Drama: The Term in Review

This term has been an astounding time for drama and performance across both the University and the city of York and URY's National Award Winning Speech team were there

 

URY has become well known for its previews of productions across both the city and the university of York which have been described as 'worthy of radio 4' and by national judges as 'unique, engauging and beautifully produced.'

Congratulations to all involved in both our previews and the incredbible actors and actresses from Dramasoc, York Theatre Royal, Happilly Ever After Society and more who gave up their time to speak to us and show us the emmense talent present in York!

Also keep your eyes out for our very own home grown URY drama such as our full series length sitcom 'Going Solar' and an adaption of Ben Jeapes' increbible science-fiction/ historical novel 'The New World Order' in the new year!

You can always hear our previews on the ((URY PLAYER)) as well as alongside reviews and celebrity interviews in our weekly magazine show YorWorld which is on Sundays from 2.

Panto: The URY Panto!

Brian Blessed confimed to star in the URY PANTO!

National Award winning URY presenters Charles Lewis and William Chalk with the help of a team of writers and performers (including writer of 'The More Beautiful Game' James Bugg) and star of pretty much everything he's been in...

BRIAN BLESSED

put on the ((URY PANTO)) this Wednesday Week 10 at 2 on ((URY)).

Performed LIVE on air this will be the perfect way to get you in the Christmas mood with leud jokes and our head of music Jack Lucket as Santa theres no way you can miss it!

Catch the trailer now on the ((URY PLAYER)) here or listen to YorWorlds Interview with Charles on the ((URY PLAYER)) here!

And you can now hear the entire pantomine from start to finish with every rude line and innuendo avaliable now on the ((URY PLAYER)) here.

YorWorld: 11th December 2011

This week we talk to Charles Lewis of the National Award winning URY programme 'The Chalk and Charles Show' about their URY Panto this Wednesday which will feature the vocal talents of Brian Blessed himself as well as other members of URY!

We have our reviews for YUSU Drama Society's production of 'Butley', their final show of the term,  and Third Year Theatre Film and Television Students production of 'Metamorphposis'. We'll also have an exclusive preview of the new production of 'Hannah and Hanna' opening at the Dixon Theatre in Wentworth tonight in aid of charity STAR, and we take a look back and celebrate some of the fantastic performances we've covered over the past term!

If that wasn't enough we also have exclusive live recordings of Barbersoc carolling at Rag's Winter Wonderland Last Week! Merry Christmas! - YorWorld is the acclaimed weekly magazine programme from the national award winning speech team at URY!

Catch the programme now on the ((URY PLAYER)) here!

Review: 'Butley'

By Tom Bonnington,

Before reading our review listen to the ((URY)) Preview now here!

The rarely performed gem by Simon Grey was a suitable choice for the Drama Barn’s latest comedy drama, ‘Butley’. First performed in 1971, with Alan Bates taking the lead role, the play shows the self-destruction of an academic’s relationships with all those dear to him, including his wife, best friend and current students. The play’s intellectually stimulating script along with the larger than life character of Butley make this a hugely enjoyable play when performed to its full potential and this production can stand as one of the Barn’s best this term.

Dan Wood, who plays Butley, gives a sensational performance, never leaving the stage and having countless lines. Every mannerism he gave fitted in with the character he portrayed and there was never a moment where he seemed to tire or lose focus. With the play running at just under two hours, his dynamism as an actor is seen through his seeming control over what was happening on stage. Playing such an arrogant, unpleasant person, he shines at dealing with his interactions with the other more submissive characters. It would be no stretch to say that playing Butley is the most difficult part given at the Barn this term and Wood becomes the character with such visible effortlessness that it’s clear he has a future in drama.

While you will walk out the Barn talking about Wood’s performance, the other actors deserve to be praised too. Grey’s script has the brilliance to know that in order for Butley to reach his full comic potential, the other characters should affect different parts of his personality. Freddie Elletson delivers a classy performance as Butley’s friend, Joey, understanding his character is meant to take a back seat to Butley’s antics while giving his character warmth and depth that makes the audience empathise with him. Claire Curtis-Ward and Pete Watts also give memorable cameos that instil hilarious yet tragic moments for Butley to handle.

With its simple set and enjoyable characters, it’s a wonder why students do not perform this play more often. The character of Butley can give an actor a chance to demonstrate his full abilities to an audience, who will enjoy the rapid-fire dialogue and amusing situations. The director, Adam Alcock, should be very proud of what he has achieved.

Hear our full review in YorWorld on the ((URY PLAYER)) here now!

Review: 'The Trial'

by Alex Gordon

 

This weekend, the Theatre, Film and Television Department presented two third-year assessed productions; Steven Berkoff's Metamorphosis and The Trial (after Franz Kafka), taking place in the Black Box Theatre.

The Trial tells the story of Joseph K., an 'everyman', who wakes up on the morning of his thirtieth birthday to discover that he is under arrest and is to be put on trial. He has no idea who has accused him, what he has been accused of, or even what authority is conducting the trial.

Not having read or seen any Berkoff before, and with a preference for plays grounded in reality, I was initially somewhat apprehensive. There is never any real sense of time or place in the play, and the performance styles are a radical departure from naturalism, with exaggerated and nightmarish caricatures. In simple terms, you could say that, at first, I just didn't 'get it.'

As the play progressed though, I put my inhibitions to one side, and found myself enjoying a compelling, blackly funny, and, at times, disturbing piece of theatre. I came to appreciate more the complexity of its dark, deeply political themes, and the heightened style of performance that it demands of the actors.

Ryan Lane did an excellent job of guiding us through this strange world as the protagonist Joseph K. His increasing desperation allowed us both to empathize with his situation and see how the creeping influence of madness is never far away. However, he is by no means the 'star' of this production, as what came across more than anything, is that this was truly an ensemble effort.

This was demonstrated to great effect by the use of a chorus, made up of Ellie McAlpine, Grace Calder, Miriam Gilkes, Sarah Lewis and Samuel Williams, who portrayed a whole host of characters, as well as parts of the set. Particular mention must go to Williams for his un-matched, slightly intimidating charisma as the court painter Titorelli, whose Italian flamboyance and bulging eyes soon had the audience in hysterics.

Strong performances were also seen across the board. Tom Holmes was both pompous and senile as K.'s ageing lawyer Huld, creating many comic moments. Ela Gaworzewska as his nurse Leni was unsettling in her sly, seductive manner - she also has eyes in her hands. She is sexually attracted to 'accused' men, demonstrated in her memorable reply to Huld asking what she thinks of his new client as she cries out at the point of orgasm, 'I - hardly - know him!'

Joel Brooks' distraught, hysterical characterization as Block - another accused man whose case is 'going badly' - provided some of the most tragic and frightening moments in the play. In contrast, Michael Middleton's straight-forward delivery as the Inspector and the Priest was sufficiently sinister in reminding us of this seemingly omnipresent judiciary.

It is clear that a great deal of attention has been given to making the ensemble strong as a cohesive whole under the direction of Rebecca Murphy. This was exemplified by some very precisely choreographed movements - Tom Holmes flinging the bodies of his colleagues to the floor comes to mind - to emphasize moments of heightened drama.

The Black Box itself was used to good effect. A bare scaffold structure (designed by Sashika Sullivan) creates an intentionally non-specific setting. Aided with simple but effective use of lighting by Willl Edwards, this space can change in the blink of an eye from the claustrophobia of K's banking firm to an eerily silent Cathedral. There were times though, when the stage felt too bare in what was used to illustrate the mise-en-scene. Puritans on the power of the audience's imagination will undoubtedly disagree with me on that one.

However, the costume and make-up by Sarah Lewis effectively served to mark out K. from the rest of the ensemble - in the form of a Nineteen Eighty Four-esque set of pyjamas - while other characters dressed in an assortment of tattered garbs and suits, with skeletal-like faces.

I still have my reservations about the play, for it has some inherent flaws in its structure. Consequently, Berkoff's adaptation of Kafka's novel is rife with unanswered questions (yes, you can argue that is the point, but give me a moment), under-developed characters and unexplored sub-plots. Despite its lack of continuity between scenes, which can be jarring at times, the pace was generally handled very well in this production, and I cannot recall a moment where the actors lost engagement with the audience.

This production was not only exciting and disturbing (in a good way) to behold, but approaching professional in its standard. It was clear that this watertight cast were not only functioning as one body, but they had lived and breathed the theatre they were to perform in for the past eight weeks of rehearsal. And what a pay-off.

Comedy: 'Shambles' Recording

This Saturday at 5 in VO45 'The Shambles' are recording a special improvised show for URY, come along for some hilarious sketches, songs and more as suggested by you the audience!

The Shambles started in Autumn 2006, led by Jenny Hibberd of the Oxford ...Imps, and are York's premier improvised comedy troupe, performing at the University of York, around the York area,
and the Edinburgh Fringe.

Our shows are based around different games, in the style of the popular TV show "Who's Line Is it Anyway". Some of our games are popular classics, whilst others have been invented by Shambles members. Every show however is unique, as all scenes are based entirely upon audience suggestions, and sometimes they may even be called to participate.

More info on our facebook event here! See you there and get your laughter on your national award winning student station!

YorWorld: 4th December 2011

URY's weekly magazine show returns for another week.

On the show we review dramasoc's ambitious production of 'Cabaret' and see whether they really did manage to recreate the KIT KAT Club and transport the audience back to 1930s Berlin.

We take a look at Theatre Film and Televisions Third Year production of 'Metamorphosis' where GREGOR SAMSA, a travelling cloth salesman, lives a life of routine. Every day he wakes up, takes the train, goes to work to earn enough money to support his family and returns home. However one day, without explanation, Gregor wakes up to find that he has transformed into a gigantic insect.

We review Katie Lambert's new play 'Scooped' which was on at the Friargate Theatre and we'll be previewing Dramasoc's final show of the term, Simon Gray's 'Butley' which looks at a day in the life of academic Ben Butley which unfolds leaving him to face his life's tragedies.

 If that wasn't enough we're also chatting to SASSY and have some specially recorded cast recordings from Cabaret exclusive to YorWorld.

Catch the programme now on the ((URY PLAYER)) here.

And of course as this weekend was RAG's Winter Wonderland, we broadcast our very own production of Charles Dickens' Classic novel 'A Christmas Carol'. It is avaliable now on the ((URY PLAYER)) here.

Review: 'Cabaret'

by Laura Stratford

Before reading our review check out our feature on 'Cabaret' on the ((URY PLAYER)) now!

'Cabaret', the infamous musical, takes place in 1930s Berlin. It tells the tale of Sally Bowles, a young English cabaret performer at the Kit Kat Klub who falls in love with a young American writer called Cliff Bradshaw. Upon Cliff's arrival, Ernst Ludwig, later revealed to be a Nazi follower, refers him to a boarding house owned by Fraulein Schneider, who becomes engaged to Herr Schultz. However, the prospect of their marriage is truncated by the uprising of Nazi power. Emcee, the flamboyant Kit Kat Klub owner, oversees the action and reminds us how in a post-war time of political instability, people endeavour to hold on to a sense of normality in their lives; even if that means rolling up lace stockings from time to time…

Directed by Thomas Jones, this is a fabulously bold and sexy production. As you walk into the drama barn, you're transported back to 1930s Berlin and truly feel part of the Kit Kat Klub. Sally Bowles, Emcee and the rest of the chorus go all out with silk suspenders and PVC, and shamelessly perform very naughty choreography by Janey Stephenson. The audience are constantly drawn up-close to the drama as the cast make full use of the space, highlighted by the creative use of lighting by Jim Bulley.

It doesn't stop there. The cast are fantastic; Emilie Smith (Sally Bowles) provides touching scenes and sings spine-tingling numbers, Joe Williams (Emcee) is unpredictable as the flamboyantly lascivious club owner, William Descrettes (Cliff Bradshaw) plays well the charming yet innocent American, Milana Smolkina (Fraulein Schneider) is believable in her simultaneous strength and vulnerability, Luke de Belder (Herr Schultz) is funny in his portrayal of an inexperienced romantic, Florence-Anne Stratton (Fraulein) is hilariously flirty and cheeky, Pascal Dubois (Ernst Ludwig) is intimidating as the Nazi follower and the rest of the chorus (Lottie Johnson, Hayley Thompson, Anna Thirkettle, Gabby Holcroft, Richard Spears and Alistair Kerr) work brilliantly together as lustful 'showgirls'.

It's fun, sexy, moving, dark and not for one minute loses your attention. See it while you can!

Listen to our full audio review in YorWorld now on the ((URY PLAYER))

Review: 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

by Laura Stratford

That really was a dream...

So first we're fooled into thinking that Brian Blessed will make a guest appearance. Then a warm-up comedian manages to squeeze a volunteer out from the audience to play the part of Bottom.

Already, it's clear, this is no ordinary adaptation of one of Shakespeare's best loved comedies. This is precisely why you should try and catch this production whilst they're at York. Not only will you get a refreshing take on such a well-known play, you'll feel like you've completely misread the original.

Favourite moments have to be Bottom and Titania 'rocking out' together, Lysander and Demetrius's fight being likened to a video game, Barry White moments of love potion attraction and the marshmallow war between Hermia and Helena (and eventually the rest of the audience). It's also nice to see how the stage is constantly shared by actors and band members, working together to put on a show in a collaborative way; perhaps this captures the true spirit of Shakespeare's work.

'A Midsummer's Night Dream' will be playing until tomorrow night at York Theatre Royal. See http://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/cgi/events/events.cgi?t=template&a=854 for more details.

YorWorld: 27th November 2011

URY's magazine show, described as rivaling many Radio 4 weekend of daytime speech programmes by Student Radio Award Judges, returns with an packed mix of interviews, reviews and drama previews to keep you up to date with everything culture in York!

On this weeks show we have an interview with the acclaimed actor Oliver Ford Davies whose carreer has ranged from appearing as Polonius in Hamlet with the Royal Shakespeare Company, alongside David Tennant and Patrick Stewart, to starring in Star Wars.

Fresh from his sell out performance as the title role in 'Goodnight Mr Tom', Oliver Ford Davies comes to York to look at problems with Shakespeare and talks to us about his life as an actor.

As well as that we have our preview of this coming weeks dramasoc production 'Cabaret' where the Dramabarn will be transformed into the into the infamous KITKAT CLUB with music interviews and drama giving you a unique look at this exciting upcoming production.

We also have our review of this weeks dramasoc production 'Suddenly Last Summer' by Tennessee Williams. (also have a look at our written review below) And we chat to Anna James of Sixlips theatre about their latest production 'Hands Off'. More info http://www.wix.com/sixlipstheatre/website

And if that wasn't enough we have URY Music's sessions from Broken Sunsets and we announce the winner to our Chris Addison ticket competition.

Catch up with the programme now on the ((URY PLAYER))

Review: 'Suddenly Last Summer'

by Hana Teraie - Wood

Before reading our written review listen to the URY Preview here!

The form of a one act play makes its structure and emphasis pliable in the actors’ hands. The room for manoeuvre is particularly acute in Suddenly, Last Summer, which with the help of Williams’ trademark oblique dialogue can swing anywhere between a socio-political polemic and a straight forward ‘whodunit’. Possibly due to a lack of strong direction, this production hangs uneasily between the two and finishes without securing its seat along the spectrum. A wealth of loaded socio-historical comments on the subject lines of rape, racism and homosexuality aren’t explored enough through subtleties in order to develop into questions pointed to by the play. However, the play’s Oedipus complex undertones are brought to the fore through a strong performance of Violet, (played by Henrietta Mitchell) who really is a menace and an exciting character. The misunderstood ‘crazy’ is also delivered convincingly by Fran Isherwood’s portrayal of Catherine, a character that shares many inter-textual similarities with other female protagonists such as Jane from Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper and Esther Greenwood from Plath’s The Bell Jar.

The set worked well in tandem with these narratives; a wash of whites and creams, tropical plants, dainty garden furniture and tea-time crockery rattled in response to Catherine’s frustration with the sticky, claustrophobic atmosphere. The neutral tones worn by the rest of the cast blended them into the narrative of the set to pick out Catherine – in red - as the scarlet woman, and Violet - in black - as the dark, dying and depressed widow. The use of shadows behind a translucent set window was intriguing but, like the complexities of the play, not fully explored. Interesting uses of lighting were employed but lacked enough subtlety to succeed in its full dramatic effect.

This production could have benefitted from a little more time and polish. The American accents were at times grappled with in order to stay fixed; overlapping dialogue was sometimes left suspended between the first speaker and the next; crescendos came in recurring bouts, spreading attention evenly rather than dramatically through the act. The play started with an awkwardly long pause between lights up and the characters’ entrance. But all these trips may fall away by the second and third night, which could leave this production in much more accomplished form.

And hear our full radio review in YorWorld now on the ((URY PLAYER))

Competition: Win Chris Addison Tickets!

The URY Speech Team are offering you and two friends to go and see Chris Addison LIVE at the Grand Opera House York

All you have to do is post the question you'd most like to ask Chris Addison our facebook event wall!

and the person who submits the best question (as judged by URY's multi national award winning Speech Team)

will win 3 tickets to see Chris Addison LIVE at the Grand Opera House on the 4th December and have a chance that their question will be put to Chris!

The winner will be announced on YorWorld, this Sunday at 2!

Fresh from The Thick of It, Mock The Week, Have I Got News For You and his sell-out 2010 tour, Chris Addison, the man who put the 'Chris Addison' into, 'I see Chris Addison is touring again,' is touring again. He's written a brand new show, The Time Is Now, Again, specifically for the venue this website refers to.* (*And about 40 others, but the point still stands.) Top class stand-up from one of the classiest, toppiest stand-ups around. You should come and see him.!

In the Stalls: 20th November 2011

On the show this week, we preview Tennessee Williams’ challenging play 'Suddenly Last Summer', next weeks Dramasoc production, our review of this weeks dramasoc production, Samual Beckett’s most famous play 'Waiting for Godot'. (Also see our written review now)

W also have our preview of the York Settlement Players Production of 'Travels with My Aunt. 5 actors switch identities, nationalities, ages and genders to play 23 parts in Giles Harvergal's lively stage version of Graham Greene's popular novel. This production of 'Travels with My Aunt' is brought to life by premier theatre group, York Settlement Community Players More information is available on the York Theatre Royals Website here.

In the Stalls is the National Award nominated arts programme from URY's speech team and is available now on the ((URY PLAYER)) here.

Review: Waiting for Godot

By Laura Stratford

Before reading the review listen to our exclusive preview now on the ((URY PLAYER)) here!

Autumn leaves scatter the floor of the stage. A tree naked of leaves stands in the corner. Estragon faces us sitting on a wooden stump whilst Vladimir faces the wall. Estragon pulls at his boot, but gives up and says the opening line, 'Nothing to be done'.

'Waiting for Godot', Samuel Beckett's most famous play, is essentially a play where nothing occurs. It tells the tale of Vladimir and Estragon, two homeless men who painfully spend their days in monotony waiting for a man called Godot. During their wait, they meet the grandiose Pozzo, a man clinging on to a sense of his self-importance with the company of his man-servant, Lucky. Twice over the course of the two acts a young boy comes to announce that Godot, in effect Vladimir and Estragon's leader, will eventually arrive the next day. Unfortunately, that's not the case, which is leaves them considering suicide on several occasions. After that plan fails, they decide to leave for good, yet we see them in the last moments rooted to the floor.

From the beginning, the chemistry, timing and fast-paced dialogue between the characters is superb. Rory Hern is great as Vladimir, in his Charlie Chaplin-esque appearance and mime-like movements. Nick Devlin, plays well the quieter, exasperated and boot-less partner, who joins him in the endless wait. Pozzo, played by Pete Watts comes close to stealing the show with his fantastic portrayal of a comic bipolar psycho and Peter Marshall as Lucky is equally brilliant, especially when it comes to the intense crescendo of the infamous 'stream of consciousness' monologue.

Considering that this is commonly perceived as one of Beckett's hardest plays to make sense of and act, it was impressive to see how effortless Dramasoc's adaptation was. Due to the quality of the acting, the tragi-comedy aspect of the play is well portrayed. Along with the comic timing of their performances, there are muted moments where we realise the sad reality of their situation; four men wasting away their lives and precious time with banal actions, slowly falling into a pit of memory loss and lack of direction. Perhaps this was made all the poignant by the fact that students were portraying these characters, young people in the prime of their lives.

With light direction from Anjali Vyas-Brannick, delicate use of lighting (Sam Thompson), especially in the moonlight scenes, minimalist use of props and good acting, I don't think it'd be an exaggeration to say that this would have rivalled the adaptation at the Theatre Royal Haymarket with Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart. It's a well-executed and engaging production, one that would definitely do well off-campus.

Listen to the full audio review on 'In the Stalls' now on the ((URY PLAYER)) here.

In the Stalls: 13th November 2011

Your weekly dose of theatre in York returns for another week.

This week we preview a play described as "the most significant English language play of the 20th century", Samual Beckett's 'Waiting for Godot'.

We review this weeks Dramasoc's production of 'The Saliva Milkshake' and we have our preview of The York Shakespeare Project's ambitious production of 'Troilus and Cressida'.

Star-crossed lovers, epic battles and an empire on the brink of collapse . . .

The mighty Greek campaign against the Trojans has reached stalemate, with both sides quarrelling amongst themselves. Against this turbulent backdrop, Troilus and Cressida must battle the power politics and ruthless diplomacy which threaten to crush their newfound love.

York Shakespeare Project’s production of ‘Troilus and Cressida’ re-locates Shakespeare’s classic tale of love and war to York, 1644. The English Civil War provides a dramatic fictitious setting for this timeless story, which explores the potent mix of conflict, romance and chivalry amidst turmoil.

Combining period music, live accompaniment and singing with edge-of-your-seat combat, ‘Troilus and Cressida’ promises a memorable evening’s entertainment.

More information about the production avaliable on the York Shakespeare Project website here.

And on a personal note; Congratulations to everyone who helped us achive national recognition in The Student Radio Awards. We have highlights of the ceremony to round off todays show.

Hear the programme now on the ((URY PLAYER)) here.

Review: 'The Saliva Milkshake'

Reviewed by Kate Bull.

Before Reading our review hear our preview of the production now on the ((URY PLAYER))

The director’s choice of “The Siliva Milkshake” was a good one. It is topical in so much that today’s funding for the Arts is being cut, and the role of student protest is at the fore front of people’s minds. Plays for Poor Theatre are once more becoming a necessity; Brenton’s play is an enjoyable necessity.

Unfortunately, the URY preview promises something the play itself fails to deliver: a fast paced thriller of political intrigue and paranoia. Perhaps the stress of being both the narrator and protagonist of this play was too much for Abbott, for his character’s emotions, to us, seemed stilted and unnatural. The peak of Martin’s paranoia was never fully reached, affecting the play’s success in affecting the audience. As a result, I felt no empathy with the protagonist as the final scenes unfolded. Lily Cooper, as Joan (the extremist ex-student whose one action the play forms around) was very good, delivering intense scenes with confidence and understanding. Ryan Hall as Rafferty also deserves mention – his sadistic scenes had a childlike quality that added to a characterization that was quite threatening.

Matthew Lecznar’s direction deserves praise for it’s ambition, although some of the intensity apparent in Brenton’s writing did not quite translate effectively to the stage: some of the monologues became dull and stilted. However, there were some truly excellent scenes in which Lecznar’s understanding of the space, and the space between the actors, really shone. One example of this was the split stage moment of near total darkness, apart from a cigarette end and a red gel. This was fantastically effective. Otherwise, moments of slow motion throughout and the use of the projector screen as a gauze with silhouettes behind, were creative and well thought through. I believe, that with further experience, Lecznar will become an interesting director indeed.

Katie Lambert’s lighting design was effective, if slightly under-rehearsed in places. The use of an OHP projector worked cleverly to demonstrate change of scenes, and bring home Brenton’s ideals of Plays for the Poor Theatre. The blank, black space of The Drama Barn again demonstrated Lecznar’s understanding of the play’s context.

Overall, an engaging production, but one that just fell short of its director’s promise to teach the audience “something about themselves, about society and about real life”.

Listen in to the full review on 'In the Stalls' now on the ((URY PLAYER))

National Award Winning URY Speech

The URY Speech team have managed to win two National Student Radio Awards at a ceremony at the O2 in London. (Above URY at the SRA's!)

In the Best Speech catogory our highly acclaimed orginal comedy drama 'The More Beautiful Game' grabbed a BRONZE Award putting it in the top 3 orginal speech programmes from student radio this year.

'The More Beautiful Game' is the story of Yorkshireman and world class athlete, Geoff Batterson (played by Chris White) who wants to see his sport in the 2012 London Olympic games.

There is a catch though. The sport is table football.

Geoff not only faces the challenge of convincing the olympic committee, but must also be wary of rising table football star Kazayuki Takamoto, who threatens Batterson's place as World Number 1.

As the hearing, and the table football World Cup final approach, Geoff, along with his best friend Alan (Dan Wood) test their friendship, their nerve and their devotion to the more beautiful game.'

On top of that 'The Prince of Humberside' won the prestigious Kevin Greening Award.

Kevin Greening started his radio career as presenter and Station Manager of CUR. He was the Chair of the Radio 1 Student Radio Awards from 2000 - 2003 and was made a Fellow of the Radio Academy for his work promoting student radio and the awards and making it a spring board and vibrant training ground for new radio industry talent. His distinguished radio career included numerous accolades, including presenting Radio 1's Drivetime, Weekend Breakfast and ultimately the Breakfast Show with Zoe Ball.

This category is a special annual award to recognise the unique on air creativity of a presenter and/or show team's exceptional execution of innovative radio. This could range from a link from music or speech radio, a feature, a drama or interview to an overall programme, competition, or station message.

Each first round judge were asked to listen out for something they feel fitted the criteria of creativity out of all the entries. It should be something new and creative that stood out from the standard criteria of their category that made the judge stop and listen. They will be passed onto the judges of this award and judged accordingly. Judges in the first round do not have to refer an entry to this category.

The Prince of Humberside, originally a half an hour black comedy, deals directly with the issue of depression in young people and is written and directed by Tess Humphrey who has had personal experience in dealing with the issue. The play represents the power of two talented actors speaking on radio to engage and grip the audience.

It charts the phone conversation between Laurie (an aristocratic student) and his opposite Arrabella (a NHS call centre worker in London). Not only is there great drama as Laurie sad story unfolds but also tinged with comedy as the two struggle to understand what the others going through) Over the half hour both develop as characters which I hope the audience have an emotional attachment to.

And of course our Arts programme 'In the Stalls' was Nationally nominated even if not making the top 3 and continues this weekend with a preview of 'York Shakespeare Project's production of 'Troilus and Cressida', Dramasoc's production of 'Waiting for Godot' as well as our review of 'The Saliva Milkshake', this weeks dramasoc production!

You can listen to all our programmes now on the ((URY PLAYER)) and of course catch our national award winning content every Sunday from 2 on URY.

Congratulations to everyone involved in any of our entries and of course to URY for winning Silver for best station!

And if you want to be part of our national award winning drama here on URY then don't miss our Sitcom auditions for 'Going Solar' this weekend. More info here.

In the Stalls: 6th November 2011

This week on the programme we have reviews of Happily Ever After Society’s production of Thoroughly Modern Millie and Dramasoc’s latest production ‘A Day in the Death of Joe Egg’ by Peter Nichols.

Also our preview of next week's Dramasoc production ‘Saliva Milkshake' and, courtesy of the award winning news team here at URY, we have an interview with Cherie Federico, the founder of the Asthetica Short Film Festival which concludes today.


If that wasn't enough we also have our interview with Martin Barrass, on playing the role of Stan Laurel in York Theatre Royal's production of 'Laurel and Hardy'. 


Catch the national award nominated programme on the ((URY PLAYER)) here!

URY Debate: 6th November 2011

We'll be talking public sector strikes and the Greek bailout, plus Iran's nuclear weapons programme: how far should we go to stop it? Plus the Archbishop of Canterbury's been having his say on economic policy: we ask whether he's right, and whether he should be keeping his views to himself. Our guests are political blogger Adam Alcock, the Green Party's Spin Pitman and Daniel Murphy of the Conservative party.

The programme is produced by Paddy Evans, George Viner and Nick Duquemin.

Catch the programme here on the ((URY PLAYER))

In the Stalls: Laurel and Hardy - Martin Barrass Interview

Earlier this week John Wakefield met up with Martin Barrass, one of the stars of York Theatre Royals production of ‘ Laurel and Hardy’ and I spoke to him about the experience of performing the play as Stan Laurel and his opinion of the comedy Duo.

York Theatre Royal's Production of Tom Mcgrath's 'Laurel and Hardy' is an incredible show that shouldn't be missed!

'Both incredibly funny and deeply moving' - URY Review

 Don't miss your chance to see this fantastic show as this Saturday (4th Nov) marks the end of the run. Tickets avaliable from http://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/

Listen to the interview NOW on the ((URY PLAYER))

And make sure you tune into 'In the Stalls' for all the latest theatre and arts news on campus this Sunday at 2!

Review: ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’

Before reading our review, get a taste of the show by listening to our preview here on the ((URY PLAYER))

Happily Ever After Society’s latest musical offering is their production of ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’. The performance provided a showcase for some of the finest vocal talents at the university yet the production never quite captured the air of a professional production.

For those who don’t know the premise of this unusual musical it provides a combination of 20s jazz, love triangles, money and of course white slavery (what comedy musical would be the same without that key ingredient). The show mixes superb jazz with Gilbert and Sullivan for a mix that must be unique in musical theatre.

The performances of the leads were astounding. Lottie Johnson as Millie shone with an infectious enthusiasm and enjoyment of the production. Tom Jones felt relaxed and charming in his role as Jimmy (Millie’s love interest) and Melissa Layton was delightfully evil as the pantomimic Mrs. Meers. Yet the show was stolen by Luke de Belder and Bethan Williams as Trevor and Miss Dorothy who both provided spot on comedy as well as impressive vocal performances which combined had the audience in the palm of their hands.

While the chorus initially seemed unnerved in the opening scenes they soon settled into the performance and the final chorus numbers couldn’t help but bring a smile to my face and raise the hairs on the back of my neck. Equally when in smaller groups, such as at the Society Club the male chorus provided a superb barbershop backing to the sexy jazz vocals of Claire Lawrence’s Muzzy. While the dancing was by no means perfect and often felt forced instead of flowing into the overall continuity of the show it still provided some great moments such as the letter writing scene which was a highlight of the first half.

Many people will be aware that the production has faced the problem of not being able to use its Central Hall home stage because of renovation being carried out by the University. The decision, however to move the production to the Joseph Rowntree Theatre did suit the production. As the stage show is an adaptation of the 1967 film the theatre’s plush ex cinema feel suited the show perfectly.

However despite the incredible performances by the leads the cast and chorus often failed to fill the stage or bring many of the settings alive. This was often due to unimaginative staging and a lack of props to punctuate the different locations which wasn’t helped by incredibly poor lighting design which lacked subtlety and rarely aided the empty staging. Furthermore the Joseph Rowntree theatre had facilities that performances in Central Hall could only dream of, such as a fully functional stage loft which was only used once in the entire performance.

In conclusion the show was an enjoyable evening despite its problems and the superb performances made the journey to the theatre well worth while even if the staging and technical aspects of the show made some parts of the evening underwhelming. Yet a recommendation is by no means hard to give and it still is a good introduction to the abilities of the performing arts societies at the university, even if it never attained the air of professionalism they set out to achieve.

The show is running at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, 7:30 every night until this Saturday. There is free transport to the venue from James College at 7:00 each night.

Hear our full audio review now in the National Award nominated 'In the Stalls' on the ((URY PLAYER)) here!

In the Stalls: 30th October 2011

The National Award nominated arts programme returns for another week.

This week we will be previewing YUSU Drama Society's production of 'A Day in the Death of Joe Egg' and reviewing this weeks production 'After Miss Julie'. We will also be previewing Happily Ever After Society's ambitious production 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' which is opening at the Joseph Rowntree theatre this Thursday.

You can hear the programme on the ((URY PLAYER)) here now. 

And make sure you don't miss another chance to hear original URY drama with Tom Crowley's gripping sci-fi thriller 'The Matchstick Man' at 2:30 and at 3:20 we have our final episode in our original history series 'How the Radio Changed the Nation'. 

Comedy: The URY Sketch Show

Ever wondered what 'Top Cat' would sound like if directed by Quentin Tarentino or what Camarons secret reaction was to the Student Protests. 

Listen in now to brand new sketch comedy from York Student writers in the 'URY Sketch Show!' to find out!

Available now on the ((URY PLAYER)) 

A New Year for Speech at URY!

Welcome to all freshers joining the University this year! Coming up this term we have fantastic selection of orginal programmes written and produced by York Students!

This Sunday from 2 we have Yorworld, where we will be previewing Dramasoc's 'The Acrington Pals', speaking to Andrew Caspari, the man behind 'A History of the World in 100 objects' as well as highlights from Ian Hislops Q and A session at 'The National Student Media Summit'.

And then at around 2:30 we have brand new sketch comedy from York Student writers in the 'URY Sketch Show!' Ever wondered what 'Top Cat' would sound like if directed by Quinten Tarentino or what Camarons secret reaction was to the Student Protests. Tune in to find out!

Our programmes have been described as 'radio 4 quality' by industry judges and with a host of brand new shows coming this term always tune in Sundays 2-4 to make sure you don't miss out!

Alternatively you can catch up on many of our previous shows on the ((URY PLAYER)) now and look for the green covers!

If you want to get involved there's plenty to do this term. We will teach you how to use all the professional equipment at our disposal and you can either help out with a current show or make your own drama/documentary comedy (or anything really) programme from scratch!



A few of things you get to do if you join the speech team..

Celebrity interviews
Hone your skills on the celebrities you've always wanted to meet! We interviewed Mark Watson, Milton Jones, Greg Davies, Angelon Epitheomou and many many more last term!

Alternatively we love hearing from anyone whose interesting so you can interview whoever you want if you can get hold of them and with a name like ((URY)) behind you that makes it a whole lot easier!

Review
Ever fancied yourself as a critic? We have excellent connections with the performing arts societies on campus as well as the theatres in the town centre which means free tickets for our reviewers to see some of the finest performances in the country. Our reviewers air their thoughts on air in our weekly magazine show as well as contributing to this blog!

Be a Producer
Make your very own programme, from comedy to documentary or help craft somebody elses ideas into radio perfection!

Get involved in radio drama!
Last year saw a flourishing of radio drama at ((URY)) with more on the way. Fancy writing, directing or performing on air? We will be auditioning for our new radio sitcom 'Going Solar' soon from the writer of the highly acclaimed 'The More Beautiful Game' so watch out for audition information by joining our facebook group!

The York Project
We are trying to create a soundscape of York with hundreds of stories from real people in York. Want to help us record or fancy composing some orginal music for the exciting project!

And of course presenting and much much more!

Please direct all get involved (speech) enquiries to head.of.speech@ury.org.uk

I look forward to hearing from you and please don't hesistate to contact me at the above address.

John Wakefield

Head of Speech Broadcasting ((URY))

Drama: The More Beautiful Game

James Bugg's fantastic new comedy drama about a sport that deserves respect!

Avaliable on the ((URY PLAYER)) here now! 

 

'The More Beautiful Game' is the story of Yorkshireman and world class athlete, Geoff Batterson (played by Chris White) who wants to see his sport in the 2012 London Olympic games.

There is a catch though. The sport is table football.

Geoff not only faces the challenge of convincing the olympic committee, but must also be wary of rising table football star Kazayuki Takamoto, who threatens Batterson's place as World Number 1.

As the hearing, and the table football World Cup final approach, Geoff, along with his best friend Alan (Dan Wood) test their friendship, their nerve and their devotion to the more beautiful game.

Geoff Batterson - Chris White
Alan Turner - Dan Wood
Commentator - Jack Roberts
Janet Batterson - Anjali Vyas-Brannick

Other parts played by
- Freddy Elletson
- Louis Lunts
- Jonathon Carr
- Oliver Hill
- Georgie Patrick
- James Bugg
- John Wakefield

Writen by James Bugg
Directed by James Bugg and John Wakefield
Produced by John Wakefield

Award Winning Speech Content

The URY Speech team this evening won a couple of York University Media Awards!

Our preview of Dramasoc's production of 'Peepshow' was unanimously chosen by the judges as 'Best Feature' and praised as 'worthy of radio 4'.

You can hear the award winning feature now on the ((URY PLAYER)) here.


Also Shortlisted for the award was John Wakefield's interview with the incredible Charles Chilton (first coloquial voice on the BBC, first Jazz presenter in the country, writer and producer of the last programme to get more listeners than tv had viewers and writer of 'Oh What A Lovely War!' Despite not winning best interview it was the only shortlisted piece to be 'highly commended' by the judges.

You can hear it now on the ((URY PLAYER)) here now.


We will continue to create Award wininng content next year! Who knows SRAs here we come!

Also if your reading this we should congratulate ((URY )) on best website!

Drama: The Prince of Humberside

The premiere of Tess Humphrey's black comedy 'The Prince of Humberside' about Laurie a troubled teenager who calls the NHS Suicide Hotline and recieves some unconventional advice.

The play deals with the issues of deppresion in young people in a comic yet deeply moving way in half an hour of gripping student written drama.


Joshua King - Laurie Waugh
Ela Gaworzewska - Arrabella

Tess Humphrey - Writer and Director
John Wakefield - Producer

Avaliable now on the ((URY PLAYER)) here.

YorWorld: 19th June

This week on the show we speak to the cast of the latest York Theatre Royal production 'Two Planks and a Passion', we Preview 'PlayinaDay Take2' and 'The Importance of Being Earnest'. We review 'Red Snow' and 'Treasure Island' and take a look at Woodstock. If that wasn't enough, continuing our woodstock theme we have archive Jay Foreman Sessions! YorWorld is part of the Sunday Roast, great speech broadcasting every sunday 2-4.

Here it now on the ((URY PLAYER)) here.

Debate: URY Debate

We’re talking private universities this week on URY Debate: is it unfair for the New College of Humanities to charge £18,000 a year.

Plus Rowan Williams’ attack on the coalition, nuclear weapons in Syria—and is privatisation partly to blame for care home abuse?

Our guests this week: George Clarke of the university’s Labour Club; Thomas Byrne, former NUS presidential candidate; Matt Kilcoyne of the Conservatives; and Mariel Stringer-Fehlow from Amnesty International.

Produced by Nick Duquemin, Paddy Evans, George Viner. Find out more by joining our Facebook group: search ‘URY Debate’.

Catch the programme on the ((URY PLAYER)) now!

YorWorld: 12th June 2011

On the show this week we review York Theatre Royal's 'My Family and Other Animals' (see www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk for more info) , this weeks drama production 'Road', and we preview Pantsoc's Summer Pantomime 'Treasure Island' and James Balls impressive new musica 'Red Snow' which is in the barn next week. On top of that we have the URY Music teams sessions with rising Manchunian band 'The Travelling Band'. YorWorld is part of the Sunday Roast, great speech broacasting 2-4 every Sunday on URY.

Catch the programme now on the ((URY PLAYER))

Drama: The More Beautiful Game

A Brand new comedy drama coming to URY at 3:00 on the 26th of June

'The More Beautiful Game' is a full length play coming week 9 to URY from student writer James Bugg.

Its the story of a Yorkshireman and world class athlete, Geoff  Batterson (played by Chris White) who wants to see his sport in the 2012 London Olympics.

There is a catch though.

The sport is table football and he has a challange on his hands not just from the olympic commitee but also from rising table football star Kazayuki Takamoto who threatens Batterson's place as World Number 1.

As the hearing and the table football world cup final approach Geoff, along with his best friend Alan (Dan Wood) test there friendship and there devotion to the more beautiful game.

Recording has been a great experience often seeing the cast recording while playing intense and physically demanding table football in locations across campus in an effort to make one of the best dramas URY has seen to date.

Hear the full trailer below...

Or alternatively head over to the ((URY PLAYER)) for this weeks YorWorld (our weekly magazine show) where we take a tongue in cheek indepth look at the production with interviews from its writer and director, James Bugg, and stars Dan Wood (Alan Turner) and Chris White (Geoff Batterson) which is avaliable now on the ((URY PLAYER)) here.

(photos Greg Ebdon)