Dear Members and Friends,

I’m sure you are enjoying the glimpses of sunshine between the clouds – rather like life during this pandemic! I hope you have kept well and perhaps have managed to have a holiday in our lovely country and seaside.

Unfortunately, our rehearsed reading with supper on 11th September has had to be postponed due to unforeseen problems, but we hope you will all come to enjoy it during 2022.

However, after months of uncertainty, The Gage are looking forward to performing on stage and are excited that rehearsals for our long awaited November production will recommence on 13th September. Molly’s Calling, written and directed by Pip Rolls, was intended for April 2021, so it’s fortunate that all the cast are still available and have certainly had plenty of time to learn their lines! Performances will be on 25th , 26th and 27th November at 8pm in the Riddell Hall, so please reserve these dates for this special play in your calendar. We can assure you that all Covid safety and hygiene measures will be in place to protect the audience and the cast. Tickets are £12.50 – the box office number is 01737 812 703.

A new early venture on 5th February 2022 is the staging of short plays written by Pip Rolls (already tried out impromptu by Gage members at our weekly Zoom get-togethers). These rehearsed readings will be held at the Riddell Hall, and the evening will begin with a supper. Audition and rehearsal dates are 26th and 31st January and 2nd February, most likely to be held at Pip’s home and/or by Zoom. These clever comedies will certainly brighten the dull times after Christmas and New Year, before we start rehearsals for our spring 2022 production.

I know many of you would have wished to attend Paul Brown’s memorial service, but due to Covid and Church rules, no more than 80 people were eventually allowed into the church. Jo, Paul’s wife, was very sorry that she had to keep strictly to the rules, and the service was shown on Zoom for everyone who wanted to be there. The service was beautifully organised, with lovely hymns and music that Paul had chosen. Jo gave a history of Paul’s life; I think few people knew of his talents, because he was a modest man. He was a top high board diving champion in his younger days and he also held a pilot’s licence, apart from representing England’s veteran cricket team in a recent year, in Australia. Of course, you all know of his drama talents, both acting and directing. His daughters and all five grandchildren paid tribute to his memory. I really felt sad for them, being so choked with emotion that they could hardly get their words out. It was all very moving, and I’m very pleased that I was included in the limited guest list.

On a different note, we would welcome any fundraising ideas to help offset the greater hall hire charges, as well as the maintenance and repairs of costume and store sheds. Prices have increased so much that your suggestions will be very welcome.

It will be good to see you all at our November play, Molly’s Calling, and to believe that the world is beginning to get back to something like normal.

Very best wishes,
Gay

Gay Weeden,
Chair, The Gage Players