CESP Newsletter

The MAY ISSUE

Dear Readers,

This being the

issue for May 2015, we are now

indeed in 'Performance Month'!

The first Saturday afternoon of

May saw us trying out the show

in The Deaton Theatre,

discovering how much space we

really have and what the

sightlines actually are.

For many folk the challenge was

getting used to the acoustics of

The Deaton. Since we usually

rehearse in a very echo-ey hall,

there was the process of tuning in

to a much clearer, yet reasonably lively sound picture. Reckon the most challenging

sequences for most folk were the dances - too easy to get carried away and take up

much more space than is strictly necessary...

As it was, 6 O'Clock came round all too soon, and we were restoring the stage to its

original condition. The rush didn't stop there, since many of us were heading straight

to the Forest Choir Quiz night. Oh yes, we fielded a team called, surprisingly enough -

'I Gondolieri' - coming in an Honourable Second to the eventual winners: 'The

University of The Third Age.'

Another symptom of the approaching run is the appearance of appropriately-designed

T shirts and Polo Shirts, featuring the Gondoliers poster art work designed by our

director. Made a point of wearing one myself this afternoon, as I walked along

Wanstead High Street, as a sort of walking subliminal shopper advert; no apparent

reactions, just have to wait and see if there is a spike in ticket sales from Wanstead.

Pleased to say that this months Q & A features our lead tenor, Jezz Saint-James, who recounts his unusual mode of recruitment...

Richard Wheatley

A WORD FROM OUR DIRECTOR, LEON BERGER

I'm very proud and pleased that we've had the luxury of running the opera, an Act at a

time, for several weeks now. It's in really good shape, with the cast adapting to the

new elements thrown at them. All we need to now is to add the costumes, lighting and

orchestra and - Voil! - we have a show! Off to Venice!

Q & A with Jezz Saint-James

What attracted you to join CESP?

I still remember the day: there I was on my way to Asda to

pick up some kumquats for my morning smoothie and a black

van screeches up, out rush three men in balaclavas and I'm

bundled inside. Before I have a moment to catch my breath,

there sits Don Leon in a pinstriped suit and dark glasses

smoking a thick Cuban cigar. "We needs a tenor see," he says,

"and my underground contacts tell me that if I put pressure on

you you'll sing." Then the three guys whip off their balaclavas

and start to caterwaul the most appalling rendition of Nessun

Dorma in at least four different keys between them. I could

only bear a few moments before I had to capitulate and I

signed the contract while they pointed a rolled up score of

Cox and Box at my head.

How have you found the experience?

Well despite my violent introduction to the production (I

never did get my kumquats) I've found the experience a most

delightful and enjoyable one! The other principles are all great

to work with and the chorus and society are all very fun and

friendly and I've felt most welcome. I'm sure it's going to be a

great production enjoyed by all taking part and watching.

Which part are you playing in The Gondoliers?

I'm playing Marco, the better looking of the two brothers Palmieri. It's hard on the

knees but great fun and I get to sing some lovely music - I'm particularly delighted

that in this updated version I don't have to wear a wig!

Do you have a favourite G&S opera/role?

I've performed Marco in a previous production of Gondoliers more than a decade ago

and I had great fun then too. I've also performed the role of Nanki Poo in the Mikado

a number of times and that will always be a favourite. I've also sung The Defendant in

Trial, which has also been tremendous fun to perform.

How do you like to spend your time when you are not

singing/performing?

I have a growing collection of bonsai Avocado trees, which takes up a lot of my time.

I'm also an avid Radio 4 fan, enjoy the theatre, opera and cinema, travelling when I

can manage it and since seeing the terrifying video of the Cachucha I've recently

rejoined the gym!

Jezz in Rigoletto