Wossname -- November 2019 --main issue
Nov. 30th, 2019 05:57 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
wossnameWossname
Newsletter of the Klatchian Foreign Legion
November 2019 (Volume 22, Issue 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)
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
INDEX:
01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
02) AN IMPORTANT WOSSNAME ANNOUNCEMENT
03) ODDS AND SODS
04) MORE GOOD OMENS BITS AND BOBS
05) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
06) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
07) AROUND THE BLOGOSPHERE
08) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
09) CLOSE
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
"I am pleased to see that this week the 2020 Discworld Calendar has been at #1 in the Science Fiction & Fantasy Amazon Chart. The Imaginarium is also at #30 two years after publication."
– Paul Kidby, delighted to learn that his Discworld art is still a bestseller
"I needed extra material for them, ’cause there just wasn’t enough in the book. I felt, well, why don’t I essentially take the beats of a love story and see how that works? And I was very fortunate in having Michael and David understand that and let it happen… Particularly the way that Michael plays Aziraphale just as a being of pure love, I think that gave us something very special, because people of every and any sexual orientation and any and every gender looked at Crowley and Aziraphale and saw themselves in it, or saw a love story that they responded to, and that was completely unexpected. Things like this, you can’t manufacture, they have to happen from a fandom."
– Neil Gaiman, reacting to the fans' reaction to that 6,000-year love story
"There's a delicious ironic pleasure to be had to come to understand that, even while you are enjoying watching a comedic play, ostensibly about criminal activities, you are the ones creating this rich vein of society that's being mined and re-presented for our entertainment. Darkness and laughter mix intoxicatingly well."
– reviewer Christine Pyman, applauding Unseen Theatre's understanding of The Author's work in their current stage production of Going Postal
"We asked our prestigious panel to create a list of world-changing novels that would provocative, spark debate and inspire curiosity. It took months of enthusiastic debate and they have not disappointed. There are neglected masterpieces, irresistible romps as well as much-loved classics. It is a more diverse list than any I have seen before, recognising the extent to which the English language novel is an art form embraced way beyond British shores. Best of all, it is just the start of a year of documentaries, author profiles, podcasts and outreach events all designed to do one thing and inspire everyone, whoever they are, to read more novels because of the proven life-enhancing benefits it brings."
– BBC Arts director Jonty Claypole, on the Discworld series' inclusion on a list of life-changing novels
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
02) AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Wossname has been going for many, many years, since its beginnings as an American-based mailout created by old-school fan and retired SF editor Joe Schaumburger, through a long presence on Yahoogroups as well as in email form, to the current email and mirror blog version... and while I hope Wossname can continue for years yet, it's getting more and more difficult to get each issue out to you, O Readers, in its email form. This is due to major internet providers including Yahoo, Google and Hotmail trying ever more vigorously to protect its users from spam. That in itself is a good thing, but unfortunately it means that we at Wossname -- and an ever-growing number of other mailing list posters -- are being falsely identified as spammers simply because we send out a large number of identical posts every month and those posts are loaded with links to follow... all innocent links on our part, of course, but the software that tries to identify spammers has no way of knowing this. Nor does it help that, apparently, many people who subscribe to mailing lists and then change their minds are in the habit of ticking the junk/spam box instead of following the simply and plainly visible Unsubscribe link... sigh.
Our administrator has tried various ways of getting around this, with mixed success. If this current issue gets knocked back as supposed spam, I'm at my wits' end. I'm going to try putting spaces between all the "ticks the box" parts of each URL in this month's email version and see if that helps, but at this rate we may be forced to release each issue of Wossname *solely* on the web on its Dreamwidth blog address.
I hope you'll bear with us. And remember, you can always come here to the blog version if you want to follow those links...
And now, on with the show!
– Annie Mac, Editor
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
03) ODDS AND SODS
3.0 DISCWORLD NOVELS "SHAPED OUR WORLD"
The BBC compendium of 100 novels that shaped our world includes the Discworld series, and it's in good company. The series is listed in the category of "Life, Death & Other Worlds", which includes Frankenstein, The Chronicles of Narnia, Dune, and Neil Gaiman's Sandman series, among others, chosen by a panel including Radio 4 Front Row presenter and Times Literary Supplement editor Stig Abell, broadcaster Mariella Frostrup, authors Juno Dawson, Kit de Waal and Alexander McCall Smith, and Bradford Festival Literary Director Syima Aslam:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/494P41NCbVYHlY319VwGbxp/explore-the-list-of-100-novels-that-shaped-our-world
...more on this from Katie Mansfield for The Bookseller:
"The list also launches a year-long festival in partnership with libraries and reading groups around the UK. Led by Libraries Connected and supported by Arts Council England, special events at libraries around the country include workshops, walking tours, film screenings and live performances, with many libraries commissioning artists to make work that reaches out to everyone in the community, from people living with dementia to those at risk of knife crime. Mark Freeman, president, Libraries Connected said: 'This amazing campaign lies at the heart of libraries’ mission to deliver innovative and engaging reading experiences to communities who need it most..."
https://www.thebookseller.com/news/novels-shaped-our-world-bbc-reveals-100-strong-list-1109401
3.1 THE MERCH CORNER
Hogswatch is a-comin'...
* The Ankh-Morpork Archives are here!
...er, *is* here? At any rate, The Ankh-Morpork Archives, Volume I is/are now available for purchase! "The Ankh-Morpork Archives, Volume I, a fully illustrated comprehensive guide to the exuberant capital city of Terry Pratchett's Discworld, getting to the heart of Ankh-Morpork's secrets, societies and guilds. The book is a compilation of the texts written by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Briggs for the Unseen University, Assassins Guild, Post Office and Thieves Guild diaries. They have been redesigned and formatted into one deluxe digitally re-mastered compendium to showcase the illustrations in large size and the diary element has been removed."
Published by Gollancz and rather beautiful, hand-signed hardcover copies are available from Paul Kidby's website, priced at £30 each (UK only free delivery). For more information, and to order, go to:
https://shop.paulkidby.com/the-ankh-morpork-archives-volume-i/
* The Discworld Destinations Calendar!
Already promoted in an earlier issue, but as 2020 approaches... "The calendar dates are extensive, and exhaustively researched, and include all major real-time calendrical data for Great Britain, Eire, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA, as well as notable Discworld dates. This year's calendar draws upon the whimsical, remarkable art of long-time Discworld collaborator, Paul Kidby - the man whose depictions Terry Pratchett himself described as being 'the closest anyone's got to how I see the characters'."
Published by Gollancz , hand-signed calendars are available from Paul Kidby's website, priced at ££18.50 each (UK only free delivery). For more information, and to order, go to:
https://shop.paulkidby.com/terry-pratchetts-discworld-destinations-collectors-edition-2020-calendar/
* Terry Pratchett: HisWorld, the Official Exhibition Companion!
"The entire exhibition... in a book! Whether you were there or wanted to be, this coffee-table tome provides the story behind the exhibits on show, so you can enjoy the exhibition from the comfort of your own armchair! From his knighthood to his Blue Peter badge, the HisWorld Companion provides a poignant a glimpse into the life and work of our favourite author, Sir Terry Pratchett, with a lovingly curated collection of his life’s possessions and associated ephemera with full-colour photographs and a treasure-trove of anecdotes and contributions from his closest companions and collaborators including Rhianna Pratchett, Paul Kidby, the Josh Kirby Estate, Stephen Briggs, Colin Smythe and our very own Cunning Artificer Bernard Pearson. Created with the Terry Pratchett Estate, HisWorld presents an incredible insight into the man behind the keyboard, with precious and never-before-seen objects that tell the tale of Sir Terry’s life from his beginnings as a young writer and journalist, to his adventures writing Discworld and his eventual battle with PCA. This impressive book captures the exhibition experience in print, so you can treasure the magic of Hisworld forever – it’s never over as long as there’s a book!"
Published by Dunmanifestin Ltd, the Terry Pratchett: HisWorld Companion measures 230 x 275mm, with a thickness of 26mm. 223 pages, and is priced at £30 each. Currently out of stock, but if you visit the webpage you can request an email notice to be sent when more copies will be available:
https://www.discworldemporium.com/books/597-terry-pratchett-hisworld-the-official-exhibition-companion
* The Discworld Flora and Fauna tea towel!
Just the thing for your post-Hogswatch dinner washing-up... "Illustrated exclusively for the Discworld Emporium by Vladimir Stankovic in his wonderfully dark story-book style, this fantastic tea towel is a tribute to some of the 'wilder' creations from the mind of Terry Pratchett – the extraordinary flora and fauna that makes Discworld world just a little bit more, well, Discworld! Thaumicolour printed 100% cotton tea towel, Measures 78 x 48cm."
The Discworld Flora and Fauna tea towel is priced at £9.95 each. For more information, and to order, go to:
https://www.discworldemporium.com/homeware/192-flora-fauna-of-discworld-tea-towel
* The Death and Friends Discworld Journal!
When "what comes after" is written by you... "Record your antics, adventures and observations in a book fit for Death's library! In the very first Discworld Journal we look at life, the universe and fine Klatchian curries through the eye-sockets of Sir Terry Pratchett's most enduring anthropomorphic personification, Death, aided and abetted by a host of his constant companions including Susan Sto Helit, Mort, Albert, and the Death of Rats. In a move away from previous years' diaries, gone are the restrictions of time and space in favour of a free-form notebook format, giving more room for your musings! With space aplenty to pen your immortal prose or (perhaps more aptly) write your life story, you'll be aided and abetted by Death's wit, wisdom and observations along the way. So, cower brief mortals, and always look on the bright side of death."
The Death and Friends Discworld Journal is beautifully illustrated by David Wyatt and priced at £16.99 each. For more information, and to order, go to:
https://www.discworldemporium.com/diaries-calendars/550-death-and-friends-a-discworld-journal
* The Imaginarium of Professor Pratchett!
Something for your wall... "An exclusive collectors print featuring Paul Kidby’s iconic 2018 portrait of Terry Pratchett, as seen on the book jacket of Terry Pratchett HisWorld, the Official Exhibition Companion. Each print is hand signed and numbered and the edition is limited to 2000 copies worldwide. Printed on 350gm silk paper. Dimensions 490 x 350mm. Prints are despatched rolled in acid free tissue in a postal tube."
The Imaginarium of Professor Pratchett is priced at £40 (free postage and packing for UK buyers). For more information, and to order, go to:
https://shop.paulkidby.com/the-imaginarium-of-professor-pratchett-ii/
* The Discworld Imaginarium limited special edition!
"Featuring the very best of Paul Kidby’s Discworld illustrations, this definitive volume includes 40 pieces of never before seen art, including preliminary drawings, 30 pieces that have only appeared in foreign editions, limited editions and Book Club editions and 17 book cover illustrations, since 2004, shown without cover text. This Deluxe Special Edition is exclusive to only Paulkidby.com & Discworld.com. The Special Edition is leather bound and features an alternative silver embossed cover design presented in a cloth covered clam-shell box. The book has a signature page with a new piece of artwork produced especially for this edition and an exclusive print is presented separately for framing. All copies are numbered, and signed by Paul Kidby."
The Discworld Imaginarium special edition is limited to 1,250 copies, each priced at £107 (including UK delivery). For more information, and to order, go to:
https://shop.paulkidby.com/terry-pratchetts-discworld-imaginarium-deluxe-special-limited-edition-of-1-250/
3.2 A LOOK AHEAD: DISCWORLD AND BEYOND EXHIBITION IN 2020
Paul Kidby's Discworld & Beyond touring exhibition will be at the next July and August!
When: 4th July–22nd August 2020
Venue: Hereford Museum & Art Gallery, Broad Street, Hereford, HR4 9AU
Times: Tuesdays through Fridays 10am–4pm, Saturdays 10am–12.30pm, Sundays and Mondays closed
Tickets: free entry
We'll pass along more information closer to the date.
https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/info/200172/museums/648/hereford_museums_and_art_gallery/2
And here be a heads-up for museums and galleries: "We are currently taking bookings for this ever popular exhibition from Galleries & Museums around the UK for 2019 and onwards. For details please contact Emma Mackinnon, Exhibitions and Collections Officer."
St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery, New Street, Lymington, Hants SO41 9BH (phone 01590 676969)
www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk
3.3 PAUL KIDBY NEWS
Some highlights from Mr Kidby's regular newsletters:
"I have been pressing ahead with my new Discworld illustrated book project and coming up with ideas for the accompanying ephemera. The planning stage is often the most creative and exciting with a plethora of concepts jostling to become reality. It is fun working with my team of fellow imagineers, bouncing notions off each other often leads to outcomes that would never otherwise materialise. We have a lot of laughs while brainstorming and our plans get wilder and more impractical before we have to rein them back in and make it all ‘feasible to fit in an envelope’... I have also been ‘perfecting’ Nobby’s handwriting... We continue to oversee the production of the Celestial Edition of Good Omens; this week the cast book corners are being finished in London. The cabinet makers are constructing the presentation boxes which are a work of art in their own right and bring together a fitting union between the enduring crafts of illustration, fine book binding, metalwork and joinery. It is a responsibility to be overseeing this special project and very exciting to see it taking shape."
"It’s been a wet and dreary month and I have spent much of it coughing and sneezing over my artwork. Despite this, I am making steady progress on my new series of illustrations. My plan is to get the full set designed and drawn before I commence colouring in the new year. Here is a detail of an illustration I am calling ‘The Thin Brown Line’ showing the Night Watch on the streets of Ankh Morpork."
3.4 ORANGUTAN NEWS: LIBRARIANS ARE PEOPLE!
"A 33-year-old orangutan granted legal personhood by a judge in Argentina is settling into her new surroundings at the Center for Great Apes in central Florida. Patti Ragan, director of the center in Wauchula, Florida, says Sandra is 'very sweet and inquisitive” and adjusting to her new home. She was born in Germany and spent 25 years at the Buenos Aires Zoo before arriving in Florida on Nov. 5... Judge Elena Liberatori’s landmark ruling in 2015 declared that Sandra is legally not an animal, but a non-human person, thus entitled to some legal rights enjoyed by people, and better living conditions. 'With that ruling I wanted to tell society something new, that animals are sentient beings and that the first right they have is our obligation to respect them,' she told The Associated Press..."
https://www.snopes.com/ap/2019/11/07/orangutan-granted-human-status-settles-into-new-florida-home/
3.5 ROUNDWORLD'S MENDED DRUM SERVES GREAT CHIPS, APPARENTLY
It's not often one finds a Discworld-related restaurant review, but here it is...
By Helen Mead for the York Press:
"The first thing I would say about The Mended Drum is that it’s wise to book in advance... The L-shaped dining room in this country pub in the village of Huby north of York, isn’t spacious, but has a welcoming, rustic feel, with beams, wooden panelling, exposed brickwork, shelves displaying vintage crockery and various prints including pictures by LS Lowry. On the next table sat a family with young children, tucking into healthy portions of fish and chips, and burgers. The youngsters had been crayoning, using a pot of crayons and colouring sheets provided by the pub – a nice touch. It was nice to see them proudly showing off their pictures... Staff are friendly and it is obviously a community pub well-used by locals, with many people popping in and out of the bar, in an adjacent room with an open fire. It’s an intriguing name for a pub: we were told that it was born from a run-down former pub The Star, which closed and was rescued from possible demolition to become The Mended Drum. It opened eight years ago. There is a sister pub, The Artful Dodger, on Micklegate. The name Mended Drum comes from the Terry Pratchett Discworld novels – in the series, a pub called The Broken Drum fell on hard times and was then burned to the ground. It reopened as The Mended Drum... 'The Drum' as it is known locally, has clearly hit the mark and is a popular spot..."
https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/eatingout/18006062.eating-best-chips-ever-mended-drum-huby/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
04) MORE GOOD OMENS BITS AND BOBS
Remember, Good Omens is now available to purchase in both DVD and Blu-ray editions! – Ed.
4.1 BLU-RAY REVIEW
A long, thorough review by Joe Corey for Inside Pulse:
"If you’ve followed the writer Neil Gaiman’s Twitter feed over the last few years, you’ve been staring over his shoulder while he committed to the Herculean task of adapting Good Omens to the screen... The production has a high level cast including Miranda Richardson, Jon Hamm, Frances McDormand and Jack Whitehall. Michael McKean will astonish those who only know him from Laverne and Shirley. He is Witchfinder Sargent Shadwell who gets tangled up in the spiritual mystery while doing his job. McKean imbues the character with an accent that makes him sound like a former member of The Fall that was fired by Mark E. Smith in 1987. This might be the greatest performance as an Englishman by an American actor... Good Omens is one of the finest miniseries ever adapted from a novel. It’d be easy to put it up with Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Universe. But this production is so magnificent that it rates up their with the finest of British television such as I, Claudius and Brideshead Revisted. Neil Gaiman could have just signed away his film rights to Hollywood for a fat paycheck. But he wanted to create a production that would make the late Terry Pratchett proud. Good Omens is delivers on all the humor from the novel and fulfills the promise of seeing the end of the world on the screen...
"Page to Screen (6:24) has Neil Gaiman speak about adapting his and Sir Terry Pratchett’s novel. Sheen speaks of getting into Neil’s work with the Sandman comic books. Adria Arjona speaks of being nervous since she wasn’t auditioning for the producer, but the creator of the character. Neil speaks of the hugeness of the project. Jon Hamm talks about how people wanted to be part of this world. Aziraphale’s World (4:44) has Michael Sheen explain his angel character who enjoys the human life. Bookshop Tour (5:24) lets Neil Gaiman point out the details of the space. I get the idea that Neil wants to take this home with him (if he hasn’t already). He points out Terry Prachett’s hat and scarf. Crowley’s World (4:11) reminds us that Crowley’s name was Crawley when we first meet the demon. David Tennant talks of the trouble making qualities of his character and his forbidden friendship with Aziraphale. He points out that the two don’t want to see the end of the world because they like being a part of humanity including the music of Queen. Audio commentaries for all 6 episodes has Neil Gaiman, director Douglas Mackinnon and other cast and crew talk about the production. Neil points out the opening of Good Omens explaining the set up was a tip of the hat to Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy..."
https://insidepulse.com/2019/11/05/blu-ray-review-good-omens/
4.2 ANALYSING THE GOOD OMENS DELIVERYMAN
By Neela Debnath for The Express:
"Many fans of Good Omens have been speculating on Reddit about the character of the International Express Delivery Man. One user called Redxmirage posted: 'Didn’t he deliver something in the Middle East? I don’t get his character. It seems like he was supposed to be some divine character.' While user TLema responded: 'Literally just some guy who is very dedicated to his delivery job.' A third user called kizzyjenks reasoned: 'In the book it was never really specified if he was in any way supernatural. The God voiceover refers to him as 'the summoner' which is still pretty vague...'... But others surmised the character was left ambiguous by the authors, leaving it up to interpretation. The character never displays any supernatural powers, hinting he could be a mere mortal. So, it looks like the character could just be a man very dedicated to his job or is perhaps already dead..."
https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1197667/Good-Omens-International-Express-delivery-man-Simon-Merrells
4.3 NEIL GAIMAN'S REACTION TO THE FANS' EMBRACING OF "AZIROWLEY"
By Morgan Jeffery in the Radio Times:
"Neil Gaiman was expecting a big reaction to the TV adaptation of his and Terry Pratchett’s novel… but the 'ferocity' of the response to one aspect of the show took him completely by surprise. Speaking to RadioTimes.com, Gaiman explained that while he had 'enormous fun' writing the dynamic between David Tennant’s demon Crowley and Michael Sheen’s angel Aziraphale, the strength of the fan reaction to the pairing was more than he could have hoped for... The show has inspired a fervent fandom, with aficionados producing fan art and fiction and attending conventions dressed as their favourite Good Omens characters. 'David Tennant said something which I thought was rather wonderful when I was asking him about it – he said at DragonCon this year, for the very first time, he had more demons turn up to pose for photographs with him than Time Lords!' Gaiman recalled. 'I’ve seen photographs posted on Twitter from people in Moscow, from the Ukraine, from Japan, from China – which is really amazing because we aren’t legitimately shown in China! From Italy… not to mention America and England and Brazil and Argentina… all these places where people are dressing up as the characters and writing letters about how magical and how important the characters were to them… so it was incredibly unexpected...'..."
https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2019-10-24/good-omens-crowley-aziraphale-romance/
4.4 DELETED SCENES IN THE GOOD OMENS SCRIPT BOOK SPECIAL EDITIONS
If you bought one of the "special edition" copies of the Quite Nice and Fairly Accurate Good Omens Script Book and discovered that your exclusive deleted scene isn't the same deleted scene as the exclusive deleted scene in someone else's special edition copy of the Quite Nice and Fairly Accurate Good Omens Script Book, despair not! Internet user Jess has got hold of all the different versions and painstakingly typed them out, turned them into an online document, and made it available to all and sundry. Many thanks, Jess!
There are five different deleted scenes, all well worth a read:
1: In Which Aziraphale Opens His Bookshop (pg 3)
2: In Which Aziraphale Meets the Neighbours (pg 8)
3: In Which Crowley Gets Drunk with Leonardo da Vinci (pg 12)
4: In Which Aziraphale Searches for a Body (pg 13)
5: In Which Crowley Goes Clothes Shopping (pg 17)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1diJukGVVYlWJSnJ_Mq5dKjtC2DjHNU5ND8n3gR3-BRQ/mobilebasic
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
05) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
Editor's note: as Wossname normally only comes out once every month, do check the Wossname blog for information on plays that might fall between issue dates! Go to https://wossname.dreamwidth.org/ for interim updates.
5.1 DISCWORLD PLAYS
There are no upcoming Discworld plays to promote at the moment! Please, Roundworld, we need more and more Discworld on the stage. Make this happen!
5.2 REVIEWS
* GOING POSTAL IN EMERALD, FOURECKS
In which a small amateur dramatics company in a small town in the rather small Dandenong mountains shows the world how to properly stage a Pratchett play
By Annie Mac
There was no snow in Australia's Dandenong Ranges last month, but neither rain nor unseasonal cold nor glom of nit could dampen the Gemco Players' glorious production of Going Postal. I have rarely seen a finer example of what the power of love – in this case, love of Terry Pratchett's original novel and Stephen Briggs' clever, sensitive adaptation of it – can do to transform a small stage area into multiple locations in another world. Led by a family team of director Evie Housham and set designer/sound-and-lighting director/music co-composer Ross Housham, the cast and crew gave their all to the presentation... and their all was plenty indeed.
From the moment we entered the Community Arts Centre, the atmosphere was perfect. A large display in the foyer featuring a golden "postman of the gods" statue, complete with wing'ed hat and wing'ed footwear (and a tasteful loincloth to cover the, um, other wing'ed wossname) and standing on a pile of letters, greeted the sold-out crowd; free Ask Me About Pins badges and free sherry were on offer in the bar area; and in the theatre proper, a stunning "clacks tower" winked on and off at speed as its operator tried to keep up with the imagined flow of messages while soothing, rather otherworldly original music played over the PA system. A flawless build-up overall, and once the play began things went from strength to strength. The play consisted of two acts, comprising an astonishing total of twenty-eight scenes – just take a moment to imagine the complexity of staging that number of disparate/discrete scene on a smallish stage!
Jackson Cowan as Moist von Lipwig was quite simply perfect! He nearly outshone the rest of the cast, and not only by virtue of his golden suit. Trevor Mills' Lord Vetinari could have stepped right out of the novels themselves. Tina Chalmers gave us an Adora Belle Dearheart at least as impressive as Claire Foy's professional turn in the Going Postal Sky two-parter; similarly, Ben Zagami's magnificently amoral Reacher Gilt put David Suchet's telly performance well and truly in the shade. John Piggott as Junior Postman Groat and Luke Slade as Stanley never missed a beat, using comedic voicings and world-class gymnastic pratfalls to create a peerless double act, while Lachy Castricum as Mr Pump brought an extra dimension of fun to the proceedings by playing his role in a Schwarzenegger-Terminator voice so spot-on that Arnold himself could have been inside the costume. And the rest of the cast did so well that they all deserve a mention: Sonia Morison as Sacharissa Cripslock; Dionyy Penketh as Drumknott; Carmela Pezzimenti as Igor (and also doing an excellent job as Stage Manager);
Mandy Segal as Miss Maccalariat et al; Sarah Fernee as Mr Gryle, "Princess", Sane Alex et al; Tim Stapleton as Postman Aggy, Big Dave of Dave's Pins, Ridcully et al; Maxine Neville as Mr Slant, Mr Pony et al; and Cat Tregallis as Christine Horsefry, Mad Al et al. Even sponsor Bill Pell put in an appearance as Devious Collabone in the cleverly built Omniscope.
The set design was nothing short of a triumph. Giant envelopes bearing addresses from all over the Disc hung here and there above the stage itself, which in turn was piled with "dead letters" and even had envelopes painted onto the proscenium. The Houshams and their team gave us a credible rendering of the Tanty, the Patrician's office, Dave's Pin Emporium, the Foie Heureux and numerous other places, as well as managing to create the impression of various levels of the Post Office from the BS Johnson Sorting Machine in the cellar to the Smoking Gnu's bijou clacks tower on the roof. The costumes by Sonia Morison, Connie Mifsud, Evie Housham and the whole cast were, again, perfect (special mention to Evie Housham for creating the exceptional Golem costume, which served via careful scene changes and a few decorations as Anghammarad the Ancient Post Golem). Special mentions also go to lighting operator and music co-composer Cailey Sheppard and to make-up artist Aimee Achten.
There was almost nothing I could find to criticise in this beautiful production. My only quibble was with the Grand Trunk board members – a lack of available male actors meant that the entire Board was composed of women, and while for the most part that worked well, the casting of Tregallis as "Christine" Horsefry (the original character being Crispin) was somewhat lacklustre, though the fault lay not in acting or direction but in the simple truth that Horsefry was a blundering buffoon, and as our cultures don't seem to accept women as buffoons, so Tregallis played the role as a nervous scaredy-girl and much of the character's comedic potential was lost. But that's a very small quibble in a mountain of compliment-worthy work.
Oh, and as it was closing night, there was a free supper of sandwiches, coffee and cake afterwards, and much pleasure was to be had from chatting to the cast, crew and director.
We saw Gemco Players' production of Guards! Guards! a few years ago and that was excellent, but they have truly surpassed themselves with Going Postal. Needless to say, we're looking forward to their next Discworld production!
[Editor's note: I've never managed yhet to make it to an Unseen Theatre production, but I suspect that when I eventually do, it will earn similarly lavish praise]
* GOING POSTAL IN ADELAIDE
By Christine Pyman for Broadway World:
"The main character of Moist von Lipwig, wonderfully bought to life in front of us by Nicholas Andrews, is an endearing one and, obviously, Pratchett felt the same way about this creation as he was bought back as the main character in two more novels. Von Lipwig is a cunning conman who is almost as good at understanding people's behaviour as the tyrant, Lord Vetinari, and together they make a controlling team, changing the society of the not-so-good people of Ankh Morpork. Andrews made the perfect von Lipwig, with spot-on timing, gestures, and confidence. In fact, this entire production was well cast, with each of the actors bringing enthusiasm and fun to their multitudinous roles. Danny Sag brings experience to his role of Vetinari, who, with a drawl and a dismissive turn of his head simultaneously manages to give the audience delight, anticipation and a tinge of horror at his machinations. Sag's performance was well foiled by Alastair Preece's Drumknott, played with just the right amount of disinterested disdain to add a layer of background character to the mainly benevolent dictator Vetinari. Unseen veteran, Paul Messenger, made an effective leader of a corporation which irresistibly reminded me of our electricity companies, with privatisation and profit-making on the agenda...
"The setting of the Post Office also held aside the veils to expose the innate ridiculousness and depths of bureaucracy, with the possibly Benny Hill inspired capering of Sam Tutty and Hugh O'Connor. This was tempered by the beautiful moments of supernatural despair held within the building, exposed to us through lighting and sound... Newcomer to Unseen, Nikonus Pappus, had the honour, and spent the effort of getting right, a one-liner that closed a joke that runs rampant throughout Pratchett's writing. Perfect. I'll say no more..."
https://www.broadwayworld.com/adelaide/article/BWW-Review-GOING-POSTAL-at-Bakehouse-Theatre-20191121
By Ewart Shaw for Adelaide Now:
"Stephen Briggs’ adaptation is probably the best of all of his adaptations, pacy and perceptive. It gets the production it deserves here. Much of the humour comes directly from Pratchett’s witty and cynical view of life, in this case through the lens of a conman reviving the failing Post Office... The core cast are excellent. Danny Sag wears the robes of the Patrician Lord Vetinari with an understated control, Nicholas Andrews is a totally charming Moist Von Lipwig backed up in the GPO by Hugh O’Connor and Sam Tutty as a really funny duo of postmen. Kahlia Tutty is an elegant and well articulated Adora Belle Dearheart and Adam Thorstensson a stylish Sacharissa Cripslock. Around them the usual suspects have been rounded up, Alastair Preece, Paul Messenger, Leighton James, Nikonus Pappas and David Dyte deliver neatly. Special mention goes to Stephen Dean’s lighting and sound design for some very clever effects indeed..."
https://bit.ly/2D8iet1 (requires subscription) or https://bit.ly/2pG32jM (includes some fine cast photos; free download as .pdf)
...and by Jordan Bell for The Clothesline:
"Director Pamela Munt, founder and artistic director of Unseen Theatre Company, takes on Going Postal for a second time (following an earlier outing in 2005). She deftly manages a big cast on a small stage, while staying true to the spirit and scope of Sir Terry’s comedy. The cast, for the most part, lean into the broad characterisations and deadpan delivery beloved by Pratchett fans, and some standout moments draw raucous laughter from the friendly crowd. Danny Sag as the fantastically ruthless Lord Vetinari steals every scene that he is in. Paul Messenger nails his role as the sinister villain Reacher Gilt, the head of the price-fixing, infrastructure-looting, worker-sacking, competitor-murdering business cabal that have taken over the Grand Trunk Company, much to the detriment of Ankh-Morpork’s long-suffering citizens. Nicholas Andrews, as main character Moist, plays the role with flamboyant energy and well-timed asides – lighting changes are used effectively to convey the moments he breaks the fourth wall and addresses the audience directly. But there is a thin line between charming and smarmy, and Moist sometimes comes across as unsympathetic, at times when he could have been making the audience fall for his spiel... From a production perspective, the cast made the most of the small space, with set changes happening relatively smoothly to create different locations, and sound and lighting effects used cleverly to build atmosphere..."
https://theclothesline.com.au/going-postal-unseen-theatre-bakehouse-review/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
06) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
The Broken Drummers, "London's Premier Unofficially Official Discworld Group" (motto "Nil percussio est"), will next meet on Monday 2nd December at the earlier time of 6pm at The Monkey Puzzle, 30 Southwick Street, London W2 1JQ. As it is the Drummers' Christmas Party, note that the pub is serving Christmas-themed meals and there is no need to pre-book.
The November meet report, by Helen on Facebook: "We met Monday night. As is usual in November it was quite a small crowd so we didn't bother with a quiz. Alex will do a special quiz next month. Andrew was keen to tell everyone about the new Youtube cartoon Hazbin Hotel about rehabilitation for demons. Look it up but be aware it's NSFW and not suitable for children. I recall discussions on marriage, Iran and the reluctance of British people to complain in restaurants. It turns out Pete once complained when a restaurant undercharged him and was given his meal on the house for his honesty..."
For more information, email BrokenDrummers@gmail.com or nicholls.helen@yahoo.co.uk or join their Facebook group at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/55107511411/permalink/10156634038566412/
*
Canberra, Australia's Discworld fan group is 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 from 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."
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. 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, craft, chain maille or costuming workshops or other fun social activities."
The next CoSG events will be an End of Year picnic in December and the New Year's Day movie on 1st January (details for both not yet finalised).
The CoSG also have another identity. Here's the skinny:
Round World Events SA Inc is a not-for-profit incorporated association whose aim is to run fun social Pratchett-themed events for people in South Australia. Our first major event was the Unseen University Convivium held in July 2012. We have also run three successful and booked out Science Fiction and Fantasy themed quiz nights named Quiz Long And Prosper, in 2013, 2014 and 2015! The association will run some events under the City of Small Gods banner, but you do not have to be a Round World Events SA member to be part of City of Small Gods. However, we are always on the look out for new members for Round World Events SA to help us organise future events! Membership is $20 a year (for Adelaide locals) or $5 a year (for those not quite so close) and has the following benefits:
A shiny membership certificate all of your very own
Discounted entry price to some of the events we run
A warm, fuzzy feeling deep down in your chest (no, not quite that deep)
For more information, or to join as a member, please email RoundWorldEventsSA@gmail.com
www.cityofsmallgods.org.au
*
The Broken Vectis Drummers meet next on Thursday 5th December (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 6th December (possibly) 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. 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 2nd December (possibly) at 6.30pm 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, meet next on Monday 2nd December (possibly) at Old Shanghai, 123 James Street, Northbridge, Perth, Western Australia. For details join their Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Perth.Drummers/ – or message Alexandra Ware directly at <alexandra.ware@gmail.com>
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
07) AROUND THE BLOGOSPHERE
Blogger Murdocal considers Equal Rites:
"You can tell that it’s an early novel. It doesn’t feel as tight or as funny. However, after the first two books in the series, we can celebrate the introduction of a strong narrative here. I’ve nothing against The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic but they were more about parody than storytelling. Equal Rites starts to move us towards the wider universe of these novels... The novel spends an awful lot of time getting to where it needs to be. Pratchett delights in the minutiae of his world and we spend a lot of time describing people and places. A lot of time that could have been spent on the main plot of the novel. As a Tolkien fan, I love a good bit of lush description but not at the expense of the story... there is a lot of fantastic world-building on show here. The new characters we meet and the new places we visit are all created with such care and originality. Pratchett knows how to expand a universe and work everything together. The introduction of Granny Weatherwax is superb and you can tell she’s on her way to becoming a great character..."
https://motherbookerblog.com/2019/10/23/book-review-equal-rites-by-terry-pratchett/
Blogger thecorneroflaura returns with a review of The Long Earth as an audiobook:
"The introduction to Stepping was sudden and left the readers guessing what was going on as much as the characters. And it was a great introduction to Joshua and Janson. It’s hard to say which of them I like best but I definitely like the nuns a lot... It’s definitely more story-driven than character-driven and there is an incredible amount of detail in the worlds. For all that, it’s comparatively low on the technical talk. A non-scientifically minded reader (like me) could follow it fairly well... Entirely unexpected change of pace at the last part after far too much time-wasting. Something had to give but I didn’t think it would be that. That twist hit me so fast, I almost got whiplash, and it almost made it worth sticking this book out..."
https://thecorneroflaura.wordpress.com/2019/10/23/in-one-word-the-long-earth-by-terry-pratchett-and-stephen-baxter-is/
Blogger and budding author Michael J Ritchie also reviewed The Long Earth:
"I’ve not read much Stephen Baxter, but what I have is always phenomenal. He is truly one of the greatest science fiction writers in history, and the only reason I haven’t read more is that they’re usually very long and hefty tomes. Everything he writes, no matter how impossible it seems at first, comes across as realistic and perfectly probable. Pratchett, I am always more wary of and still can’t fully embrace the Discworld novels. However, as with Good Omens, it seems that, for me at least, Pratchett is best when tempered by someone else, but his imagination and humour come through here for sure, and a lot of the jokes and pop culture references are certainly his doing. Between them, they have produced a scenario that is fascinating. True consideration has gone in to what would happen in a world like this... We meet a lot of characters, all going through different things and showing the different ways people reacted to the aftermath of Step Day, and the timeline jumps back and forth with reckless abandon. The stars of the book for me, however, are the Earths themselves..."
https://fellfromfiction.wordpress.com/2019/11/14/the-long-earth-by-terry-pratchett-stephen-baxter-2013/
Blogger Worth a Thousand Words enjoyed TAMAHER:
I was like 'Terry Pratchett writes children’s books?!'. My boyfriend likes Terry Pratchett but I’ve not read any of his book before this so I thought this would be a nice easy introduction... I really enjoyed this book. There was one character who was quite annoying but I think that was intentional. It’s kind of a very self aware book and I’m sure some of it would go over kids’s heads. Maurice (the cat) is a great character to read from and just so sassy..."
https://worth1000wordsweb.wordpress.com/2019/11/11/81-the-amazing-maurice-and-his-educated-rodents-bookish-blurb/
Blogger Tegan Stevenson compares Good Omens the book and Good Omens the series:
Book adaptations can invite some pretty strong emotions. Whether it’s popular or a bit obscure there are plenty of people who have opinions about it and they often want to share them. I know that I can be the same because, if you love something you want the adaptation to recognise the delight that comes with seeing something that you’ve loved. That being said, the lead up the release of the series was positive in my mind. I spent months trying to avoid spoilers on Tumblr etc. because I’d rather watch the full thing in it’s entirety without keeping an eye out for specific tiny moments that I already know about. Yes, even though I’d read the book I still wanted that experience of seeing the series with fresh eyes for the first time... what an amazing series! It was absolutely gorgeous to watch. For starters, the settings were incredible. Aziraphale’s infamous bookshop was even better than I’d imagined. I would absolutely love to live in a cottage like the one Anathema rented and Crowley’s flat… (wicked laugh) so severe and so lush. I was totally lost in the moment as we watched the series and I just enjoyed it from start to end. We all did. I think that, for me, the series emphasised all of the best elements of the book and it was a joy to watch as the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley stumbled about..."
https://teganstevensonwrites.wordpress.com/2019/11/13/a-good-weekend/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
08) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
A collection of iconographs from Gungahlin College's recent production of Mort: https://bit.ly/2PLPI8c
Moist von Lipwig and Lord Vetinari, from Unseen Theatre's just-finishing production of Going Postal, photographed by Michael Errey:
https://bit.ly/33yRmNV
A very believable-looking trio of Lancre witches from Alsager Community Theatre's current production of Wyrd Sisters:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJ6U_CDXYAAB29t?format=jpg&name=small
The cast of Leeds Children's Theatre's recent production of Johnny and the Dead:
http://www.leeds-childrens-theatre.co.uk/uploads/1/5/1/2/15123772/full-cast1-copyright_1_orig.jpg
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
09) CLOSE
For those of you who might have been saving up for the Paul Kidby-illustrated, beautiful but *very* expensive limited Good Omens Ineffable Edition, some sad news: all 666 copies have now been sold. So somewhere there are – or will be, come Hogswatch – some very happy Good Omens fans... however, copies of the still pricey but more affordable (and less limited, at 1,655 copies) Occult Edition are still available:
https://shop.paulkidby.com/the-definitive-good-omens-occult-edition/
...and if you're a Good Omens fan with money to burn, you can still apply for one of the only 24 copies to be made of the Celestial Edition: "The Celestial Edition is a rare presentation copy and a serious investment for book and art collectors. The craftsmanship in this edition elevates each copy to a work of art. The leather-bound hardback book features metal corner pieces and gold foil page edges, contained in a burr oak presentation box with brass inlays. 20 colour illustrations with additional pencil images. Each copy individually hand-printed and bound by specialists in the UK. Named tipped-in sheets, each book and its unique box corresponding to a letter of the Greek alphabet, signed by Neil Gaiman & Paul Kidby. Separate folio of Good Omens ephemera."
http://goodomensillustrated.com/celestial-edition-application/
And that's it for November. Mind how you go, and we'll see you next month!
– Annie Mac
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The End. If you have any questions or requests, write: wossname-owner (at) pearwood (dot) info
Copyright (c) 2019 by Wossname for the Klatchian Foreign Legion
Newsletter of the Klatchian Foreign Legion
November 2019 (Volume 22, Issue 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)
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
INDEX:
01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
02) AN IMPORTANT WOSSNAME ANNOUNCEMENT
03) ODDS AND SODS
04) MORE GOOD OMENS BITS AND BOBS
05) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
06) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
07) AROUND THE BLOGOSPHERE
08) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
09) CLOSE
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
"I am pleased to see that this week the 2020 Discworld Calendar has been at #1 in the Science Fiction & Fantasy Amazon Chart. The Imaginarium is also at #30 two years after publication."
– Paul Kidby, delighted to learn that his Discworld art is still a bestseller
"I needed extra material for them, ’cause there just wasn’t enough in the book. I felt, well, why don’t I essentially take the beats of a love story and see how that works? And I was very fortunate in having Michael and David understand that and let it happen… Particularly the way that Michael plays Aziraphale just as a being of pure love, I think that gave us something very special, because people of every and any sexual orientation and any and every gender looked at Crowley and Aziraphale and saw themselves in it, or saw a love story that they responded to, and that was completely unexpected. Things like this, you can’t manufacture, they have to happen from a fandom."
– Neil Gaiman, reacting to the fans' reaction to that 6,000-year love story
"There's a delicious ironic pleasure to be had to come to understand that, even while you are enjoying watching a comedic play, ostensibly about criminal activities, you are the ones creating this rich vein of society that's being mined and re-presented for our entertainment. Darkness and laughter mix intoxicatingly well."
– reviewer Christine Pyman, applauding Unseen Theatre's understanding of The Author's work in their current stage production of Going Postal
"We asked our prestigious panel to create a list of world-changing novels that would provocative, spark debate and inspire curiosity. It took months of enthusiastic debate and they have not disappointed. There are neglected masterpieces, irresistible romps as well as much-loved classics. It is a more diverse list than any I have seen before, recognising the extent to which the English language novel is an art form embraced way beyond British shores. Best of all, it is just the start of a year of documentaries, author profiles, podcasts and outreach events all designed to do one thing and inspire everyone, whoever they are, to read more novels because of the proven life-enhancing benefits it brings."
– BBC Arts director Jonty Claypole, on the Discworld series' inclusion on a list of life-changing novels
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
02) AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Wossname has been going for many, many years, since its beginnings as an American-based mailout created by old-school fan and retired SF editor Joe Schaumburger, through a long presence on Yahoogroups as well as in email form, to the current email and mirror blog version... and while I hope Wossname can continue for years yet, it's getting more and more difficult to get each issue out to you, O Readers, in its email form. This is due to major internet providers including Yahoo, Google and Hotmail trying ever more vigorously to protect its users from spam. That in itself is a good thing, but unfortunately it means that we at Wossname -- and an ever-growing number of other mailing list posters -- are being falsely identified as spammers simply because we send out a large number of identical posts every month and those posts are loaded with links to follow... all innocent links on our part, of course, but the software that tries to identify spammers has no way of knowing this. Nor does it help that, apparently, many people who subscribe to mailing lists and then change their minds are in the habit of ticking the junk/spam box instead of following the simply and plainly visible Unsubscribe link... sigh.
Our administrator has tried various ways of getting around this, with mixed success. If this current issue gets knocked back as supposed spam, I'm at my wits' end. I'm going to try putting spaces between all the "ticks the box" parts of each URL in this month's email version and see if that helps, but at this rate we may be forced to release each issue of Wossname *solely* on the web on its Dreamwidth blog address.
I hope you'll bear with us. And remember, you can always come here to the blog version if you want to follow those links...
And now, on with the show!
– Annie Mac, Editor
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
03) ODDS AND SODS
3.0 DISCWORLD NOVELS "SHAPED OUR WORLD"
The BBC compendium of 100 novels that shaped our world includes the Discworld series, and it's in good company. The series is listed in the category of "Life, Death & Other Worlds", which includes Frankenstein, The Chronicles of Narnia, Dune, and Neil Gaiman's Sandman series, among others, chosen by a panel including Radio 4 Front Row presenter and Times Literary Supplement editor Stig Abell, broadcaster Mariella Frostrup, authors Juno Dawson, Kit de Waal and Alexander McCall Smith, and Bradford Festival Literary Director Syima Aslam:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/494P41NCbVYHlY319VwGbxp/explore-the-list-of-100-novels-that-shaped-our-world
...more on this from Katie Mansfield for The Bookseller:
"The list also launches a year-long festival in partnership with libraries and reading groups around the UK. Led by Libraries Connected and supported by Arts Council England, special events at libraries around the country include workshops, walking tours, film screenings and live performances, with many libraries commissioning artists to make work that reaches out to everyone in the community, from people living with dementia to those at risk of knife crime. Mark Freeman, president, Libraries Connected said: 'This amazing campaign lies at the heart of libraries’ mission to deliver innovative and engaging reading experiences to communities who need it most..."
https://www.thebookseller.com/news/novels-shaped-our-world-bbc-reveals-100-strong-list-1109401
3.1 THE MERCH CORNER
Hogswatch is a-comin'...
* The Ankh-Morpork Archives are here!
...er, *is* here? At any rate, The Ankh-Morpork Archives, Volume I is/are now available for purchase! "The Ankh-Morpork Archives, Volume I, a fully illustrated comprehensive guide to the exuberant capital city of Terry Pratchett's Discworld, getting to the heart of Ankh-Morpork's secrets, societies and guilds. The book is a compilation of the texts written by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Briggs for the Unseen University, Assassins Guild, Post Office and Thieves Guild diaries. They have been redesigned and formatted into one deluxe digitally re-mastered compendium to showcase the illustrations in large size and the diary element has been removed."
Published by Gollancz and rather beautiful, hand-signed hardcover copies are available from Paul Kidby's website, priced at £30 each (UK only free delivery). For more information, and to order, go to:
https://shop.paulkidby.com/the-ankh-morpork-archives-volume-i/
* The Discworld Destinations Calendar!
Already promoted in an earlier issue, but as 2020 approaches... "The calendar dates are extensive, and exhaustively researched, and include all major real-time calendrical data for Great Britain, Eire, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA, as well as notable Discworld dates. This year's calendar draws upon the whimsical, remarkable art of long-time Discworld collaborator, Paul Kidby - the man whose depictions Terry Pratchett himself described as being 'the closest anyone's got to how I see the characters'."
Published by Gollancz , hand-signed calendars are available from Paul Kidby's website, priced at ££18.50 each (UK only free delivery). For more information, and to order, go to:
https://shop.paulkidby.com/terry-pratchetts-discworld-destinations-collectors-edition-2020-calendar/
* Terry Pratchett: HisWorld, the Official Exhibition Companion!
"The entire exhibition... in a book! Whether you were there or wanted to be, this coffee-table tome provides the story behind the exhibits on show, so you can enjoy the exhibition from the comfort of your own armchair! From his knighthood to his Blue Peter badge, the HisWorld Companion provides a poignant a glimpse into the life and work of our favourite author, Sir Terry Pratchett, with a lovingly curated collection of his life’s possessions and associated ephemera with full-colour photographs and a treasure-trove of anecdotes and contributions from his closest companions and collaborators including Rhianna Pratchett, Paul Kidby, the Josh Kirby Estate, Stephen Briggs, Colin Smythe and our very own Cunning Artificer Bernard Pearson. Created with the Terry Pratchett Estate, HisWorld presents an incredible insight into the man behind the keyboard, with precious and never-before-seen objects that tell the tale of Sir Terry’s life from his beginnings as a young writer and journalist, to his adventures writing Discworld and his eventual battle with PCA. This impressive book captures the exhibition experience in print, so you can treasure the magic of Hisworld forever – it’s never over as long as there’s a book!"
Published by Dunmanifestin Ltd, the Terry Pratchett: HisWorld Companion measures 230 x 275mm, with a thickness of 26mm. 223 pages, and is priced at £30 each. Currently out of stock, but if you visit the webpage you can request an email notice to be sent when more copies will be available:
https://www.discworldemporium.com/books/597-terry-pratchett-hisworld-the-official-exhibition-companion
* The Discworld Flora and Fauna tea towel!
Just the thing for your post-Hogswatch dinner washing-up... "Illustrated exclusively for the Discworld Emporium by Vladimir Stankovic in his wonderfully dark story-book style, this fantastic tea towel is a tribute to some of the 'wilder' creations from the mind of Terry Pratchett – the extraordinary flora and fauna that makes Discworld world just a little bit more, well, Discworld! Thaumicolour printed 100% cotton tea towel, Measures 78 x 48cm."
The Discworld Flora and Fauna tea towel is priced at £9.95 each. For more information, and to order, go to:
https://www.discworldemporium.com/homeware/192-flora-fauna-of-discworld-tea-towel
* The Death and Friends Discworld Journal!
When "what comes after" is written by you... "Record your antics, adventures and observations in a book fit for Death's library! In the very first Discworld Journal we look at life, the universe and fine Klatchian curries through the eye-sockets of Sir Terry Pratchett's most enduring anthropomorphic personification, Death, aided and abetted by a host of his constant companions including Susan Sto Helit, Mort, Albert, and the Death of Rats. In a move away from previous years' diaries, gone are the restrictions of time and space in favour of a free-form notebook format, giving more room for your musings! With space aplenty to pen your immortal prose or (perhaps more aptly) write your life story, you'll be aided and abetted by Death's wit, wisdom and observations along the way. So, cower brief mortals, and always look on the bright side of death."
The Death and Friends Discworld Journal is beautifully illustrated by David Wyatt and priced at £16.99 each. For more information, and to order, go to:
https://www.discworldemporium.com/diaries-calendars/550-death-and-friends-a-discworld-journal
* The Imaginarium of Professor Pratchett!
Something for your wall... "An exclusive collectors print featuring Paul Kidby’s iconic 2018 portrait of Terry Pratchett, as seen on the book jacket of Terry Pratchett HisWorld, the Official Exhibition Companion. Each print is hand signed and numbered and the edition is limited to 2000 copies worldwide. Printed on 350gm silk paper. Dimensions 490 x 350mm. Prints are despatched rolled in acid free tissue in a postal tube."
The Imaginarium of Professor Pratchett is priced at £40 (free postage and packing for UK buyers). For more information, and to order, go to:
https://shop.paulkidby.com/the-imaginarium-of-professor-pratchett-ii/
* The Discworld Imaginarium limited special edition!
"Featuring the very best of Paul Kidby’s Discworld illustrations, this definitive volume includes 40 pieces of never before seen art, including preliminary drawings, 30 pieces that have only appeared in foreign editions, limited editions and Book Club editions and 17 book cover illustrations, since 2004, shown without cover text. This Deluxe Special Edition is exclusive to only Paulkidby.com & Discworld.com. The Special Edition is leather bound and features an alternative silver embossed cover design presented in a cloth covered clam-shell box. The book has a signature page with a new piece of artwork produced especially for this edition and an exclusive print is presented separately for framing. All copies are numbered, and signed by Paul Kidby."
The Discworld Imaginarium special edition is limited to 1,250 copies, each priced at £107 (including UK delivery). For more information, and to order, go to:
https://shop.paulkidby.com/terry-pratchetts-discworld-imaginarium-deluxe-special-limited-edition-of-1-250/
3.2 A LOOK AHEAD: DISCWORLD AND BEYOND EXHIBITION IN 2020
Paul Kidby's Discworld & Beyond touring exhibition will be at the next July and August!
When: 4th July–22nd August 2020
Venue: Hereford Museum & Art Gallery, Broad Street, Hereford, HR4 9AU
Times: Tuesdays through Fridays 10am–4pm, Saturdays 10am–12.30pm, Sundays and Mondays closed
Tickets: free entry
We'll pass along more information closer to the date.
https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/info/200172/museums/648/hereford_museums_and_art_gallery/2
And here be a heads-up for museums and galleries: "We are currently taking bookings for this ever popular exhibition from Galleries & Museums around the UK for 2019 and onwards. For details please contact Emma Mackinnon, Exhibitions and Collections Officer."
St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery, New Street, Lymington, Hants SO41 9BH (phone 01590 676969)
www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk
3.3 PAUL KIDBY NEWS
Some highlights from Mr Kidby's regular newsletters:
"I have been pressing ahead with my new Discworld illustrated book project and coming up with ideas for the accompanying ephemera. The planning stage is often the most creative and exciting with a plethora of concepts jostling to become reality. It is fun working with my team of fellow imagineers, bouncing notions off each other often leads to outcomes that would never otherwise materialise. We have a lot of laughs while brainstorming and our plans get wilder and more impractical before we have to rein them back in and make it all ‘feasible to fit in an envelope’... I have also been ‘perfecting’ Nobby’s handwriting... We continue to oversee the production of the Celestial Edition of Good Omens; this week the cast book corners are being finished in London. The cabinet makers are constructing the presentation boxes which are a work of art in their own right and bring together a fitting union between the enduring crafts of illustration, fine book binding, metalwork and joinery. It is a responsibility to be overseeing this special project and very exciting to see it taking shape."
"It’s been a wet and dreary month and I have spent much of it coughing and sneezing over my artwork. Despite this, I am making steady progress on my new series of illustrations. My plan is to get the full set designed and drawn before I commence colouring in the new year. Here is a detail of an illustration I am calling ‘The Thin Brown Line’ showing the Night Watch on the streets of Ankh Morpork."
3.4 ORANGUTAN NEWS: LIBRARIANS ARE PEOPLE!
"A 33-year-old orangutan granted legal personhood by a judge in Argentina is settling into her new surroundings at the Center for Great Apes in central Florida. Patti Ragan, director of the center in Wauchula, Florida, says Sandra is 'very sweet and inquisitive” and adjusting to her new home. She was born in Germany and spent 25 years at the Buenos Aires Zoo before arriving in Florida on Nov. 5... Judge Elena Liberatori’s landmark ruling in 2015 declared that Sandra is legally not an animal, but a non-human person, thus entitled to some legal rights enjoyed by people, and better living conditions. 'With that ruling I wanted to tell society something new, that animals are sentient beings and that the first right they have is our obligation to respect them,' she told The Associated Press..."
https://www.snopes.com/ap/2019/11/07/orangutan-granted-human-status-settles-into-new-florida-home/
3.5 ROUNDWORLD'S MENDED DRUM SERVES GREAT CHIPS, APPARENTLY
It's not often one finds a Discworld-related restaurant review, but here it is...
By Helen Mead for the York Press:
"The first thing I would say about The Mended Drum is that it’s wise to book in advance... The L-shaped dining room in this country pub in the village of Huby north of York, isn’t spacious, but has a welcoming, rustic feel, with beams, wooden panelling, exposed brickwork, shelves displaying vintage crockery and various prints including pictures by LS Lowry. On the next table sat a family with young children, tucking into healthy portions of fish and chips, and burgers. The youngsters had been crayoning, using a pot of crayons and colouring sheets provided by the pub – a nice touch. It was nice to see them proudly showing off their pictures... Staff are friendly and it is obviously a community pub well-used by locals, with many people popping in and out of the bar, in an adjacent room with an open fire. It’s an intriguing name for a pub: we were told that it was born from a run-down former pub The Star, which closed and was rescued from possible demolition to become The Mended Drum. It opened eight years ago. There is a sister pub, The Artful Dodger, on Micklegate. The name Mended Drum comes from the Terry Pratchett Discworld novels – in the series, a pub called The Broken Drum fell on hard times and was then burned to the ground. It reopened as The Mended Drum... 'The Drum' as it is known locally, has clearly hit the mark and is a popular spot..."
https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/eatingout/18006062.eating-best-chips-ever-mended-drum-huby/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
04) MORE GOOD OMENS BITS AND BOBS
Remember, Good Omens is now available to purchase in both DVD and Blu-ray editions! – Ed.
4.1 BLU-RAY REVIEW
A long, thorough review by Joe Corey for Inside Pulse:
"If you’ve followed the writer Neil Gaiman’s Twitter feed over the last few years, you’ve been staring over his shoulder while he committed to the Herculean task of adapting Good Omens to the screen... The production has a high level cast including Miranda Richardson, Jon Hamm, Frances McDormand and Jack Whitehall. Michael McKean will astonish those who only know him from Laverne and Shirley. He is Witchfinder Sargent Shadwell who gets tangled up in the spiritual mystery while doing his job. McKean imbues the character with an accent that makes him sound like a former member of The Fall that was fired by Mark E. Smith in 1987. This might be the greatest performance as an Englishman by an American actor... Good Omens is one of the finest miniseries ever adapted from a novel. It’d be easy to put it up with Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Universe. But this production is so magnificent that it rates up their with the finest of British television such as I, Claudius and Brideshead Revisted. Neil Gaiman could have just signed away his film rights to Hollywood for a fat paycheck. But he wanted to create a production that would make the late Terry Pratchett proud. Good Omens is delivers on all the humor from the novel and fulfills the promise of seeing the end of the world on the screen...
"Page to Screen (6:24) has Neil Gaiman speak about adapting his and Sir Terry Pratchett’s novel. Sheen speaks of getting into Neil’s work with the Sandman comic books. Adria Arjona speaks of being nervous since she wasn’t auditioning for the producer, but the creator of the character. Neil speaks of the hugeness of the project. Jon Hamm talks about how people wanted to be part of this world. Aziraphale’s World (4:44) has Michael Sheen explain his angel character who enjoys the human life. Bookshop Tour (5:24) lets Neil Gaiman point out the details of the space. I get the idea that Neil wants to take this home with him (if he hasn’t already). He points out Terry Prachett’s hat and scarf. Crowley’s World (4:11) reminds us that Crowley’s name was Crawley when we first meet the demon. David Tennant talks of the trouble making qualities of his character and his forbidden friendship with Aziraphale. He points out that the two don’t want to see the end of the world because they like being a part of humanity including the music of Queen. Audio commentaries for all 6 episodes has Neil Gaiman, director Douglas Mackinnon and other cast and crew talk about the production. Neil points out the opening of Good Omens explaining the set up was a tip of the hat to Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy..."
https://insidepulse.com/2019/11/05/blu-ray-review-good-omens/
4.2 ANALYSING THE GOOD OMENS DELIVERYMAN
By Neela Debnath for The Express:
"Many fans of Good Omens have been speculating on Reddit about the character of the International Express Delivery Man. One user called Redxmirage posted: 'Didn’t he deliver something in the Middle East? I don’t get his character. It seems like he was supposed to be some divine character.' While user TLema responded: 'Literally just some guy who is very dedicated to his delivery job.' A third user called kizzyjenks reasoned: 'In the book it was never really specified if he was in any way supernatural. The God voiceover refers to him as 'the summoner' which is still pretty vague...'... But others surmised the character was left ambiguous by the authors, leaving it up to interpretation. The character never displays any supernatural powers, hinting he could be a mere mortal. So, it looks like the character could just be a man very dedicated to his job or is perhaps already dead..."
https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1197667/Good-Omens-International-Express-delivery-man-Simon-Merrells
4.3 NEIL GAIMAN'S REACTION TO THE FANS' EMBRACING OF "AZIROWLEY"
By Morgan Jeffery in the Radio Times:
"Neil Gaiman was expecting a big reaction to the TV adaptation of his and Terry Pratchett’s novel… but the 'ferocity' of the response to one aspect of the show took him completely by surprise. Speaking to RadioTimes.com, Gaiman explained that while he had 'enormous fun' writing the dynamic between David Tennant’s demon Crowley and Michael Sheen’s angel Aziraphale, the strength of the fan reaction to the pairing was more than he could have hoped for... The show has inspired a fervent fandom, with aficionados producing fan art and fiction and attending conventions dressed as their favourite Good Omens characters. 'David Tennant said something which I thought was rather wonderful when I was asking him about it – he said at DragonCon this year, for the very first time, he had more demons turn up to pose for photographs with him than Time Lords!' Gaiman recalled. 'I’ve seen photographs posted on Twitter from people in Moscow, from the Ukraine, from Japan, from China – which is really amazing because we aren’t legitimately shown in China! From Italy… not to mention America and England and Brazil and Argentina… all these places where people are dressing up as the characters and writing letters about how magical and how important the characters were to them… so it was incredibly unexpected...'..."
https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2019-10-24/good-omens-crowley-aziraphale-romance/
4.4 DELETED SCENES IN THE GOOD OMENS SCRIPT BOOK SPECIAL EDITIONS
If you bought one of the "special edition" copies of the Quite Nice and Fairly Accurate Good Omens Script Book and discovered that your exclusive deleted scene isn't the same deleted scene as the exclusive deleted scene in someone else's special edition copy of the Quite Nice and Fairly Accurate Good Omens Script Book, despair not! Internet user Jess has got hold of all the different versions and painstakingly typed them out, turned them into an online document, and made it available to all and sundry. Many thanks, Jess!
There are five different deleted scenes, all well worth a read:
1: In Which Aziraphale Opens His Bookshop (pg 3)
2: In Which Aziraphale Meets the Neighbours (pg 8)
3: In Which Crowley Gets Drunk with Leonardo da Vinci (pg 12)
4: In Which Aziraphale Searches for a Body (pg 13)
5: In Which Crowley Goes Clothes Shopping (pg 17)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1diJukGVVYlWJSnJ_Mq5dKjtC2DjHNU5ND8n3gR3-BRQ/mobilebasic
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
05) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
Editor's note: as Wossname normally only comes out once every month, do check the Wossname blog for information on plays that might fall between issue dates! Go to https://wossname.dreamwidth.org/ for interim updates.
5.1 DISCWORLD PLAYS
There are no upcoming Discworld plays to promote at the moment! Please, Roundworld, we need more and more Discworld on the stage. Make this happen!
5.2 REVIEWS
* GOING POSTAL IN EMERALD, FOURECKS
In which a small amateur dramatics company in a small town in the rather small Dandenong mountains shows the world how to properly stage a Pratchett play
By Annie Mac
There was no snow in Australia's Dandenong Ranges last month, but neither rain nor unseasonal cold nor glom of nit could dampen the Gemco Players' glorious production of Going Postal. I have rarely seen a finer example of what the power of love – in this case, love of Terry Pratchett's original novel and Stephen Briggs' clever, sensitive adaptation of it – can do to transform a small stage area into multiple locations in another world. Led by a family team of director Evie Housham and set designer/sound-and-lighting director/music co-composer Ross Housham, the cast and crew gave their all to the presentation... and their all was plenty indeed.
From the moment we entered the Community Arts Centre, the atmosphere was perfect. A large display in the foyer featuring a golden "postman of the gods" statue, complete with wing'ed hat and wing'ed footwear (and a tasteful loincloth to cover the, um, other wing'ed wossname) and standing on a pile of letters, greeted the sold-out crowd; free Ask Me About Pins badges and free sherry were on offer in the bar area; and in the theatre proper, a stunning "clacks tower" winked on and off at speed as its operator tried to keep up with the imagined flow of messages while soothing, rather otherworldly original music played over the PA system. A flawless build-up overall, and once the play began things went from strength to strength. The play consisted of two acts, comprising an astonishing total of twenty-eight scenes – just take a moment to imagine the complexity of staging that number of disparate/discrete scene on a smallish stage!
Jackson Cowan as Moist von Lipwig was quite simply perfect! He nearly outshone the rest of the cast, and not only by virtue of his golden suit. Trevor Mills' Lord Vetinari could have stepped right out of the novels themselves. Tina Chalmers gave us an Adora Belle Dearheart at least as impressive as Claire Foy's professional turn in the Going Postal Sky two-parter; similarly, Ben Zagami's magnificently amoral Reacher Gilt put David Suchet's telly performance well and truly in the shade. John Piggott as Junior Postman Groat and Luke Slade as Stanley never missed a beat, using comedic voicings and world-class gymnastic pratfalls to create a peerless double act, while Lachy Castricum as Mr Pump brought an extra dimension of fun to the proceedings by playing his role in a Schwarzenegger-Terminator voice so spot-on that Arnold himself could have been inside the costume. And the rest of the cast did so well that they all deserve a mention: Sonia Morison as Sacharissa Cripslock; Dionyy Penketh as Drumknott; Carmela Pezzimenti as Igor (and also doing an excellent job as Stage Manager);
Mandy Segal as Miss Maccalariat et al; Sarah Fernee as Mr Gryle, "Princess", Sane Alex et al; Tim Stapleton as Postman Aggy, Big Dave of Dave's Pins, Ridcully et al; Maxine Neville as Mr Slant, Mr Pony et al; and Cat Tregallis as Christine Horsefry, Mad Al et al. Even sponsor Bill Pell put in an appearance as Devious Collabone in the cleverly built Omniscope.
The set design was nothing short of a triumph. Giant envelopes bearing addresses from all over the Disc hung here and there above the stage itself, which in turn was piled with "dead letters" and even had envelopes painted onto the proscenium. The Houshams and their team gave us a credible rendering of the Tanty, the Patrician's office, Dave's Pin Emporium, the Foie Heureux and numerous other places, as well as managing to create the impression of various levels of the Post Office from the BS Johnson Sorting Machine in the cellar to the Smoking Gnu's bijou clacks tower on the roof. The costumes by Sonia Morison, Connie Mifsud, Evie Housham and the whole cast were, again, perfect (special mention to Evie Housham for creating the exceptional Golem costume, which served via careful scene changes and a few decorations as Anghammarad the Ancient Post Golem). Special mentions also go to lighting operator and music co-composer Cailey Sheppard and to make-up artist Aimee Achten.
There was almost nothing I could find to criticise in this beautiful production. My only quibble was with the Grand Trunk board members – a lack of available male actors meant that the entire Board was composed of women, and while for the most part that worked well, the casting of Tregallis as "Christine" Horsefry (the original character being Crispin) was somewhat lacklustre, though the fault lay not in acting or direction but in the simple truth that Horsefry was a blundering buffoon, and as our cultures don't seem to accept women as buffoons, so Tregallis played the role as a nervous scaredy-girl and much of the character's comedic potential was lost. But that's a very small quibble in a mountain of compliment-worthy work.
Oh, and as it was closing night, there was a free supper of sandwiches, coffee and cake afterwards, and much pleasure was to be had from chatting to the cast, crew and director.
We saw Gemco Players' production of Guards! Guards! a few years ago and that was excellent, but they have truly surpassed themselves with Going Postal. Needless to say, we're looking forward to their next Discworld production!
[Editor's note: I've never managed yhet to make it to an Unseen Theatre production, but I suspect that when I eventually do, it will earn similarly lavish praise]
* GOING POSTAL IN ADELAIDE
By Christine Pyman for Broadway World:
"The main character of Moist von Lipwig, wonderfully bought to life in front of us by Nicholas Andrews, is an endearing one and, obviously, Pratchett felt the same way about this creation as he was bought back as the main character in two more novels. Von Lipwig is a cunning conman who is almost as good at understanding people's behaviour as the tyrant, Lord Vetinari, and together they make a controlling team, changing the society of the not-so-good people of Ankh Morpork. Andrews made the perfect von Lipwig, with spot-on timing, gestures, and confidence. In fact, this entire production was well cast, with each of the actors bringing enthusiasm and fun to their multitudinous roles. Danny Sag brings experience to his role of Vetinari, who, with a drawl and a dismissive turn of his head simultaneously manages to give the audience delight, anticipation and a tinge of horror at his machinations. Sag's performance was well foiled by Alastair Preece's Drumknott, played with just the right amount of disinterested disdain to add a layer of background character to the mainly benevolent dictator Vetinari. Unseen veteran, Paul Messenger, made an effective leader of a corporation which irresistibly reminded me of our electricity companies, with privatisation and profit-making on the agenda...
"The setting of the Post Office also held aside the veils to expose the innate ridiculousness and depths of bureaucracy, with the possibly Benny Hill inspired capering of Sam Tutty and Hugh O'Connor. This was tempered by the beautiful moments of supernatural despair held within the building, exposed to us through lighting and sound... Newcomer to Unseen, Nikonus Pappus, had the honour, and spent the effort of getting right, a one-liner that closed a joke that runs rampant throughout Pratchett's writing. Perfect. I'll say no more..."
https://www.broadwayworld.com/adelaide/article/BWW-Review-GOING-POSTAL-at-Bakehouse-Theatre-20191121
By Ewart Shaw for Adelaide Now:
"Stephen Briggs’ adaptation is probably the best of all of his adaptations, pacy and perceptive. It gets the production it deserves here. Much of the humour comes directly from Pratchett’s witty and cynical view of life, in this case through the lens of a conman reviving the failing Post Office... The core cast are excellent. Danny Sag wears the robes of the Patrician Lord Vetinari with an understated control, Nicholas Andrews is a totally charming Moist Von Lipwig backed up in the GPO by Hugh O’Connor and Sam Tutty as a really funny duo of postmen. Kahlia Tutty is an elegant and well articulated Adora Belle Dearheart and Adam Thorstensson a stylish Sacharissa Cripslock. Around them the usual suspects have been rounded up, Alastair Preece, Paul Messenger, Leighton James, Nikonus Pappas and David Dyte deliver neatly. Special mention goes to Stephen Dean’s lighting and sound design for some very clever effects indeed..."
https://bit.ly/2D8iet1 (requires subscription) or https://bit.ly/2pG32jM (includes some fine cast photos; free download as .pdf)
...and by Jordan Bell for The Clothesline:
"Director Pamela Munt, founder and artistic director of Unseen Theatre Company, takes on Going Postal for a second time (following an earlier outing in 2005). She deftly manages a big cast on a small stage, while staying true to the spirit and scope of Sir Terry’s comedy. The cast, for the most part, lean into the broad characterisations and deadpan delivery beloved by Pratchett fans, and some standout moments draw raucous laughter from the friendly crowd. Danny Sag as the fantastically ruthless Lord Vetinari steals every scene that he is in. Paul Messenger nails his role as the sinister villain Reacher Gilt, the head of the price-fixing, infrastructure-looting, worker-sacking, competitor-murdering business cabal that have taken over the Grand Trunk Company, much to the detriment of Ankh-Morpork’s long-suffering citizens. Nicholas Andrews, as main character Moist, plays the role with flamboyant energy and well-timed asides – lighting changes are used effectively to convey the moments he breaks the fourth wall and addresses the audience directly. But there is a thin line between charming and smarmy, and Moist sometimes comes across as unsympathetic, at times when he could have been making the audience fall for his spiel... From a production perspective, the cast made the most of the small space, with set changes happening relatively smoothly to create different locations, and sound and lighting effects used cleverly to build atmosphere..."
https://theclothesline.com.au/going-postal-unseen-theatre-bakehouse-review/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
06) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
The Broken Drummers, "London's Premier Unofficially Official Discworld Group" (motto "Nil percussio est"), will next meet on Monday 2nd December at the earlier time of 6pm at The Monkey Puzzle, 30 Southwick Street, London W2 1JQ. As it is the Drummers' Christmas Party, note that the pub is serving Christmas-themed meals and there is no need to pre-book.
The November meet report, by Helen on Facebook: "We met Monday night. As is usual in November it was quite a small crowd so we didn't bother with a quiz. Alex will do a special quiz next month. Andrew was keen to tell everyone about the new Youtube cartoon Hazbin Hotel about rehabilitation for demons. Look it up but be aware it's NSFW and not suitable for children. I recall discussions on marriage, Iran and the reluctance of British people to complain in restaurants. It turns out Pete once complained when a restaurant undercharged him and was given his meal on the house for his honesty..."
For more information, email BrokenDrummers@gmail.com or nicholls.helen@yahoo.co.uk or join their Facebook group at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/55107511411/permalink/10156634038566412/
*
Canberra, Australia's Discworld fan group is 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 from 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."
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. 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, craft, chain maille or costuming workshops or other fun social activities."
The next CoSG events will be an End of Year picnic in December and the New Year's Day movie on 1st January (details for both not yet finalised).
The CoSG also have another identity. Here's the skinny:
Round World Events SA Inc is a not-for-profit incorporated association whose aim is to run fun social Pratchett-themed events for people in South Australia. Our first major event was the Unseen University Convivium held in July 2012. We have also run three successful and booked out Science Fiction and Fantasy themed quiz nights named Quiz Long And Prosper, in 2013, 2014 and 2015! The association will run some events under the City of Small Gods banner, but you do not have to be a Round World Events SA member to be part of City of Small Gods. However, we are always on the look out for new members for Round World Events SA to help us organise future events! Membership is $20 a year (for Adelaide locals) or $5 a year (for those not quite so close) and has the following benefits:
A shiny membership certificate all of your very own
Discounted entry price to some of the events we run
A warm, fuzzy feeling deep down in your chest (no, not quite that deep)
For more information, or to join as a member, please email RoundWorldEventsSA@gmail.com
www.cityofsmallgods.org.au
*
The Broken Vectis Drummers meet next on Thursday 5th December (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 6th December (possibly) 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. 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 2nd December (possibly) at 6.30pm 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, meet next on Monday 2nd December (possibly) at Old Shanghai, 123 James Street, Northbridge, Perth, Western Australia. For details join their Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Perth.Drummers/ – or message Alexandra Ware directly at <alexandra.ware@gmail.com>
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
07) AROUND THE BLOGOSPHERE
Blogger Murdocal considers Equal Rites:
"You can tell that it’s an early novel. It doesn’t feel as tight or as funny. However, after the first two books in the series, we can celebrate the introduction of a strong narrative here. I’ve nothing against The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic but they were more about parody than storytelling. Equal Rites starts to move us towards the wider universe of these novels... The novel spends an awful lot of time getting to where it needs to be. Pratchett delights in the minutiae of his world and we spend a lot of time describing people and places. A lot of time that could have been spent on the main plot of the novel. As a Tolkien fan, I love a good bit of lush description but not at the expense of the story... there is a lot of fantastic world-building on show here. The new characters we meet and the new places we visit are all created with such care and originality. Pratchett knows how to expand a universe and work everything together. The introduction of Granny Weatherwax is superb and you can tell she’s on her way to becoming a great character..."
https://motherbookerblog.com/2019/10/23/book-review-equal-rites-by-terry-pratchett/
Blogger thecorneroflaura returns with a review of The Long Earth as an audiobook:
"The introduction to Stepping was sudden and left the readers guessing what was going on as much as the characters. And it was a great introduction to Joshua and Janson. It’s hard to say which of them I like best but I definitely like the nuns a lot... It’s definitely more story-driven than character-driven and there is an incredible amount of detail in the worlds. For all that, it’s comparatively low on the technical talk. A non-scientifically minded reader (like me) could follow it fairly well... Entirely unexpected change of pace at the last part after far too much time-wasting. Something had to give but I didn’t think it would be that. That twist hit me so fast, I almost got whiplash, and it almost made it worth sticking this book out..."
https://thecorneroflaura.wordpress.com/2019/10/23/in-one-word-the-long-earth-by-terry-pratchett-and-stephen-baxter-is/
Blogger and budding author Michael J Ritchie also reviewed The Long Earth:
"I’ve not read much Stephen Baxter, but what I have is always phenomenal. He is truly one of the greatest science fiction writers in history, and the only reason I haven’t read more is that they’re usually very long and hefty tomes. Everything he writes, no matter how impossible it seems at first, comes across as realistic and perfectly probable. Pratchett, I am always more wary of and still can’t fully embrace the Discworld novels. However, as with Good Omens, it seems that, for me at least, Pratchett is best when tempered by someone else, but his imagination and humour come through here for sure, and a lot of the jokes and pop culture references are certainly his doing. Between them, they have produced a scenario that is fascinating. True consideration has gone in to what would happen in a world like this... We meet a lot of characters, all going through different things and showing the different ways people reacted to the aftermath of Step Day, and the timeline jumps back and forth with reckless abandon. The stars of the book for me, however, are the Earths themselves..."
https://fellfromfiction.wordpress.com/2019/11/14/the-long-earth-by-terry-pratchett-stephen-baxter-2013/
Blogger Worth a Thousand Words enjoyed TAMAHER:
I was like 'Terry Pratchett writes children’s books?!'. My boyfriend likes Terry Pratchett but I’ve not read any of his book before this so I thought this would be a nice easy introduction... I really enjoyed this book. There was one character who was quite annoying but I think that was intentional. It’s kind of a very self aware book and I’m sure some of it would go over kids’s heads. Maurice (the cat) is a great character to read from and just so sassy..."
https://worth1000wordsweb.wordpress.com/2019/11/11/81-the-amazing-maurice-and-his-educated-rodents-bookish-blurb/
Blogger Tegan Stevenson compares Good Omens the book and Good Omens the series:
Book adaptations can invite some pretty strong emotions. Whether it’s popular or a bit obscure there are plenty of people who have opinions about it and they often want to share them. I know that I can be the same because, if you love something you want the adaptation to recognise the delight that comes with seeing something that you’ve loved. That being said, the lead up the release of the series was positive in my mind. I spent months trying to avoid spoilers on Tumblr etc. because I’d rather watch the full thing in it’s entirety without keeping an eye out for specific tiny moments that I already know about. Yes, even though I’d read the book I still wanted that experience of seeing the series with fresh eyes for the first time... what an amazing series! It was absolutely gorgeous to watch. For starters, the settings were incredible. Aziraphale’s infamous bookshop was even better than I’d imagined. I would absolutely love to live in a cottage like the one Anathema rented and Crowley’s flat… (wicked laugh) so severe and so lush. I was totally lost in the moment as we watched the series and I just enjoyed it from start to end. We all did. I think that, for me, the series emphasised all of the best elements of the book and it was a joy to watch as the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley stumbled about..."
https://teganstevensonwrites.wordpress.com/2019/11/13/a-good-weekend/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
08) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
A collection of iconographs from Gungahlin College's recent production of Mort: https://bit.ly/2PLPI8c
Moist von Lipwig and Lord Vetinari, from Unseen Theatre's just-finishing production of Going Postal, photographed by Michael Errey:
https://bit.ly/33yRmNV
A very believable-looking trio of Lancre witches from Alsager Community Theatre's current production of Wyrd Sisters:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJ6U_CDXYAAB29t?format=jpg&name=small
The cast of Leeds Children's Theatre's recent production of Johnny and the Dead:
http://www.leeds-childrens-theatre.co.uk/uploads/1/5/1/2/15123772/full-cast1-copyright_1_orig.jpg
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
09) CLOSE
For those of you who might have been saving up for the Paul Kidby-illustrated, beautiful but *very* expensive limited Good Omens Ineffable Edition, some sad news: all 666 copies have now been sold. So somewhere there are – or will be, come Hogswatch – some very happy Good Omens fans... however, copies of the still pricey but more affordable (and less limited, at 1,655 copies) Occult Edition are still available:
https://shop.paulkidby.com/the-definitive-good-omens-occult-edition/
...and if you're a Good Omens fan with money to burn, you can still apply for one of the only 24 copies to be made of the Celestial Edition: "The Celestial Edition is a rare presentation copy and a serious investment for book and art collectors. The craftsmanship in this edition elevates each copy to a work of art. The leather-bound hardback book features metal corner pieces and gold foil page edges, contained in a burr oak presentation box with brass inlays. 20 colour illustrations with additional pencil images. Each copy individually hand-printed and bound by specialists in the UK. Named tipped-in sheets, each book and its unique box corresponding to a letter of the Greek alphabet, signed by Neil Gaiman & Paul Kidby. Separate folio of Good Omens ephemera."
http://goodomensillustrated.com/celestial-edition-application/
And that's it for November. Mind how you go, and we'll see you next month!
– Annie Mac
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The End. If you have any questions or requests, write: wossname-owner (at) pearwood (dot) info
Copyright (c) 2019 by Wossname for the Klatchian Foreign Legion
