The Gage Players Newsletter – February 2025
It’s hard to believe I’ve completed my first year as Chair of the Gage. Thanks to the committee and our wonderful members, I’m enjoying every moment.
2025 marks our 75th anniversary! We started celebrations with the Twelfth Night meal on February 3rd at the Dukes Head. The lunch consisted of good food, great company, and lots of laughter, lasting well into the afternoon.
We are also pleased to introduce new acting members for the spring play, The Actress by Peter Quilter and hope you will see them on stage with us many times again.
Quiz Nights
As Tuesdays are usually rehearsal-free, we are thinking it might be fun to meet once a month on a Tuesday at maybe the Blue Ball and take part in the Quiz. If you’re interested, drop us an email at friends@thegageplayers.co.uk so we can look for a suitable date.
Key Updates
AGM
The Annual General Meeting will take place at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, 26th March, at Walton School. The meeting will precede rehearsals and if we start promptly at 7.30pm, it should last not more than half an hour. Please feel free to stay afterwards and watch the cast in rehearsal.
It is also that time of the year for annual membership subscriptions.
Annual Subscriptions are £20 for adults and £10 for under 16s.
Payments can be made directly to the The Gage bank account:
Bank: Barclays
Account Name: The Gage Players
Sort Code: 20-29-90
Account Number: 00396907
As a reference, please use your surname followed by your first initial. (e.g SMITHJ)
If you do not have internet banking, you can make your payment directly at a bank or please send a cheque made payable to “The Gage Players”, to the address below.
May
Debbie Nichols is directing our wonderful production of The Actress by Peter Quilter. 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 8pm at the Riddell Hall, Walton on the Hill.
Tickets will be £12.50 from the box office at friends@thegageplayers.co.uk.
Be Part of the Drama – Advertise with the Gage Players
We are thrilled to offer local businesses an opportunity to advertise in our upcoming programme. If you want to advertise or know someone who does, by placing an advert in our theatre programme, you not only support the arts but also reach our local community. Whether you’re looking to promote your business, share a special offer, or simply show your support to the Arts, our programme is the perfect platform. The deadline to submit your advert is Wednesday 2nd April to Clare at friends@thegageplayers.co.uk.
Advertising Options and Rates
- 1/2 Page: £25.00
- Full Page: £30.00
- Inside Back Cover Full Page: £35.00
- Inside Front Cover Full Page: £35.00
- Back Cover Full Page: £40.00
May Pageant
We are greatly looking forward to taking part in the Walton May Pageant on Saturday 17th May. The pageant theme is ‘Carnival time’ and as usual will begin with a costumed procession. The Gage will be manning a bottle tombola stall, so please think about saving and donating a bottle—the more money we have, the more wonderful productions we can put on. If you fancy helping on the stall, please contact friends@thegageplayers.co.uk
September
We are going to put on an entertainment of a Murder Mystery devised by Pip Rolls which will be held on Saturday 20th September at Riddell Hall.
November
Winter production, (dates 28th, 29th & 30th November). Details have not been finalised – more news later.
December
Save the date for the big finale on Saturday 6th December
Dates for Your Diary
- AGM, 7.30pm on Wednesday 26th March at Walton School
- “The Actress” by Peter Quilter – at 8pm on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd May at the Riddell Hall
- The Walton May Pageant on Saturday, 17th May
- Murder Mystery Saturday 20th September
- Winter production 28th, 29th, and 30th November
- Finale 6th December
Getting Involved We are always looking to welcome anyone who is keen to act, or help backstage or front of House, especially this being our anniversary year, we would love you to share celebrations. Do mention this to your friends and please contact friends@thegageplayers.co.uk
2025 is going to be a year of celebration, creativity, community, and fun, and we look forward to seeing you at one or more of the above events.
Best wishes, Bernie, Chair of the Gage Committee
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List of Past Productions
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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.
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The Gage Players is registered as a charity in England and Wales (no 286837)
I am interested in attending Molly’s Calling in November.
Also can you please inform me of your scheduled plans for, ideally, face to face Poetry/Prose or via Zoom.
I have written over 100 poems and several prose/ short stories.
Nothing published but I’m a keen amateur with good feedback from other poets, friends, family.
All information about our poetry and prose evenings are sent out to subscribers. Please click the link at the top of the page “Mailing List Signup” and we will keep you informed of all future events.
https://thegageplayers.co.uk/mailing-list-signup/
Please can you give us a short synopsis of Molly’s Calling so we can decide whether to come? Thank you
The link to the Play at the top of the page now has the synopsis – https://thegageplayers.co.uk/mollys-calling-november-2023/