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Hartpury Drama Group Newsletter, April/May 2024.
Membership We have in recent days welcomed three new members to join our ranks! Alan Bird, and Tasha and Steve Godwin. Alan is new to acting but brings with him a desire to tread the boards. He also is a tremendous artist and has already said he intends to be a useful pair of hands backstage: painting, set-building and manoeuvring sets when and where necessary. Tasha and Steve already have considerable stage experience. Many of you will have seen them onstage in MADS recent production of Holiday Snap. Their acting abilities onstage at Maisemore Village Hall during their performances speak for themselves. We are truly blessed to have them join our ranks. To all three, and on behalf of all HDG’s membership, welcome to our little corner of theatrical mayhem: the Hartpury Village Hall! Within this hallowed hall, there is a stage that is HDG’s kingdom. Regardless of whether completely new to am-dram, a seasoned Shakespearean scholar, or just joining for the post-show pints of beer (we don't judge), greetings! Guys, you've found your calling among us. News Now everyone, grab your pince-nez and get ready to soak in a journey filled with HDG news, and even a few unexpected twists. After all, in the world of amateur dramatics, anything is possible! Without further ado, let today's Newsletter unfold before you its further delights... Mike's Social Supper Evening Mike Jones, once again arranged for us to enjoy a fantastic Social Supper Evening night out, Friday 19th April, this time around at The Lock Keepers. Making the evening even more special was the fact that Alan, Tasha, and Steve were able to join us. What a terrific evening it was too as the photos taken on the night testify. Below are a few of the snapshots allowing you to witness and share the enjoyment enjoyed by all attending. Thank you, Mike! 
Mike is arranging another Social Supper night out. Next time it will be held at The Farmer’s Arms. Date TBA Actors' Workshop Evening (S2:E1) Richard Pett organised and stewarded the first of three Actors' Workshops HDG is running this year. The first was well received with those attending reporting back positively that they had gained a host of valuable acting techniques. Thank you, Richard! HDG workshops provide a structured environment where you can learn and be able to practice various acting techniques, develop emotional range, build confidence on stage, and so much more. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced actor, there is always room for growth and improvement. The objectives of Richard's Workshop were, to:
Under discussion and acted upon during this Workshop, included the following:
Exercises:
Who knew becoming a thespian involved so much emotional guesswork? Next time you see an HDG Workshop participant staring off into the distance, they might just be emoting how to look 'pensive'! 
In The Pipeline - More Activities Ahead! Hartpury Drama Group continues to buzz with excitement because we have lots more entertainment activities organised for you to join in. Look below at those we have upcoming. All designed to add a sprinkle of excitement relieving you of any dull months that may lie ahead! Actors' Workshop Evening (S2:E2) The second of this year's Actors' Workshops. 7.30 PM, Tuesday May 14th, HVH Meeting Room This is another opportunity to attend a Hartpury Drama Group Actors’ Workshop at Hartpury Village Hall. The Workshop will be organised and stewarded by Dave Page. Dave has some great ideas to introduce. Don’t miss this, another opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and upskill your acting know-how. Best of all, it’s a really fun way to spend a Tuesday evening. Bring along a fun hat or any fun wigs that you have lying around. All will be revealed on the night! Break a leg! Email the secretary if wishing to join us at the Workshop: hartpurydramagroup1973@gmail.com Or Dave Page: dagwoodp5@gmail.com Or phone or text the secretary: 07807 130901 Safari Supper Evening The event will take place from 6 pm onwards, on Saturday, June 29th. The Safari Supper is one of our most popular social events. 
Safari Supper Hosts
Please come and join us. Email your notice to attend ASAP to the secretary: hartpurydramagroup1973@gmail.com Safari Supper Delicious Gastronomic Delights June 29th is not just a regular Saturday - it's an HDG Safari Supper Saturday! With courses served at different houses, it's positively a culinary treasure hunt! Gastronomic Grub - by A Gaskell
AGM and Social Evening - drama, food (BYO hamper), bar, music, dance This year's AGM is being held at Hartpury Village Hall on Saturday, August 31st After the AGM Report there will be an entertaining one-act Comedy Play. And then we will throw open the doors, the hampers and the bar. Our very own DJ, Den 'The Music Groover' Groves, will provide us with dance music to get on down and rock n roll along to. Enjoyment guaranteed! Abba! Billy Joel! Belinda Carlisle! And many more artists to groove along to. Please inform the secretary of your intention to attend: hartpurydramagroup1973@gmail.com
"Lethal Shenanigans at Deathtrap Manor" the performance play. Cast in order of incompetence:
Synopsis: Welcome to the remote hills of Hartpury, where a delightful whacky ensemble of eccentric characters find themselves entangled in a spooky mansion that swiftly reveals a labyrinth maze of murderous bedlam. In this murder mystery, not everything is as it seems. Not only are the murders mystifyingly piling up, but there is an unravelling of insanity amongst the freakish protagonists unfathomably adding a dash of bewilderment. This leaves not only the question in hand - who's doing what and to whom, but rather disturbingly and very perplexingly: in the name of guacamole, why? AGM Extravaganza: "Lethal Shenanigans at Deathtrap Manor" sounds like a mystery even Sherlock Crumbs would scratch his head over. Who knew a comedy play could have so much suspense? Just remember to bring your picnic chairs and an alibi! * If you can correctly guess the actor who will appear on stage as The Murderous Skeleton of Deathtrap Manor (guesses obviously to be given before the night’s performance), there will be a hearty round of applause for you on the night of the play when your name is read out! Do you even dare? Email the Secretary with your guess if you care to dare. Blackadder Audition Date Don't forget the audition date for HDG’s Blackadder’s production: Tuesday, September 3rd! Dave Page, directing, will be holding auditions for Blackadder - The Queen of Spain’s Beard and The Witchsmeller Pursuivant - both taken from Blackadder the Whole Damned Dynasty, on Tuesday, 3rd September 2024 at 7 pm at Hartpury Village Hall. If you cannot make the audition date let us know. There could still be roles available. There will be a range of parts to suit all members, men and women: from Edmund Blackadder, the Queen and Baldrick to villagers, cheering, hissing, booing etc., and a horse! There are several cameo parts so there is something for everyone. So whether you fancy a large or small part, speaking or non-speaking role, do come along and see what is on offer. If you just want to be in a crowd scene with no involvement other than to do a bit of cheering - or booing if required, pop along because we want as many of our HDG members involved in what is promising to be a fantastic production. We will be requiring skilled and unskilled backstage crew so hope to involve as many of you - not feeling the buzz to be in the spotlight - to consider helping us out backstage to put on this wonderful show. Audition pieces will be released nearer the time. If you would like further information please do not hesitate to contact Dave Page by email at: dagwoodp5@gmail.com More details here Calling all aspiring actors! Whether you're a Shakespearean scholar or just really good at being an ass of a horse, there's a part for you in Blackadder's realm. Even if your only talent is yelling 'boo' in the crowd scenes, don't be a boobie, HDG wants you! 
Care to submit your favourite quote from any Blackadder series? We will list them all in the next Newsletter. Here’s one to set the ball rolling...
Cheers, Angie Angela Gaskell (HDG Secretary). |
