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

Hello everyone,

Hope you are keeping warm and cosy now the nights are drawing in!

Let’s begin with news about our upcoming production

Little Grimley plays – 28^th, 29^th and 30 November at Riddell Hall, Walton on the Hill

Please make a note of the dates to see this brilliant cast of actors perform these funny and at times touching comedies

Performances will be at 8pm on 28, 29, 30 November 2024 at the Riddell Hall, Walton on theHill. Tickets will be £12.50 from the box office friends@thegageplayers.co.uk  or phone 01737 812703.

Last Tango in Little Grimley – about an Amateur Dramatic Society that is in trouble.  The membership has dwindled to four and it’s time for dramatic action.  There’s only one thing that sells tickets these days – sex!  Bur how will the locals react? Thus begins the chaos and builds up to an evening of extraordinary home-grown drama.

Lockdown in Little Grimley – in a time of lockdown, the Chairman Gordon calls an emergency meeting, complete with social distancing, to discuss his idea for the next production when restrictions ease – a touching love story in a hospital, with all the profits destined to the NHS, but will the NHS actually end up worse off?

Front of House – As usual there are many jobs to be done on the days of the shows, so if you would like to join our band of helpers for selling programmes, raffle tickets, serving in the bar and the coffee/tea bar we would be delighted to hear from you.  Please contact Beryl at friends@thegageplayers.co.uk

Our next Poetry and Prose evening will be at 8pm on Wednesday 11^th December via Zoom. Let’s celebrate the beauty of winter, with its twinkling lights, gentle snowflakes, the warmth of a crackling fire, and the quiet moments of reflection. Do bring your favourite poems/ prose that capture the essence of winter in all its forms  Whether you prefer to read or simply listen to others, it’s a lovely way to spend an hour or so, glass in hand perhaps, and to enjoy poetry and prose from the comfort of your home. If you would like to join us, please contact us at friends@thegageplayers.co.uk for the link to join our Zoom get together.

The Gage launches its 75^th Anniversary 2025

We open our celebrations with The Actress by Peter Quilter and directed by Debbie Nichols.  It marks the first of many ways that The Gage will be celebrating its extraordinary milestone. The performances dates will be at 8pm on 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd May 2025.

This is a captivating play that delves into the life and challenges of a seasoned actress, and perfectly captures the essence of our theatre’s 75-year journey, reflecting the humour and heartfelt moments that have defined our legacy.

Save the date in your diary – Debbie will be holding Auditions at 8pm on Wednesday 8^th January at Walton Primary school, Walton on the Hill.  Rehearsals will begin from Monday 27^th January also at the school.

 If you would like to be considered for a part but cannot make the auditions, or if you would like to discuss anything prior to the auditions, please contact Debbie on   friends@thegageplayers.co.uk

A full audition notice will be coming out shortly!

Volunteer Vacancy

We are always looking to welcome anyone who is keen to act, or to help backstage or front of house.

We are also in need of someone who is willing to take the minutes at our committee meetings.  We meet about once a month via Zoom.  If this interests you or any of your friends, please email friends@thegageplayers.co.uk

Key Updates Dates for your diary

• The Last Tango in Little Grimley & Locked Down in Little Grimley by David Tristam – at 8pm on 28^th, 29^th, 30^th  November at the Riddell Hall

•  Poetry & Prose evening, 8pm via Zoom on Wednesday 11^th December

•  The Actress by Peter Quilter directed by Debbie Nichols at 8pm on 1^st, 2^nd, 3rd May 2025

We hope to see as many of you as possible for the Little Grimley plays at the end of November – don’t forget to book your tickets by contacting the box office by calling 01737 812703  or email friends@thegageplayers.co.uk

Bernie, Chair, Gage Committee                       

Hello everyone,

Autumn has arrived after a spell of extreme wet weather, bringing with it the wonderful autumn colours. While the dark nights may not be everyone’s favourite, we have some good news to brighten your evenings – our special Poetry & Prose evenings are back on the horizon.

First, let’s bask in our recent achievements.  September was a success with its supper and Rehearsed Play Reading evening, featuring not just one play but three – Alfred the Great and The Spanish Armanda, both written and directed by Pip Rolls, and From Here to the Library by Jimmie Chinn, directed by Anne Henderson.

This event met with enthusiastic responses from our audience, showcasing the incredible talent within the Gage.  A special thanks goes to our dedicated stage crew, for making us actors look good and whose hard work behind the scenes made these performances possible. The stage management created an exquisite set for From Here to the Library, making the audience feel they were part of the world on stage – thank you.

Extended gratitude to our Front of House team, in particular for the lovely cakes which added a delightful touch to the evening. A final big thank you must go to our two directors, Pip and Anne, for their support and unwavering encouragement.  This achievement is a testament to everyone for their hard work and dedication.

Looking ahead to October

We are excited to announce the return of our Poetry & Prose evenings at 8pm on Thursday 17^th October. Whether you prefer to read or simply listen to others, it’s a lovely way to spend an hour or so, and to enjoy poetry and prose from the comfort of your home. If you would like to join us, please contact us at friends@thegageplayers.co.uk for the link to join our Zoom get together.

November Winter production: 28, 29, 30 November, at 8pm at Riddell Memorial Hall

After giving much thought and consideration to the talent shown at the auditions, we have cast our “Little Grimley” plays and are now busy rehearsing throughout October.  I am thrilled to announce that I will be making my debut as director for these two plays by David Tristram – the hilarious, Last Tango in Little Grimley and Lockdown in Little Grimley,  The first play follows the now famous local amateur drama society’s desperate attempt to save their group by staging a risqué comedy, and Lockdown explores the challenges of life during a lockdown, which are a lot funnier than you might imagine.

Performances will be at 8pm on 28, 29, 30 November 2024 at the Riddell Hall, Walton on theHill. Tickets will be £12.50 from the box office friends@thegageplayers.co.uk  or phone 01737 812703.

Front of House – Beryl will be wanting as much help as possible, so any volunteers will be very welcome to have a go – bar, raffle, programmes, and coffee/teas, etc – again, contact us if you’d like to join the fun at friends@thegageplayers.co.uk 

Please keep the dates free as you won’t want to miss the laughter and entertainment these plays will bring!

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 Friday 8^th November 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

 Looking ahead to the Gage’s 75^th Anniversary year 2025

We are excited to announce that The Actress by Peter Quilter and directed by Debbie Nichols will open our 75 years celebrations next spring, with many more productions to be unveiled soon!  This captivating play delves into the life and challenges of a seasoned actress – and it perfectly captures the essence of our theatre’s 75-year journey, reflecting the humour and heartfelt moments that have defined our legacy.  Keep a look-out for upcoming auditions and join us in bringing this wonderful production to life.

Key Updates Dates for your diary

• Poetry & Prose evening, 8pm via Zoom on Thursday 17^th October via zoom

• The Last Tango in Little Grimley & Locked Down in Little Grimley by David Tristam – at 8pm on 28, 29, 30 November at the Riddell Hall

We look forward to seeing you in October at the poetry evening, and don’t forget to book your tickets for the Little Grimley plays!

Bernie

Chair, Gage Committee                                                                                      

Hello everyone,

After a short summer break, we are back to treading the boards. On Saturday 7^th September at Riddell Hall, we will be performing to family and friends our annual play readings (when you bring your own picnic and drinks). As it is table seating the places are limited, please contact the box office or email by Wednesday 4^th September at the latest. Full details are provided below.
There has been some very disappointing news. We are sorry to announce that our proposed November production of Abigail’s Party, which was to be directed by Anne Henderson, has been postponed for a future time.  This is because we were unable to obtain the performing rights due to the play being performed professionally in Kingston.

Membership has dwindled down to four – I jest!!!!   I’m talking about our new November production, Last Tango in Little Grimley and Lockdown in Little Grimley, written by David Tristam.  These two comedies capture the hilarious adventures of an amateur dramatic group where the membership has dwindled to four. Time for dramatic action!  As you can imagine, chaos reigns supreme!
 
I am delighted to accept the role of director and hope to bring my artistic vision, drawing upon the expertise of Chris Slater.  Please do come and join me in bringing these plays to life and I guarantee you we will have such fun rehearsals.  Audition notice will be sent out separately. But for the early birds’ dates and synopsis are below.
 
Key Updates
On Saturday 7^th September there will be three rehearsed play readings to be held at 7pm at the Riddell Hall.
 
Alfred the Great and The Spanish Armanda both written and directed by Pip Rolls.
Two historical comedies that offer a quirky view of how well-known events from history could have played out different
 
From Here to the Library by Jimmie Chinn, directed by Anne Henderson.
A touching and humorous account of Beryl, whose home life is dominated by her father.  Her only escape is her work at the library. When she storms out of work after a fit of temper, her boss visits her to find out why.
 
Please note that this starts with a supper (don’t forget to bring your own picnic and drinks) perfect for enjoying time with members, friends and family before the curtain rises unveiling the world of drama to the audience!  Tickets are £10 per head and available from the Box Office 01737 812 703 or email friends@thegageplayers.co.uk  For our crew to know how many tables they need to put out, please phone or email the Gage by Wednesday 4^th September at the latest
 
Little Grimley auditions Monday 9^th September at 8pm at Walton School  
(full audition notice will be sent out separately)
 
Calling all our Gage members- and anyone wishing to have a go for the first time – we’re auditioning for our November show.  The read-through audition will take place on Monday 9^th September at 8pm at Walton School, Walton on the Hill, KT20 7RR.
 
To register your interest in auditions, contact Bernie by 7^th September.  If you cannot make the date, please contact us so we can arrange to see you at a more convenient time. Email friends@thegageplayers.co.uk 
 
Rehearsals will commence from 16^{th of} September on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 8pm and held at Walton School Hall, with the production from 28 to 30 November at Riddell Hall
 
The same four characters are in both plays, 2 male and 2 female – ages are flexible
 
Last Tango in Little Grimley
Little Grimley Amateur Dramatic Society is in trouble.  The membership has dwindled to four and it’s time for dramatic action.  There’s only one thing that sells tickets these days – sex!  But how will the locals react?  Thus begins the chaos and build-up to an evening of extraordinary home-grown drama.
 
Lockdown in Little Grimley
In a time of lockdown, the Chairman Gordon calls an emergency meeting, complete with social distancing, to discuss his idea for the next production when restrictions ease – a touching love story in a hospital, with all profits destined to the NHS but based on their previous efforts, will the NHS actually end up worse off?
 
Poetry and Prose – Return
Our Poetry evenings will return in October, exact date will be given in the next newsletter. Giving you plenty of time to dig out your favourite poems.
Remember my starter for our poetry enthusiasts is from a sonnet by William Shakespeare:
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date.
Remember I’ve thrown the gauntlet down for someone in the Gage to recite on our return in the autumn!
 
Dates for your diary

• Saturday 7^th September for an evening of rehearsed play readings, with supper at 7pm, at the Riddell Hall
• Winter production 28^th, 29^th and 30^th November – Last Tango in Little Grimley and Lockdown in Little Grimley by David Tristam.
• Return of poetry evenings October date TBC

 
We look forward to seeing you in September for the rehearsed play readings, and hopefully some of you at the auditions.

Bernie
Chair, Gage Committee