Discworld Monthly Issue 256 - September 2018
↑≡1. Editorial
Hi all. Yes things went a bit haywire after the Chalke Valley Event.
We got asked to write a panel show for the International Discworld Convention with less than a month to do it in and it literally took all our spare time. Hence why we didn't get an issue out before the Convention and for that we can do nothing but apologise.
I just want to put a few things into perspective for you. It takes on average about 82 hours to write an issue of Discworld Monthly. I know there isn't 82 hours worth of information on the page, but research, website updates, visiting events, writing articles, writing reviews, chasing people for further information and articles, trawling the internet for news and then doing all the conversions for upload onto the website (e-reader, email and plain text versions too) all takes a huge amount of time.
We do this in our spare time. Time we don't always have especially when all our time is taken up organising a Charity Auction (9,000GBP raised) and writing a QI style panel show, oh and a few small things called working, housework and life.
And in associated news.
The Pixel Fairy has been absolutely amazing for the last ten years, sending our email newsletter out to you for no cost to us. Times change however and The Pixel Fairy is changing direction with her business and can no longer provide this service to us. This means a big change for us behind the scenes. For the first time ever, we are going to have to pay for a mailing provider.
Sending out 20,000 plus emails in one hit is something GMail doesn't allow so with The Pixel Fairies help we have found a new home. To you, nothing much will change other than the email address that our newsletter comes from. For us, it's another 20 or so hours worth of work setting up and learning a new system and a new bill every month.
We will never charge you for the privilege of receiving or reading Discworld Monthly. We will also never charge for advertisements within its pixels.
We will however be pushing our merchandise a bit more to try and cover the extra costs (about four times what we currently pay each month) that will be involved in bringing you the news so I am apologising now for the bad photos of mugs and pin badges that will fill your social media feeds.
Jason and Rachel
--
Jason Rincewind Anthony-Rowlands (Editor and Wizzard) info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
Rachel Anthony-Rowlands (RockStar lifestyle is King) rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk
Richard Massey (Is he still here? Anyone know what he does?)
↑≡1.1 Important Information
We have several places where you can get up to the minute news and information about all things Discworld from Discworld Monthly.
Facebook: Discworld Monthly Facebook Page
Twitter: @dwmoook
Instagram: Discworld Monthly on Instagram
And our website, discworldmonthly.co.uk which contains loads of information about the books, stage productions around the world, interesting articles, back issues and our merchandise shop.
↑≡1.2 Submissions
Want to make your opinions about the Discworld known to the world?
Have you been to see a play or a Discworld related event and want to write a review about it?
Then get writing! We are always on the lookout for exclusive articles and reviews to share with our readers so don't hesitate, email us today with the subject Article/Review at info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
If you are putting on a stage production or know of a stage production near you, please email us and let us know about that too.
We happily advertise all stage productions for free and we can help in other ways too. Email rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk with the Subject line "Stage Production".
The deadline for submissions to issue 257 of Discworld Monthly is Wednesday 26th September 2018.
↑≡2. News
Nadwcon (The North American Discworld Convention) have announced several of the Guests that will be appearing at the 2019 Convention.
The usual Suspects from the Discworld Emporium will be there with along with Daniel Knight (of Troll Bridge fame) , Pat Harkin, Colin Smythe (Terry's agent) and the ubiquitous Stephen Briggs.
↑≡2.1 Book Release News
Terry Pratchett HisWorld – Official Exhibition Companion
The award winning HisWorld exhibition at Salisbury Museum amazed attendees who were, for the first time, given unparalleled access to the author's inner sanctum and writing room 'The Chapel' and the plethora of interesting artefacts that surrounded him.
The book will be a collection of images from the exhibition with detailed descriptions.
It will remind those who were there of how sumptuous the displays were and for those who weren't able to attend, a true glimpse of the magnificence of the exhibit.
Available in a hardback edition and a collector's, slipcased limited edition.
The Special Limited Slipcased Edition features an alternative cover design, an embossed, foil blocked and numbered tip-in page, coloured page edgings and a marker ribbon. Also included with this collectable book is a unique print signed by the artist Paul Kidby.
Published by Dunmanifestin on 1st October 2018
Prices :
30GBP for the Standard edition (Plus P&P)
75GBP for the Special Edition (plus P&P)
To Pre-order
Standard Edition - Discworld.com
Slipcase Edition - Discworld.com
Standard Edition from Paul Kidby
Slipcase Edition from Paul Kidby
Good Omens: The Script Book. Due for release on the 23rd April 2019
This will be a collection of the scripts used for the Amazon Prime/BBC production of Good Omens that will hit our screens in 2019.
Paperback: 320 pages
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062896903
ISBN-13: 978-0062896902
Dodger paperback with cover by Laura Ellen Anderson due for release on the 25th April 2019
Paperback: 416 pages
Age Range: 9 - 17 years
Publisher: Corgi Childrens (25 April 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0552577200
ISBN-13: 978-0552577205
RRP 7.99
Note: This is not currently on Amazon US but as soon as it becomes available we will put up the link
↑≡2.2 Terry Pratchett: The BBC Radio Drama Collection
Terry Pratchett: The BBC Radio Drama Collection: Seven full-cast dramatisations
Collected together for the first time are seven full-cast BBC Radio dramatisations of Terry Pratchett's novels, with star-studded casts including Martin Jarvis, Sheila Hancock, Anton Lesser, Philip Jackson, Alex Jennings and Mark Heap.
Now being published for the very first time, the adaptations in this collection are:
Mort
Wyrd Sisters
Guards! Guards!
Eric
Small Gods
Night Watch
In addition to the Discworld radio Plays is the full-cast dramatisation of Only You Can Save Mankind.
Unfortunately Nation and Good Omens are not included in this collection. Good Omens is available to buy separately here . ISBN:1910281913
Audio CD
Publisher: BBC Physical Audio; Unabridged edition edition (1 Nov. 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1785298224
ISBN-13: 978-1785298226
RRP 40GBP
To Preorder
↑≡2.3 Discworld and Beyond Exhibition Tour
Until the 2nd September the exhibition is in Maidstone. You have just a couple of days to get in to see it before it moves to OrmsKirk.
Location: Maidstone Museums, St. Faith's Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1LH
Dates : Sat 7th July to Sun 2nd Sept
Ticket: Adult 4GBP, Child 2GBP, Family 10GBP
Then it moves onto Lancashire.
The Discworld & Beyond touring exhibition will be at
Location : The Chapel Gallery, St Helen's Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QR
Dates: September – December 2018 (Exact dates TBC)
And then it comes back south to Hertfordshire
The Discworld & Beyond touring exhibition will be at
Location : North Hertfordshire Museum, Via Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin, SG5 1JE
Dates : December 15th 2018 – February 2019 (Exact close date TBC)
↑≡2.4 Troll Bridge - IT'S FINISHED !!!
Daniel Knight revealed to a packed audience at The Discworld Convention in Warwick that Troll Bridge is finally finished to a huge amount of whoops, hollers and applause!
He was sat in the bar updating the credits over the convention weekend to make sure he included every single person who was involved.
From speaking to Daniel, I know he was exceedingly touched to get the reaction from the crowd at the convention to the news. Of course there is still a long way to go before it hits our letterboxes.
They are currently waiting to see which film festivals the film has been accepted into. As soon as they know which, I am sure we will get informed as to where and when.
For more info: visit Troll Bridge's latest newsletter
And just as a reminder,
Troll bridge's contract states that they can continue raising money while they are still in a position to spend money [on the film!] . Once the film has been completed and outstanding expenses covered, SnowGum Films may need to close off DVD availability.
So if you want it on DVD or Blu-ray, order it now as you may not be able to get it later!
To get yours:
↑≡2.5 Micro Art Studio Nanny Ogg Bust
Micro Art Studio have been working hard behind the scenes sculpting this amazing bust of Nanny Ogg. This bust is currently only available in the unpainted finish. Hopefully it will become available in the ever popular Metalized finish soon.
To get yours, order direct from Micro Art Studio : Nanny Ogg Bust
↑≡3. DiscTrivia
This month I decided to go back to Stephen's original Discworld Companion to discover some trivia. So if it's been changed or corrected since then... tough! Jason
| Q1. | Why does Erasmus sometimes eat his meals under the table? |
| Q2. | Who is Diome? |
| Q3. | Mr Klopstock is the proprietor of what establishment? |
| Q4. | What is the fastest animal on the Disc? |
| Q5. | Where does Miss Stamp teach? |
The answers as always can be found at the end of this issue!
↑≡4. Review: Wyrd Sisters - Pontlliw Players
By Zoe Azzopardi
Pontlliw Players put on an amateur production of Wyrd Sisters at Pontlliw Village Hall in Swansea. We had fun from start to finish, watching enthusiastic actors with energy that was contagious.
The cast and crew worked well, with a solid chemistry between the three witches.
Granny Weatherwax had good projection, and came off as suitably stern, while Nanny Ogg was efficiently immature and playful consistently on stage. Magrat completed the trio with her flustered and energetic demeanour and naive optimism.
Duke Felmet was played well as the befuddled heap of nerves, usually chattering away to himself while always being audible, and finding new ways each scene to mutilate his hands. One other point stood out about the Duke…all puns aside we couldn't help but look at his impressive codpiece.
We also very much enjoyed the performance of the late King Verence, whose ghostly demeanour was enhanced by the wonderfully spectral costume that looked especially ethereal under the UV lights.
A moment in the play that we really appreciated was when the actor playing Hwel came on limping after being told to "Break your own leg!". A simple touch but it made us laugh and we hadn't seen another production do that.
The scenery and set were kept simple yet effective and served as a good reference to where events were taking place, as there are many locations throughout the play. The use of back drops allowed for quick scene changes with little disruption to the flow of the play.
The play was not without its issues, however when lines were forgotten the actors carried on and kept us entertained and they recovered.
It was a good laugh as the companies first Discworld play, and we hope to see them do more in the future.
Alternative review by Jason Anthony-Rowlands
Pontlliw is a small village in South-Wales located about 1.5 miles from the Discworld Monthly headquarters. So when we discovered the Pontlliw players were putting on a production of Wyrd Sisters we decided we needed to go along. As it happens the middle show of their run was a significant birthday for Rachel. So we put our a call to some of our friends and went to all three performances of the show with various friends.
From the very first night it was obvious that this was an ambitious project for the group to take on. The cast were very much from the amateur end of the dramatic range. This isn't necessarily a problem as with Pratchett productions bags of enthusiasm can often be more entertaining than a polished production.
The duke, played by Kevin O'Brien was the standout performance for us. Kevin obviously enjoyed the roll and was having fun camping it up a little. It has to be said that his "codpiece" was a joy to behold (especially when he turned sideways, I am sure someone asked if he kept is droit de seigneur in it!) The rest of the ensemble were of mixed experience and could often benefit for better projection and to slow down slightly in their delivery. It was fun watching the actors develop over the three nights and it was good to see that some of our suggestions for the correct pronunciation of some of the more Discworld specific words were taken on board by the director and cast. There were a couple of moments where members of the cast came on stage still wearing their reading glasses which amused us - especially watching how they discreetly and surreptitiously deposited them about person in the middle of the scene.
There seems to be a slight obsession with wigs in this production. I can understand the desire to make Magrat blonde (though I have seen her played well as a brunette in the past) but some of the wigs didn't really fit well and one near the end appeared to have a life of its own. It was fascinating to see what it was going to do next. Next time guys - don't bother - let the characters come from inside!
I get the impression that the director was quite hands off. And I think a slightly firmer hand and better understanding of the source material could have made for a much better production.
Ultimately, we had a lot of fun, we enjoyed our three nights of escape to the Discworld and Rachel enjoyed her birthday with many of our friends. I am sure Terry would have loved the enthusiasm of the crowd and would have encouraged them to do more. We, would, definitely look at going to more Pratchett productions by the Pontlliw players - who knows, maybe next time we'd get involved! [Then we'd see some proper amateurs - Rachel]
↑≡5. Review: The Rince Cycle Swansea Little Theatre
Review by Jason Anthony-Rowlands
The Rince Cycle is one Pratchett production we'd not seen before. It seems to be a combination of Rincewind's story from The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic with a bit of Sourcery thrown in for good measure.
We went to the opening night on the 15th August one a wet and windy evening. The staging of The Rince Cycle was kept simple with a couple of moveable set pieces that could be trees or walls depending on how they were rotated.
Twoflower was played well (and possibly based on Sean Astin's version from the TV series) . Young Rincewind was disappointingly played as a bit of an idiot. The actor was obviously very good and his breaking the fourth wall bits worked well but Rincewind was never an idiot. Sadly seeing him portrayed that way grated throughout. It also contrasted greatly with Old Rincewind the Narrator that came over as a very different character and wore Robes with different symbols upon it. Cohen the barbarian was played brilliantly and the rest of the ensemble were very good. It was obvious that the Swansea Little Theatre had access to a decent pool of actors. There were a couple of odd bits which didn't sit well. I am pretty sure Terry never wrote Herrena as a Nessa (from Gavin and Stacey) character. Along with "alright butt" lines.
My other problem with the production was the script itself. It seem a bit jumpy and some of the scene choices seems a little strange. Why bother with the bits from Sourcery at all as they added nothing to the story and slowed things down and I would have personally dropped the scene with the two trolls as while it set up the next scene inside granddads mouth it seemed like a lot of effort thave to build troll costumes for one tiny scene.
I'd like to see how the Swansea Little Theatre would cope with a more traditional Discworld Play and I'd like to see The Rince Cycle again to see how other companies cope with it as a play.
I think, generally, the Swansea Little Theatre did a good job and I'd like to see them tackle more Discworld productions in the future.
↑≡6. Review: Mort by Broadclyst Theatre Group Exeter.
By Jeff Curd
An enjoyable evening was spent watching the Broadclyst adaptation of Stephen Briggs screenplay of Mort. This was the BTG's second Terry Pratchett's play and hopefully not the last.
The adaption was minimal as intend in the original script, the scenery and stage craft was simple but still effective and changes of acts quick and flowing.
Tom Menary made a perfect Mort with wild Ginger hair and he seemed to carry off both the bumbling Mort with the MORT in the later part of the show. Death was played by Steve Moore again with simple but effective face painting and a great booming voice (without any mics!) he made a mighty Death the fight scene near the end was very funny.
For me the most impressive caricature of the day was Andy Butler's portrayal of Albert. It was definitely a match for David Jason's version.
Time soon passed and at the close the near capacity audience left happy.
An alternative review by Harriet Thomas
Exeter's Barnfield Theatre saw a taste of something different when Mort, presented by Broadclyst Theatre, came to town in late June, following on from their previous success with Wyrd Sisters and directed by Katie Jones.
The foyer, bar and auditorium were filled with the cries of wanna-be Assassins and Seamstresses preparing for the hiring fair whilst an awkward and gangly young Mort (played to great effect by Tom Menery) waited quietly to one side with father Lezek (Dave Snell) . The audience were hooked from the moment they arrived.
Particular note goes to Tom for his perfect portrayal in both voice and physicality of the young Mort and his development into the befuddled apprentice and finally into the stalking, TALKING young 'Death'. His costumes too assisted this performance, including a rather wonderful long, collared and buckled black coat.
When Death (played by Steve Moore) entered the stage, blue eyes LED glowing and 'riding' with great alacrity the hilarious hobby-horse binky the audience were surprised to find him portlier than expected, but once he opened his mouth and delivered the remarkable VOICE all was forgiven. His delivery was impeccable.
Albert (Andy Butler) in his role as housekeeper/cook as well as the Wizard Alberto Malich also deserves a mention, his stooped and warnful Albert truly transformed into the striding, sharp-telling Alberto, working well alongside John Cunningham's mischievous Rincewind.
Even the smaller bit-players excelled themselves with particular mention to the Doorknocker (Tricia Regan) who added a lighter touch, the Vizier and Empress of Bes Pelargic (Karl Straw and Alison Harris) whose cunning stole the stage and Ysabel (Jenny Rankin) who blossomed from frumpy 'daughter' in her fluffy dressing gown and slippers to Duchess of Sto Helit with a fabulous dress we all envied her for. And last, but certainly not least, the chorus of narrators who had a large task and many costume changes to contend with excelled, especially as the garden 'Angel' statues who truly terrified, the typing pool who certainly amused.
Whilst the sometimes incongruous chorus, associated music, slight technical hitches and awkwardness of open scene changes distracted at times, the simple but used to great effect sets really helped move the show along, Deaths library and the various street scenes especially.
Some small mention has already been made of the costumes but in all they really were fantastic, appropriate, varied and numerous - the costume mistress, Katrina Jones, costume designers Carolyn Daniels, Tricia Regan and Alison Harris along with their seam team should be proud and we're all a little envious.
↑≡7. Review: Chalke Valley History Festival
Review by Rachel Anthony-Rowlands
The sun shone brightly at the Chalke Valley History Festival, so brightly that the majority of visitors went home a little crispy and possibly a little bit over exposed to the heat it produced.
We saw planes, tanks and guns, swords, bows and spinning wheels, we watched the skies for the wonderful sight of vintage planes flying and watched the ground for the various demonstrations of weaponry usage and food provisions. We listened to the wonderful talks of Phil Harding and other various history buffs and we saw Magrat take on a Roman Spartan with nothing but a pen! (he lost btw) .
Rob was full of news in his talk Terry Pratchett :The Write Fantastic, well we say news… The Hisworld Companion book was spoken about and bits and pieces of behind the scenes information about Good Omens. The possibility of another exhibition was cast to the crowd but the main talk was about how much Terry loved the Chalke Valley.
Morgan & West Time Travelling Magicians were spot on with their show on the Sunday. If you ever get the chance to see them perform, go. It is a fantastic experience. Seeing Rob Wilkins' face baffled as to how they did a trick in front of him on stage was worth the entrance fee alone.
Rob and Paul Kidby's "In conversation with" pop-up talks were where the news really came out. There is news about an illustrated Good Omens (12 illustrations by Paul Kidby much in the vein of the Folio Editions) and talk of at least 4 more books that Paul will be working on. News that Paul is working on the illustrations for the upcoming Updated Discworld Companion was comforting as we all knew that Stephen Briggs had been working on it earlier this year. We did ask the question about the Encyclopedias that were mooted as an idea at the memorial, the reply was that it will happen at some point in the future, when they are not quite so busy with other projects.
A huge thanks must go out to the local friendly professional photographer Andrew from AWD Photography. He stood there in the baking sun taking photos of all the wonderful loonies who came along and had their photos taken outside The Shed of Doom.
To see the photos, there is a public album over on our Facebook page.
Rob's talk The Write Fantastic told us lots of things and showed us the glasses that David Tennant wore as Crowley. And some magic words came out of Rob's mouth "I am weeks away, if not days, from signing on the dotted line for a 'Watch' series"
That was on the 30th June….
An alternative review by Andrea Richardson
It was not really a random decision to go to the Chalke Valley History Festival (CVHF) at Broad Chalke, near Salisbury in June. Having visited the HisWorld exhibition at Salisbury last year I really wanted to see the Shed of Doom that had been built by Paul Kidby. The CVHF is now the largest in Britain dedicated to history, and this year the theme was Chalke Valley History Heroes, so naturally included STP. There was also a talk with Rob Wilkins to discuss the life of Terry, his work, his inspiration and his profound love of the Chalke Valley.
After overnighting at a local B&B I got there early and who should I bump into first but the lovely Rachel from Discworld Monthly. She looked fab in a Magrat costume. I had a look round and took some photos of the Shed of Doom and Terry's shepherdess hut.
We were soon inside one of the tents for Rob's talk. He was interviewed by Stuart who previously played Moist in a local production and spoke of Terry's strong attachment to the area, where he wrote his books a mere mile or two from the festival site. During the talk there were pictures of Terry and his books scrolling across a screen and it was great to see these. The highlight for me was when Rob was talking about Good Omens. As both a STP and David Tennant fan I am beyond excited about the new TV series. Rob produced the sunglasses worn by DT himself in the series, in a presentation box. I may be a woman over a certain age but I still got very excited! Paul's statue of Terry was on the table during the talk as well.
After the talk there was time to walk round the festival and enjoy the sights and sounds. It was a scorching hot day so I spent a lot of time inside the tents looking at the stalls. There was also a bookshop with a STP section, and during a chat with the assistant she said that his books were flying off the shelves that day.
I took a look inside the Shed of Doom next. The detail Paul had given to Evil Harry Dread's abode is brilliant, with little nods to The Last Hero, and sound effects of arrows flying overhead. Inside was a mini recreation of the HisWorld exhibition, including a scaled back version of Terry's office ("The Chapel") , and a video about the building of the Shed.
We then sat down with Rob and Paul outside the Shed and were regaled with more tales of the ongoing work to maintain Terry's legacy. The Shed of Doom needs a new home so ideally they would like a permanent exhibition space, which would mean the HisWorld exhibition could be continued. Paul was asked what other Discworld places he would like to recreate – ideas included Granny Weatherwax's fortune telling booth, Ridcully's study, the Librarian's under-desk hideaway, and the Potent Voyager going over The Edge. Paul talked about the new book being released to accompany the HisWorld exhibition. There is also an illustrated Good Omens being planned, and a possible 10 edition illustrated book of ideas for novels that were never written. These will be produced by Dunmanifestin Ltd, the publishing company set up by Rob and Rhianna to produce Terry's work.
After a signing session with Rob and Paul it was time to say (a slightly sweaty!) goodbye to all the STP fans who had attended. It was a great day and I loved spending time with everyone.
↑≡8. Review: The Convention from a Newbie.
By Andrea Richardson
The International Discworld Convention 2018
Chesford Grange, Warwickshire
For a long weekend in August, a large hotel was taken over by 700 DW fans for the biennial Discworld Convention.
This was my first fan convention of any kind, and I had no idea what to expect. I was lucky enough to get a place in the main hotel, which I would recommend for first timers as it means you don't miss anything.
This 4/5 day marathon of talks, events, games, guest panels and mini Q&A sessions (called a Klatch) is overwhelming to start with. The event app on my phone became invaluable to keep up with last minute changes and check where I should be at any one time. I learned very quickly to not get upset at missing out on something. You simply cannot get to everything.
I cannot touch on everything I attended as there was loads.
Highlights were meeting Bernard Pearson, shopping at all the stalls on 'Sator Square', and the Klatch with Rob Wilkins. Special mention to the cast and crew of Night Watch for a great production, and also the very entertaining Dirk Maggs who had some great stories. I am looking forward to the adaptation of The Watch series which is being scripted by Simon Allen.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first convention. Praise to the ConCom team for organising such a massive event. Pratchett fans are very much an extended dysfunctional family. We come from a vast range of places, backgrounds, and age ranges. I felt really comfortable all weekend and met people who live and breathe STP and others who just enjoy the books and love the atmosphere at the cons.
The talk wasn't always STP – I had stimulating conversations about current affairs, music and much more with lots of folks. There were solo people like me and families with kids. This was a weekend spent chatting to friends you didn't know you had. I met people I'd seen before, and made new friends. When it ended the disappointment was tangible. But there's always the Irish Con in 2019…..
↑≡9. Review: The Truth - Peculiar Productions
Review by Jason Anthony-Rowlands
We were saddened what Monstrous Productions shut up shop last year so director Amy Davies could expand her family [twins can do that rapidly - Rachel] as they were one of the best companies we'd seen performing Discworld plays. Out of the ashes of Monstrous Productions came Peculiar Productions, many familiar faces from the old troup have found they way to the new group so our expectations were high.
We went to the opening night of the production. We took my two youngest children with us (aged 14 and 9) neither of whom have read any Discworld novels.
The first thing that stuck me was just how smooth the scene changes were. No dimming the lights just a very quick addition of a chair here or the removal of a dog there and we the scenes we changed. I think the judicial use of a short fade to back to show the passing of time or to give dead characters a time to leave the stage might have been a slight improvement. It's always a little disconcerting to have the dead rise in front of you.
Many actors reprised roles they have previously play - including Jes Heynes as Samuel Vimes and Michael Dickinson as Havelock Vetinari. For me personally the stand out performances were for Josh Stevenson-Hoare as Otto Chriek and Josh Flynn as Goodmountain both show enthusiasm and both managed to maintain great accents throughout . A few of the performances seemed a little flat but I putting that down to first night nerves. Most of the ensemble cast were very good. I liked the seeing Ed Thomas, previously the assistant director, take on the role of Mr Slant the lawyer (great makeup effect by the way) .
The intermission seemed to come in a bit abruptly - I'm used to seeing more natural breaks in Pratchett adaptations and the second half bounded at a decent pace.
The Truth did seem a little heavy on the dialog though but there was a very good fight scene involving Otto in the second half.
I asked my children what they thought of the play and they said while they didn't really understand what was going on all the time they found it funny and enjoyable. Overall, for a companies maiden voyage, I was really impressed. Peculiar Productions won't be doing a Discworld play in the spring but will return next summer with Men at Arms. I look forward to seeing their take on a full Watch play.
↑≡10. Competition: Death's Study Jigsaw
The Discworld Emporium have forced us to give away the newest of their wonderfully hard Jigsaws - Death's Study.
To win this devilishly difficult Death's Study, answer this question.
| Q. | Who illustrated both Death's Study and the Unseen University Library Jigsaws? |
Answers on a postcard.. I mean email us the answer and your full postal address to competitions@discworldmonthly.co.uk by Wednesday 26th September 2018.
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 - multiple entries will result in a ban from the competition. Failure to answer the questions or provide your postal address will prevent you from being entered into the competition. 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.
And if you don't win one, you can always buy one over at The Discworld Emporium Death's Study Jigsaw
↑≡11. Birthdays
Everyone has a birthday. If you know someone who would like a mention or 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
Belated August Birthday greetings to Kat Lambeth, Rose "I'm 50!" Biddle, Peter Chapman, Maria L'orange, Tony perkins, AJ "I'm 40 now" Tucker, David Washbrook, Mark Elliot, Joel Franklin, Kindra Kitty Jones, Jon-Paul Jones, Pam Hicks, Hypatia Atwrk, David "I'm not Gay!" Zabiela, Jean Collins, Zoe Azzopardi, Catrine "I've got a crazy XXX" Smith, Phil Chadwick and Andrea Richardson
And a Very HAPPY HAPPY Wedding day to the wonderful Alan and Chris Pendry who met through our facebook group.
September Birthday greetings to Deborah Mack, Keith Barrett, Carol Bottomley, Ann Ogier, Amy Davies, Colin Hicks, Dave Trace, Alan Pendry, Leanne Karfut, The Incredible Bernard Pearson, The long suffering Ian Mitchell, Katrina Rose, Nic Jansen, The Slightly Nutty Ray Friesen, Diane James, Rebecca Brown, Roger Denne, Nancy O'Shea, Beau Chalmers, Beth Cox, Alex Stanton, Kev Clarke and a Happy Birthday to a certain human who leads us all in continuing to #speakhisname.
↑≡12. 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 by sending them to a price comparison website.
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: "Walkley Library Services" libraryservices@walkleylibrary.org.uk
I'm Mark Crossland and I'm library services coordinator for Walkley Library in Sheffield, a library now run by volunteers for the community as a charity.
I first read Guards! Guards! as a book loving 10 year old and went straight back to The Colour Of Magic and read the entire series to that point. (This being 1985!) . From that moment on, I bought every book the day it came out.
So, when I was put in charge of the library's new book collection, I knew I had to get them all.
6 months later, and donations, charity shop shopping, and a few reluctant donations from myself, and I can announce:
Walkley Library has EVERY Discworld novel in our collection to borrow!
We already have 5 people making their way through, starting as DW virgins, several fans taking more out (one volunteer working her way through the Guards novels) and more taking interest. Myself? Due to the interest, and the fact it's been a couple of years, have started again for about the sixth time!
Support your local library, because more and more are threatened with closure, and without wonderful volunteers like ours, you may lose them! Sir Terry and the Discworld are alive and well in full, in Walkley Library!
DWM replies: We are so glad that volunteer libraries are keeping Terry's name alive and well. Congratulations and keep up the great work.
* From: "Greg the Antipodean" ggalon2009@gmail.com
Thank you for the latest issue. It is always a delight to hear about all things Discworld. *smile*
I thought to begin this missive by saying that I wish to - respectfully - take exception to the trivia answer for question 5. While I don't wish to come across as "more-Discworld-fan-than-thou", I feel constrained to point out that Vimes learned everything from Sgt-at-Arms John Keel - there is no "e" at the end of his name.
But that's the pedant in me talking. I can quite understand that writing something as complex as the Discworld Monthly, and doing it month in, month out for so many years is difficult and sometimes perhaps exhausting. So please let me offer my congratulations for keeping up the good work, even when faced with someone as pedantic as I. *blushes*
Secondly... I've had a look at the Discworld Diary for 2019 (the "trivia" diary) on Book Depository. The trivia questions that they ask seem to be remarkably easy - for instance:
1. Do you know where the Discworld gods live?
2. Do you know the name of the last continent?
3. Do you know the name of the Discworld's worst engineer?
The answers are "Dunmanifestin" (a pune on "Done manifesting", which is how I remember it) ; "XXXX" or "Fourecks"; and "Bergholt Stuttley Johnson" (or Bloody Stupid Johnson) . And nope, I didn't need to look them up on lspace, either. *grin* I hope the other questions are more difficult than those three.
As for the fourth question - what's inside Dibbler's sausages - maybe we'd all sleep easier in our beds not knowing! *G*
At any rate, thank you again for the Discworld Monthly magazine, and for letting me rant. I hope I didn't bore you.
DWM replies: Thanks for the appreciation and the note about spelling... Sorry that crept in we blame the creature known as Typus Typodius (aka the typo fairy) for the extra letters.
* From: "Bri Derbyshire" bd1944@yahoo.com
I wondered too .... it sort of dawned on me (from context) that an "afer" was very likely a user of ArtiFicial Reality - A.F.R.
(Which of course raises questions about the Roundworld term "Stoner.")
Gaspode dead in a cave under Holywood? Dearie me! Somebody rewrite 5th Elephant, quick!
- or, better, produce the definitive, final, utterly inclusive Companion (which, alas, is now possible) so that these things can be checked before publication ....
↑≡13. Book Release News
13.1 English Language Releases
Father Christmases Fake Beard Slipcase Edition - USA and Canada
The Slipcased deluxe version of Father Christmases Fake Beard and other stories will be available in the USA and Canada from the 25th September 2018.
Pre-Order from:
Amazon Canada: ISBN:085753551X
Amazon USA: ISBN:085753551X
Johnny and The Bomb - Mark Beech Cover - Paperback
In the USA and Canada it will be available from the 25th September 2018
Amazon Canada: ISBN:0552576786
Amazon USA: ISBN:0552576786
Buy now in the UK from:
Amazon UK: ISBN:0552576786
Book Depository: ISBN:9780552576789
The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents - New Cover
The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents was re-released on the 26th April 2018 by Corgi in the UK with a new cover by Laura Ellen Anderson
In the USA and Canada it will be available from the 25th September 2018
Amazon Canada: ISBN:0552576808
Amazon USA: ISBN:0552576808
Only You can save Mankind - Mark Beech Cover/Paperback
Only You Can Save Mankind was published on the 22nd February 2018 by Corgi in the UK and will be published in the USA and Canada on the 25th September.
Order from:
Amazon UK: ISBN:0552576794
Book Depository: ISBN:9780552576796
Amazon Canada: ISBN:0552576794
Amazon USA: ISBN:0552576794
Discworld Collector's Library edition
THUD!
Hardcover: 416 pages
ISBN-10: 0857525913
ISBN-13: 978-0857525918
R.R.P. 12.99 GBP
Due for release on the 1st November 2018
Pre-order:
Amazon Canada release date - 25th December 2018
Discworld Collector's Library edition
MAKING MONEY
Hardcover: 480 pages
ISBN-10: 0857525921
ISBN-13: 978-0857525925
R.R.P. 12.99 GBP
Due for release on the 1st November 2018
Pre-order
Amazon Canada release date - 25th December 2018
Discworld Collector's Library edition
UNSEEN ACADEMICALS
Hardcover: 544 pages
ISBN-10: 085752593X
ISBN-13: 978-0857525932
R.R.P. 12.99 GBP
Due for release on the 1st November 2018
Pre-order
Amazon Canada release date - 25th December 2018
Truckers - Illustrated edition - Illustrated by Mark Beech
It will be released on the 18th Oct 2018 with full page colour illustrations by Mark Beech, published by Corgi Childrens.
Hardcover: 336 pages
ISBN-10: 0552576816
ISBN-13: 978-0552576819
RRP 12.99 GBP
Pre-order
Amazon US and Canada release date - 23rd October 2018
Good Omens Paperback re-release paperback - Possible TV tie in.
Details of a Paperback reprint by William Morrow & Company have popped up.
Release date of 5th Feb 2019 is possibly coincide with the Amazon Prime release of the much anticipated TV series. Currently we have no cover image but as soon as we do, we'll let you know via our social media output.
Paperback: 400 pages
ISBN-10: 0062697250
ISBN-13: 978-0062697257
Price TBC
Pre-order
Father Christmases Fake Beard - UK Paperback
The paperback version of Father Christmases Fake beard is scheduled for release on the 4th October 2018 by Corgi in the UK
R.R.P. 6.99GBP
Publisher : Corgi
ISBN-10: 0552576662
ISBN-13: 978-0552576666
Pre-order from:
↑≡13.2 Translated releases
13.2.1 German Translations
Aus der Tastatur gefallen: Gedanken uber das Leben, den Tod und schwarze Hute - A Slip of the Keyboard
Aus der Tastatur gefallen: Gedanken uber das Leben, den Tod und schwarze Hute will be published on the 17th September 2018 by Goldmann Verleg in Germany
ISBN-10: 3442487293
ISBN-13: 978-3442487295
Pre-order from:
Amazon Germany: ISBN:3442487293
Book Depository: ISBN:9783442487295
↑≡14. Stage Productions
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!
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 rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk or info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
Don't forget to visit Pratchett Stage Productions for our most up-to-date list of stage productions.
↑≡14.1 Current and Upcoming Productions
For more details of these current and upcoming productions visit: Pratchett Stage Productions
- Wyrd Sisters in Stratford-upon-Avon, UK, UK (Wed 26th September - Sat 29th September 2018)
↑≡14.2 New and Updated Productions
These productions are new this month or have been updated. For our full list visit: Pratchett Stage Productions
[New: UK] Phoenix Players presents Wyrd Sisters as adapted by Stephen Briggs
| Location: | Bear Pit Theatre, Rother Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6LU |
| Dates: | Wed 26th September - Sat 29th September 2018 |
| Times: | Performance at 7.30pm |
| Tickets: | 12GBP, 10GBP Concess |
| Box office: | 01789 413406 / rsc.org.uk |
| Website: | Phoenix Players |
[New: UK] Merrow Dramatic Society presents Carpe Jugulum as adapted by Stephen Briggs
| Location: | The Electric Theatre, Onslow St. Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4SZ, United Kingdom |
| Dates: | Wed 17th October - Sat 20th October 2018 |
| Times: | Performance at 7.45pm- extra perfomance at 2.30pm on Sat |
| Tickets: | 15.50GBP |
| Website: | Merrow Dramatic Society |
[New: UK] Tewkesbury Arts & Drama Society presents Wyrd Sisters as adapted by Stephen Briggs
| Location: | Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, Glos, GL20 5NX |
| Dates: | 22nd - 23rd March 2019 |
| Box office: | rosestheatre.org |
| Website: | Tewkesbury Arts & Drama Society |
↑≡15. Discworld Conventions and other Events
15.1 Current and Upcoming Events
For more details of these events visit: Conventions and Other Events
- Discworld & Beyond Exhibition in Maidstone Museum, UK (Sat 7th July 2018 - Sun 2nd Sept 2018)
- Discworld & Beyond Exhibition in The Chapel Gallery, UK (September - December 2018)
↑≡15.2 New and Updated Events
These events are new or have recently been updated. For our full list visit: Conventions and Other Events
[New: UK] Discworld & Beyond Exhibition
| Location: | The Chapel Gallery, St Helen's Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QR |
| Dates: | September - December 2018 |
| Website: | chapelgallery.org.uk |
Paul Kidby's Discworld artwork goes on display in this wonderful touring exhibition. Alongside a miriade of Discworld artwork lies Paul's Charmed Realm series of images. Beautiful to look at, even more beautiful on your walls at home. Prints are available at the museum gift shop and on Paul's website.
[New: UK] Discworld & Beyond Exhibition
| Location: | North Hertfordshire Museum, Via Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin, SG5 1JE |
| Dates: | 15th December 2018 – February 2019 |
| Website: | northhertsmuseum.org |
Paul Kidby's Discworld artwork goes on display in this wonderful touring exhibition. Alongside a miriade of Discworld artwork lies Paul's Charmed Realm series of images. Beautiful to look at, even more beautiful on your walls at home. Prints are available at the museum gift shop and on Paul's website.
↑≡16. Recurring Fan Meetings
By their very nature the listing of recurring fan meeting remains static. So we've moved the full listings to our website at Recurring Fan Meetings
The newsletter will only include any listings that are new or have changed within the last 30 days.
↑≡17. Small Ads
This is something we've not included in the newsletter for a while. If you want to try to sell your unwanted / duplicate Discworld items to other fans (and its legal for you to do so) email us at info@discworldmonthly.co.uk with the subject "Ads" and a short description of what you have and how fans can contact you. Discworld Monthly only lists the ads and is not responsible for the contents, validity or reliability of the ads or the buyers and sellers.
Fancy a holiday to the land of the librarian and a universe full of wonders? Though it it would be too expensive?
Then look no further...join Andrea, a life long STP fan and conservation biologist, at her guest house in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Not only can you go jungle trekking to see if you can spot the librarian and his friends. the monkeys (well, not actually friends..more like acquaintances) . You can also go on village walks, do cooking class, go river swimming and so much more.
Have a look at her website and drop Andrea and email or whatsapp with any questions at all. There's a 5% discount if you start your email with your favourite discworld quote!
.....fyi...Andrea would like to bring your attention to this quote
"It was the special sort of beautiful area which is only beautiful if you can leave after briefly admiring its beauty and go somewhere else where there are hot tubs and cold drinks. Actually staying there for any length of time is a penance."
Spenser Personal spenser.groves@ntlworld.com writes: I am an avid fan of Discworld and have over the last 30 years I have collected clarecraft figures and have the complete set (including rare pro types) .
Sadly we need to consider downsizing the collection and will begin to sell them on auction sites.
However, before I do, I wondered if you know of any fans that might be interested in buying parts of the collection through your newsletter?
Margaret Matthews margaretmatthewsm@btinternet.com writes: Some years ago I bought my husband a Death of Rats pin. He wore a tie to work, usually a loud one with an unusual pin. It was his favourite and drew quite a lot of comments and began several interesting conversations.
Alas he lost the pin and we have never been able to find another. It is not helped by me being unable to recall where I bought it from. We are both retired now but I would love to be able to get him another one. Has anyone got one for sale?
↑≡18. The End
This month's issue is brought to you by the adventures in of Nat and Rach in a field getting lost and balancing on a log 15ft in the air whilst Rachel was standing on her head.. Please let us have any submissions for issue 257 of Discworld Monthly by Wednesday 26th September 2018.
↑≡18.1 Supporting Discworld Monthly
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. add up. If you feel you would like to make a small contribution towards these costs please consider doing so via: PayPal
Our account for Paypal is info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
You can also purchase items from our range of licensed Discworld Monthly products from: Discworld Monthly Shop
↑≡18.2 Mailing List Hosting
Discworld Monthly would like to thank the Pixel Fairy for hosting our mailing list for us. For more information about the Pixel Fairy visit her website at The Pixel Fairy
↑≡18.3 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 Discworld Monthly eBooks
↑≡18.4 Contact Information
We prefer information to be sent via email info@discworldmonthly.co.uk or rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk but can also accept information via post at the following addresses: Discworld Monthly, 20 Cambrian Place, Pontarddulais, Swansea, SA4 8RG, United Kingdom
↑≡18.5 Latest Book Information
This Discworld Monthly website a list of books on our website with the cover blurb and direct links to UK, US and Canadian Amazon websites.
Terry Pratchett books at Discworld Monthly
You can also find a list of our affiliates at:
Discworld Monthly Affiliate Links
We have an extensive Terry Pratchett biography with a tick list you can print out at:
↑≡18.6 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.
To unsubscribe please follow the instructions at the end of this email.
↑≡18.7 Trivia Answers
| Q1. | Why does Erasmus sometimes eat his meals under the table? |
| A1. | He eats under the table on account of werewolf blood. (it doesn't say whose) [Reaper Man] |
| Q2. | Who is Diome? |
| A2. | Diome is a Witch of the Night [Eric] |
| Q3. | Mr Klopstock is the proprietor of what establishment? |
| A3. | Mr Klopstock is the proprietor of the Bull Pit in Pseudopolis [Soul Music] |
| Q4. | What is the fastest animal on the Disc? |
| A4. | The Puzuma [Pyramids] |
| Q5. | Where does Miss Stamp teach? |
| A5. | The Quirm College For Young Ladies. [Soul Music] |
18.8 Small Print
We make every effort we can to ensure the information in this newsletter is accurate and legal. 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.
↑≡18.9 Thanks
Thanks for reading this issue of 'Discworld Monthly'. We hope you enjoyed it. If you have any comments, complaints or suggestions for the future of this newsletter please email the editor : info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
↑≡18.10 The Final Word...
*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.
GNU Terry Pratchett...