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