Lamplighter Theatre

The Hedge of Thorns is one of Lamplighter’s best-selling books. We’re so excited to be able to breathe new life into this centuries-old tale  of boundaries and obedience to God in the new audio drama from Lamplighter Theatre. For hundreds of years this story has communicated the urgency and importance of obeying both earthly boundaries and those that God has placed in our lives for our own protection. The consequences of disobedience are grave and do not just affect our own lives but can permanently alter the lives of those around us. In The Hedge of Thorns, young John finds out how our actions can have a devastating impact on the people we love the most. His precious little sister, Belle, will bear the scars of his disobedience for the rest of her life, and John will carry a burden of guilt and regret for the rest of his.

Faith does not merely refer to our belief and acknowledgement that God is the Creator and Saviour of the universe. It extends to our reliance on His protection and guidance in our lives. Sometimes this will mean obvious “Do Not Enter” signs and clear instruction that we are not to proceed along a certain path. Other times it will be the teaching hand of a parent, peer, or mentor offering wisdom and insight that helps us understand what God may be doing in our lives. God will place hedges in our lives to protect us and direct us along the straight and narrow path. Whether the hedge is a person, a rule, or even a literal hedge like it was for John and Belle, we can be sure that God’s intention is to continue to cultivate our character through adversity and perseverance.

Interested in downloading some of the latest episodes, radio promos, behind the scenes videos, and more? Subscribe to the brand new Lamplighter Theatre Podcast on iTunes, or watch/listen right here on the Lamplighter Theatre Blog.

We’ve decided to make the first episode of EVERY audio drama we do available for free download all the time! So here is Episode 1 of The Basket of Flowers.

Coming up in March we will be airing the radio drama of one of our best known titles, A Peep Behind the Scenes. But long before the day of the first broadcast, much must be accomplished to get the drama produced. The script must be written, actors need to be hired, the studio needs to be booked, and travel arrangements must be made.

For most of our dramas we head across the Atlantic to record with one of the world’s most talented radio theatre producers, Phillip Glassborrow at SoundHouse Studios, London. In the future, we’ll tell you all about Phillip. But as a precursor to that, I’d like for you to see some of our actors and production staff in action with these “behind the scenes” (pun intended!) videos from the recording sessions for A Peep Behind the Scenes. Enjoy!

During one of the recording sessions at the Soundhouse, a studio in London, England, filmmaker David Hamby captured some great behind the scenes footage of The Basket of Flowers being filmed and infused it with an interview with Lamplighter Ministries president Mark Hamby as he discusses the scope and mission of Lamplighter Theatre. Check out the video and share with your friends!

Well, I hope you enjoyed our latest production, The Basket of Flowers, which aired its fourth and final episode over the course of the past week. If you haven’t heard it yet then get to our website before Friday to hear it. Come Friday, the first episode of Charlie’s Choice will take its place, so you better hurry! The 2-disc set, complete with beautifully illustrated, full color packaging is now available for purchase and will be shipping out starting October 30th, so get your copy today! Or, if you’re in a hurry, you can purchase the high quality MP3 version here. Either way, you’re bound to enjoy it over and over again!

As you may know, the Basket of Flowers was the first book published by Lamplighter Publishing. Just like Finnian Jones told Jessica in the story, it was first written in 1878 by Christoph von Schmid. Originally written in German, then translated into French, and then into English, this book is the cornerstone of our Lamplighter Rare Collector Series.  What a picture of mercy, thankfulness, honesty, and integrity it paints for us in fundamental truths like “It is better to die for the truth than to live for a lie,” or “The worst pillow to sleep on is the pillow of a guilty conscience.”

What are some of the truths that stood out to you as you listened? What were your favorite parts of the story? We’d love to hear from you! Post a comment below and share your thoughts.

If you’re a fan of the cinematic version of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, then you’ll doubtless know the name John Rhys-Davies, the 6′1″ Welshman from Tanzania who plays the dwarf, Gimlee, in The Lord of the Rings. John Rhys-Davies is an accomplished actor on screen and in the recording studio with a list of over 190 acting credits and over 25 soundtrack and voice-over appearances to his name. Here is an excerpt from the Internet Movie Database about John’s background:

Acclaimed British actor John Rhys-Davies graduated from the University of East Anglia and is probably best known to film audiences for his roles in the blockbuster hits Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). He has also had leading roles in Victor Victoria (1982), The Living Daylights (1987) and King Solomon’s Mines (1985).

Rhys-Davies, who was raised in England, Africa and Wales, credits his early exposure to classic literature for his decision to pursue acting and writing. he later refined his craft at London’s renowned Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. His television credits include James Clavell’s “Shogun” (1980) and “Noble House” (1988), “Great Expectations” (1989), “War and Remembrance” (1988) and “Arch

aeology”(1991).

An avid collector of vintage automobiles, Rhys-Davies has a host of theater roles to his credit, including “The Misanthrope”, “Hedda Gabler” and most of Shakespeare’s works. He divides his time between Los Angeles and the Isle of Man.

John is the host of Lamplighter Theatre, the voice you’ll hear at the beginning of each series, welcoming you Abington Falls, where Finnian Jones has a quirky little shop full of “more than you would expect.” His voice over work for Lamplighter Theatre is recorded at a studio on the Isle of Man.

One of the biggest challenges in producing an audio drama intended for radio is actually getting it on the airwaves. Thankfully, we have had interest in our project from radio stations before we even began. We knew that when we had a finished product, we had a place to put it. And for us, that is just more evidence that God is in this and that He is directing our steps according to His plans. Here is a brief note from Rick Snavely, CEO and Network Manager of Family Life Network in Bath, NY after receiving “Defy the Darkness” and the accompanying promotional materials:

Mark,

Wow – I’m impressed! That’s quite a promotional package that you put together. How far along are you with the video concept? Will you have a video for each audio story that you produce? It looks like your going full-speed ahead with multiple engines. I’m excited for you!

Rick Snavely
CEO / Radio Network Manager
Family Life Network
  

WOW! I wasn’t expecting to be able to publish a preview of what we’re working on quite this early. But here it is! As I mentioned in the previous post, our team was working feverishly to produce a five minute demo for a foundation who is meeting to discuss funding for Lamplighter Theatre. When I got into the office this morning, the first thing I heard from a co-worker was “Did you hear the audio yet?” Immediately I sat down and and listened to the demo… and it would be fruitless to try to explain to you in words what the experience was like. So without further ado, Lamplighter Theatre presents, Sir Malcom and the Missing Prince (Demo)!

On a daily basis, usually many times a day, Mark Hamby, the founder and president of Lamplighter, is either on the phone or exchanging e-mails with our talented producer John Fornoff. These conversations are full of energy, ideas, and passion for the projects we’re working on at Lamplighter Publishing. Here is a thread of conversations that Mark sent to me to give you a glimpse into the process of Lamplighter Theatre:

John,

My mind is spinning right now with so many ideas. We probably should have a phone meeting and talk through all of the ideas that i have sent to you and try to hone in on the most quintessential ones. One that came to me this morning is that:

God is more concerned with our holiness than our happiness. God loves us enough to allow us to suffer. Why? Because suffering produces endurance which produces character which cultivates hope, which will never disappoint us. This is because we have a sovereign God who loves us so much that He allowed His own Son to suffering on a cross…for our good. So many today are looking for a quick fix. We want it now. But God sees the future…the eternal future and teaches us that the suffering of this present time is not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us….

As Debbie would say at about this time…”Cut it! You think too much.”

On another note, just a reminder to share with Marshal how we want to convey about the tough choice the father has to make in order to help his son learn valuable lesson. John, we are so excited about this! praying for you…let me know when you want to meet.

-Mark Hamby

Hi Mark,

I was just talking this morning with a bright young man who’s facing some challenges in his work situation, where he’s not being treated well. I mentioned that he needs to leave in God’s timing–not his. If he jumps ship just because he’s suffering, he’ll miss the benefits of perseverance, character, and hope. Don’t get off the ride until God says you’re done.

Anyway, the words your sharing are having an effect on me and others. I never saw that perspective–that God allowed his own Son to suffer for our good. So he’ll allow us to suffer for our own good as well.

John:

I hope I am not inundating you with too much. There is just so much that needs to be done and now that God is opening the doors that we have been praying and dreaming about for twenty years, it is hard to hold back.

-Mark

Mark, Amen! Bring it on!

Whenever I get around someone who’s passionate about their mission–as your are–I get a clear sense of the excitement of God himself. A pastor friend told me once that the root word of enthusiasm is entheos, or “God within.” That’s the sense of excitement I sense in you and Debbie. This is no flash-in-the pan excitement. This is a reservoir of blessing that’s been building up for thirty years like water about to burst through a dam.

Blessings ahead,

John

Mark,

I’ve told the team how much you appreciate their hard work. And I am grateful for how God teamed us together. I have sensed his favor before, but this is on a whole different level. He wants to birth something powerful here, and like you, I want to be faithful to the call. Thank you for your thoughtful note. I’m touched and very thankful for your passion to be a God-seeker and courage to be a God-pleaser no matter what. It’s an honor and joy to work alongside you!

Blessings ahead,

John

Wow, that was quick! The first production of Lamplighter Theatre has completed the recording of all four episodes. Our producer, John Fornoff is bursting with excitement from the project! Here’s a short report of what he’s been experiencing:

Day 1

Mark, this is incredible…wait till you hear this…this is the greatest program I’ve ever produced!


Blessings ahead,

John

Day 2

Hello Mark,
We’re in the middle of Part 3. This cast has great chemistry–we definitely want to bring back many of them for future shows! 
Thank you for your prayers.


Blessings ahead,
John

Day 3

When I heard the part where Hugh stands before his father the King, tears came.
John

The audio will be available to purchase on May 15th, 2009 and will be broadcast nationally on Christian, and some secular, radio stations September 1st. Please be in prayer for our efforts to raise the funds necessary to continue producing these remarkable audio dramas.

Sneak Peak: We are going to be holding an essay contest for Defy the Darkness…Stay Tuned!