APRIL/MAY 2026 – NEWSLETTER
The countdown to Black Comedy by Peter Shaffer has begun, so join us for an unforgettable night of laughter. Performances will take place at Riddell Hall at 8 pm on 30th April 1st May, and 2nd May. Tickets are just £15.00 and include a complimentary drink and programme—making it brilliant value for an evening out. Doors open at 19:30, so come early and soak up the atmosphere! To reserve your tickets, emaill friends@thegageplayers.co.uk or ring 01737 812703. We look forward to seeing you there!
Upcoming Key Dates
The May Pageant – Walton-on-the-Hill
The Gage will be manning a bottle tombola stall at the Walton May Pageant held on Saturday 16th May. Please save and donate a bottle(s) – the more money we make the more wonderful productions we can put on. We are collecting all kinds of bottles from gin, wine, lemonade, fizzy bubbles or bubbles for a bath – anything you can think of that comes in a bottle.
You can deliver to Gill and Rod Lucas, from 10 -14 May but please ring first on 01737 812 703.
The Pageant is a great day out, with amusements, various stalls, a May Queen, refreshments, and entertainment for all the family, so please make a note of the date. The Pageant Procession starts at Walton Pond at 2pm and walks through the village to the grounds at Howard Close.
If you available to help on the Gage stall, please contact friends@thegageplayers.co.uk
Pub Quiz
After all the hard work that goes into our productions, let’s get together for a well-deserved social—nothing beats relaxing and letting our hair down with a lively pub quiz! We’re looking at dates in May or June, so keep your calendars open and join us for some friendly competition and laughter.
Play Reader Group
We’re launching a Play Reader Group and looking for volunteers to dive into scripts and help pick our future productions. If you thrive on theatre magic and lovely conversations, this is your chance—your input will directly influence what we bring to the stage! Imagine a book club but with plays: Discussions will be held via Zoom, making it easy for everyone to participate—no matter where you are. If you’re interested email friends@thegageplayers.co.uk for further information
Summer Auditions: Audition notices will be sent out separately nearer the time
“A Bunch of Amateurs” by Nick Hislop and Nick Newman
Performances will be 26, 27, 28 November at Riddell Hall.
This witty comedy follows Jefferson Steele, a faded Hollywood action hero, who arrives in England expecting to play King Lear with a renowned company—only to find himself in a quirky Suffolk village alongside a group of enthusiastic amateur actors trying to save their local theatre with egos, misunderstandings, and heartfelt moments.
September Supper evening with Murder and Mystery
Last year, the event centred around the question of who poisoned the jam that killed Donald. This autumn we will be asking an audience to help solve The Fun Run Mystery. Who shot the vicar in the back with a crossbow bolt? Was it his jealous wife, his clandestine lover, or simply mistaken identity —only you can unravel the truth. Get ready for another night of suspense and sleuthing!
If you are interested in the above productions, please email friends@thegageplayers.co.uk for further information.
Join Our Acting and Backstage Team
Whether you’re skilled in set building, painting, or handling front-of-house duties like selling raffle tickets, programmes, and refreshments, or you want to tread the boards do contact us on email below
Call out for directors
The Gage is always looking for potential Directors for future productions – if interested please contact on email below
friends@thegageplayers.co.uk
Dates for your diary
- Black Comedy by Peter Shaffer – at 8pm on 30th April 1st and 2nd May at the Riddell Hall
- The Walton May Pageant on Saturday, 16th May
- Murder Mystery – September date TBC
- A Bunch of Amateurs by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman – 26th, 27th and 28th November
We look forward to seeing you at one or more of the above events.
Best wishes,
Bernie
Chair, 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)
