IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

“ Friends for Oscars “ Production team , in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Nicosia, the Red Cross – Nicosia Branch and the support of the British High Commission, announce that the performances (which were to take place in March 2020) will take place on 20, 25, 26 and 27 November , 2020 at the main stage of the Satirico Theatre in Nicosia whilst one of the performances will be streamed on the web worldwide. This is an exciting development and more details soon !

A hilarious comedy revolving around the lives of friends and neighbors living in South London in the year 2020 . Chris is a part time plumber, Jenny is a full time nurse, Tom is a teacher of Art, Samantha is an unemployed hairdresser , Mrs Saunders is the equivalent of 007 whilst Roger is a bouncer at a betting shop . What do they have in common other the street they live in ? They are heading for … Oscars !

Script Writer and Head of Production
Anthony Thomas Ashiotis was born in Nicosia . His mother is half English – half Irish whilst his father is Greek Cypriot . He is a Chartered Certified Accountant and runs his own firm of auditors, accountants and consultants since 1990 which firm is well known and highly awarded, based in Nicosia and with clients based worldwide (www.ashiotis.com.cy) . He has over many years been involved in charity work especially as President of Rotaract Nicosia and Rotary Nicosia. He loves theater and has performed in both small and leading roles in quite a number of theatrical plays ( mostly comedies) and always for charity . He has in recent years also written a number of theatrical plays . “Friends for Oscars “ is the first play he has written and it is the first time it will be on stage with few more plays to follow after this ! There are also serious thoughts and plans for this specific play to be taken abroad !
Director
Athena Louisa Marie Agroti Born in London and raised in Cyprus, Athena studied Drama and Film at Queen Mary University of London, followed by an MA in Applied Theatre (Community & Education) at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Athena works as a Drama Teacher, Director and Creative Arts Facilitator. As well as working in various educational settings through theater in London and Cyprus, she ran projects at the school, Shishuvan in Mumbai with the Parents Association for confidence building and communication skills. Other projects include finding ways to be more creative, integrating the arts into the curriculum and working with a group of young people in Kandivali in the development of theater. The most effective work was to use the expression of theater to develop the self-awareness and self-esteem of women coming to SNEHA (Nutrition, Education & Health Action Society) with a history of domestic violence. On her return to Cyprus, she, along with various artists set up a group titled ‘’Allospos’’ which help run community projects. She realised her passion for Creative Education and directed various productions, a few of which have been adaptations of Mischief Theatre Company, which to this day she continues to pursue.
Public Relations
Yiannos Georgiades is the Managing Partner of the law firm Y. Georgiades & Associates LLC, which is based in Nicosia, Cyprus, with presence in the UK and Greece. Yiannos Georgiades is a member of the Cyprus Bar Association, called to the Bar of England & Wales, President of the Cyprus Chapter of the European Court of Arbitration and Mediation for commercial disputes (CEAM) and President of the Metropole Alliance International Association of lawyers and professionals. He is a co-founder of the business accelerator KV Kinisis Ventures Limited, and a nominated advisor for the Emerging Companies Market (the ECM) of the Cyprus Stock Exchange. Mr Georgiades has recently been involved in the film production industry, as a producer of the up and coming film “Poets Never Die” to be filmed in Cyprus, and has been advising film directors and film companies for the production of films and how to apply for cash rebates etc. in light of the recent attractive incentive for film production in Cyprus, offering up to 35% of eligible expenditures incurred. Additionally, he was connected with the recent production of the 2020 Hollywood film “Jiu Jitsu” starring Nicholas Cage filmed in Cyprus and the law firm were the sponsors for the Press Conference which took place in the Hilton Hotel. “The government of Cyprus has offered great incentives to the film industry and has managed to grab the attention of renowned American producers and directors like Demetri Logothetis, who chose Cyprus for the shootings of Jiu Jitsu, a film we helped in co-producing” said Georgiades, explaining that he aims to continue this path and do more to support the production of Hollywood films in Cyprus as it brings the two countries even closer.
Film and Streaming Director
Savvas Hadjigeorgiou studied Film and TV at Hofstra University and has held high-level positions in the Cyprus TV industry for 26 years. He is well known for high quality TV series including 'O Nomos Tis Ekdikisis', 'Krifos Kaiadas' and 'O Telios Andras'. He heads the Productions at Jazz Arts & Communications and is a Film/TV and studio consultant, specialising in live streaming for various events including concerts and seminars.
Production and Stage Assistant
Mary Spyrou is a recent graduate from the University of Essex with a BA in Drama. She has played roles ranging from ditzy and comedic to serious and abusive. She aspires to pursue a career in acting as well as volunteer for educational programs involving children. Currently she is interning for the Home for Cooperation’s Buffer Fringe Performing Arts Festival 2020. In 2021, she plans to audition for theatre schools in Europe to acquire an MA in Acting.
Costume and Set Designer
Sossee Eskidjian studied Fine Arts at the Southwestern Oklahoma State University. She is an Art Director/ Production and Costume Designer. Some of her work includes feature films such as “Road To Ithaca”, “Under the Stars”, “Kalabush” and “Conveyor Belt”, the American production “Jiu Jitsu”, the television series “Vasiliki” and “Vendetta”, “Ekino to Kalokeri”, the short films “I Lepti Avra tis Epithimias” and “To Koritsi ke I Poli” and the theatre plays “A Hatful of Rain”, “The Diary of a Madman”, “I Petalouda”, “The Fisherman and his Soul”, “I Epanastasi tou Alfi”, “Charopa ta dio mu heria”, and many more. She also works as an Art Director and Production Designer on TV commercials with clients from Cyprus and abroad. In 2009 she held her first personal art exhibition.
Support Team
Yiannos Georgiades - Stavriana Antoniou - Demetris Phylactou - Nada Panayiotou - Robert Stambouli - George Petrou - Loukis Petrides - Dickran Ouzounian - Raluca Ioana - Ioanna kyprianidou -
Social Media support
Ersin Oztoycan was born and raised in the UK. The greater part of her life has been devoted to raising awareness of Dyslexia (Specific learning Difficulty) in Cyprus. In 2019 Ersin acted in the comedy play "Get Staffed" She is the author of her autobiography My Life/File. An inspiring book that recounts the hardships and joys of her life, her family and her work, as she moves between British, Turkish and Greek Cypriot cultures. She writes as she lives with energy and humour.
Aleen Andreou - Consultant
Aleen Andreou has had a 30 year love affair with the stage. Sometimes as a queen, sometimes as a cleaner and anything in between. She has acted with ACT, Rotary and Athena Xenidou's Showcases. She has worked in three films, most notably as Maggie in Al Davidian's "Don't Make a Sound" Aleen is a co-founder in 2 improv groups, "Nudniks" and "Bored of Directors" Off stage she is a Trainer and coach with PeopleAchieve

Anthony as Chris Saunders
Anthony Thomas Ashiotis was born in Nicosia . His mother is half English – half Irish whilst his father is Greek Cypriot . He is a Chartered Certified Accountant and runs his own firm of auditors, accountants and consultants since 1990 which firm is well known and highly awarded, based in Nicosia and with clients based worldwide (www.ashiotis.com.cy) . He has over many years been involved in charity work especially as President of Rotaract Nicosia and Rotary Nicosia. He loves theater and has performed in both small and leading roles in quite a number of theatrical plays ( mostly comedies) and always for charity . He has in recent years also written a number of theatrical plays . “Friends for Oscars “ is the first play he has written and it is the first time it will be on stage with few more plays to follow after this ! There are also serious thoughts and plans for this specific play to be taken abroad !
Jill as Jenny Saunders
Jill McDonald moved to Cyprus from the UK in 1995 to teach at a Montessori school, having previously taught at a Montessori school in London. Before teaching, Jill worked in professional theatre, including 3 years with Hull Truck Theatre Company, followed by Theatre in Education projects for Hull Freetown Theatre. Jill has been involved with tv, film, theatre and radio both in the UK and Cyprus for more years than she cares to remember! She has worked at the Junior School for 10 years.
Andros as Tom Green
Andros Zacharia is a London born Cypriot who works with numbers during the day and the rest of the time with letters. Basically, he is an accountant by profession and performer/speaker by passion. In 2019 Andros acted in the comedy play "Get Staffed". He is dedicated to contributing to the evolution of mankind since they are not so kind.
Eleonora as Samantha Green
Eleonora La Luna is a greek cypriot performer. After completing her studies in London and upon receiving her BA in Theatre Arts she has worked professionally as an actress in London and in Cyprus, both in theatre productions but also in short films. Since 2013 she has worked at ESTIA Theatre Centre in Nicosia in a number of productions including the play “Miss Julie” for which she was nominated for the Best Female Role award by THOC. She currently hosts her own radio show on one of the most popular music stations in Cyprus. As a singer, she has collaborated with a variety of music producers as well as bands.
Demetris as Roger
Demetri Demetriou graduated from King's College[ University of London] in 1997 with a degree in law. He then went on to study acting at Drama Centre London and graduated with a degree in acting in July 2000. Demetri went on to work as a professional actor in the UK for six years. In film he played a part in 'The Sea Wolf' [Tower of London Productions], he played a part in the BBC production of 'The Way we Live Now' and a part in the Granada production of 'Planespotting'. In theatre he played roles in 'The Woman in the Moon' [Arcola Theatre], 'Brother my Brother' [Croydon Warehouse Theatre], and he also produced and played a part in the play 'Four Knights in Knaresborough' [Riverside Studios.] Demetri returned to Cyprus in 2006 and carried on working as a professional actor. In film he played parts in local productions such as 'Block 12',' 'Joy and Sorrow of the Body','Sunrise in Kimmeria', 'Smuggling Hendrix', 'Clementine', 'Natas' and other local films. He also played a part in a Greek film called 'The Small Fish'. Demetri also had roles in various television productions such as' Deikse mou to filo sou',' Mpatso agapi mou',' 'I Zoi einai oraia', 'Galatia', 'Petrino Potami', and various others. He is currently playing a part in the local period drama 'Halkina Hronia'. In theatre he played parts in English speaking and Greek speaking plays such as'ART', 'Betrayal', 'Sweeney Todd' and 'Mani Money' in theatres across the island. Demetri also played parts in two commercials and a corporate video.
Rosie as Mrs Saunders
Rosie Charalambous was born in the USA and, as the daughter of a diplomat, spent her childhood travelling the world, from Iraq to Sweden, Libya and Argentina before being sent to boarding school in England. She took a drama course at the Chichester College of Further Education before gaining a BSc in Psychology, Sociology and Politics from the University of Bristol in 1972. Rosie has worked in radio since 1971, with Radio Bristol, the British Forces Broadcasting Service, Radio Victory and the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation. She now produces and presents the Cyprus News Digest podcast, published weekly on the Cyprus Mail website, i-tunes and YouTube. An avid rally fan, Rosie was the first female driver to finish the Cyprus Rally, collecting the Ladies Cup three times before settling down to start a family. She is the Motoring Editor of the Cyprus Mail, the founder and now president of the local charity Cans For Kids and also works as a freelance editor and voice-over artist. A long-time member of ACT, Rosie has performed in numerous productions, most recently as Jessie in Calendar Girls.
Nada as Olga
Nada Panayiotou is an economist by profession and actor by choose. She is originally from Serbia (Belgrade) and has been living and working in Cyprus since 1996. She is a business woman and mother of four, and has appeared in over Seven theatre productions, over the past 10 years. You may have seen her in her last production English Comedy November 2018 “Get Staffed’ by Frank Gibbons , as the main actor. She had a great privilege to serve as President of Rotary club Nicosia 2017-2018. She loves acting and when she’s not acting (or crawling around the stage on all fours), Nada enjoys running half marathons, reading and dancing. She promotes peace and love.
Mohammed as Pizza Man
Mohammed Awwad is a primary school teacher. Studied English Literature in Bethlehem University/ Palestine. His focus is the Education of young children through comedy and clowning. Mohammed's main focus is introducing comedy to the disadvantaged communities and provide psychological healing for troubled children through clown education. Mohammed travels between Europe, Middle East, Africa and Far Asia in hope to give laughter and joy to as many hospitalized children as possible, people with special needs and elderly people.
Flora as Lili
Flora Papantoniou, was born in 1990 in Cyprus. She studied drama at the “Embros” Academy in Athens Greece where she graduated from National Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has worked for many theater productions in Cyprus and some in Greece, as well as television productions.
Andrea as Jennifer Laval and Mimi
Andrea Demetriou obtained a Bachelor degree in English Language and Literature from Philosopher's School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece (2017). She had also received a higher diploma in Acting from Vladimiros Kafkaridis Drama School, Nicosia, Cyprus (2013). Andrea took part in various theatrical productions and co-worked with Thoc, Theatre Skala, Satiriko Theatro, etc. She had also participated in various TV series such as Petrino Potami (RIK1), Mavra Mathkia (Alpha Cyprus), Mprousko (Ant1), Tatouaz (Alpha) Chalkina Chronia (RIK1), Alla logia thkeie Papa (Sigma), etc. Andrea, also, studied music for 6 years (2004-2010); piano, theory and harmony of music, solfege, vocal classes, at Ethniko Odeio (Larnaca) and Da Capo School of Music. She loves singing, dancing, travelling, reading books, writing lyrics and sports.
Feidias as Radio DJ, Carpenter , TV Reporter and other supporting roles
Feidias Psaras was born in Cyprus in 2003. He is a student of the English School and has a passion for literature and theatre. In 2019, he incarnated Mitch in the theatrical play The comedy about a bank robbery organised by his school; he is currently holding the role of Kenickie Murdoch in the upcoming musical Grease. He has been among the presenters and hosts of the 2019 English School Talent Show and a member of the English School Senior Choral since 2017. Feidias is also a keen debater: in November 2019, he addressed the European Youth Parliament as the rapporteur of the Cyprus Euroscola team. He is a member of the Ciclo team which was awarded the title of the best project presented at the 2019/2020 English school Youth Entrepreneurial Programme. In 2018, he was awarded the English School Founder’s Award for English and in 2019, for Physics, English Language and English Literature.
Shaunna as Miss Pinky Sue – Film Director
Shaunna teaches English as a Foreign Language instructor at the University of Cyprus. She is originally from the state of Oregon, USA, studied and lived in Germany for 12 years before coming to live and work in Cyprus . She has been involved in the following productions: 2020 Anglo-Cypriot Theatre Production of The Calender Girls 2015 Anglo-Cypriot Theatre Production of The Odd Couple (Female Version) 2013 XMAS Productions of The Good Body 2010 Anglo-Cypriot Theatre Production of The Vagina Monologues
Anthony as Sir Peter Lawson
Anthony Root. Started acting in the late seventies and debuted in The Rose and Crown by J.B Priestly. During that same period he took part in Shakespeare productions at Curium with small or walk on roles. His 33 year profession as cabin crew prevented him from being involved further with the theatre in an acting capacity. He has been a regular front of house member at various ACT productions and appearing in the panto Treasure island as a pirate' He has taken part in a showcase directed by Athena Xenidou and has been involved in theatre improvisation. Stand up comedy has featured during the last couple of years taking part in various shows.
Vasily as Butler
Vasily Lavrikov has studied theater and directing in Athens, Greece . Has participated in various production's while in Greece . Returned to Cyprus and finished ministry's of tourism tour guide school in 2015 and now is working as an official tour guide of the republic of Cyprus. Fluent in Greek , English and Russian languages. First theatrical appearance in Cyprus was with the theatrical company of Doros Kyriakedes. Before appeared briefly in some TV series for channel sigma.
Mary as TV Gaga Presenter
Mary Spyrou is a recent graduate from the University of Essex with a BA in Drama. She has played roles ranging from ditzy and comedic to serious and abusive. She aspires to pursue a career in acting as well as volunteer for educational programs involving children. Currently she is interning for the Home for Cooperation’s Buffer Fringe Performing Arts Festival 2020. In 2021, she plans to audition for theatre schools in Europe to acquire an MA in Acting.
Mary as Julie and Supporting Role
Mary Ioannou is a university student originally from Greece , and has been living her whole life in Cyprus. At the moment she's studying English literature and language at the University of Nicosia. Her main focus for the future, is to finish her studies and follow psychology Master's abroad in the UK. She has a passion for traveling and exploring the world. In her free time she's drawing, baking and playing games. She always wanted to follow play acting and ''Friends for Oscars'' is her first participation in a play
Andriana - Supporting Role
Andriana Kiriakidou was born in 2003 and raised in Cyprus. She is a student at Acropolis Lyceum and has always had a passion for acting.She has already participated in a play called “Get staffed”.
Stefany - Supporting Role
Stefany Panayiotou was born in Cyprus in 2003. In 2018 Stefany represented her school (Falcon) and won second place in a Public Speaking contest, where she competed against competitors island wide. She is an active ballet dancer and participated as a solo singer and dancer in a play with Hummingbird. Her dream is to study acting and performance at LA

Platinum Sponsor
Y. Georgiades & Associates LLC was established in 1992 by Yiannos Georgiades. It has a firm foothold in the domestic market, providing a range of legal consultancy services to international and local clients, multinational innovative businesses, financial companies, non-profitable and charitable organizations. The firm has established a network of contacts and associates in countries around the world and focuses on providing a first-class service to its clients worldwide. The firm specialises in M&A (mergers & acquisition), investments, trusts, intellectual property, corporate and commercial law, real estate, medical law, medical negligence, media and entertainment law, dispute resolution, arbitration and litigation. The firm is a Nominated Advisor of the Cyprus Stock Exchange for the Emerging Companies Market.
https://www.gmadvocates.com
Platinum Sponsor
AB develops projects in the free-to-play Hidden Object game genre, creating new worlds based on ideas, talent, teamwork, and the endless love for games. Their main project is a well-known game Hidden City, with 50 000 000 players all around the world ! Today there are more than 130 of specialists working in various countries, creating one of the top Hidden Object games in the world. Achievers, creators and dreamers – they share and their love for games they continuously upgrade !.
https://www.ab-games.com
Platinum Sponsor
Anthony Ashiotis & Co was founded in Nicosia in 1990 and is a well established, highly awarded firm of auditors, accountants and consultants, members of FY International ( www.fyinternational.com ) offering a wide range of services of the very highest standard to a large portfolio of clients based in Cyprus and abroad.
http://www.ashiotis.com.cy
Gold Sponsor
Hellenic Bank
Silver Sponsor
Treppides
Silver Sponsor
Cybarco
Silver Sponsor
Consulco
Silver Sponsor
Ancoria Bank
Silver Sponsor
Nicolaou printers
Media Sponsor
Radio Proto

On Friday 4 September , 2020 the production team of " Friends for Oscars “ in cooperation with Rotary Nicosia , the Cyprus Red Cross Society – Nicosia Branch and The British High Commission organized a very pleasant event at the residence of Anthony Ashiotis (Past President of Rotary Nicosia , Script writer , Head of Production and member of the cast ) marking the official launch of our play to be held on Friday 20 November and on Wednesday 25 to Friday 27 November, 2020 at the “ Satirico “ theatre ( main stage ) in Nicosia . One of the performances ( Thursday 26 November) will in fact be streamed worldwide and hence available for viewing to everyone whether based in Cyprus or abroad . All further related details will be announced in due course . We take this opportunity to thank His Excellency The British High Commissioner Mr Stephen Lillie and his wife Mrs Denise Lillie for honoring our event with their presence and support . At this event we also had the great pleasure to have with us the President of RC Nicosia Panayiotou Charalambos and his wife Nada Panayiotou ( who is also member of the Production team and the cast ) , Cyprus Red Cross Society – Nicosia Branch officials Phylactou Demetrisand Melina Demetriou as well as our Platinum Sponsor and member of the production team Yiannos Georgiades and his lovely daughter and supporter Stephanie Bickham Distras PP of RC Nicosia Andreas N. Psaras( who kindly offered a lovely selection of wines from his Makkas winery for the event ) , our amazing Director Athena Agroti and Streaming / Film Director Savvas Hadjigeorgiou some other members of our production team ( Sossee Eskidjian , Annie Vasiliou , Mary Spyrou , Stavriana Antoniou ) as well as few other special guests and supporters and our amazing 15 member cast ( plus few extras ) ! We all had the opportunity to get to know each other ( rehearsals have commenced this week ) and despite being the hottest day ever , the evening was most pleasant and everyone had a really nice time . It was the perfect way to launch the event and once again a huge thanks to everyone who came and all those who support our play and the good cause for which it will be staged . We remind everyone that all net proceeds will go to the social welfare program ( for families in need ) of the Cyprus Red Cross Society – Nicosia Branch and we expect to raise a considerable amount of money despite the consequences of Covid 19 and readjustments we have had to make so as to fully comply with all Covid-19 measures presently in force .

" It is noted that during the performances and for the period leading to them all COVID-19 safety measures will be constantly monitored and adjusted according to the law "

Dear friends , associates, ticket holders and sponsors , Thank you for your continued support and do hope Covid days will soon be over . We do hope you are all keeping as well as possible and that we will all sooner or later be back to our normal routine . With this message , on behalf of organizers , the production/ directing team and the cast, we extend our personal regards and reassurance that all administrative and other needed steps are being taken to get the play on stage the soonest this is feasible, even though realistically speaking this may take some time yet . We are also looking into high tech solutions and possibilities that exist today and on this we will let you know more about when the time comes . Meantime , we are abiding by the safety measures in place and working behind the scenes in keeping up the momentum and looking at best possible and viable alternatives . Our costs and efforts will certainly be higher that what they were during the pre – covid days but we will get there ! In fact , “ friends for Oscars “ being a play which apart from being funny also delivers some positive messages we have no doubt it will be highly welcomed by the audience , especially bearing in mind not many ( if any) other plays are expected to be on stage, during the next few months ahead . The advantage of our play is also that it has been almost fully rehearsed and the set we need for the stage is ready and safely stored away . Due to the passage of time , we will of course need re- tune ourselves and re- start rehearsals, administrative , marketing , logistic and other actions needed many of which mean an extra cost but as said, we will get there ! We owe it to you all who have and remain by our side and also to our cast and ourselves for all the incredible hard work we have been doing to date and more to come . We also owe it to the good cause of this event where all proceeds will go to , this we must not forget . Thank you once again for your patience and support and when we are ready to go ahead we will recommence promotion of the event. Concerning sponsors, sponsors will once again receive full publicity , as once the play is rescheduled to a new date, promotion will commence minimum 2 months before such date , further to publicity given past months and which was temporarily interrupted due to Covid and this that just 10 days before the performances were to take place and after 2 months plus of regular promotion of the event via the media , posters , web site etc . Until we speak again do keep well and we will be in touch ! On behalf of “ Friends for Oscars “ , Anthony Ashiotis ( Coordinator and Head of Production )

Rehearsing hard against time and covid to get the show on stage for all of our dear friends, relatives, sponsors, supporters and the general public to enjoy and always for the good cause (re the Red Cross) . We are determined, eager and happy to be doing this and look forward to the big day whilst news on tickets follows in few days time . Friends for Oscars wishes you all a great weekend and take care . We do

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

About

Production

Script Writer and Head of Production

Director

Public Relations

Film and Streaming Director

Production and Stage Assistant

Costume and Set Designer

Support Team

Social Media support

Aleen Andreou - Consultant

Actors

Anthony as Chris Saunders

Jill as Jenny Saunders

Andros as Tom Green

Eleonora as Samantha Green

Demetris as Roger

Rosie as Mrs Saunders

Nada as Olga

Mohammed as Pizza Man

Flora as Lili

Andrea as Jennifer Laval and Mimi

Feidias as Radio DJ, Carpenter , TV Reporter and other supporting roles

Shaunna as Miss Pinky Sue – Film Director

Anthony as Sir Peter Lawson

Vasily as Butler

Mary as TV Gaga Presenter

Mary as Julie and Supporting Role

Andriana - Supporting Role

Stefany - Supporting Role

Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Organizers and Supporters

Organizer

Organizer

Supporter

On-Line Ticket

On-Line Ticket Sales

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Contact