February 2008 Newsletter

May 2008 Play: Blithe Spirit 

The QUADS Spring Play is Blithe Spirit, a supernatural comedy by Noel Coward. Performances: 7th to 10th May 2008.

website: www.flyingdonkeys.co.uk

Blithe Spirit (1941) is an 'improbable farce' written by Noel Coward which takes its title from Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem To a Skylark. The action of the play centres on socialite Charles Condomine being haunted by the ghost of his first wife Elvira following a séance, and Elvira's continued (and increasingly desperate) efforts to disrupt Charles' current marriage. The play is notable for the comic character of Madame Arcati, the eccentric medium.

As with most of Coward’s work, Blithe Spirit is renowned for its dialogue. The following comment comes from Charles Condomine when arguing with his wife during a breakfast scene: “If you're trying to compile an inventory of my sex life, I feel it only fair to warn you that you've omitted several episodes. I shall consult my diary and give you a complete list after lunch.”

Help: QUADS members have volunteered to help with some aspects of production, but more help is needed! Please let any of the committee know if you can help to support the production. 

The Flying Donkeys - "Heart of England" Tour
Saturday 8th March 2008, 8pm

The “Flying Donkeys” are a group of professional storytellers based in Derby who regularly entertain adults with their tales of cunning, curses, dark mysteries and misbegettings.  This special regional tour has been funded by the Arts Council to bring to life tales and legends drawn from Derbyshire and the Midlands, with a few modern twists and turns.  Featuring expert tellers Helen Frances, Roy Dyson and special guest Simon Heywood (known for his exuberant and hilarious roller-coaster renditions of the “Jack” tales), this promises to be a very special event,a fascinating journey into the depths of Derbyshire folklore.

We are not running a bar this time, but the ticket price includes tea / coffee and home made cakes and you are welcome to bring a bottle / snacks to enjoy at your table.  Any profits will go to support QUADS.  Tickets £5 (or £4 for children over 14).  Performance starts at 8pm, doors open 7.15pm. Tickets: Sophie and Rob Snell, 71 Burley Lane, Quarndon, DE22 5JR. Phone (01332) 840007 or email info@quarndonquads.co.uk.

Remembering Bob Lyndall and Harry Wheatley

We were saddened recently to learn that our friend Bob Lyndall had passed away. Jim Brereton, one of our longest-standing QUADS members, has written his memories of Bob below:

"I joined QUADS in 1984 and must have met Bob Lyndall about that time. He and another member Harry Wheatley (who sadly died about two years ago), had been the 'big cheeses' in the Quarndon drama group throughout the 50's, 60's and into the 70's. It was Harry who directed the first play I was in, 'Running Riot'. However by this time, both he and Bob were starting to take more of a back seat, although Bob did appear in and direct plays for the first few years after I joined.

Bob was always approachable and soaked up praise for his performances willingly! Always eager to learn, I picked up many useful hints about stage acting from him and Harry. In recent years the pair of them had slipped below the QUADS radar a bit, although Bob and Audrey did keep attending the annual dinner dance up until last year. At Harry's funeral I was intrigued to learn that Harry and Bob had met every Thursday lunchtime since 1965! I imagine Bob missed this.

We have lost a veteran, but I am sure that both he and Harry would be pleased to see the standards being maintained at QUADS today, long after their time with us, and that they will now be playing on that great stage in the sky, where no-one forgets their lines! Cheers fellas! Jim Brereton "

Did you know Margaret Dennis/Moore?

I had an email recently from a former QUADS member:

Hi there... I've just found your website and decided to email you - I was in four plays with the organisation back in the 60s. My first play was 'Good Night Mrs Puffin" in around 1966, then "Your Obedient Servant" in April 1967; "Celebration" and "The Black Sheep of the Family". Our producer/director was Vernon Pullon. I loved my time with the company, we used to rehearse at The Quandary in Church Road (probably long gone now).

Regards, Margaret Dennis (nee Moore) Tasmania, Australia.

The Quandary, a private house now, is still there, I have Margaret's email address if you wish to contact her.

Best Wishes, 

Rob Snell

Secretary - QUADS

01332 840007

info@quarndonquads.co.uk

Previous QUADS Newsletters
January 2008 Newsletter (webpage)
December 2007 Newsletter (webpage)
October 2007 Newsletter (webpage)
August 2007 Newsletter (webpage)
July 07 Newsletter (Word document)