NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 2023

Hello Everyone,

It's official - November 2023 has been one of the busiest months in White Cobra history.

Our production of Lilies on the Land garnered some lovely reviews from performances at The Mission Theatre, Bath, The Wharf Theatre in Devizes and The Royal Theatre in Northampton.  

"Both the material and the performance were excellent." 

"A great show - entertaining and emotional. Not forgetting some excellent musical interludes." 

"Well done girls - bought back fond memories of my mother - she had many such stories."

"A wonderful show! Both funny and moving. Thanks for bringing this to Bath." 

"Third time being totally smitten. Please return! Have a successful tour."

“Terrific production. Directing superb, acting outstanding – and with such versatility and TRUTH! Singing wonderful. Many, many congratulations to the whole team.”

“Really fabulous performances – well done.”

“Could have happily sat through it again straight afterwards! Lovely performances, wonderful story telling and great singing too!”

“Absolutely fantastic show! Loved every minute. A must see. Well done.”

“Pure theatre. Expertly played and directed. An absolute tour de force. Massive congratulations.”

“I thought I was done with local theatre but this show has re-ignited my enthusiasm!”

Production photos by Richard Jordan

We couldn’t be prouder of our lovely Lilies for a wonderful production.

The tour comes to an end at one of our favourite venues, The Little Theatre in Chester, with another sell-out performance on Saturday 25 November 2023.

Listen to Mo Shapiro's interview with Bernie Keith on BBC Radio Northampton (fast forward the audio to 11:20am)

It's a Wonderful Life

We return to The Royal almost immediately for It's a Wonderful Life, a radio play by Joe Landry. Our four performances there include a Saturday matinee. 

It's a lovely version of the classic film story.  Our director, Matt Fell explains how he discovered the script.  

Recent rehearsals have seen Woody Jordan taking a key role supporting Matt with his direction.



Jo Molyneux tells us what it's like to have the unusual but crucial role of Foley Artist.

Following a one-off performance in Hoby Village Hall on 08 December, we take a well-earned rest over Christmas.

YouTube

For those people not familiar with the White Cobra YouTube channel, take a look and, as the vloggers say, "Hit the subscribe button".

There's a selection of videos including our four-part audio adaptation of Pride and Prejudice which has racked up an astonishing 67,000 views.

Writer/director/actor Rebecca Cockroft is still hard at work on her adaptation of another Jane Austen classic. Watch this Space!

Back at the Royal...

Becki has also managed to find time to create a short play for the ‘Writing Doesn’t Have To Be Lonely’ showcase at the Royal & Derngate.

Taking place this weekend on the Royal stage, the writing group who meet monthly, run by Northampton creative Dan McGarry, have chosen some of their favourite work-in-progress pieces from across the past year to have rehearsed readings at GenFest – Royal & Derngate’s artist development festival.  

The Mystery Backstage: It’s 15 minutes to curtain up on a Mystery Play at a local church, and stage manager Kevin is beside himself – their leading man is nowhere to be found and his cast will insist on using language unsuitable for their venue. Will they all get struck by lightning for swearing? Will Margery’s stash of white wine in the props box be discovered? And will Ian turn up in time, or is Kevin destined to make his stage debut with his script on a clipboard?

Sunday 26 November at 3pm, Royal & Derngate

Tickets are free but booking is essential.

The Father

Our rehearsals for The Father continue.

We knew it was a powerful piece, delving into the complex and painful experience of Alzheimer's but director Martin Borley-Cox, ably assisted by assistant director Vicky Kelly and the cast, continue to find new ways of exploring this heartbreaking subject.

Here's a short video teaser.

Summer 2024

We are already in talks for our Summer 2024 production and we are looking forward to a huge, juicy spectacle.

Come and join us?

Fancy joining White Cobra at home and on the road to support our stage management and technical requirements?

A behind-the-scenes team is vital to the success of any production and this support is essential when on tour.  

Touring with White Cobra offers a great opportunity to visit new towns and theatres, meet like-minded people and enjoy new experiences.

If you are interested in joining White Cobra and developing your production skills, please contact us at  www.whitecobra.co.uk/contact-us 

Thank you and merry Christmas

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank all our wonderful casts, crews and audiences for your patronage in 2023. We very much appreciate all your support and are looking forward to seeing you all again in 2024.

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.  

White Cobra