We are just into February, so still early enough to wish all our members and friends a very Happy New Year ! At the start of a new season, we also think back on recent productions and look forward to this year’s productions and activities.
Our Autumn production of The Teahouse of the August Moon took place the last weekend in November. This was an affectionate glimpse of post war occupation by US troops in Japan. There was much amusing yet insightful humour, contrasting US Western behaviour with the gentle, yet often humourous observations from the Eastern perspective. Gill Lucas is to be much congratulated for achieving her vision. Our audiences marvelled at the amazing construction of our teahouse and the ability of our cast to learn Japanese! We were so pleased to welcome some new performers to this production, especially young people… our future! Actors often say “ Never work with children or animals”… The Gage proved them wrong on both counts…and this must be a first: some passers by when the set was being worked on, poking their noses in and asking, “ Is this the play with the dog in it?” It certainly was and Archie ( or should that be “Aaa-chee” in true Japanese style?) was the undoubted star. Our wonderful crew working hard on an ingenious set construction, props, lighting and sound are particularly to be congratulated for the beautiful visuals created onstage.
As our calendars are usually so crowded in the run up to Christmas, instead of the traditional “ pre-Christmas meal”, it was decided to book a “ Twelfth Night Dinner” on 6th January 2016, held, once again, at the Grumpy Mole, Dorking Road, Tadworth.
The food quality was excellent, as always, but, unfortunately, due to a very large business party, who had commandeered the whole extension area we have used on the past, our party was divided between different tables and not quite as convivial as usual, although, perhaps, easier to talk on smaller tables than down the length of a big one!. It was decided to try the Blue Ball in Walton on the Hill next time and, possibly to hold a Summer social evening too.
Our next appearance in the Dukes Head pub quiz ( Dorking Road, Tadworth) is to be on February 17th. We’re always happy to see new faces, so come along about 19.45 ( or before), enjoy a drink/ snack/ meal and a catch up and put your quizzing brain to use with us! It costs just £1 to take part and, who knows, we might win some more funds for use in the Gage?!
Auditions were held on January 10th & 13th for the Spring production of Alan Ayckbourn’s, Bedroom Farce directed by Sharon Laws. Performance dates : 28th, 29th & 30th April.
This production is now fully cast and rehearsals have begun; cast as follows:
Ernest Paul Brown
Delia Gillian Lucas
Malcolm Glen Nixon
Kate Elayne Teague
Nick Jon Laws
Jan Eileen Debski
Trevor Lars Sawyer
Susannah Debbie Nichols
Sharon Laws’ view of the play:
“Four into three won’t go; except, in Ayckbourn’s 1977 play, it miraculously does. A pair of roving neurotics hawk their problems around the bedrooms of three other couples; and what emerges is Ayckbourn’s hilariously bleak view of middle-class marriage. “Alone together, so much shared” as Beckett once wrote.”
There have been potential casting difficulties for the proposed production of “ Allo Allo” in the Autumn. So, we are looking at some brand new scripts for a possible debut performance, which will be very exciting! If you have read or heard of any new plays, with not too large a cast, which you think might be suitable, please contact us!
A review of Gage archives is being conducted, with a view to a possible exhibition. If you have any photos, film, press cuttings etc of past productions or activities, or know anyone who does, please contact Rod Lucas on 01737 812703.
The AGM will be hald at Christchurch Hall, Walton on the Hill ( next to Walton Primary school in the village) on Wednesday, March 16th8pm. Do come along and join in discussions on future activities etc. Subscriptions ( £15 adults/ £8 under 18s & full time students) are due on or before that date – contact Rod Lucas ( heather.view@virginmedia.com or 01737 812703).
Don’t forget you can find us on Facebook and Twitter… please “ like”/ “follow” us there, so that your family and friends can do the same and share your posts and pass on your enthusiasm for your local drama group… and also expand our audiences and our presence in social media.
We hope to see many of you enjoying Bedroom Farce at the end of April- a reminder to book tickets by contacting the box office by calling 01737 812703 or sending an e-mail request to: friends@thegageplayers.co.uk We have been delighted to welcome some new members during the year, some performing, some backstage and front of house. Looking forward to seeing many of you at the quiz night at the Dukes Head on 17th February… it’s a lot of fun!
Franki Gray
Chair, the Gage Players
