New Focus Theatre #2. Production History

NEW FOCUS THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

2011

A Christmas Carol by David Holman

Sing a Song of People devised by Louise Manders

2010

Romeo & Juliet by Chris Port & Jo Wells & Lucy Brown

The Party by Chris Port

Thank You – devised by Louise Manders & Katie Pink

2009

Camp Sutlins  by Jo Wells & Lucy Brown

Surprises – devised by Louise Manders & Katie Pink

2008

Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations by Alan Ayckbourn

Rabbit by David Foxton

St. Trinian’s & The Crystal Skull by Jo Wells & Lucy Brown

Through That Door – devised by Louise Manders & Katie Pink

2007

Stars Look Down by Jo Wells

Lard! – adapted by Jo Wells & Lucy Brown

Wish You Were Here – devised by Louise Manders

2006

Fortune Wood by Sadie Hasler

The Home by Sadie Hasler

Isles of Narang & Karmamoom by Sadie Hasler

The Super Duper Saturday Show & The Morning Madness Show – by Sally Millest & David Streames

2005

Kerrissamuss 2

Fizzicality

Moonshadow by Sadie Hasler

Filming Weekend

Posh & Becks by Jo Wells

A Rainbow – devised by Louise Manders, Sally Millest and Katie Pink

2004

Kerrissamuss

Midnight Train from Wrongly Turning by David Streames & Don Hill

The Not-So-Goodfellas by Sadie Hasler

The Elements devised by Louise Manders, Sally Millest & Katie Pink

2003

Festival, Fireworks & Festive Fun!

The Last Escape by Chris Port

Kids Play by John Lee

Movie Matrix by Chris Port

2002

The Funfair 

A Memory of Lizzie by David Foxton

Harry Potter & the Bloodstone of Eidas by Chris Port

Summer Fun! Devised by Louise Manders

2001

Recipe for Drama

Southend on Sea

Eclipse by Simon Armitage

The Party by Chris Port

A Diamond is Forever

2000

Superman versus the Uberbabes by Chris Port

1999

The Siege by Adrian Mitchell

Romeo & Juliet adapted by Chris Port

1998

Trouble at the Orphanage adapted by Jo Wells

The Waste Ground by Chris Port

1997

Spring Showcase

& Children Living in a World with AIDS

Eclipse by Simon Armitage (World Premiere)

A Slice of Saturday Night by the Heather Brothers

1996

The Lion The Witch & The Wardrobe by Glyn Robbins

1995

Our Day Out by Willy Russell

Star Trek: The Brad Pitt Incident by Chris Port

1994

The Vackees by Hiawyn Oram

The Party by Chris Port

1993

 Wish You Were Here by Jo Wells

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

1992

Tales of Old Leigh by Jo Wells

Grease in a Day!

1991

The Ragged Child by Jeremy James Taylor & Frank Whateley

1990

1989                

Bugsy Malone by Alan Parker

1988

1987

1986                

The Sleeping Beauty

1985

1984                

Pantomime

1983

1982

1981

1980

1979                

Dark of the Moon by Howard Richardson

1978                

Antigone by Jean Anouilh

1977                           

Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum

1976                           

Verse Competition

Pinocchio

1975                

The Pied Piper of Hamelin by Robert Browning

1974                

Oliver

1973                

Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas

1972

1970

1969

Other productions:

The Golden Key by Louise Manders

Annie (1985-1989?)

Gregory’s Girl by Bill Forsyth

Find Me by Olwen Wymark

The Rainy Afternoon by William Inge (1980-1985?)

New Focus Theatre #1. Invitation to last session of NEW FOCUS THEATRE on Saturday 2nd July 2011

NEW FOCUS THEATRE

SOUTHEND ON SEA

17TH JUNE 2011

Dear Parents, Friends and Former Students

It is with great sadness that I write to you announcing that after the morning of Saturday 2nd July 2011, the NEW FOCUS THEATRE will no longer be operating.

This decision has not been taken lightly but due to recent exorbitant financial demands from the management team that runs the youth service in the town, it has become impossible for us to continue the work that we do with all our wonderful students.

I would like to add that these events only came to light at the end of the spring term and we have spent the past two months, without success, searching for either local or national funding that would ensure the continuation of these sessions.

We live in a very tricky economic climate these days and despite the uniqueness of the youth theatre, our efforts have proved to be fruitless. I am sure that you appreciate that there has been a great deal of soul-searching on our part.

We have also had to cancel our plans for the Play in a Weekend.  For those of you who do not fully understand this exciting but intensive aspect of our work, we commission a play to be written so that each and every youngster is cast accordingly. However, due to dwindling numbers and the fact that many of our students now have other commitments that weekend, we feel that our plans are not viable and the production would put too much pressure on the remaining students.

So, we have decided to invite all our students on SATURDAY 2ND JULY 10.00am-1.30pm to the theatre for a final celebration, games and end-of-an-era party.  We are planning to invite former students to come along and join us.

The arrangements for the final weekend are as follows:

FRIDAY 1st July 2011 6.30pm-9.30pm     

All Friday & Saturday students - presentation of devised piece

SATURDAY 2nd July 2011 10.00am-1.30pm

All Tuesday, Friday & Saturday students – former students are invited as well

 

On a personal note, I was the very first drama tutor when the building was erected all those years ago and now, I am saying my farewell. The journey of the NEW FOCUS THEATRE originated as Saturday Morning Drama School that used to meet above Halfords in Southend on Sea. We then went to both Focus and the Technical College before making the Focus building our regular home.

I am attaching a list of some of the productions that have become a part of our heritage over the past forty years, and this is something of which we are exceptionally proud.

We wish to thank you all for the wonderful support you have given the youth theatre over the years, and we wish each and every student the very best in their future drama studies.

With my kindest regards,

Louise Manders

Artistic Director

NEW FOCUS THEATRE