Arts Richmond Swan Awards 2020-21

With theatres closed, Arts Richmond weren’t able to hold a traditional Swan Awards Gala Evening, however they did award two very special awards for 2020-21 for virtual performances and Q2 are very pleased to be able to announce that we were awarded “Best Virtual Performance” by the Swan Judges for ‘Kin ‘Ell, a Zoom play written and directed by Genni Trickett and starring Denise Tomlinson, Cat Lamin, Lily Tomlinson and Laurie Coombs. Judges described ‘Kin ‘Ell as ‘highly watchable’ and it ‘struck a chord with all’ with ‘confident performances and an entertaining production’. We’re so proud of everyone involved as it was a super play, really showcasing both the acting and writing talent of Q2.

Don’t forget that you can watch back both ‘Kin ‘Ell and many of our other play readings, including an incredible selection of new writing, by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and looking up our Zoom Play Readings playlist.

We’d also love to extend our congratulations to our friends over at RSS for their award for “Best Virtual Production” for their Halloween Spectacular, Stage Fright (also featuring Lily Tomlinson as well as a number of other Q2 members).

Congratulations to everyone involved in both productions and thank you to the Swan Awards team for all their hard work; fingers crossed for a more normal Gala Evening next year!

Denise Tomlinson receiving the nomination certificate from Sir Vince Cable, President of Arts Richmond 2020-2021

Charles II Announces Dramatic Return of Live Theatre in Kew

Q2 Players are pleased to announce that our postponed production of Nell Gwynn is now scheduled to play at The National Archives, Kew, between 28 and 30 October 2021 (four performances).  Tech and dress rehearsals 24-27 October.

Polly Beauwin, who is directing this play writes:

“Nell is now back, and we can’t wait to get back to work on this fun show!

A 16 month hiatus, however, has meant that four actors have had to drop out because of moves and other commitments, so we are on the lookout for four actors for four great parts. 

LORD ARLINGTON – Charles II’s minister, a key player in the power games at Court.  He knows how to plot, cajole and threaten when necessary.  Age: late 30s-50s

JOHN DRYDEN – England’s first poet laureate, but here we see him as the playwright he also was – struggling with writer’s block, coming up with ideas, and coping with the women who have suddenly been allowed on stage.  Age: 30s-40s

NANCY – Nell’s dresser and confidante.  She finds herself on stage with catastrophic results.  A part with great comic potential.  Age: late 20s-40

EDWARD KYNASTON – Actor specialising in playing women’s parts; his nose is seriously put out of joint by Nell’s arrival.  Great comic potential, larger than life character. Physically should look as thought he could play Juliet or Desdemona with a wig and a dress. Age: 20s‑40ish

 Auditions for these parts will be held on Wednesday, 14 July 2021 at 8pm in the Kew Scout Hut.

I fully appreciate that this is very short notice, so if you are interested in auditioning and cannot make it on the 14th, please do get in touch and we will sort out a second round of auditions at a date to suit all those who cannot make it on the 14th.

Please get in touch with the me, Polly Beauwin (pbeauwin@hotmail.com; 07773 796609) to let me  know of your interest.”

For copies of the audition speeches, or if you have any questions, please get in touch with Polly at the email/phone number above.

Hughie Kapooey and the Really Orangey Thing

Our upcoming virtual performance will be a new piece of writing called Hughie Kapooey and the Really Orangey Thing, by long-time member Cat Lamin and starring a host of familiar Q2 faces.

As normal, we will be holding a live Zoom performance on the last Saturday of the month at 8pm – please drop us an email to get details and be added to the guest list.

As well as the Zoom performance, we are excited to announce that you can also watch a live-streamed performance directly from YouTube on Sunday 25th April at 8.30pm

Government Theatre Announcement

It is with cautious optimism that Q2 Players welcomes the governmental announcement that indoor performances are to resume.
We appreciate that this initiative will be a great relief to theatres large and small, professional and amateur, across the country. However, we cannot for the moment make any firm pronouncements regarding Q2 productions at The National Archives. While we would love to be able to resume there soon, with our long-awaited performance of Nell Gwynn, the safety of our actors, crew and audience has to be our top priority.
In the meantime we will be continuing a programme of monthly Zoom readings, which have so far been absolutely brilliant and given much joy to performers and audience alike. We may not be able to meet in person, but the spirit of Q2 is alive and well!