The Society, in its present form, was inaugurated in July 1958 by reviving the old Tenterden Operatic & Dramatic Society and incorporating The Tenterden Players and The Masquers into that Society. They are now more often referred to as TODS. It

has been the practice of the Society to stage three productions a year, in January, April and October. The January production was always a traditional pantomime but in 1994 the Society ventured into the world of musical plays and staged ‘The Sound of Music’. The April productions have for many years been Kent Drama Association Full Length Play Festival entries and have gained the Society a considerable number of awards as well as many individual acting awards.

TODS are proud to be affiliated to the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) which was founded in 1899 and has a membership of over 2,300 amateur societies and 3,000 individual enthusiasts throughout the UK, staging musicals, operas, plays,

concerts and pantomimes in a wide variety of performing venues, ranging from the country’s leading professional theatres to tiny village halls.

2006

Talking Heads

Kindly Leave the Stage

Bazaar & Rummage

2007

Disco Inferno

The Day After the Fair

Day Of Reckoning

2008

Under Milk Wood

The Secret Rapture

Plaza Suite

2009

Our Musicals Re-Viewed

Brontë

Farce & Furious

2010

The Railway Children

The Beauty Queen of Leenane

Hay Fever

2011

Well That’s Life!

Road

Relatively Speaking

2012

Coram Boy

The Chalk Garden

The Unexpected Guest

2013

Calendar Girls

The Mystery of Talbot Manor (M)

The New Electric Ballroom

What the Butler Saw

2014

Shout!

Oh What a Lovely War!

Verdict

2015 Sweet Charity

The House of Bernarda Alba

Shop for Charity (M)

Wife After Death

2016

Abigail’s Party

Side by Side by Sondheim

Equally Divided

SEE BACK COVER FOR TODS

NEXT PRODUCTION

TODS are always looking for new members, either to perform or to help with the myriad of other tasks that make a production complete. If you are interested in joining either as an acting member

or in any other capacity, then please contact our secretary:- TODS c/o Angela Patrick, Holly Cottage, Orchard Court, The Street, Benenden, Kent TN17 4DE

Tel: 01580 241966 email: angelampatrick@btinternet.com or via online & social media – details on back cover

(M) Members Night Productions / (Y) TODS Youth Productions

The original Broadway production opened as long ago as 1954 and ran for 1,063

performances. It opened in London within a year to huge acclaim. This popular show

has since had several Broadway and West End revivals, in London as recently as 2014.

It was originally directed by George Abbott and Jerome Robbins with some additional

Bob Fosse choreography. (Shirley MacLaine made her debut in the show when the

lead she was under-studying was ill for several weeks, which lead to her screen

career.) A successful film was made of the show in 1957 with the original stage cast,

the exception was that the main lead was taken by Doris Day.

It is 1950s America and love is in the air at the Sleep-Tite pajama factory as handsome

new superintendent Sid Sorokin falls for the fire-brand Union Rep Babe Williams.

Sparks fly when the workers’ demand for a pay rise is turned down, leaving Sid and

Babe at odds as the temperature rises.

‘The Pajama Game’ is a buoyantly blissful blend of romance and comedy and features

golden hits such as “Hey There (You With The Stars In Your Eyes)”, “Hernando’s

Hideaway”, “Steam Heat”, “This Is My Once A Year Day” and “There Once Was A Man

(Who Loved A Woman)” plus lots of other enjoyable songs.

When TODS asked me to direct their next musical production, and for my suggestions, I immediately thought of “The Pajama Game” as it’s such a lively, fun musical with characters of all ages.

The cast have really thrown themselves into the project, and been most welcoming to a new director from ‘foreign parts’! We have overcome some challenges along the way and had a lot of laughs too. I do believe that rehearsals should be a satisfying mix of hard work and fun!

“The Pajama Game” has been a delight to direct, and I have particularly enjoyed working with the hugely talented members of the cast.

I’d like to thank them all for their hard work and warm welcome, and I hope you enjoy the show!

Heather Kemeys

Director………………………………………………………...Heather Kemeys I have been directing and performing in the theatre for many years. From semi-professional singing with a band for most of my 20s, I joined Crawley Operatic Society (COS) after seeing “Hello Dolly” and was instantly smitten!

Principal roles started with Mabel in “Pajama Game”(!), Miss Adelaide in “Guys & Dolls”, Kate in “Kiss Me Kate!”, Golde in “Fiddler” and Mother Abbess in “Sound Of Music”. My directing career started with “Good Fun” by Victoria Wood in the Hawth Studio. COS immediately asked me to take on the huge and daunting task of directing “Kismet”, and from there I went on to direct “Singin’ in the Rain”, “Gigi”, “Carmen”, “Meet Me In St Louis”, “La Cage Aux Folles”, “42nd Street”, and “Hairspray” among many others plus numerous pantos and plays.

Having moved here to Tenterden last year, my partner Colin and I have loved getting involved with TODS and I appeared in TODS’ “Side By Side By Sondheim” which was a wonderful challenge. By day I run an interior design business, Gorgeous House. Musical Director……….………………….…………......Emily Neighbour This is my fourth show with TODS. Steve Bowen recruited me as keyboard

player in his band for Shout! in 2014. I followed that as MD for Sweet Charity

in 2015. In 2016 I played second keyboard for Side by Side by Sondheim with

Ciara Crossley-Roberts. I’ve played piano since I was six but until my involvement with

TODS I had spent more time as an adult playing folk music on my piano accordion,

mainly in my folk band Rude Albert.

Choreographer.........................................................Millie Friday I have been dancing since the age of three and I now make a career from

teaching my passion to others of all ages. “The Pajama Game” was an ideal

project for me as I studied Bob Fosse’s work at university and his stylistic

qualities are clear in the number of ‘Steam Heat’.

The Pajama Game Opening - Hines

Racing With The Clock - Babe, factory girls & guys

A New Town Is A Blue Town - Sid Sorokin

I’m Not At All In Love - Babe & girls

I’ll Never Be Jealous Again - Mabel & Hines

Hey There - Sid

Her Is - Prez & Gladys

Sleep Tite - Full company of Sleep Tite employees

Once A Year Day (and polka) - Sid, Babe & company

Her Is (Reprise) - Prez & Mae

Small Talk - Sid & Babe

There Once Was A Man - Sid & Babe

Slow Down - Factory girls

Hey There (Reprise) – Sid

THERE WILL BE A 20 MINUTE INTERVAL BETWEEN ACTS I and II

Steam Heat - Gladys, Mae & Poopsie

Hey There (Reprise) - Babe

Think Of The Time I Save - Hines & girls

Hernando’s Hideaway - Gladys & ensemble

Jealousy Ballet - Gladys, Hines & men

7 ½ cents - Prez, Babe & company

There Once Was A Man (Reprise) - Sid & Babe

The Pajama Game Closing & Finale - Full Company

Sid Sorokin………………………………………....Matty Hurst Favourite production you’ve been involved with? "Little Shop of Horrors" where I met my beautiful wife as we were cast as Seymour and Audrey. Now, 7 years later, Coralie and I have been given the most precious gift, our daughter, Fosse, to whom I dedicate my performance. Strictly or Scandi box set? Strictly, every time! Courgetti or spaghetti? Is courgetti a thing? Definitely spaghetti. A night out on the town or in with a good movie? A night in with a film, preferably a musical or a classic Disney [not Frozen!]

Babe Williams....................................Monika Green Favourite production you’ve been involved with? Would be when I was studying my BTEC National Diploma in Musical Theatre and we did a showcase of musicals, and I played the part of Christine from the musical "The Phantom Of the Opera". I loved playing Christine and really enjoyed portraying her vulnerability and infatuation towards the Phantom. I had to just be in a trance for the whole song and I loved it. Ant or Dec? Dec because he's cute and short...and is probably just a little taller than me which would make things easier. Cinema or theatre? I absolutely love both with a passion, both are my hobbies so it is difficult to decide, if I had to choose I would go with theatre. Owl or lark? Owl, I love my sleep!

Vernon Hines…………………..…………...David Richardson Favourite production you’ve been involved with? "Abigail's Party", I've always wanted to act in a play directed by Heather Leslie. Great cast, great director, very enjoyable, even though I had to die at the end! Strictly or Scandi box set? Strictly, then match of the day. Courgetti or spaghetti? Spaghetti, I suppose. Exercise class or couch potato? Exercise class, definitely.

Gladys.....................................................Fiona Murch Favourite production you’ve been involved with? My two favourites would be "Calendar Girls" because we were such a cohesive cast with a great director in Heather Leslie and "Cabaret", directed by Ian Rutter, because it is so much more than just a musical. Strictly or Scandi box set? No contest, Strictly. Cinema or theatre? Theatre every time, I love the Donmar Warehouse. Do you intend to grow old gracefully or disgracefully? Hopefully with a touch of each!

Prez……………………………………….………......Steve Bowen Favourite production you have been involved with? "Return to the Forbidden Planet", who wouldn't want to play a roller skating robot? Owl or a lark? - A lark, I'm in the swimming pool by 6.00a.m most days [so maybe more of a duck]. Cinema or theatre? Cinema Real ale or fine wine? Both, often!

Mr. Hasler………………………….……….....Michael Patrick Favourite production you have been involved with? “Wife After Death” as I was the Director Do you intend to grow old gracefully or disgracefully? Gracefully Sean Connery or Daniel Craig for Bond? Sean Connery. Courgetti or spaghetti? Spaghetti

Mabel.....................................................Gillian Davis Favourite production you have been involved with? “Loot” by Joe Orton, in which I played Nurse Fay McMahon. In my view the production was faultless in its conception, staging and direction. Strictly or Scandi box set? Scandi box set, if only for the sweaters! Owl or lark? I used to be a lark ascending but now I'm more an owl descending. Do you intend to grow old gracefully or disgracefully? When I become old I do not intend to do anything ungracious.

Mae…………………………………………………..Heather Leslie Favourite production you have been involved with? So many I could call my favourite but the top three would be; "Calendar Girls" for the feeling of camaraderie in the cast, "Shout" for the utter professionalism of the cast and their fantastic singing and "Return to the Forbidden Planet" for its innovation. Courgetti or Spaghetti? Definitely courgetti, I’m a bit unusual in that I can take or leave pasta, but I worship all veggies. Sean Connery or Daniel Craig for Bond? Oh, no competition, Sean Connery. It's my age! Cinema or theatre? Theatre every time. Nothing compares to the thrill of experiencing a live performance.

Pop........................................................Peter Huxley Favourite production you have been involved with? "The House of Bernada Alba" for the final result of everyone's efforts building the set. Real ale or fine wine? Red wine [usually]. Cinema or theatre? Neither, I prefer old films or comedy. Do you intend to grow old gracefully or disgracefully? Disgracefully.

Max…………………………………………….………..Colin Barnes Favourite production you have been involved with? "Hairspray". A joyous show to be in with so many young, energetic people! Exercise class or couch potato? Exercise class. Real ale or fine wine? Wine. Sunny holiday or skiing? Sunny hols.

Joe……………………………………………………...Philip James Favourite production you have been involved with? "Calendar Girls " because

of the camaraderie of the cast and director. Cinema or theatre? Theatre.

Real ale or fine wine? Fine wine. Sunny holiday or skiing? Both.

Brenda ............................................... Angela Patrick Favourite production you have been involved with? So difficult to make a

choice but it has to be between “Calendar Girls” – for pure enjoyment, fun &

laughter and “The Beauty Queen of Leenane” for the challenge and total

acting satisfaction. Both plays, festival award winners, for the range of emotions they

covered. Do you intend to grow old gracefully or disgracefully? A bit of both

hopefully. Sean Connery or Daniel Craig for Bond? Most definitely Sean Connery.

Courgetti or spaghetti? Both but as I have to choose, courgetti.

Poopsie………………………….……………Charlotte Bennett Favourite production you have been involved with? "Peter Pan", fun with all

the different characters and costumes. A night out on the town or in with a

good movie? A night in with a good film is always my go to. Cinema or

theatre? I love watching performances on stage, so theatre. Ant or Dec? It has to be

Dec, no questions asked.

Charlene……………………………..………………Sophie West Favourite production you have been involved with? "Daisy Pulls It Off"

because Trixie was my favourite character to play. Courgetti or Spaghetti?

Always spaghetti. Exercise class or Couch Potato? I love walking and being

outside. Strictly or Scandi box set? Neither.

Ensemble...................................Matthew Meredith Favourite production you have been involved with? This is my first

production with TODS so I would have to say this one. I have previously sung

in variety shows and barbershop. Owl or lark? Definitely a lark. Are you a

cat or a dog person? - I have no preference. Sean Connery or Daniel Craig for Bond? I

am a Roger Moore fan.

Ensemble……………………………...…..….Margaret Bassan Favourite production you have been involved with? "Guy's and Dolls", lots of

fun and dance. Sean Connery or Daniel Craig for Bond? Daniel Craig. A night

out on the town or in with a good movie? Night out with friends and plenty

of fun. Do you intend to grow old gracefully or disgracefully? I HAVE grown old

disgracefully!

Keyboards & Musical Director……….………..…………......Emily Neighbour Drums………………………………………..………………………..…….....Ken Wellard Flute……………………………………………………………………..……….Aileen Lehos Bassoon.………….……………………………..…………………Gillian Bartholomew

Director…………………………………………………………………...Heather Kemeys Assistant Director…………………………………..………………….....Fiona Murch

Chorus Master……………………………………………..……………..Heather Leslie

Choreographer...................................................................Millie Friday

Stage Manager………………………………………………………..…....Sally Klemen

Assistant Stage Manager……………..…...…….…..……...............Steve Coles

Lighting, Sound & Programme….…………………………………....John Sewell

Lighting Assistant………………………………………………..……….Steph Beeken

Props.............................................Morag Hutchison & Lynne Andrews

Costumes….Angela Patrick, Charlotte Maughan-Jones & Fiona Murch

Makeup ……………………………..……………………………....Eleanor Gutteridge

Photography..........................................................................Don Clark

Prompt………………………………………..…………………………………... Olive Neal

Set Design...................................................................Heather Kemeys

Set Construction…………………………………………………………….Peter Huxley

Front of House…………………………………………..Jackie Whiles & members

Publicity............................Barry Thomas, Brian Fagg & Emma Isworth

Tickets………………….Julia Jessett, Ticketsource & Advantec Computing

Advantec Computing, C.O.D.S,

Tenterden Day Centre, Tenterden Town Council,

All members and friends who have helped in any way

All of our advertising sponsors in this programme

Future TODS Productions

Oct 2017 – “Absent Friends” by Alan Ayckbourn directed by Louisa Nelson-Chambers Jan 2018 – “Sister Act” The Musical – directed by Heather Leslie