Programme for Taunton Thespians' production of A Servant of Two Masters

1
A Servant
of Two
Masters
present
Carlo Goldoni’s
adapted by Dorothy Louise
ON TOUR
2011
Programme
14th to the 25th of June 2011
Programme.indd 1 6/9/2011 7:18:17 PM

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3
A Servant of Two
Masters
by Carlo Goldoni
adapted by Dorothy Louise,
with tweaks by Taunton Thespians
directed by Michael Gilbert
Setting
The action of the play takes place in two acts, in a piazza, inVenice and in the past, in a time when the
fashionable wear the styles of the 18th century. Other people stick firmly to their own ideas of style.
Act One
Scene one . . . . . . . . . A betrothal ceremony, an interruption and an unexpected arrival
Scene two . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Another arrival and a degree of confusion
Scene three . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A family dispute and a revelation
Scene four . . . . . . . . . . . . Displays of paternal feeling, of machismo and of strength
Act Two
Scene one . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dinner is served, love declared and punishment delivered
Scene two . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Two fathers and a son try to sort things out
Scene three . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . In which all shall be revealed and made clear
Taunton Thespians is a Registered Charity, Number 800217

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Carlo Goldoni
From the Encyclopaedia Britannica
Carlo Goldoni, (born Feb. 25, 1707,Venice—died Feb. 6, 1793, Paris), prolific dramatist who renovated the well-
established Italian commedia dell’arte dramatic form by replacing its masked stock figures with more realistic
characters, its loosely structured and often repetitive action with tightly constructed plots, and its predictable farce
with a new spirit of gaiety and spontaneity. For these innovations Goldoni is considered the founder of Italian realistic
comedy.
The precocious son of a physician, Goldoni read comedies from his father’s library when young and ran away from
school at Rimini in 1721 with a company of strolling players. Back in school at the papal college in Pavia, Goldoni read
comedies by Plautus,Terence, and Aristophanes. Later he studied French in order to read Molière.
For writing a satire on the ladies of the town, Goldoni was expelled from the Ghislieri College in Pavia, and he
reluctantly began law studies at the University of Pavia.Although he practiced law inVenice (1731–33) and Pisa (1744–
48) and held diplomatic appointments, his real interest was the dramatic works he wrote for the Teatro San Samuele
inVenice.
In 1748 Goldoni agreed to write for the Teatro Sant’Angelo company of theVenetian actor-manager Girolamo
Medebac.Although Goldoni’s early plays veer between the old style and the new, he dispensed with masked
characters altogether in such plays as La Pamela (1750), a serious drama based on Samuel Richardson’s novel.
During the 1750–51 season Goldoni promised defecting patrons 16 new comedies and produced some of his best,
notably I pettegolezzi delle donne (Women’s Gossip), a play inVenetian dialect; Il bugiardo (The Liar), written in commedia
dell’arte style; and Il vero amico (TheTrue Friend), an Italian comedy of manners.
From 1753 to 1762 Goldoni wrote for the Teatro San Luca (now Teatro Goldoni).There he increasingly left commedia
dell’arte behind him. Important plays from this period are the Italian comedy of manners La locandiera (performed
1753; Eng. trans., Mine Hostess, 1928) and two fine
plays inVenetian dialect, I rusteghi (performed 1760;
TheTyrants) and Le baruffe chiozzote (performed
1762; Quarrels at Chioggia).
Already engaged in rivalry with the playwright
Pietro Chiari, whom he satirized in I malcontenti
(performed 1755; The Malcontent), Goldoni was
assailed by Carlo Gozzi, an adherent of the
commedia dell’arte, who denounced Goldoni in a
satirical poem (1757), then ridiculed both Goldoni
and Chiari in a commedia dell’arte classic, L’amore
delle tre melarance (performed 1761 The Love of the
Three Oranges).
In 1762 Goldoni leftVenice for Paris to direct the
Comédie-Italienne. Subsequently, he rewrote all of
his French plays forVenetian audiences; his French
L’Éventail (performed 1763) became in Italian one of
his finest plays, Il ventaglio (performed 1764).
Goldoni retired in 1764 to teach Italian to the
princesses atVersailles. In 1783 he began his
celebrated Mémoires in French.After the French
Revolution his pension was cancelled, and he died
in dire poverty. Ironically, the pension was restored
the day after his death.

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Dorothy Louise
Dorothy Louise‘s produced plays include Cassatt at
Playhouse 46 in NewYork; WhatYouWill at the Walnut Street
Theater in Philadelphia; OctoberWedding at Playwrights’
Horizons in NewYork; and The Green Parrot (a revised
Cassatt) at the Nexus Theater in Atlanta. She also wrote
the16 episodes of Center-City Soap, produced by the
Philadelphia Company; and the 18 episodes of Starstuff,
produced by WCAU-TV (CBS Philadelphia). Other work
includes Loveknot, premiered at the Fourth International
Women Playwrights’ Conference in Galway, and Hearts in
Harness, in a reading at Fontanonestate, Rome. She has
adapted five classics: La Ronde,The Marriage of Figaro, Uncle
Tom’s Cabin, andThe Servant ofTwo Masters and Frankenstein
(both published by Ivan Dee). In addition, she has written
the libretto for Disappearing Act, a piece about Houdini’s quest to reach his dead mother via the mediumship
of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, with music by John Carbon; from this a song cycle,“Travels with Queen
Victoria,” was presented in NewYork. That same year her one-act, The PatientTherapist, was a finalist in
the Samuel French Short Play Festival at the Actors Theater in NewYork; and Manhattan Theatre Source
presented her Mirrors in aWindow Frame. Her short play, Sam’s Friends, was presented at Center Stage, New
York, then broadcast in theVoice ofVashon drama series, which also produced Singles Match in 2009. Other
recent work includes Love’s Labour’sWonne;The Radiance of Springtime; and Urban Homestead. Dorothy has
received support from the NEA, the Hawthornden International Retreat for Writers, the Berrilla Kerr
Foundation, the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, theVirginia Center for Creative Arts, and the Pennsylvania Council
on the Arts. She is an active member of the Dramatists Guild of America, Inc.
For more information, see http://dorothylouise.net
About Taunton Thespians
The Taunton Thespians have been providing live theatre for and by the people of Taunton and
surrounding area since 1928, when Ian Hay’s “Tilly of Bloomsbury” was staged for 3 nights at the
Lyceum Theatre (now a block of flats at the end of Station Road).The Thespians' home is “The Place”
in Wilfred Road,Taunton.
Every year the Thespians entertain thousands of people by:
Staging two major productions at the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre•
Participating in drama festivals in other theatres around Somerset•
Putting on in-house productions for members•
Spending two weeks on the road with a touring production every summer•
We also provide Murder Mystery evenings for parties and fund-raising events around the area, and are
developing our outreach activities further.
To see what's happening in amateur drama in Taunton, come along to a Club Night.There's no charge,
and you're very welcome. Just drop along to The Place at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of any month
from September to May.
If you do fancy joining us, there’s plenty to do, and it doesn’t have to involve getting up on stage.Actors
and actresses are always welcome, of course, but we do need people who want to design and build our
sets, sort out costumes, do makeup and hair, all sorts of things. Membership is only £12 a year, and it’s
just about the most fun you can have for a pound a month!
For more details call John Burbery on 01823 442118
or email membership@tauntonthespians.org.uk

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From the DirectorHaving been itching to direct something for our Tour for ages, this has always been
in my mind as the ideal play to take on the road.The Commedia dell’Arte roots are
outdoor performances, after all.The trouble with a classic from another language is
tracking down the translation that you feel gives you the closest feel to the original,
without struggling to pay reverential homage to that original.There are plenty of
boring versions of Moliere and other wonderful plays. Having dug around a bit,
Dorothy Louise’s adaptation hit just the right note – for me, at least, but hopefully
for you, too – adding a more modern feel whilst retaining the raw and earthy
humour of the original. Except the bit where Truffaldino eats the cat.That’s not in
this version.Thank goodness.
Of course, the thing about doing the show outdoors is that you need to take a
piece written for a normal theatre, with wings and curtains and technology, and
recraft it to work in multiple venues with no effects at all. Hence the setting you
see before you. It needs to serve lots of purposes, to be as versatile as possible and
to be as easy to get set and struck as possible.The basic setting is very old indeed,
dating back to the Romans and before: a square with a house on each side and an
inn upstage.The various constraints we have mean that this concept needed to be
changed a bit, hence the arches you can see in front of you (Although I keep being
told that they’ll be blown away, but I have faith...). Just to clear up who lives where,
Pantalone, his daighter Clarice and her maid Smeraldina live on your left, Doctor
Lombardi and his son Silvio live on your right, the Inn is owned by Brighella, and the rest ofVenice is behind
you.This last fact may explain any damp feelings you might be having.
I am very grateful indeed to Dorothy for giving us carte blanche to play with her script. In an email, she told
me “... do feel free. [to make any changes] It’s not just the American-ness, but the contemporaneity -- if I
were directing a production today, I’d have to change all those American references, too. And I agree with
your point re the quality and supply of political jokes -- with New Old Labour and the Clegg/Cameron
alliance, I think you are running ahead.” Having said that, the way that this script builds up the female roles
is one of its key strengths, in my eyes, so we’ve kept all that intact.What is also very obvious to British eyes
that the Americans may have missed is the way this play is at the roots of pantomime as we know it, not
least for the presence of Beatrice as Principal Boy.
Finally, I need to thank Tony Leach for creating the music for this show.To me, if a play needs music, it
should be live, and if any genre benfits from music it’s got to be this one. On top of that, for this open
setting, we need to distract you when scenes are bing changed. and what better way than a tune.As he did
last year,Tony has written a tune that’ll take you home humming, which is is just as it should be.
Even more finally, thanks to you for coming, and enjoy the show! Michael Gilbert
From the Musical Director
Composing the music for this show has been a challenge but very rewarding. It’s
always nice to combine my two great interests - treading the boards and tinkling
ivory! Having perused this programme you may already know Goldoni wrote this
Commedia classic on 1743, and this is the period I have tried to evoke with my
music. However, the brief by my director was also to accentuate the fun and earthy
spirit of the Commedia - a very vital ingredient indeed.And so a sort of fusion was
attempted - baroque crossed with Italian street music. I hope you find it works...
if not please feel free to borrow Truffaldino’s slapstick and evoke the spirit of the
Commedia yourselves upon our good director, Michael Gilbert, who has promised
to pass on your feedback in person! Tony Leach

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Facilities will include:
• A state of the art hydrotherapy pool
• A thermal suite which includes
a sauna & steam room
• Relaxing foot spas
• Experience showers
• Beautiful treatment rooms offering
[comfort zone] treatments
• A ﬁtness suite with Technogym
equipment
• A stunning spa terrace overlooking
the gardens
• Changing rooms with lockers and
complimentary towels
UNVEILING AT
THE MOUNT
SOMERSET
THIS OCTOBER
For more information call us on 01823 442500
or visit us at www.mountsomersethotel.co.uk
MEMBERSHIPS, DAY PACKAGES AND TREATMENTS AVAILABLE.
The Mount Somerset
Lower Henlade
Somerset TA3 5NB
Telephone 01823 442500
Fax 01823 442900
thespa@themountsomerset.co.uk
Book any one hour facial in October
& November and receive free use of
the facilities. Quote MS01.
Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.
The Mount Somerset
Lower Henlade, Taunton, Somerset TA3 5NB
Telephone 01823 442500 Fax 01823 442900
thespa@themountsomerset.co.uk
MEMBERSHIPS, DAY PACKAGES AND TREATMENTS AVAILABLE.
For more information call us on 01823 442500
or visit us at www.mountsomersethotel.co.uk
HALFDAY
SPATASTER
Half Day Taster £50 per person
Relax with a morning or afternoon in The Spa with full use
of the facilities and a choice of two of the following mini
taster sessions, each lasting 30 minutes:
Back Massage . Express Manicure
Salt Scrub . Express Pedicure . Individual Facial
Taster morning available from 10am until 2pm
or taster afternoon available from 2pm until 6pm.
To book, call 01823 442500 quoting TT06
or email info@mountsomersethotel.co.uk
Taunton Thespians are grateful
to the following:
for displaying billboards: . . . . Yule Brown,Taunton
. . . . . . . . . . . The Crown & Sceptre,Taunton,
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Westgate,Taunton,
. . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr & Mrs Tooze, Chelston
for promotional displays: . Shops & other premises in
Taunton,Wellington and elsewhere
for deploying billboards:Ron Roberts & Mark Dawson
for financial support: . . . . . . . . Our advertisers
for transporting the set . . . . . Webbers Removals
for the triple arch . . . . . Willowtree Productions
for franking service . . . . . . Learning South West
for the licence . . . . . . . . . . Samuel French Ltd
Express Print Ad

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Frank Bond Community Centre
The Frank Bond Centre was named after its benefactor, a local builder
by the name of Frank Bond. He was a private man, with two unusual
hobbies: he collected theatre organs and around his garden he had
numerous aviaries housing exotic birds. He opened his garden once a
year to the general public and all money raised went to charity. On his
death he left his house and garden (now the Centre) and land to the
community.The land was used for development - some was used for
housing and some was provided for the St Margaret's Hospice to be
built.The Centre was established in 1983, after alterations to provide
accommodation for resident caretakers upstairs and to open up the
ground floor area for activities.There is a main room, with a hatch
to kitchen and opening into the conservatory. In addition there is a
smaller separate room.A lavatory and office block were also added.
The Frank Bond Trust Limited is a charity and limited company which
consists of eight Trustees who manage the Centre.The Centre is open
to people who have retired and are seeking activity in a local setting.
Hartwood House
This is our third production at Hartwood House, and David and
Rosemary make us very welcome indeed, as did their delightful dog,
who became an extra cast member in London Assurance, ambling
across the stage with perfect comic timing.
The house nestles in a 6 acre woodland glade. Exceptionally quiet at
night, only disturbed by owls or foxes. Red and roe deer are often
seen in the fields and woodland. Birdsong fills the garden throughout
the day.The Freemantles are enthusiastic amateur gardeners and have
planted a wealth of trees, shrubs and perennials over the last 18 years
- and in Somerset everything grows apace! The garden has much to
interest the plantsman, as well as having many quiet sitting areas and
space for children to play.
Week

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Glastonbury Abbey
Somerset is littered with medieval abbeys, but the largest and most
powerful was Glastonbury Abbey. By the time of the Domesday
Book, Glastonbury was the richest monastery in England, but it was
destroyed by fire in 1184 and later rebuilt before being ransacked
during the Dissolution. It’s still possible to make out the nave walls,
the ruins of St Mary’s chapel, and the remains of the crossing arches,
which may have been scissor-shaped like those in Wells Cathedral.
In the 13th century, monks uncovered a tomb inscribed with the
legend Hic iacet sepultus inclitus rex arturius in insula avalonia, or ‘Here
lies buried the renowned King Arthur in the Isle of Avalon’, along with
a pair of side-by-side skeletons (supposedly Arthur and Guinevere).
The bones were buried beneath the altar in 1278, but were lost
following the plundering of the abbey; the site of the tomb is marked
in the grass.
We love this venue, although each performance here has been dogged
by ill fortune. Hopefully this year everything will come together for a
wonderful evening for both cast and audience.
The Cleve Spa Hotel & Country Club
This was designed by Alfred Waterhouse in the contemporary style
of 1866 for Joseph Hoyland Fox and his wife Mariana. Originally just
called “The Cleve”, it was the second of the three houses of the Fox
family in Wellington, after the original Tonedale House. (The Foxes,
being Quakers, didn’t just think of their own comforts, but of those
less fortunate than themselves. It’s worth knowing that sugar wasn’t
served to guests at Tonedale, as it was a product of the slave trade.)
When built, there were no bathrooms at The Cleve, although a hip
bath was provided for every bedroom.This is not a situation guests
now have to worry about; not only are all rooms en suite, but there’s
a heated indoor swimming pool and fitness suite they can use too!
We’re performing in the gardens, which were designed by Joseph
Fox, and where he spent much of his time. (Information from “More
than Two HundredYears,Wellington and the Foxes” by John Hagen &
Michael P. Fox, pub.Wellington Museum & Local History Society).
Week 1

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Cast in order of appearance
Pantalone, a miserly merchant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ron Roberts
Clarice, his beautiful daughter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah Twomey
Smeraldina, her love-hungry maid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hayley Watson
Dr Lombardi, a lawyer and windbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arthur Cummins
Silvio, his noble son . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Key
Brighella, the best cook in town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jane Edwards
Truffaldino, the hungriest man in the world . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt Webber
Beatrice, a lady with a mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AbiVickery
Florindo, a nobleman of Turin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Skittrell
The Porter, underpaid and overworked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kai Clarke
Pandora, an efficient waitress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nikki Court
Nora, a less efficient waitress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pauline Tilley

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Production team
Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Gilbert
Producer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Dawson
Musical Direction and Original Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tony Leach
Site Managers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ray Court, Keith Gibbons, Mike Leach
ASMs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nicola Dawson & Di Rawle
Set Build . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Dawson
Prompt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jacqueline Roberts
Fight Arranger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stuart Lyddon
Recorder, Guitar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tony Leach
Oboe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jane Edwards
Mandolin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Skittrell
Guitar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt Webber
Ukele . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nicola Dawson
Percussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah Twomey, Hayley Watson
FOH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Members of Taunton Thespians
Business Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Kerslake
Publicity & Programme Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Gilbert
Publicity Team . . . Ron Roberts, Nicola Dawson, Jane Edwards, Rene Kilner, CarrieVaughan
Photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Dawson

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St James Church
St James is known to have existed since 1169, and this church was
roughly the size of the present nave.Around 1308, the original
building was pulled down and the present nave and north aisle
erected. Not much changed until the 19th century, but theVictorians
were very active here: in 1832 a south aisle was added, and the upper
parts of the splendid tower were rebuilt in 1867 as a replacement
for the original, which was in danger of collapse. Finally, the chancel
was enlarged in 1888, and the south aisle extended into a chapel,
and an 18th century gallery removed from the north aisle. From the
outside, the tower dominates everything.Although largelyVictorian, its
design - executed in a fine, red sandstone - is firmly in the tradition of
Somerset towers.The red sandstone is enlivened by stone dressings
in the famous golden Ham limestone.
Maunsel Hou
Maunsel House is a magnificent 13th Centu
acres of stunning parkland at the heart of sp
Estate, compromising of farms, lakes, woodla
orchards, Somerset Wetlands, cottages and a
(Domesday), the manor was called ‘Maunsel
French meaning ‘Sleeve of Land’ and was gra
of Boulogne, kinsman of William the Conqu
Henry II,William De Erleigh granted Maunse
as a dowry to his daughter Mabel on payme
Whitsuntide at his court of Durston. His so
daughter of Sir Hugh d’Auderville and assum
Maunsel. Philip de Maunsel became progenit
surname ‘Maunsell’ and ‘Mansel’.
Cleeve Abbey
The Cistercian abbey of Cleeve is a haven of peace and tranquillity,
said to contain the finest cloister buildings in England.
Visitors today can catch a glimpse of monastic life 800 years ago;
although the abbey church was destroyed by HenryVIII during the
dissolution in 1536, the cloister buildings including the gatehouse,
15th century refectory with its glorious angel roof and 13th century
heraldic tiles have survived remarkably intact.
The great dormitory is one of the best examples in the country, and
an exhibition and virtual tour tells the story of the abbey and daily life
for the holy men that once inhabited it.
Late 2010 brought to an end the 'Cleeve Abbey Project', a long term
research programme aiming to establish the best ways of conserving
the fragile wall painting and tiled floors for the future.
Week 2

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Muchelney Abbey
The Abbey is the second largest in Somerset after Glastonbury. Of
the main building only some foundation walls remain.The south
cloister walk and the north wall of a refectory are other surviving
features.The only intact structure is the Abbot’s House with well-
preserved architectural features including external stonework and
inside a great chamber with ornate fireplace, carved settle and stained
glass, and timber roof.An unusual attraction is the nearby thatched
two-storey monks’ lavatory, unique in Britain. Sadly, this isn’t available
for our audience.
The site of the Abbey was effectively an island in the marshy and
frequently flooded Somerset Levels. It was therefore an ideal religious
retreat (cf. Ely Cathedral).There is believed to have been a religious
building erected on the site as early as 693, although the Benedictine
monks were not established there until the 10th century. According
to the 11th century Domesday survey, the Abbey owned Muchelney,
Midelney and Thorney islands.
Mount Somerset Hotel
There has been a great deal going on at the Mount Somerset Hotel
and Spa in the past 12 months, in fact some would say that The Mount
Somerset has been completely transformed and it really has taken on
a new lease of life. From the exterior, this beautiful Regency country
house cradled between the Quantock and Blackdown Hills appears
relatively untouched, but step inside and you will find sumptuous
interiors with rich fabrics and an air of elegance and grandeur. But
fear not, the wonderfully relaxed, homely and inviting atmosphere
for which The Mount Somerset has become renowned, remains
unchanged.
Taunton Thespians will be appearing at the Mount Somerset hotel
on Saturday 8th October for a specially adapted evening of murder
mystery.The evening is following a 1920’s theme with optional fancy
dress. Priced at just £65 per person to include glass of fizz on arrival,
three course dinner with coffee. To book or find out more about any
of the above events, please call +44 (0)1823 442500 or email info@
mountsomersethotel.co.uk
Maunsel House
gnificent 13th Century Manor set in 100
and at the heart of sprawling 2,000 acre
of farms, lakes, woodlands, walnut groves,
etlands, cottages and ancient barn. In AD 1086
r was called ‘Maunsel’ being derived from the
of Land’ and was granted to Count Eustace
of William the Conqueror.At the time of
rleigh granted Maunsel to Philip Arbalistarius
hter Mabel on payment of two pigs every
rt of Durston. His son Philip married the
’Auderville and assumed the Surname of
nsel became progenitor of the family with the
‘Mansel’.

14
Lower Henlade,Taunton, Somerset,TA3 5NB
Tel: 01823 442500 Fax: 01823 442900
info@mountsomersethotel.co.uk
H OT E L . R E S TAU R A N T . S PA
H OT E L . R E S TAU R A N T . S PA
www.mountsomersethotel.co.uk
NEW DINNER MENU
S A M P L E M E N U
STARTER
Salad of roasted wood pigeon,cauliflower purée and black pudding
Steamed Exmouth mussels,Thai spices and coconut milk
Spring minestrone soup with gruyère crostini
MAIN
Pan roasted cutlets of lamb,tarragon risotto,tender stem broccoli
and a tomato jus
Breast of corn fed guinea fowl, fresh egg tagliatelle and café au lait jus
Fillet of guilt head sea bream, with green pistachio crust
and butternut purée
DESSERT
Glazed vanilla brulee, cinnamon tuille and raspberry sorbet
Apple pie scented panacotta, vanilla ice cream and caramel pearls
Duo of Belgian chocolate,raspberry sorbet and bitter chocolate syrup
TWO COURSES
for £25PER PERSON

15
Arthur Cummins - Dr Lombardi
Doctor. Lombardi requires a volumaximus voice and a
tubby tummy, so I was type-cast for the role. After a life-
time of doing it, I suppose I must love acting – but have
never quite worked out why, considering the difficulties,
– I mean, challenges I've had my “head-done-in” by. The
erudite Dr. Lombardi has a lorra, lorra Latin to learn
which must be terrifying for anyone who hasn't even got
GCSE French. OK I'M TERRIFIED !!! Spend hours going
over the lines and shall speak the Latin carefully, as the
Romans might have advised,“Cogitatio Ante Oratio.”
Ron Roberts - Pantalone
Any performance that includes ‘dressing up’ seems added-
value fun to an audience, as I well know, having been
sitting for countless productions where you are tonight.
As actors, we share that sense of fun, of course we do, but
as part of something rather more far-reaching. It is but
one element of putting together an entertainment that
has taken months to stitch together. It is that sense of ‘the
sum of the parts’ (no pun) being a hopefully great ‘whole’
that gives us the real buzz of reacting to each other’s skills
and performing to the satisfaction of you, the audience.
Sarah Twomey - Clarice
The first time I heard that the Taunton Thespians did a Summer
Tour I was desperate to be involved. I have only ever watched two
'al fresco' plays before but I count them both among the most
memorable and enjoyable of any performances I've seen.All live
performances have an element of 'anything could happen' about
them, but put them in the open air and the risk factor doubles!That
is why I was so excited to be given the role of Clarice (a character
who is herself an unpredictable whirlwind of emotions) and the
opportunity to widen my acting experience by going back to the
roots of our storytelling culture and heading to the great outdoors!
Christopher Key - Silvio
I ‘m nearing the end of my gap year, which I’ve spent
reading and performing to prepare for an English and
Drama degree this September.After a thoroughly
enjoyable introduction to the Thespians through a small
part and backstage work in our last production,The Good
Doctor, it’s great to be cast in a more challenging role.
I have recently played lead characters in the past two
Taunton Amateur Operatic Society productions,West
Side Story and Hot Mikado. I’m a very keen singer and
am taking part in an opera and musical theatre course at
Ardingly International Music School this August.

16
Hatley Watson - Smeraldina
Bretton Hall Graduate, 30,WLTM man with similar
interests and a GSOH. Must love comedy and physical
theatre, karaoke and "Murder, She Wrote". Mutual
experience of Steven Berkoff, Alan Ayckbourn and the
Taunton Thespian's murder mysteries is preferable. If you
fit the bill we'll be 'maid' for each other!
Jane Edwards - Brighella
I love the Taunton Thespians’ summer Tour. I love the memories and
anticipation it evokes, of perfectly calm and still summer evenings, the
gradual change from natural to artificial light, friends, laughter, late
night get-togethers in the pub, singing in the minibus, camaraderie,
rain, mud, loading the van in the dark, changing in the dark, midges,
more rain…You get the idea. I’ve loved the parts I’ve been privileged
to play in the last five tours, notably the gloriously named Lady Gay
Spanker and the redoubtable Mrs Malaprop.And I really love Brighella
– like me, she is passionate about creating wonderful food and
ensuring her diners’ enjoyment. It’s a peach of a part.
Abi Vickery - Beatrice
Last time I worked with this Director I played a schoolgirl
in Daisy Pulls It Off - an innocent, honest and feminine
character.This time, not quite so feminine as I play a man
(or at least, a woman pretending to be a man) ... hmm.
Time to select a fake moustache I think. I’ve never played
a man before so it’s a great challenge and lots of fun. I
especially like being able to wear the 18th century male
attire and the chance to play with swords! This is my 7th
summer tour and I am enjoying it as much as ever.
Matt Webber - Truffaldino
I’ve been cast as a fool! One with more than a twist of
West Country, a food lover who is not all that bright.‘In
steps I...’ as they say.Throughout rehearsals I have been
working diligently on lines and character, whereas Pasqual’
(one of the other servants) has hardly been there at all!
At this rate I’ll have to play both parts. Great to see some
new faces on the tour this year, let’s hope for weather
that befits aVenetian setting.Apart from the waterways,
obviously.

17
Pauline Tilley - Nora
My family have always believed I acted – ‘The Goat’; my husband says
I ’act up’! In primary school I played the vital part of third shepherd;
progressed to second wise man then a sheep! Secondary school saw
me continue stretching my acting muscles as a crowd member. I
moved to English speaking Hong Kong in the late nineties and once
again flexed my acting muscles. My return to China was cut short by
a rather severe road traffic accident. On leaving hospital, I was more
concerned relearning life skills rather than learning lines – until I
moved back to England late 2006. I have been a Thespian for a few
years – enjoying the craic, club nights and the fun to be had.
John Skittrell - Florindo
The first show I did was the pantomime Sleeping Beauty at the Wellesley in
Wellington in 2003 and since then I have been in many productions there
including Robinson Crusoe, Mother Goose, Half a Sixpence, playing Dexter
in High Society and a few parts more recently in Oklahoma. This type of
play is completely new to me and I have enjoyed the comedy aspects and
the more outrageous acting! I am really looking forward to performing
this show outdoors as this will be a completely new experience. I am
currently co-directing the GenesisYouth Theatre show at Wellington Arts
Centre which will be showing next month. Outside of theatre I work part
time at a garden centre and also as a self employed gardener, I recently
finished my last year at college so am enjoying my new found freedom!
Kai Clarke - Porter
I joined the group in late December 2010 when I plucked up the courage
to email Taunton Thespians and to ask how I could get involved with live
theatre. I have been very keen to join, but never really had the courage
to do so, also because the fact that I have no acting experience, I now
realise that everyone has to start somewhere. I attended a club night one
evening which I truly enjoyed. I felt the mood was very ambient and the
other members were very polite and welcoming. I am making my first
appearance playing a grumpy porter in Servant ofTwo Masters.To be honest,
I feel more comfortable on a football pitch than acting, after all it’s my first
performance.
Nikki Court - Pandora
I am pleased to be part of The Tour again, even briefly! Though
not involved last year I have for many years made the costumes,
helped with setting up and played many roles.Amongst my favourite
characters were Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Nina in
Comedy of Errors and Mrs Waters in Tom Jones. Having recently taken
part in my 30th pantomime with The Wayfarers I am obviously a
fan of Comedia dell’Arte, from which panto evolved.As in the 18th
century we too are performing outdoors in a temporary ‘theatre’, I
just hope our audiences don’t throw rotten food if displeased!

18
This production is entered for
The Phoebe Rees Awards
Founded by Phoebe Rees and run by the
Somerset Fellowship of Drama, the competition
is open to amateur drama societies and groups
in Somerset. Plays are adjudicated by members
of the Fellowship’s committee who also run
an annual Original Playwriting Festival and the
county’s first round of the All England Theatre
Festival, and organise drama training.
The Rose Bowl Awards
Founded by the families of Walter Hawkins
and John Coe, this is now funded through the
Quartet Community Foundation, with individual
awards sponsored by the Bristol Evening Post.
Amateur operatic and dramatic productions
throughout former Avon, Gloucester and
Somerset are assessed by GODA qualified
adjudicators
Taunton Thespians are members of NODA
The National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA), founded in 1899, is the main representative
body for amateur theatre in the UK. It has a membership of some 2500 amateur/
community theatre groups and 3000 individual enthusiasts throughout the UK,
staging musicals, operas, plays, concerts and pantomimes in a wide variety of
performing venues, ranging from the country's leading professional theatres to
village halls. Members have access to a wide range of benefits.
NODA aims
To give a shared voice to the amateur theatre sector•
To help amateur societies and individuals achieve the highest standards of•
best practice and performance
To provide leadership and advice to enable the amateur theatre sector to•
tackle the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century
Murder Mystery evenings
Are you looking for a fun evening to raise money for your school, local community or favourate charity?
Or are you simply interested in runninga lively, fun social event? Do you have access to a hall or meeting
room? If so, why not book the Taunton Thespians to run a murder mystery evening for you. Thespians will
supply actors to perform an entertaining who-dun-it right in front of your eyes and will involve the whole
audience in solving the mystery. These evenings work very well when combined with a supper.
Dates are available in the autumn for Murder By Engagement
Saturday 3rd September, Saturday 10th September, Saturday 1st October
For availability, fees and further details contact treasurer@tauntonthespians.org.uk or phone 01823 270249.

19
Taunton Thespians Productions
Season 2011 - 2012We hope you’ve enjoyed this production, and look forward to seeing you next season.As ever, we will be staging
three main shows, two at the wonderful Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre and the Summer Tour - next year will be
our twelfth in a row.As far as anniversaries go, 2012 is also the society’s 84th birthday, which is something the
few brave souls who gambled on a production of Ian Hay’s Tilly of Bloomsbury could never have imagined.As time
passes, of course, we lose members – last year saw the passing of Margaret Way, who first performed with us in
1935 and was still an active member, running an elocution workshop for Daisy Pulls It Off in 2009, Cynthia Jones,
not long after her wonderful Aunt Ada Doom in Cold Comfort Farm, Thelma Wander who was deeply involved
over the years in every aspect of the society, from directing to serving the tea and, last but by very no means
least, the inimitable Robin Bush. In today’s production, though, we have a team of people of all ages showing that
there’s always new blood out there, both on and off stage, willing to work their socks off to put on the standard
of show people expect from Taunton Thespians.
8th
- 12th
November 2011, Tacchi-Morris
A Murder is Announced, by Agatha Christie
Directed by Dave Goodall, who has performed with us on several occasions and directed both at the
Warehouse in Ilminster and elsewhere. Audition dates are Monday 8th August,Wednesday 17th August, Monday
22nd August, all at The Place in Wilfred Road,Taunton. Do come along and have a go!
This is a classic Agatha Christie, adapted by Leslie Darbon, with a good script and some wonderful parts, so it
should be huge fun for both actors and audience alike.
Characters:- Letitia Blacklock: 50+Very large part (Has about three pages off); Dora Bunner: Slightly
older than Letitia, losing her marbles; Julia Simmons, Patrick Simmons, Phillipa Haymes and Edmund
Swettenham; all have to be, or at least appear to be, of similar age. Preferably, although not necessarily,
around 26; Mitzi: Same age group as above, has a Hungarian accent. Described as small, dark and pretty. Brings
some comedy to the show; Miss Marple: 50+, preferably under 5’ 4’’; Mrs Swettenham: 50+; Inspector
Craddock: 40+, needs to be 5’ 8’’ or taller; Sergeant Mellors: 30+, needs to be 5’ 8’’ or taller, or if female 5’
4’’ or taller; Rudi Scherz: 30+Very small part, could be doubled with Sergeant Mellors.
13th
- 17th
March 2012, Tacchi-Morris
Outside Edge, by Richard Harris
Directed by Jane Edwards, who is playing Brighella in this show, and whose production of John Mortimer’s Edwin
won great praise at this year’s County Drama Festival. Audition dates are the 5th, 8th and 13th of December, so
put them in your diary. We’ll be reading the play on the 19th October; everyone welcome.
Characters:- Roger:Team captain who seems to enjoys being the leader more than actually playing cricket.
Miriam: Has put up with Roger’s cold and uncaring attitude for years, hides her frustration behind a beaming
smile. Kevin:The closest thing Roger has to a real friend on the team and the demon spin bowler. Maggie:
Kevin’s wife who adores him but often behaves more like his mother than his wife. Bob: Has a constantly guilty
expression and never seems to be able to say no to anyone. Ginnie: Bob’s long suffering second wife. Dennis:A
carpet salesman who likes to give the impression he is a well connected self made man. Alex:There are plenty
of reasons to dislike this character; if abundant snobbery and good looks aren’t enough, he is also by far the best
batsman on the team. Sharon:Alex’s latest girlfriend, who is very shallow and well out of her depth......
Tour 2012, 12th - 23rd June
Lords and Ladies, by Terry Pratchett & Stephen Briggs
Sir Terry’s take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with witches, elves and rude mechanicals running riot across the
hills of Discworld, adapted for the stage by Stephen Briggs and to be directed by Nicola Dawson and Martin
Jevon.We’ll schedule a reading of the script during the autumn, so keep in touch for more information.
Other shows
As well as the full-length productions, we’ll also be staging one or two one-act plays, so keep an eye on our
website for details - www.tauntonthespians.org.uk.

20
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Programme for Taunton Thespians' production of A Servant of Two Masters

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Programme for Taunton Thespians' production of A Servant of Two Masters