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 16^th 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 30^th April 1^st and 2^nd May at the Riddell Hall
• The Walton May Pageant on Saturday, 16^th May
• Murder Mystery – September date TBC
• A Bunch of Amateurs by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman – 26^th, 27^th and 28^th November

 
We look forward to seeing you at one or more of the above events.
Best wishes,
Bernie
Chair, Gage Committee

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 25^th 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 30^th 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 16^th 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 4^th March at Walton School

• The Black Comedy by Peter Shaffer – at 8pm on 30^th April, 1 and 2 May at the Riddell Hall

• The Walton May Pageant on Saturday, 16^th 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

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