Spring Edition – 75th Anniversary Special
Hi Everyone
Hope you had a lovely Easter! Spring is here with all the cherry blossoms and wonderful flowers in bloom. This 75th Anniversary is certainly off to a good start with an amazing cast busy putting the finishing touches to the play “The Actress.” If you haven’t got your tickets yet, hurry up! You don’t want to miss it. Straight on its heels is the Walton May Pageant, with a carnival theme so be sure to watch the procession. I also need you to start collecting bottles for our tombola stall. The summer is packed with auditions for a Murder Mystery written and directed by Pip Rolls and “Enchanted April” by Matthew Barber which I am so excited to direct; it’s got such a good feel factor!
May
The box office is taking last minute bookings for The Actress by Peter Quilter. Performances will take place on 1, 2, and 3 May at 8 pm at Riddell Hall, Walton on the Hill. Make a note of the dates to see our brilliant cast perform this theatrical comedy-drama exploring the backstage drama of a celebrated actress’s emotional farewell performance, directed by Debbie Nichols. Tickets are £12.50 and can be purchased on 01737 812703 or via email at friends@thegageplayers.co.uk
STOP PRESS – Bottle Donation Deliveries 11-15 May
The Gage will be manning a bottle tombola stall at the Walton May Pageant to be held on Saturday 17th May. Please save and donate bottles – 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 from 11-15 May but please ring first on 01737 812 703.
The Walton Pageant will be on Saturday 17th May and opens at 11.30 am with a Carnival Procession starting at Walton Pond from 2 pm and walks through the village to the grounds at Howard Close. See attached flyer and spread the word! I’m taking it seriously and will be dressed in a colourful costume. Make sure to catch Pip Rolls, as compere and who will be truly immersed in the carnival spirit.
July – Call Out for Actors
Audition for Enchanted April by Matthew Barber on Wednesday 2nd July 8pm location TBC
Performance dates: 27, 28, 29 November at The Lord Riddell Memorial Hall in Walton-on-the-Hill.
Synopsis: Feeling lost in the shadows of marriage and 1920s post-war society, two London housewives rent a villa in Italy for a ladies-only holiday getaway. Reluctantly recruiting a pair of difficult upper-class women to share the cost and the experience, the four women clash – and then begin to bond and bloom – until men, once again, upset the balance.
Rehearsals: schedule finalised after casting. There will be two weeks of rehearsals from 7th July than rehearsals will be from September to November.
To discuss further please contact me, Bernie at friends@thegageplayers.co.uk
Summer Auditions for Murder at the Fete to be performed on September 20th
Who poisoned the jam that killed Donald, the not-much-loved banker? Was it his ‘friend’ who stands to inherit or was it his rejected mistress? Maybe it was his wife, who thinks he let down her father financially. But then again, it might be Margaret or Cynthia. Come and help us find out in the “Murder at the Fete” where the audience is key to solving the mystery. To discuss further, please contact Pip on pip.rolls@yahoo.co.uk.
Socials
Preparations for our summer lunch are in full swing, and this year we’re adding a quiz to the festivities to challenge and entertain our minds. As I look through the calendar to find suitable dates, I can’t help but feel excited about the fun that all the events will bring.
Dates for Your Diary
Saturday 17th May – The Walton May Pageant
Saturday 20th September – Murder at the Fete by Pip Rolls at 7 pm, Riddell Hall
27th, 28th, 29th November – “Enchanted April” by Matthew Barber at 8 pm, Riddell Hall
Saturday 6th December – 75th Anniversary Finale of light entertainment at 8 pm, Riddell Hall
We look forward to seeing you at one or more of the above events.
Best wishes,
Bernie, Chair of the Gage Committee
