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Wossname – November 2021 – Main issue
Nov. 14th, 2021 06:08 amWossname
Newsletter of the Klatchian Foreign Legion
July-August 2021 (Volume 24, Issue er um maybe 11?, 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 Technomancer: Jason Parlevliet
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) NIGEL PLANER AND THE UNABRIDGED AUDIOS OF DISCWORLD
05) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
06) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
07) DISCWORLD MERCH FOR HOGSWATCH
08) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
09) CLOSE
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01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
"I'm afraid the BBC owns the merchandising rights to the Good Omens TV series and can do things like this."
– Neil Gaiman, when informed that Auntie had gone over his head and trademarked the word "ineffable" in his name
"Personally I'm against it, but the world isn't going to just save itself, is it? If David and I can manage to not fall out too badly this time it may even have a chance of getting finished."
– Michael "Aziraphale" Sheen, somewhat in character
"The return of Good Omens is great news for me, personally. As I get to work with Michael again, and I get to say Neil's wonderful words once more. It's probably less good for the universe as it almost certainly means there will be some fresh existential threat to its existence to deal with, but, you know – swings and roundabouts."
– David "Crowley" Tennant, likewise
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02) LETTER FROM YOUR EDITOR
Wossname finally returns... ish.
This issue is somewhat truncated but I will continue to do my best to keep the news, views and reviews coming on through the next year and beyond, as long as there *is* fresh Pratchett news – and to my great delight, the world seems to have forgotten to forget The Author, even in the face of a pandemic that drags on and on. Discworld plays are cautiously creeping back into the spotlight (including, at last, the premiere of Stephen Briggs' "Murder in Ankh-Morpork" this month!), shops are reopening (though not the Discworld Emporium, which remains as an online entity only), and people are beginning to gather together again (apart from those who are permanently shielding, like your Editor). And, of course, The Author's work lives on in different media, with new screen productions of The Amazing Maurice, The Abominable Snowbaby, and Good Omens all in progress.
Hogswatch is a-coming, at least the Roundworld answer to it, so there are some features on Discworld merchandise to consider for presents.See item 7!
The Big Book of Modern Fantasy, an 896-page monster comprising almost one hundred stories by famous authors, has just won the 2021 World Fantasy Award for best anthology. It offers a wide variety of famous authors – including Sit Pterry, of course! Published by Vintage, edited by Ann and Jeff Vandermeer, and available at all reputable booksellers (which is why, as usual, your Editor is not providing an Amazon link). https://bookriot.com/2021-world-fantasy-awards/
What does the word "ineffable" mean to you? According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it means "Too great to be expressed in words; unutterable, indefinable, indescribable". And now it has a new meaning, apparently: "an ordinary word trademarked by the BBC for commercial purposes relating to Good Omens merchandising and as a further slap in the face to the very fans who made the Good Omens miniseries the worldwide hit it became". And Auntie didn't even have the honesty to trademark it under its own name! See item 3.1c for details.
You'll have seen last week's special announcement regarding Nigel "Mr Sideney" Planer's crowdfunding appeal for his new book "Jeremiah Bourne in Time", a science fiction comedy with many Pratchett references (and touches!). Funding is continuing to mount up, but the total isn't there yet. A reminder on the Wossname mirror site, complete with iconographs:
https://wossname.dreamwidth.org/82520.html
I'll apologise ahead of time for any proofreading or editing slip-ups I've made, as the pandemic has eaten what's left of my brain and among other things I now find myself thinking every day except Wednesday is Saturday.
And now, on with the show...
– Annie Mac, Editor
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03) ODDS AND SODS
3.0 AMAZING MAURICE NEWS
3.0a IMAGE REVEALS...
Possibly the biggest Narrativia announcement page yet – certainly the longest!
"Sky today reveals First Look character images and teaser poster for The Amazing Maurice, a Sky Original to mark the 20th Anniversary of the book by Sir Terry Pratchett. This animated family film is based on the wildly popular Discworld ® novels and will star Hugh Laurie (Avenue 5) as Maurice, Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) as Malicia, David Thewlis (Wonder Woman) as Boss Man, Himesh Patel (Yesterday) as Keith, Gemma Arterton (The King’s Man) as Peaches, Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey) as The Mayor, David Tennant (Doctor Who) as Dangerous Beans, Ariyon Bakare (His Dark Materials) as Darktan, Rob Brydon (Roald & Beatrix: The Tale of the Curious Mouse) as The Pied Piper, Julie Atherton (Avenue Q) as Nourishing and YouTuber Joe Sugg as Sardines. In The Amazing Maurice, a Sky Original, Maurice is a streetwise ginger cat who comes up with a money-making scam by befriending a group of self-taught talking rats. When Maurice and the rodents reach the stricken town of Bad Blintz, they meet a bookworm called Malicia and their little con soon goes down the drain...
The Amazing Maurice, a Sky Original will be released on Sky Cinema in 2022. The film will also be available on streaming service NOW via the Sky Cinema Membership..."
To read the entire announcement and see the images, go to: https://narrativia.com/maurice.html
[Editor's note: could the artists have tried any harder to create a character that looks *any less* like Maurice as described in the novel?! Instead of the scruffy street fighter we know and love – essentially a spiritual cousin to Greebo – viewers will be offered a blobby, boofy-haired, self-satisfied creature that barely looks like a cat at all and at best resembles some kind of super-bloated Garfield. I can't speak for other readers here but I for one am saddened by this aesthetic choice, and so is everyone else I've spoken to about this so far.]
3.0b ...AND MERCH...
"Cantilever Media is launching a consumer products campaign for its upcoming Sky original animated feature film, “The Amazing Maurice,” produced with Ulysses Filmproduktion in co-production with Sky. Two licensors have been secured: Titan and Forbidden Planet... Titan Books has come on board as publishing partner to produce a hardback coffee table art book, 'The Amazing Maurice: The Art of the Film,' which will be released to coincide with the movie launch in the U.K. Working in collaboration with the filmmakers, the book will include concept art, sketches, storyboards, behind-the-scenes photography and interviews with cast and crew. It is being written by Los Angeles-based author and journalist Ramin Zahed, editor in chief, Animation Magazine. Specialist retailer, Forbidden Planet, is also partnering with Cantilever to launch a product range including adult and children’s T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, scarves and an extensive range of gift and home product and accessories..."
https://bit.ly/3qw2PN7
3.1 GOOD OMENS 2 NEWS
3.1a NEIL GAIMAN'S HA'PETH
From his blogpost:
"So, once Good Omens the TV series had been released by Amazon and the BBC, to global acclaim, many awards and joy, Rob Wilkins (Terry's representative on Earth) and I had the conversation with the BBC and Amazon about doing some more. And they got very excited. We talked to Michael Sheen and David Tennant about doing some more. They also got very excited. We told them a little about the plot. They got even more excited. I'd been a fan of John Finnemore's for years, and had had the joy of working with him on a radio show called With Great Pleasure, where I picked passages I loved, had amazing readers read them aloud and talked about them... I asked John if he'd be willing to work with me on writing the next round of Good Omens, and was overjoyed when he said yes. We have some surprise guest collaborators too. And Douglas Mackinnon is returning to oversee the whole thing with me. So that's the plan. We've been keeping it secret for a long time (mostly because otherwise my mail and Twitter feeds would have turned into gushing torrents of What Can You Tell Us About It? long ago) but we are now at the point where sets are being built in Scotland (which is where we're shooting, and more about filming things in Scotland soon), and we can't really keep it secret any longer. There are so many questions people have asked about what happened next (and also, what happened before) to our favourite Angel and Demon. Here are, perhaps, some of the answers you've been hoping for. As Good Omens continues, we will be back in Soho, and all through time and space, solving a mystery which starts with one of the angels wandering through a Soho street market with no memory of who they might be, on their way to Aziraphale's bookshop..."
To read the whole post (includes some photos), go to:
https://bit.ly/3C9cFqo
Also, from a recent interview for Empire magazine:
"I am so happy to be back here on the streets of Soho, watching, every day, the glorious performances of Michael Sheen and David Tennant. I miss having Terry Pratchett’s genius, but it does feel like we are still all walking around inside his head,” says Gaiman. “It’s been an absolute pleasure to have the brilliant John Finnemore co-write this season’s story shenanigans with me, and to work with director and my co-showrunner Douglas Mackinnon as he steers the ship, along with our astonishing crew, who have returned to do it again.
“In this season we get to have new adventures with old friends, to solve some extremely mysterious mysteries, and we encounter some entirely new humans (living, dead, and otherwise), angels, and demons. We were lucky in the first season to have so many outstanding actors taking part, so I took pleasure in inviting people back, wherever we could, some in the roles they played originally, some in new parts written just for them."
3.1b FILMING NEWS AND PHOTOS
From Rachel LaBonte on ScreenRant:
"Neil Gaiman reveals the spirit of Terry Pratchett is alive and well on the set of Good Omens season 2 with a new picture. Together, Gaiman and Pratchett wrote the novel Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophesies of Agnes Nutter, a humorous take on an impending apocalypse involving an angel, a demon, and the misplaced Antichrist. It was turned into an Amazon miniseries back in 2019 and starred David Tennant and Michael Sheen in the lead roles. Though Pratchett and Gaiman had devised an idea for a sequel to Good Omens, it never became a reality... Because of all of that, fans were stunned by the news that Amazon's Good Omens is returning for another season. The surprise continuation was announced in June, with Gaiman quickly giving his blessing. In fact, Gaiman is once again writing the scripts for Good Omens season 2 along with John Finnemore. Tennant and Sheen are back as odd couple Crowley and Aziraphale; when the season begins, they'll have just begun settling back into life among humans when a mysterious visitor arrives... d Gaiman has already provided more than one peek behind the scenes. In his most recent post, he revealed Pratchett's famous hat and scarf are already on set, dangling from a chair with the late author's name. "Terry is here in spirit and hat and scarf," Gaiman wrote. "When we shoot in the bookshop we will hang them in there but for now they are here on his chair." Pratchett's hat and scarf could be seen in Aziraphale's bookshop in Good Omens season 1, and evidently they will still be there for season 2.
https://bit.ly/3wEyQnb
From Ray Flook on Bleeding Cool:
"Michael Sheen's Aziraphale and David Tennant's Crowley get back into their easy-living lives among the mortals populating London's Soho, But when an unexpected messenger presents them with a surprising mystery, the game's afoot once more for our duo. Over the past week or so, Sheen has been posting some fun looks at his return to angelic form. Now, we're getting a heart-warming reminder from Gaiman that Pratchett's spirit will always b a part of the adaptation, with his hat and scarf currently resting on his set chair but soon to have another home on-camera..."
https://bit.ly/3kshxkE
From Kaila Hale-Stern on The Mary Sue:
"This is a fitting return to Aziraphale and Crowley. They’re in Aziraphale’s beloved bookshop. Aziraphale has his tartan bowtie and a dainty new teacup (replacing his iconic angel-wing mug?) and appears somewhat alarmed at what he’s hearing. Next to him, Crowley is wearing his trademark sunglasses (which hide his yellow snake eyes) and is in his customary black clothing. Crowley’s reaction to the person (or entity) the pair are talking to is a toothy grin—or is that a menacing grimace? Either way, the picture captures both characters’ personalities pretty damn perfectly and plunges us straight back into the universe of Good Omens on television. What makes this go-round so exciting (and for some fans, trepidatious) is that while a good deal of the plot of the first season closely hewed to the events of the book, Good Omens 2 will be exploring new ground. A few elements from a planned but unwritten sequel by the late Terry Pratchett and Gaiman made their way into the first season, and we expect many will appear in the second..."
https://bit.ly/3ngkYg9
From Danielle Ryan for Slashfilm:
"The new season will dig deeper into the relationship between the fussy rare book dealer angel, Aziraphale, and his demonic, hedonistic best friend, Crowley. They've been close since the beginning of time, and now that they've fended off the apocalypse together, they have time to figure out their friendship. The press release says the two are "getting back to easy living amongst mortals in London's Soho when an unexpected messenger presents a surprising mystery." It seems there's no rest for the wicked or the celestial..."
https://bit.ly/3opPyTA
...and Jon Fuge adds, for TV Web:
"Though plot details are being kept under wraps, Neil Gaiman has since offered some insight into what audiences can expect, revealing that second season of Good Omens will once again take place in London, and begins "with an angel wandering through Soho, with no memory." Gaiman will once again serve as co-showrunner with Douglas Mackinnon and co-writer with John Finnemore. Good Omens 2 does not yet have a release date, and will come courtesy of Amazon Prime Video..."
https://bit.ly/3opzkK7
From Brooke Mondor, for Looper:
"When a fan on Tumblr asked Gaiman about a possible sequel for the "Good Omens" novel, he replied: "There is an entire novel plot that nobody knows about, and Terry was absolutely in favour of that story being told. Whether or not we do it depends on a lot of factors though. (Of which my time is a big one.)" On the one hand, it's entirely possible that Season 2 will consist of whatever Gaiman and Pratchett cooked up together before the latter's death in 2015. Of course, it's also likely that the "Good Omens" team is creating something entirely new for the next season..."
https://bit.ly/3krNUzB
3.1c THE (IN)EFFABLE BBC: YOU -ING WHAT???
Yes, the BBC has trademarked the word "ineffable" in the names of Neil Gaiman and Dunmanifestin Ltd. From Rich Johnston, founder of Bleeding Cool.com:
"'Ineffable' means something is so extraordinary or extreme that it cannot be described in words. It gained recent popularity in the book Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and the late Sir Terry Pratchett, especially when adapted by the BBC and Amazon Prime Video. The book and TV show make several references to God's unknowable and 'ineffable' plan for them all. Well, two things happened recently. Firstly the word 'ineffable' was trademarked under the names of Neil Gaiman and the company managing the estate of the late Sir Terry Pratchett, with both US and UK governments. And secondly, the BBC began taking down Etsy listings of people selling products using the word 'ineffable.' Neil Gaiman didn't seem to know anything about it. A couple of years ago, Gaiman had even stated, 'I'm glad that the artists and the Etsy folk have made Good Omens things. I just imagine a world in which we had cool things it would take more resources to make. Like a proper little burning Bentley.' Though Gaiman did provide some qualifications, saying, 'There are people out there selling stuff (like the posters) they didn't create in industrial quantities. And there are cool crafty people making art on eg, Etsy. I hope that the former will be discommoded while the latter will continue to make stuff with love.' Now, remember, this is about the registration and defence of a trademark, not a copyright. A business registers the right to trade under a mark, even if that was a preexisting word. No one can sell books if they call themselves Amazon these days. Or broadband with the word Virgin. Or medicine using the word Boots. And Neil Gaiman seems unaware that an 'ineffable' trademark was made in his name and that the BBC is enforcing it. It appears to have been actioned by Dunmanifestin, the company charged with looking after the estate of Sir Terry Pratchett. So, apparently, they have a plan to use that word in commerce. An ineffable plan, one might say... Etsy sellers have repeatedly reported that the BBC has legally challenged anyone selling anything on Etsy using the words Good Omens, Crowley, Aziraphale, or Ineffable, with the #ineffablehusbands getting the brunt of it."
https://bit.ly/3qvBIBL
[Note: the page includes and image of the Ineffable trademark registration document – Ed.]
3.2 YOUR FAVOURITE DISCWORLD NOVELS
From Discworld.com – remember this? – the results: "You may remember in August we polled all of our social media followers and asked, 'What is your favourite Discworld book of all time?' We included the Guards, Witches, Death, Unseen University, Tiffany Series plus all the standalones. Well, the results are in and here are your top eight..."
1. Night Watch
2. Witches Abroad
3. Hogfather
4. Going Postal
5. The Wee Free Men
6. Carpe Jugulum
7. Reaper Man
8. Monstrous Regiment
...and of course, should you need replacement copies and Hogswatch gift copies, all these, plus the rest of the Oeuvre of Pratchett, are available for purchase from https://discworld.com
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04) NIGEL PLANER AND THE UNABRIDGED AUDIOS OF DISCWORLD
Nigel Planer, beloved for his many acting roles and also known to Discworld fans as the man who has voiced almost half the Discworld unabridged audiobooks, has kindly given Wossname an exclusive look back at his work for the Pratchett oeuvre! Over to you, Mr P:
Listening back now to the Audio recordings I did of Discworld is strange. I don’t remember speaking so fast, too fast. But I suppose there was a lot to get through, my unabridged versions come out at an average of 9 or so hours each. It always seems to me they cut too much in abridged versions – almost two thirds of a book. Also, I don’t remember recording so many of them. I had to go online just now to find out exactly how many, and I counted 21.[1]
My favourites were Mort, Small Gods, Guards Guards... actually as I’m writing this I keep remembering others; Pyramids, Interesting Times, Witches Abroad. But to be honest they all merge into one experience in my head. They were recorded over a few years in the nineties, in a small studio on an industrial estate outside Oxford. The original publisher was named -rather unfortunately for them – Isis, after the river in Oxford. I would go up there and stay over a couple of nights – a book takes approximately two and half days. Long hours in a tiny booth, with my editor through the glass in the control room, using her eagle eye to make sure everything is getting down correctly and asking for retakes if necessary. Although in theory all you are doing is sitting and reading for eight hours, the process is physically tiring; the energy has to be up, the concentration total, and doing all the different voices generates more adrenaline than you might think.
Proper preparation for an audio book means studying the text in advance, marking it up for inflections and where to breathe, and practicing particularly hard sentences. I didn’t do any of that. It wasn’t just laziness, my feeling was that rather than do everything the proper way, it would be better to keep the comedy fresh. Things are funny when they take you by surprise, that’s what makes a joke. I wanted the readings to be as if I was in the room with you, just enjoying reading out loud to you. If that meant losing a little polish, then I felt it was worth sacrificing.
Of course, I did read the books in advance to check for any plot surprises – such as a mystery character turning out to be someone else at the end – and I did take notes. Important to know which character is speaking at any time, and how they’re going to talk.
To help me with this I had Stephen Briggs’ "The Discworld Companion", which I consulted frequently. And I compiled my own personal character voice list which grew and grew as the books mounted up. I’ve still got it in a box somewhere, it runs to tens of pages, but it wouldn’t make much sense to anyone else. Every character would have three entries by their name; firstly I would cast them, in other words, imagine who would play them if this were a film in my head. It didn’t have to be an actor, might be a friend or relative. So the first entry a character would have might say, for example; "Michael Gambon", or "my Uncle Geoff". The second entry would be something about the type of speech or accent to use; so it might say "posh Edinburgh", or "cocky car salesman". And the third entry would be something about the voice quality and rhythm itself, as in; "gravelly stammer", or "back of the throat, deep". So just as an example, and from memory, the Archchancellor might have an entry like; "John le Mesurier, Geography Teacher, high, wandering, nasal." Or Vimes might be; "Jack Dee, blocked nose, low growl cockney."
This little system was not failsafe, for instance when a Troll (Billy Connolly, Scottish, sibilant S) talks to a Dwarf, (Jeremy Irons, gruff Welsh, too much saliva) I could get in a Celtic muddle and wander off into something that ended up sounding vaguely Spanish[2]. But the worst trouble I got myself into was with Sgt Colon. The first book he appears in, he only has one scene, and I was running out of accents. My worst accent at the time was Northern Irish, so I thought, "I’ll do that, it’s only a few sentences, so, no problem." It was when I returned for the next book, and the next, and the next, that I realised I was stuck with it. I hope I got better at Northern Irish as the series went on. And I hope I did Colon, and Sir Terry justice.
– Nigel Planer, London 2021
[1] Editor's note: that's correct, according to Wikipedia!
[2] Don't be hard on the man, O Readers – after all, Mr Planer had been given no specific instructions as to what accents to use and hadn't been introduced to the Nac Mac Feegle yet!
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05) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
5.1 FORTHCOMING PLAYS
* MURDER IN ANKH-MORPORK IN ABINGDON (NOVEMBER 2021)
Stephen Briggs' new Discworld play is finally being staged... and already completely sold out! But there's always the possibility of people who can't make it: "We were amazed and delighted that the show has sold out so quickly (in under 9 hours!). We can't offer a listing for returns. Experience tells us that returns, if any, only get notified at the last minute – often only on the day of performance, when there simply isn't time to start asking around." Standard info is below in case a ticket becomes available...
When: 17th–20th November 2021
Venue: Unicorn Theatre, Checker Walk, Abingdon OX14 3JB
Time: evening performances at 19.30, plus a 14.30 matinee on Saturday 20th November
https://bit.ly/3n7BezG
* WYRD SISTERS IN ADELAIDE (NOVEMBER 2021)
The Unseen Theatre is back at last, starting this week! It's another round of old favourite Wyrd Sisters, starring Unseen's heart and soul (and producer) Pamela Munt as Granny Weatherwax, with the usual cast and crew (and Nullus Anxietas' Danny Sag as the Fool)!
When: 17th,18th,19th, 20th, 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th November 2021
Venue: Bakehouse Theatre, 255 Angas Street, Adelaide, South Australia 5000
Time: 7.30pm all performances
Tickets: $22 adult, $18 concessions, $16 groups of +6, available from https://bit.ly/3kvXbXr
unseen.com.au
...and a special message re Unseen Theatre's latest production, from Granny, I mean, Pamela, herself:
"So – we have had all sorts of problems with this Discworld version of the "Scottish Play". I mean what were we thinking? Were we so arrogant as to think that we would be exempt? If so – we have now been proven wrong! As far as the cast is concerned we have had all sorts of sickness, injuries, transport problems – in short everything that could contribute to an inability to get to rehearsals, and even if we did all get there, where were our lines, the crew, costumes, and props? And why did one of us have to take the term "break a leg" so literally?
"It's okay. Don't worry. Everything is under control! See you there!"
*HOGFATHER IN PERTH, FOURECKS (NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021)
The Roleystone Theatre is doing another Discworld play – this time, the seasonally appropriate Hogfather!
"Adapted by Stephen Briggs and directed by Bradley Towton for Roleystone Theatre, the Discworld version of Santa Claus – known as the Hogfather – has gone missing... 'Hogfather shines a lantern onto the messier and more real side of the holiday, in a very unreal manner,' Bradley said. 'This is my fourth time directing a Pratchett play and, with the Christmas season rapidly approaching, I thought it would inject a nice amount of holiday cheer into the lives of Perth people. Hogfather is a very emotional piece in certain moments and can hit close to home at times. It just fits, as a capstone to the year we've all had.'"
When: 26th, 27th and 28th November and 2nd, 3rd and 4th December 2021
Venue: Roleystone Theatre, 587 Brookton Hwy, 6111 Roleystone, Western Australia
Time: 7.30pm all evening performances; 5pm matinee November 28th; 2pm December 4th
Tickets: $20 ($15 concession), available from www.trybooking.com/BUTQA
https://bit.ly/3qw2r17
5.2 REVIEWS
* CARPE JUGULUM IN BRISBANE, FOURECKS
By Edmund Tadros for Stage Diary:
"One of the problems with a play this well produced and acted is that it’s hard to pick out standout performances. For my money, it’s Greg Rowbotham’s Igor who is the scene-stealer. Throughout the play his comic timing as is perfect as he tries vainly to get the De Magpyrs to maintain vampire traditions. Another two actors who give standout performances are Katherine Kiogaard as Agnes and Lauren Dillon as her inner thin girl Perdita. Their constant bickering about what to do in each situation is by turns charming and amusing. The play also has very high production values with excellent costumes by Robyn Edwards and a simple and functional set design by Jackie Fraser. In addition Casey Moon-Watton provides appropriately cheesy music, in keeping with the light tone of the play. The direction, by Sally Daly, is slow at first but picks up pace halfway through the first act and doesn’t let up until the play ends. The Terry Pratchett story, adapted for the stage by Stephen Briggs, is entertaining and amusing but at three and a half hours (with only one intermission) is way too long. This problem is compounded by the parts of play with a disconcerting, and seemingly unnecessary, number of scene shifts. These are small problems though, for Carpe Jugulum is an amusing play that is well acted and very, very funny..."
https://bit.ly/3wFcbau
By Robyn Smith, on the Brisbane Arts Theatre's Facebook page:
"I went to see the delightful Carpe Jugulum on Saturday night and loved it all. The actors, all amateurs, gave us a good laugh and provided us with an evening of good fun. Callum Pulsford was deservedly a great favourite with the audience, showcasing his comedic skills. Apart from his perfectly timed delivery, he also entertained with his excellent physical comedy. He was a joy to watch. The five witches were simply wonderful. Each of them was so individual and followed her own journey trying to meet the challenges posed by the nasty vampires. It was inspirational to see these five actresses portray their characters’ doubts and uncertainties as they took their journey fighting against the vampires. I particularly enjoyed the standout performance by Caitlin Smith in her role as Mightily Oats. The sadness and distress she so poignantly portrayed were perfectly counter balanced by her superb comic timing. Overall, a wonderful evening with very memorable performances."
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06) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
Confession: I *still* have no idea if any info on non-Fourecksian Discworld groups is up to date. What I do have is an update on the various Fourecksian Discworld fan groups, courtesy of the ever helpful Danny of Nullus Anxietas. As for the rest, up to date info from any Wossname readers out there would be greatly appreciated!
The Broken Drummers, "London's Premier Unofficially Official Discworld Group"
BrokenDrummers@gmail.com or nicholls.helen@yahoo.co.uk or join their Facebook group at https://bit.ly/2YrPGW7
"The Gathering of the Loonies (Wincanton chapter)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/373578522834654/
The Broken Vectis Drummers
broken_vectis_drummers@yahoo.co.uk
The Wincanton Omnian Temperance Society (WOTS) meets at Wincanton's famous Bear Inn when social gatherings are possible.
The Northern Institute of the Ankh-Morpork and District Society of Flatalists normally meet at The Narrowboat Pub in Victoria Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, Details of future meetings are posted on the Events section of the Discworld Stamps forum: http://www.discworldstamps.co.uk/forum/
FOURECKSIAN DISCWORLD GROUPS:
Adelaide – City of Small Gods Terry Pratchett Fan Club
http://www.cityofsmallgods.org.au
https://www.facebook.com/groups/cityofsmallgods/
https://discord.gg/3RVzsyJ
Regular events: Monthly dinners (when permitted!), Monthly crafty evenings on discord, regular book discussions, and occasional board game days. We also hold special events sometimes, such as picnics, Quiz Nights and outings to see Discworld plays.
Melbourne – Victorian Discworld Klatch
https://2022.ausdwcon.org/fan-clubs/melbourne/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/VictorianDiscworldKlatch/
https://discord.com/invite/w5KPAaYH
Regular events: Monthly gatherings, board game days, crafternoons, movies, picnics, and more. We are also regulars at the various pop culture events around Victoria.
Sydney – Mended Drummers and Western Drummers
Mended Drummers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/downunderdrummers/
Western Drummers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/100376433635355/
Both groups get together monthly to chat over a few drinks, with subjects ranging far and wide, have a Discworld themed quiz and generally enjoy the company of fellow Discworld fans.
Brisbane – Pratchett Partisans
https://www.facebook.com/groups/pratchettpartisans/
Join us in and around Brisbane for regular Pratchett-inspired nights including Dining Around the Disc, board games arvos, Pratchett Picnics and Discworld Discussions. We also hold special events once or twice a year like themed parties, scavenger hunts and cocktail nights. Many of us also attend opening night of Brisbane Arts Theatre's Pratchett Productions in costume.
Perth – Treacle Mining Corporation
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Perth.Drummers/
Hobart – Purdeigh Islanders
https://www.facebook.com/groups/205967619882683/
Canberra – Drumknott's Irregulars
https://www.facebook.com/groups/824987924250161/
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07) HOGSWATCH MERCH TIME
* Socks!
"Grab all four pairs of Discworld socks before they walk off the shelves! Striking socks featuring Rob Anybody, Terry Pratchett, The Luggage and Rincewind!Four pairs of socks with instantly recognisable Discworld individuals... Guaranteed not to be devoured by sock-eating manifestations caused by excess amounts of belief."
Each set of officially licensed Discworld socks is priced at £22.50 and is available in UK Sizes 7–11. For more info, and to order, go to:
https://bit.ly/30faJ2z
* The Ultimate Discworld Companion!
"From The Colour of Magic to the Shepherd's Crown, The Ultimate Discworld Companion is your complete guide to the denizens, destinations and details of Terry Pratchett's Discworld, an essential encyclopaedia for the most detailed landscape in literature, comprehensively compiled by Stephen Briggs and illustrated by Paul Kidby! The Ultimate Discworld Companion is a comprehensive encyclopedia of Discworld's characters, concepts and countries from Ankh-Morpork to Zemphis and beyond. If you want help telling your watchman from your wizard, your Octarine from your Octavo or your Klatchian Coffee from your Peach Corniche then look no further, the Ultimate Discworld guide is THE authority on Terry Pratchett's beloved Discworld books!"
Each Ultimate Discworld Companion is priced at £25. For more info, and to order, go to:
https://bit.ly/3c5ocwr
...and for the more financially blessed among you, the Dunmanifestin edition of The Ultimate Discworld Companion is available for pre-order:
"Your ultimate guide to the entire Discworld from The Colour of Magic to The Shepherd’s Crown and everything in between! Presented in a beautiful slipcase and bound in an exclusive foil-embossed cover this spectacular edition includes more incredible content and extra artwork – plus an exclusive print with every pre-ordered copy! This definitive edition has been created by Discworld archivist, playwright and cartographer Stephen Briggs with master illustrator Paul Kidby, and manifested by Dunmanifestin, the official publishing house for the works of Terry Pratchett. PLEASE NOTE, THIS INCREDIBLE PUBLICATION IS STILL IN THE PROCESS OF BEING CREATED, SO CONTENTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO a BIT OF CHANGE HERE AND THERE AS THE PROJECT EVOLVES."
Each Dunmanifestin edition of The Ultimate Discworld Companion is priced at £150 and will be published on 28th April (Sir Pterry's birthdate) 2022. For more info, and to pre-order, go to:
https://bit.ly/3olM4Si
* Puzzles!
There are three new Discworld puzzles – Twas the Night Before Hogswatch, the Ankh-Morpork Post Office, and The Chalk – added to the extant seven puzzles. All puzzles consist of 1,000 pieces and each puzzle is priced at £ 19.50. For more info, and to order, go to:
https://www.discworldemporium.com/35-games-activities
...and there's a selection of t-shirts and such – https://bit.ly/3n9pVqR – and figurines – https://bit.ly/3DcvrOS – to complete your Hogswatch shopping madness. Happy commercialism to one and all! Ho! Ho! Ho!
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08) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
The Boys are back in (London) town! A few looks at Good Omens 2, currently filming in the land of the Feegles:
https://bit.ly/3qqQb22
https://bit.ly/3n55R94
https://bit.ly/30nJK59
Also, the (in)famous Crowley hair, as tweeted by Georgia Tennant:
https://bit.ly/2YF1oR7
...and the ineffably bleached Aziraphale hair, as tweeted by Michael Sheen:
https://bit.ly/30sgv0W
Unseen Theatre's Pamela Munt makes a very believable Granny Weatherwax:
https://bit.ly/3c2n5O0
...and a stunning representation of Elf queen Nightshade, by Paul Kidby, for the forthcoming Dunmanifestin edition of the Ultimate Discworld Companion: https://bit.ly/3F7AqRE
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09) CLOSE
...and that's it for November. Take care, mind how you go, and we'll see you next month!
– Annie Mac
Copyright (c) 2021 by Wossname for the Klatchian Foreign Legion
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The End. If you have any questions or requests, write: wossname-owner (at) pearwood (dot) info
Newsletter of the Klatchian Foreign Legion
July-August 2021 (Volume 24, Issue er um maybe 11?, 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 Technomancer: Jason Parlevliet
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) NIGEL PLANER AND THE UNABRIDGED AUDIOS OF DISCWORLD
05) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
06) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
07) DISCWORLD MERCH FOR HOGSWATCH
08) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
09) CLOSE
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01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
"I'm afraid the BBC owns the merchandising rights to the Good Omens TV series and can do things like this."
– Neil Gaiman, when informed that Auntie had gone over his head and trademarked the word "ineffable" in his name
"Personally I'm against it, but the world isn't going to just save itself, is it? If David and I can manage to not fall out too badly this time it may even have a chance of getting finished."
– Michael "Aziraphale" Sheen, somewhat in character
"The return of Good Omens is great news for me, personally. As I get to work with Michael again, and I get to say Neil's wonderful words once more. It's probably less good for the universe as it almost certainly means there will be some fresh existential threat to its existence to deal with, but, you know – swings and roundabouts."
– David "Crowley" Tennant, likewise
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
02) LETTER FROM YOUR EDITOR
Wossname finally returns... ish.
This issue is somewhat truncated but I will continue to do my best to keep the news, views and reviews coming on through the next year and beyond, as long as there *is* fresh Pratchett news – and to my great delight, the world seems to have forgotten to forget The Author, even in the face of a pandemic that drags on and on. Discworld plays are cautiously creeping back into the spotlight (including, at last, the premiere of Stephen Briggs' "Murder in Ankh-Morpork" this month!), shops are reopening (though not the Discworld Emporium, which remains as an online entity only), and people are beginning to gather together again (apart from those who are permanently shielding, like your Editor). And, of course, The Author's work lives on in different media, with new screen productions of The Amazing Maurice, The Abominable Snowbaby, and Good Omens all in progress.
Hogswatch is a-coming, at least the Roundworld answer to it, so there are some features on Discworld merchandise to consider for presents.See item 7!
The Big Book of Modern Fantasy, an 896-page monster comprising almost one hundred stories by famous authors, has just won the 2021 World Fantasy Award for best anthology. It offers a wide variety of famous authors – including Sit Pterry, of course! Published by Vintage, edited by Ann and Jeff Vandermeer, and available at all reputable booksellers (which is why, as usual, your Editor is not providing an Amazon link). https://bookriot.com/2021-world-fantasy-awards/
What does the word "ineffable" mean to you? According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it means "Too great to be expressed in words; unutterable, indefinable, indescribable". And now it has a new meaning, apparently: "an ordinary word trademarked by the BBC for commercial purposes relating to Good Omens merchandising and as a further slap in the face to the very fans who made the Good Omens miniseries the worldwide hit it became". And Auntie didn't even have the honesty to trademark it under its own name! See item 3.1c for details.
You'll have seen last week's special announcement regarding Nigel "Mr Sideney" Planer's crowdfunding appeal for his new book "Jeremiah Bourne in Time", a science fiction comedy with many Pratchett references (and touches!). Funding is continuing to mount up, but the total isn't there yet. A reminder on the Wossname mirror site, complete with iconographs:
https://wossname.dreamwidth.org/82520.html
I'll apologise ahead of time for any proofreading or editing slip-ups I've made, as the pandemic has eaten what's left of my brain and among other things I now find myself thinking every day except Wednesday is Saturday.
And now, on with the show...
– Annie Mac, Editor
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
03) ODDS AND SODS
3.0 AMAZING MAURICE NEWS
3.0a IMAGE REVEALS...
Possibly the biggest Narrativia announcement page yet – certainly the longest!
"Sky today reveals First Look character images and teaser poster for The Amazing Maurice, a Sky Original to mark the 20th Anniversary of the book by Sir Terry Pratchett. This animated family film is based on the wildly popular Discworld ® novels and will star Hugh Laurie (Avenue 5) as Maurice, Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) as Malicia, David Thewlis (Wonder Woman) as Boss Man, Himesh Patel (Yesterday) as Keith, Gemma Arterton (The King’s Man) as Peaches, Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey) as The Mayor, David Tennant (Doctor Who) as Dangerous Beans, Ariyon Bakare (His Dark Materials) as Darktan, Rob Brydon (Roald & Beatrix: The Tale of the Curious Mouse) as The Pied Piper, Julie Atherton (Avenue Q) as Nourishing and YouTuber Joe Sugg as Sardines. In The Amazing Maurice, a Sky Original, Maurice is a streetwise ginger cat who comes up with a money-making scam by befriending a group of self-taught talking rats. When Maurice and the rodents reach the stricken town of Bad Blintz, they meet a bookworm called Malicia and their little con soon goes down the drain...
The Amazing Maurice, a Sky Original will be released on Sky Cinema in 2022. The film will also be available on streaming service NOW via the Sky Cinema Membership..."
To read the entire announcement and see the images, go to: https://narrativia.com/maurice.html
[Editor's note: could the artists have tried any harder to create a character that looks *any less* like Maurice as described in the novel?! Instead of the scruffy street fighter we know and love – essentially a spiritual cousin to Greebo – viewers will be offered a blobby, boofy-haired, self-satisfied creature that barely looks like a cat at all and at best resembles some kind of super-bloated Garfield. I can't speak for other readers here but I for one am saddened by this aesthetic choice, and so is everyone else I've spoken to about this so far.]
3.0b ...AND MERCH...
"Cantilever Media is launching a consumer products campaign for its upcoming Sky original animated feature film, “The Amazing Maurice,” produced with Ulysses Filmproduktion in co-production with Sky. Two licensors have been secured: Titan and Forbidden Planet... Titan Books has come on board as publishing partner to produce a hardback coffee table art book, 'The Amazing Maurice: The Art of the Film,' which will be released to coincide with the movie launch in the U.K. Working in collaboration with the filmmakers, the book will include concept art, sketches, storyboards, behind-the-scenes photography and interviews with cast and crew. It is being written by Los Angeles-based author and journalist Ramin Zahed, editor in chief, Animation Magazine. Specialist retailer, Forbidden Planet, is also partnering with Cantilever to launch a product range including adult and children’s T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, scarves and an extensive range of gift and home product and accessories..."
https://bit.ly/3qw2PN7
3.1 GOOD OMENS 2 NEWS
3.1a NEIL GAIMAN'S HA'PETH
From his blogpost:
"So, once Good Omens the TV series had been released by Amazon and the BBC, to global acclaim, many awards and joy, Rob Wilkins (Terry's representative on Earth) and I had the conversation with the BBC and Amazon about doing some more. And they got very excited. We talked to Michael Sheen and David Tennant about doing some more. They also got very excited. We told them a little about the plot. They got even more excited. I'd been a fan of John Finnemore's for years, and had had the joy of working with him on a radio show called With Great Pleasure, where I picked passages I loved, had amazing readers read them aloud and talked about them... I asked John if he'd be willing to work with me on writing the next round of Good Omens, and was overjoyed when he said yes. We have some surprise guest collaborators too. And Douglas Mackinnon is returning to oversee the whole thing with me. So that's the plan. We've been keeping it secret for a long time (mostly because otherwise my mail and Twitter feeds would have turned into gushing torrents of What Can You Tell Us About It? long ago) but we are now at the point where sets are being built in Scotland (which is where we're shooting, and more about filming things in Scotland soon), and we can't really keep it secret any longer. There are so many questions people have asked about what happened next (and also, what happened before) to our favourite Angel and Demon. Here are, perhaps, some of the answers you've been hoping for. As Good Omens continues, we will be back in Soho, and all through time and space, solving a mystery which starts with one of the angels wandering through a Soho street market with no memory of who they might be, on their way to Aziraphale's bookshop..."
To read the whole post (includes some photos), go to:
https://bit.ly/3C9cFqo
Also, from a recent interview for Empire magazine:
"I am so happy to be back here on the streets of Soho, watching, every day, the glorious performances of Michael Sheen and David Tennant. I miss having Terry Pratchett’s genius, but it does feel like we are still all walking around inside his head,” says Gaiman. “It’s been an absolute pleasure to have the brilliant John Finnemore co-write this season’s story shenanigans with me, and to work with director and my co-showrunner Douglas Mackinnon as he steers the ship, along with our astonishing crew, who have returned to do it again.
“In this season we get to have new adventures with old friends, to solve some extremely mysterious mysteries, and we encounter some entirely new humans (living, dead, and otherwise), angels, and demons. We were lucky in the first season to have so many outstanding actors taking part, so I took pleasure in inviting people back, wherever we could, some in the roles they played originally, some in new parts written just for them."
3.1b FILMING NEWS AND PHOTOS
From Rachel LaBonte on ScreenRant:
"Neil Gaiman reveals the spirit of Terry Pratchett is alive and well on the set of Good Omens season 2 with a new picture. Together, Gaiman and Pratchett wrote the novel Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophesies of Agnes Nutter, a humorous take on an impending apocalypse involving an angel, a demon, and the misplaced Antichrist. It was turned into an Amazon miniseries back in 2019 and starred David Tennant and Michael Sheen in the lead roles. Though Pratchett and Gaiman had devised an idea for a sequel to Good Omens, it never became a reality... Because of all of that, fans were stunned by the news that Amazon's Good Omens is returning for another season. The surprise continuation was announced in June, with Gaiman quickly giving his blessing. In fact, Gaiman is once again writing the scripts for Good Omens season 2 along with John Finnemore. Tennant and Sheen are back as odd couple Crowley and Aziraphale; when the season begins, they'll have just begun settling back into life among humans when a mysterious visitor arrives... d Gaiman has already provided more than one peek behind the scenes. In his most recent post, he revealed Pratchett's famous hat and scarf are already on set, dangling from a chair with the late author's name. "Terry is here in spirit and hat and scarf," Gaiman wrote. "When we shoot in the bookshop we will hang them in there but for now they are here on his chair." Pratchett's hat and scarf could be seen in Aziraphale's bookshop in Good Omens season 1, and evidently they will still be there for season 2.
https://bit.ly/3wEyQnb
From Ray Flook on Bleeding Cool:
"Michael Sheen's Aziraphale and David Tennant's Crowley get back into their easy-living lives among the mortals populating London's Soho, But when an unexpected messenger presents them with a surprising mystery, the game's afoot once more for our duo. Over the past week or so, Sheen has been posting some fun looks at his return to angelic form. Now, we're getting a heart-warming reminder from Gaiman that Pratchett's spirit will always b a part of the adaptation, with his hat and scarf currently resting on his set chair but soon to have another home on-camera..."
https://bit.ly/3kshxkE
From Kaila Hale-Stern on The Mary Sue:
"This is a fitting return to Aziraphale and Crowley. They’re in Aziraphale’s beloved bookshop. Aziraphale has his tartan bowtie and a dainty new teacup (replacing his iconic angel-wing mug?) and appears somewhat alarmed at what he’s hearing. Next to him, Crowley is wearing his trademark sunglasses (which hide his yellow snake eyes) and is in his customary black clothing. Crowley’s reaction to the person (or entity) the pair are talking to is a toothy grin—or is that a menacing grimace? Either way, the picture captures both characters’ personalities pretty damn perfectly and plunges us straight back into the universe of Good Omens on television. What makes this go-round so exciting (and for some fans, trepidatious) is that while a good deal of the plot of the first season closely hewed to the events of the book, Good Omens 2 will be exploring new ground. A few elements from a planned but unwritten sequel by the late Terry Pratchett and Gaiman made their way into the first season, and we expect many will appear in the second..."
https://bit.ly/3ngkYg9
From Danielle Ryan for Slashfilm:
"The new season will dig deeper into the relationship between the fussy rare book dealer angel, Aziraphale, and his demonic, hedonistic best friend, Crowley. They've been close since the beginning of time, and now that they've fended off the apocalypse together, they have time to figure out their friendship. The press release says the two are "getting back to easy living amongst mortals in London's Soho when an unexpected messenger presents a surprising mystery." It seems there's no rest for the wicked or the celestial..."
https://bit.ly/3opPyTA
...and Jon Fuge adds, for TV Web:
"Though plot details are being kept under wraps, Neil Gaiman has since offered some insight into what audiences can expect, revealing that second season of Good Omens will once again take place in London, and begins "with an angel wandering through Soho, with no memory." Gaiman will once again serve as co-showrunner with Douglas Mackinnon and co-writer with John Finnemore. Good Omens 2 does not yet have a release date, and will come courtesy of Amazon Prime Video..."
https://bit.ly/3opzkK7
From Brooke Mondor, for Looper:
"When a fan on Tumblr asked Gaiman about a possible sequel for the "Good Omens" novel, he replied: "There is an entire novel plot that nobody knows about, and Terry was absolutely in favour of that story being told. Whether or not we do it depends on a lot of factors though. (Of which my time is a big one.)" On the one hand, it's entirely possible that Season 2 will consist of whatever Gaiman and Pratchett cooked up together before the latter's death in 2015. Of course, it's also likely that the "Good Omens" team is creating something entirely new for the next season..."
https://bit.ly/3krNUzB
3.1c THE (IN)EFFABLE BBC: YOU -ING WHAT???
Yes, the BBC has trademarked the word "ineffable" in the names of Neil Gaiman and Dunmanifestin Ltd. From Rich Johnston, founder of Bleeding Cool.com:
"'Ineffable' means something is so extraordinary or extreme that it cannot be described in words. It gained recent popularity in the book Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and the late Sir Terry Pratchett, especially when adapted by the BBC and Amazon Prime Video. The book and TV show make several references to God's unknowable and 'ineffable' plan for them all. Well, two things happened recently. Firstly the word 'ineffable' was trademarked under the names of Neil Gaiman and the company managing the estate of the late Sir Terry Pratchett, with both US and UK governments. And secondly, the BBC began taking down Etsy listings of people selling products using the word 'ineffable.' Neil Gaiman didn't seem to know anything about it. A couple of years ago, Gaiman had even stated, 'I'm glad that the artists and the Etsy folk have made Good Omens things. I just imagine a world in which we had cool things it would take more resources to make. Like a proper little burning Bentley.' Though Gaiman did provide some qualifications, saying, 'There are people out there selling stuff (like the posters) they didn't create in industrial quantities. And there are cool crafty people making art on eg, Etsy. I hope that the former will be discommoded while the latter will continue to make stuff with love.' Now, remember, this is about the registration and defence of a trademark, not a copyright. A business registers the right to trade under a mark, even if that was a preexisting word. No one can sell books if they call themselves Amazon these days. Or broadband with the word Virgin. Or medicine using the word Boots. And Neil Gaiman seems unaware that an 'ineffable' trademark was made in his name and that the BBC is enforcing it. It appears to have been actioned by Dunmanifestin, the company charged with looking after the estate of Sir Terry Pratchett. So, apparently, they have a plan to use that word in commerce. An ineffable plan, one might say... Etsy sellers have repeatedly reported that the BBC has legally challenged anyone selling anything on Etsy using the words Good Omens, Crowley, Aziraphale, or Ineffable, with the #ineffablehusbands getting the brunt of it."
https://bit.ly/3qvBIBL
[Note: the page includes and image of the Ineffable trademark registration document – Ed.]
3.2 YOUR FAVOURITE DISCWORLD NOVELS
From Discworld.com – remember this? – the results: "You may remember in August we polled all of our social media followers and asked, 'What is your favourite Discworld book of all time?' We included the Guards, Witches, Death, Unseen University, Tiffany Series plus all the standalones. Well, the results are in and here are your top eight..."
1. Night Watch
2. Witches Abroad
3. Hogfather
4. Going Postal
5. The Wee Free Men
6. Carpe Jugulum
7. Reaper Man
8. Monstrous Regiment
...and of course, should you need replacement copies and Hogswatch gift copies, all these, plus the rest of the Oeuvre of Pratchett, are available for purchase from https://discworld.com
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04) NIGEL PLANER AND THE UNABRIDGED AUDIOS OF DISCWORLD
Nigel Planer, beloved for his many acting roles and also known to Discworld fans as the man who has voiced almost half the Discworld unabridged audiobooks, has kindly given Wossname an exclusive look back at his work for the Pratchett oeuvre! Over to you, Mr P:
Listening back now to the Audio recordings I did of Discworld is strange. I don’t remember speaking so fast, too fast. But I suppose there was a lot to get through, my unabridged versions come out at an average of 9 or so hours each. It always seems to me they cut too much in abridged versions – almost two thirds of a book. Also, I don’t remember recording so many of them. I had to go online just now to find out exactly how many, and I counted 21.[1]
My favourites were Mort, Small Gods, Guards Guards... actually as I’m writing this I keep remembering others; Pyramids, Interesting Times, Witches Abroad. But to be honest they all merge into one experience in my head. They were recorded over a few years in the nineties, in a small studio on an industrial estate outside Oxford. The original publisher was named -rather unfortunately for them – Isis, after the river in Oxford. I would go up there and stay over a couple of nights – a book takes approximately two and half days. Long hours in a tiny booth, with my editor through the glass in the control room, using her eagle eye to make sure everything is getting down correctly and asking for retakes if necessary. Although in theory all you are doing is sitting and reading for eight hours, the process is physically tiring; the energy has to be up, the concentration total, and doing all the different voices generates more adrenaline than you might think.
Proper preparation for an audio book means studying the text in advance, marking it up for inflections and where to breathe, and practicing particularly hard sentences. I didn’t do any of that. It wasn’t just laziness, my feeling was that rather than do everything the proper way, it would be better to keep the comedy fresh. Things are funny when they take you by surprise, that’s what makes a joke. I wanted the readings to be as if I was in the room with you, just enjoying reading out loud to you. If that meant losing a little polish, then I felt it was worth sacrificing.
Of course, I did read the books in advance to check for any plot surprises – such as a mystery character turning out to be someone else at the end – and I did take notes. Important to know which character is speaking at any time, and how they’re going to talk.
To help me with this I had Stephen Briggs’ "The Discworld Companion", which I consulted frequently. And I compiled my own personal character voice list which grew and grew as the books mounted up. I’ve still got it in a box somewhere, it runs to tens of pages, but it wouldn’t make much sense to anyone else. Every character would have three entries by their name; firstly I would cast them, in other words, imagine who would play them if this were a film in my head. It didn’t have to be an actor, might be a friend or relative. So the first entry a character would have might say, for example; "Michael Gambon", or "my Uncle Geoff". The second entry would be something about the type of speech or accent to use; so it might say "posh Edinburgh", or "cocky car salesman". And the third entry would be something about the voice quality and rhythm itself, as in; "gravelly stammer", or "back of the throat, deep". So just as an example, and from memory, the Archchancellor might have an entry like; "John le Mesurier, Geography Teacher, high, wandering, nasal." Or Vimes might be; "Jack Dee, blocked nose, low growl cockney."
This little system was not failsafe, for instance when a Troll (Billy Connolly, Scottish, sibilant S) talks to a Dwarf, (Jeremy Irons, gruff Welsh, too much saliva) I could get in a Celtic muddle and wander off into something that ended up sounding vaguely Spanish[2]. But the worst trouble I got myself into was with Sgt Colon. The first book he appears in, he only has one scene, and I was running out of accents. My worst accent at the time was Northern Irish, so I thought, "I’ll do that, it’s only a few sentences, so, no problem." It was when I returned for the next book, and the next, and the next, that I realised I was stuck with it. I hope I got better at Northern Irish as the series went on. And I hope I did Colon, and Sir Terry justice.
– Nigel Planer, London 2021
[1] Editor's note: that's correct, according to Wikipedia!
[2] Don't be hard on the man, O Readers – after all, Mr Planer had been given no specific instructions as to what accents to use and hadn't been introduced to the Nac Mac Feegle yet!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
05) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
5.1 FORTHCOMING PLAYS
* MURDER IN ANKH-MORPORK IN ABINGDON (NOVEMBER 2021)
Stephen Briggs' new Discworld play is finally being staged... and already completely sold out! But there's always the possibility of people who can't make it: "We were amazed and delighted that the show has sold out so quickly (in under 9 hours!). We can't offer a listing for returns. Experience tells us that returns, if any, only get notified at the last minute – often only on the day of performance, when there simply isn't time to start asking around." Standard info is below in case a ticket becomes available...
When: 17th–20th November 2021
Venue: Unicorn Theatre, Checker Walk, Abingdon OX14 3JB
Time: evening performances at 19.30, plus a 14.30 matinee on Saturday 20th November
https://bit.ly/3n7BezG
* WYRD SISTERS IN ADELAIDE (NOVEMBER 2021)
The Unseen Theatre is back at last, starting this week! It's another round of old favourite Wyrd Sisters, starring Unseen's heart and soul (and producer) Pamela Munt as Granny Weatherwax, with the usual cast and crew (and Nullus Anxietas' Danny Sag as the Fool)!
When: 17th,18th,19th, 20th, 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th November 2021
Venue: Bakehouse Theatre, 255 Angas Street, Adelaide, South Australia 5000
Time: 7.30pm all performances
Tickets: $22 adult, $18 concessions, $16 groups of +6, available from https://bit.ly/3kvXbXr
unseen.com.au
...and a special message re Unseen Theatre's latest production, from Granny, I mean, Pamela, herself:
"So – we have had all sorts of problems with this Discworld version of the "Scottish Play". I mean what were we thinking? Were we so arrogant as to think that we would be exempt? If so – we have now been proven wrong! As far as the cast is concerned we have had all sorts of sickness, injuries, transport problems – in short everything that could contribute to an inability to get to rehearsals, and even if we did all get there, where were our lines, the crew, costumes, and props? And why did one of us have to take the term "break a leg" so literally?
"It's okay. Don't worry. Everything is under control! See you there!"
*HOGFATHER IN PERTH, FOURECKS (NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021)
The Roleystone Theatre is doing another Discworld play – this time, the seasonally appropriate Hogfather!
"Adapted by Stephen Briggs and directed by Bradley Towton for Roleystone Theatre, the Discworld version of Santa Claus – known as the Hogfather – has gone missing... 'Hogfather shines a lantern onto the messier and more real side of the holiday, in a very unreal manner,' Bradley said. 'This is my fourth time directing a Pratchett play and, with the Christmas season rapidly approaching, I thought it would inject a nice amount of holiday cheer into the lives of Perth people. Hogfather is a very emotional piece in certain moments and can hit close to home at times. It just fits, as a capstone to the year we've all had.'"
When: 26th, 27th and 28th November and 2nd, 3rd and 4th December 2021
Venue: Roleystone Theatre, 587 Brookton Hwy, 6111 Roleystone, Western Australia
Time: 7.30pm all evening performances; 5pm matinee November 28th; 2pm December 4th
Tickets: $20 ($15 concession), available from www.trybooking.com/BUTQA
https://bit.ly/3qw2r17
5.2 REVIEWS
* CARPE JUGULUM IN BRISBANE, FOURECKS
By Edmund Tadros for Stage Diary:
"One of the problems with a play this well produced and acted is that it’s hard to pick out standout performances. For my money, it’s Greg Rowbotham’s Igor who is the scene-stealer. Throughout the play his comic timing as is perfect as he tries vainly to get the De Magpyrs to maintain vampire traditions. Another two actors who give standout performances are Katherine Kiogaard as Agnes and Lauren Dillon as her inner thin girl Perdita. Their constant bickering about what to do in each situation is by turns charming and amusing. The play also has very high production values with excellent costumes by Robyn Edwards and a simple and functional set design by Jackie Fraser. In addition Casey Moon-Watton provides appropriately cheesy music, in keeping with the light tone of the play. The direction, by Sally Daly, is slow at first but picks up pace halfway through the first act and doesn’t let up until the play ends. The Terry Pratchett story, adapted for the stage by Stephen Briggs, is entertaining and amusing but at three and a half hours (with only one intermission) is way too long. This problem is compounded by the parts of play with a disconcerting, and seemingly unnecessary, number of scene shifts. These are small problems though, for Carpe Jugulum is an amusing play that is well acted and very, very funny..."
https://bit.ly/3wFcbau
By Robyn Smith, on the Brisbane Arts Theatre's Facebook page:
"I went to see the delightful Carpe Jugulum on Saturday night and loved it all. The actors, all amateurs, gave us a good laugh and provided us with an evening of good fun. Callum Pulsford was deservedly a great favourite with the audience, showcasing his comedic skills. Apart from his perfectly timed delivery, he also entertained with his excellent physical comedy. He was a joy to watch. The five witches were simply wonderful. Each of them was so individual and followed her own journey trying to meet the challenges posed by the nasty vampires. It was inspirational to see these five actresses portray their characters’ doubts and uncertainties as they took their journey fighting against the vampires. I particularly enjoyed the standout performance by Caitlin Smith in her role as Mightily Oats. The sadness and distress she so poignantly portrayed were perfectly counter balanced by her superb comic timing. Overall, a wonderful evening with very memorable performances."
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06) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
Confession: I *still* have no idea if any info on non-Fourecksian Discworld groups is up to date. What I do have is an update on the various Fourecksian Discworld fan groups, courtesy of the ever helpful Danny of Nullus Anxietas. As for the rest, up to date info from any Wossname readers out there would be greatly appreciated!
The Broken Drummers, "London's Premier Unofficially Official Discworld Group"
BrokenDrummers@gmail.com or nicholls.helen@yahoo.co.uk or join their Facebook group at https://bit.ly/2YrPGW7
"The Gathering of the Loonies (Wincanton chapter)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/373578522834654/
The Broken Vectis Drummers
broken_vectis_drummers@yahoo.co.uk
The Wincanton Omnian Temperance Society (WOTS) meets at Wincanton's famous Bear Inn when social gatherings are possible.
The Northern Institute of the Ankh-Morpork and District Society of Flatalists normally meet at The Narrowboat Pub in Victoria Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, Details of future meetings are posted on the Events section of the Discworld Stamps forum: http://www.discworldstamps.co.uk/forum/
FOURECKSIAN DISCWORLD GROUPS:
Adelaide – City of Small Gods Terry Pratchett Fan Club
http://www.cityofsmallgods.org.au
https://www.facebook.com/groups/cityofsmallgods/
https://discord.gg/3RVzsyJ
Regular events: Monthly dinners (when permitted!), Monthly crafty evenings on discord, regular book discussions, and occasional board game days. We also hold special events sometimes, such as picnics, Quiz Nights and outings to see Discworld plays.
Melbourne – Victorian Discworld Klatch
https://2022.ausdwcon.org/fan-clubs/melbourne/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/VictorianDiscworldKlatch/
https://discord.com/invite/w5KPAaYH
Regular events: Monthly gatherings, board game days, crafternoons, movies, picnics, and more. We are also regulars at the various pop culture events around Victoria.
Sydney – Mended Drummers and Western Drummers
Mended Drummers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/downunderdrummers/
Western Drummers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/100376433635355/
Both groups get together monthly to chat over a few drinks, with subjects ranging far and wide, have a Discworld themed quiz and generally enjoy the company of fellow Discworld fans.
Brisbane – Pratchett Partisans
https://www.facebook.com/groups/pratchettpartisans/
Join us in and around Brisbane for regular Pratchett-inspired nights including Dining Around the Disc, board games arvos, Pratchett Picnics and Discworld Discussions. We also hold special events once or twice a year like themed parties, scavenger hunts and cocktail nights. Many of us also attend opening night of Brisbane Arts Theatre's Pratchett Productions in costume.
Perth – Treacle Mining Corporation
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Perth.Drummers/
Hobart – Purdeigh Islanders
https://www.facebook.com/groups/205967619882683/
Canberra – Drumknott's Irregulars
https://www.facebook.com/groups/824987924250161/
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07) HOGSWATCH MERCH TIME
* Socks!
"Grab all four pairs of Discworld socks before they walk off the shelves! Striking socks featuring Rob Anybody, Terry Pratchett, The Luggage and Rincewind!Four pairs of socks with instantly recognisable Discworld individuals... Guaranteed not to be devoured by sock-eating manifestations caused by excess amounts of belief."
Each set of officially licensed Discworld socks is priced at £22.50 and is available in UK Sizes 7–11. For more info, and to order, go to:
https://bit.ly/30faJ2z
* The Ultimate Discworld Companion!
"From The Colour of Magic to the Shepherd's Crown, The Ultimate Discworld Companion is your complete guide to the denizens, destinations and details of Terry Pratchett's Discworld, an essential encyclopaedia for the most detailed landscape in literature, comprehensively compiled by Stephen Briggs and illustrated by Paul Kidby! The Ultimate Discworld Companion is a comprehensive encyclopedia of Discworld's characters, concepts and countries from Ankh-Morpork to Zemphis and beyond. If you want help telling your watchman from your wizard, your Octarine from your Octavo or your Klatchian Coffee from your Peach Corniche then look no further, the Ultimate Discworld guide is THE authority on Terry Pratchett's beloved Discworld books!"
Each Ultimate Discworld Companion is priced at £25. For more info, and to order, go to:
https://bit.ly/3c5ocwr
...and for the more financially blessed among you, the Dunmanifestin edition of The Ultimate Discworld Companion is available for pre-order:
"Your ultimate guide to the entire Discworld from The Colour of Magic to The Shepherd’s Crown and everything in between! Presented in a beautiful slipcase and bound in an exclusive foil-embossed cover this spectacular edition includes more incredible content and extra artwork – plus an exclusive print with every pre-ordered copy! This definitive edition has been created by Discworld archivist, playwright and cartographer Stephen Briggs with master illustrator Paul Kidby, and manifested by Dunmanifestin, the official publishing house for the works of Terry Pratchett. PLEASE NOTE, THIS INCREDIBLE PUBLICATION IS STILL IN THE PROCESS OF BEING CREATED, SO CONTENTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO a BIT OF CHANGE HERE AND THERE AS THE PROJECT EVOLVES."
Each Dunmanifestin edition of The Ultimate Discworld Companion is priced at £150 and will be published on 28th April (Sir Pterry's birthdate) 2022. For more info, and to pre-order, go to:
https://bit.ly/3olM4Si
* Puzzles!
There are three new Discworld puzzles – Twas the Night Before Hogswatch, the Ankh-Morpork Post Office, and The Chalk – added to the extant seven puzzles. All puzzles consist of 1,000 pieces and each puzzle is priced at £ 19.50. For more info, and to order, go to:
https://www.discworldemporium.com/35-games-activities
...and there's a selection of t-shirts and such – https://bit.ly/3n9pVqR – and figurines – https://bit.ly/3DcvrOS – to complete your Hogswatch shopping madness. Happy commercialism to one and all! Ho! Ho! Ho!
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08) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
The Boys are back in (London) town! A few looks at Good Omens 2, currently filming in the land of the Feegles:
https://bit.ly/3qqQb22
https://bit.ly/3n55R94
https://bit.ly/30nJK59
Also, the (in)famous Crowley hair, as tweeted by Georgia Tennant:
https://bit.ly/2YF1oR7
...and the ineffably bleached Aziraphale hair, as tweeted by Michael Sheen:
https://bit.ly/30sgv0W
Unseen Theatre's Pamela Munt makes a very believable Granny Weatherwax:
https://bit.ly/3c2n5O0
...and a stunning representation of Elf queen Nightshade, by Paul Kidby, for the forthcoming Dunmanifestin edition of the Ultimate Discworld Companion: https://bit.ly/3F7AqRE
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09) CLOSE
...and that's it for November. Take care, mind how you go, and we'll see you next month!
– Annie Mac
Copyright (c) 2021 by Wossname for the Klatchian Foreign Legion
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The End. If you have any questions or requests, write: wossname-owner (at) pearwood (dot) info
