Dear Old Harrovian, January 2013 I am delighted to announce that having presented a Shakespeare play in Speech every year for the past 61 years be: We now invite your participation in our 62 nd production which will To be directed by Charlie Ward and performed on: Friday 19 th and Saturday 20 th at 7.45pm in Speech.
2 Our 61 years The Old Harrovian Players have produced a Shakespeare play, without fail, for sixty-one years three more than the combined age of all three incarnations of the Globe theatre. This is testament to Shakespeare s enduring popularity, but also to the tremendous efforts of many OHs over six decades. Last year s dynamic production of Richard III, produced and directed by Charlie Ward, won many richly deserved plaudits and introduced several young actors to the joys of performing in Speech. 2011 saw the publication of a historical record entitled Shakespeare in Speech 1941 2011. This almanack traces the 70 years of OH Players and School performances, and features complete cast and production information together with photographs and memories from those involved. If you are interested in purchasing this excellent volume (which costs just 5+P&P), please contact Perena Shryane, either by emailing ha@harrowschool.org.uk or by phoning 020 8872 8200. Most of the programmes and cast lists from both School and OH plays since 1941 are now also on the Harrow Association website. Called the Shakespeare Plays Archive, it is accessible from the Services tab on harrowassociation.com, and is also accessible from the OH Players homepage. Romeo and Juliet Following on from last year s very successful production of Richard III, Charlie Ward returns to direct arguably the most famous of Shakespeare s plays, first put on by the Old Harrovian Players in 1955 (starring a young J.P. Lemmon Esq. as one of the titular starcrossed lovers ). As ever, young and old are needed and invited to join the cast. We can happily accommodate anyone who would like a part, however big or small, regardless of acting experience or expertise! If you would like a part or more information please email Charlie on cbmward@gmail.com or call him on 07595 533103. Alternatively, please fill in the form at the back as usual and return as indicated. Either way, if you would like to take part please respond as soon as possible. Please see below for dates, times and venue of rehearsals:
3 Sunday 17 th March 2pm 6pm To be confirmed Sunday 24 th March 10.30am 6.30pm Speech Sunday 7 th 10.30am 6.30pm Speech Sunday 14 th 10.30am-6.30pm Speech Wednesday 7pm 10.30pm Speech 1 st Dress Rehearsal Thursday 18 th 7pm 10.30pm Speech 2 nd Dress Rehearsal Friday 19 th 7pm for 7.45pm Speech 1 st Performance start Saturday 20 th 7pm for 7.45pm Speech 2 nd Performance start N.B. You will only be required for a portion of each rehearsal, depending on the size of the part. Membership Prices 17 th As you are probably aware, we do not sell 'tickets' to our plays, rather we invite membership to the Society. This year, we have decided that subscriptions shall be free for any Old Harrovian under 30. For everyone else, the subscription rates are 10 for adults and 5 for children. As always, we are particularly grateful for any donations. Email correspondence and payment This is the second year in which this circular is going out almost exclusively by email. Those few of you who requested a paper circular either by reply last year or the year before will continue to receive the circular by post. Rather than printing the last page of this circular and posting it back to me, you may wish instead to send an email to jcp@harrowschool.org.uk confirming the relevant details as set out on the last page. Additionally, you may prefer to pay for your membership electronically rather than posting a cheque and so this year we can also offer payment by direct bank transfer to our Society bank account. The details are as follows. Account Name: Old Harrovian Players Account Number: 65074961 Sort code: 08-92-99 1 st rehearsal 2 nd rehearsal 3 rd rehearsal 4 th rehearsal (plus lunch party) and run through
4 N.B. If you are using this method, please include your surname and initials as a reference. The AGM The Society holds its Annual General Meeting on the afternoon of the Saturday performance (20 th ). This will take place at 5.30 p.m. in the Old Harrovian in the War Memorial. Refreshments will be plentiful. All are invited to come along and have a say in the direction of the Society. We sincerely hope that you will be able to contribute in some way, either by volunteering to act or working behind the scenes. We have managed to produce a play every year for six decades - please do come and help us continue this tradition into the seventh and beyond! All best wishes for a prosperous and happy 2013, James Poole Secretary, The Old Harrovian Players N.B. IF YOU WISH TO UNSUBSCRIBE FROM THE SOCIETY, PLEASE JUST EMAIL jcp@harrowschool.org.uk
5 Either: complete the following and return it by post with a cheque for 10 made payable to Old Harrovian Players to OH Players, c/o The Harrow Association, 5 High Street, Harrow on the Hill. HA1 3HP; Or: send an email to jcp@harrowschool.org.uk including the relevant information. You may pay by online bank transfer to the following account: Account Name: Old Harrovian Players Account Number: 65074961 Sort code: 08-92-99 Please remember to include your surname and initials as a reference. Name Year Entered School Address Telephone No Email address Please tick as appropriate: I enclose 10.00 and:- a) I wish to act in this year s production. b) I wish to be a member this year but cannot take part. OR c) I wish to remain on the mailing list but do not require membership this year. d) I no longer wish to receive circulars from the Society.