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PAST PRODUCTIONS
The Inn Theatre Company are probably best known for their work in presenting Dartmouth Shakespeare Week, but we're not a company for standing still, as you will see further down the page! Our first production was in 2003, with Twelfth Night, gathering together some of the brightest and best acting and technical talent in the South Hams. It was, to say the least, a brave move and some might have said, a dangerous one. There was much to be lost but a huge amount to be gained. Thankfully, it all came together and what might have been a one off event, planted roots and began to grow in to something even more adventurous and ambitious.
Paul Wonnacott & David Fallow as Sir Andrew Aguecheek & Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night, 2003.
As has been said previously, it is '...the theatre's business to entertain the people...' so we try to choose plays that are known, popular and that also stretch us as performers, technicians, producers and directors. 2004 saw 'The Taming of the Shrew' at Dartmouth Castle. Although successful, this was the one that very nearly finished the Company and
Dartmouth Shakespeare Week. Thanks to the belief of the founding members, and their generosity, we picked ourselves up and started planning for the next production.
The weather took a holiday in 2005 and the people came in droves to see 'The Merchant of Venice.'
We were also lucky enough to engage the services of some exciting new talent to the
We were also lucky enough to engage the services of some exciting new talent to the
Victoria Lethbridge and Clare Hollet as Bianca and Kate
from the 2004 production of
The Taming of the Shrew.
from the 2004 production of
The Taming of the Shrew.
company, both on the stage and behind the scenes, many of whom are still with us now. This is one of the exciting aspects of The Inn Theatre Company, we have a quorum of people who organise and generally move and shake, but the company as whole is very fluid and we are lucky enough to be able to draw on as many or as few local actors as we need; and they, it seems, are only too happy to be involved with us...which is a very great compliment!
Max Brandt as Shylock in the
2005 production of
'The Merchant of Venice'
(original painting by David Fallow)
2005 production of
'The Merchant of Venice'
(original painting by David Fallow)
Up to this point, all the productions had been directed by Malcolm MacIntosh. In 2006, he fancied a year away from directing, so we had a
a guest director for Romeo & Juliet. An accomplished actress herself, and deeply involved with Dartington Shakespeare, Sarah Welsh had played Portia in the previous years production.
We had music, we had dance, we had spectacle and we also had a group of young actors in the lead roles that would have lit up any stage. Several of them have gone on to perform professionally or study with some of the most illustrious theatre schools in the land.
It was this production that inspired Malcolm, and made us all realise that our potential was absolutely incredible; so we really started thinking about other projects and the next Shakespearean production.
We had music, we had dance, we had spectacle and we also had a group of young actors in the lead roles that would have lit up any stage. Several of them have gone on to perform professionally or study with some of the most illustrious theatre schools in the land.
It was this production that inspired Malcolm, and made us all realise that our potential was absolutely incredible; so we really started thinking about other projects and the next Shakespearean production.
Emily Fricker as Juliet in the 2006 production of
Romeo & Juliet.
Totally stress free!!
Romeo & Juliet.
Totally stress free!!
We gathered together three vastly different one act plays, hired the local theatre and, once again, put ourselves 'out there'. Even though we had been very successful with Dartmouth Shakespeare Week, complacency was some thing we could not afford; it's something no comapny can allow themselves to fall prey to.
'Revealing Briefs' was, at the time, the most fun we had had as a company. It was something so completely different for us
'Revealing Briefs' was, at the time, the most fun we had had as a company. It was something so completely different for us
Jane Windsor-Smith & Max Brandt as Alice & Henry
in a play by David Tristram.
from 'Revealing Briefs'.
in a play by David Tristram.
from 'Revealing Briefs'.
Original mock-up of the poster.
And whilst all this was happening, we were busy planning, casting and rehearsing for the 2007 Dartmouth Shakespeare Week production. This was going to be our most amibitious production to date which would include a ballet within the play and some of the most sumptious costumes ever seen in any of our shows.
'A Midsummer Nights Dream', beyond any shadow of a doubt, was our most accomplished and visually stunning show to date. And the number of people who came to see it was proof enough; we ran at 110% capacity over the course of the week we were at the Castle.
Because of the sheer scale of this production we had a massive team on both sides of the footlights: Linda Goss, who choreographed the ballet sequence; Kelly & Jacqui from Ethera, who desigend and made all the faerie costumes and those of Puck, Oberon & Titania;
Because of the sheer scale of this production we had a massive team on both sides of the footlights: Linda Goss, who choreographed the ballet sequence; Kelly & Jacqui from Ethera, who desigend and made all the faerie costumes and those of Puck, Oberon & Titania;
Poster for the 2007 production, designed by Angela White.
Nick Crosley as Bottom
in the 2007 production of
'A Midsummer Nights Dream'
in the 2007 production of
'A Midsummer Nights Dream'
all the lighting and sound crews; the set designers, builders and artists and, of course, all the parents who made sure the faeries got to rehearsals and who were backstage during all the performances!
We allowed ourselves a moment or two bask in the plaudits - and there were many, I feel we can say without any false modesty - but then the reaalisation hit us: what on earth were we going to do in 2008? Could we equal, let alone surpass, the undoubted triumph that had been 'A Midsummer Nights Dream'?
Malcolm decided to have a year off after The Dream, so we also needed another Director.
Step up to plate Jane Windsor-Smith, who had so entertained everybody as Snug in 'A Midsummer Nights Dream'. She had directed one of the plays in 'Revealing Briefs', acted in many of our productions but this was first time at the helm of anything remotely Shakespearean.
It was a big ask, but boy! What a treat there was in store for everybody!
We allowed ourselves a moment or two bask in the plaudits - and there were many, I feel we can say without any false modesty - but then the reaalisation hit us: what on earth were we going to do in 2008? Could we equal, let alone surpass, the undoubted triumph that had been 'A Midsummer Nights Dream'?
Malcolm decided to have a year off after The Dream, so we also needed another Director.
Step up to plate Jane Windsor-Smith, who had so entertained everybody as Snug in 'A Midsummer Nights Dream'. She had directed one of the plays in 'Revealing Briefs', acted in many of our productions but this was first time at the helm of anything remotely Shakespearean.
It was a big ask, but boy! What a treat there was in store for everybody!
Tinah O'Reilly as Cobweb -
displaying not only talent, but just
one of the amazing costumes!
displaying not only talent, but just
one of the amazing costumes!
2008 and 'The Tempest' was the play of choice. The same team from 2007 was on-board and we thought we'd build a ship on stage, just for a change.
Andrew Hollet designed the ship and it was built by the very clever guys at Tower Scaffold. Andrew also designed and built the sound effect machines that were used on the ship during the opening storm sequence. Based on the same machines that would have been used in Shakespeare's day, they were attched to the deck of the ship and opeated by the mariners.
Another group of new and talented actors joined us for this production, as did a new, young and inventive team of technicians, who really pulled out the stops in the sound and effects department.
Andrew Hollet designed the ship and it was built by the very clever guys at Tower Scaffold. Andrew also designed and built the sound effect machines that were used on the ship during the opening storm sequence. Based on the same machines that would have been used in Shakespeare's day, they were attched to the deck of the ship and opeated by the mariners.
Another group of new and talented actors joined us for this production, as did a new, young and inventive team of technicians, who really pulled out the stops in the sound and effects department.
The Boat - under construction and looking good!
Linda Goss designed the dance sequence; Lynne Deller, the assistant director, also choreographed the dogs and spirits and, another first, we commissioned three specially written pieces of music for the songs that Ariel sings.
While 'The Tempest' equaled and, in some respects, surpassed The Dream, unfortunately the weather was not on our side in 2008. We had to use our wet weather back-up venue on the Saturday night.
To read more about the various productions, please visit the other pages on The Inn Theatre Company site.
To read more about the various productions, please visit the other pages on The Inn Theatre Company site.
Gil Garland as Caliban in the 2008 production of 'The Tempest'.
Amazing costume by Ethera once again.
Amazing costume by Ethera once again.
and, thankfully, the theatre-going public seemed to agree and gave their generous support to the project. We took one of the plays, 'Ritual for Dolls', to the Teignmouth One Act Play Festival and garnered a nomination for Best Actor.
The original poster for 'THREESOME'
March 2009 and we branch out even further with a production at the Guildhall, Dartmouth: three one act plays, written especially for
The Inn Theatre Company by Max Brandt.
It was another string of 'firsts' for the Company, in that we had never performed original scripts before; it was the first time we had performed at the Guildhall - where we brought the stage back to life with live theatre, the first time in many a long year; and it was the first time that one of our actors has been recognised for outstanding achievement, Phil Scoble collecting the Best Actor gong at the 30th Exmouth One Act Play Festival and the first time we have put on a special Preview night for an invited audience only.
The three plays in question were 'Hacks', which takes place in a magazine's editorial office; 'Buying Back the Past', the story of Albert the tramp and 'Clowns', which takes place at the 32nd Grimsby Clown Festival and Convention'
It was an amazing experience, seeing specially created characters being brought to life by this talented cast and crew. Maybe you should have been there!
The Inn Theatre Company by Max Brandt.
It was another string of 'firsts' for the Company, in that we had never performed original scripts before; it was the first time we had performed at the Guildhall - where we brought the stage back to life with live theatre, the first time in many a long year; and it was the first time that one of our actors has been recognised for outstanding achievement, Phil Scoble collecting the Best Actor gong at the 30th Exmouth One Act Play Festival and the first time we have put on a special Preview night for an invited audience only.
The three plays in question were 'Hacks', which takes place in a magazine's editorial office; 'Buying Back the Past', the story of Albert the tramp and 'Clowns', which takes place at the 32nd Grimsby Clown Festival and Convention'
It was an amazing experience, seeing specially created characters being brought to life by this talented cast and crew. Maybe you should have been there!
Lucy Saad as Deirdra in
'Hacks' directed by
Lynne Deller.
'Hacks' directed by
Lynne Deller.
June Pocket as Hope and
Jane Windsor-Smith as
Isadora in 'Hacks'
Jane Windsor-Smith as
Isadora in 'Hacks'
Sam Crosby as Terry the copy-boy and
Tinah O'Reilly as Jo Small in 'Hacks'
Tinah O'Reilly as Jo Small in 'Hacks'
Max Brandt as Albert in 'Buying Back the Past'
Directed by Gil Garland
Directed by Gil Garland
Malcolm MacIntosh as
Go-Spell the Clown in
'Clowns' directed by
Max Brandt
Go-Spell the Clown in
'Clowns' directed by
Max Brandt
Xowie Brandt as
Arabella Antic in 'Clowns'
Arabella Antic in 'Clowns'
Arabella and Mike Roope as
Charlie Chico the Cheeky Chappie in 'Clowns'
Charlie Chico the Cheeky Chappie in 'Clowns'
Ben Hamilton as Gobee the Clown and
Phil Scoble as Sparkles the Clown in 'Clowns'.
Phil won Best Actor for this role you know!
Phil Scoble as Sparkles the Clown in 'Clowns'.
Phil won Best Actor for this role you know!
Albert and Jill Brock as Miss Julie in
'Buying Back the Past'
'Buying Back the Past'
As 'Threesome' was closing at the Guildhall, everyone involved with the production was already in the process of gearing-up for Dartmouth Shakespeare Week 2009 and 'Much Ado About Nothing.
Malcolm (see above for a wonderful photo of Go-Spell) was back in the Director's canvas chair for DSW and the plan was to take the production right back to basics: rely completely upon the story and the actors to entertain.
Malcolm (see above for a wonderful photo of Go-Spell) was back in the Director's canvas chair for DSW and the plan was to take the production right back to basics: rely completely upon the story and the actors to entertain.
Just a few of the magnificent cast taking a bow on the last night.
And, we believe, the audiences were not disappointed! One of the strongest casts ever to play Dartmouth Shakespeare Week took the play and made it their own. Reproduced below is one of the reviews; judge for yourself! And enjoy a few more of the delightful photgraphs gleaned from the performances.
'Having last seen Much Ado About Nothing performed in Covent Garden by the Royal Shakespeare Company, my standards were high when I went to see the Inn Theatre Company's production last week.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Dartmouth Castle, with innovative direction and a cast that defy their classification of amateur in every scene, Malcolm MacIntosh's production was the most memorable I have ever seen.
The outdoor setting captured both playful and dark moods and was host to effective staging choices, such as mirroring the parallel scenes where, in turn, Benedick
and Beatrice are 'duped' into loving one another.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Dartmouth Castle, with innovative direction and a cast that defy their classification of amateur in every scene, Malcolm MacIntosh's production was the most memorable I have ever seen.
The outdoor setting captured both playful and dark moods and was host to effective staging choices, such as mirroring the parallel scenes where, in turn, Benedick
and Beatrice are 'duped' into loving one another.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING -
DARTMOUTH SHAKESPEARE WEEK 2009
DARTMOUTH SHAKESPEARE WEEK 2009
Allen G Photography
Jill Brock - Hero; Max Brandt - Don Pedro; Gil Garland - Leonato; Phil Scoble - Benedick; Vernon Davies - Claudio
Mr MacIntosh also made full use of the growing twilight, playing the darker scenes in dramatic concordance with the darkness of the landscape.
Every acted part was memorable; from the dubious villainy of Borachio and the unwitting Margaret, to the 'Boy' (and Girl!) child parts, who not only kept in character in the face of the occasional scenery mishap, but contributed to setting the Shakespearean scene, even during the interval. In doing so, they were joined by mediaeval music band, Mock Hobby Horse, who perfectly complimented the Elizabethan setting.
Gina Carter (Ursula) and Xowie Brandt (Margaret), gave their parts a full-blooded dosage of tongue-in-cheek promiscuity whilst also exacting impeccable comic timing, whilst Dogberry was a part that Paul Wonnacott was born to play. His watchmen had the audience in stitches.
Every acted part was memorable; from the dubious villainy of Borachio and the unwitting Margaret, to the 'Boy' (and Girl!) child parts, who not only kept in character in the face of the occasional scenery mishap, but contributed to setting the Shakespearean scene, even during the interval. In doing so, they were joined by mediaeval music band, Mock Hobby Horse, who perfectly complimented the Elizabethan setting.
Gina Carter (Ursula) and Xowie Brandt (Margaret), gave their parts a full-blooded dosage of tongue-in-cheek promiscuity whilst also exacting impeccable comic timing, whilst Dogberry was a part that Paul Wonnacott was born to play. His watchmen had the audience in stitches.
One of the most engaging aspects of the casting were the interjections of 21st century satire (not to mention the odd obligatory Dartmouth reference), from the not-so-subtle bum scratching among the watchmen to a cleverly interpersed comment on the 'weird' 16th century trousers. Speaking of which, the costumes were absolutely stunning, particularly the dresses.
Max Brandt gave a heartfelt interpretation of Don Pedro, while Vernon Davis made you love, hate and, at one point, want to kill, Claudio. Gil Garland brought both comedy and integrity to the part of Leonato. As the tragic Hero, Jill Brock gave a stunning performance, going from comedy in the garden scene to tragedy in the wedding scene, where she shone as the scene's most focal figure'
Gavin Alston's Don John was deliciously villainous, with an enigmatic, guttural presence that drew the audiences eye to him at every entrance.
Max Brandt gave a heartfelt interpretation of Don Pedro, while Vernon Davis made you love, hate and, at one point, want to kill, Claudio. Gil Garland brought both comedy and integrity to the part of Leonato. As the tragic Hero, Jill Brock gave a stunning performance, going from comedy in the garden scene to tragedy in the wedding scene, where she shone as the scene's most focal figure'
Gavin Alston's Don John was deliciously villainous, with an enigmatic, guttural presence that drew the audiences eye to him at every entrance.
Tinah O'Reilly - Verges; Lucy Saad - George Seacole;
Wendy Jones - 1st Watch; Lesley Ash - 2nd Watch;
Margaret Rowe - 3rd Watch; Paul Wonnacott - Dogberry
Wendy Jones - 1st Watch; Lesley Ash - 2nd Watch;
Margaret Rowe - 3rd Watch; Paul Wonnacott - Dogberry
Sally Feetenby - Beatrice; Phil Scoble - Benedick
In the background:
Tinah O'Reilly, Gil Garland, Wendy Jones.
In the background:
Tinah O'Reilly, Gil Garland, Wendy Jones.
But it was Shakespeare's most dynamic couple, Benedick and Beatrice, who drew the loudest cheer. Sally Feetenby brought passionate disdain to the character of Beatrice, owning the stage with a swish of her skirts. She pulled off Beatrice's dignified feminism with confident grace.
Bringing vigorous energy to Benedick's exuberant cynicism, Phil Scoble showed his talents are not limited to the local news. From slapstick comedy during Benedick's dupe, to playing the lovesick dope, honourable soldier and even during his...memorable...singing debut, Scoble grabbed the audience's attention with both hands and did not let go.
He says he has been dreaming of playing the role of Benedick since he was ten years old. Judging from the responses among last week's crowd, the audience has been waiting for him just as long. "
Bringing vigorous energy to Benedick's exuberant cynicism, Phil Scoble showed his talents are not limited to the local news. From slapstick comedy during Benedick's dupe, to playing the lovesick dope, honourable soldier and even during his...memorable...singing debut, Scoble grabbed the audience's attention with both hands and did not let go.
He says he has been dreaming of playing the role of Benedick since he was ten years old. Judging from the responses among last week's crowd, the audience has been waiting for him just as long. "
And so, bang up to date. We took two one act plays to the Dart Drama Festival this year (November 10-11 & 13-14) and along with eight other companies, had a marvellous time over four nights.
We re-ran 'Clowns' once more - both by popular demand and because the cast wanted to have another go at it - and a new production which, at the time, was called 'Haven't We Been Here Before?' Written by Max Brandt, it has since been renamed 'Echoes' and is currently in a re-write before winging its way to the Royal Court and Donmar.
We hope to be able to bring you some pictures of that play before too much longer.
And so to Dartmouth Shakespeare Week 2010. Go to the front page for more news.
We re-ran 'Clowns' once more - both by popular demand and because the cast wanted to have another go at it - and a new production which, at the time, was called 'Haven't We Been Here Before?' Written by Max Brandt, it has since been renamed 'Echoes' and is currently in a re-write before winging its way to the Royal Court and Donmar.
We hope to be able to bring you some pictures of that play before too much longer.
And so to Dartmouth Shakespeare Week 2010. Go to the front page for more news.