Networks Blog Stories Nº. 44: Dennis Carpenter

The Blog is back after the summer break! And back with a long-awaited contribution from designer, actor, costume maker, prop-maker and problem solver Dennis Carpenter. His creative skill is stamped on every single Networks production. As an actor he's played villain and Dame, as a designer he's painted Rainforests and Palaces, as a costume maker he's made Ball Gowns and Togas, as a Prop Maker he's made icebergs and scrolls. I could go on and on and but let him tell you more...

1. What’s your name?

Dennis Carpenter

2. Did/Do you have a Networks name?

No

IMAGE FROM THE FIRST PRODUCTION OF UGLY, DENNIS PLAYED DRAKE - MAY 2004

3. How many shows have you appeared in?

14 but have worked on 53

STAGE DESIGN FROM DRACULA - JUNE 2004

4. Name them!

As an actor: Two Princesses in Waiting, Cinderella (Buttons), Last Panto in Little Grimley, Painting Memories, Aladdin (Abanazar), Ugly, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Muddles), Prince and The Pauper, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella (Ugly Sister), Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, (Wicked Queen), Dick Whittington, A Christmas Carol and Aladdin (Widow Twankey.)

IMAGE FROM ALADDIN - NOVEMBER 2003

5. What was your first show?

The Two Princesses, I played a messenger. I entered to give the Two Princesses a message and had a heart attack and died.

ED: Two Princesses in March 2002 was Dennis' first acting role. As a designer or prop maker we need to go back as far as December 1999 when he made a model of Titanic and an Iceberg.

DENNIS HAND MAKES APPROXIMATELY 100 COSTUMES A YEAR.

6. What are your earliest memories of the shows?

My earliest memories are of watching the younger kids shows in December and June, and thinking how wonderful it was that these little kids have the opportunity to take part in something like this.

7. A) What is your earliest memory of Nick?

It is seeing someone who is passionate about theatre and the possibilities doing theatre can give you, personally giving you more confidence and socially to be more extrovert.

STAGE DESIGN FROM THE FIRST FAIRY TALE MIX PRODUCTION - DECEMBER 2003

B) What is your favourite memory of Nick?

When he wore the short blue wig playing the part of dame in Dick Whittington, during the dress rehearsal I couldn't stop laughing.

"THAT" BLUE WIG FROM DICK WHITTINGTON - NOVEMBER 2008

C) What is your scariest memory of Nick?

The scariest memory of Nick has to be when he was dressed in the very bright 1960s style costume from one of the pantos, it was awful but fantastic at the same time.

DENNIS ARE YOU LAUGHING? IMAGE FROM DICK WHITTINGTON - NOVEMBER 2008

8. What has been your favourite show to date?

It has to be Last Panto in Little Grimley.

COSTUME DESIGN FROM PSYCHEDELIC COOL - MARCH 2010

9. Do you have a favourite moment in a show or memorable moment in rehearsal?

There are just too many to choose from, but one does stand out more than any other. It was during a performance of The Prince and the Pauper May 2005, and a scene between Cristina (sorry to remind you of this) and myself. Well, Cristina was due to enter and then we would say our lines and job done, but as she entered she missed the step onto the stage and fell over, disaster, what do we do? Luckily she got up and we managed to get through the scene.

Also very quickly, I remember playing the Wicked Queen in Snow White and after a costume change and a bit of a long break between scenes, I sat in the office and had taken off the high heeled shoes and put my more comfortable trainers on, yes you can guess what happened next, I entered on stage with the correct costume on, but wearing my trainers.

10. What is your favourite photograph of any production?

This was a fun show - Beauty and the Beast. It's always fun to play the baddie!

Image from Beauty and the Beast - November 2005

11. Are there any ideas you’d like to give Nick when he’s planning productions. Stories or subjects that you think might make good shows?

Any shows where I get to put on a fabulous frock has got to be the best idea!

IMAGE FROM ALADDIN - DENNIS AS WIDOW TWANKEY - NOVEMBER 2010

12. Finally: can you sum up Networks Theatre in one word?

Enchanting, infectious.

ED: That's two words but thanks anyway.

Networks Blog Stories Nº. 43: Gabriel Vázquez

Can you imagine being able to say,"I was in the first ever show at Networks Theatre!"? Gabriel Vázquez Serrano can. "Charlie" appeared in seven shows during his time at Networks. Back in 1999 he appeared in the first two shows. In December 2000 he played the lead role of Robin Hood, for a shy boy this was a great achievement. Here's his blog!

1. What’s your name?
Gabriel Vázquez Serrano

2. Did you have a Networks name?
Yes, I chose Charlie… I didn’t know any English name and I saw it in my book and just liked it.

IMAGE FROM MILLENNIUM SHOWS - DECEMBER 1999

3. How many shows have you appeared in?
I started with the first show and my last one was Christmas at the Majestic Hotel, so I think I was in 7.

4. Name them!
The Happy Prince and the Selfish Giant, Cinderella and the Millennium shows, Robin Hood (2000), Treasure Planet, Bamboo Princess, Welcome to Sweetville and Christmas at the Majestic Hotel. I hope I didn't forget any…

IMAGE FROM MILLENNIUM SHOWS - DECEMBER 1999

5. What was your first show?
The Happy Prince and the Selfish Giant which was the main part of the show, but I remember there were also more scenes like The Lion King song.

6 What are your earliest memories of the shows?
Well, I was a little scared at first, cause I’ve always been very shy and wasn’t very sure about appearing in a theatre show, but I remember we spent a week playing games which helped me to put my shyness away and to make some friends.

IMAGE FROM MILLENNIUM SHOWS - DECEMBER 1999

7. A) What is your earliest memory of Nick?
As I said in question number 6, my first memories were playing games. I like the way he managed the rehearsals, I really had a good time there.

B) What is your favourite memory of Nick?
I have many, but it comes to me now one during the Robin Hood rehearsals. I have to make a slow motion scene and I was always faster than he wanted… He came to the stage and showed me how to do it until I finally did it “well”.

IMAGE FROM TREASURE PLANET - JUNE 2001

C) What is your scariest memory of Nick?
I’ve always been afraid of being late, but the scariest memory is, with no doubts, when he got mad at one partner (I don’t remember exactly why) and he threw a pineapple juice to the stage.

ED: PINEAPPLE? WE HEARD IT WAS ORANGE JUICE.

8. What has been your favourite show to date?
Robin Hood. I don’t know why, but when I think of Networks Theatre I first think of Robin Hood show.

IMAGE FROM ROBIN HOOD AND THE ABBA SILVER DISC - DECEMBER 2000

9. Do you have a favourite moment in a show or memorable moment in rehearsal?
Yes, the moments trying to be quiet in the small room… And the moment before appearing on the stage, the nervousness which disappeared just when I said my first sentence…

10. What is your favourite photograph of any production?
I guess the Robin Hood cast in Lee’s class.

ED: THANKS TO ROBERTO (BROCK) FOR FINDING THIS IMAGE FROM ROBIN HOOD. I THINK ROBERTO JUST WANTED EVERYONE TO SEE WHAT A LITTLE DUDE HE WAS. I LOOK ABOUT 12 YEARS OLD.

IMAGE FROM MILLENNIUM SHOWS - DECEMBER 1999

11. Are there any ideas you’d like to give Nick when he’s planning productions.
I don’t know what to say… I’ve had very good experience at Networks Theatre, and even now that I don’t live there any more, I like to go and see his shows when I’m in town… So if I had to say something, I’d just say never change.

POSTER FROM CHRISTMAS AT THE MAJESTIC HOTEL - DECEMBER 2002

12. Finally can you sum up Networks Theatre in one word?
That’s a difficult one… I think maybe JOY.

Networks Blog Stories Nº. 42: Laura Vegara

Laura has been a part of the theatre since “nearly” the beginning. Not only having appeared on stage she has given her time freely for translating duties during the rehearsals also. Her contribution has been immense. On the acting front one of her most successful roles was as the Princess Leticia in Three Princesses in Waiting. A role that was written especially for her. Laura, thanks for being the theatre’s friend.

1. What’s your name?

LAURA VEGARA

2. Did you have a Networks name?

TINA (THANK YOU, LEE)

3. How many shows have you appeared in?

MMM, DUNNO… A LOT!!!!

ED: COUNTING UP QUESTION FOUR, WE MAKE IT SEVEN.

IMAGE FROM CINDERELLA, NOVEMBER 2002 - LAURA PLAYED PRINCE CHARMING.

4. Name them!

CHRISTMAS CAROL, UGLY (2004), THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER, ALADDIN (2003), SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS (2004), THE SCARECROW GIRL, THREE PRINCESSES IN WAITING

5. What was your first show?

CHRISTMAS CAROL

ED: THIS WAS A NON-MUSICAL VERSION IN NOVEMBER 2001.

IMAGE FROM THREE PRINCESSES IN WAITING MAY 2009

6. What are your earliest memories of the shows?

A NEW, EXCITING ENTERPRISE….

7. A) What is your earliest memory of Nick?

“DON’T BE LATE”

IMAGE FROM UGLY - MAY 2004

B) What is your favourite memory of Nick?

WELL, THERE ARE MANY. HE CAN BE NICE SOMETIMES, YOU KNOW.

C) What is your scariest memory of Nick? ONCE MY FRIENDS ARRIVED LATE AT A SHOW…THAT FACE…IT GIVES ME THE CREEPS.

8. What has been your favourite show to date?

MAJESTIC HOTEL, BUT THERE ARE OTHER EXAMPLES….

9. Do you have a favourite moment in a show or memorable moment in rehearsal?

OH, ONCE CRISTINA GUIRAO TRIPPED WHILE EXITING THE SMALL ROOM…(LOL)

10. What is your favourite photograph of any production?

ME AS LETICIA (3 PRINCESSES)

IMAGE FROM THREE PRINCESSES IN WAITING - MAY 2009

11. Are there any ideas you’d like to give Nick when he’s planning productions. Stories or subjects that you think might make good shows?

LAURA VEGARA STARRING IN A NEW SHOW (LOL)

ED: ALL OF NICK'S RESPONSES WERE DELETED FROM THIS PART.

12. Finally can you sum up Networks Theatre in one word?

NECESSARY

IMAGE FROM ALADDIN NOVEMBER 2003 - LAURA PLAYED THE PART OF PRINCESS JASMINE

VIEW A VIDEO OF THREE PRINCESSES ON YOUTUBE BY CLICKING THIS LINK.

Networks Blog Stories Nº. 41: Paula Arques

Do you know that everyone is important at Networks Theatre! Over 600 people have participated in our shows over the years. One of our regular actors on the student courses from 2001 to 2007 was Paula Arques. She also appeared in the second part of Robin Hood Back in 2007. The show of course is back in its entirety this week at Networks Theatre (April 14-16, 2011.) We love the blogs because each one is different. Read on to hear her great suggestion that might just happen! Paula, thank you for your blog and thank you for being a part of Networks Theatre!

1. What’s your name?

Paula Arques.

2. Did you have a Networks name?

I used to be Geri when I was with Anne (who was my first teacher) but now the teachers in the Academy just call me Paula.

3. How many shows have you appeared in?

I've appeared in seven shows.

4. Name them!

The Bamboo Princess, Christmas at the Majestic Hotel, The Fairy Tale Mix, Peter Pan, Scrooge.com, Ocean Blue and Robin Hood (the Prince Strikes Back).

5. What was your first show?

The Bamboo Princess.

6 What are your earliest memories of the shows?

I remember myself so shy that I blushed every time I had to say a word on stage, although I just had a few sentences to say. I also remember how I kept singing the songs Nick taught us all day long.

7. A) What is your earliest memory of Nick?

I remember his difficulties with the Spanish language. I'll never forget his face of confusion when we told him that "wife" wasn't "marida" in Spanish.

IMAGE FROM OCEAN BLUE - JUNE 2006

B) What is your favourite memory of Nick?

It's difficult to say. Nick used to make jokes during the rehearsals and that created such a fantastic atmosphere that you didn't want to go home.

C) What is your scariest memory of Nick?

Probably when we kept speaking in "the small room" while the actors were on stage, and Nick got furious, as the students who were acting weren't heard.

ED: NOTHING HAS CHANGED PAULA. NOTHING HAS CHANGED.

8. What has been your favourite show to date?

The Bamboo Princess, as it was my first show and the experience was totally new for me.

9. Do you have a favourite moment in a show or memorable moment in rehearsal?

I really enjoyed rehearsing the songs as we had to prepare the dancing and that was really exciting. I particularly enjoyed the rehearsals of "The Winner Takes It All" in Robin Hood.

IMAGE FROM ROBIN HOOD - THE PRINCE STRIKES BACK - MARCH 2007

10. What is your favourite photograph of any production?

I really like the photos of the Fairy Tale Mix, as I loved the costumes which the actors had to wear.

IMAGE FROM THE FAIRY TALE MIX - DECEMBER 2003

ED: GERI PLAYED THE LEAD ROLE OF JANE, THE GIRL WHO DESTROYED THE FAIRY TALE BOOK. SO SHE DIDN'T GET A FAIRY TALE COSTUME.

11. Are there any ideas you’d like to give Nick when he’s planning productions.

I would like to see a show with the songs of The Beatles; I don't know if he has already done it, but it would be great!

ED: ROMEO AND JULIET IN 2005 HAD SOME BEATLES SONGS IN IT, BUT A SHOW WITH ONLY THE MUSIC OF THE BEATLES HAS YET TO HAPPEN. GREAT SUGGESTION THOUGH!

12. Finally can you sum up Networks Theatre in one word?

Magic.

IMAGE FROM PETER PAN - DECEMBER 2004

Networks Blog Stories Nº. 40: Juanjo Cubí Hernández

It's a real mark of respect for Networks Theatre when ex-students contribute to the Blog after so many years. This week's blogger Juanjo appeared in the first ever shows back in 1999. It is so nice to know that those memories are as special today as they have always been. He has been studying architecture in Valencia and now is making his way in the world. We want to wish him luck and also to say thanks for being a part of it.


1. What’s your name?

Juanjo Cubí Hernández

2. Did you have a Networks name?

John J.

3. How many shows have you appeared in?

3


IMAGE FROM FIRST SHOWS - MARCH 1999

4. Name them! ‘First shows 1999:The Selfish Giant and the Happy Prince’, ‘Millennium Shows’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’


IMAGE FROM REHEARSALS OF MILLENNIUM SHOWS - DECEMBER 1999

5. What was your first show?

‘First shows 1999:The Selfish Giant and the Happy Prince’

6. What are your earliest memories of the shows?

I still remember how nervous I felt before the beginning of the first show.

7. A) What is your earliest memory of Nick?

Just like Teresa, I can also remember that poster with his name and I felt we were so important as we were going to have theatre lessons from a real actor!

ED: TERESA GONZALEZ WAS LAST WEEK'S BLOGGER.

B) What is your favourite memory of Nick?

I remember a lot of pleasing things during the rehearsals that made me have a good time and become more self-confident. I still keep in mind a funny anecdote: a show mate felt the nature call (Spanish apretón) during the last rehearsal before ‘A Christmas Carol’ show and ran out to the loo as Nick looked at him disconcerted because he didn’t understood what the word apretón meant. I can still remember his face.

C) What is your scariest memory of Nick?

The orange juice carton hurled against the floor, and many times we were talking in the tiny room and Nick had to call this to our attention.

8. What has been your favourite show to date? I have happy memories of The Selfish Giant, as it was my first show, but I really enjoyed being one of Cinderella’s sisters during the Millennium shows. It was funny when Nick asked me and another boy if we wanted to be the two sisters.

ED: ONLY JUANJO WAS BRAVE ENOUGH TO DO IT. THE OTHER BOY DECIDED HE DIDN'T WANT TO DRESS UP AS A WOMAN! I CAN'T IMAGINE WHY?


IMAGE FROM CINDERELLA/MILLENNIUM SHOWS DECEMBER 1999

9. Do you have a favourite moment in a show or memorable moment in rehearsal?

I can remember as if it was today. During ‘The Selfish Giant’, I was up on a stepladder, I knew the dialogue perfectly but as I was really nervous and I didn’t want to make a mistake I benefited from the narrator who was below me and read directly from the script.

10. What is your favourite photograph of any production?

I can’t emphasize just one. It’s really nice to see any of those pictures with all of the show mates, and see how we have changed.

11. Are there any ideas you’d like to give Nick when he’s planning productions.

Always look on the bright side of life. When you prepare a Life of Brian adaptation you will become part of my idol’s list. Also with Monty Python and the Holy Grail you can become part from it!



IMAGE FROM CINDERELLA/MILLENNIUM SHOWS - DECEMBER 1999

12. Finally can you sum up Networks Theatre in one word?

Fresh (or legen… wait for it.. dary!)

Networks Blog Stories Nº. 39: Teresa Gonzalez Zapata

Cast your mind back 12 years and one memorable actress that comes to mind is Teresa Gonzalez...better known to many of us as Robin. Now living and teaching in Paris, she took time to add to our collective memory and do the blog! Teresa was there from the start, she participated in the first ever shows in 1999. She was always entrusted with one of the bigger parts in each show due to her great level of English. Teresa we miss you! Her blog....

1. What’s your name?
Teresa

2. Did you have a Networks name?
Of course! I chose to be Robin when my teacher was Denis Malone

3. How many shows have you appeared in?
I don't really remember the number. I still kept every script but I don't have them with me right now to count them.

ED: IT'S EIGHT.

4. Name them!
First Shows (The Selfish Giant), Millennium Shows, Treasure Planet, Welcome to Sweetville, Robin Hood, Aladdin, Bamboo Princess, Christmas at the Majestic Hotel and Ugly...

ED: TERESA MADE A SPECIAL APPEARANCE AT THE START OF EVERY PERFORMANCE ON MAJESTIC HOTEL. SHE PLAYED THE PART OF A MODEL WHO WAS WEARING THE DIAMONDS THAT WERE LATER TO BE STOLEN.


IMAGE FROM CHRISTMAS AT THE MAJESTIC HOTEL - DECEMBER 2002

5. What was your first show?
I think the name was Millennium, but I don't remember exactly... it was Nick's first show in Networks as well!

ED: IT WAS FIRST SHOWS IN MARCH 1999...TWELVE YEARS AGO..YOU'RE ALLOWED TO FORGET!

6 What are your earliest memories of the shows?
I'd always remember the games we played before starting to rehearse the first show. The were really funny and I met a lot of new people, some of them became my best friends and still are!


IMAGE FROM THE BAMBOO PRINCESS - DECEMBER 2001

7. A) What is your earliest memory of Nick?
I can perfectly remember the first time I read his name on a poster at Network's announcing that a real actor from London was going to teach us theatre. I was excited!!
B) What is your favourite memory of Nick?
There are so many!! But it always makes me smile the memory of Nick in the rehearsals of the first show making me repeat over and over the word "treasure" until I pronounced it properly "TRE- SURE", "TRE-SURE".
C) What is your scariest memory of Nick?
He got mad at me because I didn't want to wear those stupid goggles for Treasure Planet. In those days I still had sense of ridiculous.

ED: THEY WERE SPECIAL GOGGLES THAT ALL THE FOUR MAIN CHARACTERS WERE WEARING. THEY WERE TO PROTECT YOUR EYES AS YOU LEFT THE ATMOSPHERE AND WENT INTO HYPERSPACE.


IMAGE FROM TREASURE PLANET - JUNE 2001

8. What has been your favourite show to date?
The first one, and, probably Robin Hood, we really had fun there!

9. Do you have a favourite moment in a show or memorable moment in rehearsal?
Everyone feeling nervous before a show or inside the "small room", trying to keep silent.
Another great moment was when I was Aladdin and I had to sing!! I'm a terrible singer) I managed to perform a decent version of Bryan Adam's classic "I do it for you", and I was really proud of it!

10. What is your favourite photograph of any production?
The final picture of the first show probably, I also love the one in which all the cats were holding Alberto in Ugly.


IMAGE FROM UGLY - MAY 2004

11. Are there any ideas you’d like to give Nick when he’s planning productions. Stories or subjects
Nick and Dennis were my inspiration when I directed a Disney Musical three years ago with a university theatre group. When I had to choose the fabric for the dancers' costumes in "under the sea" I thought: "what would Dennis have chosen?" and I also have to mention I shouted: "ENERGY!!"! in the most pure Nick's style all the time. So, I don't really know how can I contribute... I definitely propose to do more theatre games to avoid show final date stress!

12. Finally can you sum up Networks Theatre in one word?
No, I can't.
But I can in 8 words: energy, passion, dedication, work, feelings, friends, inspiration, emotions, effort...
I don't know what else to say... I almost grew up in networks! Thanks again to everyone that made all of that possible (for me it's kind of a distant past): Lee, Nick, Dennis, the Pilares, Cristina, Paqui and Laura!!


IMAGE - POSTER AND SONG LYRICS FROM WELCOME TO SWEETVILLE - JUNE 2002