Friday 10th October - 'Essequibo Music' present their 'Strange Fruit' show
Billie Holliday was one of the greatest blues singers of all time. In this dramatic show, Helen MacDonald brings Billie's story and music to life. Experience such wonderful songs as Summertime, Good Morning Heartache, Stormy Weather and the controversial Strange Fruit, all beautifully sung by Helen. She is accompanied by Keith Waithe and his 5 piece band - The Macusi Players. The show weaves in stories and music covering Billie Holiday's tumultuous life and career that took her from poverty to the New York jazz scene and the iconic status she still holds today.
7.15 for 8pm on Friday October 10th, 2008 in Medstead Village Hall, GU34 5LG.
Booking essential - Tickets £7.50 each (on sale from September 1st).
Enquiries and Bookings - Tel: (01420) 562 378, e-mail:
.
Hog the Limelight is Hampshire County Council's programme enabling professional touring productions to visit rural communities. In Medstead's case we have so far had: Mervyn Stutter, Rebecca Carrington, a drama workshop, a swing and jive night, the 'London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra', 'Shoo Shoo Baby', 'Instant Wit', 'Judy and Me' and most recently 'Madame Lucinda's Wonder Show'. Not only do we get top notch productions coming to our village, but to date this has contributed over £3000 towards improvements to our village hall - a win win all round.
We have searched out the best available talent for the coming season, when we'll be back with more fabulous Hog the Limelight shows.
Dates for your diary:
Friday October 10th, 2008 - Essequibo Music present their 'Strange Fruit' show
Friday January 23rd, 2009 - The Singing Sous Chefs present their comic show 'Alive Again!'.
Thanks to everyone who supports these events, whether by attending, sponsoring, promoting ticket sales, helping front of house or behind the scenes on show days. Feedback and suggestions always welcome.
Mike Overy
[Tel: (01420) 562 378, e-mail:
]
Madame Lucinda's Wonder Show (January 2008)
Medstead Village Hall was invaded by 'Rogue Theatre' under the auspices of Hog the Limelight, and I do mean 'invaded'!
I have rarely seen such a set-up of lighting, sound equipment, etc. on a stage before the curtain went up, with a whole set of band instruments offstage. On this occasion, there were four ladies and two men entertaining us, with singing, dancing, magic tricks, illusion, comedy, and even swinging from a trapeze!
The principal woman, Madame Lucinda, (playing the Ringmaster), in a bizarre costume, was strong, lively, menacing at times, told us she was telling us a story about her 'cast' in the circus, behind the scenes, and the way they became part of her show. I have to admit that I didn't always get the story because of its complexity, alternating between loud fast moving and slow and quiet, but actually, really delightful. Her principal counterpart was a very handsome young man Sirus, (the Company Director), who was also extremely strong, lifting his colleagues, and scenery. One of his activities was pushing round a tableau of piled up chairs, chests, actors, all on top of one another, and looking incredibly dramatic and likely to fall off, which they didn't. There were three ladies, one of whom being an active Stage Manager, but nevertheless very attractive and beautifully dressed. There was Lo-Lo, a very charming youthful clown, who really made us feel for her, as she told the story of her father being killed by being hit on the head by a pig shot from a cannon - pigheaded!
The most striking of the cast I thought, was Svetlana, dressed as a ballet dancer doll, who managed to stay completely still when she wasn't dancing, only her expressive eyes moving occasionally. And she got regularly folded into three, and squeezed into a large suitcase - how she managed to stay there for long periods I do not know. To move about she was lifted by Sirus, often over his head or under his legs. Sirus himself, sang, mooned about after Lo-Lo, danced, and did clever magic tricks, and got the audience to participate in a clever mathematical exercise which was highly successful. The music came mostly from the band area, where Ben played violin, drums, keyboard (once with an instrument in his mouth at the same time), guitar, and sang in a high rich voice, sometimes accompanied by two of the cast when they weren't on stage.
Lo-Lo eventually took over the part which her father had played in the circus, but then towards the end of the show, she did a striptease and turned into a beautiful young woman and left the circus, rushing giggling through the audience. Sirus too, ended up back in his office, leaving Madame Lucinda to appeal once again for ladies and gentlemen to fill her vacancies.
You can see that it was a bizarre and fantastic show, very different. However, I have been able to apply those same words to the other three Hog the Limelight productions which I have seen. The audience is always captivated by these shows, my granddaughter and her friend sat mesmerized and thoroughly enjoyed it. Do keep it up Medstead - what a wonderful village to have which can provide this kind of entertainment, plus their own superb Players' productions. Congratulations to Mike Overy who manages these things, plus all his willing and friendly helpers.
[Jean Gebbett]
Judy and Me (December 2007)
The latest delight from Hog the Limelight won over the audience at Medstead Village Hall. As Mike Overy, the Medstead compere, said as he came on stage at the end of the performance "You couldn't have anything better than that!" Well, after seeing my third Hog the Limelight, I would say that I am prepared for anything, they have all been excellent, and I would not like to have to vote for the best, as seems to be the latest craze on T.V. Mike was also full of praise for the performers who had spent a lot of time during the day making sure that everything would go perfectly, which it did.
In 'Judy and Me', we saw two performers take over the stage, and completely win over the enthusiastic Medstead audience with their extraordinarily unusual and excellent performance. It was the story of Judy Garland from her birth - in a suitcase backstage - through her childhood into her teens, then to her marriage, even the birth of her Lisa on stage, presumably for our benefit! Then sadly, her decline into alcoholism and depression, and finally her death.
Frederik Steenbrink was a handsome young man, playing the piano constantly, singing beautifully, and organising 'Judy' as she skipped on stage, trying to do her own thing, and then marrying her (a few bars of the wedding march advised us of this, as they kissed!). Isabelle Georges was a very pretty lady, her hair bunched up on top of her head with two bows as a child, then reverting to her own hair as she got older. Her face was so expressive, very cute and funny, then becoming sophisticated as she went into the most wonderful tap dancing routine for several of the tunes. The songs themselves were very romantic, superbly sung, the audience wanted more! At the end of the show, she invited us to join her in singing one or two songs, and oh, being Medstead, the response was very good, much to her surprise I think. Incidentally, Frederik is Dutch and Isabelle French, which makes it even more interesting.
Thanks to the Medstead Players for helping to bring these events to us, they work hard to put them on. Can't wait for the next one!
[Jean Gebbett]
Judy and Me - an evening of song & dance in Medstead (Reproduced with permission from the Alton Gazette)
She's French, he's Dutch, she sings, he plays the piano, she dances, he acts, she acts, he sings. Through some of the most beautiful songs ever written, they tell the story of "the world's greatest entertainer".
The talented and charming Isabelle Georges and Frederik Steenbrink are rising stars of the European music theatre and cabaret scene, who already have an impressive list of production credits and recordings. This winter season they are on tour with their hit show from the Edinburgh Fringe and will be visiting Medstead Village Hall on Saturday 1 December. 'Judy and Me' is Isabelle's personal tribute to the star who inspired her to become a performer - Judy Garland.
The show is neither pure imitation, nor a complete biography, but is a perceptive and entertaining journey through the ups and downs of Judy Garland's fascinating life, told through some of the most beautiful songs ever written, including: Over the Rainbow, The Man That Got Away and You Made Me Love You. It promises to be an entertaining show for all ages, packed with song, dance, music and comedy.
Isabelle Georges has starred in major musicals in Paris, such as Singin' in the Rain, La Perichole and Titanic. She has worked with Michel Legrand, Jerome Savary and Maury Yeston. In New York she recently recorded the English and French album of December Songs, Yeston's song cycle written for Carnegie Hall's 100th anniversary. In the UK she has already performed at The Chichester Festival, as well as two shows at the Edinburgh Fringe ('Judy and Me' in 2005 and 'La French Touch' in 2007).
Frederik Steenbrink is an author, composer and performer. He has worked with Jerome Savary, Maury Yeston and Herman van Veen, and recently created the part of Frederic Chopin in Van Veen's new play, Chopin, Chanson de Daniel, and performed with his personal repertoire in major theatres such as L'Olympia and Le Casino de Paris.
Instant Wit (October 2007)
Billed as a 'comedy improvisation show', it was an evening of constant laughter, some of which was incredulous, some uncontrolled, as we were assailed by a fantastic display of ingenuity, skill, and of course, incredible professionalism. It was performed by four young people, Peta Dennis, Mike Akers, Patrick Marlowe and Knud Stuwe. The latter played piano and guitar brilliantly and unassumingly, while his colleagues acted the fool, entertaining the delighted audience.
It was very much an audience participation show, with requests from the players for various names or dialogue on which to pin each sketch. For instance, 'give us the name of a place', 'an unusual occupation', 'a household implement', and from these words called out by the audience, or written on slips of paper, the trio performed numerous mini-plays, dance routines, even a member of the audience controlling two men by moving their arms and legs etc. - absolutely hilarious and extremely clever. They also sang, some words and music presumably made up on the spot, and Peta sang a beautiful song in an obscure (hypothetical) language, accompanied by superb impromptu choreography.
[Jean Gebbett]
Shoo Shoo Baby (March 2007)
Yet again Medstead Village Hall was packed to capacity for the latest Hog the Limelight production on Saturday 24th March. This time we were to be entertained by 'Shoo Shoo Baby', billed as 'From Berlin to Broadway - a cabaret style performance'.
And entertained we certainly were! As we journeyed from Berlin to Broadway, via Brazil (and Medstead), we were in for a real treat. The glamorous Shoo Shoo duo, comprising Anna Braithwaite and Tanya Holt, are superb vocalists with a very personal interpretation of a variety of classic songs, beautifully sung, with tongue in cheek humour against a background of interplay between the girls and their dishy pianist Craig Shneider. The excellent singing was supported by fabulous costumes - many of us will never look at certain chocolates again without being reminded of Those Hats!
Audience participation was invited for the familiar New York, New York, only to be defeated by the girls who rendered it in a very funny multi-lingual version! However, any disappointment was soon redeemed, by the excellent hip movements of Tony Bedingfield who was plucked from the audience. He lead us all in the dance moves for the chorus of 'Rum and Coca Cola', as the girls swayed in superb dresses topped by the most outrageous fruit (and parrot) laden hats.
During the evening Craig had demonstrated his considerable singing and piano-playing jazz talents and even performed a tap dance. The audience, now ready for anything, were then invited to join in with a riotous tap-dancing chorus. What we lacked in talent, we certainly made up for with enthusiasm!
All in all, a fantastic evening in both senses of the word. Well done to Shoo Shoo, Hog the Limelight and everyone who helped with the event!
[Anthea Dore]
London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra (Jan 2007)
It's another Friday evening in a packed to capacity Medstead Village Hall. Even though there is still half an hour to curtain up, there is barely a spare seat in the room. Yes, it's that time again - a Hog The Limelight evening! Tonight we were all gathered to see and hear the London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra.
For those of you who have not heard of this illustrious group, perhaps I should explain what you can expect. Four, er, gentlemen? Just this side of insane. Four very talented musicians who play a variety of instruments from the more traditional violin, double bass, mandolin, etc, through the slightly quirky washboard and saw to a duck, rubber chicken and frog. Throw into the musical mix an eclectic dress code that changes seemingly randomly throughout the evening, music that moves so fast that you can barely catch your breath, stir in a large dose of wacky humour and you get the flavour of this group.
Dick Deciduous almost literally props up the manic behaviour of the group with his large bass, whilst Captain Cabbage allows his more eccentric take on life full rein. Somehow the two Martins (Mike Martin and Martyn Oram) steer a clever path through the craziness with superb musical talent. All round a very enjoyable evening - it just all seemed to be over too quickly!
Well done to the LPSO, and congratulations once again to Hog the Limelight for providing a show of excellent quality and value.
[Anthea Dore]
Swing and Jive (April 2006)
Medstead Village Hall recreated the excitement of 1940's and 50's music and dance for a really enjoyable and different type of evening. We sat back to listen, watch and also perform some of the dances from a bygone era, all led by the hugely successful 'Sugar Foot Stompers'.
Drama Workshop (February 2006)
What have an overbearing cockney with a sniff, a Gilbert and Sullivan tongue twister and a dodgy religious sect got in common? Answer - a drama workshop at Medstead village hall!
Under the aegis of the Hog the Limelight scheme, the Medstead Players invited Proteus Theatre Company to run a workshop day on Saturday 14th February. Debbie Wilding, Associate Director of Proteus, bravely took on the task and assorted wannabe thespians from the Medstead Players and other local groups limbered their vocal chords, breathed deeply and generally thoroughly enjoyed projecting voices and developing a diverse range of characters. For anyone who might have been a little apprehensive about the prospect of being under public scrutiny, the atmosphere was so relaxed and friendly that we soon forgot our fears - though many of us will have the passage from Gilbert & Sullivan engraved on our brains for a very long time! Analysis of a character from a very short passage of a play was extremely revealing and will certainly be put into use in future.
For those of us who had never seen the inside of a drama school, it was a small taste of Fame. We learnt a lot of useful tips, and as we left, there were mutterings of "I'll put that into practice next time."
A thoroughly enjoyable day and very good value, and the Medstead Players were able to contribute £105 from the proceeds towards Village Hall funds.
[Anthea Dore]
Rebecca Carrington (November 2005)
A production entitled 'Me, My Cello and I' and billed as a comedy, certainly sounded like a challenge. Just how could one woman and a cello keep an audience amused for a whole evening?
As part of Hampshire County Council's Hog the Limelight scheme, we were given the opportunity to see Rebecca Carrington and her cello 'Joe' at the Village Hall on Friday 18th November. The Hall was full to capacity - my first indication that this might be something special. There followed an evening of incredible virtuosity - both vocal and musical. Whilst keeping up an amusing patter, Rebecca performed musical spoofs from around the world, while Joe showed us that he was capable of supporting her as the appropriate instrument - from bagpipes to sitar, nothing seemed beyond his (or her?) ability. Such was the diverse range of styles and instruments demonstrated, we all found it difficult to pick a favourite. A straw poll in the Castle of Comfort afterwards gave it to the Bollywood spoof by a short head, with Mongolia a close second. So it is possible to be funny with a cello! Rebecca Carrington is certainly a very talented lady, with a singing voice to envy, extraordinary musical inventiveness, and able to present the package in a very entertaining way.
Once again we must thank Mike Overy, supported by the Medstead Players, for organising the evening. Not only did we all have a good evening out, but sizeable contributions were made towards Village Hall and Children in Need funds, a win - win all round.
[Anthea Dore]
Mervyn Stutter (February 2005)
From the very moment pink jacketed, guitar slung, radio star Mervyn Stutter stepped up onto the stage at Medstead Village Hall, we knew we were in for some great entertainment.
All the tickets were already sold out in advance and a packed hall certainly made the most of the occasion. Mervyn made an immediate impact, jibing members of the audience with political witticisms and topical anecdotes, assessing the reactions and pushing the limit.
He proved to be no mean guitar player, showing that he is indeed multi-talented and used very clever and hilarious lyrics, sometimes to well known tunes to keep the audience convulsed. If ever there was an advert for his Radio Four show 'Getting Nowhere Fast' it was there right in front of us. I have been a fan as long as the show has run and he did not disappoint. My jaw hurt with laughing and as I looked around at the faces of the audience, who were all wracked with laughter, I believe he will add to his already heady band of fans.
All be it very tight, the hall was set out informally around tables bedecked with nibbles and the bar buzzed all evening. A master stroke to help the evening along, not that it needed much help.
Looking forward to other high quality acts on the Medstead stage and hopefully before too long, Mervyn's return.
Thanks and well done to the Medstead Players who organised the event.
[Nita Simpson]
