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Chesil Theatre
  • What's On
    • past productions
  • Get Involved
    • giving
    • Youth Theatre
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What's behind the little red door on Chesil Street?

13/6/2018

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PictureRed Door Chesil Street Photo credit: Tony Rogers
It's the home of Chesil Theatre, a friendly and welcoming Dramatic Society which has been entertaining Hampshire audiences since 1863 and since 1966 in this unique Grade 2* building. To encourage new people to come along and see what the Chesil can offer them there will be a Coffee and Chat event on the first Saturday of each month, starting on July 7th at 10.30am.

"There is a belief that only those who want to act join us," said Ros Liddiard, who has been associated with the group the 1960s. "However, some of our busiest members would not dream of appearing on stage."

She explained that the recent superbly costumed commedia del arte style,  The Venetian Twins, had a cast of 12, with a crew of 32 for 39 roles. They included a choreographer, fight and music directors and skilled make up artists.

In contrast Duet for One, which was presented in January, had just two actors in modern dress but the production still needed a crew of 27 covering 30 different tasks..

"Add in the five Front of House and Bar staff required for each performance and it can be seen that however many, or few, actors appear on stage all  productions need a huge back up team."

Potential actors are invited to the play readings and open auditions publicised on the website chesiltheatre.org.uk and the local press. Frequently someone new is cast and happily they often go on to take on other responsibilities. The two Children's Youth Theatre groups bring in young people and their parents. The links with the University of Winchester are being developed with three students appearing in The Venetian Twins, three working backstage and others have been helping with the youth groups.

"The coffee mornings are a friendly informal way to meet members, explore our beautiful theatre and learn about the many different activities which take place behind the little red door," said Ros.  

For more details contact Ros on welcome@chesiltheatre.org.uk


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New Season auditions at Chesil Theatre

2/6/2018

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PictureFor Services Rendered Photo Credit: Tony Rogers
An exciting and wide-ranging future programme is planned for the Chesil Theatre Winchester. The 2018/19 season kicks off with Somerset Maugham’s incisive, state-of-the-nation play For Services Rendered, written fourteen years on from the end of the Great War. Open auditions for the 12 diverse roles are being held on 16th and 17th June 2018.
 
Set in a quiet Kent town in 1932, the seemingly ordinary, middle-class Ardsley family appear content in their rural idyll. Yet each continues to be deeply affected by the aftermath of the war. Of the four children, Ethel is unhappily married, Eva, a spinster, has become dedicated only to her blinded brother Sydney, whilst the youngest, Lois, sees no hope for her future in their English backwater. The younger generation must find a new way of living in a country undergoing seismic change.

Director Alec Walters comments:
“This play was generally derided in its day for being unpatriotic or even subversive. However, it certainly packs a dramatic and relevant punch on this the one hundredth anniversary of the end of the Great War.”

Auditions are being held at Chesil Theatre, Chesil Street, Winchester on Saturday 16th June at 10.30am and Sunday 17th June at 7.45pm. There will be an informal reading of the play on Friday 15th June at 7.45pm when newcomers are particularly welcome. Performances take place on 15th to 22nd September 2018 and booking is now open from  today.

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The Winchester Dramatic Society, registered company 1621492 in England & Wales at the Chesil Theatre, Chesil Street, Winchester SO23 0HU. Registered Charity 285043, limited by guarantee.