Stage Write June 2019

THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FROM THE FRIENDS OF SHANKLIN THEATRE June 2019

2019 STAGE-WRITE

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Chairman’s Foreword Welcome to our new edition of Stage-write, packed with lots of news and information from the last few months. Training is taking priority at the moment, and we have had two sessions of defibrillator training. To help with refresher training, FOST has purchased a Powerheart GS AED training device for practising on. As we have increased the shows we put on over the year, so the increase in medical incidents has grown. With the first aid training we give on a regular basis, we are able to better handle these situations. The FOST Annual General Meeting was held on the 29th April.

The attendance was good, which enabled us to make a small change to the constitution. We were very pleased to report that we spent over £40,000 on projects at the theatre, which was just about what we had received in donations and fund raising. This has left us with an operating amount of approx. £6,000 for the year. Our draw ticket sellers are already doing a great job, raising money at each show we put on. The evening was completed by a talk from Andrew Jenner on his career in the theatre, illustrated with four stunning costumes, one of which was from the Savoyards’ production of My Fair Lady.

Our next event was the Patrons’ Evening on 7th May. We had invited our Patrons and Corporate members to an evening of entertainment. Starting with the presentation of the old Shanklin Charters, which have been placed in the old Shanklin Council Room, we then went downstairs to the bar and map room for a lovely buffet prepared by our own catering team. Mr Ray Allen then gave a talk on his life as a script writer, his most famous being Some Mothers Do Have ‘Em. Needless to say he had us all in stitches with his stories! Roger Coleman then gave a short talk on his role as Bookings Manager, and the sort of things he has to do. We finished with the unveiling of a list of Patrons, which you can now see on the wall of the bar downstairs. The evening was a great success, enjoyed by us all.

We now have the summer to look forward to, with all kinds of shows to enjoy, and not forgetting the FOST Garden Party on 9 th June. Tickets for this are on sale in the box office. Janet Wardle.

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A Message from the Editor

Thank you for reading our June edition of the ‘Stage Write’ magazine. I hope you find the content interesting, useful and informative.

Further on in this edition, you can read details about our very successful and well attended inaugural FOST Patrons’ Evening.

I must also thank Janet Wardle, Jacqui Robertson, our Catering Volunteers and all involved for all the hard organisational work to make the evening a tremendous success. I look forward to our next one in 2021.

Look out also for Matt Day’s superb quarterly Stage Write Crossword, latest news on FOST discounted shows, our Bucket Fund collection update and read about our successful ‘Coast to Country’ Walks and ‘Walk the Wight’ 2019.

My daughter Adele and I were delighted to ‘Walk the Wight’ this year from Carisbrooke to Freshwater Bay covering some 9.3 miles. To meet and talk with old friends and make new friends was superb. The view of walk the ‘Wighters’ across Freshwater Bay leading up to Tennyson Down on the day was simply breathtaking and inspirational!

May I wish you a very good and sunny summer season, I look forward to seeing you again very soon at Shanklin Theatre.

Best regards, Michael.

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. Michael Beston.

Editor for Stage Write magazine, June 2019.

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FOST GARDEN PARTY - Sunday 9th June 2pm-4.30pm

The 2019 FOST Annual Garden Party is being held at the Clifton Hotel, 1 Queen's Rd, Shanklin PO37 6AN. The FOST Garden Party is open to FOST Members and their friends. Following last year’s success, we are returning to the Clifton Hotel.

Cream tea, sandwiches, sausage rolls and cakes will be on the menu.

A table magician will come to entertain you. A quiz will keep you on your toes. The hotel bar will be open. But hurry! Places are limited.

Tickets are ÂŁ10 and are available to purchase from the Box Office. www.thecliftonshanklin.co.uk www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk

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June Stage Write Crossword Prepared and written by Matt Day Answers on page 19.

The Sign of Four.

A celebrated piece of work and those responsible for it are to be entered at 27 and 28 across. To eliminate any doubt the shaded squares will help out. The game is afoot!

Good luck. Matt.

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ACROSS 1. Picture clue B (7,4) 6. See 13 down 8 & 9. He starred in A Victorian Christmas with Susan Jameson (6,6) 9. See 8 across 11. Four ex-decorators, now a hit vocal harmony group (9) 14. Have; possess (3) 15. Planes race back stowing gunners (7) 16. Surname shared by actors Michael, Martin and Charlie (5) 19. Put on at theatre (6) 22. A doll's house, perhaps - and what you might do with it? (4) 23. Move camera towards Christmas show (5) 24. Came together only partially united (3) 27. See intro (12) 28. See intro (3) 29. Picture clue C (6,5)

DOWN 1. ________ Housewives (8) 2. Surname of picture clue A (5) 3. Slow down! (3,2,4) 4. See 18 down 5. Trendy joint (3) 6. A feeling of respect mixed with wonder (3) 6|Page

7. Eagles tribute band (5) 10 & 12. Co-star of 8 and 9 across in the film Tommy (6,4) 12. See 10 down 13 & 6ac. Comedy musical starts ice breaking (6,3) 17. Island _________, musical theatre group (9) 18 & 4d. Oti Mabuse's dance partner on her 2017 tour (3,5) 20. First name of famous singer touring with Russell Watson (4) 21. Danny who talks... nineteen to his dozen (5) 22. See 24 down 24 & 22d. I'll mop water up leaving a drenched singer (5,6) 25. A romantic rendezvous (5) 26. Part of stage extending beyond arch and into audience (5) 27. Rock band briefly influenced by Queen, U2 and Oasis from the start (3) ********************************************************************* Grand Prize Draw Winners 4th May 2019 The Draw took place in the Bar area under the full scrutiny of our FOST Committee.

1st

Mrs G Hall

£400

0998

2nd

Mrs S Burnage

£100

1686

3rd

Mrs S Hare

£100

0148

4th

Carol Watson

£75

0395

5th

Daniel Parkman

£75

0540

6th

Miss E Hurley

£50

1358

7th

Raymonde Bond

£50

0968

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2019 Isle of Wight Walking Festival

The 2019 Isle of Wight Walking Festival took place on the 4th to the 19th May. There were around 100 walks to choose from across the two week period – from short to long, flat to hilly, beaches to forests and everything in between. With over 50% of walks being new this year.

Our Membership Secretary, Jacqui Robertson, decided that it was time to include Shanklin Theatre on the Walking Festival calendar.

After considerable hard work and extensive research by Jacqui, the new ‘Shanklin Coast to Country’ walk was born and scheduled to take place on the 6th and 19th May. Both the guided walks were narrated at specific points to highlight volunteer work and key historic facts. Starting at Shanklin Railway Station then heading towards Shanklin Esplanade taking in the historic Summer Arcade, Pier Apron, Spa Hotel site, Cliff Lift and Keats Green.

The walks then continued on to The Chine, War Memorial Gardens and Shanklin Library ending at Batts Copse and Sibden Hill Nature Reserve. Brief historic talks were given to 55 keen walkers and a lovely black Labrador! Two of our guest walkers were from Ontario in 8|Page

Canada, and two from the USA. A refreshment stop also took place at Shanklin Theatre where a brief talk was given about its history by Rob Robertson. Homemade cakes and hot and cold soft drinks were provided for all taking part in the inaugural Shanklin walk, raising over ÂŁ120.00 in donations from very satisfied walkers.

Left: Rob Robertson

giving his theatre talk.

Our thanks go to all our volunteers: Jacqui Robertson, Robert Robertson, Heather Whitchurch, Maureen Jones, Gillian & Colin Maskell, Wendy Bliss, Jean Osmond, Matt Day, Roger Coleman and all the walkers who made the events a great success.

Special thanks also to Lesley Kast, Annie O'Neill and the catering team for the lovely homemade cake, tea & coffee.

We are already planning our walks for next year’s 2020 IOW Walking Festival, we hope you can join us again.

Michael Beston.

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Above: Jacqui Robertson giving a brief talk on the history of Shanklin Pier and the Spa Hotel site.

Valerie Collins, ‘THE EXPERIENCED TRAVELLER’ blog and travel writer got in touch with us and expressed an interest in ‘trying out’ the new walks with Jacqui and her husband Rob. After they completed the walks, Valerie went on to write about her experience on the ‘Shanklin Coast to Country’ walk in her travel blog. https://experiencedtrav eller.com/journal/201904-07-the-isle-of-wightwalking-festival-and-afeatured-walk “As someone who recently fell under the spell of this wonderful island I was delighted when I was offered the chance to try two walks featured in the festival programme.”

Link to blog above.

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Congratulations to everyone for talking part in, and contributing to ‘Walk the Wight’ on Sunday 12th May 2019. More than 1,100 walkers signed up on the day, taking the overall total to more than 8,000 in Mountbatten’s flagship fundraiser and the largest throughout the Walking Festival.

The event was first started in spring 1991, when two members of staff from an Island company, who both enjoyed early morning walks arranged for a few friends and family members to walk from one side of the island to the other.

The principal aim of the walk was to encourage other like-minded people to appreciate the scenery of the island. This developed into the idea that walkers could be sponsored to raise money for charity.

It started off raising money for the island's own MRI scanner as an appeal had been launched. It then raised money both for a new CTI scanner and the then called ‘Earl Mountbatten Hospice’. Once the scanner appeal was complete and because of the large amount of help and support given by staff and friends, it was decided to support Mountbatten which it continues to do so today.

Above: Friends of Shanklin Theatre - Denise & Keith Crane.

A number of our dedicated Friends, Patrons and Volunteers also walked on the day from either Bembridge or Carisbrooke Castle, to Freshwater or the Needles. Mountbatten CEO, Nigel Hartley, said, ‘The support was extraordinary and the stories of courage and determination were both humbling and inspirational.’

Right: FOST Patrons - Jean Osmond & Wendy Bliss.

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The Overtones make their Debut Performance at Shanklin Theatre – 4th May 2019

The Overtones had announced that Lockie Chapman would be leaving the vocal harmony group following their concert on the Isle of Wight on May 4th at Shanklin Theatre.

Speaking about this development The Overtones said “We have achieved so much together over the last nine years and have built the most special of bonds with each other that will last forever. We wish our dear friend and brother Lockie all the best for his future endeavours. He is a true entertainer and, from singing to acting, he will continue to entertain.

Above: The Overtones make their Shanklin Theatre Debut. Pictured here with Our Prize Draw Coordinator Volunteer; Wendy Bliss.

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The Friends of Shanklin Theatre Patrons Evening 2019

On the 7th May 2019, the Friends of Shanklin Theatre committee held its very first Patrons’ evening at Shanklin Theatre.

47 patrons, corporate members, guests and speakers were in attendance. FOST patrons voluntary choose to donate more than the standard subscription. The FOST committee gratefully recognises the value of their support and, by organising this event, would like to express gratitude for their generosity and loyalty.

The event has brought together people with the same theatre interest who will become our theatre ambassadors and help nurture a new social network.

The evening commenced in the room known as the ‘Mayor’s Parlour’ for reception drinks and nibbles. A display of historic signed theatre show posters, collated by Debbie Clements, volunteer scrap booker were available for viewing.

FOST chairman, Janet Wardle, then gave a brief introduction to the evening. Following this, Anne Springman, Lady of Shanklin Manor, officially handed over the framed Popham Scrolls dating back from 1872 to chairman of the Shanklin Theatre and Community Trust, Chris Quirk. This took place in the room known as the ‘Council Chambers’.

After retiring downstairs to the theatre’s ‘Map Room’, a savoury 13 | P a g e

buffet was presented to our guests by our volunteer catering team.

Our guest speaker and patron of Shanklin Theatre, Ray Allen, gave an interesting talk with humorous anecdotes about his life and experiences of being a successful TV comedy writer.

The current list of FOST patrons was then unveiled in the Bar by Janet Wardle.

Shanklin Theatre bookings manager, Roger Coleman gave a short talk on the recent improvement work undertaken at the theatre along with an update on future acts and shows for 2019 and beyond.

To conclude the evening, Michael Beston, FOST vice chairman and FOST publicity,

gave an update on the renewal of the seat plaques and the new plaque design initiative.

The evening ended at 8.30pm.

The FOST committee would like to personally thank everyone who is, or has been involved in supporting Shanklin Theatre, without your continued help and involvement, we would not have our cherished and beloved local theatre. Thank you again. .

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Here are a couple of comments from our Patrons on the night; ‘Dear All. Thank you very much for last night, it was a lovely evening.

The talks were interesting and the buffet was delicious. Thank you for all your hard work in keeping our lovely Theatre open and thriving.

Kind regards Lorraine Harley.’

‘Dear Janet, Michael and Jacqui.

What a fabulous evening you organised. Really special and memorable, thank you so much.

Best wishes, Paul Coueslant.’

Right; Our Patrons gather in the ‘Mayor’s Parlour’. ********************************************************************************

The next Coffee, Cake & Chat will Take Place on -

Saturday 1st June 10am-12noon. Come along to have a chat about the theatre and volunteering whilst enjoying lovely homemade cakes. Bring a friend.

If you need to buy or collect any theatre tickets or vouchers, the Box Office will be open.

More details on the Friends here: www.friendsofshanklin theatre.co.uk/events/

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SHOWS WITH FOST DISCOUNTS

Conditions of booking   

FOST members - non volunteers: 1 ticket per member FOST members - volunteers: up to 2 tickets per member FOST tickets can’t be purchased online – purchase can be done by phone or in person at the Box Office FOST membership can be renewed or bought either in person at the Box Office or by phone (01983 868000) during Box Office opening hours

BEYOND THE WEST END All shows at 8.15pm Thu02May Thu09May Thu16May Thu23May Thu30May Thu06Jun Thu13Jun Thu20Jun Thu27Jun

Thu04Jul Thu11Jul Thu18Jul Thu25Jul Thu01Aug Thu08Aug Thu15Aug Thu22Aug Thu29Aug

Wed04Sep Thu05Sep Wed11Sep Thu12Sep Wed18Sep Thu19Sep Wed25Sep Thu26Sep Thu03Oct

Adult ticket: £18.50; Concession: £17.50; U16: £12.50 FOST tickets: £14.50 (not row F)

Marc Robinson and The Counterfeit CricketsTribute to Buddy Holly Wednesday 17th July at 7.30pm Normal ticket: £19.00 FOST: £17.00

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Forever in Blue Jeans Sat 20th July at 7.30pm Normal ticket: £20 Concession & FOST:£19.00

Jive Talkin’ Saturday 3rd August at 7.30pm Normal ticket: £23 Concession & FOST:£19.00

Jimmy Jemain - Wired for Sound Tuesday 6th August at 7.30pm Normal Ticket: £17.50 FOST: £16.00

Nocturne – The Romantic Life of Frederic Chopin Sunday 15th September 2019 at 7pm Tickets £27.50

FOST £25

Blackeyed Theatre Presents Jane Eyre Tuesday 15th October at 7.30pm Wednesday 16th October at 2.30pm Wednesday 16th October at 7.30pm Normal ticket: £21 FOST ticket: £18

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Oh Goody! An Audience with Tim Brooke-Taylor Sunday 10th November at 3pm Normal ticket: £18.50 FOST ticket: £17.50

English Eccentrics - with James Bolam and Susan Jameson Sunday 17th November at 3pm Normal ticket: £18.50 FOST ticket: £17.50

Spotlight (IOW) Ltd presents Aladdin

Adult ticket: £18.50 Under 16’s: £14 FOST ticket: £14.00

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Stage Write Crossword Answers

ACROSS 1.Henning Wehn 6.Act 8.Robert 9.Powell 11.Overtones 14.Own 15.Arsenal 16.Sheen 19.Staged 22.Play 23.Panto 24.Met 29.Milton Jones

DOWN 1. Hormonal 2.Noble 3.Not so fast 4.Waite 5.Hip 6.Awe 7.Talon 10.Oliver 12.Reed 13.Sister 17.Savoyards 18.Ian 20.Aled 21.Baker 22.Pellow 24.Marti 25.Tryst 26.Apron 27.Quo ********************************************************************* April FOST Members’ Draw Winners: Colin

Nigh

1128

Ellen

Robinson 1177

Peter

Lloyd

1565

Each won a £10 Theatre voucher We also received this lovely message from Ellen Robinson: ‘Thank you so much for dropping the voucher through my door.

Sorry I missed you. What a lovely surprise today!

I'm already booked to see the overtones this Saturday (my favourite boy band!) And I shall look forward to spending my voucher to see another show later on ... happy bunny! Thanks again!’

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2019 AGM Bucket Collection Report Year ending March 2019: Total Income for the year - £17,137.55 Total 162 shows.

Top months 2018/19: July - £2,225.99 August - £2,284.33.

December - £2,453.14.

Bucket Collection Report 2019 February! - £261.85! - 4 shows March! - £661.32! - 8 shows! Total £2256.43 April!! - £1333.26! - 12 shows Our spring programme had something for everyone in its 24 shows: Drama, Music Hall, Comedy, Music - pop, classical and musical theatre Tribute Acts, Irish Dance, Name Artistes and our local amateur groups.

Shanklin Theatre was once again the venue for the Isle of Wight Music, Dance and Drama Festival, giving the opportunity for Island and Mainland performers to compete in competition and start on the road to a career in show business.

Elkie Brooks unfortunately had to cancel her show on the 30th March as she was unwell, but we look forward to her rebooking.

The Summer Brochure is out now and the season opened on 2nd May with a brand new Spotlight Show, Beyond the West End, for 2019.

Don’t forget the money you put into our buckets is used on your behalf to ensure this wonderful theatre continues to grow.

Alana Bird.

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FOST PATRONS The FOST committee recognises the value of FOST Patrons’ support and would like to express their gratitude by offering you 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 first of these events took place on Tuesday 7th May 2019.

The current list (dated 15/05/19) of FOST Patrons is: Elizabeth Shirley John Christine Graham Alana Amy

Allen Armstrong Ash

David Ron Ruth Wendy John L Den Debbie Roy

Bird Bird Bird Bliss

Paul Connie Kelvin Maggie Larry Lynda Martin

Coueslant

Jean Isobel Michael Jo Jacqueline David

Davies Ellis Ellis Everitt Flux

Benson Benson Bird Bird

Brett Clare Clement Coleman

Cowley Currie Currie Darby Darby Darch

Frankling

Sue Tony Christopher Lorraine Neil Jim Les

Godden Hagan

Pointer Powell

Harley Hedges Holland Honey

David George Leonora Julie Robert Alan Patricia

Sandra Vivien Lynn Tim Nick Pat Angela Cilla

Honey Howell Jones Marshall Mattocks McCree Moorman Morris

Leslie Michael Rosemary Doreen Peter Tricia Ann Jeremy

Rogers Sayers Sayers Sheath Stockman

Kay Michael Anthony Doreen Margaret Bill Lizzy

Mottram Murwill

Rodney Ian Janet Anne Heather Donna Maxine

Walmsley Ward Wardle Watson Whitchurch

Chris Jean Guy Janice Shirley Carol

O'Connell Osmond Palin Palin Peck Pointer

Steve John Kevin Anthony Jan

White

Hardy

Needham Needham Newman Nichols Nichols

Powell Riggott Robertson Rodway Rodway

Stypuljak Thwaites Turk

White White Williams Wilson Wood Wood

If you wish to upgrade your membership to Patron (£25/year or more) just contact Jacqui Robertson, FOST Membership Secretary, email: FOSTmembership@shanklintheatre.com 21 | P a g e

FOST CORPORATE MEMBERS FOST Corporate members are businesses passionate about the theatre and 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 600 members from the Isle of Wight and beyond. Corporate membership is ÂŁ100 a year and entitles the named person to all the FOST benefits Snowdon House The Snowdon is a Silver Award, 4 stars guest house situated just some 100 metres away from the spectacular cliff walk and views of Sandown Bay.

Ron Bird and Son RON BIRD & SON are a family business based in the Isle of Wight providing piano tuning and technical services to customers across the Isle of Wight and UK. Island Web Services 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.

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.

Jane Oliver Educational Consultant I can assist schools with all aspects of behaviour management, based on sound practical experience and theoretical knowledge.

First Act Theatre Group Shanklin Theatre provides a great home for First Act Theatre Group (a theatre group for people with learning disabilities).

Websites by tldesignworks Isle of Wight based website design and hosting. Using the latest web standards and techniques to produce beautiful and practical websites to work on all devices from your desk to your mobile phone.

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Friends of Shanklin Theatre - FOST - Organisational Structure FOST Committee: Chairman – Janet Wardle. FOSTchairman@shanklintheatre.com Secretary – Suzie Thurgood FOSTsecretary@shanklintheatre.com Vice Chair – Michael Beston.

FOSTvicechair@shanklintheatre.com Treasurer – Peter Frankling. FOSTtreasurer@shanklintheatre.com Membership – Jacqui Robertson. FOSTmembership@shanklintheatre.com Alana Bird – Vivien Howell – Roy Coleman – Lesley Kast - Annie O’Neill Phil Kelly.

Department Supervisors & Co-ordinators: Front of House Manager – Peter Frankling. Deputy Manager – Phil Kelly Box Office Managers – Sally Sibley / Janet Wardle Maintenance Manager – Neil Reader. Housekeeping – Shirley Hughes Administration – Jacqui Robertson. Bar Sales – Dave Pointer / Brian Platt IT Support – Rob Robertson. Catering – Lesley Kast Volunteer Co-ordinator – Neil Hedges.

Volunteer Support – Phil Kelly. Welfare - Cilla Morris Fundraising – Alana Bird / Wendy Bliss Publicity & Social Media - Michael Beston / Matt Day. Brochure Distribution – Liz Hinkes. Promotional Events – Vivien Howell Archivists – Debbie Clement / Derek Stephens 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. 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, June 2019.

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