Discworld Monthly Issue 228 April 2016
Table of Contents:
1. Editorial
2. News
3. Upcoming Book Releases
4. April Events
5. Future Events
6. Recurring Monthly Fan Meetings
7. Readers' Letters
8. DiscTrivia
9. Mort - Live in Chelmsford (2 reviews)
10. Granny Weatherwax Hoodie Competition Result
11. Emporium Plushie Competition
12. The End
1. Editorial
Welcome to issue 228. It's been another busy month for us. Shortly after issue 227 went out we visited Bernard and the rest of the gang at The Discworld Emporium on our way to the Mini Meet Christchurch Dorset weekend. It was great catching up with the lovely nutters in the Emporium and then spending a couple of days surrounded by a load of Discworld fans playing board, dice and card games and generally having a great time.
Two weeks later, on the anniversary of Terry's sad passing, we headed east again, this time to Essex to see a rather excellent production of Mort in Chelmsford and another weekend of fun spent in the company of other Discworld fans. It certainly made the anniversary much more bearable.
Next month (The May 2016 issue) Discworld Monthly will be celebrating its 19th birthday. Little did we know back in May 1997 that nearly two decades later we would still be reporting news and writing reviews of Terry's works. I think it is a fitting tribute to Terry and his fandom that we are still needed / wanted today. Thank you for all those that have stuck with us all this time. It's been a blast.
Want to ensure you get all the latest news direct from Discworld Monthly between issues? Then visit the Discworld Monthly Facebook page and hit the "Like" button. The page is an announcement only page and is always the first place we post new information.
www.facebook.com/DiscworldMonthly
The closing date for applying for tickets to the Terry Pratchett memorial has now passed and hopefully everyone that applied for tickets should know if they have been successful or not by week ending 25th March. We look forward to what promises to be an emotional farewell / celebration of Terry's life. We'll see some of you at the Barbican and write about it for those unable to attend.
We've set up a public Facebook event for those wishing to arrange meet-ups at or near the Barbican on the 14th at: discworldmonthly.co.uk/uid/785
Penguin Random House are collecting fan tributes to create a video celebrating what Terry meant to his readers, to be displayed at the memorial.
If you'd like to be included, simply film a short clip of yourself (landscape) holding up, on a piece of plain paper, one or two words that sum up what Terry Pratchett and the Discworld mean to you, whilst saying that word or phrase out loud.
Send your clips in to discworld@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk by *Sunday 27th March*.
The Discworld Auction Team require items for both The Discworld Convention and Wadfest. The Discworld Convention are vetting items to ensure quality wherever possible. Please email auction@dwcon.org with details of what you want to offer and they will let you know if your items fits the current criteria. The Wadfest auction is more varied. Please email auction@discworldmonthly.co.uk with the subject Wadfest Auction.
If you visit a play or a talk and would like to let the world know about it, please feel free to email your review to info@discworldmonthly.co.uk and we will consider it for publication.
Also if you have written an article that you think we might want to include in the newsletter please feel free to email me at the address below. We will of course give credit for anything we use.
Please let us have any submissions for issue 229 before 22nd April 2016.
- Jason Anthony (Editor and Wizzard) info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
- Rachel Rowlands (Interesting Stuff Finder)
- William Barnett (Deputy Editor / Proofreader)
- Amy Simmonds (Artist in Residence)
- Richard Massey (Skype Technical Support)
2. News
The Public Relations Team responsible for The Shepherd's Crown have won an award at the Publisher's Publicity Circle.
"The Children's Book Award, sponsored by the Daily Mail, went to Alice Broderick and Lauren Hyett with Jessica Farrugia-Sharples from Doubleday Children's for The Shepherd's Crown by Terry Pratchett."
discworldmonthly.co.uk/uid/777
The Shepherd's Crown has been shortlisted for Children's Book of the Year at the British Book Industry Awards.
Other notable books in the list are: Harper Lee's Go Set a Watchman and Joe Wicks' Lean in 15.
The British Book Industry Awards take place on 9th May in London. For more information visit: discworldmonthly.co.uk/uid/782
It appears that the 2017 Discworld Diary has been changed to become The Terry Pratchett Diary and will also be perennial rather than year specific. It is due to be released around 20th October 2016.
The information we have located reads: "Sir Terry Pratchett left us, far too early, in March 2015. To celebrate his life and works, we've given over the 2017 Discworld Diary - which will be a perennial diary - to remembrances and tributes from some of those who knew and loved him and his extraordinary body of work.
With an introduction from his daughter Rhianna Pratchett and an afterword from longtime friend and colleague Rob Wilkins."
/books_theterrypratchettdiary.php
It's time to name a new ship over at the Natural Environment Research Council's website.
Discworld Monthly is backing the name TIFFANY ACHING as Tiffany's name in Nac Mac Feegle is Tir-far-thoinn or "Land Under Wave" and we thought it was the most appropriate name for a ship.
Let's see if we can pull together and repeat the success we had with Gaspode the Penguin from Folly Farm in West Wales back in 2013. See issue 194 for details.
You have until the 16th April to register your vote.
nameourship.nerc.ac.uk/?id=prWmDDm
In Eric, Terry wrote "'Multiple exclamation marks,' he went on, shaking his head, 'are a sure sign of a diseased mind.'"
It seems the UK government now agree and have issued guidelines on not awarding points in exams for students that overuse the exclamation mark. Not so much the multiple exclamation marks Terry talks about but the new guidelines say that only for Key Stage 1 and 2, an exclamation must be introduced by a phrase with 'what' or 'how' and should be followed by a subject + verb + any other elements. The examples given are:
What big teeth you have, Grandma!
How beautiful Cinderella looks in that dress!
However, the guidance does go on to say: An exclamation mark shows that the writer wants to indicate a certain effect, such as heightened emotion eg 'Be my friend!' [command].
The use of an exclamation mark does not change a sentence into an exclamation.
discworldmonthly.co.uk/uid/780
Sir Terry Pratchett to receive the Kate Wilhelm Solstice Award
The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) is pleased to announce that Sir Terry Pratchett (28 April 1948 - 12 March 2015) has been named the recipient of the Kate Wilhelm Solstice Award.
Sir Terry joins the ranks of previous honourees, including Octavia E. Butler, James Tiptree, Jr., Tom Doherty, Carl Sagan, and Stanley Schmidt.
In his long career, Sir Terry used humour and satire to entertain and educate, becoming one of the best-selling British authors of the twentieth century.
SFWA President Cat Rambo wrote, "I deeply regret Sir Terry's untimely passing, and my inability to give him the award in person. He's shaped the genre in ways that will resonate for centuries."
The Nebula Awards recognize the best works of science fiction and fantasy published in the United States as selected by members of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, membership in which is open to professional science fiction and fantasy authors. The first Nebula Awards were presented in 1966.
discworldmonthly.co.uk/uid/781
Last month we announced that The Shepherd's Crown had been longlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2016. Unfortunately The Shepherd's Crown did not progress from the longlist.
The novels that did progress to the shortlist are:
One by Sarah Crossan (Bloomsbury)
The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge (Macmillan)
There Will Be Lies by Nick Lake (Bloomsbury)
The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness (Walker Books)
Five Children on the Western Front by Kate Saunders (Faber)
The Ghosts of Heaven by Marcus Sedgwick (Indigo)
Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley (MiraInk)
Fire Colour One by Jenny Valentine (HarperCollins)
The official press release can be read at: discworldmonthly.co.uk/uid/783
3. Upcoming Book Releases
* UK Releases *
The new edition of Wings with cover illustration by Mark Beech will be released on 7th April 2016. Wings is the third and final book of the Bromeliad trilogy to be given the new updated look.
www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0552573353/87
Seriously Funny: The Endlessly Quotable Terry Pratchett - A collection of the wittiest and wisest words from Terry Pratchett.
We've been unable to confirm any details officially yet. This is the information gleamed from various sites. At the moment there is no cover photo and very few details. We don't know if this is a sequel to The Wit and Wisdom of Discworld or something completely new.
The details we have are:
Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: Doubleday (21 April 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0857524305
ISBN-13: 978-0857524300
It is currently listed on Amazon at a RRP of 9.99 GBP - www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0857524305/87
Mort will be getting a new Corgi paperback release with a new introduction by Neil Gaiman on 21st April 2016.
ISBN: 9780552173049
RRP: 7.99 GBP
A new paperback edition of Guards! Guards! will have also have a new introduction, this time by author Ben Aaronovitch and will also be released on 21st April 2016.
ISBN: 9780552173032
RRP: 7.99 GBP
Author Joanne Harris (via Twitter) has confirmed she has written a new introduction for Wyrd Sisters. We don't have a release date for this yet.
We've seen a number of websites listing the OFFICIAL DISCWORLD COLOURING BOOK by Paul Kidby.
Again, we don't have any official notice yet. But this is the information gleamed from various sites.
The book is due for release on the 17th May 2016. It will have 96 pages of glorious Paul Kidby illustrations for you to colour in and enjoy.
It will be published by Gollancz / Orion and it's ISBN details are:
ISBN-10: 1473217474
ISBN-13: 978-1473217478
The book will measure 15 x 21 cm and will be 2.2cm thick.
It has an RRP of 9.99GBP.
No book cover or any other details available at the moment but we will update you when we know more.
www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1473217474/87
From discworldmonthly.co.uk/uid/775
The Shepherd's Crown will be released in paperback on 2nd June 2016 by Corgi Children's.
www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0552574473/87
The Long Cosmos (book five in The Long Earth Series) will be published in hardback by Penguin Random House on 30th June 2016.
www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0857521780/87
The Long Cosmos Slipcase Edition is now available to pre-order from Waterstones. Priced at 35GBP it will be released on the 30th June 2016.
Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd, ISBN: 9780857524294
discworldmonthly.co.uk/uid/773
The Long Utopia (book four in The Long Earth Series) will be published in paperback by Corgi.
www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0552169366/87
Small Gods the Graphic Novel is currently scheduled for release on the 14th July this year in the UK. It will have 144 pages and be published by Doubleday.
www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0857522965/87
The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner (a collection of 14 short stories written by Terry as a young man) will be released on 25th August 2016 (the day before the Discworld Convention). The slipcase edition will feature an additional story.
This information comes from thebookseller.com at:
discworldmonthly.co.uk/uid/778
To purchase The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner, please visit:
/books_thewitchsvacuumcleaner.php
* Other releases *
The Long Utopia has been translated by Morrow into French and will be released on the 26 March 2016 by the publishers L'Atalante.
The cover will be by illustrator Raphael Defossez
discworldmonthly.co.uk/uid/770
Small Gods The Graphic Novel (International Release) is scheduled to be published on the 23rd August 2016.
discworldmonthly.co.uk/USISBN/0857522965
4. April Events
[UK, New] Lords and Ladies will be performed by Ruyton Amateur Theatrical Society on April 1st and 2nd 2016 at 7:30pm. The venue is Ruyton-XI-Towns Village Hall, Shropshire.
Tickets cost 7 GBP (concessions 5 GBP) and are available on the door or in advance from Cafe Eleven.
Box Office: 07950838349
Email: ncl698@gmail.com
You are welcome to bring your own refreshments to the show.
[UK] Stephens Briggs' new production The Shakespeare Codex (based loosely on The Science of Discworld II) will be performed from 6th - 9th April 2016.
[Germany, NEW] The amateur dramatics group 'Die Dramateure' will perform 'Ein gutes Omen', the German version of 'Good Omens' as their sixth Pratchett play on Friday 8th April and Saturday 9th April at 7:30 pm.
The play will take place at 'Burgerhaus Bruchkobel', Jahnstrabe 3, 63486 Bruchkobel, Germany.
Tickets are 7 EUR when bought online. Further information: www.dramateure.com
There will also be an extra performance on Sat 16th April at the Theatre in Riesensaal, Seligenstadt.
Admission: 12 EUR, reduced 8 EUR
Further information about this performance see: discworldmonthly.co.uk/uid/784
[UK] Cake Eaters Anonymous are a fund-raising organisation in Nottingham who meet regularly to raise funds for local or national charities. On 10th April to mark the one year anniversary of Sir Terry Pratchett's death [Terry died on 12th March 2015 - Ed], they will be supporting the Alzheimer's Society.
They have a short talk from a charity representative to explain how the donations will be put to good use and usually run a raffle during the event as well to raise donations and win fun prizes.
As this is a specially Discworld themed event, attendees are encouraged to bake something Discworld themed and even to dress up in a Discworld related outfit / costume if they like!
Places are limited and tickets need to be booked in advance. Tickets for the April event can be booked here: cakeclubapr2016.eventbrite.co.uk
[UK] Terry's memorial takes place at The Barbican Theatre London on Thursday 14th April 2016. By now tickets have been allocated and we will see all the other lucky ticket holders at the event.
[Australia] The Unseen Theatre Company will be performing The Wee Free Men at Bakehouse Theatre, Adelaide, Australia.
Preview: Friday, 15 April 2016 - 7:30pm.
Opening night: Saturday, 16 April 2016 - 7:30pm.
Season: Wednesday 20th April 2016 - Saturday 23rd April 2016 and Wednesday 27th - Saturday 30th April 2016 all starting at 7:30pm.
Matinee: Sunday, 17 April 2016 - 2:00pm
Tickets: Adults 22AUD; Conc 18AUD; TREv 16AUD; Groups (6+) 16AUD;
Preview - All tickets 15AUD; Families (2A & 2 ch) 60AUD; Companion card 0 AUD
Website and booking info: www.bakehousetheatre.com/shows/wee-free-men
[UK, New] The Worthy Players are taking on Terry Pratchett's Wyrd Sisters for their spring production this year as adapted by Stephen Briggs.
Funds will be raised through this production for Alzheimer's charity and the Orangutan Foundation, Terry's preferred charities.
Performances are being staged on 15/16 and 22/23 April at 7.30pm in the Jubilee Hall, Kings Worthy.
Tickets may be booked through www.theworthyplayers.co.uk, by e-mail to tickets@theworthyplayers.co.uk or by phone (07599 981922), 7 GBP or 6 GBP concessions.
[UK] Collingwood RSC Theatre Club will be performing Lords and Ladies at the Millennium Hall, HMS Collingwood, Newgate Lane, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 1AS from 20th - 23rd April 2016. Shows start at 19:30. Box office 07502 037922 or email collingwoodrsc@sky.com
www.facebook.com/hmscollingwoodrsc/
[Switzerland] Lords and Ladies (adapted by Irana Brown) will be performed by The Gay Beggars from 22nd April 2016.
If you want to reserve seats, e-mail them at reservations@gaybeggars.ch
www.facebook.com/gaybeggars/?fref=photo
5. Future Events
[UK] Caversham Park Theatre will be performing Wyrd Sisters at The Milestone Centre, Northbrook Rd, Caversham, Reading, RG4 6PF from May 12th - 13th at 8pm and May 14th at 7pm.
Early bird tickets (before April 12th) cost 7GBP.
Book online at: www.cavparktheatre.org.uk or phone 0118-948-1377
[UK] Minehead Dramatic Society are presenting Wyrd Sisters at the Regal Theatre in Minehead, Somerset on the 13, 14 and 15th May 2016.
They still have some parts to cast. If anyone in the local area is interested please contact jackiestagg@hotmail.com
[Germany] MORT will be performed on Saturday 21st at 19:30 and Sunday 22nd May 2016 at 15:30 pm at Theater Altes Hallebad, Friedberg
Tickets are 10.00 EUR / concessions 8.00 EUR
For more information visit heldentheater.de/
[UK] We are Theatre will be performing Mort from 21st - 22nd June 2016 at 7:30pm at Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York.
Tickets cost 10GBP (8GBP concessions) and are available from York Theatre Royal Box Office (01904) 623568. Group bookings contact wearetheatre@googlemail.com or call us on 07511 364107
[UK, UPDATED - RESCHEDULED] Lords and Ladies (adapted by Irana Brown) will be performed by the People's Theatre (Newcastle upon Tyne). Originally scheduled for 12th July to 16th July 2016 from 7:30pm but NOW rescheduled to 19th-23rd July 2016.
"Unfortunately we have had to reschedule this production to a week later than originally advertised. All customers who had already booked have been notified of this change. Please contact the Box Office at your earliest convenience to arrange to swap your tickets to a new date, or get a refund if required. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."
Tickets cost 13.50 GBP (11 GBP concessions).
Box office: 0191 265 5020 (Option 2)
discworldmonthly.co.uk/uid/762
[UK] July 23rd - Sept 18th 2016. Discworld and Beyond, Paul Kidby's touring exhibition, is going to spend next summer in Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery (Riversley Park, Coton Rd, Nuneaton CV11 5TU).
[UK] Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society will be performing Wyrd Sisters from Thu 28th to Sat 30th July and Thu 4th Aug to Sat 6th Aug 2016 at The Georgian Theatre Royal. Performances start at 7.30pm and tickets cost from 6.50 GBP to 12.50 GBP. The Theatre is located in the heart of Richmond, North Yorkshire.
Box office 01748 825252
tickets.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk/public/show.asp
[UK] Wadfest 2016, the Science Fiction Camping Event, dates have been announced. The event entitled: "Putting on the Flicks: It came from Planet W" will take place from 12th - 14th August at Wood Green, The Animal Shelter, King's Bush Farm, London Road, Godmachester, Cambs. PE29 2NH
Adult camping tickets cost 25 GBP with junior tickets costing 1p when booked with an adult. Adult visitor tickets cost 15 GBP. Concessions are available for students / people on low income and cost 20 GBP each.
[UK] Monstrous Productions will be performing Going Postal from August 17th - 20th at the Gate Theatre in Cardiff, South Wales.
www.facebook.com/MonstrousProductionsTheatreCompany
[UK] The Discworld Convention 2016: The Band With Rocks In will take place in Chesford Grange Hotel, Warwick from 26th-29th August 2016.
The event sold out in a matter of days when tickets first became available. Though the con have been running a waiting list for people still hoping to attend.
[Australia] Guards! Guards! Will be performed in Brisbane, Australia from 8th October - 12 November 2016 by Brisbane Art Theatre.
Tickets are available from: www.artstheatre.com.au/show/guardsguards
[Germany] All the Witches and denizens of the Chalk are invited to the 5th German Discworld Convention which will take place at Castle Ludwigstein from May 18th to 21st in 2017.
More information will be released on their Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/ScheibenweltConvention
[Netherlands] Cabbagecon 4 - July 2017
The Cabbagecon team is proud to announce a new edition of the one and only Dutch Discworld convention.
After visiting the Ankh-Morpork Assassins' Guild in 2015, we will team up with the Guild of Merchants to explore the great city of Ankh-Morpork some more in 2017.
Come and see the sights, meet the colourful city-dwellers, try the local food and, in general, experience the unique atmosphere of the Disc's most famous city. The Ankh-Morpork Guild of Merchants has gracefully agreed to provide a balanced and representative programme of activities to keep all visitors entertained.
Cabbagecon 4 will be held at the Hotel Carlton President in Utrecht on 1-2 July 2017.
Check out our new website at www.dutchdwcon.nl
[Australia] Announcing The Discworld Grand Tour 2017.
The Ankh-Morpork Tourism Board invites you to a journey of wonder, whimsy, and, er, wossname at *Nullus Anxietas VI - The Discworld Grand Tour - The Australian Discworld Convention.*
The Discworld Grand Tour will be held on 4th-6th August 2017 at the Lakes Resort Hotel, Adelaide, South Australia. This convention will be a way to escape on a luxurious trip to the Discworld to enjoy three (or four) fabulous days of fun and frivolity with your fellow fans of the late, great Sir Terry Pratchett.
You can find out more about Nullus Anxietas VI - The Discworld Grand Tour - The Australian Discworld Convention and chat with other potential tourists at:
Website: ausdwcon.org
Facebook page: facebook.com/Ausdwcon
Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/ausdwcon2017
Twitter: twitter.com/ausdwcon
6. Recurring Monthly Fan Meetings
[UK] The Broken Drummers meet at The Monkey Puzzle, Paddington, London, W2 1JQ, England at 7pm. For more information contact Helen Nicholls on helelnicholls@gmail.com
Also please note that due to email problems some addresses have been lost from the mailing list. If you are not getting Drummers emails and want to, please email Helen Nicholls on helelnicholls@gmail.com
Unless otherwise stated the Drummers meet on the first Monday of each month.
The Drummers are always happy to welcome new visitors. You can find out more about the Drummers at www.brokendrummers.org/ or
www.facebook.com/groups/55107511411/
[UK] The A 2 Z Science Fiction Group meet from 8pm on the 3rd Thursday in the month in Chelmsford. They are happy to discuss anything from Asimov to Zelazny [passing Pratchett somewhere in the middle - Ed]. They meet at the United Brethren Pub, New Writtle Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0LF
www.facebook.com/groups/1685382495015481
[Perth, Australia] The Treacle Mining Corporation meet up to celebrate the works of Sir Terry Pratchett, and welcome any fans of science fiction and fantasy.
Join them for their monthly discussion of Discworld, Terry Pratchett and all things sci-fi and fantasy. They meet the first Monday of each month, subject to holidays, and all are welcome.
The group meets up at Carpe Cafe, 526 Murray Street, Perth, WA. Meeting at a cafe means they are under-18 friendly!
For details follow them on Twitter @Perth_Drummers, Instagram perth_drummers, and Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/Perth.Drummers/
Otherwise message Alexandra Ware directly at alexandra.ware@gmail.com
Unless otherwise stated the group meets up on the first Monday of each month.
[Sydney, Australia] Sydney Drummers normally meet on the first Monday of every month.
They meet at the NEW venue, 3 Wise Monkeys, 555 George Street, Sydney, 2000 from 6:30pm
For more information contact Sue (AKA Granny Weatherwax) on kenworthys@yahoo.co.uk
[Adelaide, Australia] The City of Small Gods is a group for fans in Adelaide and South Australia. They have regular monthly dinner and games nights, longer games days, plus play outings, craft-y workshops, and fun social activities throughout the year. For more info and to join their mailing list, visit: cityofsmallgods.org.au
[Brisbane, Australia] The Pratchett Partisans meet monthly at either Brisbane or Indooroopilly to eat, drink and chat about all things Pratchett. For more info about their next meetup, check out: www.facebook.com/groups/pratchettpartisans/
7. Readers' Letters
If you have any letters or comments, please email them to info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
We assume any correspondence is eligible for use in the newsletter unless otherwise stated, including the sender's email address. We may edit your letters for our own rather trivial reasons...
It is vitally important that you don't pass off other people's work as your own. If you use information from other resources please let us know so we can give proper credit.
* From: "Kevin Hyman" hyman@tesco.net
For those who missed the beautiful picture straight from the "Carpe Jugulum" description of a Phoenix, have a look at Hallgrimur P. Helgason's photo:
discworldmonthly.co.uk/uid/779
As Granny Weatherwax says: "...Some cold nights you see them dancin' in the sky over the Hub, burnin' green and gold..."
"Oh, you mean the aurora coriolis," said Oats, trying to make his voice sound matter-of-fact. "But actually that's caused by magic particles hitting the-"
"Dunno what it's caused by, but what it is, is the phoenix dancin'."
* From: "Robert Bull" dondregmar@yahoo.co.uk
Referring to Stephanie Lee's suggestion of a Discworld musical in issue 227, I'm not a fan of musicals either. But my first thought was Oh, no, the Hedgehog Song... and Sir Terry saying he'd received 33 different versions of it in the post immediately after the book was published, "each one more bawdy than the last."
* From: "David M Kennedy" daibhidchenedelh@aol.com
Regarding Stephanie Lee's letter about Discworld musicals, she might be interested to know I'm aware of two musicals based on Sir Terry's work.
Many years ago at a Discworld Convention (I think the Liverpool one in 1998, but I could be wrong) the video room showed various recordings of am-dram when not otherwise occupied. One of these was a musical of Wyrd Sisters. I only saw fragments of it, and I never learned who produced it and when, but it seemed very good. I particularly remember the horrors of the Fools' Guild being turned into a sad song called "Only a Fool".
There was also a musical of Only You Can Save Mankind, performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2004. Sadly, it didn't get the backing it needed for a full tour, but there's an album available (the official website is a dead link, but at time of writing there's two on Amazon. And, of course, there's always iTunes).
While these shows are in the past, I have just learned - as, I'm sure, has almost everyone reading this - that the play at this year's Convention will be Witches Abroad: The Musical. And if there was a perfect Discworld novel for the role, it's surely the Disneyland / fairy tale pastiche.
David Kennedy
8. DiscTrivia
We're back with five very challenging trivia questions for you. This month we will provide five quotes and all you need to do is tell us who said it. In the answers I've included which book the quote came from. Good luck. Jason
The (hopefully correct) answers can be found at the end of this issue.
9. Mort - Live in Chelmsford (2 reviews)
Review by Jason Anthony
The Old Court Theatre was the venue for The Chelmsford Theatre Workshop's production of Mort. When we arranged to visit I hadn't twigged that we were going on March 12th, the anniversary of Terry's sad passing. It turned out to be a really good idea as it meant we spent the day in great company.
Mort is CTW's second Discworld production in the last two years. Their previous production was Wyrd Sisters and was something of a memorial to Terry as it was performed just weeks after his death.
CTW used Stephen Briggs' adaptation of Mort and it works really well. Richard James' Death was excellent: his voice, helped by the PA system, was really impressive. Michael McDonagh did awkward teenager really well as Mort, but for me the stand out performance was Jim Crozier as Albert. His time on stage was always interesting and his stage presence was obvious. His transformation from the snivelling snot ridden Albert to the upright, angry Alberto Malich was a joy to watch. Ysabell played by an almost goth-like Jennifer Burchett was also fun to watch as was the chemistry between Ysabell and Mort.
The first half of the play rocked along and the start of the intermission took me quite by surprise. That surprise was made all the more enjoyable when we were given a cupcake by another member of the audience who recognized Rachel and myself. They came over to thank us for Discworld Monthly and to say that it was the reason he and his girlfriend met.
The second half of the production again motored on with some urgency and all the parts were well performed. The excellent stage design helped make transitions smooth and quick and it was easy to see when you were in Death's domain or back on the Disk. Before long the play was all over, and as the cast came out on stage for the last time a photo of Terry was projected onto the back of the stage. This brought a small tear to my eye as I remembered the man that made this all possible.
The CTW have produced a really well rounded production and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them again. If they make any more Discworld productions I'd be happy to make the 480+ mile round trip again.
www.facebook.com/Chelmsford-Theatre-Workshop-206437956054834/
Michael Boyton also visited the CTW production of Mort and here is his verdict:
I went to see the Chelmsford Theatre Workshop's production of MORT in Chelmsford last night (and bloomin' brilliant it was, too).
We all know the significance of this weekend and I'm sure many of those reading this will be marking the tragic loss in one way or another: a drink, a read, a quiet tear.
I marked it by going to see my first ever stage play of one of one of Sir Terry's books. I went to see a production of MORT.
For me it was made all the more poignant because it was my photographing a school production of this play that introduced me to STP's work. Not only did I feel that the circle somehow felt complete, a new link had been forged to create the beginning of a chain.
I was slightly concerned. What happened if the production didn't meet expectations? What if Death wasn't portrayed properly? What if the set was shoddy or the acting below par?
I shouldn't have worried. Chelmsford Theatre Workshop's production of MORT was first rate. The acting was first class. The staging in this small Old Court Theatre was imaginative and made the most of the small space.
My first concern about Death was thrown out as soon as the character spoke. Using a mixture of microphones and (presumably) effects gizmos, Death's voice filled the theatre just as I'd thought it should. Richard James played the part of Death perfectly. Donning a skeletal mask (body suit and skeletal hands) meant that every emotion had to be acted entirely through body language. Not easy to do but he performed excellently. Especially when you consider the heat in his costume under those lights.
Michael McDonagh's portrayal of Mort, our gangly, clumsy hero, meant he was on stage for most of the play and was a pleasure to watch. We're still discussing if he reminded us of Daniel Radcliffe, Andy Murray or our friend Tom.
However, there were four performances that deserve special mention: Jim Crozier (as Albert), Jennifer Burchett (as Ysabell), Peter Jeary (as Cutwell), and Mark Preston (as Rincewind) all performed beautifully naturally with a certain flow and perfect timing throughout their entire time on the stage.
Hats off to everyone involved for such an enjoyable evening. And at only 10 GBP per ticket, it's a bargain for a couple of hours entertainment.
10. Granny Weatherwax Hoodie Competition Result
Last month we had a Discworld.com Granny Weatherwax Hoodie (size L) to give away courtesy of the lovely Sarah Vaughan. We added a "I heart Discworld Monthly" mug and a competition winner's badge into the prize haul.
We asked you to answer the following question.
The answer we were looking for was Moving Pictures. We received 245 correct entries and 16 incorrect ones. The randomly selected winner of the prize haul is Joanne Purvis from Tyne and Wear. We'll package up your prize and send it to you as soon as possible.
11. Emporium Plushie Competition
This month we have a Death of Rats Plushie to give away courtesy of The Discworld Emporium - we will also include a personalised Discworld Monthly mug and a Discworld Monthly competition winner's pin badge.
In order to win this prize haul you need to answer the following questions.
Send your answers, along with your postal address and the name you would like on your mug to competitions@discworldmonthly.co.uk before April 22nd. Your address will only be used for sending out your prize should you be the lucky winner. Once prizes are sent out all address details will be destroyed. Entries received after the closing date or sent to any other address will be ignored. No more than one entry per person will be accepted. Failure to answer the questions, provide a name for the personalised mug or provide your postal address will prevent you from being entered into the competition. Multiple entries will be banned. Answers to the questions must not be posted to any websites before the competition ends. The judges' decision is final. The competition is open to all readers.
For more information on the Discworld Emporium's expansive range of products visit: www.discworldemporium.com
For Discworld Monthly's range of mugs, badges, magnets, keyrings and stickers visit discworldmonthly.co.uk/shop
12. The End
* Supporting DWM *
Discworld Monthly was created as a totally free newsletter and will continue to remain so for as long as it continues. However, the costs of maintaining the website, postage, travel etc. adds up. If you feel you would like to make a small contribution towards these costs please consider doing so via www.paypal.com
Our account for Paypal is info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
You can also purchase items from our range of licensed Discworld Monthly products from discworldmonthly.co.uk/shop
* Mailing List Hosting *
Discworld Monthly would like to thank the Pixel Fairy for hosting our mailing list for us free of charge. For more information about the Pixel Fairy visit her website at thepixelfairy.uk
* eBook Editions *
Since issue 166 we have produced a version of Discworld Monthly that is formatted better for the Amazon Kindle eBook reader and since issue 186 we also produce an ePub version for other eBook readers such as the Kobo, Nook and Sony readers.
You can download either version from discworldmonthly.co.uk/ebooks.php
* Contact Information *
We prefer information to be sent via email, but can accept information via post at the following addresses:
Email: info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
Post: J Anthony-Rowlands (DWM), 20 Cambrian Place, Pontarddulais, Swansea, SA4 8RG
* Latest Book Information *
The following links take you to the book pages on the Discworld Monthly website where you will find cover photos, cover blurb and direct links to UK, US and Canadian Amazon sites.
The Shepherd's Crown -
The Long Utopia -
TURTLE RECALL: The Discworld Companion ... So Far -
Diggers
* Subscription Information *
To subscribe to Discworld Monthly simply enter your email address in the form on the Discworld Monthly web page. Our web site contains all back issues and links to other Pratchett sites.
Current circulation approximately 19,000.
To unsubscribe please follow the instructions at the end of this email.
If you have any problems un-subscribing visit our removal help page.
* DiscTrivia Results *
* Obtaining Terry's Books *
If you are looking for Terry books or videos over the net, simply visit our web page at discworldmonthly.co.uk and follow the "Terry Pratchett Books" link at the top of the page.
* Small Print *
We make every effort we can to ensure the information in this newsletter is accurate and legal. Remember to always exercise caution when passing your credit card details over the Net (or over the phone for that matter). All trademarks are recognized as the property of their respective owners, whoever they may be. Discworld (R) is a registered trade mark of the Estate of Sir Terry Pratchett used under licence.
* Thanks *
Thanks for reading this issue of 'Discworld Monthly'. We hope you enjoyed it. If you have any comments or suggestions for the future of this newsletter please email: info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
GNU Terry Pratchett...