Rights problems cancels play plans

As the writer of this week's Rep Talk I am the bearer of some distressing news: the end of year show that we have all been looking forward to so much has unfortunately been cancelled! Owing to an unforeseen complication with the New Zealand rights of this Arthur Conan Doyle masterpiece we are unable to produce Sherlock Holmes: Hound of the Baskervilles in December as planned.
This of course is a huge blow to all involved, not least of all to forthcoming director Phil Hudson who was so looking forward to giving a modern edge to a timeless classic. The chance to return to Repertory as director (frequent Rep visitors will recall his fantastic work on one act comedy That Scottish Play earlier this year) was such a tantalising prospect, but as the saying goes - all good things come to those who wait.
There is a silver lining to this sad turn of events however! Not only have we something else up our sleeve for the end of year Christmas show, we at Rep are also determined to have another crack at producing Hound of the Baskervilles to a Whanganui stage next year, and so regular theatregoers can expect to see this brilliant play brought to life right here in the future. And the new Christmas show? We shall be very excited to recreate the success of our two previous Improv Nights and bring to the stage an Improv Christmas Extravaganza!
Resolved to saying farewell to 2015 with a bang, Repertory stalwart Phil Portland is currently putting together a programme for a special edition Improv Night to be held in mid-December. Look out for confirmed dates to this one as it will be a must-see, feel-good explosion of laughter and good old-fashioned Christmas fun. In the coming weeks Mr Portland will also be holding Improv Workshops - a chance to cultivate our local comedy talent. So keep your eyes on the weekly Reptalk as well as our Facebook page for more updates.
Looking to a future that is closer to hand, we are hosting an afternoon tea on this coming Sunday, October 18, a chance for Repertory members (past, present, or future) to socialise and discuss this historic theatre's future development. It will be held at our temporary premises (third Floor of Wakefield Chambers, Ridgway St) at 2pm. Anybody interested may RSPV to April Pearson on aprilp@clear.net.nz.
And readers remember, with the prospect of moving back into our original building looming into reality we are seeking any interested party in assisting with a couple of working bees - please do contact Phil Portland at dilosrail@hotmail.com. Any helping hand would be greatly appreciated as we work towards the transition back to our rightful home.