Chairmans Letter

Letter from the Chair

At the committee’s recent meeting the state of our funds was discussed at length and it has been decided that we are not financially in a position to stage an Autumn show at the De la Warr Pavilion. It has been proposed that we put on smaller entertainments and work hard as a company to raise funds to enable us to go back to the De la Warr in June next year. This means the whole company is going to need to work together promoting what ever we decide to stage. 

We are looking into performing a 'Cabaret Night' at St Peter’s Community Centre as these have been very successful and enjoyable in the past.

We also need to utilise our premises as much as possible by putting on fundraising events and also hiring the space out. We rely on all our members to help promote this.

The result of the recent vote for our next big production was Boogie Nights. Hopefully this will take place in June 2013 and will be a great spectacle with lively music from the 70’s.

In the mean time please, please, please get out there and sell as many tickets for Aida as possible. The only way we can stay financially secure is to get as many people into the theatre as possible.

Julie Theaker

Bake Sale & Competition - Mon 18th June

Hello all, Were having a bake sale & competition at The BLODS Hall Monday 18th June 3 catagories - -Best cup cake or baking paper cup filling. -Best savory slice. -Most original filling. I spoke to the queen of the cake stalls last night, hazel, and she will be donating a cake & judging if she can make the rehearsal. All entries must be homemade. Bring some money to buy some bits for your lunches and all money raised will go towards the show expenses! This is an ideal opportunity to have some baking fun and raise a little bit of money. I will have prizes for the winners of each catagory. Thanks Happy baking!!!! Kitson

Aida radio Advert

If anyone would like to hear the newly recorded radio ad or maybe send it on to friends, it can be heard and downloaded (right click and download) at the link below.


Spread it far and wide please, make it worth the while.


Martyn


RADIO AD

June, July Fundraising Events

The BEX Factor                                               CANCELLED

Saturday 26th May 7.30pm BLODS Hall

The Bex Factor has been performed a few times now and this is probably the last time we will do it so if you have not seen it yet please come along for a really fun evening.

As the name suggests it's a murder mystery with a X-Factor twist, full of judges, dodgy wigs, prima-donnas and scoundrels!!

The entry fee, £10, includes a fish supper and a soft drink so you won't go hungry whilst questioning the suspects.

It's a right hoot! Please encourage extended family and friends to come along.

'Walk Like An Egyptian' Sponsored Walk


Sunday 17th June 3-5pm BLODS Hall


We thought it would be apt and fun to have an egyptian themed sponsored walk to raise some money.
The walk will take place on Sunday 17th June and we will walk from The BLODS Hall to the De La Warr and back again.


Please get as many sponsors as you can! 


A Sponsor form can be downloaded here.



Car Treasure Hunt


Sunday 8th July 2pm BLODS Hall


Starting at the BLODS Hall and finishing at 1 Millfield Rise, Bexhill, this treasure hunt promises to be a great afternoons entertainment.


Tickets are available from Hazel & Pauline on 218711 or 219659 or at rehearsals.


£5 per Car
£5 per Cream Tea back at the finish.

'Making of Miss Saigon' Evening

     

'Making of Miss Saigon' Evening

Wednesday 16th May - BLODS Hall

Everybody is welcome to come along to our introduction evening for 'Miss Saigon'. We shall be showing the video made during it's west end production. The aim is to get people interested and to start spreading the word about this great opportunity.

Refreshments available

BLODS & 'Keane'

The BLODS had a fantastic day on Friday 'helping' KEANE shoot their new video for 'Sovereign Light Cafe'.  I understand they will be making a donation to BLODS. 

Keane video shoot - updated

Hi all,

I spoke to Julie this morning and she had some extra info on the Keane video shoot.

1940's  costume - the director also 
wants this in the video if possible, around 15.30/16.30pm. 

So roughly speaking (the schedule may change slightly):


Old bathing area, nr cafe/ice cream van by the Sailing club

10.30am - 13.00pm (Jesus, King & Queen, characters)



Sovereign Light Cafe Area

15.00pm                         (Opera Group - Black tie/men and women in evening wear, elegant dresses - hair & make-up)

16.00pm                         1940's style

17.00pm - 19.00pm      Celebration outside sovereign light cafe (this 
is only if people can stay until this late)




Anne-Marie Negre will be your contact for tomorrow - 07895 369 760


They would still like me to acknowledge how many members we have 
interested and are free to take part. No under 16's I'm afraid.

Please email Julie, if you have not already, and let her know if you intend to come so she has numbers.


Martyn

Aida Rehearsals

Aida rehearsals are coming along at a steady pace and everyone is having a great time doing them. Well done team, keep up the hard work.

DAZZLE - Observer Review

Young BLODS,

Here's a review of DAZZLE from a recent edition of the Bexhill Observer.

Well done again, you all deserved the praise.

Martyn

KEANE Video shoot

Hello BLODS,
Julie has had an email from a production company who are hoping to shoot a Keane video in Bexhill next Friday afternoon. They would like some of our members to be in it. 


If you are interested then please email julie and let her know of your interest.  She will then contact you with more information when she has it.


Julies email is juliesusangeorge@tiscali.co.uk

regards


Martyn

Official opening of New BLODS Hall

Official opening of the BLODS Hall

Monday 4th of June, 10am.

All welcome.

Spread the word and let's make this a great event.

Miss Saigon announced for Young BLODS

are proud to announce our forthcoming 2013 production 

Miss Saigon

This is a huge opportunity for all the young local talent and one not to be missed as this show is not for general release to theatre groups. So spread the word and encourage all 19 year-olds (and below, and in full-time education at the time of the show) to join Young BLODS and put themselves forward for what will be a once-in-a-lifetime-chance to perform this fantastic show.

Young BLODS will perform Miss Saigon during Easter 2013

Auditions taking place September this year 2012.

(Dates may be subject to change)

To join Young BLODS or for more information use the links below.

Contact Young BLODS

JOIN Young BLODS

Come along to 'The Bex Factor' Murder Mystery - 26th May 2012 - BLODS Hall

Autumn 2012 Show Vote - Now LIVE

Hi members,


as you probably know by seeing the home page that the Autumn show vote is underway.


Can I remind members to think carefully about their choice. Look at the various videos on YouTube before you vote and consider which would be best/most feasible for BLODS to do.


Remember, we are not just doing these shows to please ourselves but also the paying public! Your choice should be the best for the society and not about personal gain! We need to recoup the money spent on our lovely new home!


Happy voting,


Martyn


PS. The vote is open until the end of MAY

AIDA - A word from the director

Well I thought i would say a few words on the blog to update everyone how things are going with AIDA.

It seems every rehearsal we are climbing a mountain with songs harmonies and dance routines, however, the cast are making it look and sound incredibly easy.
Johnathon and Lesley have been doing an excellent job of making our ensemble sound tight and extremely well trained on every harmony. 
Sophia is doing an absolutely sterling job of choreographing some very intricate routines, which is something that no-one should miss.

We have got an excellent group feeling going on at each rehearsal. Working with this group of such dedicated people is always fun. We started with workshops to get everyone connected and break the ice with the ever increasing new members. The enthusiasm oozes and at times its difficult to hear myself speak over the laughter and fun we are all having, whilst creating our show. We also want to thank our lovely Tea Ladies for keeping everyone happy with the lashings of tea and biscuits....I just cant resist one of Hazels custard creams!

For anyone that has not heard of AIDA before, it WILL be foolish to miss it. It has a soundtrack recreated by ELTON JOHN & some lyrics penned by TIM RICE to make this piece a family friendly and emotional score.

Amateur theatre in this area has lots to be proud for. There is an extremely high standard that comes from lots of different societies and I feel privileged to be involved and able to indulge in.
Recently I have been to see some excellent productions which has saved me a fortune in going to London to watch quality shows.
Well done to everyone involved....We all need bums on seats so please spread the word and come to watch.

We would love to welcome you to AIDA. It will open up new songs that will appeal to everyone, weather it be for audition pieces or ensemble singing in choral groups.

So from BLODS new premises @ manor barn, I'll sign off by saying: 

We are by no way finished our show and it has got lots of finishing touches, songs to learn and dances to dance...However, we are ahead of schedule and i look forward to each rehearsal. If you are a cast member reading, keep up the good work .... If you shall be coming to watch BUY A TICKET NOW!!


Thanks for reading.


Kitson

Autumn Show Vote

Dear members,


The result of the vote for our Autumn show was 42nd Street 
in 1st place and We Will Rock You in 2nd. As we have since discovered 
that 42nd Street is being staged professionally in Eastbourne in 
September it wouldn't be appropriate for us to do it this year. We 
believe that We Will Rock You is only released for Youth Groups and 
Schools at the moment. We are looking into this in case there is a way 
round it. If this is not available to us we would like to take another 
vote as we have had some more show suggestions. 


As soon as we know which shows are available we will publish these and ask you to vote. 


Watch this space!

Congratulations and thanks to the cast of DAZZLE

DAZZLE

I just wanted to thank the many people who contributed towards the successful run of DAZZLE by The Young BLODS.

Claire for the make-up (although I hardly saw you as I was busy on tech!)

Penny for the fabby props, you're so reliable!

Simon for everything you do (chaperones, programme, get ins, and MUCH more)

Bernard, Pauline & Hazel for all the help and guidance (not to mention the cakes and tea!)

Gail for the organisation of the raffle each night and for helping with the bag-pack!

Julius for doing spotlight duty, cheers mate!

Colin and John for helping build the set and the get in/out.

Sheralee and my lovely Sophia for the many hours of costume preparation (love you both).

Ian for the great work you do on our hair and wigs.

My son Sam for doing the sound and lights for me. You're far too talented, far too young! x

The mums & chaperones Hayley, Juliet, Julia, Bonita, Jo, and many more. Sorry if I didn't get to know all your names but I had so much to do with the production out front.

and ANDY for being a great person to work with!

Andy and I had just the best time directing and choreographing it and I'm sure he, like me, is missing the kids already!

The biggest thanks goes to the cast - you were ALL brilliant in my eyes and you fully deserve all the praise you get.

If I've forgotten anyone in this list - apologies, my brain is officially burned-out!!!

I will get photo CDs and DVDs to you soon.

Many thanks and love to the kids.

Martyn

NOTES FOR WORKSHOPS – APRIL TO JUNE 2012

YOUNG BLODS - NEWSLETTER

NOTES FOR WORKSHOPS – APRIL TO JUNE 2012

Now that Dazzle is over we are all taking a rest until Wednesday 25th April when we shall resume the regular Wednesday workshops at our new premises.   These are located at UPPER SEA ROAD next to Manor Barn in the Old Town of Bexhill.  There is a free car park and we have a waiting room for parents who come and pick-up their children.

As well as the workshops we are considering staging one or two plays, perhaps nearer to Christmas and, at the same time, looking to decide what show we might produce next year.  Those who come along to the workshops will be able to join in the discussion and the casting of the plays. The cost will remain at £1 per session.

On Sunday 10th June 2012 we have arranged a Special Workshop Day to be led by SARAH OSBORNE MA (education), BA (Hons) in Theatre Arts, who is coming down from Yorkshire to help us. Sarah is a professional Freelance Drama Consultant and Workshop Leader who has written and directed many of her own youth performances and has been commissioned by Wakefield Education Authority and The Hepworth Gallery amongst other, to produce and direct several projects. You can see some examples of her work on Youtube under ‘Yew Tree Theatre’ for which she is the Artistic Director.  I cannot speak highly enough of her work which I have witnessed myself and, I was so impressed I was determined to get her to Young BLODS for a day.

The day is planned so that those children from 10 to 13 years of age will have a workshop from 9.30 a.m. to 12 Noon, and 14 to 18 years of age from 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Any adults and leaders interested can come and watch and take part in a discussion from 12 Noon to 1 p.m. designed to help us with future workshops and plans.

We have raised the major part of the cost for this Workshop Day but would like each participant to pay £5 towards the BLODS Hall fund.

Please let me have your name if you will be taking part, as soon as possible.  We need the numbers so that we can confirm the booking to Sarah but they will be limited in view of space.

Our new premises will allow us to consider extending Young BLODS and if you have any ideas or suggestions, please do not hesitate to let us know. Perhaps we can consider, a different evening, or Saturday mornings, other shows or concerts.  Let us have your views.  You are always very welcome to talk to us and to help the BLODS, if not on stage perhaps in some other category (backstage, administration, hall maintenance etc.) there is still work to be done on the hall.  Please let us know and we will be happy to discuss it with you.

Please encourage Young BLODS to bring along their friends to see what we do, including the Workshop Day.

Finally a plug for the senior BLODS show – Elton John and Tim Rice’s ‘AIDA’ to be staged at the De La Warr Pavilion on 27th to 30th June 2012.  I promise you it will be spectacular.  Please put the date in your diary and come along and enjoy the BLODS performance (you can see me as the dying Pharoah).  We look forward to seeing you, and your friends at the show.

Best wishes,

Bernard Simon

Young BLODS Manager

Urgently Required !!

URGENTLY REQUIRED for the new BLODS hall:- REFRIGERATOR - In good order. Regular size to fit under the kitchenette worktop. FOLDING TABLES - Up to 10 required for things like the QUIZ (which is on 29th April). Any enquiries to Bernard 0n 01424 219659. Many thanks Bernard

DAZZLE - FINISHED SONGS

Hi all,

here are the finished songs for DAZZLE.

Download and unzip them (get your parents to help), stick them in to iTunes and get listening!

http://www.blods.co.uk/files/DAZZLE_Final_SONGS.zip


Martyn

The BLODS need YOU

BLODS BLITZ DAY - SUNDAY 18TH MARCH - 10 a.m. to about 4 p.m.

The time has come to move into our new premises but this will only be possible after a day of cleaning and removals.

We need EVERYONE possible to help - move the costumes and hang them, clear the props garage and move them, clean the new premises ready for rehearsals, finish any painting and repairs.

IF we all get 'stuck in' we should be able to rehearse in our new home from that date!!

If you simply cannot make the whole day, please, please give us an hour or two. Don't leave it to the few who always volunteer. We need you all.

I will be taking names at rehearsals or you can e-mail me - bpsimon@hastings77.freeserve.co.uk.

WE CAN MAKE IT FUN!

Also

WE WILL BE PAINTING FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKENDS FROM 2 - 4 P.M. ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. PLEASE COME ALONG AND HELP. SO FAR WE HAVE ONLY HAD A FEW PEOPLE AND WE NEED MORE URGENTLY.

DAZZLE - Bexhill Observer

Hey Kids! You're in the Observer too this week.

Keep up the hard work.

Aida - Bexhill Observer

Nice piece in Bexhill Observer for Aida.

Time to start telling everyone you know to buy tickets!

AIDA Cast List 2012

Cast List for Aida 2012 Aida Lesley Van Egmond               Radames Kenny Giles Amneris Cassie Abbott                         Mereb Ashley Burt Zoser Darrell Willis                         Nehebka Chiara Kean Amonasro Rick Baker                             Pharoah Bernard Simon Soldier 1 Julius Brady                                       Soldier 2 John Harrigan Soldier 3 Mark Drinkwater                               Egyptian Man Ian Watkins Nubian Servant Sheralee Hiett                                    Nubian Male 1 Colin Adams Nubian Male 2 Billy Thompson Nubian Female 1 Yvette Cook                                     Guard 1 Gil James Ensemble Ministers/Nubian Men/Soldiers Colin Adams              Morris Abbott            Julius Brady               Mark Drinkwater John Harrigan             Gill James                   Andrew Leggat         Billy Thompson Rhett Thompson        Ian Watkins Nubian Women Hannah Bates             Brittany Burgess        Steph Burgess            Yvette Cook Julia Croft                  Tina Goddard            Danielle Harrigan       Sheralee Hiett Danielle Horwill         Charlotte House         Samantha Jordan        Natasha Kingscote Sophia Lefevre           Jessica Roberts           Avril Stevenson         Kate Thompson Woman of the Palace Hanna Bates               Brittany Burgess        Danielle Harrigan       Sheralee Hiett Charlotte House         Danielle Horwill         Natasha Kingscote     Sophia Lefevre                                   Opening/Final Scene Present Day  Yvette Cook              Julia Croft                  Tina Goddard            Sheralee Hiett Gill James                   Brian Leggat              Trevor Oldham           Avril Stevenson Kate Thompson          Rhett Thompson Provisional Pit Choir (to be heard and finalised by Jonathon) Monica Blackmore     Pat Horwill                 Ann Lyon                   Brian Leggat Andy Mould              Trevor Oldham           Alison Ridout            Peter Simon Julie Theaker

AIDA Audition Info

Hello to all auditionees!

below you will find the link to the audition material required on Sunday 29th January at St. Peters Community Centre, Bexhill Old Town.

Please note the auditions START at 1pm.  The individual parts will be at various times throughout the afternoon. Do not be late.

http://www.blods.co.uk/files/AIDA_Audition_Info.pdf

If anyone has trouble with the file please contact me via the 'Contact' page on the site.

Good luck to all.

Martyn White