by Paul Johnson | Jul 29, 2021
Foreword
Paul and Fariba suggest that public confidence is the final step in getting back to normal.
Reopening Our Theatres
Eddie Redfern, the LTG’s National Liaison Officer asks how ready we really are to welcoming back audiences.
Getting Back
We asked for your reopening production details and you didn’t let us down. So here is a snapshot of what you told us.
Tamara von Werthern
The Performing Rights Manager at Nick Hern Books features her regular advice column and looks at ‘Devising’ a show.
Why Stay So Tight-Lipped?
Paul Johnson looks at why the amateur theatre sector hasn’t commented on various UK Government Covid announcememnts.
One Step Beyond! No.1
We talk to Paula Clifford about keeping busy and the reason for changing the name of RWB Productions to LnjMonroe Drama.
Your News
News stories relevant to amateur theatre-makers around the UK. Some amateur theatre, some professional, some youth/student.
- Get Those Licenses In!
- Heart of Hammersmith Rehearsals Underway
- Beckenham at the End of the Line
- Don’t invite fears into the room
- Witness Sees an Autumn Delay
- Who? What? Where? The Ultimate Whodunnit… CLUEDO
- LETTERS
- Extra Week for War Drama
- Good Life Just Around the Corner
- Banned in the UK!
- ChiChi Fit Sweeping the UK
- Potter’s Palace
- London Drama Societies
- PROMS MAGIC for Cheshire Charity
- Registration High for lighting & sound exhibition as industry gains confidence
- Groundlings Are Back!
- £5million and counting…
- Circus Back in Town
- Hunger for Performance
- Theatre Book Prize 2021 Winner Announced
- Wardrobe Ensemble Launches New Festival…
- New Writing Wanted
- Theatre Green Book
- Jessie & Josh’s Cinema Date
- Prize-winning Playwright
- GP Receptionist Wins First-Ever National Poetry Competition on Key Workers
- ALD Name-Change
- Curve Podcast
- Little LTF Success
- (Youth, Student, Graduate) – Moving On
- (Youth, Student, Graduate) – Guildhall Prizes
- (Youth, Student, Graduate) – Wales goes to… Wales
- (Youth, Student, Graduate) – European Theatre Arts Programme Flourishing
- (Youth, Student, Graduate) – A Decade of Innovation and Collaboration
- (Youth, Student, Graduate) – Scholarships
- (Youth, Student, Graduate) – Venue with the X Factor
- (Youth, Student, Graduate) – Forward to the Future!
- (Youth, Student, Graduate) – Student Wins National Theatre Competition!
Understanding Changing Consumer Behaviour
Founder and MD of Razzamataz Theatre Schools shares some advice and breaks down the world of franchising for us.
Supplier Directory
Our newest section of Sardines concentrates on bring you some examples of industry suppliers.
Jodie Steele (cover story)
Paul Johnson interviews Jodie Steele (a.k.a. Heather Chandler) and finds out she is the opposite of her onstage persona.
Giles Terera – The Pics
Our previous coverstar, Giles Terera’s book is now published, so here are some backstage pics from his time in Hamilton.
I’ll Be in My Trailer! – Paul Taylor-Mills
Our regular series of coffee-break interviews sees us speak with The Turbine Theatre’s Artictic Director about all sorts of things.
An Understudy at the Opera
Chris Abbott talks to Harriet Burns about landing a job covering a principal at Garsington opera.
Audition Advice
Matthew Malthouse shares some expert tips and advice on how to make the most of the dreaded audition process.
One Step Beyond! No.2
We focus on Amy Clayton of Early Doors Productions and how trained ex-professionals are now working in amateur theatre.
See You Next Year, Coventry
National Drama Festivals Association’s Rod Chaytor reviews a tough All Winners Finals week, but falls in love with Coventry.
Strike Up the Band!
Our attempt at bringing you up to date with what the professional musical theatre industry has in store for us.
Plays, Books & Musicals
New and re-released titles, many of which are now available for amateur performance. From big companies to small.
Index of Advertisers
by Paul Johnson | Feb 4, 2021
Foreword
Sardines’ Editors, Paul and Fariba, pause to take in the latest developments of 2021’s ongoing Coronavirus saga.
Making the Most of the Website
The new Sardines website was launched in the Autumn of 2020, but are you and your society making the most of everything the website can do for you? Register today and have a look around.
Calendar Girls: The Musical
Since uploading two videos to our YouTube channel looking at getting the amateur performing rights released for Gary Barlow and Tim Firth’s show, Grassington Players announce the premiere.
The Review – CFYT – Pinocchio
Susan Elkin gives a five-star review of Chichester Festival Youth Theatre’s Christmas production – Pinocchio – which was forced to close in December, cutting the run short.
COVID-19 & The Film Industry
There are some big blockbusters planned for our entertainment that have had their release dates delayed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. So how has the pandemic affected filming.
It’s All Happening on YouTube
Sardines has started to release daily videos to our YouTube channel. If you haven’t caught up with them yet why not have a look and, if you like what you see, please subscribe.
Your News
News stories relevant to amateur theatremakers around the country. Some stories are about amateur theatre, some professional and some youth.
Breathing Easy in Jersey
Paul Johnson interviews crossover soprano, Georgi Mottram, who recounts – from her temporary base back in Jersey – of how she overcame acute anxiety after discovering Breathwork.
2021 Sardines Panto Special
Our annual focus on pantomime is a bit different this year. Slightly smaller and simpler, the panto special features our cover story interview with ex-Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan.
Strike Up the Band!
Several musical productions are being publicised to reopen either as we come out of lockdown or for later in the spring. The details are here.
Hamilton and Me
Giles Terera’s new book looks at the performer’s time in the big musical extravaganza, Hamilton, where he played Aaron Burr. The book features a foreword from Lin Manuel Miranda
Plays, Books & Musicals
New and re-released titles now available for amateur performance. Includes both major publishers and licensors as well as smaller independent set-ups.
Index of Advertisers
by Paul Johnson | Nov 30, 2020
Foreword
Sardines’ Editors, Paul and Fariba, pause to take in the latest developments of 2020’s ongoing Coronavirus saga.
Latest Survey Results
At the beginning of November we set you nine questions focused on reopening our theatres. Your extra comments make fascinating reading.
Am-dram Versus Covid – cover story
Dave Hollander takes a look at the amateur theatre sector’s reaction to dealing with the pandemic.
Theatre’s New Normal
A look at what theatre might be like on the other side of lockdown. Could a new world of social distancing be awaiting us?
Lockdown… What Lockdown?
Paul Johnson throws the spotlight on the Isle of Man where there has been no lockdown or social distancing since the summer.
Safety in Meetings
Paul Z Jackson, improvisation expert, looks at how to put people at ease and to get the best out of them either meeting online or face to face.
Pantomime Left in Tiers!
The latest Government restrictions may have taken us out of lockdown but the new tiering system means some Christmas shows cannot go ahead.
Who Let the Dogs Out!?
It’s time to put our tongues in our cheeks as we bring you a feast of animal-filled musicals from Adolphin Theatre – courtesy of TLC Creative.
Best-selling Authors
We take a quick but entertaining look at the best-selling authors in the UK and how much they have earned foe each word written.
Keeping in Touch With…
…your Audience During a Global Pandemic. The heart and soul of theatre, if the audience didn’t like the performance the curtain wouldn’t rise.
One Step Beyond! – The Stables Theatre
Nick Smurthwaite takes a look at how this theatre in Hastings, a member of the Little Theatre Guild, is overcoming the Coronavirus odds.
YOUR NEWS
News stories relevant to amateur theatremakers around the country. Some stories are about amateur theatre, some professional and some youth.
YOUR NEWS: YOUTH, STUDENT, GRADUATE NEWS
Practically Perfect!
Paul Johnson interviews a pair of professional lighting technicians who found success in diversifying their skills while furloughed.
Franchising Influencer
The spotlight falls on Denise Sutton-Gosney, Founder and MD of Razzamataz Theatre Schools, who has just been recognised by the franchising industry.
Book Review – Break a Leg
Nick Smurthwaite reviews Jenny Landreth’s new book that is a “Memoir, Manifesto and Celebration of Amateur Theatre.”
Financial Survival
Chairman of Greater Manchester’s Chads Theatre, Steve Pratt, talks about the best ways to fundraise, including involvement with ‘Your Theatre Lottery’.
Strike Up the Band!
Several musical productions are being publicised to reopen either as we come out of lockdown or for later in the spring. The details are here.
Plays, Books & Musicals
New and re-released titles now available for amateur performance. Includes both major publishers and licensors as well as smaller independent set-ups.
by Paul Johnson | Aug 18, 2020
What a Year! (Foreword)
Latest comment from Sardines’ Editorial
Tamara von Werthern (regular column)
Tamara finds some positives from five long months of lockdown.
LIFE IN LOCKDOWN
Our 25-page special feature covers the darkest months for theatre everywhere.
Timeline of the UK’s Covid-19 Story
Extinction Level Event?
Lockdown Diary
Spare a Thought for…
Lockdown on Social Media
6 of the Best – Relevant Poll Results
Technology in Isolation
Take #2
Centre Stage to Shelf-Stacking
Ladies’ Day – A Remote Production in July
A Lockdown View from the Isle of Wight
An Open Letter From Michael Billington
YOUR NEWS
News stories relevant to amateur theatremakers around the country.
Ruthie Rearranged – cover story
Ruthie discusses her thirty-three-year career, concert dates and her industry.
Hard Drugs & Hairstyles (Just Say NO!, Kids)
A brand-new Grange Hill boxed set is now available to pre-order.
Michael Green & The Art of Coarse Acting
Nick Smurthwaite takes a look at one of amateur theatre’s most iconic books.
Win a Wild Card
Focus on the new memoire of actor, theatre director and writer, Martin Milnes.
Win When You’re Singing
Singing coach Julie Miles talks about bringing people up to scratch for TV.
Looking Back … Looking Forward
On behalf of the British Music Hall Society, Chris Abbott, shares his passion.
Fascinating Liza
One third of Fascinating Aida, Liza Pulman looks forward to her concert dates.
Strike Up the Band!
What a depleted musical theatre industry has in store for us.
Panto in Ruins?
Industry leaders & playwrights give their opinions on this year’s troubled season.
Plays, Books & Musicals
New and re-released titles now available for amateur performance.
by Paul Johnson | Jun 17, 2020
Foreword – Whoosh! Another Year Has Been and Gone.
The latest from Sardines’ Editorial.
Questors, Jesters and Renegades
In the run up to the publication of his new book, Michael Coveney champions amateur theatre.
Tamara von Werthern
Nick Hern Books’ Performing Rights Manager brings more advice in her regular column.
Training Profile
Rebecca Swann speaks with Simon Trinder, founder of the Independent Centre for Acting Training.
Humbug Galore!
Susan Elkin looks at one of the most-adapted stories ever, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
The Review: Who’s the King?
Trinity Drama Productions mounts a production of Lloyd Webber & Rice’s musical, Joseph.
YOUR NEWS
Our regular round-up of news stories relevant to amateur theatremakers around the country.
Rob Brydon Pics
A selection of images from our previous cover-star, Rob Brydon’s brand-new stand-up tour.
2020 PANTO SPECIAL
Our annual feature brings information and advice focusing on amateur theatre’s biggest genre.
The Art of Panto
The Great British Panto Chase Off Quiz
Amateur Photo Spread
Touring Panto
Panto in Verse
The Big Producers – Qdos
P.A.N.T.O.M.I.M.E. – A Writer’s Guide
Professional Photo Spread
Panto Playwright Directory
Tessa Peake-Jones – cover story
The famous ‘Mrs Del-Boy Trotter’ speaks about touring John Cleese’s new farce, Bang Bang!.
Once is All You Need
Paul Johnson speaks to cast and creatives of the new touring production of Once the Musical.
Time to Relax
Sarah McPartlan and Robin Kelly look at Bromley Players’ decision to explore relaxed performances.
Strike Up the Band!
Our regular preview, looking at what the musical theatre industry has in store for us.
Nick Hern Books – top-10
As another year passes, Nick Hern Books lists its ten most licensed plays throughout 2019.
Plays, Books & Musicals
Our regular section where we list all the new and re-released titles for amateur performance.
