Compton Players |
The Compton Players web site is at www.comptonplayers.co.uk.
Next production
Dangerous Corner, 28th to 31st March, 19:30
By JB Priestley. "Telling the truth is about as healthy as skidding
round a corner at sixty... and life's got a lot of dangerous
corners, hasn't it?" An after-dinner discussion about the merits of
telling the truth opens a veritable Pandora's Box of secrets. As
facts emerge about the apparent suicide of a family member the truth
becomes firstly uncomfortable and then destructive as each character
reveals things about themselves that shock and dismay the others.
Did the brother commit suicide or could one of the company be
responsible for his death? This intriguing 'rollercoaster ride' has
a surprising and totally unexpected ending.
Where
At the Coronation Hall, Compton (10 miles north of Newbury). Click here for a map.
Box office
07767 268634.
About Compton Players
Compton Players have been producing plays every year since 1947. We always welcome new members, and we are looking not only for people who want to act, but also those who can construct scenery, or would like to learn how, those who can make or sew costumes, those with a knowledge of electrics and/or electronics, and those who would like to help with publicity, box-office and front of house. We normally rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and for most productions there are twelve weeks of rehearsals. It doesn't matter if you've had any previous experience or not.
Contact Compton Players
Our chairman is Mark Bailey - contact him by .
Review of Bobby Shaftoe
10th to 12th November 2011.
Review from the Newbury Weekly News.
Yo ho ho...Compton Players: Bobby Shaftoe, at The Coronation Hall, Compton, from Thursday, November 10 to Saturday, November 12 There are two types of pirates: bad and very, very bad. According to Dave Hawkins’ clever and very entertaining pantomime Bobby Shaftoe, that is. Getting the balance right in an original script is challenging (I know, having dabbled in a past life) but this production was chockfull of good ideas, traditional and quirky comedy and lots of swashbuckling action - to please children and adults alike. It was a little thin musically, and the pace dipped a couple of times, but with a host of colourful and well-played characters, local and topical references it all kept it rolling along to a delighted Friday night audience. In a rousing opening chorus of There is Nothing Like a Dame, we were introduced to Mother Oakham, played by Andy Nunn in a rather laidback and understated style, but nonetheless connecting with the audience charmingly and with loads of jolly quips. Mark Bailey as the very, very bad pirate, Black Bob Spinnaker, with a penchant for gizzards, had tremendous presence and balanced his evil streak with a deft touch of comedy. Lauren Adams as Polly Oakham, turned in a winning and sterling performance and Naomi Read confidently struck just the right notes as the eponymous hero Bobby Shaftoe. With a named cast list of some 23 characters I can only commend the players for the way in some of their seasoned actors took on small roles - but this added to the strength of the production - giving a whole host of lovely characterisations. Among the many performances I enjoyed, and there were many, was Rob Bell (Purser), Ian Hickling (Squatting Octopus), Hannah Belton (Princess Flo) and Charlie East (Ben Gnu) - not forgetting the Gorilla, Daisy the Cow and the beautiful mermaid - the list should go on. With good production values, including, four terrific sets and great costumes, this was a heart warming production that ticked all the boxes for a village pantomime, congratulations to producers Eric Saxton and Dave Hawkins. TREVOR DOBSON |
Reviews and pictures of previous productions are on the CP web site at
www.comptonplayers.co.uk. You can also
find reviews of the following productions in the Newbury Theatre Archive (follow these links).
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, 11th to 14th May 2011
Three Short Comedies, 14th to 16th October 2010
What the Butler Saw, 21st to 24th April 2010
Halloween Murder Mystery, (October 2009)
The Unexpected Guest (October 2009)
Laying the Ghost (April 2009)
A Dog's Life and Jingle Bells, Batman Smells (November 2008)
Puppy Love (May 2008)
Macbeth (November 2007)
Shakers Re-Stirred (May 2007)
Nobody's Perfect (November 2006)
The Entertainer (May 2006)
Dad's Army (November 2005)
Don't Dress for Dinner (November 2004)
The Eighth Dwarf (February 2004)
Three One-Act Plays (April 2003)
Under Milk Wood (November 2002)
'Allo 'Allo (April 2002)
Katherine Howard (November 2001)
It Could Be Any One of Us (April 2001)
Dead Funny (November 2000)
Klondike Kalamity (April 2000)