Production Values - The art of Amdram

Episode 12: A Mid Summer Nights Dream Come True!

In this episode our roving reporter Seb Ranson interviews Julia Frazier, an American Shakespeare Superfan and theatre professional; about how she is realising a lifelong ambition to not only direct what is probably Shakespeare's funniest comedy but to do so in the country of his birth. She talks about her love of the works of the Bard of Stratford and how she hopes to inject as much British humour as possible into the play which is the latest production by the Bury Theatre Workshop and is this years summer Shakespeare in the Park production, performed outdoors in the beautiful Abbey Gardens Bury St Edmunds. The show will be on from Tuesday July 28th through to Saturday August 1st (including a 2pm matinee). For tickets visit https://www.burytheatreworkshop.org.uk/new-productions [https://www.burytheatreworkshop.org.uk/new-productions] If you are involved in an amateur theatre production and would like it to be featured on the podcast please get in touch by emailing info@stuarthannah.com

Episode 11: Cleats, Lines & Calamities - A life backstage (Revised and extended version)

In this episode I look at what it's like working backstage in Amdram productions. It can seem to be an unglamorous existence lurking in the dark backstage but when you contribute to a successful show it is very satisfying. I also share some stories about some near disasters that I have witnessed during my time working as a stage hand in Amdram. It's great fun but not without some risk in the theatre environment. If you would like to share your backstage stories or like me to feature your upcoming amatuer production on the show, please email me at podcast@stuarthannah.co.uk

Episode 10: Breaking The Code Review

This is a special review episode. I recently saw the Sudbury Dramatic Society's production of Breaking the code by Hugh Whitemore. The play tells the rise and fall of the genius that was Alan Turing, father of modern computing. The play was cleverly staged and filled with terrific performances, so much so that I felt compelled to record a review. If you would like me to feature your amateur production or group on the show, please message me at info@stuarthannah.com

Episode 9: Professionals in Amdram Pt2.

In this episode I share part 2 of my interview with Pelham Elliott. In part one we discussed his professional acting work, in this second part of the interview we discuss his love of Amdram and how he came to adapt the novel Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day for the stage.

Episode 8: Professionals in Amdram Pt1.

I recently got the chance to interview Pelham Elliot, one of our regular cast members and directors at the Bury Theatre Workshop and other east Anglia amdram groups.   As well as a very active member of groups in the Bury St Edmunds area, Pelham is also a professional actor.  I thought it would be interesting to discuss his professional work and why he also enjoys being involved in local amateur productions. The interview is split into two parts, starting with our discussion about his recent TV work including Ted Lasso & The Ashley Maddison Scandal for Netflix, Music video work (featuring in Mick Jaggers 'England Lost') and his time as a regular on the Murder Mystery circuit. In the following episode I will include part two of the interview,  where we discuss his love of Amdram. I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I did recording it.