Marion James, Joan Saxby and Alma Timlett
at work on some facial make-overs
Maggie Matthews, our long term (and long-suffering) stage manager
takes a momentary 'breather' from the book at the control desk
in the wings of the Churchill Theatre.
We are most fortunate to have a backstage team of expert 'volunteers' second to none in their skill, competence and professionalism. They, together with the Churchill Theatre staff, ensure that everything runs smoothly and seemlessly throughout the show week for the maximum enjoyment of audience and performers
Ah, yes, there he is with the rest of the orchestra
We have regular teams of expert lighting designers. Mike and James Simpson alternate with Ivan Buckle, and occassionally with David Hart, to produce stunning effect that lift the productions to greater visual heights. Mike and James received much acclaim for their superb lighting of our recent production of Chess, as did James for The Witches of Eastwick. Ivan also provides electronic wizardry and created spectacular sound effects for Chess, and The Witches of Eastwick
Our props team of Pat Whibley, Wendy Todd and Anne Breame not only run an impecably efficient and cheerful table in the wings throughout the week but also source or make many of the props.
When necessary, make-up for the men and principals is provided by the expert hands, and eyes, of Audrey Sleeman who, with her regular team of Alma Timlett, Joan Saxby and Marion James alway manage to reduce the queue to zero before curtain-up.
In the dark recesses of the downstage wings lurk either Lesley Burt or Margaret Uzzell our prompts whose reassuring presence is such a comfort to the principals.
Two unsung (and unspoken - we hope) heroines of each production, but enough said by them the better!!!
Closer to the audience is our Front of House manager, and also our President, John Stone who is the Society's cheerful, friendly contact in the foyer and auditorium. He is usually accompanied by his wife Julia, when she's not assisting with wardrobe problems back stage!!
The Society is very gratefull to all these volunteers without whom we, on stage, would not be able to perform.
Do you think the MD is up there?........... Hmm, he should be down here
I'm sure I've seen the orchestra somewhere!
Some of the The King and I crew
James Simpson, Mike Simpson, Ivan Buckle (back row)
Alan Matthews (3rd left centre row)
Wendy Todd, Maggie Matthews (2nd, 3rd left front row)
Off duty on The Yeomen of the Guard set
Philip George, Alan Matthews & Pat Whibley
Maggie and Alan Matthews our Stage Managers
In 1964 a young Margaret Brookes joined her sister, Doreen, in the chorus of WWOS's production of Engaged! at the Azelia Hall. She remained a performing member until 1985 having knotched up 31 productions. A year earlier she tried her hand at Stage Management for our non-Churchill production of La Vie Parisienne. This proved to be a highly successful 'career move' because from then until 1996 she was to alternate this role with a series of other S.M.s and from 1996 until today she has run every one of our Churchill productions from the 'book' at the control desk where she cues everything (lighting, follow spots, sound, tabs, flies, orchestra, front of house etc etc). She has Stage managed a total of 38 productions since 1984. In 1997 she was joined by Alan as Technical S.M. It is he who draws up the stage plans, builds special pieces for the sets (the Oklahoma! wind pump to name but one) and ensures that all the stage crew are briefed and in their places at the right time. WWOS owes a great debt of gratitude to Maggie for 21 years as a performing member and 25 years as Stage Manager, and to Alan for 12 years as Technical Stage Manager.
Long may their S.M. partnership continue..
