Playgoers Present ‘Words From the Great War’

Newport Playgoers Society will be commemorating the centenary of World War One with a unique performance of ‘Words from the Great War’ at the Dolman Studio on Remembrance Sunday 9 November.

The event, which has been researched and compiled by Playgoers veterans John Sheen and Eileen Symonds, will feature many of the society’s actors and singers of all ages performing some of the stirring poems that were inspired by the fierce warfare, as well as popular love-songs and military melodies of the time.

Local flavour will be provided by a selection of humorous tales found in editions of the South Wales Argus from 1914 to 1918. 

In the powerful anti-war play ‘For Services Rendered’ 

Nicola Jones as Eva berates her father (Peter Bourne) 

for being oblivious to the terrible aftermath of the Great War.

PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

“It is fascinating to compare the quirky events that were happening on the streets of Newport with the horrendous experiences that the troops were enduring on the Western Front,” says John Sheen, who is directing the performance.

“Almost two thousand citizens of Newport sacrificed their lives during WW1, and we will remember them in an emotional recitation of names selected from the Roll of Honour held at Newport Library”.

Tickets for ‘Words from the Great War’, which begins at 7.15pm on Sunday 9 November, are available from 01633 263670. 

Playgoers will also be presenting a trilogy of World War One plays during their current season, commencing with Somerset Maugham’s classic anti-war drama ‘For Services Rendered’ which is on from 12 - 15 November and the stage version of the evocative TV series 'Blackadder Goes Forth in May.

In ‘For Services Rendered’, unmarried sister Eva (Nicola Jones)

is driven to despair caring for her blind brother.

(PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Chance for Young People to be in the Spotlight

One of the leading local dramatic companies is recruiting young people aged 16 to 35 to join them and help stage their ground-breaking productions.

James Reynolds as Holmes and James Symonds as Watson

 in the recent PNG production ‘Sherlock Holmes and 

the West End Terror’. (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Members of PNG rehearsing 

‘Around The World in 80 Days’.

(PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Playgoers New Generation (PNG), who are based at, Newport’s 400-seat Dolman Theatre, produce a wide range of plays on both the main stage and the Studio Theatre. They are very active in taking productions out into the community and also compete in festivals.

Founder member James Reynolds said, “We are looking for anyone who fancies getting up onstage and strutting their stuff, or would prefer a backstage role behind a hi-tech lighting board, running sound or learning about stage management.

PNG members have fun during rehearsals
(PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

“We’re looking for anyone who wants to be involved including people who would like to direct or write scripts.”

PNG are holding a special open day at the Dolman Theatre on Sunday 19 October at 12.30pm. Anyone unable to make it can pop along to one of PNG’s regular meetings on Monday evenings at 7.15pm. For more information contact Emma Brunnock on 07792 362790. 

Awards Presented at Newport Playgoers AGM

Rachel Fenwick was named Newport’s best actor when she was presented with the prestigious Webley Award at Newport Playgoers Society’s AGM.

Rachel Fenwick was presented with her award by
Playgoers President Richard Dymond
(PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Rachel as Eliza Doolittle
(PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Rachel won the coveted award for her virtuosity in playing Eliza Doolittle in ‘Pygmalion’ –  and achieving the magical transformation from cockney flower seller to well-spoken lady.

She was also commended for playing the part of Alice Tinker in ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ earlier in the season for which she won Best Supporting Actress at the recent Gwent Drama League Awards.

“I am delighted and honoured to have been presented with this award, and would like to thank Newport Playgoers for giving me the opportunity and support to play such a variety of roles,” she said.

Rachel – who has also had major roles in the Moliere comedy ‘The Hypochondriac’  and Ira Levin’s chilling ‘Veronica’s Room’ – is about to start a one year Diploma in Professional Acting course at the Drama Studio London.

Becky Griffiths is presented with the Jonathan Conick Award
by NPS President Richard Dymond
(PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Another proud winner was Becky Griffiths of Playgoers New Generation who received the Jonathan Conick Award which commemorates a much-loved member of Playgoers who lost his battle with cancer, aged just 29. It is given to youngsters who have been active not just in acting but in all areas of theatre.

“I feel really honoured to become the third recipient of this coveted award,” said 18-year-old Becky. “It’s particularly nice becomes it comes just as I’m about to go to university to study for a degree in performing arts.”

Becky has been involved in several productions not only acting on stage but also working on sound, set-building, props and stage managing. She has also been an enthusiastic volunteer front of house working in the Dolman box office.

Rachel Fenwick won Best Supporting Actress and Nathan Hodge's
production of  'Killer Joe' was names Best Play
(PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Earlier this week Playgoers scoped a number of awards at the Gwent Drama League evening including Best Play for ‘Killer Joe’ directed by Nathan Hodge.

Playgoers are currently gearing up for their 91^st season which opens with ‘According to Claudia’ by local writer Phil Mansell. Other plays in the season will mark the centenary of the First World War with ‘Blackadder Goes Forth’, ‘The Accrington Pals’ and ‘For Services Rendered’. For full details and to book tickets either phone 01633 263670 or visit www.dolmantheatre.co.uk.