from 01606 835582 or www.danarts.org
29th May -  Play Reading- Female of the Species led by Paulette Anderson
30th May -  Jazz- Nicola Farnon
5th June – Quiz night –run by Jamie Morris £1 pp. Teams of 4/5. 7.30pm for  an  8pm start. No need to book , just come along.
7th June  - Litfest Event-An evening with the ‘Archer’s’ script writers
12th June - Jazz - Phil Robson Trio
20th June – Litfest Event-Lizzie Enfield & Ian Williams
25th June - Litfest- Julia Crouch- Crime writer.
26th June - Chris Bannister – Chris came in Nov and was well received singing many of John Denver’s songs This time he will be performing his own material.
24th July- Audition  for ‘ The Female of the Species’ which is to performed  19th-22nd Nov and directed by Paulette Anderson 7.30pm. There are 6 characters - 3 of which are female –
1  x student age, 1 x 20’s-30’s,  1 x mature 60ish . 3 male - 2 x 30ish and 1 x 60 ish. Come along to the read through & to find out more. Play copies are available from me.  Hope to see you at all or at least, some of these events.

Paulette.

Audition for Moonshine - Wednesday 5th March 7:30pm

Davenham Easter production – Moonshine by Jim Nolan 21st-24th May 2014

Award-winning director Barbara Crellin  has found another unusual and thought-provoking Irish play to present in 2014. Easter - time . A seaside town in the south of Ireland. The Protestant church is closing down and the local undertaker is determined to stage a ' version' of A Midsummer Night's Dream - how the two are related forms the story of the play - moving and funny as many Irish plays are...

There will be a read through on Wednesday 26th Feb with a first audition on Wednesday 5th March.

Cast is 4 men ages ranging from 20s to 60s
2 women in their 20s- 30s
These ages can be a little flexible......

January e-News

Welcome to a New Year of varied entertainment at Davenham.

This is your January e-news and there's quite a lot of it ! To help you find the things that might interest you, I have tried to use a little colour-coding.

For DRAMA – look for the BLUE sectionS

For MUSIC – look for the RED sectionS

For Members' activities – look for the GREEN section.

Hope you are following this so far – off we go !

HELP WANTED WITH davenham spring production –19^th-22^nd Feb

We are looking for a number of bodies to help with Steaming (see below). Jobs like Costume Supervisor, which can be done largely before the production, Props Supervisor and Scene Change Assistants. We would also welcome offers of help Front Of House and Bar.

If you feel you can help, especially in final rehearsals and the week of the play, please contact me by replying to this eMail or phoning Paulette on 01606 79779.

davenham spring production – steaming by nell dunn 19^th-22^nd Feb

Jerry Park, visiting director from Nantwich and cast (see below) are already rehearsing Steaming by Nell Dunn. This is a play in an unusual setting – a Turkish Bath in Manchester. The baths are threatened with closure (some things don't change!) and a group of lady bathers are discussing their past lives and how they will cope if and when the baths close. The cast is Violet - Denise Barry, Bill (the only man, never seen) Peter Lownds, Josie (who has had a fascinating life) - Andrea Scott, Mrs Meadow - Paulette Anderson, Dawn - Pam Molloy, Nancy - Lorraine Dunne, Jane - Mandy James.

Although you might think that costumes in a Turkish Bath are not going to be a problem, this is one of several jobs that need to be done backstage and front of house. If you can help, please contact me by replying to this or phone Paulette on 01606 79779.

the young players – CHILDREN'S DRAMA CLASS STARTS this week at davenham 

As their website says " The Young Players is an exciting new theatre school based near Northwich in Cheshire". The Young Players is led by two local former drama professionals – Jess Lloyd and Tom Guest. From 9^th January 2014, their weekly drama class will be held at Davenham Players Theatre leading to a series of performance projects for children aged 7 to 12. In December the Young Players presented their Christmas production Hoodwinked at Davenham, drew good audiences and both children and leaders enjoyed the experience of performing at Davenham. Because of this, they asked to be able to use Davenham as their permanent venue from January and this was agreed with the proviso that the classes would not be allowed to interfere with existing music and drama activities at our theatre.

If you have a child who might be interested in joining the Young Players, you can contact Jess Lloyd by phone on 07875744655 or by email on Hello@youngplayers.co.uk. For further information see their website at http://youngplayers.co.uk/

davenham Easter production – moonshine by jim Nolan 21^st-24^th May

Award-winning director Barbara Crellin  has found another unusual and thought-provoking Irish play to present in 2014. Easter - time . A seaside town in the south of Ireland. The Protestant church is closing down and the local undertaker is determined to stage a ' version' of A Midsummer Night's Dream - how the two are related forms the story of the play - moving and funny as many Irish plays are... There will be a read through on Wednesday 26th Feb with a first audition on Wednesday 5th March.

Cast is 4 men ages ranging from 20s to 60s
2 women in their 20s- 30s
These ages can be a little flexible......

A CHANCE TO SEE ED GREEN AS WIDOW TWANKEY IN HIS FIRST (LAST?) PANTO

Antrobus Players
Present
Steve Shaw's
 ALADDIN
At Antrobus Village Hall
On Friday 24th January 2013 at 7.30pm
Saturday 25th January 2014 at 7.30pm
Sunday 26th January 2014 at 2.30pm
Booking Forms for tickets available from Village Shop or telephone 01606 891379

JAZZ @ DAVENHAM 2014 SEASON

Jazz@Davenham restarts Thursday 23^rd January with the Josh Kemp Quartet. As usual, there is full programme of Jazz music running up to Summer 2014. This year's dates released so far are:-

Thursday 23rd January 2014 – Josh Kemp Quartet

A London based band including Tim Lapthorn, Piano; Mick Hutton, Double Bass; and the wonderful playing of Matt Skelton on Drums, as well as Josh on sax. (Mick Hutton was last at Davenham with Julian Arguelles!)

Thursday 27th February 2014 – Steve Oakes Quintet

Straight ahead jazz with one of our stalwart jazz@davenham supporters and favourite jazz guitarists. Steve is joined by Gavin Barras on bass, Ed Kainyek on tenor sax, Tim Franks on drums and George King on piano.

Thursday 27th March 2014 - White Canvas Quartet

A kaleidoscopic blend of catchy melodies, toe-tapping beats and free-flowing improvisation that refuses to be categorised. Barry Dallman on Piano, Andrew Hulme on Guitar, Grant Russell on Bass and Adam Goldberg on Drums

Thursday 24th April 2014 - Amy Roberts Quintet

A favourite at Davenham, Amy features with the Chris Barber Band. Amy Roberts - flute, clarinet and saxes, Ian Bateman - trombone, Tom Kincaid or Craig Milverton - piano, Sandy Suchodolski or Jim Swinnerton - bass, Nick Millward or John Watson - drums. 

Friday 30th May 2014 - Nicola Farnon Trio

Another Jazz gig, but note on Friday not Thursday.  A classic performer, whether in the Ella Fitzgerald swing or Dusty Springfield soul mould - Nicola Farnon is widely recognized as one of the classiest and accomplished jazz/swing vocalists in the UK. With her unique talent as swinging vocalist and double bass player she has accumulated many years of experiences and performed with some of the world's top musicians - whether headlining or playing alongside such greats as Georgie Fame, Alan Price, Claire Teale, Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth.

For full details, see the Jazz page on the Davenham Blog at http://dsp-davenham.blogspot.co.uk/p/jazz.html

Midnight Train at Hartford Social Club Friday 7th February

Midnight Train have roots going back to the late sixties when they were a popular blues and soul band regularly playing at venues like the legendary ‘Twisted Wheel’ club in Manchester haunt of bands like John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton, The Spencer Davies Group with Steve Winwood and many other big names from both sides of the Atlantic.

Midnight Train still has two of the original band joined by four other experienced members all of whom have played with a range of bands over the years but have now returned to their original musical influences and play an eclectic mix of blues, rhythm and blues, some classic soul and a sprinkling of jazz by artists as diverse as Muddy Waters, Van Morrison, J J Cale, The Animals, B B King, Eric Clapton, Dr Feelgood, Little Walter, Wilson Pickett and even a bit Gershwin.

The line up sees Clive Pritchard on vocals, Martin Watts on guitar, Stewart Speirs on harmonica, Brian Booker on bass guitar and Mike Storey on drums. During the evening we will also be treated to a set from that the talented singer / songwriter Pauline Wright. A great start to the weekend on a night which re-visits many R&B classics and will be sure to have your feet tapping and your memories stirred!

URGENT – FEMALE ACTOR/SINGER NEEDED AT MOULTON

Is there some wonderful lady out there who is willing and able to take on a delicious part in "Glorious", as our leading lady has been obliged to leave us. It's a wonderful, award winning comedy going on from Feb 25 - March 1st and we were just about to start rehearsing, Tues, Thurs, Sun eve's at Moulton Drama group. Singer preferred but we can always use mime if that suits. Likely candidates please contact Sheila Hetherington 01606 551673 straight away.

NORTHWICH'S GOT TALENT – AUDITIONS 12^TH JAN AT THE GLADSTONE CLUB

WHERE IS ALL THE TALENT IN NORTHWICH?

You'd better believe it – Northwich Does Have Talent ! And Joanne Storey (assistant Secretary of the Northwich Carnival Committee 07887 498191) wants to find it at the Gladstone Club, Northwich CW9 5RB auditions starting 1pm on Sunday 12^th January. The Final is on  SATURDAY 25TH JANUARY 2014 starting at 7.30 pm and is being held  at Winnington Recreation Club in Northwich.

You could win £500 too – all talents welcome. To qualify for entry, you must be at least 12 years of age your home must be within one of the "CW" postal areas. For full details and to download an entry form (£2.00 fee for individuals) click on the following url http://www.gonorthwich.co.uk/whats-on/northwichs-got-talent/

Who Killed Cupid Murder Mystery in aid of 1st Davenham Scouts

Here is an opportunity for anyone with some free time on 14^th February and who would like to help the 1^st Davenham Scouts with a rather fun fundraiser – a murder mystery evening to be held at Davenham British Legion. They are looking for (as some of our leaders are a little shy when it comes to acting!!!) people to fill several parts – see below. A three-course meal will be provided for anyone wishing to help out. The play is mainly scripted and we do have character booklets for each person.

Rehearsals will be held in Davenham Primary School as Head Teacher Phil Hilditch has kindly said he will be Di Bobby Wood! just waiting for school to return after hols for dates. Costumes are anything that suits the part/wedding stuff if people haven't got things like tight trousers am sure we can scrounge from somewhere!!!

We are still looking for the following people 

Mike Dupp – Sound FX coordinator. There’s no better way to say it: this man’s a geek! But the noises he can make with the oddest things are truly amazing!

Tony Deff – Gondolier. Tony cuts a fantastic figure in his striped traditional gondolier’s shirt, waistcoat and tight trousers. Just don’t ask him to sing – you’ll regret it!

Aaron Ageestring – Guitarist. With long hair and glasses Aaron seems to be a bit behind the times in flares and sandals; but he plays well enough.

Iona Kamara – Photographer. With a camera around her neck, and in a business suit, weddings (or murders for that matter) are all simply business for Iona. With this part, they are hoping to try and find someone with a camera who wants to earn a little bit of money by taking photos of guests as they arrive (we are asking people to come in wedding attire) or if they would like to donate them to us to sell!!

For more information, you can contact Pat Barlow at p.barlow27@hotmail.co.uk. There is also a Facebook page Who Killed Cupid Murder Mystery (in aid of 1st Davenham Scouts).

dp Subscriptions now due - £15.00

Please send yours to Paulette Anderson at subs are now due  £15.00 payable to Davenham Players and sent to 24 Queensgate Castle Northwich CW8 1DX

See the Players website http://www.davenhamplayers.co.uk/

and blog at http://dsp-davenham.blogspot.com/ 

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