There
always seems to be a vibrant atmosphere at New Malden's Barton Green Theatre.
It can't be the venue itself, a somewhat ramshackle wooden cricket pavilion
rented from the Council in a quiet residential area close to Coombe Lane.
No, it all springs from the undoubted enthusiasm and considerable talent
of the young team.
The
Green Theatre Company (GTC), open primarily to 14-25 year olds, aims to
bring quality drama to the area and give anyone with an interest the opportunity
to prove themselves, on-stage or technically. Naturally standards vary,
but the Green offers a vital training ground in a wide range of theatre.
Past members have gone on to pursue their own theatrical careers, including
setting up new theatre companies and becoming professional actors. Due
to its age range, GTC inevitably loses members to university and through
other commitments but it is encouraging that some return, bringing experience
gained with other groups. The core membership of around 25 shoulder the
ongoing responsibility for play selection, maintenance, fund-raising and
publicity. Over the past 14 years, GTC has produced over 100 plays covering
many different acting styles and production techniques.
So far this year they have produced Little Shop of Horrors
by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken directed by Jonathan Constant. Enter
A Free Man by Tom Stoppard directed by Sammi Bullock (shown here
in pic) and Once A Catholic by Mary O'Malley directed by
Melanie Stowell (pictured on front page).
The Green Theatre is also committed to bringing new drama to the stage,
performing works by new authors from within the local community and devised
productions from improvised themes. The New Playwrights' Competition,
initiated in 1998, aims to promote interest and recognition for young
people in scriptwriting. This competition has attracted entries from all
over the world, with the winners usually visiting the UK to see their
work in performance. A registered charity and fully constituted non-profit
making organisation, the company is run on a voluntary basis by 
annually
elected members. It is the only youth theatre company in the area with
its own venue - Barton Green Theatre - which provides members with the
opportunity to rehearse at times to suit themselves and also somewhere
to socialise and to foster the team spirit that is evident in the way
they support each other both in their own productions and in other ventures.
An adjoining bar provides a buzzing meeting place before and after the
show. Visitors to "The Green" shouldn't expect luxury but most will warm
to the lively feel of this progressive club.
"Best
of British" by Joseph Pugh.
For more details call 020 8942 0155, email enquiries@greentheatre.co.uk.
 Coming
soon to The Green Theatre"Macbeth" by William Shakespeare 28th November - 2nd December 2000 at 7:45pm (door open 7:15pm) Box Office: 020 8942 0155 (answerphone) or email: tickets@greentheatre.co.uk |
Click
here for issue 1 "Ooh What a Performance!"
Click here for issue 2 "Ooh What a Performance!"
| This
page will change bimonthly. If you would like to include a review,
think someone you know is good enough for the One to Watch spot or
if you have an up and coming performance you would like included then-
e-mail kingston online. |
|
Secombe Theatre, Sutton present
Goldilocks and the Three Bears starring Mark Holmer (Tony
from Eastenders) See for full details. www.sutton.gov.uk/el/secombe |
