Beginning a new year – where I am going next.
FJW performing WW1 memorial concert “To End All Wars” with Hugh Bonneville.
Start of a New Year
Hello all,
This will only be brief, just to remind you of a couple of February dates for Wartime Women: the Khaki Cabaret. If you are nearby, do come along and have a drink afterwards – and remember to let any friends in the area know about it too!
I was delighted to interview 100 year old Pat Slade earlier this month and talk with her about her memories of World War 2. I made a voice recording and when I get to grips with the technology (never my strong point!), I want to start a podcast for these interviews, so if you know anyone who might like to share her experiences with me, or if you want to tell me about your family members, please do get in touch. It is so important we record these women’s stories before it’s too late.
I am also writing a new show! It will be staged later on in the year – but more about in the next newsletter…
Film of WW1 nurse Vera Brittain’s “Testament of Youth”. Read my review.
Dates coming:
7th February
– Wartime Women:the Khaki Cabaret at the Sarah Thorne Theatre, Broadstairs, Kent
14th February
– Wartime Women at The Rondo Theatre, Bath
To book your ticket, simply visit my website: www.fionajaneweston.com Or via the theatre websites.
Fiona-Jane
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About Fiona Jane Weston
I am Fiona-Jane Weston and as well as being a performer myself (see website), I write reviews of and features on shows, mainly on the London cabaret and theatre scene.
I have worked in theatre for many years, but decided to embark on a new direction in cabaret in 2009, when I produced 20th Century Woman: The Compact Cabaret. Not wanting to neglect my love of spoken word, particularly drama and verse, I made the conscious decision to include these elements in the programme, as well as wonderful songs, to tell the story of women's changing status and preoccupations throughout the 20th Century and up to now.
I was invited to audition for the renowned Cabaret Conference at Yale, run by the late legendary Erv Raible, and that was thrilled to be one of only 26 accepted that year, where I was taught by the masters of the genre. Amanda McBroom (composer of the Bette Middler hit "The Rose" and the poignant "Errol Flynn"), Laurel Massé, original member of Manhattan Transfer, Sally Mayes, Tony Award nominees Sharon McNight and Tovah Feldshuh, and New York cabaret veteran Julie Wilson were all on the faculty. We were also treated to the musical direction of Alex Rybeck, Hubert Tex Arnold and the now late Paul Trueblood.
With the benefit of their insightful teaching and great encouragement, I took my show to The Duplex in New York, where I was delighted with the response.
Since then, I have produced Loving London: The Capital Cabaret, using the same format of songs, poetry and drama, in various London venues, including Leicester Square Theatre and The Crazy Coqs.
2014, the centenary of World War 1, saw the launch of Wartime Women: the Khaki Cabaret to a sellout house at St. James Theatre, London, garnering great notices, including from The Times and Musical Theatre Review. I have since been touring the show to Belgium and throughout the UK.
I hope these reviews and interviews entertain and educate at the same time, and if please do leave comments in the box. It's great to engage in a conversation about the Arts.
Fiona-Jane Weston
Capital Cabarets And Shows Scene 