The Gage Players Newsletter – December 2024

Hello Everyone,

 As we embrace the festive season, I want to take a moment to reflect on an incredible year for The Gage Players. It’s hard to believe it has only been a year since I took on the role of Chair. What a privilege it has been to see the remarkable talent and dedication of our members!

Reflecting on Our Winter Play’s Seasonal Close

Directing The Last Tango in Little Grimley and Lockdown in Little Grimley  by David Tristam was a personal highlight for me. The cast—Anne, Debbie, Helen, and Lars—delivered memorable performances, bringing humour and heart to every scene. A special thank you to the stage crew for their innovation and patience, and to everyone who contributed behind the scenes.  Despite the unexpected illness of our Front of House coordinator, Beryl, who has thankfully recovered, the dedication of the front-of-house team was remarkable in their ‘all hands-on deck’ approach.

 Teamwork made these productions a resounding success, and the standing ovations were well deserved!

Upcoming Events: Poetry Evening

As the year draws to a close, join us for our final poetry evening of 2024, held via Zoom at 8 PM on Wednesday, 11th December. It promises to be a warm, inspiring evening of shared verse thar capture the essence of the winter season. Whether you’d like to share a favourite poem or simply listen, we’d love to have you there. For the link, email us at friends@thegageplayers.co.uk to join our Zoom get together.

Celebrating 75 Years of The Gage Players

2025 marks a milestone—our 75th anniversary! We’re kicking off the celebrations with The Actress by Peter Quilter, directed by Debbie Nichols. This theatrical comedy drama delves into the backstage drama of a celebrated actress’s emotional farewell performance. Performances will take place on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of May at 8 PM.

Auditions for The Actress will be held on Wednesday, 8th January at Walton Primary School, Walton on the Hill, at 8 PM. If you’d like to audition but are unavailable on that date, please contact Debbie at friends@thegageplayers.co.uk.

Character Details for The Actress:

• Lydia Martin: A celebrated actress, in her 40s, 50s, or 60s, preparing for her emotional farewell performance.

• Katherine: Lydia’s loyal and supportive dresser.

• Charles: Lydia’s elderly fiancé

• Nicole: Lydia’s daughter, in her 20s or early 30s,

• Paul: Nicole’s father and a significant figure in Lydia’s past.

• Margaret: The practical and efficient company manager

 Be on the lookout for a full audition notice arriving any day now!

Volunteer Opportunities

We’re always looking for new faces to join us, whether on stage, behind the scenes, or supporting front of house. We also have a vacancy for someone to take minutes at our monthly committee meetings (held via Zoom). If you’re interested, please get in touch.

Dates to Remember:

• Poetry & Prose Evening: Wednesday, 11th December, 8 PM (via Zoom)

• Auditions for The Actress: Wednesday, 8th January, 8 PM

• Performances of The Actress: 1st–3rd May, 2025, 8 PM

Thank you for making this year so special. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories.

Warm regards,

Bernie

Chair, Gage Committee
 
 
 

 

_______________________________________________

List of Past Productions

_______________________________________________

We have regular quiz nights at a local pub: watch this space. Please contact The Gage at friends@thegageplayers.co.uk if you would like to rise to the challenge.

_______________________________________________

 

The Gage Players is registered as a charity in England and Wales (no 286837)