-- Company News --

The most relevant and up to date article is always displayed at the top of this page.

 Here's an update of what's happening...

Firstly, last season saw us bring you some great productions. 

The start of the season saw us bring you Arnold Ridley's 'The Ghost Train' which was well received by everyone.  It saw the long awaited return of Sally Laming and also featured some great special effects.  Sound was provided by Mike Deadman, and the effect of a train coming from the rear of the auditorium and moving to the front of the stage was amazing.

Chris Matthews directed the Birthday Party by Harold Pinter.  This was a huge success and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.  All members of the cast had a mention for their great strong acting and hard work in the production.

December brought us Cinderella, by Janet Botterill.  What a fantastic show.  A wonderful production, and amazing array of costumes made by a local lady.  Also, a coach made specially by our carpenter Ray Walder.  All singing, all dancing, we had it all!  Andy almost called it Cinderella the Musical with his home-grown songs.

This April saw the introduction of an evening of three productions at the Royal Manor Theatre, Portland. Two of these plays were entered into round one of the All England Theatre Festival. These were; ‘The Lover’ by Harold Pinter, directed by Chris Matthews. Then ‘After Midnight Before Dawn’, by David Compton, directed by Beryl Clafton. This production received the award for best costumes and we were also very pleased that a member of the cast; Mark Sampson-Vincent, was given the accolade of best actor of the event.  Well done Mark!

To round off the evening, we presented the world premiere of a play written by a local lady entitled 'Arthur' by Eileen White.  This production relates to Eileen’s own experiences.

As well as our own productions, we also have visits from touring company 'Dorset Corset Theatre Company'.  This year, they're bringing us a show which will run for two nights.  It's Jane Austin's Northanger Abbey.  This will be performed on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th October.  You can't book tickets yet, but don't worry, we'll let you know as soon as you can.

The company look forward to bringing you the best in entertainment for the new season.  Coming soon is 'The Winslow Boy' by Terrance Rattigan.  To be directed by Sally Laming.  This production has yet to be cast, but is scheduled to be performed in September.  The casting will take place on Wednesday 25th. June at 7.30pm in the lower hall of the theatre.   Proposed performance dates are Week beginning 15th to the 20th September inclusive.

As with any local amateur theatre company, sourcing the right people for the part is essential. So, if you know anyone who might like to have a go at treading the boards, then put them in touch!  We've got many years of directing experience in our company, and we always welcome anyone wanting to have a go.  Just ask anyone who's recently joined - we're that confident!

The theatre has managed to secure some great publicity over the last year, thanks to the help of Stanway Williams.  In addition, thanks to Mike, we've got a seat on the 'Hidden Dorset' website http://www.hiddendorset.org  and also a pin on the map of 'Google Maps' http://maps.google.co.uk.  Simply search for Royal Manor Theatre.

Wednesday workshops remain as active as ever.  Running from 13.00 to 16.00, we welcome anyone who can spare the time to help keep the building in tip top condition.

Play readings continue on Wednesday evenings, with Elfrida as the host, so be sure to let her know if you'd like her to bring in a specific play.  If you've never been, do try it...  You never know, you might enjoy it!

Alan Palmer celebrated his 90th birthday recently with some of the members of the company.  He is said to have enjoyed the event, and being in the company of some great friends. 

With Mike absent from many of the recent events, the theatre has been a much quieter place!  Only kidding.  With Mike's recent re-location to Devizes in Wiltshire, he's been missed by many.  The company wish him the best whilst he's away, and look forward to his return in the future.

The Royal Manor Theatre Company recently received sponsorship from Johnson’s Cleaners of Weymouth.

Johnson’s have supplied us with a huge number of garment protectors, suit covers and trouser bags, to help keep our wardrobe stock in good order.

We thank Johnson’s for their support, and encourage anyone to make use of their excellent services in Weymouth.

Coming this October

Following the huge success of "Far From The Madding Crowd" in November, described by critics and audience members as vibrant... terrific...and unforgettable The Royal Manor Theatre are proud to announce that the Dorset Corset Theatre Company will return in 2008.  They'll be bringing an adaptation of Jane Austin's 'Northanger Abbey'.  They'll be here for 2 nights, but please - don't leave it to the last minute to book this time!  The dates planned are Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th October.  Tickets aren't available yet, but get in touch nearer the time to secure your seats.

As always, our Website will be updated as and when events are planned, so be sure to check what's happening.  Remember to let us know what you think about your very own theatre.

Points of View

Our on-line Message Book is open as always, ready to take your comments either about shows you've seen, or your thoughts about our company as a whole.  It's open to all, so feel free to leave your comments, as both members and directors of plays see it, and value your constructive comments.

We look forward to welcoming you again soon...

The Play Reading Group

For more information on the Wednesday play readings, please contact Elfrida Strom on: 834120.

Don’t be shy, there’s no need. It’s all good fun, and you’ll be in great company.

The Workshop Working Party is in the theatre every Wednesday afternoon from 1.00pm to 4.00pm to maintain the theatre, build sets, look after the wardrobe and all the other things that have to be done to keep the theatre going. We are always in need of people who have done or helped someone with DIY (big or small jobs) or many of the things that are needed to keep every household going with a hammer, paintbrush or needle and thread. Just come along.