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Auditions and Membership, Newsletters

NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2026

Welcome to our latest Gage Players newsletter. As we head into the summer months, I’m delighted to share a few highlights and look ahead to the exciting events coming up.

Black Comedy was a real highlight of April, and it was wonderful to see new members getting involved and shining on stage.  I have included a brilliant review in this newsletter.  It is written by Franki one of our members and an actor in many of our previous productions.

I’m delighted that Mel from Black Comedy will be making her debut as director with our winter production, A Bunch of Amateurs, with auditions taking place on 24th June.

There’s still time to join our Play Reading Group on Zoom on Monday 22nd June at 8pm.

If you don’t have a team for the quiz social on 18th July, we’ll be very happy to match you with one. Entry is free.  To reserve your table, contact friends@thegageplayers.co.uk.

The May Pageant was a lovely reminder of village life that means so much to us.


I hope you enjoy all our news and events and look forward to seeing you all soon

Black Comedy review by Franki
Black Comedy was a superb production.! The movement from the cast, especially Josh…and Grace, Jenny and Lars, was fantastic, their work, together with Rod and Ian’s contribution was so amazing, and the set was great! I swear I could feel pain in my shins, colliding with furniture, trying, stealthily, to keep my balance. The tension they created was palpable. It was an excellent example of “less is more” …     the hilarious effects were achieved without going over the top, which could easily have happened. Comedy is much harder to play successfully than tragedy. Timing is everything and the “small details” and gestures even more important, to be successful. I think you don’t “play it for a laugh”, but “straight”. that’s difficult to do when you’re in a play like that!  thank you to all the Gage members involved for giving me such a wonderful evening…because of a lot of hard work, I know. Many thanks to Pip, for what was, clearly, his excellent direction. 
It was all such a good laugh…just what I needed.
 
Upcoming Key Dates
Join us on Monday 22nd June at 8pm for our first Play Reading Group.  This meet-up will be held via Zoom, where we’ll chat about our favourite plays and share what inspires us. In the weeks ahead, we’ll dive into scripts together and help choose future productions. Please confirm by Friday 19th June by emailing friends@thegageplayers.co.uk.

Auditions for A Bunch of Amateurs by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman 
Auditions will take place on Wednesday 24th June at 7.30pm at Walton-on-the-Hill Primary School, Walton Street, Walton-on-the-Hill, Surrey KT20 7RR.
Performances will take place from 26–28 November at Riddell Hall.
Rehearsals begin on 6th July, pause for the summer, and resume in September.
Mel McCabe invites you to audition for this fast-paced comedy. For more information or to register your interest please complete this form or contact friends@thegageplayers.co.uk.
 
Quiz Night – Saturday 18th July 2026
Join us at Riddell Hall for an evening of friendly competition and laughter. Arrive from 6pm and bring your picnic, with the quiz starting at 7pm. Teams may have up to six members, and there will also be a raffle during the evening.  Entry is free. To reserve your table, please email friends@thegageplayers.co.uk.
 
September Supper Evening with Murder and Mystery
This autumn, audiences will be invited to solve The Fun Run Mystery. Auditions will be held on Zoom on 27th July, with full details to follow shortly.
 
Join Our Acting and Backstage Team  If you’d like to get involved on stage or behind the scenes, we’d love to hear from you. friends@thegageplayers.co.uk
 
Dates for your diary

  • Play Reading Group – Monday 22nd June at 8pm via Zoom
  • Auditions for A Bunch of Amateurs – Wednesday 24th June at 7.30pm, Walton-on-the-Hill Primary School
  • Quiz Night – Saturday 18th July, from 6pm at Riddell Hall
  • Murder Mystery – September date to be confirmed
  • 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 these events.
Best wishes,

Bernie
Chair, Gage Committee

Archive, Newsletters

The Gage Players Newsletter – April/May 2026


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

About, Newsletters

APRIL 2026

It’s wonderful to see daffodils blooming —let’s hope this cold spell doesn’t last long. In this newsletter, I’ll be highlighting our spring activities.

Key updates
The AGM in March went well; Minutes will be due out shortly.  

Key dates
 
April
Pip Rolls is to direct our production of Black Comedy by Peter Shaffer. Performances are at 8 pm on 30th April, 1st and 2nd May at Riddell Hall, Walton on the Hill

Set in a London flat, this hilarious play follows a young sculptor trying to impress some important guests. Unexpected visitors and a sudden blackout turn the evening into a whirlwind of confusion. Surprises and mishaps abound as secrets come to light. Join us for a brilliantly funny night—what could possibly go wrong?

Tickets are £15.00 from the box office friends@thegageplayers.co.uk  or phone 01737 812703.                                     
Your ticket includes tea, coffee, a glass of wine or soft drink, nibbles and free programme.
Doors and Wine bar open 7.30pm

Getting involved
There are many jobs to be done on the days of the shows, If you can spare an evening, we will be delighted to hear from you. We are always on the lookout for people to help with set construction and painting scenery or Front of House   Please contact friends@thegageplayers.co.uk
 
Advertising 
If you are interested in advertising in our programme, we would love to hear from you. Please email Clare at friends@thegageplayers.co.uk to discuss the available advertising rates and sizes. Please submit your advert to Clare ASAP at  friends@thegageplayers.co.uk.

Advertising Options and Rates

  • 1/2 Page: £25.00
  • Full Page: £30.00
  • Back Cover Full Page: £40.00

May Pageant on Saturday 16th May
We are looking forward to taking part in the Walton May Pageant on Saturday 16th May. The pageant theme is ‘Uniforms’ 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

Spring 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

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

Best wishes,

Bernie

Chair, Gage Committee

Archive, Newsletters

NEWSLETTER – FEBRUARY 2026

Hello everyone

Many of you will have known Beryl, who sadly passed away in January.  She was deeply loved within the Gage family.  Her kindness, dedication, and warmth touched so many of us, and her presence made a lasting impression on everyone she met.

The family are holding a memorial service at the Church of The Good Shepherd Tadworth KT20 5AS on 25th February at 12.00pm, with refreshments afterwards in the hall, and would be delighted to see many of you there. Please contact Jean Saul friends@thegageplayers.co.uk  so the appropriate number can be catered for. Flowers from close family only, please. Charitable donations to Princess Alice Hospice and The Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust Charitable Fund are appreciated; details will be available in the Order of Service.

Key Updates
AGM
The Annual General Meeting will take place at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, 4th 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.

It is also that time of the year for annual membership subscriptions.

Annual Subscriptions are £20 for adults

Spring play 30th April 1st, 2nd, of May at 8pm at the Riddell Hall, Walton on the Hill

Pip Rolls is directing our wonderful production of Black Comedy by Peter Shaffer .

Set in a London flat, this hilarious play follows a young sculptor trying to impress some important guests. Unexpected visitors and a sudden blackout turn the evening into a whirlwind of confusion. Surprises and mishaps abound as secrets come to light. Join us for a brilliantly funny night—what could possibly go wrong?

Tickets are just £15.00 from the box office at friends@thegageplayers.co.uk .

Your ticket includes tea, coffee, a complimentary glass of wine or soft drink, delicious nibbles, and a free programme, ensuring you not only enjoy the show but have a thoroughly lovely experience from start to finish.

May Pageant on Saturday 16th May

We are greatly looking forward to taking part in the Walton May Pageant on Saturday 16th May. The pageant theme is ‘Uniforms’ 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

Getting involved

It’s never too early to ask – as usual there are many jobs to be done on the days of the shows, If you can spare an evening, we will be delighted to hear from you. We are always on the lookout for people to help with set construction and painting scenery.  Please contact friends@thegageplayers.co.uk

Dates for your diary

  • AGM, 7.30m on Wednesday 4th March at Walton School
  • The Black Comedy by Peter Shaffer – at 8pm on 30th April, 1 and 2 May at the Riddell Hall
  • The Walton May Pageant on Saturday, 16th May 2026

2026 is looking set to be a brilliant year of 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

Previous Productions

OUR PREVIOUS PRODUCTION – BLACK COMEDY

Black Comedy by Peter Shaffer

April 30th, May 1st and 2nd at the Riddell Memorial Hall

The play takes place in the London flat of Brindsley Miller, a young, aspiring sculptor, and his fiancée, Carol Melkett. Desperate to appear well-off and sophisticated, Brindsley has, without permission, “borrowed” expensive antique furniture from the flat of his fastidious neighbour, Harold Gorringe, an antique dealer who is away for the weekend. The plan is to impress two important guests expected that evening: Carol’s stern, military father, Colonel Melkett, and a wealthy German art collector named Georg Bamberger, who Brindsley hopes will buy his sculptures. The play starts with the stage in complete darkness.  Just before the guests arrive, the main fuse in the flat blows, plunging the entire building into “darkness”. In a brilliant theatrical twist, the stage lights come up for the audience to see the characters stumbling around as if they are in complete darkness. When a match or lighter is lit, the stage lights dim to simulate the limited light source. Chaos quickly ensues as unexpected visitors arrive, one by one, into the pitch-black apartment. Miss Furnival, wanders in and accidentally consumes a significant amount of Scotch. Colonel Melkett arrives and is unimpressed by the situation. Harold Gorringe returns home unexpectedly early, forcing Brindsley into a frantic, physical comedy routine as he tries to return the purloined furniture to the hallway without Harold noticing. Clea, Brindsley’s former, more free-spirited girlfriend, also appears, having slipped in unnoticed. She overhears the others talking about her and subtly begins to sabotage Brindsley’s engagement plans. Through a series of hilarious misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and slapstick mishaps, Brindsley’s web of lies unravels. When the actual millionaire, Georg Bamberger, and the electrician, Schuppanzigh, arrive, they are mistaken for each other. Eventually, Clea reveals herself, Harold discovers his stolen furniture, and the engagement is broken off. The play concludes as the electrician finally fixes the fuse, plunging the stage into genuine darkness for the audience just as the characters “see the light” of truth and the consequences of their deceptions. 

Archive, Newsletters

NEWSLETTER – DECEMBER 2025

Hello everyone,

Upcoming Event Reminder: December Poetry, Prose and Favourite Play Scenes Evening

Before we dive into the highlights from our 75th anniversary, don’t forget our cosy December Poetry, Prose and Favourite Play Scenes Evening is just around the corner! Join us via Zoom on Wednesday, 10th December at 8pm for an evening of readings and good company. If you’d like to take part just read a poem, a piece of prose or a favourite scene or simply listen in, drop us an email at friends@thegageplayers.co.uk for the link. We can’t wait to see you there!

As we’re all still catching our breath after our grand 75th anniversary finale, this newsletter will be a little shorter than usual. I’m immensely proud as I look back on our Enchanted April by Matthew Barber production, where the Gage family’s teamwork truly stood out – overcoming challenges such as my own absence as director during technical week, Beryl our Refreshments Manager being unable to attend, and Beryl’s team ensured refreshments and raffle were seamless even in her absence( they did her proud) and a cast member nearly performing in a wheelchair.

Act One opened on the apron stage, allowing the actors’ strong performances to shine. The stage management team, decked out in maid costumes, brought delightful moments to the fore – especially thanks to Eileen’s brilliant comedic timing, supported by the other maids complementing the play and
earning warm appreciation from both cast and audience.

Act Two captured the audience’s attention with its inspired set, beautifully decorated with an abundance of flowers and enhanced by brilliant lighting and sound and the costumes set it off beautifully. The set dressing and technical touches added greatly to the audience’s enjoyment.

Our talented cast – particularly the two leads – held the audience spellbound, I’d also like to extend heartfelt thanks to a certain someone who knows exactly who they are; their support and willingness to step up as motivator and understudy director made all the difference. Your contribution did not go unnoticed.
 
A final highlight was the impressive 75th Anniversary programme and the inspiring stories from longtime members Rod and Gill, whose contributions to Gage are remarkable. Their ongoing support exemplifies what makes Gage unique.

Key Dates for your diary

  • Poetry, Prose and Favourite Play Scenes evening 8pm via Zoom on Wednesday 10th December


We look forward to seeing you at the poetry evening,

Bernie Chair, Gage Committee

Newsletters

NEWSLETTER – OCTOBER 2025

Hello everyone,

I hope you are all enjoying the lovely autumn colours that brighten these short days.
What a successful evening we had on Saturday, 20th September, with an engaging Murder Mystery written and directed by Pip Rolls. It brought together new faces and presented some last-minute challenges. Just a week before the performance, one of our young actresses had to withdraw unexpectedly. Carlos, making his Gage debut, reached out to another local drama group and Rosie kindly stepped in, ensuring the play could go on. I would like to say big thank you to everyone involved and take this opportunity to share a lovely review from a member of the audience.

Review
I’ve never been to a murder mystery evening, so I was intrigued to know how it was to be done. Each character explained their motive and link to the victim before mingling with us, giving the audience a chance to ask questions and piece together the clues. Although it was difficult to decide, one couple successfully identified the murderer and their reasoning! We had a truly enjoyable evening and hope that the clever person who wrote the script will present more evenings like this.”

Looking Ahead to November: Enchanted April
We are excited to announce our winter production, “Enchanted April” by Matthew Barber. Please note that we’re trying out a slightly earlier start time of 7.30pm for the winter evenings. Mark your calendars for 27th, 28th, and 29th November 2025—Doors open 7pm and the production will begin at 7.30pm at Riddell Hall, Walton on the Hill. Tickets are £14 and can be reserved by emailing friends@thegageplayers.co.uk or calling 01737 812703.
This is not just any performance: “Enchanted April” will be the finale to our sparkling 75th anniversary year! Join us as four women, seeking sunshine and laughter, find unexpected adventure and friendship – until the arrival of the men sparks delightful chaos
With every ticket purchased, you’ll receive our exclusive 75th Anniversary commemorative programme—a keepsake to remember our celebratory production.

Volunteers Needed
We’re seeking Front of House volunteers to help with the bar, raffle, programmes, or refreshments. If you’re interested in lending a hand, please email Beryl at friends@thegageplayers.co.uk

Advertising in the 75th Anniversary Programme
If you are interested in advertising in our commemorative 75th Anniversary programme, we would love to hear from you. Please email Clare at friends@thegageplayers.co.uk to discuss the available advertising rates and sizes.
To ensure your inclusion in the programme, kindly get in touch by Friday, 8th November.
 

December Poetry, Prose & Favourite Play Scenes Evening

Following a recent committee meeting, we are delighted to announce the return of our popular winter Zoom poetry and prose evenings this December.
This year, we are introducing an exciting new element:  we want to read scenes from your favourite plays in addition to poetry and prose. Whether you wish to participate by reading, or simply prefer to listen, everyone is welcome. These evenings are an excellent way to exchange ideas for future productions.
The first date will be Wednesday 10th December at 8pm. If you would like to join, please contact us at friends@thegageplayers.co.uk for the link to join our Zoom get together.                                                                               
NB If you would like to read a scene from a play, please let us know in advance. This will allow others the opportunity to obtain a copy if they wish to follow along or participate.

Key Updates Dates for your diary

  • Enchanted April by Matthew Barber – at new time 7.30pm on 27th, 28th and 29th November at the Riddell Hall
  • Poetry, Prose and Favourite Play Scenes evening, 8pm via Zoom on Thursday 10th December
  • Spring production 23rd ,24th and 25th April

We look forward to seeing you at the poetry evening, and don’t forget to book your tickets for Enchanted April!

Archive, Previous Productions

Enchanted April – Our Previous Production

Enchanted April by Matthew Barber – 27th, 28th, and 29th November) 
Be sure to keep your diaries free this November for “Enchanted April”—but don’t let the promise of an Italian escape fool you!

The story begins in London, where dreams of sun-drenched holidays seem far out of reach. As four women embark on a retreat that promises laughter, friendship, and the possibility of magic, you’ll discover that their adventure is anything but straightforward. With men entering the mix, the plot takes unexpected turns.

Come along to see how it all unfolds! 

NB new time of 7.30pm (Doors Open 7:00pm) at the Riddell Hall, Deans Lane, Walton-on-the-Hill