Night Watch

Commander Samuel Vimes is back! But back where? That is the question he needs answered.

The past catches up with us all. But never so quickly as when we go back in time to confront it. Terry Pratchett fans will remember that the last time we saw Sam Vimes in Unseen Theatre Company’s production of “The Fifth Elephant” we left him having some of his rough edges polished off by his new wife Lady Sybil.

Vimes’ marriage had made him a Duke. His heroism had promoted him to Commander of the City Watch. Not only that, but Sybil was expecting their first child.

Commander Samuel Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch had it all. But now he’s back in his own rough, tough past without even the clothes he was standing up in when the lightning struck.

Living in the past is hard. Dying in the past is incredibly easy. But he must survive, because he has a job to do. He must track down a murderer, teach his younger self how to be a good copper and change the outcome of a bloody rebellion. There is, of course a problem. After all – this is Ankh-Morpork we are talking about! If he wins, he’ll have no wife, no child and no future.

“Night Watch” is a Discworld Tale of One City, with a full cast of street urchins, ladies of negotiable affection, rebels, Unmentionables (read secret policemen), zombies and other children of the revolution.

Director Pamela Munt has assembled a fine cast of old and new members of Unseen Theatre Company including Steven Parker as Vimes and Andrew Dowling (who was nominated for the Critic’s Circle Awards 2003) as the “evil dude” Carcer. If you watch carefully, you will also see Pamela in a cameo role as Lady Meserole. It seems she just can’t keep away from the stage. Pamela is also very excited about the set design for this show with which she hopes to create a real “Discworld/Ankh-Morporkian” street atmosphere.

Tracey Watchman and Kyly Knaggs appear as “The Agony Aunts” led by their “Madam” Merri Brown as Rosie Palm. These experienced actors will lead a large cast of new young “recruits” who are almost as eager to accomplish their task of entertaining you as “The City Watch” is to win their never ending battle against the evil characters of The Shades.

Reviewers’ Comments from Previous Unseen Theatre Company Productions:

“Riotously funny..delightfully quirky..good unearthly fun”
(Rod Lewis – Messenger)

“A high-spirited production which succeeds at delivering Pratchett at his funniest”.
(Tim Lloyd – Advertiser)

“Mort is dead funny for Pratchett fans both old and new”
(Hayley Horton – Adelaide Theatre Guide)

“Amusing and well performed”
(Samela Harris – Advertiser)

“Director Pamela Munt keeps the action flowing fast and frantic”
(Rod Lewis – Adelaide Theatre Guide)

Reviews and Publicity
The Advertiser

http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,11036784%255E16422,00.html (11 Oct 04)

http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,11074246%255E16422,00.html (15 Oct 04)

One for the cult

TERRY Pratchett’s theatrical champions in Adelaide stick to their chosen, idiosyncratic author in their forthcoming production.

Unseen Theatre Company will stage Pratchett’s Night Watch from tonight at Bakehouse Theatre.

The play, set on Pratchett’s nuttily fantasist Discworld, has been adapted by Stephen Briggs from the original novel.

It follows Commander Samuel Vimes as he travels back in time to improve his own behaviour as a young copper. He must track down a murderer, teach his younger self and change the outcome of a bloody rebellion. The twist is that if he wins, he has no wife, no child and no future.

The play is a sequel to The Fifth Elephant, staged by Unseen last year. [Steven Parker] stars as Vimes opposite Andrew Dowling as the “evil” Carcer, along with Tracey Watchman and new recruit Kyly Knaggs as “The Agony Aunts”, and Merri Brown as their Madam.

Director Pamela Munt says Pratchett’s popularity means the company has been able to develop an almost cult audience, giving the company an enthusiastic following.

Audience Comments

4 stars out of 5 “After seeing this play for the first time, without reading the book, i was very impressed, especially with the performance of Samual Vimes (played by Steven Parker) another good performer was matthew doudel who i have seen in many plays and contiues to show his strengths. Overall it was a fantastic night out, and i was drawn into the story and i was left wanting much much more!! I will definately come and see another play.” Jessica

2 stars out of 5 “it was interesting, and i use that in the loosest possible way.” Bruce

3 stars out of 5 “If I could put this performance in a saucepan and simmer it down to its pure essence, I would put the result in a envelope and send it to Rove’s “What the…? ” The production taught me many lessons, for example; should I ever be involved in a riot, I now know what to throw thanks to Sadie – no, not a rock or a bottle – I’ll throw a pig! And did the History Monk really give John Keel twopenny upright? Ah, champagne comedy.” Chris

3 stars out of 5 “I was overall quite impressed with the effort and dialog delivery in this production’s creation which successfully made Terry Pratchett’s style come to life. Commander Samual Vimes played by Steven Parker was executed execeptionally, especially it being his first lead role. His Ankhmorpork Nightwatch official oath recital, being particularly memorable . Also notable were Young Nobby played by David Mc Bride whom I found emensly entertaining – I could just about smell him, Dr Lawn’s (Sam Priestly) delightfully delivered black humour and the very impressive politically minded and manipulative Lady Meserole (Pamela Munt). Keep up the good work guys!! I’ll be back for more.” Joanna Molloy