Wossname -- September 2016 -- Main issue
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wossnameWossname
Newsletter of the Klatchian Foreign Legion
September 2016 (Volume 19, Issue 9, Post 1)
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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.
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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)
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INDEX:
01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
02) EDITOR'S LETTER
03) ODDS AND SODS
04) DISCWORLD GAMES NEWS
05) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
06) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
07) ALZHEIMER'S NEWS
08) AROUND THE BLOGOSPHERE
09) DISCWORLD ARTS AND CRAFTS NEWS
10) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
11) CLOSE
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01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
"Terry reveals an all-too-sad truth about our relationship to religion, power and personal/national identity. However, his handling of such heavy material is still great fun, and offers many brilliant visuals of which I hope to have captured an inkling."
– illustrator Omar Rayyan, commenting on his work on the Folio Society's illuminated Small Gods
"The current WWF estimates of surviving orang-utan populations are: 6,600 in Sumatra and 54,000 in Borneo."
– Melbourne Zoo
"Whether or not you agree with Terry Pratchett's outspoken views on assisted suicide, it is hard to argue with his logic for living a good life right up until death and dying, as far possible, in your own terms."
– Secret Scribbler, in a Guardian review of The Shepherd's Crown
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02) LETTER FROM YOUR EDITOR
This might just be the latest-posted issue of Wossname ever – certainly the latest-posted in my term of editorship. Many apologies! There are also some features I had hoped to complete that will have to wait, such as our reviews of the Discworld Colouring Book (marvellous!) and The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner (excellent, even better than Dragons at Crumbling Castle, highly recommended); keep an eye on the Wossname blog (_http://wossname.dreamwidth.org/_) for updates, and of course those will be included in the October issue... which I will try to post out on time!
More and more amateur theatre companies around the world are performing Discworld plays. It's heartwarming to see that the number of different Discworld plays is also on the increase: while Wyrd Sisters remains the primary go-to (and is becoming a Halloween season tradition in ever more places), companies are now tackling a more diverse range including Carpe Jugulum, Mort, Amazing Maurice, Going Postal, The Wee Free Men and ever more. What an excellent way of keeping the Terry Pratchett legacy alive, and long may it continue! See section 5 for a round-up of the latest productions.
From heartwarming to heart-breaking: Monty Python co-founder Terry Jones, noted as much for his latter career as a telly presenter, author and keen amateur historian, has been diagnosed with the dementia variant known as primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and can no longer perform or give interviews. PCA robbed our favourite writer of his ability to physically write; PPA has robbed a beloved presenter/performer of his ability to perform. That the public know of Terry Jones' plight at all is a testament to the ceaseless Alzheimer's activism to which Sir Pterry dedicated so much of his final time and energy, and is a stark reminder that he may well be remembered as much for that activism as for his writing.
Right, on with the show!
– Annie Mac, Editor
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03) ODDS AND SODS
3.1 DRAGON AWARD
A new award for The Shepherd's Crown, and one that I'd hope Sir Pterry would have appreciated, despite its keeping company with some very dodgy works – Best Young Adult / Middle Grade Novel at the inaugural Dragon Awards:
"This year's inaugural Dragon Awards were handed out today at Dragon Con in Atlanta, Georgia. The winners show a remarkable contrast to the recipients of this year's Hugo Award winners, one of the major awards in science fiction and fantasy literature. The Dragon Awards were instituted earlier this year in conjunction with the convention's 30th anniversary. The award is designed to be a "true reflection of the works that are genuinely most beloved by the core audience," the larger fan world, rather than the core literary circles that help choose the Nebula Awards and Hugo Awards. The Dragon Awards opened nominations and voting to the general public..."
http://www.theverge.com/2016/9/4/12794666/dragon-award-dragoncon-david-weber-terry-pratchett
3.2 BEAUTIFUL NEW "ILLUMINATED" FOLIO SOCIETY NOVEL: SMALL GODS
The Folio Society continues its offerings of Discworld books with a stunning "illuminated" edition of Small Gods, once again featuring the work of illustrator Omar Rayyan. The Guardian has a feature on it, with reproductions of some of the illustrations. In these, Mr Rayyan seems to me to have channelled the look of Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins in the Middle Earth films, and I think this is a good thing: it brings a new, very human warmth to the character of Brutha. The Folio Society editions aren't exactly cheap, but if you can afford to spend a bit more on something truly special, this is a must-have!
The Guardian feature: http://bit.ly/2d1a3nj
The Folio Society link for the illuminated Small gods: http://www.foliosociety.com/book/SLL
3.3 REVIEWS: THE SHEPHERD'S CROWN
Somehow we missed this one back in July! A deeply thoughtful review of The Shepherd's Crown in The Guardian by "Secret Scribbler":
"There was certainly an autumnal breeze which seemed to stroke the pages of Terry Pratchett's forty-first and final Discworld novel, much like the penultimate Long Earth story published earlier last summer. The Shepherd's Crown whispered of things unsaid, of time running out, of not being able to leave things exactly the way one wanted. In many ways it is an imperfect, unfinished novel... Everything is set for an epic clash between good and evil. Yet this is no Middle Earth or Narnia; much of the rest of the novel is devoted to Tiffany's backbreaking day-to-day work. In Pratchett's world, witches perform the role of a comprehensive health service, free at the point of need (paid for through favours and kindness), fully integrated with social care like something out of Andy Burnham's wildest dreams. They perform messy, practical, essential services – caring for the sick, ushering babies into the world and escorting people out with as much gentleness as possible, trimming the toenails of lonely old men. Tiffany is spread thin and pulled in disparate directions by her passion for her work; her sense of loyalty to her family; her tentative relationship with medical student Preston. Besides, Terry Pratchett has little time for unadulterated evil in the style of Sauron or the White Witch, though his writing is incandescent with rage against stupidity and cruelty... Is this actually a good novel? To some extent, it doesn't really matter. For a Discworld aficionado, the book's very existence is a kind of miracle, like an unexpected letter addressed just to you..."
http://bit.ly/2bXsqcL
...and a somewhat bizarre (in my opinion, at any rate – Ed.) analysis/review of The Shepherd's Crown, by one Peter L. Edman in the University Bookman:
"It is a testimony to the previous forty tales in the Discworld fantasy universe that the flaws of this story do not completely overshadow its wistful pleasures, at least for the long-time Pratchett reader... The Tiffany novels are targeted at the young adult market, and despite the fantasy tropes of elves and witches, I suspect that the greatest strain on suspension of disbelief for the average reader in Britain and America is Tiffany's bone-deep connection with her land and heritage. But the railroad has come to the Discworld; cold iron is transforming or bypassing the ancient traditions. She must somehow choose what to preserve... Pratchett has been accused—inaccurately—of writing escapist fiction, but it seems no escape is permitted to those disturbed by the dissolution of gender roles and gender identity—the latest effects of the elites' dismemberment of Western culture. Among other examples in the novel, Tiffany takes on a new apprentice, Geoffrey, a boy who eschews traditional roles and wants to be a witch. He is presented as calm and quiet, good with the elderly and with babies, a vegetarian, a natural peacemaker driven by the winds of destiny. He demonstrates no romantic interests. Pratchett's remaining skills do, if barely, keep Geoffrey from becoming a stock allegorical figure of the New Tolerance..."
http://www.kirkcenter.org/index.php/bookman/article/the-last-pratchett
3.4 THIEF OF TIME REVIEW
By Sam Jordison in The Guardian:
"Some humans would do anything to see if it was possible to do it. If you put a large switch in some caves somewhere, with a sign on it saying 'End-of-the-World Switch. PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH', the paint wouldn't even have time to dry. Imagine also a world in which 'democracy at work' is really just reckless and mindless chaos. Imagine a world in which one of the chief aspects of humanity is, as noted by Death (a character with so much gravitas that he always speaks with caps-lock on): 'ARROGANCE, PRIDE AND STUPIDITY.' Sounds familiar, doesn't it? So familiar that reading Thief of Time after the Brexit vote is a strange, disconcerting experience for me. I've just finished the novel and I felt at times that Pratchett, who died in 2015, must have foreseen our current sad story. But it also felt like he was bringing good news. Alongside a few stern words about our collective idiocy, the great writer had a message of hope. Someone in Thief of Time does inevitably push that awful button – which in fact concerns a clock that traps time rather than cuing Article 50– but he reassures us with: “We can learn. That's how humans become humans.” We may do bad things, but there's also something about humanity that helps us go on. It's a comforting thought. But even without my current political obsessions and fears, I'm certain that I'd find other kinds of solace in this wonderful novel. Pratchett understood human nature, for better or for worse. I imagine future generations will be seeing their own mistakes in this novel, just as clearly as I've seen our own. And I find such thoughts comforting: there's nothing new about folly. Humans have always got it wrong, but we've generally muddled through too.
"There are other reasons to find hope in Thief of Time, chief among them that it's a delight to read. The story is as complicated, daft, hilarious and satisfying as vintage PG Wodehouse: part kung fu epic, part philosophical novel, part mind-bending experiment with chaos theory (and a piss-take of those three things)... it's a lampoon. But it's also full of warmth and sympathy. The same is true of the rest of the book. Pratchett may think us fools – but he still likes us. That too is consoling..."
http://bit.ly/2cHcGtT
3.5 REVIEW: SERIOUSLY FUNNY, THE ENDLESSLY QUOTABLE TERRY PRATCHETT
By Karen Jones on Starts at 60:
"Always clever with his witty sayings, some of Terry Pratchett's best quotes adorn the pages of this beautiful little compilation. Divided into categories of Human nature, Romance, Learning and Wisdom, Success, Life and Death, Animals, Religion, Politics, and last but not least, Words and Writing. There are 130 pages of gorgeous, pithy, astute quotes about life and living... I suppose Seriously funny. The endlessly quotable Terry Pratchett could be classed as a coffee table book. As a compilation, it is the perfect size to carry around in your pocket or to leave on your bedside table. It is the sort of book that the reader will want to pick up often just to enjoy a clever quote, or to cheer themselves up when they need a laugh. The depth of wisdom and the scope of wicked humour is a great reminder of the incredible creative talent of the author himself. His imagination seemed to be so vast, his parodies of real life so astute and funny, it is a sad loss that he has now passed away..."
https://startsat60.com/stories/entertain/books/saturday-on-the-couch-seriously-funny
3.6 A GOOD DISCWORLD QUIZ
In The Guardian, a good Discworld quiz (with a nod to general Pratchett titles) features a number of questions, among them:
"What was the name of Pratchett's first published short story, published when he was a teenager? ... Which children's book was Good Omens initially intended to be a parody of? ... Eric is a parody of which classic tale? ... Which classic rock album cover does the cover for Soul Music resemble? ... A collection of travel stories called 'What I Did On My Holiday' became a revolutionary text in which Discworld book? ... What does the motto NVNC ID VIDES, NVNC NE VIDES, carved above the doors of Unseen University, mean?"
http://bit.ly/2d3XuYs
3.7 UNSEEN UNIVERSITY, THE SCHOOL TO CHOOSE
On Epic Stream, a listicle of "10 Awesome Schools from Sci-fi and Fantasy That'd Never Get Boring" gives high marks to UU:
"The school of Wizardry in Terry Pratchett's Discworld universe is another magical one, but unlike Hogwarts, nobody bothers to pretend they know what the hell they're doing. We see a lot of weird experiments with magic rather than busywork. The wizards who run the place are reckless and a bit unhinged, but I'd want to go there anyway. I mean, it has the best library ever- you can read every book ever written in the past, present and future. This library is also run by former-wizard-turned-orangutan. One drawback is that there aren't many women attending, so girls might feel pretty awkward (and the lack of women and general celibacy might be a bummer for any dudes interested in girls as well). Due to the strict gender divide in the magical culture of Discworld, it was quite a while before the first girl attended the university (her name was Eskarina Smith). Witches in Discworld operate differently from wizards and don't really do formal higher education. Thanks to Eskarina's trailblazing, though, girls presumably can attend the school now, even if they're currently in the minority. .."
http://bit.ly/2cv3BQI
3.8 MORE DANGER TO WILD ORANGUTANS THAN THOUGHT
Fresh – and distressing – news about the plight of orangutans in the wild:
"The new Apes Seizures Database paints a more detailed picture, compiling figures for any seizure of a great ape in an unlawful situation dating back to 2005.
'It's definitely a staggering number, it's larger than we expected,' said Doug Cress from the Great Ape Survival Partnership, who have put together the new database. 'We're finding that it's really averaging about two seizures a week around the world. That may seem small but the usual ratio for a chimpanzee is that to get one alive you've had to kill five or 10, for gorillas it's like four to one. That extrapolates quickly to a lot of dead in the wild.'
"Orang-utans were by far the most commonly captured animals, accounting for 67% of seizures by the authorities. It's believed that habitat destruction in Borneo and Sumatra has seen large numbers flushed out of the forests. The conversion of their natural homes into palm oil plantations or for pulp and paper has made the orangutans easy prey for those who want to trade them illegally..."
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-37513707
And speaking of our favourite orange apes, at Melbourne's Federation Square there will be a protest, palm oil labelling petition signing, and display of 1,000 cuddly orangutan toys from on Tuesday 4th October 2016:
"Food manufacturers are still allowed to include palm oil as a vegetable oil on their labels. So you don't realise you may be contributing to the deaths of over 1,000 orangutans a year as their habitat, and that of Sumatran Elephants and Tigers is destroyed through unsustainable palm oil production. Later this year selected Australian Ministers will meet to decide whether Australia will once and for all label palm oil on food products. Add your name to the growing list of over 30,000 Australians who support palm oil labelling."
http://www.zoo.org.au/get-involved/act-for-wildlife/dont-palm-us-off
http://www.zoo.org.au/palmoil/label
...and here be a report from the Melbourne Zoo's World Orangutan Day celebration/information event in August:
http://www.zoo.org.au/news/world-orang-utan-day
3.9 MONSTROUS PRODUCTIONS, ROUNDWORLD'S THEATRICAL DISCWORLD FUNDRAISERS
A lovely feature on Cardiff's Monstrous Productions, who have so far raised more than £20,000 for dementia research through putting on Discworld plays:
"A Cardiff-based theatre company has raised over £20,000 by staging theatrical versions of the late Sir Terry Pratchett's works with all proceeds going to the charity he was patron of, Alzheimer's Research UK. Monstrous Productions Theatre Company has been putting on adaptations of Pratchett's works since 2012. Their latest play, ‘Going Postal', was performed at The Gate Arts Centre, Cardiff, over four nights in August. It raised over £3,000 for the UK's leading dementia research charity, helping the group to reach their fundraising goal of £20,000. Amy Davies, 31, is co-founder and co-director at the company. She directed her first Terry Pratchett play, ‘Monstrous Regiment', with Cardiff University's drama society, Act One, while studying for her Master's degree. The success led to a flood of requests from fans, wanting them to stage more. Now an assistant psychologist with the NHS, Amy has directed seven plays with Monstrous Productions. It was decided from the beginning that all proceeds from the performances should go to Alzheimer's Research UK. Pratchett became a patron of the charity after he was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia called Posterior Cortical Atrophy in 2007... Zoe Baggott, Regional Fundraising Officer at Alzheimer's Research UK, said: 'Monstrous Productions is an amazing group. We're so grateful to them for supporting Alzheimer's Research UK. Not only are they a talented bunch, but they're extremely generous too. 225,000 people in the UK will develop dementia this year – that's one every three minutes. With enough research, we can beat this devastating condition.'..."
http://www.charitytoday.co.uk/pratchett-players-raise-20000-dementia-research/
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04) DISCWORLD GAMES NEWS
From the Backspindle gang, makers of the "Guards! Guards!" and "Clacks" games, have a special offer for UK buyers:
"Free Shipping during October... The Clacks have won! Postal Office charges for Backspindle Games ordered for UK addresses in October 2016 are FREE! This includes our our new acclaimed puzzle game 'Codinca' (recently named the Number 1 themeless game) by the Dice Tower's Sam Healey. Please note: Games ordered between 11-17 October will be dispatched between 19-20 October.
"Discworld Combos: we are very aware everyone likes a bargain, so we are delighted to confirm we have created a Special Offer for those of you who would like to purchase a copy of Clacks! together with a copy of Guards! Guards! The total discount is £10.00 of the total retail price. (While stocks of Guards! Guards! last)
You can access this bargain here: http://www.backspindlegames.com/multigames/ "
Other news, for buyers in America: "Our US partner Ninja Division (_http://ninjadivision.com/_) now has 'all of our games' back in stock: http://ninjadivision.com/backspindle-games/ "
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05) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
EDITOR'S NOTE
A reminder from last month's main issue: "April 2018 would have seen Sir Terry Pratchett's 70th birthday. He had a well-known connection with the theatre, and so to celebrate, why not put on a play? Local theatre companies around the world can use this month to stage any Discworld play, in a great big celebration and commemoration of Sir Terry's life and work. I discussed the idea with Colin Smythe at the DW Convention 2016, and he said it was a good one, go for it. So here we are, going for it. Let everybody know, and book the performance slot at the next planning meeting at your local theatre group!"
There's a Facebook event page for this, which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/580653112059960/
To view the original announcement, go to http://discworld.livejournal.com/1107951.html
5.1 NEW: TAMAHER IN CARDIFF (FEBRUARY 2017)
Monstrous Productions carry on from strength to strength! Next up is their February 2017 production of The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents. Stay tuned for updates...
When: 22nd–25th February 2017
Venue: The Gate Theatre, Keppoch Street, Roath, Cardiff CF24 3JW
Time: 7.30pm (2.30pm matinee on the 25th)
Tickets: £7 (£5 concession), available from http://monstrousptc.com/
5.2 NEW: WYRD SISTERS IN BRISBANE (NOVEMBER/DECEMBER)
The Brisbane Arts Theatre is going multi-Pratchett for the back end of 2016! On the heels of their forthcoming production of Guards! Guards! in October and early November, they will be presenting Wyrd Sisters only a few weeks later!
When: 23rd, 27th, 28th, 29th & 30th November and 4th–6th December 2017
Venue:
Time: 8pm Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays; 6.30pm Sunday matinees (29th November and 6th December)
Tickets: Adults $31, Concession $25, Group 10+ $25, Group 75+ $20, Gold Members $15, Members $25, Student Rush $10 (10 mins before curtain). "Members can redeem their included season tickets for this show. There are no refunds or exchanges once tickets have been purchased." Tickets are not yet available. Watch this space for updates...
http://www.artstheatre.com.au/show/wyrdsisters
5.3 NEW: WYRD SISTERS IN BATH (OCTOBER)
The Bathford Players, an amateur company of 50 years' experience, will present their production of Wyrd Sisters this month.
"Adapted by Stephen Briggs, and produced by Ken Tatem, this has been selected specifically to use as many members of the Players as possible in a large cast to celebrate our 50'th anniversary."
When: 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd October 2016
Venue: Bathford Village Hall, Church Street, Bathford, Bath BA1 7RS
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £8, available from the Bathford village shop (01225 859111), or online at http://bathfordplayers.weebly.com/ticket-sales.html
There's also a Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1667203456939738/
http://bathfordplayers.weebly.com/
5.4 NEW: GUARDS! GUARDS! IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA (OCTOBER/NOVEMBER)
"ARENAarts presents its 7th foray into the universe of Discworld Productions. GUARDS! GUARDS! A villainous plot to rule. A city under siege. A dragon on the loose. Adapted from Terry Pratchett's comic fantasy novel, this a fun production for lovers of silliness!"
When: 21st October–6th November 2016
Venue: LC Theatre, 60 Cleaver Terrace, Belmont, W.A. 6104
Time: all evening shows (21st, 22nd, 28th & 29th October, and 3rd, 4th & 5th November) 8pm; all matinees (23rd & 30th October and 6th November) 2pm
Tickets: $22 (concessions $16, children $10, groups of 10+ $15p/p), available online at
https://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingDates.aspx?eid=206909
For further information, contact Simon James 08 9399 9947 arenaarts@hotmail.com.au
5.5 NEW: CARPE JUGULUM IN SUFFOLK (NOVEMBER)
The Quaysiders theatre company will be staging their production of Carpe Jugulum in November.
"Having previously staged both 'Mort' and 'Maskerade' this time we continue to follow the antics of Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Agnes Nitt as they face their most treacherous foes in the shape of a family of 'modern' vampires. The Vampires are determined to take over the Kingdom of Lancre, and their despicable plan seems to be working… but they hadn't reckoned on the formidable Granny Weatherwax."
When: 10th–12th November 2016
Venue: Seagull Theatre, Morton Road, Pakefield, NR33 OGH
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £9 (£8 concessions), available online at http://intelligent-tickets.co.uk/index.php?th=gl
For more information, ring 01502 589726 or email info@theseagull.co.uk
http://www.theseagull.co.uk/event/carpe-jugulam/
5.6 NEW: WYRD SISTERS IN NEWPORT, WALES (NOVEMBER)
The Newport Playgoers Society are staging their production of Wyrd Sisters in November!
When: 15th–19th November
Venue: Dolman Theatre, Kingsway, Newport, NP20 1HY
Time: 7.15pm (evening shows); 2.30pm (Saturday 19th matinee)
Tickets: £12.50 (students £8.50, concessions £11), available online at http://bit.ly/2dDR5kr – there is a booking fee of £2.00 per per transaction.
"For more information about this performance, please contact the Dolman Theatre on 01633 263670."
http://www.dolmantheatre.co.uk/show.aspx?id=298
There is also a Facebook event for the play: https://www.facebook.com/events/1232819446770130/
About the Playgoers Society, who have been performing plays since 1924:
http://www.dolmantheatre.co.uk/newport-playgoers-society.aspx
5.7 NEW: TAMAHER IN LEEDS (NOVEMBER)
Leeds Children's Theatre, "a voluntary drama society, producing quality drama for children of all ages since 1935", are presenting their production of The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents in November!
When: 16th–19th November 2016
Venue: Carriageworks Theatre, The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD
Time: 7pm (16th–18th), noon and 5pm on Saturday 19th
Tickets: £11 (£10 concessions), Family (2+2) £40. There is an early bird £1 reduction "if booked before 23 October 2016 (n/a to our coach inclusive deals)" Tickets are available for purchase in person at the City Centre Box Office, Leeds Town Hall LS1 3AD from 10am – 6pm Monday to Saturday – telephone (0113) 376 0318; email boxoffice@leeds.gov.uk – also, an event Box Office will be open on the ground floor of the Carriageworks Theatre from 1 hour before show start time. To purchase tickets online, go to http://www.amazingmaurice.info/tickets.html
http://www.amazingmaurice.info/
5.8 NEW: MORT IN HARROGATE (NOVEMBER/DECEMBER)
The Woodlands Drama Group will be staging their production of Mort in November and December!
When: 30th November–3rd December 3 2016
Venue: The Studio At Harrogate Theatre, 6 Oxford Street, Harrogate HG1 1QF (email: boxoffice@harrogatetheatre.co.uk)
Time: 7.45pm evening shows; 2.30pm Saturday matinee
Tickets: all tickets £10, available from http://www.woodlandsdramagroup.co.uk/tickets/ or http://bit.ly/2di6RSA or by phoning the theatre's Box Office (01423 502116)
http://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/Mort-Presented-by-Woodlands-Drama-Group
5.9 NEW: CARPE JUGULUM IN NOTTINGHAM (MARCH 2017)
The Lace Market Youth Theatre present Carpe Jugulum, "a pastiche of vampire literature playing with mythic archetypes and featuring a tongue in cheek reversal of 'vampyre' subculture with young vampires who wear bright clothes, drink wine and stay up till noon", in March 2017.
When: 22nd–25th March 2017
Venue: The Lace Market Theatre, Halifax Place, Nottingham NG1 1QN
Time: 7.30pm all evening shows; 2.30pm Saturday 25th matinee
Tickets: £11 (£10 concessions), available online at http://bit.ly/2dIKhod or by phoning 0115 950 7201
https://lacemarkettheatre.co.uk/LaceMarketTheatre.dll/WhatsOn
5.10 REMINDER: FEET OF CLAY IN ADELAIDE, FOURECKS (OCTOBER/NOVEMBER)
Adelaide's famous Unseen Theatre will be staging Feet of Clay as their next Pratchett production!
"It's Murder in Discworld!—which ordinarily is no big deal. But what bothers Commander Samuel Vimes, Head of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, is that the unusual deaths of three harmless old men do not bear the clean, efficient marks of the Assassins' Guild. But that's only the start… someone is slowly poisoning the Patrician. No one knows who, no one knows why and, worst of all no one knows how – he just gets weaker and weaker. Added to that, the City Watch has got problems of its own. There's a werewolf suffering from Pre-Lunar Tension, Corporal Nobbs is hobnobbing with the nobs, and there's something really strange about the new dwarf recruit – especially his earrings and eyeshadow. Who can you trust when there are mobs on the streets, plotters in the dark and all the clues point the wrong way? Nevertheless, Sam Vimes has got to find out not only whodunit, but howdunit too. He's not even sure what they dun. But soon as he knows what the questions are, he's going to want some answers. We don't want to give anything away, but Vimes may find that the truth is not out there at all. In fact, it may be inside – but inside what? or should we say whom?"
When: 21st October–5th November 2016 (preview Friday 21st October; opening night 22nd October 22; then season continues Wed.–Sat. to 5th November)
Venue: Bakehouse Theatre, 255 AngasStreet, Adelaide
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: Adults $22; Concession $18; Groups (6+) $16; TRev $16; Preview $15, available online at http://bakehousetheatre.com/shows/feet-clay
http://unseen.com.au/
5.11 REMINDER: WYRD SISTERS IN EAST GRINSTEAD (OCTOBER)
The Ace Theatre Company will stage Wyrd Sisters in October. They have put an extra measure of their hearts into this production!
When: 20th – 22nd October 2016
Venue: Chequer Mead Theatre, De La Warr Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 3BS
Time: all evening shows 7.30pm; matinee on Saturday 22nd, 2.30pm
Tickets: evening shows £13 (£11 concessions); Saturday matinee £11 (£9 concessions), available from the Box Office by phoning 01342 302000, by email to tickets@chequermead.org.uk, or online at http://www.chequermead.org.uk/whats-on/theatre/event/?e=364967&cat= (click on the desired date button to purchase)
http://www.chequermead.org.uk/
5.12 REMINDER: GUARDS! GUARDS! IN BRISBANE (OCTOBER/NOVEMBER)
The Brisbane Arts Theatre takes on yet another Discworld play later this year, in October and November: "From the legendary author Sir Terry Pratchett comes the eighth novel in the Discworld series and first featuring the Ankh-Morpork City Watch. Long believed extinct, a superb specimen, The Noble Dragon has appeared in Discworld's greatest city. Not only does this unwelcome visitor have a nasty habit of charbroiling everything in its path, in rather short order it is crowned King (it is a noble dragon, after all). With some help from an orangutan librarian, it is the task of the Night Watch to overpower the secret brotherhood and restore order to the kingdom in this fantastical Discworld adventure."
When: 8th October through 12th November 2016
Venue: Brisbane Arts Theatre, 210 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane, QLD 4000
Time: 8pm Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays (except 10th November); 6.30pm Sundays (16th & 30th October)
Tickets: Adults $31, Concession $25, Group 10+ $25, Group 75+ $20, Student Rush $10(10 mins before curtain), available online at http://bit.ly/1QGbXBF
http://www.artstheatre.com.au/show/guardsguards
5.13 REMINDER: MORT IN THE LAND OF FOG (NOVEMBER)
Paeroa Little Theatre's major production for 2016 will be Mort. Stay tuned for updates, as there is still no information available for times and tickets...
When: 9th–18th November 2016
Venue: Paeroa Little Theatre, 1 Francis Street, Paeroa 3600, th North Island, Land of Fog, er, New Zealand
Time: TBA
Tickets: TBA
http://www.facebook.com/PaeroaLittleTheatre/
5.14 VAGUELY NEW-ISH: WYRD SISTERS IN BOLTON, LANCS (MARCH 2017)
Bolton Little Theatre, "a vibrant amateur theatre company run by members" since 1931, will be staging their production of Wyrd Sisters next March.
When: 6th–11th March 2017
Venue: Bolton Little Theatre, Hanover Street, Bolton BL1 4TG
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £10 (Monday night 3 for 2 special), available at boltonlittletheatre.ticketsource.co.uk – group bookings of 10+ (£9) should be booked through the Box Office. “You can book at Bolton Little Theatre box office in person or by telephone on Monday night from 7.30 to 9pm and Friday mornings from 10.30 to 12 noon – no extra charge if paying by cash or cheque and you can book during the run of the plays or you can book online at boltonlittletheatre.ticketsource.co.uk ...credit card charges will apply. Tickets can be e-tickets (no charge) mobile phone ticket (50p) standard post (£1.50).”
http://www.boltonlittletheatre.co.uk/terry-pratchetts-wyrd-sisters/
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06) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS: UPDATES AND REMINDERS
The Broken Drummers, "London's Premier Unofficially Official Discworld Group" (motto "Nil percussio est"), meets next on Monday 3rd October 2016 at the Monkey Puzzle, 30 Southwick Street, London, W2 1JQ. There will also be an afternoon meetup on Saturday 22nd October 2016.
The most recent meet report sounds fun!
"We met Monday night. We had several new people come along: Jeroen, who lives in London and Richard and Andrea, two Americans who were on holiday in Britain. We also had Cecilia, who has been once before, a long time ago. She brought a bag of Convention goodies and handed them out. We got a Band with Rocks In rock. Left over were two drumsticks which we decided to leave at the pub along with our Broken Drum mascot. Thanks to Cecilia for bringing all that stuff along. Sim appeared sporting a new triple man-bun hairstyle. This sparked some semantic debate over whether it was possible for a woman to have a man-bun. Sim was very insistent that a man-bun is a distinct style rather than a bun worn by a man. She later demonstrated how it is done.
"Chris came and brought his quiz along. When he won a quiz all those months ago, others feared it would be too hard. He promised that his quiz would be multiple-choice. A couple of days before the event, he posted on Facebook that he did not say it would be easy. It turned out to be a based on Pointless. There were a number of possible answers to each question (note this is not what is usually meant by "multiple-choice") and the more people who gave the same answer, the higher the score. Failure to give a valid answer resulted in the maximum score and there were trick questions designed to invoke this. The person with the least points at the end was the winner. That person was me. There were some Discworld questions but topics ranged from the Famous Five to tectonic plates. Chris also gave us the chance to lose points with bonus questions. I was amused by the group's horror at a sports question. The laughably easy task of naming a country that has won the FIFA World Cup ever was treated as objectionable. The bonus question was to name the winner that was not a country. Many claimed not to understand the question. Alex G. (having the advantage of a politics degree) pointed out that there were members of FIFA who are not technically countries. Chris confirmed that this was the solution. Many people failed to work out the answer. And if you're now asking what it was, I'm not going to enlighten you. I fear we are only reinforcing stereotypes about geeks! Anyway, I won a box of Convention colouring pencils and a picture to colour in because according to Chris, 'Multiple-choice quizzes are for children'. I will sort out a quiz for next time and I promise it will not be all that difficult. It will certainly lack Chris' fiendish innovations."
(sent in by Mss C. The link is https://www.facebook.com/groups/55107511411/permalink/10154735030556412/ but you have to be signed in to Facebook to read it – Ed.)
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."
*
For Facebook users in Fourecks: The Victorian Discworld Klatch is "a social group for fans of Discworld and Terry Pratchett... run by a dedicated team who meet monthly and organise events monthly." "If you'd like to join our events please ask to join the Klatch."
https://www.facebook.com/groups/VictorianDiscworldKlatch
*
"The Gathering of the Loonies (Wincanton chapter)" is a public Facebook meeting group: "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." [Editor's note: this is an active group. If you use Facebook, it may be worth joining!]
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. 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.
"We have an established Terry Pratchett & Discworld fan group in Adelaide called The City of Small Gods, which is open to anyone who would like to come - you don't have to live in Adelaide or even South Australia, or even be a Discworld fan, but that's mostly where our events will be held, and we do like discussing Pratchett's works. Our (semi-) regular meetings are generally held on the last Thursday of the month at a pub or restaurant in Adelaide. We have dinner at 6.30pm followed by games until 9pm. The games are usually shorter games like Pairs, Sushi Go, or Tiny Epic Defenders, with the occasional Werewolf session, as these are the best sort of games that work in a pub setting. 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. In addition, we will occasionally have other events to go and see plays by Unseen Theatre Company, book discussions on Terry's latest, craft, chain maille or costuming workshops or other fun social activities."
The next Monthly Dinner and Games at the Caledonian Hotel will be held on 24th November 2016. Before that, there will be a Games Day at La Scala Cafe Unley (9th October), a group outing to see Unseen Theatre's production of Feet of Clay (opens 21st October), and the Quiz Long and Prosper - Science Fiction and Fantasy Quiz Night (12th November). For more info, go to www.cityofsmallgods.org.au
*
The Broken Vectis Drummers meet next on Thursday 6th October 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 7th October 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 3rd October 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 3rd October 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>
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07) ALZHEIMER'S NEWS
A possible step forward:
"A drug that destroys the characteristic protein plaques that build up in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's is showing 'tantalising' promise, scientists say. Experts are cautious because the drug, aducanumab, is still in the early stages of development. But a study in Nature has shown it is safe and hinted that it halts memory decline. Larger studies are now under way to fully evaluate the drug's effects... The next phase of research – phase 3 – involves two separate studies. These are recruiting 2,700 patients with very early stage Alzheimer's across North America, Europe and Asia in order to fully test the drug's effect on cognitive decline. Dr Alfred Sandrock of the biotech company Biogen, which worked with the University of Zurich on the research, said: 'Phase 3 really needs to be done and I hope it will confirm what we have seen in this study. One day I could envisage treating people who have no symptoms because if you have amyloid in the brain it's likely you'll develop Alzheimer's one day.' However, there have been many disappointments in Alzheimer's drug development, and it is over a decade since the last drug for people with the condition was licensed..."
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-37222863
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08) DISCWORLD ARTS AND CRAFTS NEWS
8.1 DISCWORLD EMPORIUM NEWS
* The Greebo Plushy
"Introducing 'Nanny's little softy', here to terrorize your stuffed toys and have you scream 'gerroffyerbugger!!!' This official Greebo Plush from Terry Pratchett's Discworld is the most adorable bundle of claws, battle scars and gnarled ears you'll ever own – just don't leave him alone with Fluffy or Mittens!" Measures approx 200mm high
Priced at £15. For more information, and to order, go to http://www.discworldemporium.com/terry-pratchett-discworld-greebo-plush
[For the record, I am only reluctantly promoting this; while I find the concept wonderful, I think the execution is barely above deplorable – and I say that as a collector and kinda-connoisseuse of cuddly animal toys. My own recommendation? The Librarian Plushy, a much better rendering of concept and priced at the same £15. For more information, and to order, go to http://www.discworldemporium.com/discworld-plush-librarian – Ed.]
* The Perennial Terry Pratchett Diary
"To celebrate the life and works of the remarkable Sir Terry Pratchett, the 2017 Discworld Diary has become a perennial publication, packed full of quotes, witticisms and illustrations along with tributes from some of those who knew and loved him and his extraordinary body of work. Contributors include Neil Gaiman, A S Byatt, Terry Pratchett's literary agent Colin Smythe, Emporium founder Bernard Pearson, co-author of the Long Earth books Stephen Baxter, and many more. Includes an introduction from his daughter Rhianna Pratchett and an afterword from longtime friend, assistant and business manager Rob Wilkins. Of course the Terry Pratchett Diary teems with all the important Discworld and Roundworld dates to help keep him with you as you go about your day – 'mind how you go'!
"We're proud to have worked with publishers Orion on the creation of this book, and as a further celebration of the great man every copy includes a sumptuous A5 art print of Sir Terry Pratchett's Coat of Arms, exclusive to the Discworld Emporium!
Each Terry Pratchett Diary with free art print is priced at £16.99 plus shipping (£3.50 UK, £7 Europe, £10 rest of the world) and will be published on 13th October 2016. For more information, and to pre-order, go to http://www.discworldemporium.com/new-terry-pratchett-books/terry-pratchett-discworld-diary
* New stamps
Plenty of these, including the Alchemists' Guild 3p and the Guild's Going for Gold LBE. A single stamp is 60p (£0.60), and a sheet of 19 stamps is £11.40. The Going for Gold LBE, which includes an Alchemists' Guild 3p stamp and a selection of other current stamps, is priced at £5. For more information, and to order, go to
http://www.discworldemporium.com/new%20stamps/alchemists-guild-three-pence
http://www.discworldemporium.com/new%20stamps/going-for-gold-lbe
A larger selection of available stamps can be found at http://www.discworldemporium.com/new%20stamps
8.2 DISCWORLD.COM NEWS
* Discworld trading cards!
"You may have noticed the small pieces of artwork that mysteriously began arriving with Discworld.com orders this month. Well, we're excited to confirm that there are twelve different designs and every time you order from us, one will be randomly selected to include with your goodies. All feature artwork from renowned Discworld artist Paul Kidby. And to answer the most frequent question we get asked - YES, you can now buy individual cards to fill in the gaps in your collection! The current Summer 2016 range is now available for purchase on Discworld.com."
The trading cards comprise a fascinating selection, all featuring the exquisite artwork of Paul Kidby: Granny Weatherwax, Carrot Ironfoundersson, Mr Ixolite, the Librarian (saluting), Ponder Stibbons, BS Johnson's Pie Cooler, Horace Worblehat (pre-transformation), the Tower of Art, Mr Slant, the Eater of Socks, 71-hour Achmed, and Leonard da Quirm (painting the Disc)
The cards are priced at £1 each, with the exception of the special DWcon 2016 card which is priced at £2 (see below). A full set of cards is priced at £12 and for a limited time includes the DWcon special card. For more information, and to order, go to http://discworld.com/products/trading-cards/ which contains links to individual cards for purchase. To buy the full set, go to:
http://discworld.com/products/trading-cards/trading-cards-series-one-including-shiny-convention-card/
...and the special Convention card, aka DWC2016 – The Empty Chord – foiled trading card: "Released to celebrate the 2016 UK Discworld Convention – this foiled trading card features Paul Kidby's artwork, set against a foiled sky."
http://discworld.com/products/limited-time-only/dwc2016-empty-chord-foiled/
* The Librarian and Greebo mugs!
"The very first pencil print released was the Librarian, a perennial favourite with readers. This classic illustration is now available as a mug for the very first time."
Each Librarian mug is priced at £8. For more information, and to order, go to:
http://discworld.com/products/convention-launches/librarian-mug/
"The second in a series of prints released back in 1995, this pencil image of Greebo is now available in all it's[sic] glory as a mug."
Each Greebo mug is priced at £8. For more information, and to order, go to:
http://discworld.com/products/convention-launches/greebo-pencil-mug/
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09) AROUND THE BLOGOSPHERE: THE TRUTH AND TAMAHER
The Truth, by Nat Wassell on Cultured Vultures:
"‘The Truth' revolves around the efforts of small time reporter William de Worde, writer of a monthly newsletter with a limited circulation, who accidentally falls in with a group of dwarves who have perfected the printing press. Before long, not only does William have a newspaper to run and a newspaper rival to see off, he also finds himself in the middle of a plot to overthrow Lord Vetinari and the reluctant middle man for a ‘translator' who claims he has got the full story from Vetinari's dog, Wuffles. It sounds complicated but as you may remember, my appetite for Sir Terry's complicated storylines is very limited so I can assure you that this one is almost as simple as any he ever did. It helps that it is packed with characters we know and love, alongside the new; Vimes, the Watch and Lord Vetinari rub shoulders with William, his right hand dwarf Goodmountain, the irrepressible roving reporter Sacharissa and Otto, the vampire photographer who has sworn off blood and just wants to focus on his pictures. As with all Sir Terry's novels, it helps immensely that all of the new characters are very likeable and relatable, too.
"William is probably the cleverest Discworld character I have come across, aside from Leonard of Quirm and the Patrician himself. There are few who match wits with Lord Vetinari and Sam Vimes and come out not only unscathed but almost on top. William is a highly educated second son, determined to make his own way in the world that his father so despises, and he does that by watching, listening and always being ready to learn more. Some Discworld characters, by the very nature of the fantasy, are probably certifiably insane, but William, although he does have some quirks, is one of the most normal Sir Terry created... One of my favourite things about this novel was a chance to see some of our best loved characters in a different light. Until now, we have only really seen Vetinari and Vimes through the prism of the Watch novels, which give us an idea of how their own men view them, but little by way of public image. They are public figures, of course, and the eyes of ordinary people tell us a lot about them..."
http://culturedvultures.com/discworld-discussions-truth-2000/
The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents, by Ryan on Hubward Ho:
"This is an unusual book in the annals of Discworld, and not only because it is the first 'children's' book. It has a certain odd quality that I enjoy deeply but struggle to put into words. It's a struggle I've had before in amplified form when reading the Tiffany books. The dynamics and themes here are—I hesitate to say it—simpler? I've heard this book called 'simple' in more than one review, but that doesn't seem right to me. Tiffany's stories, and to a lesser extent Maurice, feel somehow sharper, more distilled, stripped down to something that feels true in the pit of my stomach... It's a gentle sensation in Maurice, and more like a river bursting a dam in the Tiffany books, but it's there in both: the cartilage of fantasy has worn down, and we're hard up against the bones of reality. Big themes, sharp shadows, no pretence...
"For me, the obfuscation of fundamental Discworld elements allows the story to exist in a kind of purely local geography, where cosmology and astrophysics are not even passing concerns. This is an unabashedly provincial book. This feels important to me, as the directness of the morality could seem like pontificating except for these subtle little ways that Pratchett redraws the world and redefines what about it is meaningful. By making mighty people, places, and ideas of Discworld small, Maurice makes room for the little people to be big. In a sense, Maurice begs a question I didn't know I wanted to ask, which is, 'What, really, makes Discworld?' How much of the world can you strip away before it becomes something, somewhere, sometime else? Is this what Discworld is, the closer you get to the bone?..."
http://bit.ly/2dwejgf
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10) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
Fourecksian actor Mike Shaw as Sam Vimes in Unseen Theatre's forthcoming production of Feet of Clay (photo courtesy of director Pamela Munt):
http://bit.ly/2dvuZV2
The full (and very large) cast of Monstrous Productions' presentation of Going Postal, with director Amy Davies front and centre:
http://bit.ly/2cWwL19
Paul Kidby's finished prize drawing – colouring in his own lines!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CrbJEh1WcAAgbHL.jpg
...and the man himself, looking rightly pleased with his efforts:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CtBud0SXYAEZRwL.jpg
A Kirby centrefold! The Witches, as seen in A Blink of the Screen:
http://bit.ly/2djifkc
Apparently this is a cake. Holy moley! (link from the Josh Kirby estate Twitter account):
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CtR_KfkWIAA-PRP.jpg
A couple of nineteenth-century toffs at the Dodger launch. You may recognise them (iconograph rediscovered by Stephen Briggs):
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CseRC3JWEAAZcuq.jpg
The broken drum of the Broken Drummers, London's legendary Pratchett fangroup, as posted on the @BrokenDrummers Twitter account:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Crmz7s4WAAACYJ2.jpg
Rincewind and the Luggage, by the super-talented Amy Simmonds:
https://t.co/SvXQ8NFFqf
...and another Amy Simmonds winner, Carrot and Angua:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CsVAhOjWAAAUHja.jpg
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11) CLOSE
And that's the lot for September, since September is now receding into the middle distance. We'll be back soon with more reviews, news and updates. Take care, and enjoy your autumn nights – or, in Fourecks and the Land of Fog, your spring mornings...
See you next month!
– Annie Mac
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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
September 2016 (Volume 19, Issue 9, 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)
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INDEX:
01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
02) EDITOR'S LETTER
03) ODDS AND SODS
04) DISCWORLD GAMES NEWS
05) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
06) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
07) ALZHEIMER'S NEWS
08) AROUND THE BLOGOSPHERE
09) DISCWORLD ARTS AND CRAFTS NEWS
10) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
11) CLOSE
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01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
"Terry reveals an all-too-sad truth about our relationship to religion, power and personal/national identity. However, his handling of such heavy material is still great fun, and offers many brilliant visuals of which I hope to have captured an inkling."
– illustrator Omar Rayyan, commenting on his work on the Folio Society's illuminated Small Gods
"The current WWF estimates of surviving orang-utan populations are: 6,600 in Sumatra and 54,000 in Borneo."
– Melbourne Zoo
"Whether or not you agree with Terry Pratchett's outspoken views on assisted suicide, it is hard to argue with his logic for living a good life right up until death and dying, as far possible, in your own terms."
– Secret Scribbler, in a Guardian review of The Shepherd's Crown
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02) LETTER FROM YOUR EDITOR
This might just be the latest-posted issue of Wossname ever – certainly the latest-posted in my term of editorship. Many apologies! There are also some features I had hoped to complete that will have to wait, such as our reviews of the Discworld Colouring Book (marvellous!) and The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner (excellent, even better than Dragons at Crumbling Castle, highly recommended); keep an eye on the Wossname blog (_http://wossname.dreamwidth.org/_) for updates, and of course those will be included in the October issue... which I will try to post out on time!
More and more amateur theatre companies around the world are performing Discworld plays. It's heartwarming to see that the number of different Discworld plays is also on the increase: while Wyrd Sisters remains the primary go-to (and is becoming a Halloween season tradition in ever more places), companies are now tackling a more diverse range including Carpe Jugulum, Mort, Amazing Maurice, Going Postal, The Wee Free Men and ever more. What an excellent way of keeping the Terry Pratchett legacy alive, and long may it continue! See section 5 for a round-up of the latest productions.
From heartwarming to heart-breaking: Monty Python co-founder Terry Jones, noted as much for his latter career as a telly presenter, author and keen amateur historian, has been diagnosed with the dementia variant known as primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and can no longer perform or give interviews. PCA robbed our favourite writer of his ability to physically write; PPA has robbed a beloved presenter/performer of his ability to perform. That the public know of Terry Jones' plight at all is a testament to the ceaseless Alzheimer's activism to which Sir Pterry dedicated so much of his final time and energy, and is a stark reminder that he may well be remembered as much for that activism as for his writing.
Right, on with the show!
– Annie Mac, Editor
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03) ODDS AND SODS
3.1 DRAGON AWARD
A new award for The Shepherd's Crown, and one that I'd hope Sir Pterry would have appreciated, despite its keeping company with some very dodgy works – Best Young Adult / Middle Grade Novel at the inaugural Dragon Awards:
"This year's inaugural Dragon Awards were handed out today at Dragon Con in Atlanta, Georgia. The winners show a remarkable contrast to the recipients of this year's Hugo Award winners, one of the major awards in science fiction and fantasy literature. The Dragon Awards were instituted earlier this year in conjunction with the convention's 30th anniversary. The award is designed to be a "true reflection of the works that are genuinely most beloved by the core audience," the larger fan world, rather than the core literary circles that help choose the Nebula Awards and Hugo Awards. The Dragon Awards opened nominations and voting to the general public..."
http://www.theverge.com/2016/9/4/12794666/dragon-award-dragoncon-david-weber-terry-pratchett
3.2 BEAUTIFUL NEW "ILLUMINATED" FOLIO SOCIETY NOVEL: SMALL GODS
The Folio Society continues its offerings of Discworld books with a stunning "illuminated" edition of Small Gods, once again featuring the work of illustrator Omar Rayyan. The Guardian has a feature on it, with reproductions of some of the illustrations. In these, Mr Rayyan seems to me to have channelled the look of Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins in the Middle Earth films, and I think this is a good thing: it brings a new, very human warmth to the character of Brutha. The Folio Society editions aren't exactly cheap, but if you can afford to spend a bit more on something truly special, this is a must-have!
The Guardian feature: http://bit.ly/2d1a3nj
The Folio Society link for the illuminated Small gods: http://www.foliosociety.com/book/SLL
3.3 REVIEWS: THE SHEPHERD'S CROWN
Somehow we missed this one back in July! A deeply thoughtful review of The Shepherd's Crown in The Guardian by "Secret Scribbler":
"There was certainly an autumnal breeze which seemed to stroke the pages of Terry Pratchett's forty-first and final Discworld novel, much like the penultimate Long Earth story published earlier last summer. The Shepherd's Crown whispered of things unsaid, of time running out, of not being able to leave things exactly the way one wanted. In many ways it is an imperfect, unfinished novel... Everything is set for an epic clash between good and evil. Yet this is no Middle Earth or Narnia; much of the rest of the novel is devoted to Tiffany's backbreaking day-to-day work. In Pratchett's world, witches perform the role of a comprehensive health service, free at the point of need (paid for through favours and kindness), fully integrated with social care like something out of Andy Burnham's wildest dreams. They perform messy, practical, essential services – caring for the sick, ushering babies into the world and escorting people out with as much gentleness as possible, trimming the toenails of lonely old men. Tiffany is spread thin and pulled in disparate directions by her passion for her work; her sense of loyalty to her family; her tentative relationship with medical student Preston. Besides, Terry Pratchett has little time for unadulterated evil in the style of Sauron or the White Witch, though his writing is incandescent with rage against stupidity and cruelty... Is this actually a good novel? To some extent, it doesn't really matter. For a Discworld aficionado, the book's very existence is a kind of miracle, like an unexpected letter addressed just to you..."
http://bit.ly/2bXsqcL
...and a somewhat bizarre (in my opinion, at any rate – Ed.) analysis/review of The Shepherd's Crown, by one Peter L. Edman in the University Bookman:
"It is a testimony to the previous forty tales in the Discworld fantasy universe that the flaws of this story do not completely overshadow its wistful pleasures, at least for the long-time Pratchett reader... The Tiffany novels are targeted at the young adult market, and despite the fantasy tropes of elves and witches, I suspect that the greatest strain on suspension of disbelief for the average reader in Britain and America is Tiffany's bone-deep connection with her land and heritage. But the railroad has come to the Discworld; cold iron is transforming or bypassing the ancient traditions. She must somehow choose what to preserve... Pratchett has been accused—inaccurately—of writing escapist fiction, but it seems no escape is permitted to those disturbed by the dissolution of gender roles and gender identity—the latest effects of the elites' dismemberment of Western culture. Among other examples in the novel, Tiffany takes on a new apprentice, Geoffrey, a boy who eschews traditional roles and wants to be a witch. He is presented as calm and quiet, good with the elderly and with babies, a vegetarian, a natural peacemaker driven by the winds of destiny. He demonstrates no romantic interests. Pratchett's remaining skills do, if barely, keep Geoffrey from becoming a stock allegorical figure of the New Tolerance..."
http://www.kirkcenter.org/index.php/bookman/article/the-last-pratchett
3.4 THIEF OF TIME REVIEW
By Sam Jordison in The Guardian:
"Some humans would do anything to see if it was possible to do it. If you put a large switch in some caves somewhere, with a sign on it saying 'End-of-the-World Switch. PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH', the paint wouldn't even have time to dry. Imagine also a world in which 'democracy at work' is really just reckless and mindless chaos. Imagine a world in which one of the chief aspects of humanity is, as noted by Death (a character with so much gravitas that he always speaks with caps-lock on): 'ARROGANCE, PRIDE AND STUPIDITY.' Sounds familiar, doesn't it? So familiar that reading Thief of Time after the Brexit vote is a strange, disconcerting experience for me. I've just finished the novel and I felt at times that Pratchett, who died in 2015, must have foreseen our current sad story. But it also felt like he was bringing good news. Alongside a few stern words about our collective idiocy, the great writer had a message of hope. Someone in Thief of Time does inevitably push that awful button – which in fact concerns a clock that traps time rather than cuing Article 50– but he reassures us with: “We can learn. That's how humans become humans.” We may do bad things, but there's also something about humanity that helps us go on. It's a comforting thought. But even without my current political obsessions and fears, I'm certain that I'd find other kinds of solace in this wonderful novel. Pratchett understood human nature, for better or for worse. I imagine future generations will be seeing their own mistakes in this novel, just as clearly as I've seen our own. And I find such thoughts comforting: there's nothing new about folly. Humans have always got it wrong, but we've generally muddled through too.
"There are other reasons to find hope in Thief of Time, chief among them that it's a delight to read. The story is as complicated, daft, hilarious and satisfying as vintage PG Wodehouse: part kung fu epic, part philosophical novel, part mind-bending experiment with chaos theory (and a piss-take of those three things)... it's a lampoon. But it's also full of warmth and sympathy. The same is true of the rest of the book. Pratchett may think us fools – but he still likes us. That too is consoling..."
http://bit.ly/2cHcGtT
3.5 REVIEW: SERIOUSLY FUNNY, THE ENDLESSLY QUOTABLE TERRY PRATCHETT
By Karen Jones on Starts at 60:
"Always clever with his witty sayings, some of Terry Pratchett's best quotes adorn the pages of this beautiful little compilation. Divided into categories of Human nature, Romance, Learning and Wisdom, Success, Life and Death, Animals, Religion, Politics, and last but not least, Words and Writing. There are 130 pages of gorgeous, pithy, astute quotes about life and living... I suppose Seriously funny. The endlessly quotable Terry Pratchett could be classed as a coffee table book. As a compilation, it is the perfect size to carry around in your pocket or to leave on your bedside table. It is the sort of book that the reader will want to pick up often just to enjoy a clever quote, or to cheer themselves up when they need a laugh. The depth of wisdom and the scope of wicked humour is a great reminder of the incredible creative talent of the author himself. His imagination seemed to be so vast, his parodies of real life so astute and funny, it is a sad loss that he has now passed away..."
https://startsat60.com/stories/entertain/books/saturday-on-the-couch-seriously-funny
3.6 A GOOD DISCWORLD QUIZ
In The Guardian, a good Discworld quiz (with a nod to general Pratchett titles) features a number of questions, among them:
"What was the name of Pratchett's first published short story, published when he was a teenager? ... Which children's book was Good Omens initially intended to be a parody of? ... Eric is a parody of which classic tale? ... Which classic rock album cover does the cover for Soul Music resemble? ... A collection of travel stories called 'What I Did On My Holiday' became a revolutionary text in which Discworld book? ... What does the motto NVNC ID VIDES, NVNC NE VIDES, carved above the doors of Unseen University, mean?"
http://bit.ly/2d3XuYs
3.7 UNSEEN UNIVERSITY, THE SCHOOL TO CHOOSE
On Epic Stream, a listicle of "10 Awesome Schools from Sci-fi and Fantasy That'd Never Get Boring" gives high marks to UU:
"The school of Wizardry in Terry Pratchett's Discworld universe is another magical one, but unlike Hogwarts, nobody bothers to pretend they know what the hell they're doing. We see a lot of weird experiments with magic rather than busywork. The wizards who run the place are reckless and a bit unhinged, but I'd want to go there anyway. I mean, it has the best library ever- you can read every book ever written in the past, present and future. This library is also run by former-wizard-turned-orangutan. One drawback is that there aren't many women attending, so girls might feel pretty awkward (and the lack of women and general celibacy might be a bummer for any dudes interested in girls as well). Due to the strict gender divide in the magical culture of Discworld, it was quite a while before the first girl attended the university (her name was Eskarina Smith). Witches in Discworld operate differently from wizards and don't really do formal higher education. Thanks to Eskarina's trailblazing, though, girls presumably can attend the school now, even if they're currently in the minority. .."
http://bit.ly/2cv3BQI
3.8 MORE DANGER TO WILD ORANGUTANS THAN THOUGHT
Fresh – and distressing – news about the plight of orangutans in the wild:
"The new Apes Seizures Database paints a more detailed picture, compiling figures for any seizure of a great ape in an unlawful situation dating back to 2005.
'It's definitely a staggering number, it's larger than we expected,' said Doug Cress from the Great Ape Survival Partnership, who have put together the new database. 'We're finding that it's really averaging about two seizures a week around the world. That may seem small but the usual ratio for a chimpanzee is that to get one alive you've had to kill five or 10, for gorillas it's like four to one. That extrapolates quickly to a lot of dead in the wild.'
"Orang-utans were by far the most commonly captured animals, accounting for 67% of seizures by the authorities. It's believed that habitat destruction in Borneo and Sumatra has seen large numbers flushed out of the forests. The conversion of their natural homes into palm oil plantations or for pulp and paper has made the orangutans easy prey for those who want to trade them illegally..."
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-37513707
And speaking of our favourite orange apes, at Melbourne's Federation Square there will be a protest, palm oil labelling petition signing, and display of 1,000 cuddly orangutan toys from on Tuesday 4th October 2016:
"Food manufacturers are still allowed to include palm oil as a vegetable oil on their labels. So you don't realise you may be contributing to the deaths of over 1,000 orangutans a year as their habitat, and that of Sumatran Elephants and Tigers is destroyed through unsustainable palm oil production. Later this year selected Australian Ministers will meet to decide whether Australia will once and for all label palm oil on food products. Add your name to the growing list of over 30,000 Australians who support palm oil labelling."
http://www.zoo.org.au/get-involved/act-for-wildlife/dont-palm-us-off
http://www.zoo.org.au/palmoil/label
...and here be a report from the Melbourne Zoo's World Orangutan Day celebration/information event in August:
http://www.zoo.org.au/news/world-orang-utan-day
3.9 MONSTROUS PRODUCTIONS, ROUNDWORLD'S THEATRICAL DISCWORLD FUNDRAISERS
A lovely feature on Cardiff's Monstrous Productions, who have so far raised more than £20,000 for dementia research through putting on Discworld plays:
"A Cardiff-based theatre company has raised over £20,000 by staging theatrical versions of the late Sir Terry Pratchett's works with all proceeds going to the charity he was patron of, Alzheimer's Research UK. Monstrous Productions Theatre Company has been putting on adaptations of Pratchett's works since 2012. Their latest play, ‘Going Postal', was performed at The Gate Arts Centre, Cardiff, over four nights in August. It raised over £3,000 for the UK's leading dementia research charity, helping the group to reach their fundraising goal of £20,000. Amy Davies, 31, is co-founder and co-director at the company. She directed her first Terry Pratchett play, ‘Monstrous Regiment', with Cardiff University's drama society, Act One, while studying for her Master's degree. The success led to a flood of requests from fans, wanting them to stage more. Now an assistant psychologist with the NHS, Amy has directed seven plays with Monstrous Productions. It was decided from the beginning that all proceeds from the performances should go to Alzheimer's Research UK. Pratchett became a patron of the charity after he was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia called Posterior Cortical Atrophy in 2007... Zoe Baggott, Regional Fundraising Officer at Alzheimer's Research UK, said: 'Monstrous Productions is an amazing group. We're so grateful to them for supporting Alzheimer's Research UK. Not only are they a talented bunch, but they're extremely generous too. 225,000 people in the UK will develop dementia this year – that's one every three minutes. With enough research, we can beat this devastating condition.'..."
http://www.charitytoday.co.uk/pratchett-players-raise-20000-dementia-research/
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04) DISCWORLD GAMES NEWS
From the Backspindle gang, makers of the "Guards! Guards!" and "Clacks" games, have a special offer for UK buyers:
"Free Shipping during October... The Clacks have won! Postal Office charges for Backspindle Games ordered for UK addresses in October 2016 are FREE! This includes our our new acclaimed puzzle game 'Codinca' (recently named the Number 1 themeless game) by the Dice Tower's Sam Healey. Please note: Games ordered between 11-17 October will be dispatched between 19-20 October.
"Discworld Combos: we are very aware everyone likes a bargain, so we are delighted to confirm we have created a Special Offer for those of you who would like to purchase a copy of Clacks! together with a copy of Guards! Guards! The total discount is £10.00 of the total retail price. (While stocks of Guards! Guards! last)
You can access this bargain here: http://www.backspindlegames.com/multigames/ "
Other news, for buyers in America: "Our US partner Ninja Division (_http://ninjadivision.com/_) now has 'all of our games' back in stock: http://ninjadivision.com/backspindle-games/ "
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05) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
EDITOR'S NOTE
A reminder from last month's main issue: "April 2018 would have seen Sir Terry Pratchett's 70th birthday. He had a well-known connection with the theatre, and so to celebrate, why not put on a play? Local theatre companies around the world can use this month to stage any Discworld play, in a great big celebration and commemoration of Sir Terry's life and work. I discussed the idea with Colin Smythe at the DW Convention 2016, and he said it was a good one, go for it. So here we are, going for it. Let everybody know, and book the performance slot at the next planning meeting at your local theatre group!"
There's a Facebook event page for this, which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/580653112059960/
To view the original announcement, go to http://discworld.livejournal.com/1107951.html
5.1 NEW: TAMAHER IN CARDIFF (FEBRUARY 2017)
Monstrous Productions carry on from strength to strength! Next up is their February 2017 production of The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents. Stay tuned for updates...
When: 22nd–25th February 2017
Venue: The Gate Theatre, Keppoch Street, Roath, Cardiff CF24 3JW
Time: 7.30pm (2.30pm matinee on the 25th)
Tickets: £7 (£5 concession), available from http://monstrousptc.com/
5.2 NEW: WYRD SISTERS IN BRISBANE (NOVEMBER/DECEMBER)
The Brisbane Arts Theatre is going multi-Pratchett for the back end of 2016! On the heels of their forthcoming production of Guards! Guards! in October and early November, they will be presenting Wyrd Sisters only a few weeks later!
When: 23rd, 27th, 28th, 29th & 30th November and 4th–6th December 2017
Venue:
Time: 8pm Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays; 6.30pm Sunday matinees (29th November and 6th December)
Tickets: Adults $31, Concession $25, Group 10+ $25, Group 75+ $20, Gold Members $15, Members $25, Student Rush $10 (10 mins before curtain). "Members can redeem their included season tickets for this show. There are no refunds or exchanges once tickets have been purchased." Tickets are not yet available. Watch this space for updates...
http://www.artstheatre.com.au/show/wyrdsisters
5.3 NEW: WYRD SISTERS IN BATH (OCTOBER)
The Bathford Players, an amateur company of 50 years' experience, will present their production of Wyrd Sisters this month.
"Adapted by Stephen Briggs, and produced by Ken Tatem, this has been selected specifically to use as many members of the Players as possible in a large cast to celebrate our 50'th anniversary."
When: 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd October 2016
Venue: Bathford Village Hall, Church Street, Bathford, Bath BA1 7RS
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £8, available from the Bathford village shop (01225 859111), or online at http://bathfordplayers.weebly.com/ticket-sales.html
There's also a Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1667203456939738/
http://bathfordplayers.weebly.com/
5.4 NEW: GUARDS! GUARDS! IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA (OCTOBER/NOVEMBER)
"ARENAarts presents its 7th foray into the universe of Discworld Productions. GUARDS! GUARDS! A villainous plot to rule. A city under siege. A dragon on the loose. Adapted from Terry Pratchett's comic fantasy novel, this a fun production for lovers of silliness!"
When: 21st October–6th November 2016
Venue: LC Theatre, 60 Cleaver Terrace, Belmont, W.A. 6104
Time: all evening shows (21st, 22nd, 28th & 29th October, and 3rd, 4th & 5th November) 8pm; all matinees (23rd & 30th October and 6th November) 2pm
Tickets: $22 (concessions $16, children $10, groups of 10+ $15p/p), available online at
https://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingDates.aspx?eid=206909
For further information, contact Simon James 08 9399 9947 arenaarts@hotmail.com.au
5.5 NEW: CARPE JUGULUM IN SUFFOLK (NOVEMBER)
The Quaysiders theatre company will be staging their production of Carpe Jugulum in November.
"Having previously staged both 'Mort' and 'Maskerade' this time we continue to follow the antics of Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Agnes Nitt as they face their most treacherous foes in the shape of a family of 'modern' vampires. The Vampires are determined to take over the Kingdom of Lancre, and their despicable plan seems to be working… but they hadn't reckoned on the formidable Granny Weatherwax."
When: 10th–12th November 2016
Venue: Seagull Theatre, Morton Road, Pakefield, NR33 OGH
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £9 (£8 concessions), available online at http://intelligent-tickets.co.uk/index.php?th=gl
For more information, ring 01502 589726 or email info@theseagull.co.uk
http://www.theseagull.co.uk/event/carpe-jugulam/
5.6 NEW: WYRD SISTERS IN NEWPORT, WALES (NOVEMBER)
The Newport Playgoers Society are staging their production of Wyrd Sisters in November!
When: 15th–19th November
Venue: Dolman Theatre, Kingsway, Newport, NP20 1HY
Time: 7.15pm (evening shows); 2.30pm (Saturday 19th matinee)
Tickets: £12.50 (students £8.50, concessions £11), available online at http://bit.ly/2dDR5kr – there is a booking fee of £2.00 per per transaction.
"For more information about this performance, please contact the Dolman Theatre on 01633 263670."
http://www.dolmantheatre.co.uk/show.aspx?id=298
There is also a Facebook event for the play: https://www.facebook.com/events/1232819446770130/
About the Playgoers Society, who have been performing plays since 1924:
http://www.dolmantheatre.co.uk/newport-playgoers-society.aspx
5.7 NEW: TAMAHER IN LEEDS (NOVEMBER)
Leeds Children's Theatre, "a voluntary drama society, producing quality drama for children of all ages since 1935", are presenting their production of The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents in November!
When: 16th–19th November 2016
Venue: Carriageworks Theatre, The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD
Time: 7pm (16th–18th), noon and 5pm on Saturday 19th
Tickets: £11 (£10 concessions), Family (2+2) £40. There is an early bird £1 reduction "if booked before 23 October 2016 (n/a to our coach inclusive deals)" Tickets are available for purchase in person at the City Centre Box Office, Leeds Town Hall LS1 3AD from 10am – 6pm Monday to Saturday – telephone (0113) 376 0318; email boxoffice@leeds.gov.uk – also, an event Box Office will be open on the ground floor of the Carriageworks Theatre from 1 hour before show start time. To purchase tickets online, go to http://www.amazingmaurice.info/tickets.html
http://www.amazingmaurice.info/
5.8 NEW: MORT IN HARROGATE (NOVEMBER/DECEMBER)
The Woodlands Drama Group will be staging their production of Mort in November and December!
When: 30th November–3rd December 3 2016
Venue: The Studio At Harrogate Theatre, 6 Oxford Street, Harrogate HG1 1QF (email: boxoffice@harrogatetheatre.co.uk)
Time: 7.45pm evening shows; 2.30pm Saturday matinee
Tickets: all tickets £10, available from http://www.woodlandsdramagroup.co.uk/tickets/ or http://bit.ly/2di6RSA or by phoning the theatre's Box Office (01423 502116)
http://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/Mort-Presented-by-Woodlands-Drama-Group
5.9 NEW: CARPE JUGULUM IN NOTTINGHAM (MARCH 2017)
The Lace Market Youth Theatre present Carpe Jugulum, "a pastiche of vampire literature playing with mythic archetypes and featuring a tongue in cheek reversal of 'vampyre' subculture with young vampires who wear bright clothes, drink wine and stay up till noon", in March 2017.
When: 22nd–25th March 2017
Venue: The Lace Market Theatre, Halifax Place, Nottingham NG1 1QN
Time: 7.30pm all evening shows; 2.30pm Saturday 25th matinee
Tickets: £11 (£10 concessions), available online at http://bit.ly/2dIKhod or by phoning 0115 950 7201
https://lacemarkettheatre.co.uk/LaceMarketTheatre.dll/WhatsOn
5.10 REMINDER: FEET OF CLAY IN ADELAIDE, FOURECKS (OCTOBER/NOVEMBER)
Adelaide's famous Unseen Theatre will be staging Feet of Clay as their next Pratchett production!
"It's Murder in Discworld!—which ordinarily is no big deal. But what bothers Commander Samuel Vimes, Head of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, is that the unusual deaths of three harmless old men do not bear the clean, efficient marks of the Assassins' Guild. But that's only the start… someone is slowly poisoning the Patrician. No one knows who, no one knows why and, worst of all no one knows how – he just gets weaker and weaker. Added to that, the City Watch has got problems of its own. There's a werewolf suffering from Pre-Lunar Tension, Corporal Nobbs is hobnobbing with the nobs, and there's something really strange about the new dwarf recruit – especially his earrings and eyeshadow. Who can you trust when there are mobs on the streets, plotters in the dark and all the clues point the wrong way? Nevertheless, Sam Vimes has got to find out not only whodunit, but howdunit too. He's not even sure what they dun. But soon as he knows what the questions are, he's going to want some answers. We don't want to give anything away, but Vimes may find that the truth is not out there at all. In fact, it may be inside – but inside what? or should we say whom?"
When: 21st October–5th November 2016 (preview Friday 21st October; opening night 22nd October 22; then season continues Wed.–Sat. to 5th November)
Venue: Bakehouse Theatre, 255 AngasStreet, Adelaide
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: Adults $22; Concession $18; Groups (6+) $16; TRev $16; Preview $15, available online at http://bakehousetheatre.com/shows/feet-clay
http://unseen.com.au/
5.11 REMINDER: WYRD SISTERS IN EAST GRINSTEAD (OCTOBER)
The Ace Theatre Company will stage Wyrd Sisters in October. They have put an extra measure of their hearts into this production!
When: 20th – 22nd October 2016
Venue: Chequer Mead Theatre, De La Warr Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 3BS
Time: all evening shows 7.30pm; matinee on Saturday 22nd, 2.30pm
Tickets: evening shows £13 (£11 concessions); Saturday matinee £11 (£9 concessions), available from the Box Office by phoning 01342 302000, by email to tickets@chequermead.org.uk, or online at http://www.chequermead.org.uk/whats-on/theatre/event/?e=364967&cat= (click on the desired date button to purchase)
http://www.chequermead.org.uk/
5.12 REMINDER: GUARDS! GUARDS! IN BRISBANE (OCTOBER/NOVEMBER)
The Brisbane Arts Theatre takes on yet another Discworld play later this year, in October and November: "From the legendary author Sir Terry Pratchett comes the eighth novel in the Discworld series and first featuring the Ankh-Morpork City Watch. Long believed extinct, a superb specimen, The Noble Dragon has appeared in Discworld's greatest city. Not only does this unwelcome visitor have a nasty habit of charbroiling everything in its path, in rather short order it is crowned King (it is a noble dragon, after all). With some help from an orangutan librarian, it is the task of the Night Watch to overpower the secret brotherhood and restore order to the kingdom in this fantastical Discworld adventure."
When: 8th October through 12th November 2016
Venue: Brisbane Arts Theatre, 210 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane, QLD 4000
Time: 8pm Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays (except 10th November); 6.30pm Sundays (16th & 30th October)
Tickets: Adults $31, Concession $25, Group 10+ $25, Group 75+ $20, Student Rush $10(10 mins before curtain), available online at http://bit.ly/1QGbXBF
http://www.artstheatre.com.au/show/guardsguards
5.13 REMINDER: MORT IN THE LAND OF FOG (NOVEMBER)
Paeroa Little Theatre's major production for 2016 will be Mort. Stay tuned for updates, as there is still no information available for times and tickets...
When: 9th–18th November 2016
Venue: Paeroa Little Theatre, 1 Francis Street, Paeroa 3600, th North Island, Land of Fog, er, New Zealand
Time: TBA
Tickets: TBA
http://www.facebook.com/PaeroaLittleTheatre/
5.14 VAGUELY NEW-ISH: WYRD SISTERS IN BOLTON, LANCS (MARCH 2017)
Bolton Little Theatre, "a vibrant amateur theatre company run by members" since 1931, will be staging their production of Wyrd Sisters next March.
When: 6th–11th March 2017
Venue: Bolton Little Theatre, Hanover Street, Bolton BL1 4TG
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £10 (Monday night 3 for 2 special), available at boltonlittletheatre.ticketsource.co.uk – group bookings of 10+ (£9) should be booked through the Box Office. “You can book at Bolton Little Theatre box office in person or by telephone on Monday night from 7.30 to 9pm and Friday mornings from 10.30 to 12 noon – no extra charge if paying by cash or cheque and you can book during the run of the plays or you can book online at boltonlittletheatre.ticketsource.co.uk ...credit card charges will apply. Tickets can be e-tickets (no charge) mobile phone ticket (50p) standard post (£1.50).”
http://www.boltonlittletheatre.co.uk/terry-pratchetts-wyrd-sisters/
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06) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS: UPDATES AND REMINDERS
The Broken Drummers, "London's Premier Unofficially Official Discworld Group" (motto "Nil percussio est"), meets next on Monday 3rd October 2016 at the Monkey Puzzle, 30 Southwick Street, London, W2 1JQ. There will also be an afternoon meetup on Saturday 22nd October 2016.
The most recent meet report sounds fun!
"We met Monday night. We had several new people come along: Jeroen, who lives in London and Richard and Andrea, two Americans who were on holiday in Britain. We also had Cecilia, who has been once before, a long time ago. She brought a bag of Convention goodies and handed them out. We got a Band with Rocks In rock. Left over were two drumsticks which we decided to leave at the pub along with our Broken Drum mascot. Thanks to Cecilia for bringing all that stuff along. Sim appeared sporting a new triple man-bun hairstyle. This sparked some semantic debate over whether it was possible for a woman to have a man-bun. Sim was very insistent that a man-bun is a distinct style rather than a bun worn by a man. She later demonstrated how it is done.
"Chris came and brought his quiz along. When he won a quiz all those months ago, others feared it would be too hard. He promised that his quiz would be multiple-choice. A couple of days before the event, he posted on Facebook that he did not say it would be easy. It turned out to be a based on Pointless. There were a number of possible answers to each question (note this is not what is usually meant by "multiple-choice") and the more people who gave the same answer, the higher the score. Failure to give a valid answer resulted in the maximum score and there were trick questions designed to invoke this. The person with the least points at the end was the winner. That person was me. There were some Discworld questions but topics ranged from the Famous Five to tectonic plates. Chris also gave us the chance to lose points with bonus questions. I was amused by the group's horror at a sports question. The laughably easy task of naming a country that has won the FIFA World Cup ever was treated as objectionable. The bonus question was to name the winner that was not a country. Many claimed not to understand the question. Alex G. (having the advantage of a politics degree) pointed out that there were members of FIFA who are not technically countries. Chris confirmed that this was the solution. Many people failed to work out the answer. And if you're now asking what it was, I'm not going to enlighten you. I fear we are only reinforcing stereotypes about geeks! Anyway, I won a box of Convention colouring pencils and a picture to colour in because according to Chris, 'Multiple-choice quizzes are for children'. I will sort out a quiz for next time and I promise it will not be all that difficult. It will certainly lack Chris' fiendish innovations."
(sent in by Mss C. The link is https://www.facebook.com/groups/55107511411/permalink/10154735030556412/ but you have to be signed in to Facebook to read it – Ed.)
For more information, go to http://brokendrummers.org/ or email BrokenDrummers@gmail.com or nicholls.helen@yahoo.co.uk
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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."
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For Facebook users in Fourecks: The Victorian Discworld Klatch is "a social group for fans of Discworld and Terry Pratchett... run by a dedicated team who meet monthly and organise events monthly." "If you'd like to join our events please ask to join the Klatch."
https://www.facebook.com/groups/VictorianDiscworldKlatch
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"The Gathering of the Loonies (Wincanton chapter)" is a public Facebook meeting group: "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." [Editor's note: this is an active group. If you use Facebook, it may be worth joining!]
https://www.facebook.com/groups/373578522834654/
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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. 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.
"We have an established Terry Pratchett & Discworld fan group in Adelaide called The City of Small Gods, which is open to anyone who would like to come - you don't have to live in Adelaide or even South Australia, or even be a Discworld fan, but that's mostly where our events will be held, and we do like discussing Pratchett's works. Our (semi-) regular meetings are generally held on the last Thursday of the month at a pub or restaurant in Adelaide. We have dinner at 6.30pm followed by games until 9pm. The games are usually shorter games like Pairs, Sushi Go, or Tiny Epic Defenders, with the occasional Werewolf session, as these are the best sort of games that work in a pub setting. 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. In addition, we will occasionally have other events to go and see plays by Unseen Theatre Company, book discussions on Terry's latest, craft, chain maille or costuming workshops or other fun social activities."
The next Monthly Dinner and Games at the Caledonian Hotel will be held on 24th November 2016. Before that, there will be a Games Day at La Scala Cafe Unley (9th October), a group outing to see Unseen Theatre's production of Feet of Clay (opens 21st October), and the Quiz Long and Prosper - Science Fiction and Fantasy Quiz Night (12th November). For more info, go to www.cityofsmallgods.org.au
*
The Broken Vectis Drummers meet next on Thursday 6th October 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 7th October 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 3rd October 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 3rd October 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>
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07) ALZHEIMER'S NEWS
A possible step forward:
"A drug that destroys the characteristic protein plaques that build up in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's is showing 'tantalising' promise, scientists say. Experts are cautious because the drug, aducanumab, is still in the early stages of development. But a study in Nature has shown it is safe and hinted that it halts memory decline. Larger studies are now under way to fully evaluate the drug's effects... The next phase of research – phase 3 – involves two separate studies. These are recruiting 2,700 patients with very early stage Alzheimer's across North America, Europe and Asia in order to fully test the drug's effect on cognitive decline. Dr Alfred Sandrock of the biotech company Biogen, which worked with the University of Zurich on the research, said: 'Phase 3 really needs to be done and I hope it will confirm what we have seen in this study. One day I could envisage treating people who have no symptoms because if you have amyloid in the brain it's likely you'll develop Alzheimer's one day.' However, there have been many disappointments in Alzheimer's drug development, and it is over a decade since the last drug for people with the condition was licensed..."
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-37222863
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08) DISCWORLD ARTS AND CRAFTS NEWS
8.1 DISCWORLD EMPORIUM NEWS
* The Greebo Plushy
"Introducing 'Nanny's little softy', here to terrorize your stuffed toys and have you scream 'gerroffyerbugger!!!' This official Greebo Plush from Terry Pratchett's Discworld is the most adorable bundle of claws, battle scars and gnarled ears you'll ever own – just don't leave him alone with Fluffy or Mittens!" Measures approx 200mm high
Priced at £15. For more information, and to order, go to http://www.discworldemporium.com/terry-pratchett-discworld-greebo-plush
[For the record, I am only reluctantly promoting this; while I find the concept wonderful, I think the execution is barely above deplorable – and I say that as a collector and kinda-connoisseuse of cuddly animal toys. My own recommendation? The Librarian Plushy, a much better rendering of concept and priced at the same £15. For more information, and to order, go to http://www.discworldemporium.com/discworld-plush-librarian – Ed.]
* The Perennial Terry Pratchett Diary
"To celebrate the life and works of the remarkable Sir Terry Pratchett, the 2017 Discworld Diary has become a perennial publication, packed full of quotes, witticisms and illustrations along with tributes from some of those who knew and loved him and his extraordinary body of work. Contributors include Neil Gaiman, A S Byatt, Terry Pratchett's literary agent Colin Smythe, Emporium founder Bernard Pearson, co-author of the Long Earth books Stephen Baxter, and many more. Includes an introduction from his daughter Rhianna Pratchett and an afterword from longtime friend, assistant and business manager Rob Wilkins. Of course the Terry Pratchett Diary teems with all the important Discworld and Roundworld dates to help keep him with you as you go about your day – 'mind how you go'!
"We're proud to have worked with publishers Orion on the creation of this book, and as a further celebration of the great man every copy includes a sumptuous A5 art print of Sir Terry Pratchett's Coat of Arms, exclusive to the Discworld Emporium!
Each Terry Pratchett Diary with free art print is priced at £16.99 plus shipping (£3.50 UK, £7 Europe, £10 rest of the world) and will be published on 13th October 2016. For more information, and to pre-order, go to http://www.discworldemporium.com/new-terry-pratchett-books/terry-pratchett-discworld-diary
* New stamps
Plenty of these, including the Alchemists' Guild 3p and the Guild's Going for Gold LBE. A single stamp is 60p (£0.60), and a sheet of 19 stamps is £11.40. The Going for Gold LBE, which includes an Alchemists' Guild 3p stamp and a selection of other current stamps, is priced at £5. For more information, and to order, go to
http://www.discworldemporium.com/new%20stamps/alchemists-guild-three-pence
http://www.discworldemporium.com/new%20stamps/going-for-gold-lbe
A larger selection of available stamps can be found at http://www.discworldemporium.com/new%20stamps
8.2 DISCWORLD.COM NEWS
* Discworld trading cards!
"You may have noticed the small pieces of artwork that mysteriously began arriving with Discworld.com orders this month. Well, we're excited to confirm that there are twelve different designs and every time you order from us, one will be randomly selected to include with your goodies. All feature artwork from renowned Discworld artist Paul Kidby. And to answer the most frequent question we get asked - YES, you can now buy individual cards to fill in the gaps in your collection! The current Summer 2016 range is now available for purchase on Discworld.com."
The trading cards comprise a fascinating selection, all featuring the exquisite artwork of Paul Kidby: Granny Weatherwax, Carrot Ironfoundersson, Mr Ixolite, the Librarian (saluting), Ponder Stibbons, BS Johnson's Pie Cooler, Horace Worblehat (pre-transformation), the Tower of Art, Mr Slant, the Eater of Socks, 71-hour Achmed, and Leonard da Quirm (painting the Disc)
The cards are priced at £1 each, with the exception of the special DWcon 2016 card which is priced at £2 (see below). A full set of cards is priced at £12 and for a limited time includes the DWcon special card. For more information, and to order, go to http://discworld.com/products/trading-cards/ which contains links to individual cards for purchase. To buy the full set, go to:
http://discworld.com/products/trading-cards/trading-cards-series-one-including-shiny-convention-card/
...and the special Convention card, aka DWC2016 – The Empty Chord – foiled trading card: "Released to celebrate the 2016 UK Discworld Convention – this foiled trading card features Paul Kidby's artwork, set against a foiled sky."
http://discworld.com/products/limited-time-only/dwc2016-empty-chord-foiled/
* The Librarian and Greebo mugs!
"The very first pencil print released was the Librarian, a perennial favourite with readers. This classic illustration is now available as a mug for the very first time."
Each Librarian mug is priced at £8. For more information, and to order, go to:
http://discworld.com/products/convention-launches/librarian-mug/
"The second in a series of prints released back in 1995, this pencil image of Greebo is now available in all it's[sic] glory as a mug."
Each Greebo mug is priced at £8. For more information, and to order, go to:
http://discworld.com/products/convention-launches/greebo-pencil-mug/
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09) AROUND THE BLOGOSPHERE: THE TRUTH AND TAMAHER
The Truth, by Nat Wassell on Cultured Vultures:
"‘The Truth' revolves around the efforts of small time reporter William de Worde, writer of a monthly newsletter with a limited circulation, who accidentally falls in with a group of dwarves who have perfected the printing press. Before long, not only does William have a newspaper to run and a newspaper rival to see off, he also finds himself in the middle of a plot to overthrow Lord Vetinari and the reluctant middle man for a ‘translator' who claims he has got the full story from Vetinari's dog, Wuffles. It sounds complicated but as you may remember, my appetite for Sir Terry's complicated storylines is very limited so I can assure you that this one is almost as simple as any he ever did. It helps that it is packed with characters we know and love, alongside the new; Vimes, the Watch and Lord Vetinari rub shoulders with William, his right hand dwarf Goodmountain, the irrepressible roving reporter Sacharissa and Otto, the vampire photographer who has sworn off blood and just wants to focus on his pictures. As with all Sir Terry's novels, it helps immensely that all of the new characters are very likeable and relatable, too.
"William is probably the cleverest Discworld character I have come across, aside from Leonard of Quirm and the Patrician himself. There are few who match wits with Lord Vetinari and Sam Vimes and come out not only unscathed but almost on top. William is a highly educated second son, determined to make his own way in the world that his father so despises, and he does that by watching, listening and always being ready to learn more. Some Discworld characters, by the very nature of the fantasy, are probably certifiably insane, but William, although he does have some quirks, is one of the most normal Sir Terry created... One of my favourite things about this novel was a chance to see some of our best loved characters in a different light. Until now, we have only really seen Vetinari and Vimes through the prism of the Watch novels, which give us an idea of how their own men view them, but little by way of public image. They are public figures, of course, and the eyes of ordinary people tell us a lot about them..."
http://culturedvultures.com/discworld-discussions-truth-2000/
The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents, by Ryan on Hubward Ho:
"This is an unusual book in the annals of Discworld, and not only because it is the first 'children's' book. It has a certain odd quality that I enjoy deeply but struggle to put into words. It's a struggle I've had before in amplified form when reading the Tiffany books. The dynamics and themes here are—I hesitate to say it—simpler? I've heard this book called 'simple' in more than one review, but that doesn't seem right to me. Tiffany's stories, and to a lesser extent Maurice, feel somehow sharper, more distilled, stripped down to something that feels true in the pit of my stomach... It's a gentle sensation in Maurice, and more like a river bursting a dam in the Tiffany books, but it's there in both: the cartilage of fantasy has worn down, and we're hard up against the bones of reality. Big themes, sharp shadows, no pretence...
"For me, the obfuscation of fundamental Discworld elements allows the story to exist in a kind of purely local geography, where cosmology and astrophysics are not even passing concerns. This is an unabashedly provincial book. This feels important to me, as the directness of the morality could seem like pontificating except for these subtle little ways that Pratchett redraws the world and redefines what about it is meaningful. By making mighty people, places, and ideas of Discworld small, Maurice makes room for the little people to be big. In a sense, Maurice begs a question I didn't know I wanted to ask, which is, 'What, really, makes Discworld?' How much of the world can you strip away before it becomes something, somewhere, sometime else? Is this what Discworld is, the closer you get to the bone?..."
http://bit.ly/2dwejgf
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10) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
Fourecksian actor Mike Shaw as Sam Vimes in Unseen Theatre's forthcoming production of Feet of Clay (photo courtesy of director Pamela Munt):
http://bit.ly/2dvuZV2
The full (and very large) cast of Monstrous Productions' presentation of Going Postal, with director Amy Davies front and centre:
http://bit.ly/2cWwL19
Paul Kidby's finished prize drawing – colouring in his own lines!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CrbJEh1WcAAgbHL.jpg
...and the man himself, looking rightly pleased with his efforts:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CtBud0SXYAEZRwL.jpg
A Kirby centrefold! The Witches, as seen in A Blink of the Screen:
http://bit.ly/2djifkc
Apparently this is a cake. Holy moley! (link from the Josh Kirby estate Twitter account):
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CtR_KfkWIAA-PRP.jpg
A couple of nineteenth-century toffs at the Dodger launch. You may recognise them (iconograph rediscovered by Stephen Briggs):
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CseRC3JWEAAZcuq.jpg
The broken drum of the Broken Drummers, London's legendary Pratchett fangroup, as posted on the @BrokenDrummers Twitter account:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Crmz7s4WAAACYJ2.jpg
Rincewind and the Luggage, by the super-talented Amy Simmonds:
https://t.co/SvXQ8NFFqf
...and another Amy Simmonds winner, Carrot and Angua:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CsVAhOjWAAAUHja.jpg
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11) CLOSE
And that's the lot for September, since September is now receding into the middle distance. We'll be back soon with more reviews, news and updates. Take care, and enjoy your autumn nights – or, in Fourecks and the Land of Fog, your spring mornings...
See you next month!
– Annie Mac
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The End. If you have any questions or requests, write: wossname-owner (at) pearwood (dot) info
Copyright (c) 2016 by Klatchian Foreign Legion
