| Orbit Theatre Company |
| tel: 0870 874 6844 e-mail: malcolmbrooke1703@hotmail.com fax: 0870 874 6844 online: www.orbit-theatre.net |
| Orbit Theatre's next production at The New Theatre is 'THE PRODUCERS' opening in AUTUMN 2009 - click for details. |
| About Orbit | ||||
For over quarter of a century ORBIT THEATRE has made an indelible mark on the cultural life of the Capital of Wales. Future historians will have to consider what was the appeal of and why it was more than just another amateur theatrical company.
Some companies fold within a few years having originated with an excess of overactive ego. But ORBIT had several pluses. It had premises (in a very rundown condition), a benefactor - the late Bob Ernest who would look after the premises, store scenery and build stage sets, Frank Wooles - a producer of extensive experience, Ivan Sadka - a musician's musician, and a dedicated team of professional people who, had they not been dragged into secure occupations, might have chanced their luck in theatre. With outrageous confidence, ORBIT mounted the newly available musical "Oliver" in the New Theatre, and its public reaction was truly dazzling. Maybe the Echo didn't say - a new star in the firmament - but it certainly felt like it. The word was around that ORBIT THEATRE was the best thing since sliced bread! Cardiff audiences had not seen its like. "OLIVER" was a very well known show but new to Cardiff. The production values were very high, the orchestra sound was a highlight of the show, and for entertainment value it rivalled the West End! ORBIT then had a problem about where to present its shows. An experience at the Prince of Wales Theatre resulted in a glowing success for the company with "Tom Jones" but the surroundings for the performers and audience were shabby. This fixed future venues to the New Theatre, Sherman Theatre and occasionally the Reardon Smith. A clear policy had emerged: to present the latest West End successes to local audiences.
What a halcyon time this was. A glance through the list of shows is an inventory ofthe greatest musicals of the 60's and 70's with an occasional hark back to local boy makes good, Ivor Novello successes. All the musicals up to 1975 were Welsh premieres. in following years, "PICKWICK", "ONCE UPON A MATTRESS", "IRENE", "MACK AND MABEL", "GREASE", "HANS ANDERSON" AND "ANNIE" were also new to Cardiff. "GERSHWIN"(1976) was an original show using Gershwin music, written by an Orbit member. The West End penchant for celebrating composers - such as "COLE" - shows that this pioneering Orbit idea is now common place. From the opening of the Sherman Theatre, Orbit enjoyed a close relationship with its artistic director, the late Geoffrey Axworthy which lasted until his untimely death in 1992. Geoffrey's guidance ensured a high profile for the company with shows like the magical spectacular "ONCE UPON A MATTRESS", "MACK AND MABEL", still unseen in London and his final production with the stunning "A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC". In the recent past, some shows have been repeated and others are not new - this points to the scarcity of new releases. Also many older show are being recycled. Over the years every company has performers with a loyal following. Orbit has produced its share. A list of actors and actresses who have displayed the qualities of stardom would list over 50 names. Perhaps two outstanding performers who personify them are Henry Jacobs and Hazel Hughes who at their peak had no rivals. It's an old adage that actors should never work with animals or children. Animals don't remember their lines or moves but they do tend to mesmerize audiences. Bill Sykes' dog in "OLIVER" is remembered more than the boy who played Oliver Twist! On the other hand , children are cute. They give entertaining performances and do wonders
What about the plays? At best Orbit's reputation has been patchy. Sometimes it produced two plays a year, sometimes only one. The productions have always been interesting, occasionally quitte brilliant. "ONCE A CATHOLIC" and "ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST" were Welsh premieres. Unfortunately, plays do not attract large audiences and cannot be judged by commercial standards. The outstanding "DEATH OF A SALESMAN" and "VIEW FROM A BRIDGE" were stunningly acted and cannot be compared with light comedies such as "WHO GOES BARE" and "WISHING WELL" which were no less worthy. A child's view of theatre is revealing. Success for the company spawned a junior section which under Shirley Mould became the children's theatre group to join and for many years there was a waiting list. The shows they presented were colourful and enthusiastic and the junior section fulfilled the need to perform for many young children.
Many of the original company members returned to play leading roles in Sondheim's "FOLLIES". The end of the century saw Orbit reprise the popular "OLIVER" which had been its first ever production - the show even included some cast members who had had leading roles back in 1968, including the original 'Nancy', Hazel Hughes, who returned to play the part of 'Mrs Bedwin'. The new millennium has seen the reprise of favourites such as "OLIVER", "THE SOUND OF MUSIC", and "THE WIZARD OF OZ" as well as Orbit premieres of "THE BEST OF TIMES" and "42nd STREET" , and a studio production of "GODSPELL", all enjoying the critcal and commercial success associated with an Orbit production.
In 2006 the Welsh premiere of "THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK" - by special permission of Cameron Mackintosh - was said to "knock spots off many a touring professional show" , with a special mention for "truly stunning" set design. |
| Orbit Theatre Company Ltd. Company Registration No. 964042 Charity Registration No. 258091 |