Wossname -- February 2016 -- Main issue
Feb. 29th, 2016 04:42 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
wossnameWossname
Newsletter of the Klatchian Foreign Legion
February 2016 (Volume 19, Issue 2, Post 1)
********************************************************************
WOSSNAME is a free publication offering news, reviews, and all the other stuff-that-fits pertaining to the works of Sir Terry Pratchett. Originally founded by the late, great Joe Schaumburger for members of the worldwide Klatchian Foreign Legion and its affiliates, including the North American Discworld Society and other continental groups, Wossname is now for Discworld and Pratchett fans everywhere in Roundworld.
********************************************************************
Editor in Chief: Annie Mac
News Editor: Vera P
Newshounds: Mogg, Sir J of Croydon Below, the Shadow, Mss C, Alison not Aliss
Staff Writers: Asti, Pitt the Elder, Evil Steven Dread, Mrs Wynn-Jones
Staff Technomancers: Jason Parlevliet, Archchancellor Neil, DJ Helpful
Book Reviews: Annie Mac, Drusilla D'Afanguin, Your Name Here
Puzzle Editor: Tiff (still out there somewhere)
Bard in Residence: Weird Alice Lancrevic
Emergency Staff: Steven D'Aprano, Jason Parlevliet
World Membership Director: Steven D'Aprano (in his copious spare time)
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
INDEX:
01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
02) EDITOR'S LETTER
03) THE PRATCHETT STATUE: UPDATES
04) ODDS AND SODS
05) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
06) DISCWORLD CONVENTION NEWS
07) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
08) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
09) CLOSE
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
"He would have said something a bit sarcastic about it, and have been secretly very pleased. And then he would have discovered that you can hide something inside a statue, and confided in all his friends that in a few hundred years people would be in for a surprise."
– Neil Gaiman, commenting on the proposed Terry Pratchett statue
"Laughter can get through the keyhole while seriousness is still hammering on the door."
– Sir Terry Pratchett, in his Carnegie Medal acceptance speech for TAMAHER
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
02) LETTER FROM YOUR EDITOR
A very short issue this month – and that's even with the extra day. This is due more to a lack of time than a lack of news! Fear not, there will be a fuller issue next month.
Some of you may be aware of a formal memorial to Sir Pterry that will take place in London this April. Tickets can still be applied for up through the 14th of March via the Discworld.com page (_http://discworld.com/memorial/_): "You may request a single ticket or a pair. Tickets will be chosen at random and successful applicants will be contacted as soon as possible after the ballot closes. Please note; the memorial will not be broadcast or live streamed." At this time, it's worth remembering that Pratchett and Discworld fans in the millions live far beyond the catchment area for this event -- so why don't the rest of us who can't attend the London memorial think about holding our own memorial gatherings, eh? Over to you, AusDWcon gang and Seamstresses' Guild of North America and Cabbagecon and IDWcon and and and...
Action on the Discworld plays front abounds this month, with productions cropping up in such places as Finland, Switzerland and Germany as well as the more "usual" countries. See item 5, all fifteen parts of it...
And now, on with the show!
– Annie Mac, Editor
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
03) THE PRATCHETT STATUE: UPDATES
First a blue plaque in his local library, now a bronze statue in Salisbury! Paul Kidby says:
"I am delighted that Salisbury City Council has given the thumbs up to the proposal of a bronze statue of Sir Terry Pratchett for the city. Designs and plans can now progress to the next stage. I am proud to be the chosen artist to create this piece and very much look forward to sculpting Terry. I hope the end result will be an unsentimental and a happy depiction of the author, which celebrates his achievements both literary and philanthropic and brings pride to the people of Salisbury. Thanks to Emily Brand for getting the campaign up and running and to all the 9000+ (and counting) people who signed the petition calling for the sculpture to be made. If you haven’t yet signed and would like to back the project here’s the link: http://chn.ge/1Jn8iVs "
http://www.paulkidby.com/salisbury-council-backs-sir-terry-pratchett-statue/
...and proposes:
“I propose a life-sized statue of Terry to be cast in bronze using the lost wax process at a UK foundry. The sculpt I would like to create would depict the author standing in a relaxed pose wearing his iconic hat and carrying a book under his arm, the cover of which features the Discworld turtle logo and no text, or alternatively the book cover could simply say ‘Discworld’. Terry would be wearing his leather jacket and open necked button up shirt, trousers and shoes. In the top pocket of his jacket are some pens.
"I imagine the figure standing on a flat base, also of bronze, which would be enscripted with his name and the dates of his life. The final text can be as requested by his family. The central part of this base would feature a simplified rendition of the turtle logo. I think a flat base would work better than a raised plinth because it gives the piece a contemporary feel and makes it more directly accessible to visitors. People would have easy access for photos thus enabling a sense of ownership to the fans who might visit.
"There is the possibility to add some Nac Mac Feegles (Scottish-style pixies from Pratchett’s writing) to the sculpture which would add an element of humour and surprise to the piece. I think these Feegles would be best placed behind Terry’s feet so they only visible when walking to the back of the sculpture. I think they should be doing something mischievous such as prising the letters off the base and carrying them off – or similar. These small characters would bring an aspect of his Discworld creation directly into the overall piece. All in all I would hope the sculpture would be unsentimental and a happy depiction of the author that celebrates his achievements and brings pride to the people of Salisbury."
From the BBC:
"Plans for a life-sized bronze statue of Sir Terry Pratchett for Salisbury have been backed by the city council. The statue would be designed by Paul Kidby who illustrated many of the book covers for the Discworld books of Sir Terry, who lived locally. Mr Kidby said: 'It would be beneficial for Salisbury to have a permanent sculpture of Terry because he had such a big influence on popular culture.' The hope is to install the statue in the marketplace or Elizabeth Gardens. Although Salisbury City Council's services committee has backed the plans, money still needs to be raised to build it and planning consent also needs to be obtained... The campaign to build the statue is being led by Mr Kidby with the support of Sir Terry's family. 'Terry was always like, "I don't want pigeons sitting on my head",' Mr Kidby continued. 'His take on it was always off on a tangent but we hope he will be pleased if it goes ahead.' The aim is to pay for the statue through crowd-funding and sponsorship from local companies..."
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-wiltshire-35523353
From Salisbury Council itself:
"While there are a variety of tributes to Sir Terry, ranging from the Baron Statue to pub signs, this would be the first permanent, public statue of the literary figure in the whole of the UK, and as such would become a significant cultural landmark.We started a petition roughly 3 months ago to gauge public interest in the project, and have so far received over 2,600 signatures from both the UK and across the world from places such as Russia and Norway. Many of these responses included messages of overwhelming support, a large number of which suggested that such a statue would positively influence their decisions to visit Salisbury above other locations in the UK... Salisbury already has a strong art and culture reputation: an example of this is the Salisbury Art Trail in October 2015, which involved around 60 venues and over 100 local artists. A statue of Sir Terry as a local author with international appeal can only add to this reputation and encourage even further participation. The statue could also make a significant landmark in the Salisbury Heritage Trail."
http://bit.ly/1VXODUh (Editor's note: this is a .pdf file)
From The Guardian:
"Campaigners will now work out how much the statue will cost, and will then either launch a crowdfunding campaign, or look for local sponsorship. 'Once we have an official final design and location … we will move forward,' [Ms Emily] Brand said. 'It's a long-term project, but the overwhelmingly positive messages we've received from around the world show how important recognising Sir Terry's work is to the fans that adored his work.'..."
http://bit.ly/1V0W3Gg
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
04) ODDS AND SODS
4.1 THE SHEPHERD'S CROWN LONGLISTED FOR CARNEGIE MEDAL
From The Guardian:
"The CILIP Carnegie, which dates back to 1936 and has been won by names from Arthur Ransome to Noel Streatfeild, was Pratchett’s first major book prize when he won it in 2002. The author, who died last year after being diagnosed in 2007 with a rare form of Alzheimer’s, won the Carnegie in 2002 with his first novel for children, The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents... Winning the prize 14 years ago, Pratchett gave a barnstorming acceptance speech in which he laid out the difference in the way he was viewed as a writer in the US and in the UK. 'Over there, where I've only recently made much of an impression, the reviews tended to be quite serious and detailed, with – as Maurice himself would have put it, "long words, like corrugated iron". Over here, while being very nice, they tended towards the "another wacky, zany book by comic author Terry Pratchett". In fact, Maurice has no wack and very little zane. It's quite a serious book. Only the scenery is funny,' said Pratchett at the time... This year, The Shepherd's Crown, which continues the adventures of Pratchett's teenage witch Tiffany Aching, is up against a host of former winners... The medals are judged by panels of expert librarians..."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/feb/16/terry-pratchetts-final-novel-longlist-carnegie-medal-the-shepherds-crown
Editor's note: there are 20 books longlisted. The shortlist will be announced on the 15th of March; the winners, on the 20th of June.
4.2 REVIEW: THE SHEPHERD'S CROWN
I may have missed this one last year. It's by Amanda Craig in The Guardian, August 2015:
"Pratchett, with his sardonic inventiveness, social satire, play on language, deep feeling for landscape and love of what is best in human nature, had less critical praise than he deserved. His heroes and heroines are not royalty in disguise, but thieves, con-men, shepherds, soldiers and midwives. In his championing of the ordinary, the sensible and the slightly silly he went against the grain – and never more so than in creating Tiffany Aching. Tiffany, like her author, is patronised for all kinds of absurd reasons. She is young, and the daughter of a working-class family who joke after a hard day’s work that they are “Aching all over”. Other witches believe she can’t be a witch because she comes from the wrong kind of land, the Chalk, supposedly too weak to be magical. She has a sense of humour so dry that it passes most other characters by. As a witch, she becomes a kind of health visitor on a broomstick, helping with births, deaths, arthritis and the cutting of old men’s toenails. Yet she has defended her land and its people from its greatest enemies, and the most terrifying witch in Discworld has chosen her for an heir...
"How can our heroine step into the shoes of Granny Weatherwax? Can she follow her own path as a witch, even if it means abjuring romantic happiness with her medical student boyfriend? Older witches, such as the nauseating Mrs Earwig, sneer at her inexperience. It’s when the Queen of the Elves, ousted from Fairyland in a political coup, turns up naked and close to death on Tiffany’s doorstep that the fun really begins. Of course it is riotously funny, with the gloriously irrepressible Nac Mac Feegles having the best jokes and fights; as bright blue warriors otherwise known as the Wee Free Men they are shrunken but fearsome Scottish Nationalists; the Elves and their quarrels may well recall other politicians south of the border. The real battle, however, is between selfishness and duty. Pratchett has rarely been so direct. It’s tempting to think that in this, his last book, he felt able to drop his customary teasing through footnotes and explain what empathy is... We are so used to the way George RR Martin or Joe Abercrombie or even Ursula le Guin show us fantasy worlds riven with cruelty, that perhaps the kindliness of Discworld is more subversive than it seems. It is, in essence, a humanist’s creation in which laughter, as Nabokov said, is the best pesticide, and humour as potent as swords..."
http://bit.ly/1hMrs1T
4.3 ORANGUTAN INTERACTIVE GAMES
No, we've not yet reached the point of being able to play Clacks against our orange-haired distant cousins, but this is a start...
"Orang-utans at Melbourne Zoo are taking part in a world-first research project aimed at giving the great apes greater choice and control over how and when they interact with visitors. The research project, conducted by the University of Melbourne in collaboration with Zoos Victoria and the Microsoft Research Centre for Social Natural User Interfaces, aims to better understand the ways orang-utans interact with technology and how they make choices through specially designed games. The games incorporate the Microsoft Xbox Kinect to project onto the floor of the orang-utans' exhibit and then operate as a touch-screen, using Kinect 3D technology to sense the animals' movements when they choose to interact with the projections. Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville and Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade, Philip Dalidakis, visited Melbourne Zoo to test their nous against Malu, a 12-year old Sumatran Orang-utan, in a series of basic games specifically designed to encourage Malu's problem solving ability. In a unique feature of this research project, the choice was left completely up to Malu as to if, when, and how, he wanted to interact with the Ministers...".
The page includes a short (under three minutes) video in which Dr Sally Sherwin, Sarah Webber and Dr Marcus Carter explain the concept and its implementation, and the orangutans are shown interacting with the games!
http://www.zoo.org.au/news/world-first-study-gives-orang-utans-the-choice
4.4 A POSSIBLE COMMEMORATIVE SIGN IN WINCANTON
From the Western Gazette:
"Discworld Emporium owner Bernard Pearson revealed that he thought a memorial for his friend in the town would be good for Wincanton, following the news that Salisbury city council is supporting a project to create a life-sized bronze statue of the author there. Mr Pearson suggested the new statue in Salisbury and more Pratchett related attractions in Wincanton could form fitting spots on a tour remembering the prolific storyteller. He said: 'The Salisbury statue is a brilliant idea and there certainly should be something in Wincanton. We would like to make it so that Terry's fans visit the statue in Salisbury before coming here to the Emporium and to visit the pubs where he drank. We hope a new town sign is commissioned and gets the go ahead because people already come to the town to pose under the sign for pictures – it's a bit of a tourist attraction in itself – and some new artwork could make it even more of a draw.' Mr Pearson explained that tourists posed for photographs with the town's signs because they proudly display its twinned status with fictional settlement Ankh-Morpork, which has been in place since 2002. Town council clerk, Sam Atherton, confirmed discussions were underway. She said: "The council are in talks with Bernard to design new signage for the entrance to the town. This in memory of Terry.' ..."
http://bit.ly/1Lp90cP
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
05) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
5.0 REMINDER: THE SHAKESPEARE CODEX IS COMING!
The Studio Theatre Club, "the first, ever, anywhere in the world, to dramatise the works of Sir Terry Pratchett", will present the world premiere of The Shakespeare Codex by Stephen Briggs, the world's *premier* adapter of Discworld stories for the stage. If any of you haven't been following the pre-production announcements, The Shakespeare Codex is a mashup of The Science of Discworld II: the Globe, Lords & Ladies, and A Midsummer Night's Dream (the last one wasn't written by Terry Pratchett, of course), starring Ridcully, Rincewind, Granny Weatherwax, Angua, Vetinari, that Shakespeare feller, a noted 16th-century monarch – and noted Shakespeare impersonator, the Earl of Oxford.
When: 6th to 9th April 2016
Venue: Unicorn Theatre, Medieval Abbey Buildings, Checker Walk/Thames Street, Abingdon, OXON OX14 3HZ
Time: 7.30pm evening shows; Saturday matinee time not posted
Tickets: £10 (Wed./Thu.) and £11 (Friday and Saturday matinee). The Saturday evening show is already sold out. Tickets are sold via post, but phone and email requests can be made. For full information on ordering tickets, go to:
http://www.studiotheatreclub.com/ordering-tickets
http://www.studiotheatreclub.com/whats-next
http://www.shakespearecodex.co.uk/
5.1 NEW: MORT IN BRIGHTON: A SPECIAL PTERRY TRIBUTE READING (MARCH)
The New Venture Theatre will be presenting a special tribute "performed reading" of Mort – the Stephen Briggs adaptation, directed by Dan Walker – in March: "One year after his passing, this Performed Reading is a celebration of Terry Pratchett’s life and work, and features one of his most popular and humanitarian characters: Death Himself."
When: 11th and 12th March 2016
Venue: Theatre Upstairs, New Venture Theatre, Bedford Place, Brighton, BN1 2PT
Time: 7:45pm both shows
Tickets: £6.00, available from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/117203
"Please note that access to the Theatre Upstairs is only possible by 4 flights of stairs, and therefore may not be suitable for those with mobility difficulties."
http://www.newventure.org.uk/
5.2 NEW: MASKERADE IN SOUTHEND (MARCH)
Maskerade is coming to Southend in March! Director Mark Delf writes: "East Essex Players are once again climbing aboard the Great A'Tuin as they bring the late and great Terry Pratchett's tale of opera phantoms to Southend. The theatre company brought Wyrd Sisters to life in November 2014 to sold out audiences and are hoping to recreate its success again March this year. We had such a great time working on Wyrd Sisters and look forward to the same challenge with Maskerade" says East Essex Players chairman Hazel Latcham, "Due to its popularity we are even sticking in two extra performances due to how quickly it sold out!"
When: 15th - 19th March 2016
Venue: Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Southend, Essex, SS0 9LA (phone 01702 351135)
Time: all evening shows 7.30pm. Matinees on Thursday 17th and Saturday 19th March 2.30pm
Tickets: £11.50 and £12.50. A £1.50 per ticket booking fee applies capped at six per order. To purchase online, go to http://bit.ly/1nxQ6p8 and click on the Buy button for your chosen date
http://www.eastessexplayers.co.uk/
http://www.sosac.co.uk/c/?776
5.3 REMINDER: WYRD SISTERS IN DEREHAM (MARCH)
The Dereham Theatre Company will present their performances of the Stephen Briggs adaptation of Wyrd Sisters in March!
When: 10th–12th March 2016
Venue: Dereham Memorial Hall, 62a Norwich Street, Dereham, Norfolk NR19 1AD
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £10 (£9 concessions for those aged 18 and under or over 60). Available Tuesday through Friday 10am–4pm and Saturday 9am–3pm at The Little Gallery, 62 Norwich Street NR19 1AD; by phone 01362 690 969; and by post cheques (supported by a valid cheque card) should be made payable to "Dereham Theatre Company" and posted to the address above with a stamped self-addressed envelope if you would like the tickets sent to you. Tickets can also be booked online at http://derehamtheatre.co.uk/ "On-line booking and sales from The Little Gallery will be withdrawn on the day of each performance. On the day of a performance tickets for that performance can only be purchased from the Box Office at Dereham Memorial Hall no earlier than 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance."
For full booking details, go to http://dosoc.co.uk/bookingdetails.asp
http://dosoc.co.uk/production2.asp
5.4 NEW: MORT IN CHELMSFORD (MARCH)
After last year's triumph, Chelmsford Theatre Workshop are back with another Discworld production! Director Lynne Foster says, "I have loved to read Terry Pratchett since his first books were published – and over 20 years ago , Wyrd Sisters was one of the first plays I appeared in... After a break of a few years CTW once again put on a Terry Pratchett last year – a production of Wyrd Sisters – significantly just after Terry passed away. So – when I was thinking what to submit for 2015/6 season, I re-read Mort – and loved it – it has everything, magic, feisty young protagonists, and best of all – DEATH! I think Pratchett's plays are quite difficult to translate to the theatre, but in my opinion, Mort is the most successful. I spoke to the team who put on Wyrd Sisters who agreed to work with me on this – and the rest – as they say – is history. The whole team is looking forward to producing a fast paced, entertaining wonderful production in March."
When: 9th – 19th March 2016 (daily performances from Wednesdays to Saturdays)
Venue: The Old Court Theatre, 233 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 (phone 01245 606505)
Email boxoffice@chelmsfordbc.gov.uk
Website www.ctw.org.uk
Time: 7.45pm all shows
Tickets: £10.00 (£9.00 for over-60s, Under-16s or Students). A £1.50 fee is applicable per transaction, except for cash and debit card payments made in person and by telephone (01245 606505). To purchase tickets online, go to http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?agency=CHEM&organ_val=26146&event_val=TWAI&schedule=list, then click the Buy Tickets button for your desired date.
http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/mort
5.5 NEW: MASKERADE IN WITHAM, ESSEX (MARCH)
Witham Dramatic Club will be present their production of Maskerade next month.
When: Wed. 16th to Sat. 19th of March 2016
Venue: Witham Public Hall, Collingwood Road, Witham, Essex, CM8 2DY
Time: 7.45 pm all shows
Tickets: £10 advance, £12 on the door (for senior citizens and U16s, £8 in advance but £10 on the door; this discount is not available for the Friday and Saturday shows), available by phone (01621 892404), by emailing Contact@WithamDramatic.co.uk, or online at http://www.withamdramatic.co.uk/boxoffice.html
http://www.withamdramatic.co.uk/production.html#inprod
5.6 NEW: GUARDS! GUARDS! IN HELSINKI (MARCH)
Thespians Anonymous, an English-speaking amateur theatre group in Finland[1], are staging the Stephen Briggs adaptation of Guards! Guards! next month. "Join us in the deep dive into the world of fantasy and comedy. Dragons, magic, many laughs and a few drunks – all that and a little bit more awaits you at our shows in the end of March!"
When: 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 26th March 2016
Venue: Gloria, Kulttuuriareena, Pieni Roobertinkatu 12
Time: 19.00 all shows
Tickets: €13 (€11 concession), available onine at https://holvi.com/shop/thespiansanonymous/ or at the door (cash only) for €14 (€12 concession). Group discounts (€10 per ticket) are available for groups of 10 people or more. "Just add 10+ tickets to your basket on HOLVI and insert discount code GUARDSGROUP. You will get the discount automatically!"
http://blog.thespiansanonymous.org/
[1] Where I quite want to be, according to the song...
5.7 NEW: LORDS AND LADIES IN HAMPSHIRE (APRIL)
The Collingwood RSC Theatre Club – the RS stands for Random Salad in this case – have been presenting various Discworld plays for over 18 year now. Now, following on from Wyrd Sisters in 2011 and Witches Abroad in 2014, they are completing the original Witches trilogy with their first production of Lords and Ladies!
When: 20th – 23rd April 2016
Venue: Millennium Hall, HMS Collingwood, Newgate Lane, Fareham, Hants PO14 1AS
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: can be booked at the box office (phone 07502 037922) or by emailing collingwoodrsc@sky.com
5.8 REMINDER: THE WEE FREE MEN IN ADELAIDE, FOURECKS (APRIL)
The Unseen Theatre gang bring on a new era of Discworld adaptations with The Wee Free Men, adapted and directed by Pamela Munt!
"In the first of a series of Discworld novels for young adults, we meet the young witch-to-be Tiffany Aching – a girl who reads the dictionary for fun – because no-one ever told her not to. With a trusty frying pan as her weapon, her grandmother's magic book (well actually its called 'Diseases of the Sheep') and the Wee Free Men by her side, Tiffany ventures into the realm of faerie land to rescue her very sticky, and not particularly likeable, baby brother. But, of course, all is not what it seems..."
When: Wed. 15th April to Sat. 30th April 2016; a Sunday 17th April matinee is to be confirmed
Venue: Bakehouse Theatre, 255 Angas St. Adelaide
Time: 7.30pm all evening shows; 2pm matinee
Tickets: Adults $22; Concession $18; Children $18; Groups (6+) $16; TREv $16; Families (2 A & 2ch.) $60. Al tickets for the Preview night (15th April) are $15. To book online, go to www.bakehousetheatre.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the night, subject to availability. Box office opens 7pm.
http://bakehousetheatre.com/shows/wee-free-men
5.9 NEW: WYRD SISTERS IN READING (MAY)
Caversham Park Theatre will present their production of Wyrd Sisters in April!
"If you have never experienced the late Sir Terry Pratchett's Discworld but wonder what you might have missed... Caversham Park Theatre is proud to stage Wyrd Sisters. We hope you will dip your toe into Sir Terry’s Discworld and discover a whole new universe of thoughtful comedy."
When: 12th, 13th and 14th May 2016
Venue: Milestone Centre, Northbrook Rd, Caversham, Reading, RG4 6PF
Time: 8pm for 12th and 13th April, 7pm for 14th April
Tickets: £7.00, available by phone (01189 481 377) or online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/118288
Book online at: www.cavparktheatre.org.uk or phone 0118-948-1377
5.10 NEW: LORDS AND LADIES IN SWITZERLAND (APRIL/MAY)
The Gay Beggars theatre group of the University of Basel will present their production of Lords and Ladies, adapted by Irana Brown, in May!
When: 22nd, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th April; 1st, 3rd, 6th and 7th May 2016
Venue: Cellar Theatre of the English Seminar, University of Basel, Nadelberg 6
Time: 8pm all shows, except 1st May which starts at 5pm
Tickets: CHF25 (students, apprentices, AHV, IV CHF15). There is a group discount for school classes of CHF10 per student; contact reservations@gay beggars.ch for groups of 10 or more.
Tickets can be reserved by emailing reservations@gaybeggars.ch. "Reserved tickets must be picked up at the evening box office (opens one hour before the show).'
http://www.gaybeggars.ch/
5.11 NEW: WYRD SISTERS IN SOMERSET (MAY)
The Minehead Dramatic Society will stage their production of Wyrd Sisters in May.
When: 13, 14 and 15th May 2016
Venue: Regal Theatre, 10-16 The Avenue, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5AY (phone 01643 706430)
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: Adults £8.00, Friends £7.50, ES40’s/Students £4.00. Online tickets can be purchased by logging in to http://intelligent-tickets.co.uk/index.php?th=mt&pg=selectevent&start=1&sel=11 and clicking on the date of your choice. "Please note that tickets cannot be purchased, on-line, on the same day as the performance. Please call into the box office or telephone 01643 706430 (Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 3.00pm)"
http://regaltheatre.co.uk/
http://regaltheatre.co.uk/whatson/?pno=2
5.12 NEW: MORT IN HESSE, GERMANY (MAY)
The Helden Theatre will be staging their production of Gevatter Tod (that's the Deutsche title of Mort) in May 2016!
When: Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd May 2016
Venue: Theater Altes Hallenbad, Haagstrasse 29, 61169 Friedberg
Time: 7.30pm Saturday 21st, 3.30pm Sunday 22nd
Tickets: €10 concessions €8). To purchase online, go to http://bit.ly/1Rbt0MP and click on the Tickets button
http://heldentheater.de
5.13 REMINDER: MORT IN YORK (JULY)
We Are Theatre will be staging their production of Mort in July.
When: 21st and 22nd June 2016
Venue: Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York YO31 8TA
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £10 (£8 concessions), available from the York Theatre Royal box office (phone 01904 623568). For group bookings, contact wearetheatre@googlemail.com or ring 07521 364107
www.wearetheatre.co.uk
5.14 REMINDER: : LORDS AND LADIES IN NEWCASTLE (JULY)
The People's Theatre, "the premier amateur theatre company in the North of England", will stage their production of Lords and Ladies, adapted by Irana Brown, in July. "We're no strangers to Discworld and this funny and fast-moving adaptation of (the much-missed) Sir Terry's fourteenth novel sees the welcome return of Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg to our stage. It promises to be lots of fun, so book early to avoid disappointment!"
When: 12th to 16th July 2016
Venue: People's Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5QF. Phone: (0191) 275 9875
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £13.50 (£11 concessions). Box Office on 0191 265 5020 or email tickets.peoplestheatre@email.com. (Box Office is open weekdays 10.30am–1pm and Mon, Wed, Fri evenings 7.30–8.30pm). To book online, go to the inappropriately-named Intelligent Tickets, and be prepared to jump through a truly daft series of hoops:
http://www.intelligent-tickets.co.uk/index.php?th=pe
http://bit.ly/1lMl3Vj
5.15 REVIEW: SOUL MUSIC IN DURHAM
By James Gill, in the Durham University newspaper Palatinate:
"The night was made joyfully unique due to a few pleasurable directorial decisions from Mikey Bicaregui and Hamish Inglis, which included having Albert (Matthew Elliot-Ripley) appear on stage in character 20 minutes prior to the performance, which created a fun atmosphere as the audience trickled in. Additionally, having savvy businessman Dibbler (Fred Ridell) sell snacks during the intermission added a unique flair to the show. Laurence Stanley’s performance turned the often one-dimensional character of Death into a sombre but hilarious persona. He was a clear highlight in the play, and whether he was scaring us or moving us to laughter, there was never a dull moment. Wilf Wort was tremendously impressive as Glod, garnering consistent laughter from the audience as he illustrated his hilarious negotiation techniques, whilst also delivering his lines with a unique gusto. Adam Simpson was also remarkable in portraying Buddy’s transformation from a young outgoing lad to a reclusive rock and roll star. Elliot-Ripley was fabulous as Albert, a fitting narrator who helped to string together the loosely connected plotlines, and he was also excellent when mentoring Susan in fulfilling the duties of Death. In addition to these characters, it must be mentioned that Uday Duggal as The Dean—along with the members of the Legion—supplied great comedic support, and added immensely to the overall experience of the play... Although Soul Music was heavily hampered by Eddleston’s disconnected script, great performances from the majority of the cast and some tremendously comedic moments made this production truly enjoyable..."
http://www.palatinate.org.uk/soul-music-review-hilarious/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
06) DISCWORLD CONVENTION NEWS
CABBAGECON 4 NEWS
"On 1 and 2 July 2017 the fourth Dutch Discworld Convention Cabbagecon 4 will happen at the hotel Carlton President in Utrecht. It will be an occasion for fans of Sir Terry Pratchett from the Netherlands and abroad to meet up again and have some fun. We hope to see you too!"
Advance tickets are available:
Weekend
€60,00
Language
English
Membership of Cabbagecon 4 for the whole weekend
Price: €60,00
Saturday
€35,00
Language
English
Membership for Cabbagecon 4 on Saturday
Price: €35,00
Sunday
€35,00
Language
English
Membership of Cabbagecon 4 for Sunday
Price: €35,00
http://www.dutchdwcon.nl/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
07) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS: UPDATES AND REMINDERS
The Broken Drummers, "London's Premier Unofficially Official Discworld Group" (motto "Nil percussio est"), meets next on 30th November 1999 (-5874 days to go), according to their website, or more probably on Monday 7th March 2016 at the Monkey Puzzle, 30 Southwick Street, London, W2 1JQ. For more information, go to http://brokendrummers.org/ or email BrokenDrummers@gmail.com or nicholls.helen@yahoo.co.uk
*
Canberra, Australia's Discworld fan group is Drumknott's Irregulars: "We are a newly established Terry Pratchett & Discworld social group in Canberra called Drumknott's Irregulars. The group is open to all, people from interstate and overseas are welcome, and our events will not be heavily themed. Come along to dinner for a chat and good company. We welcome people all all fandoms (and none) and we would love to see you at one of our events, even if you're just passing through. Please contact us via Facebook (_https://www.facebook.com/groups/824987924250161/_) or Google Groups (_https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/drumknotts-irregulars_) or join us at our next event."
*
There is a new public Facebook meeting group, "The Gathering of the Loonies (Wincanton chapter)": "This group, by request of Jo in Bear will continue to be used for future unofficial (not run by the Emporium) fan Gatherings in Wincanton. Look here for information."
https://www.facebook.com/groups/373578522834654/
*
The Pratchett Partisans are a fan group who meet monthly at either Brisbane or Indooroopilly to "eat, drink and chat about all things Pratchett. We hold events such as Discworld dinners, games afternoons, Discworld photo scavenger hunts. Our recent 'Murder In Morpork' mystery party was a great night out. With 26 people attending, we had 24 suspects, our special guest – Vetinari, and one dead mime! It was a fun night of food and murder and we are planning another Murder in December so stay tuned. We also attend opening night at Brisbane Arts Theatre's Discworld plays." The Partisans currently have about 200 members who meet at least twice a month, usually in Brisbane.
For more info about their next meetup, join up at https://www.facebook.com/groups/pratchettpartisans/ or contact Ula directly at uwilmott@yahoo.com.au
*
The City of Small Gods is a group for fans in Adelaide and South Australia. For more information on their upcoming activities, go to www.cityofsmallgods.org.au
"Every few months, we have a full day's worth of board games at La Scala Cafe, 169 Unley Rd, Unley in the function room starting at 10am."
For more info, go to http://ausdwcon.org/fan-clubs/adelaide/quiz/
*
The Broken Vectis Drummers meet next on Thursday 3rd March 2016 (probably) from 7.30pm at The Castle pub in Newport, Isle of Wight. For more info and any queries, contact broken_vectis_drummers@yahoo.co.uk
*
The Wincanton Omnian Temperance Society (WOTS) next meets on Friday 4th March 2016 (probably) at Wincanton's famous Bear Inn from 7pm onwards. "Visitors and drop-ins are always welcome!"
*
The Northern Institute of the Ankh-Morpork and District Society of Flatalists, a Pratchett fangroup, has been meeting on a regular basis since 2005 but is now looking to take in some new blood (presumably not in the non-reformed Uberwald manner). The Flatalists normally meet at The Narrowboat Pub in Victoria Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, to discuss "all things Pratchett" as well as having quizzes and raffles. Details of future meetings are posted on the Events section of the Discworld Stamps forum:
http://www.discworldstamps.co.uk/forum/
*
Sydney Drummers (formerly Drummers Downunder) meet next on Monday 7th March 2016 at 6.30pm (probably) in Sydney at 3 Wise Monkeys, 555 George Street, Sydney,2000. For more information, contact Sue (aka Granny Weatherwax): kenworthys@yahoo.co.uk
*
The Treacle Mining Corporation, formerly known as Perth Drummers, meets next on Monday 7th March 2016 (probably) from 5.30pm at Carpe Cafe, 526 Murray Street, Perth, Western Australia. For details follow Perth Drummers on Twitter @Perth_Drummers or join their Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Perth.Drummers/ – or message Alexandra Ware directly at <alexandra.ware@gmail.com>
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
08) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
Just the one this time, and fingers crossed for its eventual realisation in bronze. Paul Kidby's preliminary sketch for the proposed Pratchett statue:
http://www.paulkidby.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Sculpture-Proposal-webpic-432x733_c.jpg
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
09) CLOSE
That petition to name one of the newly discovered elements "octarine" ultimately gathered 50,000 signatures, after which the signature-gathering was closed. Chances are far below the fabled one in a million that this naming will happen, but we can always hope. See you next month!
– Annie Mac
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The End. If you have any questions or requests, write: wossname-owner (at) pearwood (dot) info
Copyright (c) 2016 by Klatchian Foreign Legion
Newsletter of the Klatchian Foreign Legion
February 2016 (Volume 19, Issue 2, Post 1)
********************************************************************
WOSSNAME is a free publication offering news, reviews, and all the other stuff-that-fits pertaining to the works of Sir Terry Pratchett. Originally founded by the late, great Joe Schaumburger for members of the worldwide Klatchian Foreign Legion and its affiliates, including the North American Discworld Society and other continental groups, Wossname is now for Discworld and Pratchett fans everywhere in Roundworld.
********************************************************************
Editor in Chief: Annie Mac
News Editor: Vera P
Newshounds: Mogg, Sir J of Croydon Below, the Shadow, Mss C, Alison not Aliss
Staff Writers: Asti, Pitt the Elder, Evil Steven Dread, Mrs Wynn-Jones
Staff Technomancers: Jason Parlevliet, Archchancellor Neil, DJ Helpful
Book Reviews: Annie Mac, Drusilla D'Afanguin, Your Name Here
Puzzle Editor: Tiff (still out there somewhere)
Bard in Residence: Weird Alice Lancrevic
Emergency Staff: Steven D'Aprano, Jason Parlevliet
World Membership Director: Steven D'Aprano (in his copious spare time)
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
INDEX:
01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
02) EDITOR'S LETTER
03) THE PRATCHETT STATUE: UPDATES
04) ODDS AND SODS
05) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
06) DISCWORLD CONVENTION NEWS
07) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
08) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
09) CLOSE
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
"He would have said something a bit sarcastic about it, and have been secretly very pleased. And then he would have discovered that you can hide something inside a statue, and confided in all his friends that in a few hundred years people would be in for a surprise."
– Neil Gaiman, commenting on the proposed Terry Pratchett statue
"Laughter can get through the keyhole while seriousness is still hammering on the door."
– Sir Terry Pratchett, in his Carnegie Medal acceptance speech for TAMAHER
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
02) LETTER FROM YOUR EDITOR
A very short issue this month – and that's even with the extra day. This is due more to a lack of time than a lack of news! Fear not, there will be a fuller issue next month.
Some of you may be aware of a formal memorial to Sir Pterry that will take place in London this April. Tickets can still be applied for up through the 14th of March via the Discworld.com page (_http://discworld.com/memorial/_): "You may request a single ticket or a pair. Tickets will be chosen at random and successful applicants will be contacted as soon as possible after the ballot closes. Please note; the memorial will not be broadcast or live streamed." At this time, it's worth remembering that Pratchett and Discworld fans in the millions live far beyond the catchment area for this event -- so why don't the rest of us who can't attend the London memorial think about holding our own memorial gatherings, eh? Over to you, AusDWcon gang and Seamstresses' Guild of North America and Cabbagecon and IDWcon and and and...
Action on the Discworld plays front abounds this month, with productions cropping up in such places as Finland, Switzerland and Germany as well as the more "usual" countries. See item 5, all fifteen parts of it...
And now, on with the show!
– Annie Mac, Editor
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
03) THE PRATCHETT STATUE: UPDATES
First a blue plaque in his local library, now a bronze statue in Salisbury! Paul Kidby says:
"I am delighted that Salisbury City Council has given the thumbs up to the proposal of a bronze statue of Sir Terry Pratchett for the city. Designs and plans can now progress to the next stage. I am proud to be the chosen artist to create this piece and very much look forward to sculpting Terry. I hope the end result will be an unsentimental and a happy depiction of the author, which celebrates his achievements both literary and philanthropic and brings pride to the people of Salisbury. Thanks to Emily Brand for getting the campaign up and running and to all the 9000+ (and counting) people who signed the petition calling for the sculpture to be made. If you haven’t yet signed and would like to back the project here’s the link: http://chn.ge/1Jn8iVs "
http://www.paulkidby.com/salisbury-council-backs-sir-terry-pratchett-statue/
...and proposes:
“I propose a life-sized statue of Terry to be cast in bronze using the lost wax process at a UK foundry. The sculpt I would like to create would depict the author standing in a relaxed pose wearing his iconic hat and carrying a book under his arm, the cover of which features the Discworld turtle logo and no text, or alternatively the book cover could simply say ‘Discworld’. Terry would be wearing his leather jacket and open necked button up shirt, trousers and shoes. In the top pocket of his jacket are some pens.
"I imagine the figure standing on a flat base, also of bronze, which would be enscripted with his name and the dates of his life. The final text can be as requested by his family. The central part of this base would feature a simplified rendition of the turtle logo. I think a flat base would work better than a raised plinth because it gives the piece a contemporary feel and makes it more directly accessible to visitors. People would have easy access for photos thus enabling a sense of ownership to the fans who might visit.
"There is the possibility to add some Nac Mac Feegles (Scottish-style pixies from Pratchett’s writing) to the sculpture which would add an element of humour and surprise to the piece. I think these Feegles would be best placed behind Terry’s feet so they only visible when walking to the back of the sculpture. I think they should be doing something mischievous such as prising the letters off the base and carrying them off – or similar. These small characters would bring an aspect of his Discworld creation directly into the overall piece. All in all I would hope the sculpture would be unsentimental and a happy depiction of the author that celebrates his achievements and brings pride to the people of Salisbury."
From the BBC:
"Plans for a life-sized bronze statue of Sir Terry Pratchett for Salisbury have been backed by the city council. The statue would be designed by Paul Kidby who illustrated many of the book covers for the Discworld books of Sir Terry, who lived locally. Mr Kidby said: 'It would be beneficial for Salisbury to have a permanent sculpture of Terry because he had such a big influence on popular culture.' The hope is to install the statue in the marketplace or Elizabeth Gardens. Although Salisbury City Council's services committee has backed the plans, money still needs to be raised to build it and planning consent also needs to be obtained... The campaign to build the statue is being led by Mr Kidby with the support of Sir Terry's family. 'Terry was always like, "I don't want pigeons sitting on my head",' Mr Kidby continued. 'His take on it was always off on a tangent but we hope he will be pleased if it goes ahead.' The aim is to pay for the statue through crowd-funding and sponsorship from local companies..."
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-wiltshire-35523353
From Salisbury Council itself:
"While there are a variety of tributes to Sir Terry, ranging from the Baron Statue to pub signs, this would be the first permanent, public statue of the literary figure in the whole of the UK, and as such would become a significant cultural landmark.We started a petition roughly 3 months ago to gauge public interest in the project, and have so far received over 2,600 signatures from both the UK and across the world from places such as Russia and Norway. Many of these responses included messages of overwhelming support, a large number of which suggested that such a statue would positively influence their decisions to visit Salisbury above other locations in the UK... Salisbury already has a strong art and culture reputation: an example of this is the Salisbury Art Trail in October 2015, which involved around 60 venues and over 100 local artists. A statue of Sir Terry as a local author with international appeal can only add to this reputation and encourage even further participation. The statue could also make a significant landmark in the Salisbury Heritage Trail."
http://bit.ly/1VXODUh (Editor's note: this is a .pdf file)
From The Guardian:
"Campaigners will now work out how much the statue will cost, and will then either launch a crowdfunding campaign, or look for local sponsorship. 'Once we have an official final design and location … we will move forward,' [Ms Emily] Brand said. 'It's a long-term project, but the overwhelmingly positive messages we've received from around the world show how important recognising Sir Terry's work is to the fans that adored his work.'..."
http://bit.ly/1V0W3Gg
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
04) ODDS AND SODS
4.1 THE SHEPHERD'S CROWN LONGLISTED FOR CARNEGIE MEDAL
From The Guardian:
"The CILIP Carnegie, which dates back to 1936 and has been won by names from Arthur Ransome to Noel Streatfeild, was Pratchett’s first major book prize when he won it in 2002. The author, who died last year after being diagnosed in 2007 with a rare form of Alzheimer’s, won the Carnegie in 2002 with his first novel for children, The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents... Winning the prize 14 years ago, Pratchett gave a barnstorming acceptance speech in which he laid out the difference in the way he was viewed as a writer in the US and in the UK. 'Over there, where I've only recently made much of an impression, the reviews tended to be quite serious and detailed, with – as Maurice himself would have put it, "long words, like corrugated iron". Over here, while being very nice, they tended towards the "another wacky, zany book by comic author Terry Pratchett". In fact, Maurice has no wack and very little zane. It's quite a serious book. Only the scenery is funny,' said Pratchett at the time... This year, The Shepherd's Crown, which continues the adventures of Pratchett's teenage witch Tiffany Aching, is up against a host of former winners... The medals are judged by panels of expert librarians..."
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/feb/16/terry-pratchetts-final-novel-longlist-carnegie-medal-the-shepherds-crown
Editor's note: there are 20 books longlisted. The shortlist will be announced on the 15th of March; the winners, on the 20th of June.
4.2 REVIEW: THE SHEPHERD'S CROWN
I may have missed this one last year. It's by Amanda Craig in The Guardian, August 2015:
"Pratchett, with his sardonic inventiveness, social satire, play on language, deep feeling for landscape and love of what is best in human nature, had less critical praise than he deserved. His heroes and heroines are not royalty in disguise, but thieves, con-men, shepherds, soldiers and midwives. In his championing of the ordinary, the sensible and the slightly silly he went against the grain – and never more so than in creating Tiffany Aching. Tiffany, like her author, is patronised for all kinds of absurd reasons. She is young, and the daughter of a working-class family who joke after a hard day’s work that they are “Aching all over”. Other witches believe she can’t be a witch because she comes from the wrong kind of land, the Chalk, supposedly too weak to be magical. She has a sense of humour so dry that it passes most other characters by. As a witch, she becomes a kind of health visitor on a broomstick, helping with births, deaths, arthritis and the cutting of old men’s toenails. Yet she has defended her land and its people from its greatest enemies, and the most terrifying witch in Discworld has chosen her for an heir...
"How can our heroine step into the shoes of Granny Weatherwax? Can she follow her own path as a witch, even if it means abjuring romantic happiness with her medical student boyfriend? Older witches, such as the nauseating Mrs Earwig, sneer at her inexperience. It’s when the Queen of the Elves, ousted from Fairyland in a political coup, turns up naked and close to death on Tiffany’s doorstep that the fun really begins. Of course it is riotously funny, with the gloriously irrepressible Nac Mac Feegles having the best jokes and fights; as bright blue warriors otherwise known as the Wee Free Men they are shrunken but fearsome Scottish Nationalists; the Elves and their quarrels may well recall other politicians south of the border. The real battle, however, is between selfishness and duty. Pratchett has rarely been so direct. It’s tempting to think that in this, his last book, he felt able to drop his customary teasing through footnotes and explain what empathy is... We are so used to the way George RR Martin or Joe Abercrombie or even Ursula le Guin show us fantasy worlds riven with cruelty, that perhaps the kindliness of Discworld is more subversive than it seems. It is, in essence, a humanist’s creation in which laughter, as Nabokov said, is the best pesticide, and humour as potent as swords..."
http://bit.ly/1hMrs1T
4.3 ORANGUTAN INTERACTIVE GAMES
No, we've not yet reached the point of being able to play Clacks against our orange-haired distant cousins, but this is a start...
"Orang-utans at Melbourne Zoo are taking part in a world-first research project aimed at giving the great apes greater choice and control over how and when they interact with visitors. The research project, conducted by the University of Melbourne in collaboration with Zoos Victoria and the Microsoft Research Centre for Social Natural User Interfaces, aims to better understand the ways orang-utans interact with technology and how they make choices through specially designed games. The games incorporate the Microsoft Xbox Kinect to project onto the floor of the orang-utans' exhibit and then operate as a touch-screen, using Kinect 3D technology to sense the animals' movements when they choose to interact with the projections. Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville and Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade, Philip Dalidakis, visited Melbourne Zoo to test their nous against Malu, a 12-year old Sumatran Orang-utan, in a series of basic games specifically designed to encourage Malu's problem solving ability. In a unique feature of this research project, the choice was left completely up to Malu as to if, when, and how, he wanted to interact with the Ministers...".
The page includes a short (under three minutes) video in which Dr Sally Sherwin, Sarah Webber and Dr Marcus Carter explain the concept and its implementation, and the orangutans are shown interacting with the games!
http://www.zoo.org.au/news/world-first-study-gives-orang-utans-the-choice
4.4 A POSSIBLE COMMEMORATIVE SIGN IN WINCANTON
From the Western Gazette:
"Discworld Emporium owner Bernard Pearson revealed that he thought a memorial for his friend in the town would be good for Wincanton, following the news that Salisbury city council is supporting a project to create a life-sized bronze statue of the author there. Mr Pearson suggested the new statue in Salisbury and more Pratchett related attractions in Wincanton could form fitting spots on a tour remembering the prolific storyteller. He said: 'The Salisbury statue is a brilliant idea and there certainly should be something in Wincanton. We would like to make it so that Terry's fans visit the statue in Salisbury before coming here to the Emporium and to visit the pubs where he drank. We hope a new town sign is commissioned and gets the go ahead because people already come to the town to pose under the sign for pictures – it's a bit of a tourist attraction in itself – and some new artwork could make it even more of a draw.' Mr Pearson explained that tourists posed for photographs with the town's signs because they proudly display its twinned status with fictional settlement Ankh-Morpork, which has been in place since 2002. Town council clerk, Sam Atherton, confirmed discussions were underway. She said: "The council are in talks with Bernard to design new signage for the entrance to the town. This in memory of Terry.' ..."
http://bit.ly/1Lp90cP
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
05) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
5.0 REMINDER: THE SHAKESPEARE CODEX IS COMING!
The Studio Theatre Club, "the first, ever, anywhere in the world, to dramatise the works of Sir Terry Pratchett", will present the world premiere of The Shakespeare Codex by Stephen Briggs, the world's *premier* adapter of Discworld stories for the stage. If any of you haven't been following the pre-production announcements, The Shakespeare Codex is a mashup of The Science of Discworld II: the Globe, Lords & Ladies, and A Midsummer Night's Dream (the last one wasn't written by Terry Pratchett, of course), starring Ridcully, Rincewind, Granny Weatherwax, Angua, Vetinari, that Shakespeare feller, a noted 16th-century monarch – and noted Shakespeare impersonator, the Earl of Oxford.
When: 6th to 9th April 2016
Venue: Unicorn Theatre, Medieval Abbey Buildings, Checker Walk/Thames Street, Abingdon, OXON OX14 3HZ
Time: 7.30pm evening shows; Saturday matinee time not posted
Tickets: £10 (Wed./Thu.) and £11 (Friday and Saturday matinee). The Saturday evening show is already sold out. Tickets are sold via post, but phone and email requests can be made. For full information on ordering tickets, go to:
http://www.studiotheatreclub.com/ordering-tickets
http://www.studiotheatreclub.com/whats-next
http://www.shakespearecodex.co.uk/
5.1 NEW: MORT IN BRIGHTON: A SPECIAL PTERRY TRIBUTE READING (MARCH)
The New Venture Theatre will be presenting a special tribute "performed reading" of Mort – the Stephen Briggs adaptation, directed by Dan Walker – in March: "One year after his passing, this Performed Reading is a celebration of Terry Pratchett’s life and work, and features one of his most popular and humanitarian characters: Death Himself."
When: 11th and 12th March 2016
Venue: Theatre Upstairs, New Venture Theatre, Bedford Place, Brighton, BN1 2PT
Time: 7:45pm both shows
Tickets: £6.00, available from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/117203
"Please note that access to the Theatre Upstairs is only possible by 4 flights of stairs, and therefore may not be suitable for those with mobility difficulties."
http://www.newventure.org.uk/
5.2 NEW: MASKERADE IN SOUTHEND (MARCH)
Maskerade is coming to Southend in March! Director Mark Delf writes: "East Essex Players are once again climbing aboard the Great A'Tuin as they bring the late and great Terry Pratchett's tale of opera phantoms to Southend. The theatre company brought Wyrd Sisters to life in November 2014 to sold out audiences and are hoping to recreate its success again March this year. We had such a great time working on Wyrd Sisters and look forward to the same challenge with Maskerade" says East Essex Players chairman Hazel Latcham, "Due to its popularity we are even sticking in two extra performances due to how quickly it sold out!"
When: 15th - 19th March 2016
Venue: Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Southend, Essex, SS0 9LA (phone 01702 351135)
Time: all evening shows 7.30pm. Matinees on Thursday 17th and Saturday 19th March 2.30pm
Tickets: £11.50 and £12.50. A £1.50 per ticket booking fee applies capped at six per order. To purchase online, go to http://bit.ly/1nxQ6p8 and click on the Buy button for your chosen date
http://www.eastessexplayers.co.uk/
http://www.sosac.co.uk/c/?776
5.3 REMINDER: WYRD SISTERS IN DEREHAM (MARCH)
The Dereham Theatre Company will present their performances of the Stephen Briggs adaptation of Wyrd Sisters in March!
When: 10th–12th March 2016
Venue: Dereham Memorial Hall, 62a Norwich Street, Dereham, Norfolk NR19 1AD
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £10 (£9 concessions for those aged 18 and under or over 60). Available Tuesday through Friday 10am–4pm and Saturday 9am–3pm at The Little Gallery, 62 Norwich Street NR19 1AD; by phone 01362 690 969; and by post cheques (supported by a valid cheque card) should be made payable to "Dereham Theatre Company" and posted to the address above with a stamped self-addressed envelope if you would like the tickets sent to you. Tickets can also be booked online at http://derehamtheatre.co.uk/ "On-line booking and sales from The Little Gallery will be withdrawn on the day of each performance. On the day of a performance tickets for that performance can only be purchased from the Box Office at Dereham Memorial Hall no earlier than 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance."
For full booking details, go to http://dosoc.co.uk/bookingdetails.asp
http://dosoc.co.uk/production2.asp
5.4 NEW: MORT IN CHELMSFORD (MARCH)
After last year's triumph, Chelmsford Theatre Workshop are back with another Discworld production! Director Lynne Foster says, "I have loved to read Terry Pratchett since his first books were published – and over 20 years ago , Wyrd Sisters was one of the first plays I appeared in... After a break of a few years CTW once again put on a Terry Pratchett last year – a production of Wyrd Sisters – significantly just after Terry passed away. So – when I was thinking what to submit for 2015/6 season, I re-read Mort – and loved it – it has everything, magic, feisty young protagonists, and best of all – DEATH! I think Pratchett's plays are quite difficult to translate to the theatre, but in my opinion, Mort is the most successful. I spoke to the team who put on Wyrd Sisters who agreed to work with me on this – and the rest – as they say – is history. The whole team is looking forward to producing a fast paced, entertaining wonderful production in March."
When: 9th – 19th March 2016 (daily performances from Wednesdays to Saturdays)
Venue: The Old Court Theatre, 233 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 (phone 01245 606505)
Email boxoffice@chelmsfordbc.gov.uk
Website www.ctw.org.uk
Time: 7.45pm all shows
Tickets: £10.00 (£9.00 for over-60s, Under-16s or Students). A £1.50 fee is applicable per transaction, except for cash and debit card payments made in person and by telephone (01245 606505). To purchase tickets online, go to http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?agency=CHEM&organ_val=26146&event_val=TWAI&schedule=list, then click the Buy Tickets button for your desired date.
http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/mort
5.5 NEW: MASKERADE IN WITHAM, ESSEX (MARCH)
Witham Dramatic Club will be present their production of Maskerade next month.
When: Wed. 16th to Sat. 19th of March 2016
Venue: Witham Public Hall, Collingwood Road, Witham, Essex, CM8 2DY
Time: 7.45 pm all shows
Tickets: £10 advance, £12 on the door (for senior citizens and U16s, £8 in advance but £10 on the door; this discount is not available for the Friday and Saturday shows), available by phone (01621 892404), by emailing Contact@WithamDramatic.co.uk, or online at http://www.withamdramatic.co.uk/boxoffice.html
http://www.withamdramatic.co.uk/production.html#inprod
5.6 NEW: GUARDS! GUARDS! IN HELSINKI (MARCH)
Thespians Anonymous, an English-speaking amateur theatre group in Finland[1], are staging the Stephen Briggs adaptation of Guards! Guards! next month. "Join us in the deep dive into the world of fantasy and comedy. Dragons, magic, many laughs and a few drunks – all that and a little bit more awaits you at our shows in the end of March!"
When: 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 26th March 2016
Venue: Gloria, Kulttuuriareena, Pieni Roobertinkatu 12
Time: 19.00 all shows
Tickets: €13 (€11 concession), available onine at https://holvi.com/shop/thespiansanonymous/ or at the door (cash only) for €14 (€12 concession). Group discounts (€10 per ticket) are available for groups of 10 people or more. "Just add 10+ tickets to your basket on HOLVI and insert discount code GUARDSGROUP. You will get the discount automatically!"
http://blog.thespiansanonymous.org/
[1] Where I quite want to be, according to the song...
5.7 NEW: LORDS AND LADIES IN HAMPSHIRE (APRIL)
The Collingwood RSC Theatre Club – the RS stands for Random Salad in this case – have been presenting various Discworld plays for over 18 year now. Now, following on from Wyrd Sisters in 2011 and Witches Abroad in 2014, they are completing the original Witches trilogy with their first production of Lords and Ladies!
When: 20th – 23rd April 2016
Venue: Millennium Hall, HMS Collingwood, Newgate Lane, Fareham, Hants PO14 1AS
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: can be booked at the box office (phone 07502 037922) or by emailing collingwoodrsc@sky.com
5.8 REMINDER: THE WEE FREE MEN IN ADELAIDE, FOURECKS (APRIL)
The Unseen Theatre gang bring on a new era of Discworld adaptations with The Wee Free Men, adapted and directed by Pamela Munt!
"In the first of a series of Discworld novels for young adults, we meet the young witch-to-be Tiffany Aching – a girl who reads the dictionary for fun – because no-one ever told her not to. With a trusty frying pan as her weapon, her grandmother's magic book (well actually its called 'Diseases of the Sheep') and the Wee Free Men by her side, Tiffany ventures into the realm of faerie land to rescue her very sticky, and not particularly likeable, baby brother. But, of course, all is not what it seems..."
When: Wed. 15th April to Sat. 30th April 2016; a Sunday 17th April matinee is to be confirmed
Venue: Bakehouse Theatre, 255 Angas St. Adelaide
Time: 7.30pm all evening shows; 2pm matinee
Tickets: Adults $22; Concession $18; Children $18; Groups (6+) $16; TREv $16; Families (2 A & 2ch.) $60. Al tickets for the Preview night (15th April) are $15. To book online, go to www.bakehousetheatre.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the night, subject to availability. Box office opens 7pm.
http://bakehousetheatre.com/shows/wee-free-men
5.9 NEW: WYRD SISTERS IN READING (MAY)
Caversham Park Theatre will present their production of Wyrd Sisters in April!
"If you have never experienced the late Sir Terry Pratchett's Discworld but wonder what you might have missed... Caversham Park Theatre is proud to stage Wyrd Sisters. We hope you will dip your toe into Sir Terry’s Discworld and discover a whole new universe of thoughtful comedy."
When: 12th, 13th and 14th May 2016
Venue: Milestone Centre, Northbrook Rd, Caversham, Reading, RG4 6PF
Time: 8pm for 12th and 13th April, 7pm for 14th April
Tickets: £7.00, available by phone (01189 481 377) or online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/118288
Book online at: www.cavparktheatre.org.uk or phone 0118-948-1377
5.10 NEW: LORDS AND LADIES IN SWITZERLAND (APRIL/MAY)
The Gay Beggars theatre group of the University of Basel will present their production of Lords and Ladies, adapted by Irana Brown, in May!
When: 22nd, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th April; 1st, 3rd, 6th and 7th May 2016
Venue: Cellar Theatre of the English Seminar, University of Basel, Nadelberg 6
Time: 8pm all shows, except 1st May which starts at 5pm
Tickets: CHF25 (students, apprentices, AHV, IV CHF15). There is a group discount for school classes of CHF10 per student; contact reservations@gay beggars.ch for groups of 10 or more.
Tickets can be reserved by emailing reservations@gaybeggars.ch. "Reserved tickets must be picked up at the evening box office (opens one hour before the show).'
http://www.gaybeggars.ch/
5.11 NEW: WYRD SISTERS IN SOMERSET (MAY)
The Minehead Dramatic Society will stage their production of Wyrd Sisters in May.
When: 13, 14 and 15th May 2016
Venue: Regal Theatre, 10-16 The Avenue, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5AY (phone 01643 706430)
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: Adults £8.00, Friends £7.50, ES40’s/Students £4.00. Online tickets can be purchased by logging in to http://intelligent-tickets.co.uk/index.php?th=mt&pg=selectevent&start=1&sel=11 and clicking on the date of your choice. "Please note that tickets cannot be purchased, on-line, on the same day as the performance. Please call into the box office or telephone 01643 706430 (Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 3.00pm)"
http://regaltheatre.co.uk/
http://regaltheatre.co.uk/whatson/?pno=2
5.12 NEW: MORT IN HESSE, GERMANY (MAY)
The Helden Theatre will be staging their production of Gevatter Tod (that's the Deutsche title of Mort) in May 2016!
When: Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd May 2016
Venue: Theater Altes Hallenbad, Haagstrasse 29, 61169 Friedberg
Time: 7.30pm Saturday 21st, 3.30pm Sunday 22nd
Tickets: €10 concessions €8). To purchase online, go to http://bit.ly/1Rbt0MP and click on the Tickets button
http://heldentheater.de
5.13 REMINDER: MORT IN YORK (JULY)
We Are Theatre will be staging their production of Mort in July.
When: 21st and 22nd June 2016
Venue: Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York YO31 8TA
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £10 (£8 concessions), available from the York Theatre Royal box office (phone 01904 623568). For group bookings, contact wearetheatre@googlemail.com or ring 07521 364107
www.wearetheatre.co.uk
5.14 REMINDER: : LORDS AND LADIES IN NEWCASTLE (JULY)
The People's Theatre, "the premier amateur theatre company in the North of England", will stage their production of Lords and Ladies, adapted by Irana Brown, in July. "We're no strangers to Discworld and this funny and fast-moving adaptation of (the much-missed) Sir Terry's fourteenth novel sees the welcome return of Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg to our stage. It promises to be lots of fun, so book early to avoid disappointment!"
When: 12th to 16th July 2016
Venue: People's Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5QF. Phone: (0191) 275 9875
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £13.50 (£11 concessions). Box Office on 0191 265 5020 or email tickets.peoplestheatre@email.com. (Box Office is open weekdays 10.30am–1pm and Mon, Wed, Fri evenings 7.30–8.30pm). To book online, go to the inappropriately-named Intelligent Tickets, and be prepared to jump through a truly daft series of hoops:
http://www.intelligent-tickets.co.uk/index.php?th=pe
http://bit.ly/1lMl3Vj
5.15 REVIEW: SOUL MUSIC IN DURHAM
By James Gill, in the Durham University newspaper Palatinate:
"The night was made joyfully unique due to a few pleasurable directorial decisions from Mikey Bicaregui and Hamish Inglis, which included having Albert (Matthew Elliot-Ripley) appear on stage in character 20 minutes prior to the performance, which created a fun atmosphere as the audience trickled in. Additionally, having savvy businessman Dibbler (Fred Ridell) sell snacks during the intermission added a unique flair to the show. Laurence Stanley’s performance turned the often one-dimensional character of Death into a sombre but hilarious persona. He was a clear highlight in the play, and whether he was scaring us or moving us to laughter, there was never a dull moment. Wilf Wort was tremendously impressive as Glod, garnering consistent laughter from the audience as he illustrated his hilarious negotiation techniques, whilst also delivering his lines with a unique gusto. Adam Simpson was also remarkable in portraying Buddy’s transformation from a young outgoing lad to a reclusive rock and roll star. Elliot-Ripley was fabulous as Albert, a fitting narrator who helped to string together the loosely connected plotlines, and he was also excellent when mentoring Susan in fulfilling the duties of Death. In addition to these characters, it must be mentioned that Uday Duggal as The Dean—along with the members of the Legion—supplied great comedic support, and added immensely to the overall experience of the play... Although Soul Music was heavily hampered by Eddleston’s disconnected script, great performances from the majority of the cast and some tremendously comedic moments made this production truly enjoyable..."
http://www.palatinate.org.uk/soul-music-review-hilarious/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
06) DISCWORLD CONVENTION NEWS
CABBAGECON 4 NEWS
"On 1 and 2 July 2017 the fourth Dutch Discworld Convention Cabbagecon 4 will happen at the hotel Carlton President in Utrecht. It will be an occasion for fans of Sir Terry Pratchett from the Netherlands and abroad to meet up again and have some fun. We hope to see you too!"
Advance tickets are available:
Weekend
€60,00
Language
English
Membership of Cabbagecon 4 for the whole weekend
Price: €60,00
Saturday
€35,00
Language
English
Membership for Cabbagecon 4 on Saturday
Price: €35,00
Sunday
€35,00
Language
English
Membership of Cabbagecon 4 for Sunday
Price: €35,00
http://www.dutchdwcon.nl/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
07) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS: UPDATES AND REMINDERS
The Broken Drummers, "London's Premier Unofficially Official Discworld Group" (motto "Nil percussio est"), meets next on 30th November 1999 (-5874 days to go), according to their website, or more probably on Monday 7th March 2016 at the Monkey Puzzle, 30 Southwick Street, London, W2 1JQ. For more information, go to http://brokendrummers.org/ or email BrokenDrummers@gmail.com or nicholls.helen@yahoo.co.uk
*
Canberra, Australia's Discworld fan group is Drumknott's Irregulars: "We are a newly established Terry Pratchett & Discworld social group in Canberra called Drumknott's Irregulars. The group is open to all, people from interstate and overseas are welcome, and our events will not be heavily themed. Come along to dinner for a chat and good company. We welcome people all all fandoms (and none) and we would love to see you at one of our events, even if you're just passing through. Please contact us via Facebook (_https://www.facebook.com/groups/824987924250161/_) or Google Groups (_https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/drumknotts-irregulars_) or join us at our next event."
*
There is a new public Facebook meeting group, "The Gathering of the Loonies (Wincanton chapter)": "This group, by request of Jo in Bear will continue to be used for future unofficial (not run by the Emporium) fan Gatherings in Wincanton. Look here for information."
https://www.facebook.com/groups/373578522834654/
*
The Pratchett Partisans are a fan group who meet monthly at either Brisbane or Indooroopilly to "eat, drink and chat about all things Pratchett. We hold events such as Discworld dinners, games afternoons, Discworld photo scavenger hunts. Our recent 'Murder In Morpork' mystery party was a great night out. With 26 people attending, we had 24 suspects, our special guest – Vetinari, and one dead mime! It was a fun night of food and murder and we are planning another Murder in December so stay tuned. We also attend opening night at Brisbane Arts Theatre's Discworld plays." The Partisans currently have about 200 members who meet at least twice a month, usually in Brisbane.
For more info about their next meetup, join up at https://www.facebook.com/groups/pratchettpartisans/ or contact Ula directly at uwilmott@yahoo.com.au
*
The City of Small Gods is a group for fans in Adelaide and South Australia. For more information on their upcoming activities, go to www.cityofsmallgods.org.au
"Every few months, we have a full day's worth of board games at La Scala Cafe, 169 Unley Rd, Unley in the function room starting at 10am."
For more info, go to http://ausdwcon.org/fan-clubs/adelaide/quiz/
*
The Broken Vectis Drummers meet next on Thursday 3rd March 2016 (probably) from 7.30pm at The Castle pub in Newport, Isle of Wight. For more info and any queries, contact broken_vectis_drummers@yahoo.co.uk
*
The Wincanton Omnian Temperance Society (WOTS) next meets on Friday 4th March 2016 (probably) at Wincanton's famous Bear Inn from 7pm onwards. "Visitors and drop-ins are always welcome!"
*
The Northern Institute of the Ankh-Morpork and District Society of Flatalists, a Pratchett fangroup, has been meeting on a regular basis since 2005 but is now looking to take in some new blood (presumably not in the non-reformed Uberwald manner). The Flatalists normally meet at The Narrowboat Pub in Victoria Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, to discuss "all things Pratchett" as well as having quizzes and raffles. Details of future meetings are posted on the Events section of the Discworld Stamps forum:
http://www.discworldstamps.co.uk/forum/
*
Sydney Drummers (formerly Drummers Downunder) meet next on Monday 7th March 2016 at 6.30pm (probably) in Sydney at 3 Wise Monkeys, 555 George Street, Sydney,2000. For more information, contact Sue (aka Granny Weatherwax): kenworthys@yahoo.co.uk
*
The Treacle Mining Corporation, formerly known as Perth Drummers, meets next on Monday 7th March 2016 (probably) from 5.30pm at Carpe Cafe, 526 Murray Street, Perth, Western Australia. For details follow Perth Drummers on Twitter @Perth_Drummers or join their Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Perth.Drummers/ – or message Alexandra Ware directly at <alexandra.ware@gmail.com>
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
08) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
Just the one this time, and fingers crossed for its eventual realisation in bronze. Paul Kidby's preliminary sketch for the proposed Pratchett statue:
http://www.paulkidby.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Sculpture-Proposal-webpic-432x733_c.jpg
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
09) CLOSE
That petition to name one of the newly discovered elements "octarine" ultimately gathered 50,000 signatures, after which the signature-gathering was closed. Chances are far below the fabled one in a million that this naming will happen, but we can always hope. See you next month!
– Annie Mac
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The End. If you have any questions or requests, write: wossname-owner (at) pearwood (dot) info
Copyright (c) 2016 by Klatchian Foreign Legion
