The Dukes Blog

Room 101 opens its doors for an afternoon...

2010-09-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

This afternoon the cast and crew of 1984 opened the doors of The Rake to allow friends of Northern Broadsides and The Dukes to see how the production is coming along. The set is looking fantastic and the cast and directors look very confident!

Take a look for yourself!...

1984 will be running at The Dukes from Thursday 16 September - Saturday 9 October

Tickets are available from The Dukes box office on 01524 589500 and more details can be found at http://www.dukes-lancaster.org/.

Life's a beach at The Dukes!

2010-09-03T06:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we headed out to the beach in Morecambe to take some publicity shots for Quicksand, our spring co-production with Theatre by the Lake, and were lucky enough to be shooting in front of a breathtaking sunset.

While we were there, we also found the time to shoot the image for our Spring Season brochure cover!

More images to come soon...!

Quicksand will play at The Dukes from Friday 28 January - Saturday 12 February and tells the story of a forbidden love on Morecambe Bay.

1984 Rehearsals are underway!

2010-08-27T02:10:00.000-07:00

Monday saw the arrival of Northern Broadsides and our 1984 cast at The Dukes! A full read through on Tuesday left everyone very excited to see the final production.

Carolyn Tomkinson - Katherine

Chris Garner- O'Brien, Andrew Price - Syme

Nick Haverson - Winston

The first morning.

Conrad Nelson- The Director

Galileo – From Stage to Screen

2010-08-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year members of Dukes Youth Theatre and students from Ripley High School and Lancaster University presented a knock out production of ‘Galileo’ written by local professor, Bob Jones.

The Institute of Physics were very impressed with the production and commissioned the Creative Learning Department to re-make the production as an educational film.

So, again our intrepid young actors donned costumes and hair pieces and descended on various locations around the city to shoot their filmic interpretation of the life and work of Galileo Galilee.

The film is now in post production and will be released to Secondary School Science and History departments in October 2010.

For more information about the project or to receive a copy of the film please contact Guy Christiansen, Creative learning Director on 01524 598516

Hunter and Hunted on the iPhone

2010-08-04T02:24:00.000-07:00

Members of DT3 are embarking on an exciting new project putting Lancaster well and truly on the digital map. As part of Blaze young producers are creating an iPhone game to play round the streets of our city.

Try out the Hunter and Hunted game at The Dukes on Thursday 26th August & Friday 27th August from 1pm - 7pm. To book a slot to play the game around Lancaster, contact The Dukes box office on 01524 596500. More info here.

Jack, one of our young producers, has written a blog entry about his experiences of starting work on Hunter & Hunted...

Game designing- a tricky business!

2010-08-04T02:20:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Now when I was told we were gonna design a game for the iphone to put Lancaster on the map, I thought it would be a tough job, with so many options open to us thanks to the range of features on the iphone coupled with my shamefull level of technical ability I knew we needed outside help. This came from two game designers from mobilepie and slingshot games who were able to shape my ludite level ramblings into something fast approaching an idea! This idea then split into three ideas, which have now been mixed and distilled into one great idea, an idea that I will tell you more about when I have learnt the techspeak to articulate it. What I do know is it will be exciting, new, thrilling and put Lancaster on the map for a whole new set of reasons. I’m also certain the final product will be something for blaze to be proud of, and people of Lancaster too!

Cheers, J

Peter Pan's Tinker Bell guest judges the Fairy Cake Challenge in Bowness, Cumbria

2010-07-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday our resident fairy, Tinker Bell (Erin Whalley) was a guest judge at the Lindeth Howe Fairy Cake Competition! Check out some of the
fabulous photos below!

That Thing Rehearsals

2010-07-21T03:28:00.000-07:00

Our youngsters at DT3 have been rehearsing hard for 'That Thing'- a showcase of new writing and acting talent every Monday night. Here are some photos so you can see for yourself!

Shelby O'Neill as Amy.

Put your hands up!

Joey Stanford as Doug

Hands Up!

Doug and Max robbing the bank.

That Thing performs in The Gallery every Monday night at 7.30pm until August 23rd. The event is free or pay what you can. See the blog post below for more details. (Think Dukes Chill Out Tuesdays but with acting rather than music!)

We hope to see you there!

http://www.dukes-lancaster.org/theatre/that-thing

That Thing at The Dukes

2010-07-07T04:01:00.000-07:00

Monday 12th July will see a presentation of new work by young people from the Senior Youth Theatre – also known as That Thing at the Dukes.

After the success of February’s “It Snows”, the Dukes Senior Youth Theatre were given a new concept, the general idea being that of new work by young writers. Members were asked to brainstorm ideas and if they so wished, to write a piece of work that could potentially be developed. We knew that there were several promising writers in the company and wished to encourage new work – who knows, we may have a 21st Century Shakespeare on our hands...

The first piece to be brought forward was ‘Small Ads’ by Jack Hathaway. Inspired by political events of the time, Jack’s piece focuses around the everyday lives of the unemployed, in this case three kooky individuals sharing a squat called Sparky, Julie and the drug addicted Danny. After an initial reading, fellow youth theatre members gave constructive criticism and comments on how it funny it was. and so the writer went away to improve his piece, adding bits and pieces with regard to any updates in the political climate. Nick Clegg, Osborne and Cameron... no politician is safe when Hathaway’s around.
Jack went away and amended his play, and the finished product can be described as 'The Thick of It' meets 'Skins' which will entertain both adults and young people.

Another youth theatre member, Rosa Cooper Davies, during her time off from her Lost Boy rehearsals for Peter Pan, wrote her own piece exploring serendipity with a sprinkle of existentialism. Or, to you and me, a story of two strangers- newly unemployed Jack, and free spirited Grace- meeting on a park bench and discussing life paths. Think 'Coffee and Cigarettes' meets '500 Days of Summer'.

Rehearsals have taken place at every Youth Theatre meeting on Mondays, and often we have been split off into two groups: Team Bench (Rosa’s play) and Team Small Ads (Jack). Our overseer, Louie, who directed ‘It Snows’ and last year’s ‘The Things She Sees’, which toured to the National Theatre in London, has supervised the group sessions over the past few months, with a definite “hands-off” approach, that she has faithfully abided to. Honest.

Two Project Managers were assigned the task of ensuring the night goes ahead smoothly and booking music for the night, which will be provided by Lucas Button and Katy Pickles. The vibe that we’ve tried to go for is a relaxed gathering that can show off the raw talent of our budding writers and actors.

That Thing will start on the 12 July, at 7:30pm and continue every Monday night until August 23rd. The event is free and is similar to The Dukes Chill Out Tuesdays but with acting rather than music! Think about it – you might even be witness to the debut of future Oscar winning screenwriters, and you can say that you were there!

Written by Anna Sainsbury, Young Theatre Maker, The Dukes

Peter Pan is here!!

2010-07-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

Our production of Peter Pan in Williamson park kicks off tonight and tomorrow to two sold out previews! Last night a successful dress rehearsal impressed staff and gave everyone high hopes for an extremely sucessful run.

Below are some sneak peak shots from last night to give you a taster of what's in store!

Peter Pan is running in Williamson Park every evening, Monday- Saturday, at 7.15pm until Saturday 7 August.

Tickets are available from The Dukes box office on 01524 589500 and more details can be found at http://www.dukes-lancaster.org/.

BBC Radio Lancashire comes to Williamson Park.

2010-06-30T04:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Williamson Park was not only taken over by production teams and actors, but also by the team of BBC Radio Lancashire!

Each year the radio station relocate to Williamson Park and have an afternoon of live broadcast, speaking to lots of people involved with the theatre in the park.

Amy Leach, Our Peter Pan Director

Mark Melville, Our Peter Pan Composer

One of our Youth Theatre playing Tinkerbell!

Guy Christiansen, Creative Learning Director with Lucas Button, one of our Youth Theatre playing Michael.

Joe Sumsion, The Dukes Director.

You can listen to all the action and interviews on BBC Listen Again until July 5th 2010 here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p008gl0m/John_Gillmore_28_06_2010/

Peter Pan in Williamson Park is almost upon us! Previews start this Friday 2 July.

Peter Pan will be running in Williamson Park from Friday 2 July until Saturday 7 August.

Tickets are available from The Dukes box office on 01524 589500 and more details can be found at http://www.dukes-lancaster.org/.

Peter Pan: Meeting the Lost Boys

2010-06-23T01:35:00.000-07:00

While The Dukes has been innundated with lovely professional actors over the past few weeks, we have also had the pleasure of meeting 9 fresh young actors who will be playing our lost boys. Aged between 15 and 20, some have come through The Dukes Youth Theatre and others have come through the open auditions held in April and May this year. We eventually whittled down the auditionees to nine very talented young actors. Each will play 2 nights a week in their role of either Tootles, Michael or Tinkerbell.

The Lost Boys with the rest of the Peter Pan cast.

We wanted to know more about our lost boys so we asked them a bit about themselves and their role... read on to found out about our nine young thespians!

Peter Pan will be running in Williamson Park from Friday 2 July until Saturday 7 August.

Tickets are available from The Dukes box office on 01524 589500 and more details can be found at http://www.dukes-lancaster.org/.

Peter Pan: Meet... Tootles!

2010-06-23T01:30:00.000-07:00

First up is Tootles who will be played each week by Noah Richmond, Harry Jamson and Rosa Cooper-Davies.

So guys, have you been involved in projects at The Dukes before?

Harry: Yes, I have been involved in Dukes Youth Theatre since a young age, most recently in Macbeth.

Rosa: Yes! I’ve been a member of the Dukes Senior Youth Theatre since January 2009 and been involved with all the projects with them including “The Things She Sees” and “It Snows”. I was also involved in the play “One Small Stone…”

What drew you to the opportunity of being part of the young company?

Rosa: It looked like a lot of fun! But at the same time, a good challenge and give me some good experience to *boast about* refer to when acting in other projects.

What challenges does this project pose for you?

Harry: Working with a professional cast, and the long rehearsals will be challenging.

Rosa: Fast costume changes and getting in the scenes before the audience arrive.

What's the most exciting thing about playing your role?

Harry: The most exciting thing is working with a professional cast!

Rosa: Working with such a lovely cast, at the same time as being in the beautiful surrounds of the park. We also play a shadow and a mermaid which are all exciting because we get to wear lots of cool costumes.

What discoveries were made about your character through rehearsal that perhaps weren’t explicit in the script?

Harry: He’s quite friendly with Slightly, but almost afraid of Nibs. He is supposed to act mischievously.

Rosa: Tootles is Slightly’s best friend :)

What kind of games and exercises have you been playing during rehearsals?

Rosa: All kinds! Lots of stuff where we get to play around with our characters. This is particularly interesting because as non-speaking characters you find new ways to express the characters’ thoughts and emotions.

Harry: We have been using the dances and name game, but also a variation of ‘Granny’s footsteps’.

What have you particularly enjoyed about the Peter Pan process so far?

Harry: Probably being in the park!

Rosa: Definetly working in the park.

Is there anything that you have found particularly difficult?

Rosa: Remembering everyone’s names!

What tips would you give to other emerging performers?

Harry: Be prepared to wait; Act confidently, if you do you are more believable; Have fun, it looks better if you do.

Rosa: Get involved with the youth theatre at DT3; Try out EVERYTHING; Don’t be picky. Any role is a good role, if you make it one.

Peter Pan will be running in Williamson Park from Friday 2 July until Saturday 7 August.

Tickets are available from The Dukes box office on 01524 589500 and more details can be found at http://www.dukes-lancaster.org/.

Peter Pan: Meet... Tinkerbell!

2010-06-22T02:56:00.000-07:00

Next we have Tinkerbell who is played by Erin Whalley, Sadie McLoughlin and Paige Thornton!

Have any of you been involved in projects at The Dukes before?

Erin: Yes, I go to the Youth Theatre, so do projects there and other ones during the holidays.

Paige & Sadie: Nope

What made you choose to audition for the role?

Erin: I heard about it through DT3 and wanting to perform and enjoying being in the park made me want to do it.

Paige: A close friend told me about it.

Sadie: I was doing my work experience at The Dukes, and they told me about it and said I should audition, which made me want to do it!

What challenges does this project pose for you?

Sadie: Getting myself organised!

Erin: Scheduling and balancing home life and rehearsals.

Paige: Listening skills and not getting easily distracted.

You're all playing Tinkerbell- what is the most exciting thing about this role for you?

Paige: It’s very exciting because I can relate to her as she is energetic, moody and fast.

Sadie: It’s very exciting being really girly, and moody! It’s good fun and I’m excited for the costumes.

Erin: It’s very well known, so I’m excited about making it my own.

What discoveries were made about your character through rehearsal that perhaps weren’t explicit in the script?

Paige: She is sulky but cares dearly for Peter.

Erin: The cheekyness has come through.

What kind of games and exercises have you been playing during rehearsals?

Paige: We have played a game called ‘yes lets’, a tig like game and we did a Lost Boys dance!

Erin: Teamwork (cat and mouse) and working without vocal communication.

What have you particularly enjoyed about the Peter Pan process so far?

Sadie: Meeting the professionals!

Erin: Working with the adult cast and rehearsing in the park.

Paige: I’ve loved rehearsing the first scenes with the professionals.

And conversely, is there anything that you have found particularly difficult?

All 3: Nothing so far!

What tips would you give to other emerging performers?

Erin: Expect to sacrifice other clubs/things and see all of the fun elements all of the time.

Paige: Take advice and constructive criticism; Listen to the director at all times; Have fun but be sensible.

Peter Pan will be running in Williamson Park from Friday 2 July until Saturday 7 August.

Tickets are available from The Dukes box office on 01524 589500 and more details can be found at http://www.dukes-lancaster.org/.

Peter Pan: Meet... Michael!

2010-06-21T03:20:00.000-07:00

Finally out of our lost boys we have Michael, played by Vincent MacDonald, Lucas Button and Paul Munro.

Have you been involved in projects at The Dukes before, and if so, what?

Vincent: I have been involved in many youth theatre productions at The Dukes that are held in DT3.

Paul: Yes, for a year. I was in Macbeth.

Lucas: Yes – I have been a member of DT3 for many years and in various performances including Can’t Pay Won’t Pay, Macbeth and Spring Awakening. I was also in ‘A Christmas Carol’ with The Dukes Theatre (I was one of the Tiny Tims!).

How did you you hear about the show and what made you want to act in it?

Vincent: A letter was handed out at Youth Theatre and I thought that it would be really good to get involved.

Lucas: I love acting and really enjoy working with a professional team. I want to be an actor and so if there is a good opportunity I will be up for it. Being with the Dukes Promenade season is a dream come true.

Paul: I started acting in Cyprus, so I wanted to keep it going when I moved to Lancaster.

What challenges does this project pose for you?

Vincent: This is a big commitment and a lot of time needs to be put into this production.

Lucas: Properly getting used to the harsh rehearsal performance schedule and trying to fit my school work in around rehearsals. Having enough energy for a whole day of school and late rehearsals.

Paul: Not speaking too much!

You're all playing Michael- what is the most exciting thing about this role for you?

Lucas: Michael looks up to his brother and sister almost as mother and father and it is nice to play a role that is younger than I actually am because you can explore childhood games and adventures. Its really fun to play all the lovely games with the other actors!

Vincent: The most exciting things is just being able to perform in such a big production like this.

Paul: I get to be rolled down a hill in a pram!

What discoveries were made about your character through rehearsal that perhaps weren’t explicit in the script?

Paul: Even though I follow John around, I always agree with Wendy in our sibling talks.

Lucas: I have found that Michael looks up to Wendy and John as almost a mother and father. Like role models.

What kind of games and exercises have you been playing during rehearsals?

Vincent: We have been doing a dance which is in the performance but it is being used as an exercise at the moment.

Paul: Zip, zap, zop. Role play and stuff like that.

Lucas: We have been doing trust exercises and also getting used to the movement of our bodies and creating new ways of moving.

What have you particularly enjoyed about the Peter Pan process so far?

Vincent: I have particularly enjoyed being pushed about in a pram and doing my pre-show act which is trampolining. But I have really enjoyed doing the whole show it is a great experience.

Paul: Scene one was really fun!

Lucas: Probably the rehearsals because they are so fun but at the same time I am learning so much about how much people rely on you to do your best, to take notes so you don’t forget anything and to help the other actors if they need it.

And conversely, is there anything that you have found particularly difficult?

Paul: Not having lines!

Vincent: Not really but sometimes it is a bit hard to keep up.

Lucas: I think that what has been a challenge is the long days when we have rehearsals and getting up for school in the morning after later rehearsals! - but nothing that is really to do with 'the play' like script learning or the rehearsing itself.

What tips would you give to other emerging performers?

Paul: Wear warm clothes for outside work; Concentrate; Let yourself go.

Lucas: The first one would definitely be to have confidence in what you want to do because if you are scared of what people might think of you then you wont perform to your best. The second one would be to audition for lots of things because even if you don’t get the part you wanted it’s the actual experience that counts and the more practice you have of auditions the more confident you start to feel. Last tip would be enjoy what you are doing because there is nothing worse than committing to something and then regretting it or not enjoying it.

Peter Pan will be running in Williamson Park from Friday 2 July until Saturday 7 August.

Tickets are available from The Dukes box office on 01524 589500 and more details can be found at http://www.dukes-lancaster.org/.

The Lost Boys in Rehearsals.

2010-06-21T01:36:00.000-07:00

Now you've met the Lost Boys, take a look at them in action in rehearsals up at Williamson Park.

Peter Pan will be running in Williamson Park from Friday 2 July until Saturday 7 August.

Tickets are available from The Dukes box office on 01524 589500 and more details can be found at http://www.dukes-lancaster.org/.

Bumper Stickers are everywhere!

2010-06-18T04:12:00.001-07:00

This year we have been running a 'Bumper Sticker Giveaway' for our promenade theatre in the park, Peter Pan.

The general idea is that people can pick up a bumper sticker from a number of places in the areas of Lancaster, Preston, Blackpool and South Lakes, and display it on their car. Every day in June our team has been out looking for bumper stickers and when we find one that person wins 2 free tickets to see Peter Pan in Williamson Park! So far we've been finding lots of bumper stickers in Lancaster and the South Lakes.

There are still two weeks to go though and we're hoping to find some more in Blackpool and Preston!

If don't yet have a bumper sticker, you can pick one up from the following places, or just email The Dukes box office with your address and we'll send one to you!

Lancaster and Morecambe Area
Collect your sticker from:
The Dukes
Lancaster VIC
Lancaster Library
Morecambe VIC
Morecambe Library

South Lakes Area
Collect your sticker from:
Kendal TIC
Lanternhouse
Plato’s
Longlands

Preston Area
Collect your sticker from:
The Harris Art Gallery
The New Continental, South Meadow Lane
Leyland Leisure Centre
Preston TIC

Blackpool Area
Collect your sticker from:
Arnie Aardvark’s Children’s Playbarn at Blackpool Zoo
Visit Blackpool offices
Barista, Birley Street
Fairhaven Lakeside Café, Lytham St. Annes

Good luck! And make sure to check our Facebook & Twitter pages, or our website, to see if we have spotted your bumper sticker!

For more details on the bumper sticker campaign go here: http://www.dukes-lancaster.org/bumper-sticker-ticket-giveaway

To check if you bumper sticker has been spotted go here: http://www.dukes-lancaster.org/news

Peter Pan will be running in Williamson Park from Friday 2 July until Saturday 7 August.

Tickets are available from The Dukes box office on 01524 589500 and more details can be found at http://www.dukes-lancaster.org/.

Venturing into the Mermaids' Lagoon

2010-06-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday our Peter Pan cast braved the waters of Williamson Park lake! The lake will feature as the Mermaids's Lagoon in this Summer's production of Peter Pan so the cast were getting to grips with the location.

Some of the actors were in a nice traditional blue rowing boat...

Others were enjoying more interesting Polka dot pedal boat numbers...!

Peter Pan will be running in Williamson Park from Friday 2 July until Saturday 7 August.

Tickets are available from The Dukes box office on 01524 589500 and more details can be found at http://www.dukes-lancaster.org/.

They're here!

2010-06-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

The new cast for Peter Pan, our summer show in Williamson Park, arrived in full force on Monday! A quick meet and greet was followed by a full read through, with accents galore!

Introducing...!

Our park director, Amy Leach

David Acton as J M Barrie, Captain Hook and George Darling

Kate Copeland as Mary Darling, Tiger Lily and Starkey

Guy Hargreaves as Smee and Nana

Stacey Cadman as Wendy

Gareth Cassidy as Slightly

Gregor Henderson-Begg as Peter Pan

Sam Jones as John Darling

Already sounding like their respective characters, you can be sure that these guys will be working very hard over the next month to create a summer spectacular not to be missed.

Peter Pan will be running in Williamson Park from Friday 2 July until Saturday 7 August.

Tickets are available from The Dukes box office on 01524 589500 and more details can be found at http://www.dukes-lancaster.org/.

It's a hit!!

2010-04-12T06:27:00.000-07:00

The Gift and The Glory is now in full swing of its month-long run here at The Dukes- and has met with rave reviews and great audience feedback. Read what they've been saying about The Dukes' new double-bill below...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2010/apr/04/the-gift-and-the-glory The Guardian

http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/27760/the-gift-the-glory The Stage

http://www.lep.co.uk/theatrereviews/The-Gift-and-the-Glory.6201435.jp Lancashire Evening Post

Getting To Know You...

2010-03-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

We managed to tear The Gift and The Glory actors away from their hectic rehearsal schedule to answer a few burning questions...

Noel White- Tom

Have you experienced any outdoor incidents or misadventures in the past?

I went skinny dipping in a strangley quiet bay near Marseille while on a trip with a mate over 20 years ago, only to discover we were splashing about near the outlet of a sewage pipe! The moment of realisation that the warmth of the water was entirely man-made haunts me still.
[Noel]

In the early 90s my boyfriend at the time was a Derbyshire lad whow was into rockclimbing. He
took me up to Black Rocks in the Peak District, harnessed me up and tried to get me to climb an 'easy' stretch about four times my height. Half-way up I got completely freaked out and scared, threw a total tantrum and had to be hauled up to the top because I was too scared to do any actual climbing! [Nicky]

When teaching briefly, I took a group of children to an outdoor pursuits centre at Buckden in Yorkshire. Trying to encourage, I threw myself into abseiling- only to descend in jerks into the path of a mini-waterfall - to the cheers of the kids and other teachers at the top! [Anne]

My dog attacked a sheep and I had to rescue it (the sheep, not the dog). [Jim]

Jim Kitson- Jed

Do you have a favourite place in The Lakes?

I worked at the Theatre by The Lake in Keswick recently and for the first time experienced and therefore understood the appeal of fell walking. Standing on Latrigg in two feet of snow with Derwent Water and the North Lakes stretching out before me makes it my favourite place. [Noel]

Ullswater is fantastic- I had only ever driven through The Lakes, before managing to spend a weekend there. Fantastic! [Anne]

If you could go back in time 20 years and offer your character any advice, what would it be and why?

Have more sex while you're young...it dries up. [Jim]

In the words of 'Hey Jude,' "Don't carry the world upon your shoulders." [Anne]

Are there any similarities between yourself and the character you play?

Irreverance and humour as a default position; constant fear of impending old-age! [Nicky]

I'm fortunate to have a few friends I have known most of my life so can recognise the verbal shorthand that Tom and Jed share. Tom is more organised and emotionally steady than me. [Noel]

Too many. [Jim]

A tendency to think I've got to keep smiling in the face of disaster! [Anne]

Nicky Goldie- Joy

What is your personal favourite moment in the play and why?

I like all the bits that reminded me of me- they made me laugh (mostly at myself!) [Nicky]

Singing 'I'll Fly Away'...amongst others too numerous to mention! [Anne]

Do you have any previous connection to The Dukes or Lancaster?

None, but happy to have now! [Jim]

I played Heracles in last year's Williamson Park production of Jason and The Argonauts, and returned soon after to play Slim in Of Mice and Men in the main house. [Noel]

I had a brilliant time rehearsing and playing in My Mother Said I Never Should! [Anne]

I was The Queen/Mum in the B.F.G. at The Dukes in 1900 and frozen stiff!! [Nicky]

The Gift and The Glory begins its run here at The Dukes on Wednesday 31st March at 7.30pm in The Round.

Anne Kavanagh- Lizzie

A Day In The Country...

2010-03-17T07:58:00.000-07:00

Cast and crew wisely wrapped up warm last week, as they ventured out to Grasmere to try to get a feel for the sights, sounds and emotions they hope to translate to the stage in the shape of upcoming homegrown production The Gift and The Glory.

Tracing the same route as the characters take around Codale and Easdale tarns in the play, they wanted to see what it was like to 'walk a mile in their shoes.' All in the name of research, of course...

The Gift and The Glory opens on Wednesday 31st March.

Hello!!!

2010-03-17T07:04:00.000-07:00

They've arrived!!

The Gift & The Glory actors Jim Kitson, Noel White, Nicky Goldie and Anne Kavanagh have rambled their way through the Lakeland foothills and arrived safely here at The Dukes.

After a swift meet and greet, cast, crew and staff sat down in The Gallery for the first read-through of the scripts.

Later, the cast joined directors Joe Sumsion and Louie Ingham for early rehearsals, and took the opportunity to practice getting to grips with some of those tricky high notes!

Get Your Rocks Off!!

2010-03-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

So as the curtain draws closed on another production here at The Dukes following the successful February run of My Mother Said I Never Should, so opens another in the shape of early production on our new double-bill of plays The Gift and The Glory.

Set in the heart of The Lakes, designer Alison Heffernan decided she would use rocks as part of the set design to emphasise the feeling of the outdoors. Here at The Dukes we don't do things by halves, and so Alison and Production and Operations Manager John Newman-Holden ventured out to Ingleton Quarry to source some rather large boulders...

The Show Must Go On!!

2010-02-19T03:38:00.000-08:00

Due to recent electrical maintenance here at The Dukes, Wednesday's matinee performance of My Mother Said I Never Should was shrouded in darkness. But the show must go on, and our talented and resourceful creative and stage team were on hand with head torches and emergency lighting (and a labyrinth of extension cable) to save the day, and see it go ahead without incident. Their mothers obviously told them to always keep a cool head under pressure!

Stage Manager Graeme, complete with head torch, collecting costume and props

Emergency lighting in the Ladies'!

Deputy Stage Manager Vicky (also donning trusty head-torch) carefully arranges props on stage

Graeme tends to a costume rail

'Careful!..' Vicky eases open a cupboard door on set

My Mother Said I Never Should enters its final week at The Dukes this Saturday. Tickets are still available if you fancy popping down!

Curtains Raised!

2010-02-17T07:37:00.000-08:00

Rehearsals are over, the stage set and the curtain finally raised on Charlotte Keatley's My Mother Said I Never Should.

The early reviews are coming steadily in, and tickets are still selling fast as we near the mid-point of the February show schedule here at The Dukes.

And don't forget we still want to hear from you and any of your mother's wise (or pehaps unwise!) words of wisdom on our blog!

http://things-my-mother-said-i-never-should.blogspot.com/

New Menu!

2010-01-21T05:56:00.000-08:00

Hi it's Emily! Been here at The Dukes now for 3 weeks. I'm currently finalising a new Dukes menu with the catering team at QSF. Culinary delights ahoy! Hopefully if you're popping into The Dukes next week you'll be able to sample it for yourself. Watch this space for more!

Emily, Bar & Catering Supervisor.

Season Launch

2010-01-21T02:55:00.001-08:00

Last Wednesday we had The Dukes Season Launch, introducing all the work we plan to put on here this season. The Dukes Board members attended, as did many of the companies that are touring to The Dukes this season. Emily Coates, our new Bar and Catering Supervisor, cooked up some fantastic mixed canapes and by 7pm the bar was packed with everyone talking about the new season. Dukes staff and associate artists presented to the crowds, introducing and describing the work to look forward to.

A great night!

They're here!

2010-01-11T10:55:00.000-08:00

The four actresses for My Mother Said I Never Should, arrived at The Dukes today for a meet-and-greet cuppa, first read-through of the play, and discussions with our wardrobe department about measurements for their costumes.

We all got chatting about 'What did our mothers say we never should?' - the main topic of conversation at The Dukes at the moment. We have uploaded the ladies' comments to our blog if you fancy a read. And don't forget, it's not too late to send us yours!

http://things-my-mother-said-i-never-should.blogspot.com/

No More Oz

2010-01-04T05:20:00.000-08:00

:( So we have waved goodbye to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy, Toto and the rest of the gang. Oz has been wiped from The Dukes; the lights have come down, the stalls taken away and all the bunting taken down. At home, we have all started taking our Christmas Trees down too. Oh well, the journey was fun and we have our Dukes Toy Theatres up to remind us of Oz! Happy New Year, everyone.

The Dukes

We're Off To See The Wizard...

2009-12-18T08:50:00.000-08:00

The Great Veaney, The Lion and Tim Mann took a bit of a detour on Saturday. On the way to Oz, they decided to go via Lancaster City Centre! And what a lovely day out it was... the Tin Man got the chance to enjoy Morecambe Brass Band, The Lion indulged in some flower arranging at Dalton Square Florist and everyone had a look at some of the bizarre DVDs on sale in HMV. They'll be passing through again tomorrow (19th December) so keep on the look out for their giant orange balloons. You may just be allowed to join the yellow brick road!

What Did YOUR Mother Say You Never Should?

2009-12-11T04:27:00.000-08:00

We want to hear your memories!!

We had the design meeting for 'My Mother Said I Never Should' on Friday - the set will look brilliant, and we're all looking forward to meeting the cast. It came across in the meeting that the play is a lot about memories. It's really disjointed, not told chronologically - just like our memories are. And this is something Amy (director) and Hayley (designer) are focusing on.

So we are asking you, our audience, to send us your memories...

What did your mother say you never should?

Visit the 'My Mother Said' Blog to find out how to send us your memories.

New John Hegley Poem for The Dukes

2009-12-10T04:50:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to receive a specially written poem from top performer and all-round good sport John Hegley (who’ll be appearing here in January). As part of our work to promote ‘My Mother Said I Never Should’, we asked a few famous faces to tell us what their mother said they never should do. And this is what John created:

My mother told me not to tease
my little sister Angie-Boo
but I contracted a disease
that meant what was prohibited
was exactly what I had to do.

Thanks John!

Maria Major, Marketing and Press Officer, The Dukes

A Very Urban Christmas at DT3

2009-12-09T06:31:00.000-08:00

The Urban Crossover is back at DT3 for another spectacular urban music event for young people. The event will feature performances from some of the best young MCs and DJs in the North West. We are looking for more performers so if you are interested in getting involved and getting on stage come down to the workshops at your local youth club. Workshops will be happening across Lancaster, Morecambe and Heysham so that no matter where you live you can come along and get involved in creating the Crossover Xmas party. All the info on how to get involved and the list of Youth Clubs to contact is here

Pom Poms, Knitting and Wheelie Bins

2009-12-08T10:03:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

We've been getting very into our knitting up at DT3, and are well on with knitting the set for our production of 'It Snows', on at The Dukes next year.

There are 20 actors, 1 young technician, 20 knitters, a director, an assistant, a composer, a production manager, a creative associate, a wool sponsor, and umpteen volunteer pom pom makers! We're a huge crowd with a whole lotta wool; and it's such a nice feeling being part of such a collaborative act. We're learning lots from each other, sharing experiences and knitting our way towards what will be a really innovative story.

It's becoming such a journey already and hopefully the audience will feel the same when they see the show in Feb.

We meet on Mondays and vary our time together. We've danced, played winter sports games, run, skipped, hopped and even watched White Christmas (attempting a bit of ballroom....!).

We've shared snow stories, created toboggans, played with wheelie bins and learnt to skate on the most un-slippy floor imaginable!

We're working our little woollen socks off to tell this story to you in February.

Back to the knitting board...

Louie Ingham, Director 'It Snows'

My Mother Said I Never Should

2009-12-08T06:46:00.000-08:00

We're all looking forward to meeting the cast for 'My Mother Said I Never Should'. They will be coming to The Dukes in January but what are they up to at the minute?

Josie Daxter (playing Rosie) is with Blind Summit Theatre at the mo, performing George Orwell's '1984' (pictured).

Anne Kavanagh (playing Doris) has just finished touring with the English Touring Theatre with their production of Steinbeck's 'The Grapes of Wrath'.

Only a month or so and they'll be in their pinafores rehearsing the lines of Charlotte Keatley. We should be getting some great pictures of them in costume in the first few weeks of rehearsals so watch this space...

Is That Really The Same Man!?

2009-12-07T10:05:00.000-08:00

This put a right big smile on our faces!

So Noel White is at Theatre by the Lake in Grimm Tales, Andy Ashford is back down in London having a rest and Chris Jack has just finished working with us in local schools... but what are the rest of The Of Mice and Men cast up to?

Here, Stuart Robertson (who appeared as Candy in Of Mice and Men here this Autumn) is looking very beautiful and completely transformed into a lovely Dame in the panto at the Cochrane Theatre, London.

Here he is meeting Sir Ian Mckellen... how awesome, good luck with everything Stu! You make a gorgeous dame!

New Blog!

2009-11-27T09:09:00.001-08:00

Welcome to The Dukes new blog! Visit this page to see all the backstage and behind the scenes info about what we are up to on a day-to-day basis...