November 25-December 12th A Kick in the Baubles Directed by Christine King

It’s another peaceful Christmas in the Bauble household, but chestnuts aren’t roasting on an open fire. And although a Silent Night would be welcome, all is not calm and all is certainly not bright.

Frank does not wish it could be Christmas every day – in fact, he’s dreading the arrival of snobbish in-laws who only ever bring a single bottle of wine for the entire festivities. Throw in a couple of larger-than-live neighbours, let the drink flow merrily, and everything is set for a car-crash Christmas.

But when Frank and Jean’s estranged daughter Milly suddenly appears, the rug is pulled out from underneath the chaos and the heartstrings are firmly tugged.

Auditions will be at New Plymouth Little Theatre Aubrey Street on Saturday, 25 July @ 1pm.

Rehearsals commence early September.  Cast Required – 3 males & 4 females. Newcomers for both cast and crew are most welcome.        

Enquires to Christine 027 450 7753

The Taranaki theatre community has lost a valued and much loved member. Sadly Derek Warren Treeby passed away on Tuesday 31 March following a short illness.
Derek was widely known throughout Taranaki by theatre groups and the theatre going public alike. He was held in high regard in all circles where his theatre skills and knowledge were considered legendary.
Derek’s early days in theatre in New Plymouth saw him appearing onstage for NP Repertory Society and the Operatic Society. After a time, he moved from the stage to the Directors chair where he discovered his true vocation. He quickly established a reputation for tackling challenging plays and directing thought provoking productions that were ahead of their time. Along with tackling these challenging scripts, he was also equally happy directing comedies, pantomimes and musicals.
Over the years he directed productions not only in New Plymouth but also in Inglewood, Stratford, Waitara and Mokau (where the town turned up to watch). In the 70’s when dinner theatre was relatively unknown, Derek was an early pioneer of this form of entertainment in New Plymouth when he directed a NP Repertory production of the musical “The Boyfriend” at the Devon Hotel. Pantomimes were also a favourite and he directed many a successful Christmas season such as “Mother Goose” for Little Theatre at the then Opera House. As a Director, Derek had wonderful creative insight and imagination. He would read a script as many of us would read a book. In many ways he was hardwired for theatre. He understood scripts, characters, subtexts and plotlines where at times others of us were wondering what it was all about.
During his early days in theatre in New Plymouth, Derek worked in the Manchester department at the Farmers Co-op on Devon Street. Following his time at Farmers Co-op, Derek became a drama tutor at the Performing Arts Company where he provided invaluable guidance as a mentor to young adults starting out on their journey in theatre and in life, establishing many long-lasting friendships.
Derek was always very supportive, and he gained much enjoyment from watching others grow in the world of theatre, attending any play or production he could get to.
Always to the point, he would provide direct valuable feedback and leave it up to you to find the truth in what he said. To this point he was a mentor to many, myself included. He freely gave of his time and energy to mentor those wanting to extend their knowledge and experience.
In 2007, Derek calculated that over the course of his involvement in theatre he had been involved in over 133 productions either onstage or as Director. Such was his enthusiasm, Derek directed plays into his 80’s, with his final production at Little Theatre being “All My Sons” in 2013. His being awarded Life Memberships at both NP Little Theatre and the NP Repertory Society showed this commitment, contribution and value to the New Plymouth theatre community.
Many of us owe much to Derek for his friendship, support and all that he taught us over the years. I’m sure I speak for the theatre community when I say that we and the theatre going public are so much richer for having Derek in our lives.

Andy Spindler
Patron – New Plymouth Little Theatre

The 2019 NPLT committee has voted unanimously that Christine
King be recommended as a Life Member of the society.
Christine has been a member of New Plymouth Little Theatre for at
least 30 years and has given outstanding service to the Society.
Throughout the years Christine has been an active member and still
is today.
She has held the office of President Secretary and Vice President.
Christine has acted in and directed many shows for NPLT. She has
worked backstage and organized Front of House. Many of our
anniversaries and TOSCAR evenings have had Christine as part of the
organizing group.
She is our present Artistic Director and that is a very time consuming
position making sure shows and directors are found to ensure our
Theatre continues to thrive.
Congratulations Christine.

Agenda:

• Minutes of 2019 AGM
• Matters Arising From Previous Minutes
• Correspondence In
• Correspondence Out
• Presidents Report
• Financial Report
• Honoraria Payments
• Election of Officers & Committee
• Nomination of Accountant & Solicitor
• Nomination of Bank Signatories
• Membership Subscription Rates
• General Business

We have some roles that need filling. Please attend the meeting so we have members that can vote for the committee and officers needed. If you are interested in being part of the committee, get your nomination in.