Discworld Monthly Issue 248 December 2017
Table of Contents:
1. Editorial
2. News
2.1 Discworld Monthly Merchandise Don't Forget!
2.2 Good Omens TV Series
2.3 Convention News
2.4 Terry Pratchett: HisWorld Exhibition News
2.5 Black Friday News: Josh Kirby, Micro Art Studio and Backspindle Games
2.6 Audition News
2.7 Troll Bridge News - Update
3. Book Release News
3.1 English Releases
3.2 Other language releases
4. November / December Events
5. Future Events
5.1 January 2018
5.2 February 2018
5.3 Timey Wimey Events
6. Recurring Monthly Fan Meetings
7. Readers' Letters
8. Review of The Truth - Thalian Theatre Group
9. Review of The Truth - Thalian Theatre Group - Another perspective.
10. Review of Wyrd Sisters - Rhyl Liberty Players
11.Review of "Monstrous Regiment" Concert Reading at the Lifeline Theatre in Chicago
12. Review of "Wyrd Sisters" by CAST Summer 2017 Arts Institute at Madison Street Theater in Oak Park, Illinois
13. Father Christmas's Fake Beard Competition - RESULT
14. The End
1. Editorial
The year is coming to end and we all look forward to Hogswatch and all the wonderful celebrations that come with it. It is also a time of reflection and as Vicky's letter reminds us. It should also be a time to get in contact with those we may have lost contact with. When we read that one of our friends and huge Discworld fan is coming to the end of a long battle with terminal illness we need to prioritise things. Go out, find your friends, give them a big hug, let them know you are still alive and still care about them. Rachel and I intend to do just that this weekend as we head down to Wincanton for a fun filled geeky weekend with many of our wonderful friends. I am sure that at some point on Saturday night we raise a glass to send cheer and best wishes to Brian and all those less well off than ourselves right now. Keep up the fight Brian for as long as you feel able.
I'm sure you'd also like join us in sending our condolences to our dear friend Tony Blackwell whose lovely wife Charlene Taylor sadly passed away recently. It was through their mutual love of Terry Pratchett that Charlene and Tony met via the Terry Pratchett message boards.
Last month we said we would write about Discworld Ales glorious Book style gift box of the L-space Voyager ales and the Discworld Emporium's new Unseen University jigsaw. Sadly time and stuff got in the way. We hope to bring your reviews of both next month. Also along with reviews of Father Christmas's Fake Beard and the Discworld Imaginarium.
Discworld Monthly is a fan-run volunteer organisation that is partially funded by online sales of our fully licensed and authorised products. Please take a look at our range of pin badges, keyrings, fridge magnets, car "cling" stickers, mugs and mouse mats at: Discworld Monthly Shop
All profits are used to pay for prizes, postage, travel expenses, web site fees, domain renewals and various sundry costs that we have to cover to keep everything going. Without your ongoing support and sales of Discworld Monthly items we would not be able to continue to produce the newsletter.
You can also if you so wish donate directly to the Discworld Monthly paypal account info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
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.
Discworld Monthly Facebook Page
We include all our back issues on our website at discworldmonthly.co.uk where you can also find Terry Pratchett quotes, a full bibliography and links to articles we have written over the years.
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 us at the address below. We will of course give credit for anything we use.
Please let us have any submissions for issue 249 of Discworld Monthly BEFORE 20th December 2017.
Jason Rincewind Anthony-Rowlands (Editor and Wizzard) info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
R. Anthony-Rowlands (Overworked, Underpaid and Doer-of-All-the-things) rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk
William Barnett (Holder of Healing Potions)Richard Massey (Unknown Entity)
2. News
2.1 Discworld Monthly Merchandise Don't Forget!
Hogswatch is coming, the goose is getting fat, please put a penny in Discworld Monthly's hat, if you haven't got a penny, then a few quid will do, if you send us enough money then it's a Hogfather mug for you!
GREMLINS!!!!!! We have GREMLINS!!!! [Rachel - My fault I insisted we watch the film]
The awesome new mug that was meant to join the ranks ran away with Stripe and failed to upload onto the website. (Boooo Hisssss).
For some of you though, it presents an apology and a fridge magnet! Yes with every Soul Music inspired mug we will give you a Luggage Fridge magnet to protect your fridge!
It will [hopefully - Ed] be available for sale from Tuesday 28th November so do check out the shop link to get yours.
Don't forget we also have a wide range of differing mugs and all our mugs still come with free a tea, coffee or hot chocolate sachet.
So check out the shop at Discworld Monthly Shop
Please note: Dishwashers and our mugs are not friends and therefore it's not a good idea to force that issue, you may end with an unhappy mug. You will also have a very unhappy mug if you try to wash it in the tumble drier which is what I originally typed here. On another note, our badges, keyrings and fridge magnets are not friends with the washing machine either, I guess you can work out why [this is from bitter experience - Ed]
2.2 Good Omens TV Series
We are not going to keep publishing the cast list here. They are still filming and we've seen images of Jack Whitehall as Newt recently and of his car Dick Turpin.
Too many images for us to play with so just follow Neil Gaiman and get all the images streamed onto your news feeds.
Neil Gaiman's Twitter and Instagram accounts: (@neilhimself and instagram.com)
2.3 Convention News
[NEW: Australian Convention News]
Call out the Auditors - it's the AGM.
But don't let that scare you off - I mean look at the location. I'm sure that everyone will be able to come up with some sort of idea of something to do once the business has been sorted.
Melbourne Central Lion Hotel
Sunday 26th November 2017 (12 noon - 2pm)
Please join us to thank the team for their hard work. You might even consider standing for a position.
2.4 Terry Pratchett: HisWorld Exhibition News
There are lots of mini events taking place at Salisbury museum to tie in with the exhibition.
The main one coming up is the Book Launch event of Terry Pratchett's Discworld Imaginarium on Saturday 25th November 1pm-4pm at the museum. This event is free but you won't get access to the exhibition. Paul Kidby will be in attendance signing copies for those who wish to purchase one.
If you want to know what other events are going on there, head over to their Facebook events listings at facebook.com
2.5 Black Friday News: Josh Kirby, Micro Art Studio and Backspindle Games
Josh Kirby Estate - Black Friday sale
New release: Limited Edition Hogfather*, now 59 GBP (normally 79 GBP)
New release: Limited Edition Discworld III, now 79 GBP (normally 99 GBP)
*On sale for one week only
And . . .
Limited Edition Discworld Series 1 & 2*, now 45 GBP (normally 59 GBP)
Limited Edition Return of the Jedi print*, now 149 GBP (normally 199 GBP)
Limited Edition Four Deadly Riders print*, now 149 GBP (normally 199GBP)
*Limited quantities available
PLUS Take 15% off everything else in the store, use code JKBF2017 at checkout
But wait, there's more!
The first 15 print orders will also receive a free Wyrd Sisters North American Discworld Convention 2017 commemorative poster.
The first 25 print orders will receive a never before seen Discworld button badge prize pack.
That means if you're one of the first 15 to order, you'll get the poster and the prize pack!
The sales starts at 12:00 midnight on Thursday, and ends 24 hours later, then these specials are gone. So hurry up and order now to get these presents shipped in time for Hogswatch!
Micro Art Studio
After a few technical glitches in their website [Dammed Gremlins getting in everywhere], the Death Bust is back in stock and so is the Collector's set of miniatures.
Both are involved in their Black Friday special promotion (20% or more discount)
Discworld Busts - Micro Art Studio
Discworld Collectors Set - Micro Art Studio
Backspindle Games
Backspindle will have their Discworld game Clacks in their Black Friday sale.
To see all their games head over to backspindlegames.com
2.6 Audition News
[UK] Ifield Barn Arts Centre are holding auditions for their March production of Wyrd Sisters.
They require everybody and anybody for all parts.
The auditions will be held on Monday 11th December and Monday 18th December at 8pm at Ifield Barn Theatre, Ifield Street, Ifield, RH11 0NN
You must be available for the performances on the 7th - 10th March 2018. (including Saturday matinee).
If you are interested, please give Janine Robins a ring on 07747 662008
2.7 Troll Bridge News - Update
More news has come out of Snowgum Films HQ.
All Character animation has been finished! They are working on the press pack, and and and and and and ...
Shhhhh... let's 'not jinx it.... Soon....... Real soon....
3. Book Release News
3.1 English Releases
It appears we are going to get new paperbacks of The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents and The Johnny Maxwell series will be getting a new look set of covers too. From the advance "Coming Soon" covers we can safely presume that these cover will match in with The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner. Father Christmas's Fake Beard and the Laura Ellen Anderson Tiffany Aching covers.
First up will be Only You Can Save Mankind on the 22nd February 2018
Pre-order:
Amazon
Book Depository
Book Depository Affiliate Link
Followed by The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents on the 26th April 2018
Pre-Order:
Amazon
Book Depository
Book Depository Affiliate Link
Johnny and the Dead will be published on the 28th June 2018
Pre-Order:
Amazon
Book Depository
Book Depository Affiliate Link
Currently it looks like Johnny and the Bomb will be published on the 23rd August 2018
Pre-Order
Amazon
Occasionally we find out about a literary book about Terry. Not written by Terry, they are usually somebody trying to put on everyone their opinion of why Terry wrote the way he did, or it's someone trying to work out what Terry was trying to tell us through his writing. We have nothing against them, but they really are an educational look at Terry's works.
Terry Pratchett's Narrative Worlds: From Giant Turtles to Small Gods - Critical approaches to Children's Literature Edited by Marion Rana is due out on the 27th Jan 2018 at a R.R.P. 66.99GBP in Hardback
"This book highlights the multi-dimensionality of the work of British fantasy writer and Discworld creator Terry Pratchett. Taking into account content, political commentary, and literary technique, it explores the impact of Pratchett's work on fantasy writing and genre conventions.
With chapters on gender, multiculturalism, secularism, education, and relativism, Section One focuses on different characters' situatedness within Pratchett's novels and what this may tell us about the direction of his social, religious and political criticism.
Section Two discusses the aesthetic form that this criticism takes, and analyses the post- and meta-modern aspects of Pratchett's writing, his use of humour, and genre adaptations and deconstructions.
This is the ideal collection for any literary and cultural studies scholar, researcher or student interested in fantasy and popular culture in general, and in Terry Pratchett in particular."
ISBN-10: 3319672975
ISBN-13: 9783319672977
To pre-order through our Book Depository affiliate link, (On the 24/08/17 it is available at 59.95GBP including worldwide shipping)
Book Depository Affiliate Link
To Pre-order through our Amazon Affiliate Link
3.2 Other language releases
Ernsthaft lustig: Die besten Terry-Pratchett-Zitate der Welt - Hardback is due out on the 1st December 2017 at a R.R.P. 7.36GBP ( German translation of Seriously Funny: the endlessly quotable Terry Pratchett)
ISBN-10: 3492704514
ISBN-13: 9783492704519
To pre-order through our Book Depository affiliate link, (On the 24/08/17 it is available at 6.58GBP including worldwide shipping)
Book Depository Affiliate Link
Die Farben der Magie . Eric: Zwei Romane in einem Band - Paperback is due out on the 12th Jan 2018 R.R.P. 11.04GBP (German Omnibus of The Colour of Magic and Eric)
ISBN-10: 3492280269
ISBN-13: 9783492280266
To pre-order through our Book Depository affiliate link, (On the 24/08/17 it is available at 9.87GBP including worldwide shipping)
Book Depository Affiliate Link
De herderskroon: De allerlaatste Schijfwereld-roman - Paperback is due out on the 15th Jan 2018 at a R.R.P. of 18.56GBP ( Dutch/Flemish translation of
ISBN-10: 9022579972
ISBN-13: 9789022579978
To pre-order through our Book Depository affiliate link, (On the 24/08/17 it is available at 16.60GBP including worldwide shipping)
Book Depository Affiliate Link
Helle Barden: Ein Scheibenwelt-Roman - Paperback is due out on the 19th Feb 2018 at a R.R.P. 9.20GBP (German translation of Men At Arms)
ISBN10 3442486874
ISBN13 9783442486878
To pre-order through our Book Depository affiliate link, (On the 24/08/17 it is available at 8.23GBP including worldwide shipping)
Book Depository Affiliate Link
4. November / December Events
Whilst we would love to get to every event and play to write reviews and articles about them, we just don't have enough time, petrol and a wide enough spread of friends to borrow the couch for the night. But you, our wonderful readers do have the time, petrol and often don't need the couches as the event or play is on your doorstep!
We don't have English degrees here and you don't need one either to write something for Discworld Monthly! So get typing and every submission that we use will get a I heart Discworld Monthly window sticker (Please include your address to receive one)
PS. If you know of a play or event that we don't know about (shock horror), email us. We like the surprise!
All submissions should be emailed to info@discworldmonthly.co.uk or rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk
Don't forget to visit Pratchett Stage Productions for our most up-to-date list of stage productions.
[NEW: Australian Discworld Convention aka Victorian Discworld Klatch] AGM
Notice is hereby given that in accordance with the provisions of the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (Vic) the Annual General Meeting of the Australian Discworld Convention Inc. (commonly called the Victorian Discworld Klatch) will be held at 12:00 pm on Sunday 26th November 2017 at the Melbourne Central Lion Hotel.
AGM is to be immediately followed by an informal social lunch at the pub. All positions will be open for election.
[UK] Terry Pratchett: HisWorld - a new major Terry Pratchett Exhibition will take place at The Salisbury Museum from 16th Sept 2017 to 13 Jan 2018.
Pictures of various items that will be on display at the exhibition have been appearing on Salisbury Museum's social media feeds. Some items have been made especially for the exhibition. The pratchetthisworld.com website is now full of information and images for your perusal.
The Josh Kirby estate recently announced that the original artwork for Reaper Man will also be on view at the exhibition. It is a rare opportunity to see a Josh Kirby original in the UK as the last time was back in 2007.
Day Ticket Prices are as follows -
Standard day ticket - Adult 7.50GBP Child 3.60GBP Family (2 adults +up to 4 children) 18.50GBP Under 5's Free
It is strongly advised that you buy your tickets in advance from the ticket website.
Salisbury Museum Website - Pratchett: HisWorld
[AUSTRALIA] Roleystone theatre presents Mort as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: Roleystone Theatre, 587 Brookton Hwy, Roleystone, Western Australia, Australia 6111
Dates: 24th, 25th and 29th Nov then 1st and 2nd Dec 2017
Tickets: 20AUD Adults, 15AUD Under 18's and Pensioners.
Facebook: facebook.com
[NEW, UK] Leicester University Theatre presents MORT as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: Queen's Hall, University of Leicester, University Road, LE1 7RH
Dates: 6th-9th December 2017
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: Members 4GBP, Non-Members 8GBP, Students / Concessions 5GBP
Box Office: docs.google.com
[UK] Youth Theatre Company presents Lords and Ladies as adapted by Irana Brown
Location:Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich NR2 1RL
Dates: Thurs 14th Dec - Sat 16th Dec (Audio Described performance on the Sat)
Times: Performance starts at 7:30pm
Tickets: 8.50GBP-10GBP
Website: secure.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
[NEW, USA] Belmont New Hampshire, USA
The Belmont Public Library's Third Friday Book Group reads "Hogfather" by Terry Pratchett Friday, Dec. 15, at 10:30 a.m. Part of the beloved Discworld series, a motley group of wizards and others must find the Hogfather, a beloved man who delivers presents to children. All are welcome and copies are available at the desk.
Date: 15th December 2017
Time: 10.30am
Location: Belmont Public Library, 146 Main Street Belmont, NH 03220
[USA] Arizona, USA
The Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society sponsors a monthly book and media social. We gather at 7PM on the third Tuesday of every month at Denny's in Phoenix Arizona to chat about a preselected science fiction or fantasy book (or other media). Come join unlike-minded readers who enjoy a fine tale.
This month they will be discussing Hogfather.
Date: 19th December 2017
Time: 7pm
Location: Denny's , 9030 North Black Canyon Highway, Phoenix AZ
Facebook Event: facebook.com
5. Future Events
5.1 January 2018
[NEW, UK] Waterstones Leeds - Neil Gaiman Book Club
They will discussing Good Omens (hence it's inclusion here).
Date: Saturday, 6 January 2018
Time: 18:00-18:45
Location: Waterstones Leeds, 93-97 Albion Street, LS15JS Leeds
[NEW, AUSTRALIA] Victorian Discworld Klatch Hogswatch
Location: Marquee, Flagstaff near the Bowls Club (9/311 William St, West Melbourne VIC 3003, Australia)
Date: Sunday 7th January 2018
Time: Starts at 5.30pm- 6pm ish
You provide food and drink as well as anything you'd like to share such as a game and we'll provide the company!
[NEW, UK] Tower Players presents Mort as adapted by Stephen Briggs.
Location: Prince of Wales Centre - Cannock, Staffordshire
Dates: Thurs 11th - Sat 13th January 2018
Tickets: 12GBP
Box Office: boxoffice.wlct.org
Box Office: 01543 578 762
[UK] Progress Theatre presents Maskerade as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: Progress Theatre, The Mount, Reading RG1 5HL
Dates: Thurs 18th Jan 2018 - Sat 27th Jan 2018 (Saturday Matinees included)
Website: progresstheatre.co.uk
5.2 February 2018
[NEW, UK] Cranbourne Amateur Dramatic Society presents Men at Arms as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: St Peter's Church hall, Hatchett Lane, Cranbourne, SL4 2EG
Dates: Thursday 15th Feb - !7th Feb 2018
Time: 7.45pm Sat Matinee 2.30pm
Tickets: 9 GBP
Box Office: 01344 886456
Website: cadsact.org.uk
[USA] Gainesville Theatre Alliance presents Monstrous Regiment as adapted by Stephen Briggs.
Location: UNG-Gainesville's Ed Cabell Theatre, 3820 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood, GA 30566
Dates: Fri 16th Feb - Sat 24th Feb 2018
Time: 7:30pm on the 16th, 18th and 20th - 24th, with matinees at 2:30pm on Sat 17th and Sat 24th
Tickets: 18-20 USD Adults, 16-18USD Seniors and 12-14USD Students
Website: blog.ung.edu
Box Office: 678 717 3624.
Special Events at this production
FREE Stage Tour (a peek behind the scenes!)
1st Feb 2018 at 6:00pm
Preview Performance: Ticket is 10USD (Preview tickets go on sale 29th Jan 2018)
Thursday 15th Feb 2018 at 7:30pm
FREE Opening Night Reception: In the lobby following the performance with the cast and crew, catered by ACE Catering
Friday 16th Feb 2018
Talk Back with Cast & Crew: a lively (and free) Q&A session following the performance on Tuesday 20th Feb 2018
[UK] We are Theatre presents Maskerade as adapted by Stephen Briggs.
Location: The Black Swan, Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PR
Dates: Mon 26th Feb - Wed 28th Feb 2018
Times: 7:30pm
Tickets: 10GBP
Website: wearetheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 07521364107
5.3 Timey Wimey Events
These Events are at least a few months away on the calendar, but if you have a portal to mars or a tomorrowland pin badge you may be able to hop into the future and bring back a review for us now! If you don't have access to either then you should be able to purchase tickets and travel forward in time the old fashioned way - one day at a time.
[NEW, USA] GreenMan Theatre Troupe presents Monstrous Regiment as adapted by Chris Hainsworth.
Location: First United Methodist Church, 232 S.York Street, Elmhurst, IL, USA
Date: 13th April - 29th April 2018 (Fri, Sat and Sundays only)
Time: Fri and Sat at 730pm, Sun at 2pm
Tickets: Adults 17USD, Students/Seniors 15 USD
Box Office: 630-464-2646
Website: greenmantheatre.org
[UK] The Carlton Players presents Mort as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: The Little Theatre, Grange Road West, Birkenhead, United Kingdom, CH41 4BY
Dates: 24 April 2018 - 28 April 2018
Time: Doors Open at 7pm. Show Starts at 7.30pm
Tickets: 8GBP Adults, U16's/Students 6GBP
Website: carltonlittletheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 0151 647 6593
Box Office Website: ticketsource.co.uk
Facebook Event: facebook.com
[UK] The Chorley Little Theatre presents Guards! Guards! as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: Chorley Little Theatre, Dole Lane, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 2RL
Dates: Monday 23 April - Saturday 28 April
Times: 7:30pm
Tickets: Mon-Wed 8GBP, Thu-Sat 10GBP
Website: chorleylittletheatre.com
Box Office: 01257 264362
[UK] Tilt Theatre - City College Plymouth Performing Arts presents Guards! Guards!
Location: Tilt Theatre, City College Plymouth, PL1 5QG
Dates: 16th-18th May 2018
Facebook Event: facebook.com
[Dutch Discworld Convention]
CABBAGECON 5 - Be a Barbarian hero !
Dates 20th - 21st October 2018
Location: Carlton President Hotel, Floraweg 28, 3542 DX Utrecht
Tickets: Weekend - Adult 65 Euros Child 35 Euros Student 50 Euros.
Single day tickets are available on their website.
To buy tickets and for more information head over to dutchdwcon.nl
Facebook event page: facebook.com
[UK Discworld Convention]
The location and date of 2018 Discworld Convention in the UK has been announced.
It will be at the Chesford Grange Hotel on the weekend of 3rd - 6th August 2018.
Memberships have been released and have SOLD OUT.
Don't fret though, ConCom are now operating a waiting list for those who wish to have a chance of attending.
To find out more visit 2018.dwcon.org
[Australia] The Brisbane Arts Centre presents Men At Arms as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: Brisbane Arts Centre, 210 Petrie Terrace, Petrie Terrace QLD 4000
Dates: Thursday-Sundays from the 6th October - 3rd November 2018
Times: Thursdays 7.30pm, Fridays and Saturdays 8pm, Sundays 6.30pm
Tickets: Will be available to buy as of the 1st November 2017
Website: artstheatre.com.au
[NEW, UK] Kelvin Players presents Going Postal as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location : The Kelvin Studio Theatre THE KELVIN STUDIOS, 253B Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8NY (Entrance on Wesley Road)
Dates: 5th - 8th December & 12th - 15th December 2018
Time : 7.30pm
Website : kelvinplayers.co.uk
[Australian Convention] Nullus Anxietas VII in Melbourne 2019
Will be held from the 12th to 14th April 2019 and is authorised by Ankh Morpork Post Office.
Currently you can guarantee your place by purchasing a supporting membership now at 40AUD from: Australian Convention 2019 Booking
[Scheibenwelt Convention]
Scheibenwelt Convention have announced that the next German Discworld Convention will take place from the 3rd to the 6th of October 2019 at Castle Ludwigstein.
The theme will be Hogswatch.
Tickets are not on sale as yet but do visit their website to find out more information .
[IDWCon] The Irish committee has confirmed that the next Irish Discworld Convention will happen in 2019!
More info will come soonish.
[NADWCON]
It's happening in 2019. That's all we know. We'll update this when we get more news.
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
Unless otherwise stated the Drummers meet on the first Monday of each month.
The Drummers are now holding irregular weekend meet-ups in addition to their regular Mondays. Dates are posted on their Facebook page and sent out via their mailing list.
The Drummers are always happy to welcome new visitors. You can find out more at: brokendrummers.org or Broken Dummers Facebook Page
[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: The Pratchett Partisans Facebook Group
[Melbourne, Australia] The Victorian Discworld Klatch is a social group for fans of Discworld and Terry Pratchett. We meet monthly for fun activities and to talk all things Pratchetty. Information on our current event can be found on Victorian Discworld Klatch Facebook Group or email victoriandiscworldklatch@gmail.com
[Perth, Australia] The Treacle Mining Corporation meetup 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 @TreacleMiningCo, Instagram treacle_mining_corporation, and Facebook Treacle Mining Corporation Facebook Group
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.
Meeting location: 3 Wise Monkeys, 555 George Street, Sydney, 2000 from 6:30pm
For more information contact Sue (AKA Granny Weatherwax) on kenworthys@yahoo.co.uk
[Sydney, Australia] Western Drummers (western suburbs of Sydney NSW Australia) meet 6pm on the third Tuesday of the month at the Nepean Rowing Club for dinner chat and games.
Western Drummers Facebook Group
* Calling USA / Canadian Fans *
Appreciate Discworld and Sir Terry Pratchett? Want to chat and gather with other Discworld fans in the US and Canada? Regional Discworld fan Facebook groups are linked below!
Holy Wood Dreams (covers WA, OR, CA, NV, AZ, NM, and HI):
Holy Wood Dreams Facebook Page
Central US Discworld Fans (covers ID, MT, WY, ND, SD, NE, UT, CO, KS, OK, and TX):
Central US Discworld Fans Facebook Group
Midwest Discworld Fans (covers IL, IN, WI, MI, KY, MN, IA, and MO):
Midwest Discworld Fans Facebook Group
Southeast US Pratchett Fans (covers AR, LA, TN, MS, AL, GA, NC, SC, and FL):
Southeast US Pratchett Fans Facebook Group
Mid-Atlantic Discworld Fans (covers PA, OH, WV, VA, Washington DC, and MD):
Mid-Atlantic Discworld Fans Facebook Group
New England Discworld Fans (covers DE, NJ, NY, CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, and ME):
New England Discworld Fans Facebook Group
Canadian Discworld Fans (covers Canada and Alaska):
Canadian Discworld Fans Facebook Group
If you are in a border state or a province between two groups, feel free to join both groups.
[Australia] Drumknott's Irregulars is a newly established Terry Pratchett social group based in Canberra. The group is open to anyone and their events are not heavily themed.
Facebook: Drumknott's Irregulars Facebook Group
Google Groups: Drumknott's Irregulars Google Group
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 whilst stuffing our faces with various varieties of luscious mince pies.
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.
The best letter each month will get a I "Heart" Discworld Monthly Car sticker so get emailing!
The best letter will get chosen by a member of the team who is not living in Swansea after publication. [Richard Massey might actually get to do the job he offered to do 20 years ago]
* From: "Steven Dean" thewizardsknob@icloud.com
I have been a book dealer at every UK DWCon since 1998 but have decided not to attend any future ones. To that end I have a large stock of UK. Hardbacks that I'd like to sell cheap to clear my stock. They will be priced from 3GBP plus postage. If anyone would like a list of what's available please drop me a message at thewizardsknob@icloud.com
* From "Vicky Lear" <email address withheld>
Fandom - a new family
I met Terry Pratchett for the first time at a Book signing for Soul music where, after I had turned up with a black bag full of books for him to sign, he called me the saddest person in the queue! He was lovely and did indeed sign every book.
Way back in 2005 (approx) I decided to look for web sites dedicated to my favourite author. Yes you guessed it, one Mr Terry Pratchett. So after a couple of weeks skulking around in the background watching others post I joined the forum.
This was the start of my journey into Discworld fandom. One that I am happy to say I am still on. Thanks to my interaction with this forum I discovered that there was a place called Wincanton. Where fans met up and conventions where lots more fans met up!
After a lot of deliberating, chickening out and trying again. I first went to a full convention in 2010. It was awesome!
The people were nice, no they were more than that they were like me! Lots of like minded people who were just there to have fun and make friends. I have never found it easy to be myself, during my school time I got picked on and bullied because I was different. I was fat and nerdy and loved the library. I made a few friends but got laughed at more than I was accepted.
During to 2010 convention I decided to enter the maskerade. Now I had been a drama student and worked in theatres in my youth but hadn't been on a stage for 15 years I was terrified. Renta stopped me from going home!
As I stood backstage I got talking to two fellow entrants. The elder of the two looked so imposing (well he was dressed as Vetinari) but he was so lovely to me he put me at ease and told me to just enjoy it. That things often go wrong but it was all part of the fun.
This was the first time a complete stranger who I didn't even know from the forum had not only spoken to me but took me under his wing. I felt safe, protected and guess what? I went out on that stage and it felt brilliant!
I didn't win anything (my new friend got a certificate which I was happy about) but in a way I did I had beaten my nerves my self doubt with my friends help. I told this to Terry the next day at a book signing when he told me he had liked my sketch and was sorry everyone couldn't win. He smiled when I said I had won my own victory.
I went from strength to strength with my friendships, thanks to another wonderful friend I got to stay in Wincanton. I got to visit the shops and pubs and spend time in the Emporium and make even more friends! One Mr Bernard Pearson told us all that we were more than fans we were family and we look after our own. You know what he was right! We do we care about each other and we make a difference in each others lives in lots of ways.
So why have I written this? Well the wonderful man who helped me at my first convention whose name is Brian, has just found out his cancer is back and it's really not good.
So I wanted to say what a true Discworldian he is and how he really made a difference to me. So everyone who has received some of my jewellery or has become my friend through Discworld fandom, part of this is due to Brian. When he looked after me that day he cemented my belief in the family that we are.
I wish I could go see him but I know I can't as I am looking after my mother who is also very unwell. But I wanted him to know how truly special he is and much I respect him and value his friendship so here it is.
For the time you have left my friend I hope you know how much you have added to the Discworld family.
Thank you Thank you Thank you. - Vicky Lear
* From "Rod Tonkin" rjtonkin@iinet.net.au
I note GWR are going to name a train after Sir Terry.
I named one of my models "Sir Terry Pratchett" so some years ago. I feel the British Railways 40 class diesel I selected would fit into the disc world.
8. Review of The Truth - Thalian Theatre Group
Review by Steve Durbin
Okay, so I'll admit when She Who Must Be Obeyed told me we were going to Basildon to see a Pratchett play, my first reaction was to refuse. It's a long way from the Land of my Fathers, and the brutalist architecture I knew made up its town centre also told me "avoid". Then she mentioned it was The Truth - one of the adaptations we've not seen before. So, you win again, SWMBO...
The company, Thalian Theatre Group did Pratchett for the first time in 1996, and have staged a number of productions since, but this was our first time seeing them. The show was in the Towngate Theatre, on a side stage, a good choice for the production's scale. We ended up with seats within spitting distance of the stage, so we're thankful there were no Igors in this play!
The intro music confused us at first - it seemed to be all 60-second or so snatches of music then changes to something unrelated. It wasn't until we'd been there a few minutes they swam into focus - they were taken from the Discworld computer games. Nicely played, music team!
The set was simple but effective - a matte painted shed with a printing press. Big scene changes were achieved with inner curtains whilst the play continued on the front of the stage; good work by the design team here.
Gaspode introduces the play, performed with perfect insouciance and street cheek by Megan Clark. Megan's costume and makeup were also excellent, which made it a bit disappointing to see plastic breastplates on Colon and Nobby, plus plastic Viking hats on the dwarves; the rest of the costuming was excellent, but this little slip in quality grated on my nerves.
Fortunately, these minor issues were more than compensated for by the quality of the performances. Sacharissa (Lucy Betteridge) and William (Marcus Leftwich) were utterly believable from the first slap on the face to the "Front Page" references at the end and their characters shone. The dwarves (Charlotte Heatley and Olga Ruocco) carried out their roles with aplomb; I particularly liked the high-speed typesetting mime which worked very well in all the pressroom scenes.
Mr. Pin (Mike Betteridge), Mr. Tulip (Tom King) and Otto von Chriek (Ian Stewart) for me stole the show. Pin and Tulip reminded of Hale and Pace "Management" with a dash of Neverwhere and consistently delivered strong performances throughout. Otto's Boris Karloff big-eyebrow and swept-back hair look (see The Man Who Changed His Mind) gave the perfect balance between being frightening and comedic. Otto's scene with Lord de Worde in particular stood out with just the right level of menace and comedy.
One of my fave moments was where the whole of the on-stage cast break the 4th wall at the "Prints of Darkness" line - any cast who can get a laugh mugging one of Terry's silliest jokes like that can play anything in my book.
A nicely done play, and we will be back the next time the team decide to venture into Pratchett, I may even learn to love the Brutalist architecture...
[Note from Rachel - Full disclosure - I helped with this production. I designed their poster and programme cover]
9. Review of The Truth - Thalian Theatre Group - Another perspective.
Review by Lisa Blackwell Dickinson aka Unseen Crafts
Well, I did it. The hermit left the house again but when your local theatre is showing a performance based on a Discworld novel you can hardly say no now can you? The Thalian Theatre Group always have sell out shows so we were incredibly fortunate to grab the last couple of tickets for their version of 'The Truth', adapted for the stage by Stephen Briggs.
The Truth is the twenty-fifth Discworld novel by Terry Pratchett. The story follows the founding of the Discworld's first newspaper by William de Worde, as he invents investigative journalism with the help of his reporter Sacharissa Cripslock. The two investigate the charges of embezzlement and attempted murder against Havelock Vetinari, and help vindicate him, returning Vetinari's terrier Wuffles in the process.
Right now we are living at a time when 'fake news' seems to be ever at the forefront of our daily lives and as you know, a lie can run around the world before the truth has got its boots on. The play and narrative was opened by Megan Clark as Gaspode, the talking dog, naturally.
We have been fortunate to have seen many productions by this theatre company and never had a bad word to say so I was a little concerned when we first met Paul Macklin, who played both Charlie and Lord Vetinari. He appeared centre stage in a fine suit with an ornate walking cane and I thought he looked too young and couldn't imagine him pulling off the well-known character and all his, erm... charms... couldn't have been more wrong, he was the absolute highlight for us. He has that kind of silky terrifying voice that puts us in mind of Paul Bettany and the sharply sweet smile that makes you immediately want to flee the room, something about the way he said 'throat', like he already had a grip on it. He was perfect for the role.
Mr Pin, played by Mike Betteridge, and Mr Tulip, played by Tom King, were wonderful, a comic delight who had the whole audience laughing at their antics and ultimate downfall but never fear, Mr Pin had his potato so I am certain all is well. They were the perfect parodies of male crime pairings everywhere.
Penny Betteridge as Head of the Guild of Lawyers, Mr Slant was wonderful casting, I really felt that she didn't let being a zombie get in the way of doing a great job. Penny is one of our favourite players; most notably for us in the role of Granny Weatherwax but is fantastic in everything she takes on, both onstage and off.
Marcus Leftwich and Lucy Betteridge made a great pairing as William de Worde and Sacharissa Cripslock, we thoroughly enjoyed her discovery of the word '--ing' and her awakening using it!
Finally I must mention our favourite player of all, Ian Stewart in the role of Otto Chriek, absolute genius. Ian is a fantastic actor and we were anticipating his arrival on stage from the second the curtain lifted. He didn't disappoint. He is incredibly funny, a brilliant showman and commander of the space and the audience always fall in love with him. We completely admired his professionalism and rapid cover up when there was a mishap with the camera flash! Next time I see Ian shopping in our local supermarket I will have to suppress the urge to whisper an Otto line in passing!
The painted stage backdrop was wonderful and all the props and costumes were perfectly chosen.
All in all a fantastic performance that I would urge everybody to see should they get the chance. Now, I am off to make some tea which shall be better than dwarf tea and photograph my turnip that is shaped like a thingy, I am certain The Times will want to know about it.
10. Review of Wyrd Sisters - Rhyl Liberty Players
Review by Sally Chinery - 26th October 2017
This was an excellent production from start to finish. From the very first moment when the curtain rose upon the Three Witches and the opening lines "When shall we three meet again?" I felt that the play was in safe hands and would hold true to Discworld. Amanda Priestley was Granny Weatherwax, and she was ably supported by Trish Goodwin as a delightful Nanny Ogg and Paula Gregory who played the most wonderful ditsy Magrat Garlick played very much in the style (and accent) of Alice from the Vicar of Dibley. Even before they really spoke it was easy to identify the characters. The rendition of a drunken 'The Hedgehog can't be Buggered' at the end of the play was superb!
Jan Gavin gave a good performance as Lady Felmet and playing her with an eastern European accent which put you in mind of vampires and giving the impression that she was the one in charge of the marriage. George Kelly was the perfect foil to Gavin's Lady Felmet as the slightly mad Duke Felmet constantly rubbing his hands a la Lady Macbeth. They were supported by the wonderfully jangling Craig Semple as the Fool.
These six main characters were ably supported by the rest of the Cast to bring the Discworld into reality. You felt you were actually there in Lancre.
And then there was the actually staging of the play. The scenery was simple and to denote where the action of each scene was taking place there was a backlit projection scene at the rear of the stage. When the action took place in Lancre Castle a picture of a Castle was projected onto the screen, and wo the action took place on the right half of the stage where there was a simple stone archway. Scenes in cottages were played in front of an internal cottage backdrop on the left hand side of the stage with an external shot projected onto the screen. When Granny did her time moving spell to forward events 15 years into the future the screen showed an animation on witches flying on broomsticks to give the impression that Granny was flying round the Kingdom. All in all it was a thoroughly well thought out approach to the scenery and sets.
I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and the Rhyl Liberty Players are an excellent AmDram Group. It was a play well worth the 100 mile round trip to go and see and I look forward to seeing more Discworld offerings from this group in the future.
11.Review of "Monstrous Regiment" Concert Reading at the Lifeline Theatre in Chicago
Review by Patty Panek
On July 19, 2017, several members of the Midwest Discworld Fans group and I attended a one-night concert reading of Chris Hainsworth's authorized adaptation of Terry Pratchett's "Monstrous Regiment" at Lifeline Theatre in Chicago. Lifeline Theatre had successfully staged a full production of this adaptation in the summer of 2014, and it was excellent. "Concert reading" presentations have been likened to attending a live radio recording, where the actors read / perform from scripts on music stands. There were no props and little costuming (Justine C. Turner wore the headpiece part of her costume as Carborundum the troll); adaptor / ensemble member Chris Hainsworth acted as the occasional narrator and also performed as Death, using a large puppet. Almost all of the original cast members from the 2014 production reprised their roles. Sarah Price's appealing performance as the daring and resourceful Polly Perks easily led the audience to follow along in her adventures. Melissa Engle's visionary Wazzer was alternately dreamy and affecting. The contrast in Michaela Petro's haughty vampire Maladict as she became progressively unhinged and disheveled by caffeine deprivation was very funny. Carborundum the troll was played with warmth and endearing charm by Justine C. Turner, making her a highly likeable character. Katie McLean Hainsworth showed her considerable comedic skills as Igor, standing to lopsided attention and lisping her lines. Of the regiment, Robert Kauzlaric's enthusiastically naive Lieutenant Blouse used "air quotes" when speaking military jargon and was hilariously over the top as "Daphne". Christopher M. Walsh convincingly played Sergeant Jackrum as a bluff commander willing to bend his superior officers' directives in order to protect "my little lads" (and I now can't picture anyone else in this part). The evening was filled with laughter from both the audience and the actors-in the Q and A afterwards, the actors noted that in the full production they were often offstage for costume changes, meaning they didn't have the chance to see their colleagues' performances until they were all on stage together for the concert reading. If an actor started to break up while acting a scene, their counterparts often turned up the comedy a notch to egg them on. This extra bit of improvisation contributed to the informal and relaxed air of the concert reading and also showed how much the actors enjoyed each others' performances. One of the Discworld fans attending with me said it reminded them of watching the Carol Burnett TV show (for non-US readers, comedian Tim Conway on that classic comedy show would often try to make the others laugh during taping). All in all, it was a fabulous production and a delightful evening, and I was very glad to be able to share it with my fellow Discworld fans and an appreciative audience."
12. Review of "Wyrd Sisters" by CAST Summer 2017 Arts Institute at Madison Street Theater in Oak Park, Illinois
Review by Patty Panek
In July 2017 I had the very rare pleasure of seeing a Discworld play on my birthday. This production of Stephen Briggs' adaptation of "Wyrd Sisters" was performed by members of the CAST Summer 2017 Arts Institute, a summer program for middle school children focusing on the performing arts. I wasn't sure what to expect from it, but I was very pleasantly surprised by the talent and poise exhibited by these young performers. Kirsten Plunkett played Granny Weatherwax with assurance, her leadership of the coven further enhanced by her tall stature. Ben O'Connor's diminutive Nanny, in a slightly outsized costume, provided a humorous counterpoint and an effective foil to Granny. Tess Willoughby's wistful Magrat found her match in Joey DiMaso's halfheartedly capering Fool. The imperious Duchess (Lindsay Chyna) and calculating, hand-wringing Duke (Jacob Bottorff) were also well-played. The written resemblance of the Fool to Tomjon (Jake DiMaso) was enhanced in that I believe the actors are brothers. Varsha Hemmady Wright was appropriately distracted as the Stage Manager, and I must single out Liam Clifford's performance as the enthusiastically evil Demon summoned by the coven. Kudos to these young performers and to their teachers in this arts program, I hope they continue in their arts studies. I also enjoyed the program, which was filled with encouraging and humorous dedications from family members of the cast. Very enjoyable.
13. Father Christmas's Fake Beard Competition - RESULT
Last month we had a copy of Father Christmas' Fake Beard to give away.
To win you just needed to answer the question below.
What inappropriate present did Death (as the Hogfather) give the little girl in Crumley's?
The answer was: a real sword.
The randomly selected winner is: Trevor Fulton-Moore of Malvern - we'll package up your parcel and get it to you asap.
14. The End
This month's issue is brought to you by the magic of the interwebbythingymebobs, a bottle of raspberry lemonade and the number 3b.
Please let us have any submissions for issue 249 of Discworld Monthly by Wednesday 20th December 2017
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If you have any problems un-subscribing visit our removal help page.Sorry, we have no DiscTrivia results this month as we ran out of time to do any trivia. Apologies to those who love have their brains taxed to the extreme but we needed to pack to go away and getting the newsletter out when 50 million things pour into our inboxes 2 minutes before the deadline time is a bit mental.
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*Rachel here*
We may not be perfect designers, or award winning journalists but we do our best to keep you all entertained and informed about all things Terry. We do have some ethics though. We like our news to be current, up to date and factual with a solid source. We don't like posting rumours but occasionally the source it comes from is 98 percent solid so we will tell you it's a rumour and confirm it when we have a 100 percent confirmation. Our own articles are written by us for us only. You won't find articles from other publications here unless it's a formal press release about an adaptation, book release or event or something we actually wrote for someone else unless they begged us to publish it (Ok not begged but some of our lovely friends do ask us occasionally to boost something)
Whilst you keep reading it, we'll keep on writing it because we love Terry's books just as much as you do.
If you are reading this, we would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to everyone who has a birthday this month including: John Hird, Ruechenda Herd, Charlie Mitchell, Tim Van Holder, Annette Kuipke, Sue Kenworthy, Karlyanne Bantock, Gill Millford-Scott, Cathie McEvoy, Hannah Boron, Christine Ward, Martin Macey, Rachel Rankin-Hayward, Sharon O'Conner, Roisin Rowlinson, Charlotte Le Grys, Laurien Hurkmans, Tamara Rigg, Wendy Blaser, Paul Stevens, Sebasitan Barwinek, Susan Fox, Hilary Lucas, Marc Simonetti, Jens Kleine, Andy Loveridge, Naomi Cunningham, Ian Whybrew, Tim Brown, Steven Himel, Isaac Olding, Rob Grundy, Amy Atkins, Tony Williams, Lau LeiaTortise Twenteas, Brian Dominic, Elle Farley, Paul Heyes, Emily Anthony and Rhianna Pratchett, Callum James.
(If you would like your birthday included in the listings, send us an email the month before your birthday and we will add it to the list! Email rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk Subject: Birthday)
GNU Terry Pratchett...