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Newsletters

Newsletter – November 2024

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 – 28th, 29th 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 11th 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 75th 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 1st, 2nd, 3rd 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 8th January at Walton Primary school, Walton on the Hill.  Rehearsals will begin from Monday 27th 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 28th, 29th, 30th  November at the Riddell Hall
  •  Poetry & Prose evening, 8pm via Zoom on Wednesday 11th December
  •  The Actress by Peter Quilter directed by Debbie Nichols at 8pm on 1st, 2nd, 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                       

Newsletters

Newsletter – October 2024

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 17th 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 8th 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 75th 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 17th 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                                                                                      

About

LITTLE GRIMLEY – OUR NEXT PRODUCTION

Last Tango in Little Grimley and Lockdown in Little Grimley
written by David Tristam  

This production to be directed by Bernie Kemble.

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?

Performances will be on 28th to 30th November at The Lord Riddell Memorial Hall in Walton-on-the-Hill.

Newsletters

Newsletter – August 2024

Hello everyone,

After a short summer break, we are back to treading the boards. On Saturday 7th 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 4th 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 7th 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 4th September at the latest
 
Little Grimley auditions Monday 9th 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 9th September at 8pm at Walton School, Walton on the Hill, KT20 7RR.
 
To register your interest in auditions, contact Bernie by 7th 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 16th 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 7th September for an evening of rehearsed play readings, with supper at 7pm, at the Riddell Hall
  • Winter production 28th, 29th and 30th 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              

Auditions and Membership

AUDITION NOTICE – LITTLE GRIMLEY

Audition opportunity (Walton-on-the-Hill):

Last Tango in Little Grimley and Lockdown in Little Grimley
written by David Tristam  

As you may have heard, there’s been a little bit of a change of plan from what we’d originally intended.  However, we’re sure we’ve got a great show lined up, in the form of two back-to-back one-act plays from the “Little Grimley” series by David Tristam.

Imagine the possibility of everything going wrong – and then it does! And yet somehow it goes right –

Then this is the play to audition for which will take place from 28 to 30 November at The Lord Riddell Memorial Hall in Walton-on-the-Hill.

This production to be directed by Bernie Kemble and auditions will be held on Monday 9th September at 8pm at Walton School Hall, Walton Street, Walton on the Hill, KT20 7RR.

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?

The same four characters are in both plays. – ages of the characters can be flexible

  • Gordon – Chairman who doggedly believes in the society no matter what the adversity is.
  • Margaret– Diva and leading lady in all the shows
  • Joyce – Secretary of the Society, timid librarian and dreams of being in a musical
  • Bernard – General Backstage hand and minor actor (don’t be fooled by the description)

To register your interest in auditions, please contact Bernie by 7th September

friends@thegageplayers.co.uk  New actors warmly welcome.

 If you cannot make the date, please contact us so we can arrange to see you at a convenient time. Rehearsals will commence from the 16th of September Monday and Wednesday evenings at 8pm and held at Walton School Hall

Auditions and Membership

Abilgail’s Party – Auditions – POSTPONED

We have had to postpone Abilgail’s Party due to a clash with a professional production.

The Gage Players is calling for actors to audition to take part in its full-length winter production of Abigail’s Party by Mike Leigh, taking place from 28 to 30 November at The Lord Riddell Memorial Hall in Walton-on-the-Hill.

Abigail’s Party is a timeless comedy classic, offering a sparkling, satirical take on the aspirational middle classes of England’s suburbia. Devised by Mike Leigh in 1977, the play’s witty dialogue and biting observations remain as relevant to today’s society as when it was first performed almost 50 years ago.

                                    This production to be directed by Anne Henderson

Auditions will be held on Monday 9th September at 8pm
at Walton School Hall, Walton Street, Walton on the Hill, KT20 7RR
To register your interest in auditions, please contact Anne by 12 August
friends@thegageplayers.co.uk  New actors warmly welcome.
Rehearsals will commence from the 16th of September
 on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 8pm
 and held at Walton School Hall,

There are 3 female and 2 male speaking roles – ages of the characters can be flexible

  • Beverley Moss – A vivacious and assertive hostess who throws a drinks party for her new neighbours.
  • Laurence Moss – Beverley’s husband an estate agent who has a contrasting personality to her and often caught up in the crossfire of the evening’s drama
  • Angela Cooper – a guest at the party, who is friendly but somewhat naïve
  • Tony Cooper – Angela’s husband, who works as a computer operator.  He is somewhat aloof and detached.
  • Susan Lawson – Another neighbour invited to the party, she is quiet and reserved, often overshadowed by the more dominant personalities around her

To register interest and find out more, friends@thegageplayers.co.uk 

About, Newsletters

Newsletter June 2024

Hello everyone,

This summer is producing such an exciting time for the Gage Players.   Auditions are taking place this month for the three September play readings From Here to the Library by Jimmie Chinn and Alfred the Great and The Spanish Armanda both written by Pip Rolls.   We have additional production news with the unveiling of our planned winter production, ‘Abigail’s Party by Mike Leigh.  

We are also busy working on an ambitious project for Gage’s 75th anniversary year, 2025, but for this to happen we need to increase our funds.  This poses quite a challenge, but knowing how passionate our members, friends and our audiences feel about this extraordinarily special place, it’s a challenge we’re more than equal to. Over the next few months, you’ll notice our fundraising messaging starts to appear on more social media outlets. We are never going to stop talking to our supporters in person, but we need you – our members and friends – to share with others what is happening at the Gage, whether it be auditions or productions, to spread the news.  Remember word of mouth is of equal importance!

We are very fortunate to be part of the Walton on the Hill community and want to say an especial big thank you to the May Pageant committee, including three of their wonderful ladies, Lorraine, Claire and Eileen, for their generous donation of £450 to the Gage.  What a great start for our 75th Anniversary funds!

Key Updates
July

The Gage Midsummer lunch 
Only a few days left until our midsummer lunch! Table is booked for Saturday 6th July at 1pm at The White Hart in Chipstead. A wonderful opportunity to catch up and relax.  Keeping fingers crossed the weather is going to be good to us.

September – Rehearsed play readings
On Saturday 7th September there will be three rehearsed play readings to be held at 7pm at the Riddell Hall.  This informal evening is an opportunity for family, friends and members to come together.  Bring your own drinks and snacks, to have before curtain up and after the interval.

Audition reminder dates
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. 

The read-through audition will take place at director Anne Henderson’s house near Dorking on Wednesday 17th July at 8pm.

If you are interested in taking part, please contact Anne on annehenderson@hotmail.com  by 15th July.

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 differently.

For these two plays the read-through audition will be held via Zoom on Wednesday 31st July at 8pm. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Pip on pip.rolls@yahoo.co.uk

For those who cannot take part on these dates, please contact the directors to arrange a date that suits. There are parts of different sizes and no lines to learn!  If you’ve never acted before or it’s been a while, we would love to see you.

November
Our planned winter production will be the comedy Abigail’s Party by Mike Leigh, directed by Anne Henderson. Performing on 28, 29 & 30th November.

Audition notice will be going out separately with audition dates.  If you are interested, please contact Anne on annehenderson@hotmail.com
by Monday 12th August.

Poetry and Prose – summer pause
We are going to have a summer pause from our poetry evenings and will return when the nights draw in.  Think of poetry as a friend who is happy to wait for us to return to those cosy autumn evenings.  Also giving us the summer to find new poems to share.

 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.
I throw the gauntlet down for someone in the Gage to recite on our return in the autumn! 

Dates for your diary

  • Saturday 6th July at 1pm for a Midsummer lunch held at the White Hart, Chipstead
  • Saturday 7th September for an evening of rehearsed play readings, with supper at 7pm, at the Riddell Hall
  • Winter production 28th, 29th and 30th November – Abigail’s Party by Mike Leigh.

We look forward to seeing you at the Midsummer lunch and in September for the rehearsed play readings.

Best wishes,

Bernie Chair, Gage Committee

About, Newsletters

Newsletter May 2024

Hello everyone,

I can’t believe we have nearly made our way to the mid-point of 2024, and just hope the weather will soon recognise that. I hope you all had a lovely Bank holiday and managed to enjoy some sunshine.

May Pageant

What a fabulous time we had at the Walton May Pageant, which was a big hit and attracted many visitors. A special thank you to Lorraine with her superb organisational skills aided by excellent marketing from Claire and Eileen – not forgetting Pip as the wonderful compere. How this fab four, found the time to do props, stage design, publicity, costumes for the Gage’s spring production and then work on this amazing event, beats me!

 Amongst the stalls was the Gage Player’s Tombola stall, proving a huge draw from all ages. The stall raised £193, even more than last year and we thank all of you who donated bottles for making this amount possible. Also, thanks go to those who helped set up the gazebo and bottles on the tables, and to man the stall.  It soon became a popular stall, with many folks returning to try their luck again – thank you, Anne, Franki and Emma for such great engagement with the visitors. 

Key Updates

July

The Gage midsummer lunch – will be held at the ‘White Hart’ in Chipstead on Saturday 6th July at 1pm.  If you would like to join us for this ‘get together’ or if you are new and would like to get to know people in the Gage, please RSVP to our Social Secretary, Jon Laws, before 10th June,  friends@thegageplayers.co.uk

Poetry and Prose evening

I am told that the evening went off very well and Pip sang a ditty of his own – wish I had been there to hear!

We are looking to hold more evenings over the summer, next date to be confirmed.

September 

We have confirmed Saturday 7th September for an evening of rehearsed play readings for friends and members starting with your own picnic supper and drinks at 7pm.

An Audition Notice with read-through dates, will be going out very shortly for:

Alfred the Great and The Spanish Armanda both written and directed by Pip Rolls.

From Here to the Library by Jimmie Chinn, directed by Anne Henderson.

There are parts of different sizes and no lines to learn so do try an audition with us – if you’ve never acted before or it’s been a while, we would love to see you.

November

Winter production will be 28th, 29th & 30th November.   More news in the next newsletter.

Voluntary vacancy

Do you have a bit of spare time? Would you like to be a secretary in a voluntary capacity?We would love to hear from you if you do. Get in touch at friends@thegageplayers.co.uk

Dates for your diary

  • Poetry & Prose evening, 8pm via Zoom – date TBC
  • Saturday 6th July at 1pm for a Midsummer lunch held at the White Hart, Chipstead
  • Saturday 7th September for an evening of rehearsed play readings, with supper at 7pm, at the Riddell Hall
  • Winter production 28th, 29th and 30th November – play to be finalised.

We look forward to seeing you at the Midsummer lunch and in September for the rehearsed play readings.

Best wishes,

Bernie

Chair, Gage Committee

About, Newsletters

Newsletter April 2024

The Gage Players Newsletter – April 2024

Hello everyone,

At last, the clocks have gone forward, the winter is over, and spring is here with the bluebells.  Just back from a wonderful weekend in Paris which put me in the perfect mood to see our spring production with its delightful links to France.

My personal review

I was lucky enough to see The Nightingales, written by Peter Quilter and directed by Lesley Crowther-Smith, performed last week at Riddell Hall. The first thing that stands out is the look crafted by the director. As the curtain rose, I was immediately struck by the stage design, costumes and music which captured the essence of the 1950s. The stage crew did an amazing job to create this authenticity and set the mood for the audience. The second thing was the wonderful casting of the actors who brought the characters to life. It very much felt an ensemble piece, and as everyone played their part so well it would be unfair to single anyone out. The chemistry from the two couples was perfect, and they kept the audience hanging on until the last moment for Charlie and Beatrice to make up and Maggie and Jack to kiss and live happily ever after. It is a feel-good play, and, thanks to the superb direction, there was a warm glow in the theatre as the curtain went down. Lesley, the cast, and the crew are to be warmly congratulated for creating a tremendous success!

A big thank you to Rod, Gillie and Ian for the new display boards and wonderful photographic record of the players productions. We had a good deal of positive comment.

We’re looking for a Secretary

Do you know of anyone who would like to be a secretary in a voluntary capacity? We would love to hear from you if you do.  Get in touch at  friends@thegageplayers.co.uk

Updates

May

STOP PRESS – bottle donation deliveries 11-15 May

The Gage will be manning a bottle tombola stall at the Walton May Pageant held on Saturday 18th. 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 alcohol to cooking oil, fizzy drinks, and squash to bubble bath or shampoo – anything you can think of that comes in a bottle.

You can deliver to Gill and Rod Lucas, from 11 -15 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.  See attached flyer and spread the word!

Poetry and Prose evening

Our next sparkling Poetry and Prose evening will be held on Wednesday 22nd May at 8pm. Everyone is welcome whether reading, reciting or just sitting back listening and enjoying as they are both achieved in the comfort of your own 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.

July/August

The Gage midsummer lunch

We would like to hold a midsummer lunch, probably in a pub garden.  We will let you know the venue, date, and time as soon as possible.  It would be good to have another opportunity to mingle and chat.

September

STOP PRESS: Our new date for an evening of rehearsed play readings, will be on Saturday 7th September. Don’t panic! Pip Rolls is still returning with his new play ‘Snapshots of History’ series.  Whilst he is scribbling away, our play reader group are in the final throes of finalising our second play.

November

Winter production (dates 28th, 29th & 30th November).  Details to be finalised – more news later.

 Dates for your diary

  • The Walton May Pageant on Saturday, 18th May
  • Poetry & Prose evening, 8pm via Zoom on Wednesday 22nd May
  • Saturday 7th September for an evening of rehearsed play readings with supper at 7pm, at the Riddell Hall
  • Winter production 28th, 29th and 30th November – play to be finalised.

2024 has made a flying start with our spring play, and we look forward to seeing you at the May Pageant!

Best wishes,

Bernie

Chair, Gage Committee

Newsletters

Newsletter – March 2024

Hello everyone, I hope you all had a good Easter and managed to dodge the showers. For this newsletter I am going to focus on our spring activities.

Key updates

The AGM on the 27th of March went well and the Minutes will be due out shortly.  I was delighted to be officially nominated and voted in as Chair of the Gage committee for 2024 – thank you!

Volunteer Vacancy – Is there anyone who would like to take on the role of Secretary? The Gage is in urgent need of someone with office experience and an interest in the theatre to take the minutes of the committee meetings (held via Zoom), and to help with other administrative tasks.  If this interests you or any of your friends, please email friends@thegageplayers.co.uk 

Annual Subscriptions – It is also the time of 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.

Key dates

April

Lesley Crowther-Smith is directing our production of The Nightingales by Peter Quilter.   Performances will be at 8pm on 25, 26, 27 April 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.

Please make a note of the dates to see our brilliant cast of actors perform this funny and at times touching comedy. It presents two generations of The Nightingales, an eccentric performing family in the 1950s, who appear to have more drama at home than during any show!

Front of House – Beryl will be wanting as much help as possible, so any volunteers will be very welcome to help – bar, raffle, programmes, and coffee/teas, etc. 

Set Construction – Martin will also need help to put up and dismantle the set.

To help for either or both of above roles please contact friends@thegageplayers.co.uk

May

The Gage will be manning a bottle tombola stall at the Walton May Pageant held on Saturday 18th. May. Please save and donate a bottle (s) – the more money we make the more wonderful productions we can put on. To give everyone plenty of time to collect all kinds of bottles,delivery dates for bottles will be given at the next newsletter.

I haven’t forgotten our informal Poetry and Prose evening – the next one will be held on 22nd May and If you would like to be with us, please contact us at friends@thegageplayers.co.uk for the link to join our Zoom get together.                                                                        

Spring Dates for your diary

  • The Nightingales by Peter Quilter – at 8pm on 25th, 26th and 27th April at the Riddell Hall
  • The Walton May Pageant on Saturday, 18th May
  • Poetry & Prose evening, 8pm via Zoom on Wednesday 22nd May

We look forward to seeing you at one or more of the above events.

Best wishes,

Bernie

Chair, Gage Committee