STAGE-WRITE DECEMBER 2023
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THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FROM THE FRIENDS OF SHANKLIN THEATRE
Chairman’s Foreword
The weather continues to cause havoc but I’m pleased to say that the Theatre has continued to provide some first class entertainment to help everyone to get through this difficult time. I wrote in the previous edition about the awful weather and nothing seems to have changed! The Volunteer Fair held in September was a huge success and many of our vacancies have been filled as a result. My thanks to all involved and to Suzie especially for organising the event. Special thanks also to Alex and Matt for their contribution, and those on the day that helped with roles in particular those providing tea and coffee. Well before we realise it, Christmas will be here (Oh yes it will!) and that means Pantomime time. This year Spotlight will be entertaining us with “Rapunzel “, which will be another great time for all the family. In the meantime prior to Panto season in December we welcome back ‘Talon ‘ and ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’, both shows being regular favourites here at Shanklin. The young talent of Spotlight and Theatretrain will also be providing Christmas entertainment in December, profiling the young talent within their respective groups. So I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and thank you for your continued support which is so necessary to help Shanklin Theatre continue to provide pleasure for Islanders, and Visitors alike.
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My Best Wishes to you all, Vic.
A Message From The Editor Well, another Christmas will soon be upon us! It seems like only yesterday we were looking forward to the Summer months. In this edition you can read ‘Billie’s Blog’, this time Billie writes about the AmDram scene on the Isle of Wight. Jacqui Robertson gives us a report on the Patrons and Corporate members Thank You evening that took place back in September. We also have some exciting news regarding the redevelopment of the Shanklin Performing Arts Centre, and of course as in traditional Stage Write style, Matt Day gives us another excellent Crossword to complete and Gwyn Dawson provides another superb ‘Quick Quiz’. For those of you that use, or have used, eBay to purchase goods, you may be interested in the article from volunteer eBay seller, Des Wiltshire on page 22. We also have an update on the Bucket Fund Collection from Alana Bird. I’m personally honoured to be involved in the Remembrance Service organisation each year for Shanklin Town, and it was great to see Shanklin Theatre being represented as one of the many wreath layers at this years’ service, you can read more on page 36. The FOST website is managed and maintained by volunteer Tim Leal, and is a great resource of information about the Friends of the Theatre, simply scan the QR code on your phone to find out more. May I wish you a happy, healthy Christmas and I look forward to presenting the Spring Stage Write to you in March. Kind regards, Michael.
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Michael Beston – Shanklin Theatre and Community Trustee Stage-Write magazine was originally founded in October 2010 by Ron Bird. I would like to personally thank Ron for his continued help & attention to detail in producing the December 2023 Stage Write magazine. This magazine was printed by the NHS Printing Services. Newport - Isle of Wight.
FOST Monthly Members’ Draw Winners for August, September and October 2023 August 2023
FOST No
Linda Bird Viv Howell Peter Viney
1950 0136 1560
September 2023
FOST No
Mark Upson Fiona Klein Diana Ward
1025 1305 0378
October 2023
FOST No
Nick Mattocks Louise Aitken Robert Geddes
0472 2083 2029
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Congratulations to all our winners, each of whom received a £10 Theatre voucher
Volunteer Fair On the 9th of September, The Friends of Shanklin Theatre held its very first Volunteer Fair, and I have to say we were extremely pleased with the interest we received, not only did people turn up on the day but we received enquiries both before and after the event. We ended up successfully recruiting twenty-five new volunteers, which is a brilliant result and means that all departments are now fully staffed, so a waiting list for anyone wishing to volunteer has been started. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped out on the day, we could not have run the day without your help, and it was very much appreciated. One thing we realized when talking to the new volunteers is they have various skills that they have honed throughout their working lives. Skills that could be used again within the theatre. Do you think you may have such a skill, for example helping out on the committee, organizing social events, computer skills, accounting experience? If you feel that you may have more to offer or would like to get more involved, please either speak to your Team Leader or email me on volunteeers@shanklintheatre.com
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Suzie Thurgood Volunteer Liaison Officer.
Billie’s Blog – AmDram on the Isle of Wight There’s been no shortage of drama on the Isle of Wight recently and we can take that quite literally with over twenty drama societies on the Island and over ten colleges and schools with active drama departments. We are very fortunate to have such a thriving thespian community in areas throughout the Island and have done so for many years. Cowes Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society is one of the oldest in the country and was founded way back in 1897 and they continue to produce plays, musicals, and an annual pantomime now in their own Trinity Theatre that they acquired in 1987. The Apollo Players are also fortunate to have their own theatre in Newport but other societies such as Bembridge Little Theatre Club, Newchurch Drama Group and Shorwell Drama Club meet at their own village halls and are well supported by their communities. The Pepperpot Players are another such group that meets at Niton village hall. Formerly called Niton Drama Group they changed their name in 1988 and one would presume the new name was chosen due to its proximity to St. Catherine’s Oratory fondly known at The Pepperpot. Their first play was in 1972 in Niton Village Hall and a subsequent three-act play was produced in 1974. Since then, they have regularly performed two plays a year in the Spring and the Autumn.
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In 2022 The Pepperpot Players performed ‘Agatha Crusty and The Village Hall Murders’. This was so well received that the Company was given the opportunity to perform this again at Shanklin Theatre and it received great reviews. Their most recent play was ‘Murdered to Death’. With four performances at Shanklin Theatre, it was a great success for The Pepperpot Players, and they broke their own Box Office sales with 939 tickets sold. They are now working on two one-act plays ‘All By Myself’ and ‘You’re in Room 8’ to be performed in Niton in January. Most drama societies follow a similar format of having a committee that works hard behind the scenes: A chairperson, secretary, treasurer,
membership secretary, publicity officers etc. The committee would decide upon a play to be produced and an offer is made to anybody who would like to direct this next play. The members would then be invited to a reading of the play. This is where you can sit and listen to a read through of the whole play and the members can then decide if they would like to audition for a part.
Murdered to Death by the Pepperpot Players 2023
Auditions are held before a panel and then castings are finalised. Whilst rehearsals may happen once or twice a week, work is going on behind the scenes to publicise, build sets, source props, and have meetings with stage crew, sound, and lighting technicians and, if necessary, a musical director.
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On the Island, you may see several cast members appear in different societies’ plays. This is not unusual as membership of different societies gives them the freedom to choose if they would like to audition, and if unsuccessful in taking part it would open up another opportunity elsewhere. There is great support between the Island’s societies. Many advertise each other’s shows and attend their performances. New members are welcomed throughout and there are plenty to choose from depending on whether plays, comedies, pantomimes, or musicals are preferred.
Shoreline Productions, formerly Ventnor Theatre Group, continue to raise the bar with their next production booked at Shanklin Theatre in February ‘The Phantom of the Opera’. This will include the ever-familiar songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber and a 20+ piece orchestra. The Savoyards have just had a successful run of ‘Shrek’ at Shanklin Theatre and are working towards their next production of ‘Me and My Girl’ in April. We are grateful to those who provide outreach to adults with additional needs. First Act is a company that was established in 1994 and offer a safe and inspiring environment where people can meet and develop skills during workshops throughout the week. There is a fabulous sense of achievement experienced when performing on stage in front of an appreciative crowd. There is always a large supportive audience at their shows at Shanklin Theatre. The group explores different styles of dance, drama and singing and their latest production was ‘Peter Pan’.
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For those fortunate to have seen the hilarious ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ either in London or touring, you will appreciate the problems that drama societies may face.
‘The Play that Goes Wrong’ shows The Cornley Drama Society putting on a 1920s murder mystery where everything that can go wrong…does go wrong! The accident-prone thespians battle against all the odds to make it through to their final curtain call with hilarious consequences. There is total mayhem but laughter galore. Anybody who is involved with a drama society will appreciate the problems they face. From set falling down to overacting members, most societies will nod and tell you they’ve been there! And lastly an embarrassing memory from one of the Pepperpot’s female cast members when performing in the most heavily grotesque make up in ‘The House of Frankenstein’ (image of The Pepperpot Players in 2014 on page 8). Having tried to distance herself from the audience during the interval in a very small venue, she unfortunately came across a member of the audience in a corridor who still recognised her without hesitation casually saying, Hello Denise! Oops! I think I may have just let on who that might be! For further information on The Island’s drama clubs’ forthcoming productions please visit: www.iwtheatre.org Many thanks, Billie Thornton.
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Cinderella by The Newchurch Players in Old School Newchurch 1953
Isle of Wight Day – 16th September 2023 – by Jacqui Robertson Isle of Wight Day Community Interest Company (C.I.C) was established in 2022, this transition to a C.I.C was made to enable Isle of Wight Day to better support the Island community and to provide the organisation with a clear mission and vision for the future. The FOST events team represented Shanklin Theatre amongst 40 other Volunteer organisations at the Roman Villa in Brading. We prepared the kit on the Friday before, and set up the 2 gazebos and Saturday at 8.30am, we unloaded the content of the stall from the cars and set it up in readiness for visitors at 10am. As the IOW day is a family day, Veronica Bingham devised children activities with a theatre model and a roman amphitheatre, colouring masks and word searches. The other part of the stall promoted Theatre shows, selling Prize Draw tickets and souvenirs. The weather was great and the flow of visitors was constant throughout the day. Nipper the Crab and Roman centurions came to visit us as well. We really enjoyed the day but were glad to be back home to rest our feet! A great many thanks goes to Veronica Bingham, Carol Paulley, Heather Whitchurch, Viv Howell, Linda Stoneham, Sarah Bucher-Jones and Alan Jones (for lending us the second gazebo).
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Viv Howell went on to say: ‘What a lovely day we had. Everyone on the team worked so hard to make it a success. I think we had the best ‘dressed’ stand in the show. The children’s corner was a huge draw, new members were signed up and we spoke to many people who hadn’t even been to the theatre. We definitely finished the Events season on a high.’
Shanklin Theatre Brochures The Shanklin Theatre brochures are delivered several times a year all over the Island by a wonderful team of Theatre volunteers. As the Brochure Distribution Team Leader I would like to thank you all for your efforts. It helps so much to publicise our wide variety of shows and people really enjoy receiving them. Thanks must go to Ian Hunter who is now retiring from delivering many hundreds of brochures! He has over the years delivered all around Binstead. This has been an amazing contribution to advertising both the theatre and the many shows on offer. Latterly he has been helped by Lorraine Hunt, so many thanks go to her as well. Mandy and Katie Beatty have contributed amazingly these last few months by going round to Hotels and shops Island wide. All these places have been very happy to receive Brochures to give to guests and customers, so many thanks to Katie and Mandy! If any members know of places and roads who do not get delivered to please let me know. We are of course always happy to have more distributors if any FOST members feel they are able to spare some time!
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Liz Hinkes. Contact: lizhinkes@aol.com or 07931592615
Shanklin in Bloom 2023 Congratulations to our fantastic gardening team! For the 3rd year running, Shanklin Theatre has won 1st place in the Shanklin in Bloom competition. The trophy was awarded on 6th September at the Shanklin Royal British Legion club. Volunteer gardener, Alex says: ‘Gardening at the Theatre is challenging. Being on the original site of a windmill and on the coast it can be very windy and very cold at times, then in the summer it can be very hot so we are limited as to what we can plant that will tolerate the extreme conditions’. Image above – Alex & Grant awarded with 1st
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prize in the ‘Community Gardens’ category
Patrons and Corporate Members’ Thank You Evening – Monday 25th September 2023 at Shanklin Theatre This biennial evening was attended by over 50 Patrons and Corporate sponsors. The evening started downstairs with a preshow buffet prepared and served by our volunteer catering team. The bar was open and raffle tickets were on sale. After the buffet, Patrons and Corporate members moved upstairs to the auditorium. Vic Farrow, acting FOST Chairman, welcomed the audience and thanked the Patrons and Corporate Members for their continued support. Vic went on to introduce David Kast who conducted the first part of the evening themed ‘Shanklin Theatre, our Community Theatre’.
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Slides introducing the Theatre Community aspects were interspersed by interviews of the people reflecting on these aspects:
Image above – Theatre volunteer’s, Alex Goodwin & Tony Needham being interviewed by Theatre MD David Kast
FOR THE COMMUNITY: The Theatre provides a platform for local youth and am-dram groups to perform in a real theatre with a real audience, building confidence and skills. For example: First Act, Curtain Creative, Pepperpot Players, The Island Savoyards, Theatretrain, The Island Music, Dance and Drama Festival, Spotlight and more. The Theatre boosts the local economy with theatregoers and provides work for local companies. For example: Suppliers of drinks and Ice creams, Taxi Companies, Shops, Pubs, Restaurants and many more. The interviewees representing those aspects were Carol Laidler, founder of First Act, Beth James, a student from Spotlight and her mum Sarah James, and John and Diana Day, owners of the Delysia Farm Shop in Brading.
Sarah & Beth James, and Carol Laidler from First Act
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A COMMUNITY WITHIN: With over 120 volunteers, the Theatre is a community in itself bringing people together. Volunteering at Shanklin theatre gives a sense of purpose, boosts selfconfidence and improves social life.
Slides illustrating how our volunteers work, what they achieve and how they enjoy themselves were displayed. The interviewees for this section were Alex Goodwin, who volunteers as gardener and bar staff, and Tony Needham, who works with the front of the house team and is one of our Theatre tour guides.
John & Diana Day, Corporate Sponsors and owners of the Delysia Farm Shop
IN THE COMMUNITY: The Theatre volunteers participate in community events, which support tourism and local businesses. For example: Carnivals, Co-op Causes, IOW Walking Festival, Shanklin in Bloom, Christmas Tree Festival and many more… The interviewees for this part were the Villains of Shanklin Theatre (VOST), a group of ladies who attend many shows and are firm supporters of our community Theatre.
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After a brief interval, the raffle was drawn. Then the Quintisle wind instruments quintet entertained the audience with a varied programme of music interspersed by instrumental solos and songs by India Jackaman. The evening closed at 9.30pm.
India Jackaman. Below, two members of the ‘Villains of Shanklin Theatre (VOST) Many thanks go to Vic Farrow, David Kast, the brave interviewees, Viv Howell, Alana Bird, Peter Frankling, Veronica Bingham, Katie Denslow, Chris and Rebecca Gardner and the Catering and Bar teams. A special thanks goes to the Quintisle group and the donors of raffle prizes: Delysia farm shop, Brading; Glory Art Glass, Sandown; Master of Disguise, Newport; Sandown Jewellers, Sandown; Shanklin Jewellers, Shanklin; Shanklin Theatre, Shanklin; Silver Screen Autograph, Newport; The Bingham Family; W.J.Nigh & sons ltd, Shanklin.
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Text and images courtesy of Jacqui & Rob Robertson
An Ode to the Commode, or Ladies’ Rest Room as it’s best known - by Neil Reader, Leader of the Maintenance Team It’s off to the Theatre no doubt in the rain, Tis the time for a Pantomime once again. As the story unfolds, they tell it so far, Then close the curtains and it’s off to the Bar. The drinks they are downed, without much ado, But soon the attention turns to the Loo. The men have no problem and pass quickly through, But as for the ladies, alas there’s a queue. Fear not says The Fairy cos what I’m here for, It’s to tell you that up past the Bar there are more. So off up the corridor they peer in with awe, To see there is not only one, but four. As they sit and admire this brand-new addition, You hear sighs of relief up over the partition. So back to the Panto in all true tradition, The second half now a more comfier position.
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As word gets around of this new wonder to see, I fear a queue once more just to pee. A full write-up including images of the new ladies WC facilities will be included in the next edition of the Stage Write newsletter. Neil.
Christmas Crossword by Matt Day It’s Christmas time, there’s no need to be afraid… it’s only the Christmas crossword! There are references to 30 Christmas Number Ones between 1962 and 2017. Good luck and Merry Christmas Everyone! Matt.
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The answers are on page 38.
Stage Write Christmas 2023 Crossword ACROSS 1. Omelets cooked with it? It’s poisonous! (9) 9. 1979 Christmas chart topper: ______ Brick in The Wall (Part 2) (7) 10. Charity super group who made No 1 at Christmas 1984 (4, 3) 11. Festive nibbles – dries first, eats chopped up (5) 12. 1968 Christmas number one: Lily The ____ (4) 13. Alexandra ____: X Factor winner and singer of 2008 Xmas #1 Hallelujah (5) 16. German disco/funk group who topped the festive charts in 1978 (5, 1) 17. Beatles’ fourth and final Christmas No 1: ____, Goodbye (5) 18. Chemical symbol for one of the wise men’s gifts (2) 20. Paul ____ , who sang first line of Do They Know It’s Christmas? (5) 22. Electronic dance music closely connected to garage? (5) 25. Drink paired with 1 across in Cliff’s 1988 Christmas No 1 (4) 26. And 21 down. Shanklin Theatre star who sang 1972’s Christmas No 1 (5, 6) 28. Rage Against The ______ - band who hit the top spot at Christmas 2009 (7) 29. And 32 across. Bob The Builder’s Christmas chart topper in 2000 (3,2,3,2) 30. Postcode boy band who beat Mariah Carey to number one in 1994 (4, 2) 31. Initially insufficient nativity numbers here? (3)
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32. See 29 across 33. The Beatles first Xmas No 1 – I Want To Hold Your ___ (4)
34. Singer who duetted with Renee on 1982 Christmas No 1 Save Your Love (6) 37. U2 singer who sang on Do They Know It’s Christmas? (4) 38. ABBA song covered by Westlife and No 1 in 1999 – I Have A _____ (5) 39. Singer of 2017 Xmas chart topper Perfect, __ Sheeran (2) 40. Spice Girls’ first of three consecutive Christmas No 1’s in 1996 (1, 6, 1)
DOWN 1. TV character who hit No 1 at Noel 1993 with his self-titled debut (2, 6) 2. 1962 Christmas hit for 15 down: Return To _____ (6) 3. Don’t You Want Me was a Christmas no 1 in ’82 for The Human _____ (6) 4. Hot drink made with spirits, water, sugar and spices (5) 5. _____ Song - 1995 Christmas ‘’global’’ No 1 for Michael Jackson (5) 6. See 36 down 7. See 36 down 8. 1980 Xmas No 1: There’s No One Quite Like _______ (7) 14. Scottish peninsula named in 1977 Christmas number 1 by Wings (7) 15. His Levi’s all shook up? (5) 16. Rhapsody that hit the top at Christmas 1975 and 1991 (8) 19. Girls Aloud Xmas 2002 hit Sound Of The _______ ; the Tube (11) 21. See 26 across
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23. Not censored; complete (5) 24. Record company heavily involved in remix (1,1,1) 27. Houston who covered I Will Always Love You in 1992 No 1 hit (7)
29. 1976 Johnny Mathis Xmas No 1: When A ____ Is Born (5) 30. Return to the stage after the main show (6) 33. Green grass was from here in Tom Jones’s 1966 Xmas hit (4) 34. See picture clue 35. Anti X Factor, No 1 Xmas single by 28 across band: Killing In The ____ (4) 36, 7 & 6 down. Pop duo who hit No 1 at Xmas ’87 with Always on My Mind (3,4,4) The answers are on page 38. ****************************************************************** WIN A FANTASTIC DELYSIA CHRISTMAS HAMPER Kindly donated by Diane and John Day in support of Shanklin Theatre. JUST POP-IN IN THEIR SHOP TO BUY A TICKET. DELYSIA FARM SHOP Carpenters Road, Brading, Isle of Wight, PO36 0QA (next to OASIS)
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Ticket just £1 - Draw will take place on 23rd December.
A Message from our Volunteer eBay Seller – Des Wiltshire Hi Everyone, As we have just reached our 100th sale on eBay I thought I would provide a little update on eBay activities so far this year. To date our total sales have been £782.69 and after the cost of eBay fees, postage & packing materials have provided a profit of £547.23 for FOST funds. The generous donations by Vic and the family of John Hannam have provided a welcome boost to our sales this year. The donations by Vic have raised £92 in sales and by the family of John Hammon have raised £594 in sales with the remaining sales of £96 being FOST merchandise. Our 3 highest sales so far have been £20 for the Autobiography of The Seekers' lead singer Judith Durham, £15 for a signed theatre programme by Shirley Bassey and £15 for the signed autobiography of former SAS soldier Robin Horsfall. As well as the eBay sales itself, we have had thousands of views of our items and now have 10 eBayers following our listings (they receive a weekly email from eBay of our new listings). The sales have also produced 49 positive feedback with 100% satisfaction. The 49 feedback from 100 sales is above the expected feedback rate which is around 30% for most sellers. All eBay packages are sent out with flyers from the theatre and FOST Coffee & Chat flyers. We have so far had 12 repeat buyers of our items which is a good sign that buyers are happy with our service. Hopefully it will also have encouraged buyers to join FOST or buy theatre tickets. Around 85% of sales have been to the mainland, with 1 sale so far to Germany and the remainder to island residents. I hope this provides a little insight to the success of our eBay activities and will further encourage future donations to us of items we can offer for sale. If anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
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I would personally like to thank everyone who has helped out with this project and welcomed me to the FOST community. Kind Regards, Des. See here for all the items for sale on the Theatre’s eBay seller site: www.ebay.co.uk/usr/shanklintheatre-communitytrust
Landguard Road Co-op - Local Community Fund Cheque Presentation On the Friday 17th November, Shanklin Theatre Trustees, Chris Quirk and Michael Beston were delighted to attend the Co-op Landguard Road store to receive a cheque for the Shanklin Performing Arts Centre through the Local Community Fund. These funds are raised by Co-op members purchasing Co-op own brand products. The funds raised for the Arts Centre will help purchase much needed music and dance equipment to assist the many user groups and students that use our facility. We would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone that has shopped locally at Landguard Road Co-op and supported our cause. Our thanks also to the brilliant team at our local Co-op for working with us over the last year led by Samantha, Julie & Simon. The total sum raised for the Arts Centre by Co-op members was £2,024.71.
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www.shanklinperformingartscentre.co.uk www.shanklintheatreandcommunitytrust.co.uk
Gwyn Dawson’s – ‘A Quick (Christmas) Theatre Quiz’
The answers all begin with C. Have a lovely Christmas and don’t forget to book for the Panto. Good luck, Gwyn. The answers are on page 38.
1. What is the surname of Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol by Dickens?
2. What do Poles traditionally eat at Christmas? 3. What is the name of the angel in the film It’s a Wonderful Life? 4. Prince Albert is credited with introducing what to Britain in 1840? 5. The Traditional Carols from Kings come from which city? 6. According to the Twelve Days of Christmas, what did My True Love bring me on the 4th day? 7. What did baker, Tom Smith, invent in the 1840s? 8. What is the name of the opera by Rossini based on the story of Cinderella?
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9. What is the first line of The Christmas Song whose 2nd line is: Jack Frost Nipping On Your Nose? 10. Who had a best-selling album in 1971 called Tapestry?
FOST Patrons The FOST committee recognises the value of the support of our FOST Patrons and would like to express their gratitude by offering them additional benefits. Printed FOST ‘Stage-Write’ Newsletter - Patrons who normally receive ‘Stage-Write’ via email may choose to have a printed copy delivered to them. Patrons Social Evening A biennial event for FOST Patrons will be organised at the Theatre in recognition of their contribution. The FOST Patrons current list (dated 12/11/23) is: Sandra Elizabeth John
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Allen Ash
Jo
Everitt
Linda
McLinden
Patricia
Rodway
Sylvia
Fallows
Thomas
McLinden
Michael
Sayers
Finney OBE
Andy
Millmore
Rosemary
Sayers
Flux
Jason
Monk
Cherry
Scudder
Nicholas
Graham
Benson
Jacqueline
Christine
Benson
David
Frankling
Cilla
Morris
Doreen
Sheath
Ron
Bird
Peter
Gibson
Kay
Mottram
Shirley
Smallman
Alana
Bird
Caroline
Gibson
Michael
Murwill
Anthony
Amy
Bird
Sue
Godden
Wendy
Murwill
Peter
Stockman
David
Bird
Linda
Graham
Anthony
Needham
Tricia
Ruth
Bird
Tony
Hagan
Margaret
Newman
Victoria
Sztypuljak ThorntonField
John L
Brett
Christopher
Hardy
Bill
Nichols
Sue
Thurgood
Margaret
Bristow
Lorraine
Harley
Lizzy
Nichols
Roy
Trevatt
Elaine
Carter
Neil
Hedges
Marie
Nicholson
Jeremy
Turk
Debbie
Clement
Jim
Holland
Chris
O'Connell
Dorothy
Uren
Andrew
Corkish
Vivien
Howell
Susan
Osborne CBE
Sir Paul
Walker
Charlotte
Corkish
John
Hulse
Guy
Palin
Lady Annie
Walker
Geoffrey
Jackson
Janice
Palin
Rodney
Paul
Page
Aldridge
Coueslant
Smith
Walmsley
Maggie
Currie
Edgar
Jones
Phyllis
Payne
Diana
Ward
Kelvin
Currie
Lynn
Jones
Terry
Pearson
Ian
Ward
Pamela
Dana
Jennifer
Jones
Marilyn
Pearson
Sonja
Ward
Beryl
Daniels
Steven
Julians
Shirley
Peck
Ann
Ward
Lynda
Darby
Gwyneth
Kersey
Shani
Petter
Janet
Wardle
Larry
Darby
Fiona
Klein
Carol
Pointer
Anne
Watson
Martin
Darch
Geoff
Klein
David
Pointer
Heather
Whitchurch
Jean
Davies
Simon
Lacey
George
Powell
Maxine
White
Gwyn
Dawson
Anthony
Lewis
Leonora
Powell
Donna
White
Carole
Dennett
Josephine
Lewis
Julie
Riggott
Steve
White
Marilyn (Dr)
Dyason
Tim
Marshall
Jane
Robert
Kevin
Wilson
Brenda
Dyer
Nick
Mattocks
Jacqui
Robertson
Su
Michael
Ellis
Sarah
McCarthy-Fry
Robert
Robertson
Anthony
Wood
Isobel
Ellis
Pat
Alan
Rodway
Jan
Wood
McCree
Wompra
If you wish to upgrade your membership to Patron (£25/year or more), email: FOSTmembership@shanklintheatre.com
Come and join us for our festive December Coffee, Cake & Chat – Saturday 2nd of December 10am-1pm (note the extended time) at Shanklin Theatre. Members of the ‘Just Sing’ Choir will get us into the Christmas spirit. In addition to their excellent homemade cakes, our Catering team will provide mince pies and sausage rolls. Our souvenirs will make excellent stocking fillers for the Theatre enthusiasts. And of course, we are expecting a VIP visitor from Lapland! The Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival is back this year with many venues in and around Brighstone. The Friends of Shanklin Theatre’s tree will be displayed at the Calbourne Water Mill from the 1st to the 27th of December. Don’t miss it!
WELCOME TO OUR NEW FOST CORPORATE SPONSOR
Philip Jennings Electrical Contractors. Industrial, Commercial, and Domestic. NICEIC Approved. NICEIC Domestic Installation https://www.facebook.com/phil.100.percent/
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email: office@100-percent-electrical.co.uk Phone : 07929 193007
FOST Corporate Sponsors
FOST Corporate sponsors are businesses passionate about the Theatre who support it with their Corporate membership. In return, their company is advertised in our FOST website which is open to anyone and our FOST newsletter circulated to over 750 members from the Isle of Wight and beyond. Corporate membership is £100 a year.
DELYSIA FARMSHOP
Products at Delysia Farm are arguably as fresh as you can get with owner John Day catching, growing, smoking and preparing the vast majority of it himself. On display you will find freshly laid duck, goose and chicken eggs including rare Araucana eggs, handpicked fruit and vegetables mostly home grown; seasonal meats and game; plus John’s own freshly caught crab and lobster.
SHANKLIN JEWELLERS
11-13 Regent Street, Shanklin, PO37 7AF
Independent local jewellers Jewellery ,Watches , Gifts , Repairs & Antique Jewellery FOST Members can receive a 10% discount on all purchases over £10 excluding items that have been reduced and not on repair
THE VILLAGE INN
Independent family run free house Church Road, Shanklin PO37 6NU
Traditional thatched pub in the centre of Shanklin old village, serving real ales, good homemade food and locally caught crab and lobster in a warm and cosy atmosphere. Pretty enclosed courtyard garden to the rear. Live easy listening music from local talent
The Snowdon House
A Visit England – Silver Award 4-star guest house situated just some 100 metres away from the spectacular cliff walk and views of Sandown Bay. Sally & Michael Beston – Resident proprietors since 2001. http://www.thesnowdonhotel.co.uk/
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RON BIRD & SON offer a high quality and affordable piano tuning service across the Isle of Wight and Southern England. https://www.ronbirdandson.com/
TLDESIGNWORKS is an Isle of Wight based web
design & development company with a mixed portfolio of Island centric websites and mainland websites. https://www.tldesignworks.co.uk/
JANE OLIVER Educational Consultant, can assist schools with all aspects of behaviour management, based on sound practical experience and theoretical knowledge. Contact details and services can be found on this website: http://www.janecoliver.co.uk/
THE CLIFTON Brimming with coastal charm, this oasis of
calm is perched perfectly on Shanklin's clifftop, it's the home from home where you can make yourself comfortable in one of 15 individually designed bedrooms. https://www.thecliftonshanklin.co.uk/
Shanklin Theatre provides a great home for FIRST ACT Theatre Group (a theatre group for people with learning disabilities). https://www.facebook.com/FirstAct2011/
ISLAND WEBSERVICES is an Isle of Wight
based web design and hosting company. We make search engine friendly, quick to load web sites that are accessible and easy to use on all devices. https://www.islandwebservices.co.uk/
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When you join as a Corporate sponsor, you have the same benefits as Members, Patrons and in addition, your business gets advertised on every page of our website and our quarterly newsletter ‘Stage-Write’. Currently the Corporate membership is £100 - If you wish to join as a Corporate Sponsor click here: Join Now or go to: www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk/support-us/corporate-sponsor.php
The Exchange Walks – By Jacqui Robertson On the 9th of October, in brilliant sunshine, FOST volunteers Heather Whitchurch and I guided two walks as part of the Visit Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival with the help of Sarah, Sammantha, Doreen and Chris. One group started from Sandown Pier and the other from Shanklin Theatre and they met en route. The aim of these walks was to re-enact a little piece of Theatre history. Following the end of WW2, productions at Shanklin Theatre and Sandown Pavilion resumed. As both theatres were owned by the IW Council, on Sundays the same show or act would be staged at both venues on the same day (matinee & evening performances). Artistes travelled by taxi during the intervals, stopping to exchange views about the audience usually at the bottom of Lake Hill. Walkers from each group were given a photo of an artist who did perform at both Shanklin and Sandown theatre. When the groups met, each walker had to find the walker from the other group who had a matching photo. After this brief encounter, each group continue their journey. At Shanklin Theatre, each group was offered refreshments provided by our Catering team and a brief talk in the auditorium given by Tony Needham, one of our volunteer tour guides. Donations and profit from the refreshments raised £256.
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Many thanks goes to the Catering team, Tony Needham, Heather Whitchurch, Chris Turner, Doreen Sheath, Sarah Bucher-Jones and Sammantha Cave
Grand Prize Draw Winners – 2nd September 2023
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The Draw took place in the theatre in the presence of FOST committee members
1st
Miss C Kay
£500
London
4437
2nd
Joyce Mears
£200
Ventnor
1316
3rd
Mrs S Powder
£100
Shanklin
2338
4th
Susan Whalley
£75
Carisbrooke
0583
5th
Valerie Wright
£75
York
2282
6th
Jay Kay
£50
Donated to the Theatre
3879
7th
Elaine Lloyd
£50
Port Talbot
3073
Prize draw tickets are £1 each and available to purchase during evening shows in the auditorium, at the Box Office when open, at the monthly Coffee Cake and Chat and at some external events attended by FOST
Wildlife Talk at Shanklin Theatre Coffee, Cake and Chat 4th November 2023 In spite of the blustery weather, the very interesting talk given by David Thomas from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust was very well attended. If you wish to know more about the current projects of the Trust on the Island, follow this link: https://www.hiwwt.org.uk/team-wilder Many thanks to the Catering team for the lovely selection of cakes, Viv and Alec for looking after the Souvenirs stall and Rob for helping with the setup of the Bar area and the Map room as well as resetting them in readiness for the Sarah Millican's show in the afternoon. Jacqui Robertson.
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The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) is one of 46 Wildlife Trusts, all standing up for the natural world. Together the HIWWT are the nation’s most active and influential nature conservation partnership, protecting wildlife in every part of the British Isles. Each Trust works within its local community to inspire people and bring about change. With the invaluable support of volunteers and members, HIWWT manage over 60 nature reserves and work with other organisations and landowners to protect and connect wildlife sites across the county, inspiring local communities and young people to care for wildlife where they live.
Bucket Collection Report
Aug 2023 - £1090.42 - 16 shows Sept 2023 - £1232.88 - 12 shows Oct 2023 - £1039.29 - 15 shows August raised over £250 with music from tribute acts featuring The Carpenters, Elvis, Buddy Holly and BeeGees. The popular Pepperpot Players presented four shows of the detective spoof Murdered to Death, getting £180 in the buckets. Audiences enjoyed even more chart hits of Simon and Garfunkel, The Kinks, Prince, and Neil Diamond when over £325 was collected. Laughter was on the bill with Paul Zerdin Puppet Man, Simon Brodkin, Phil Wang and Sh!t-Faced Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, together drawing in over £160. TV presenter Fred Dinenage recounted stories of his personal interviews with the infamous Kray twins, and we made £83. The Savoyards’ six performances of Shrek the Musical raised over £335 and was a great hit with young and old. Spotlight’s Beyond the West End’s last show of the season on 12th October raised a fabulous £195. Panto Season is on the way (Oh yes, it is!), plus new and old shows you love to see.
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We look forward to seeing you during the festive season. Alana Bird
Exciting plans to upgrade The Shanklin Performing Arts Centre Plans are being submitted by the Shanklin Theatre and Community Trustees to upgrade the facilities at Shanklin Performing Arts Centre to include a bar, museum, and heritage space. When Shanklin Library was relocated from Victoria Avenue to Falcon Cross, the property was initially leased and subsequently purchased by the Trust to be used as a Performing Arts Centre. The project has been such a success that demand to use the facility now far outstrips the time slots available. Various user groups use the centre; the likes of keep fit classes, Pilates, ballet, burlesque, dance, and theatre groups, but the building is in a poor state of repair and requires substantial upgrades.
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The trust intends to submit a planning application to upgrade the facilities to include multi-purpose studios, a performing space with retractable seating, coffee shop/bar area, and a museum and heritage space to present and display the history of Shanklin.
The plans for the new facility include three dance and practice studios, storerooms, kitchen, and toilets on the lower floor. The ground floor will comprise of a performance stage and auditorium with a retractable seating system to accommodate 106 people, dressing room, toilets, bar, and a level floor foyer entrance which can be accessed from Victoria Avenue.
Two areas on the upper floor will accommodate large spaces for museum and heritage centres. The new building will also benefit from solar roof panels, generating electricity to power internal battery storage units, and a rain harvesting system to assist in the reduction of untreated storm water release into the sea. A public exhibition was held at the Centre on the afternoon of the 19th of November displaying our proposed plans. The exhibition was well attended with a number of the public coming in to view the plans and speak with us. The plans have gone through the preplanning application process with IW Council planning officers, and we have had a positive response to the plans from the Theatres Trust, a statutory consultee on planning matters relating to Theatres. The Trust is looking to formally submit the plans to the Isle of Wight Council planning dept in December.
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The proposed plans will be available to view on the IW Council’s planning applications page: www.iow.gov.uk or www.shanklinperformingartscentre.co.uk in due course. Above – Shanklin Theatre and Community Trustees, Chris Quirk and Michael Beston with Joe Robertson who came along to view the plans
Grand Prize Draw Winners – 4th November 2023 The Draw took place in the theatre in the presence of FOST committee members
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Prize draw tickets are £1 each and available to purchase during evening shows in the auditorium, at the Box Office when open, at the monthly Coffee Cake and Chat and at some external events attended by FOST 1st
Rosie Holmes
£500
Shanklin
3681
2nd
Mr S Dixey
£200
Bicester
2523
3rd
Mr M White
£100
Lake
0726
4th
Mr Peter Ryley
£75
Freshwater
1045
5th
Mrs Linda Mayne
£75
Burton-onTrent
3001
6th
Mrs C Horton
£50
Cirencester
3279
7th
Mr Gregg Dixon
£50
Ryde
3375
Shanklin Remembrance Service 2023 The Ceremony of Remembrance at the Shanklin War Memorial Garden on Sunday 12th November was very well attended and conducted with due reverence and solemnity by Reverend Tony Richards. Theatre volunteer, Christine Harris laid a specially handmade wreath of remembrance on behalf of Shanklin Theatre. Shanklin Theatre and Community Trustees, Michael Beston and Chris Quirk laid wreaths on behalf of Shanklin Town Council. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all that attended the service and thank everyone who was involved in making the morning such a poignant and memorable event.
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.”
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The Kohima Epitaph “When you go home, tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow, we gave our today.”
CHRISTMAS IS AROUND THE CORNER! Here are some ideas for your Christmas presents Theatre Gift Vouchers Online or at the Box office Available in £5/£10/£20/£30/£40/£50 Valid for 5 years
A Theatre Seat Plaque For someone special celebrating a life event, a birthday, wedding, anniversary, retirement or even the birth of a baby. Online or at the Box office From £100 for 10 years
A Theatre Tour Ticket 2024 dates are now available Online or at the Box office £10/person
Theatre Collectors’ Items Programmes/Flyers/Signed Books On eBay
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ebay.co.uk/usr/shanklintheatre-communitytrust
Theatre Souvenirs Theatre jigsaw puzzle/Theatre history booklets/Theatre mugs and many more. Available at our next 2 Coffee, Cake and Chats or at the Box office Theatre Christmas Cards at our next 2 Coffee, Cake and Chats or at the Box office 4 per pack/£2
Christmas Crossword Answers
ACROSS 1. Mistletoe 9. Another 10. Band Aid 11. Dates 12. Pink 13. Burke 16. Boney M 17. Hello 18. Au 20. Young 22. House 25. Wine 26. Jimmy 28. Machine 29. Can We Fix 30. East 17 31. Inn 32. It 33. Hand 34. Renato 37. Bono 38. Dream 39. Ed 40. 2 Become 1 DOWN 1. Mr Blobby 2. Sender 3. League 4. Toddy 5. Earth 6. Boys 7. Shop 8. Grandma 14. Kintyre 15. Elvis 16. Bohemian 19. Underground 21. Osmond 23. Uncut 24. EMI 27. Whitney 29. Child 33. Home 34. Rolo 35. Name 36. Pet ******************************************************************
Gwyn’s – ‘A Quick (Christmas) Theatre Quiz’ answers
1. Cratchit 2. Carp 3. Clarence 4. The Christmas Tree 5. Cambridge 6. (Four) Calling Birds 7. Crackers 8. La Cenerentola
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9. Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire 10. Carole King
Friends of Shanklin Theatre – FOST Organisational Structure
FOST Executive Committee:
Chairman (acting) – Vic Farrow Fund Raising Officer – Veronica Bingham Membership Secretary – Christine McCarthy Policy & Support – Michael Beston Promotional Officer – Jacqui Robertson Secretary – Liz Hinkes Treasurer – Peter Frankling Volunteer Liaison Officer – Suzie Thurgood
Contact: FOSTpromotion@shanklintheatre.com
Stage-Write magazine, published by the Friends of Shanklin Theatre. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of Stage-Write magazine, the publishers do not accept any liability or provide any guarantee that the information is accurate, complete, or up to date.
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The publisher and its contributors have used their best efforts in preparing these pages and this publication, but make no warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, with regard to the information supplied. Editor: Michael Beston, December 2023
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