A Welcome from Susan Seddon
Chair of the Maddermarket Trust
Welcome to the 2012 season, which you will find listed in full within these web pages. We have been guided as always by the aim set out 100 years ago by the founder of the Norwich Players, Nugent Monck, that we present “plays of merit”. As we look back over a century of theatre, 90 years of which have been spent here at the Maddermarket, I think we can say, with some pride, that we have fulfilled that aim.
No other theatre has produced the entire canon of Shakespeare plays, even the most recently-discovered one, although the Globe in London is doing its best to catch up! We have championed new writing as well, staging a number of premières while at the same time bringing new insights into well-known plays.
I am confident that our coming season continues the tradition, ranging from the popular and familiar to the new and challenging, as well as being both entertaining and thought-provoking. It also covers a wide time-span, from the 17th to the 21st centuries. Of course, it is essential that we should be able to produce our choices within our own technical and dramatic abilities, while still providing development opportunities for both actors and backstage staff.
This brings me to the season itself. By happy coincidence we have an all-British programme in the year of the London Olympics. Another unintended, but pleasing outcome, is that five of the 12 playwrights are women. And one very deliberate aim is to offer as many strong roles for women as possible, to make full use of the strength and depth of talent among our female actors.
Our first four plays exemplify the variety that we aim to offer. From the dazzling wit of Noël Coward to the searing social realism of Shelagh Stephenson, through Dennis Potter’s multifaceted view of childhood and the warmth of wartime spirit from Imogen Stubbs. Looking ahead to next spring, I would urge you to book early for our May production of Alan Ayckbourn’s ‘Time of My Life’! Together, our programme offers a rich theatrical experience which we hope you will want to share.
For this, after all, is why we present theatre. It is for you, the audience. So we hope that the programme we have put together will bring you into the Maddermarket and that you will bring your friends. Why not consider buying a season ticket, so that you see 12 shows for the price of 10?
Perhaps you would like to be more than an audience member? There are many ways to get involved. As one who can speak from more than 30 years’ experience, I have gained enormously from being part of the Maddermarket Theatre Company. There is much to do besides acting. Wardrobe, stage management and front-of-house all welcome help.
If you are already one of our many loyal supporters, thank you. If you are new to the Maddermarket, I hope this is the beginning of a long and happy association.
Susan Seddon |
