The South Devon Players Theatre & Film Company News

New opening for a stage sound/ lighting technician

2/11/2024

For our tour of Romeo & Juliet- and going forward - we are looking for a third technical person to join our regular team starting in January 2025 (opportunities to shadow current project in advance as well)

This person needs to be locally based (Torbay etc), able to attend rehearsals in Brixham and come to our performances in the South Devon area .

The requirement is to learn the sound and lighting for the show, and be able to cover for either our lighting person or sound person if one or other is away; and also to be involved in recording our performances at Brixham (lumix camera provided).

All equipment is provided- some of our venues (the community ones) require use of our portable LED lights and sound system, other venues have thier own systems in-house.

Techs (the same as everyone else involved in our productions) recieve an equal split of the ticket money from the performances as things stand (its like this because we don’t get funding and our fundraising selling second hand bits on eBay and handmade jewelry via a local market and a local shop) only covers rehearsal space/ costumes/ etc, ) we do keep applying for things to change this situation but haven’t had any luck yet!

The tech person can be any age over 16, if new to tech we are very happy to train them how to do it all, they should be happy to be involved with a very diverse group of people and have an inclusive outlook, besides that we look for someone who is reliable, pleasant, communicative (as working with our team and also venue staff ), wants to be part of a lively can-do team, and like everyone else in our productions, be aiming either to launch or further a career in the creative industries and make awesome shows!

If you’re interested- drop our page a DM or email [email protected]

A look behind the scenes at The Three Musketeers action rehearsals

29/10/2024

Our production of The Three Musketeers has some great action scenes that our team members have been working on alongside the rest of the show. Obviously, dont try this at home (just enjoy it from the auditorium), and this is all from months of hard work from the actors and our action choreographer, Rich.
More information on our show tour - starting at Brixham Theatre then across South Devon, November - Janaury (all dates etc at https://www.southdevonplayers.com/box-office.html

Experience adventure and drama, in The Three Musketeers , at Brixham Theatre! Brixham, UK

17/10/2024

Experience adventure and drama, in The Three Musketeers , at Brixham Theatre!Brixham, UK –

Join us for a swashbuckling adventure suitable for all ages as the South Devon Players bring the classic tale of The Three Musketeers to life at Brixham Theatre! This thrilling production will take place on Saturday, November 9th, with performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

These performances launch the winter tour of The South Devon Players, from November to January across South Devon.Set in vibrant 1620s Paris, France:
this adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' beloved novel, created by the South Devon Players, follows a young swordsman who arrives in Paris determined to join the Royal Guards. Faced with challenges and intrigue, he teams up with the King’s Musketeers to thwart a sinister plot against the monarchy, all while proving his courage and loyalty.

With stunning costumes, dramatic sword-fighting scenes, and a fast-paced storyline, this is a theatrical experience you won’t want to miss!

The cast of this show are actors of all ages from 11 to the sky's the limit, drawn from local towns across South Devon, at all stages of their careers as actors – from complete beginners making their first ever on-stage debut, to those who have been working professionally for decades, everyone joining together to make this show a reality.

The cast have worked tirelessly from the end of the summer, using a local community centre to craft the show, hand make most of the costumes, design & choreograph dramatic action sequences, and create the stage set.
All of this – and all the other shows and projects by South Devon Players - is funded by hand making and selling jewellery via a local coffee & gift shop the Crafty Cwtch, and sorting donated used stamps to sell to collectors on ebay.
This production demonstrates the quality of theatre which can be achieved though ingenuity, dedication and creativity.
Performance Details:
Venue: Brixham Theatre, Town Hall, New Road, Brixham TQ5 8TA
Dates: Saturday, November 9thShowtimes: 2.30pm & 7.30pmRun-time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, plus a 20-30 minute interva
lAge Suitability: Suitable for all agesTickets: £10 full, £8 concessions
Available online at www.brixhamtheatre.co.ukBy phone: 01803 415987I
n person at Brixham Theatre or Brixham LibraryContent Advisory:
No nudity
No strobe lighting
May contain loud sound effects and staged sword fighting
Please note: These performances will also be filmed for broadcast on a USA-based TV channel. Audience members will not be identifiably recorded, and camera operators will not obstruct views or enjoyment.

What the Critics Are Saying: “Stunning performances and choreography”
“Dynamic, dramatic, distinctive”
“Seamlessly combining tradition with innovation”

About South Devon Players:
Founded by Laura Jury in 2005, the South Devon Players Theatre & Film Company is a professional, female-led touring theatre company based in Brixham. Specializing in dramas rooted in history and classical literature, the company creates inclusive opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to engage with the performing arts. The South Devon Players also provide educational materials and run training classes, valuing the social and educational benefits of theatre highly.

For more information, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone/Text: 07855 090589
Website: www.southdevonplayers.com
Follow us on Twitter: @sdevonplayers and Facebook: facebook.com/sdevonplayers

Join us for an unforgettable evening of adventure, camaraderie, and theatrical magic. Get your tickets today!

NOTES TO EDITOR:
Photos: Attached (in Googledrive) https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qhoKDTbHo_kW-1t7PMaD5TsavLBwSiZk?usp=sharing

Folder of our posters
Folder of Rehearsal photographs =- actors names roles left to right as image name. Photos by Laura Jury during rehearsals.

Press release from Laura Jury, founder of South Devon Playersemail [email protected]

Yestival

27/8/2024

Thank you so much to YES Brixham for hosting us at the 2024 music and community "Yestival" at Brixham Rugby Club - we had a great showcase of the work in progress - the opening dress parade for our coming theatre tour of The Three Musketeers - worked really well, great audience feedback and some enquiries about getting involved with us, (and also a big thank you to those come came and bought jewlery from our fundraising stall).
It was a great windswept day and an absolutely brilliant showcase
(Tour opening at Brixham Theatre in November then touring across Devon, and streaming on The MTS Network. show dates and tickets at https://www.southdevonplayers.com/box-office.html, )

#threemusketeers #brixhamtheatre #brixhamdevon #brixham #devonlife #devontheatre #torbaybusiness #torbay #actor #actors #actorslife #alexandredumas #britishtheatre #makingthingshappen #JoyfulMoments #rehearsal #swashbuckling

Bringing Macbeth to a local school and an amazing day

23/2/2024

We have had an absolutely incredible day today at Brixham Theatre bringing a full uncut performance to TSAT - Brixham College students, of our production of Macbeth, this concluding our show tour since November;
Hearing from one of the teachers that this is the first ever experience of live theatre for many of the students, and then seeing (and hearing from the school staff) that the students really engaged with and enjoyed the show was one of the best things in the world.

Also, a huge thank you to the Brixham Theatre staff for making it run smoothly and welcoming the students and teachers- and also to the students for being so lovely! It’s been a huge success for everyone and an absolute joy for our team <3

Great shows and Feedback from Brixham Theatre

15/11/2023

After a brilliant run of shows at Brixham Theatre we are now going on to our sold out show at the Barnfield in Exeter, before coming to Torquay, Kingskerswell, Ashburton and Stokenham.
It is brilliant to also have multiple schools coming along and being involved, and to have great audience feedback from the shows.
If you want to get tickets to any of our shows, (obviously Exeter is sold out but the rest have tickets available) please pop over to our Box Office page for dates and booking information.

Review from Brixham Theatre - original post at
www.facebook.com/BrixhamTheatreCIO/posts/pfbid02UYZWJzpohKKMwKf6ewPj6BaHjXUTd8xL1vGrMWf1a8uimcAabwLdHvvC7FtVkXnhl

"Something Wicked This Way Comes” - Macbeth at Brixham Theatre.
From the first glimpse beyond the rising curtain, it was evident that this performance from The South Devon Players Theatre & Film Company, Brixham would be a distinctive and innovative take on the timeless classic.
Firstly, I felt the need to point out the sheer amount of lines these actors mastered is truly commendable!
The portrayal of the witches was a standout. Cloaked in mesmerising costumes, they weaved through dramatic movements. The use of lighting throughout the performance heightened moments of mystique, mental wellness, violence, and atmospheres that remained after the curtains closed.
What truly set this production apart was the incorporation of dynamic acting in the aisles. This had the bonus of drawing the audience into the narrative with an intensity and unpredictability rarely seen in traditional renditions.
The talented cast delivered performances that brought the characters to life in an authentic and emotionally charged manner. Set against a post-apocalyptic backdrop, the play's tragic beginning and foreshadowing set the stage for the Macbeths' descent into madness. It added a layer of relevance, making the timeless text accessible and relatable to a contemporary audience.
A poignant moment was Lady Macbeth's rendition of the "Out, Damned Spot" scene. The actress brought a haunting vulnerability to the character, inviting the audience to empathise with the internal torment of Lady Macbeth's descent into guilt-ridden madness.
The success of the production was not only a testament to the talent of the performers but also highlighted the dedication of the volunteers at Brixham Theatre. Their commitment ensured a seamless and enjoyable experience, contributing to the overall positive impression of the evening.
In reflection, a quote from Macbeth himself comes to mind: "Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage." This production not only embraced the inherent theatricality of the play but also left a lasting impression, a shadow that will continue to "strut and fret" in the minds of the audience.
For those yet to experience this riveting rendition of Macbeth, tickets are still available. Don't miss the chance to witness a play seamlessly combining tradition with innovation, and classic themes with contemporary relevance. It is a great performance for those studying the play in school or college, or as a refreshing take on a classic for those who enjoy Shakespeare.
Ticket purchases and futher details can be found at www.brixhamtheatre.uk
By Brixham Theatre's Writer in Residence Bethan Rees

A look at Macbeth and our lovely team on video

19/10/2023

Hello all!
We have two lovely videos to bring you. First of all is our lovely Sean, in rehearsals as the Porter last night and absolutely rocking the role.

Then, our lovely Michael, put together a video trailer filmed down at Battery gardens the other day.

first release from the character photoshoot for Macbeth

4/10/2023

Last Saturday we had a great photoshoot promoting the show at Brixham Battery Gardens, around the old WW2 bunkers, and we also got to use a jeep belonging to the parents of one of our young actors! Photos, and video trailers will be released over the next while to whet your appetite, but to start off with, here are some pictures created to test out graphics and effects for the rest of the release. Original photos by Michael Betts, Laura Jury & Simon Slade. ...

Welcoming lovely Sue.

16/9/2023

A big challenge which we have had since the day we started is support accessing writing grant applications and networking etc.

With being one person doing all that, and the theatre company admin, while also being autistic and of a minority, Laura has found it largely inaccessible both in terms of time and in terms of people/ organizations/ funders making negative judgements on “someone different from them”, and her own social anxiety and c-ptsd. This has of course had a huge knock on to what we have been able to achieve for the amazing local people we work with. Appeals for reliable help on this, for 17 years, fell on deaf ears.

Now the lovely Sue Slade from Paignton, also mother to two autistic teenagers who often become involved in our shows, has come on board as Laura’s access support for applying to grants, networking and building up those things, and being that contact whom outside bodies for funding, networking and the arts, may feel more comfortable accepting..
Already on Day 1; two applications have gone off with another two in the drafting stage.

Macbeth rehearsals in progress :)

14/8/2023

An absolutely fantastic Sunday rehearsing Acts 4 & 5 of our touring theatre production of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth - still early days yet but the characterisations and hard work from the cast and crew are second to none with hair-raising action scenes, and drama that will have you on the edge of your seat!
(Tour info at https://www.southdevonplayers.com/box-office.html)