Stage Write June 2023

STAGE-WRITE June 2023

The Quarterly Newsletter from the Friends of Shanklin Theatre

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Chairman’s Foreword

A very warm welcome to the June edition of Stage Write. I hope you find it informative and entertaining.

Due to other commitments, Michael Beston has stepped down as FOST chairman, although he will still be very much involved with the theatre in other roles.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Michael for his hard work over the last year and also for his support for me as vice-chairman.

I am delighted to say I have been selected to follow in his footsteps as chairman and hopefully continue his good work. I hope I can do justice to the role, for the sake of the theatre and all our friends and volunteers.

Take a look through the list and find what you would like to see, and if you’re not sure, our wonderful box office team are there to help you.

The next few months we have some great shows for you. Bands taking you through several decades of music, from Buddy Holly, The Manfreds, to Jive Talking performing the Bee Gees songs. Calendar Girls the Musical, the Pepperpot Players present Murdered to Death.

Comedy - the very best of Tommy Cooper, and the amazing Tim Vine. But not forgetting Beyond The West End. Spotlight have done it again! Another great show running through the summer, every Thursday evening.

Apart from being FOST chairman, I am also a team leader for the ushers, so I am there for most of the shows. I look forward to meeting you all at our shows over the coming months and hearing your views on the theatre and the shows. Your feedback helps us plan for the future.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Regards and very best wishes to you all. Lionel.

A Message From The Editor

I am, as always, delighted to present to you the latest edition of the Stage Write magazine.

Thanks to all our contributors, we have 40 pages (our biggest since 2016) for you to read and enjoy.

FOST AGM – 22nd May 2023.

May I congratulate and welcome, our new FOST Chairman, Lionel Whitehead. Lionel is a valuable asset to the FOST Committee team, and I know he will go on to be a very good and reliable chairman. I would also like to thank my FOST committee colleagues for their support, commitment and assistance over the last 12 months, thank you!

In this bumper edition, you can read about our visit from the Shademakers UK, one of the leading carnival arts companies in Europe at our April Coffee, Cake and Chat morning. A maintenance team update and report of the dressing room refurbishment by Neil Reader in ‘Billie’s Blog’. Gwyn’s ‘Quick Quiz’, Matt Day’s ‘Summer Crossword’, ‘That’ll Be The Day’ 50th Anniversary Tours and film set history.

Also included are updates on the Bucket Fund collection and the refurbishment of the lower foyer Ladies’ WC facilities among other informative articles.

That just leaves me to wish you all an enjoyable and long summer and I look forward to presenting the next edition of Stage Write in the Autumn.

Kind regards, Michael.

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 June 2023 Stage Write magazine. This magazine was printed by the NHS Printing Services. Newport - Isle of Wight.

DON’T MISS OUT ON SHOWS WITH FOST DISCOUNTS!

1 FOST member can book up to 4 tickets at FOST price

FOST tickets can’t be purchased online – purchase can be done by phoning the Box Office (01983 868000) or in person

FOST Membership can be renewed or bought on day of purchase by phoning the Box Office (01983 868000)

All shows performed at the Theatre can be found on the What’s On Page of the Theatre Website: WWW.SHANKLINTHEATRE.COM

Beyond The West End Performances are at 8.15pm every Thursday from 4th May until 12th October except 1st June

Tickets: £19.50 FOST & Blue Light: £16.50

Concession: £17.50

Under 16: £16.50

Coldplace

Saturday 1st July 2023 at 7.30pm

Adult: £25.50

Concession: £23.50 FOST: £23.50

Included £1 booking fee

The Very Best of Tommy Cooper

Sunday 16th July 2023 at 7.30pm

Adult: £21

Concession:£19 FOST: £19

Included £1 booking fee

Jive Talkin perform The Bee Gees

Friday 18th August 2023 at 7.30pm

Ticket: £24.50 FOST: £22

Included £1 booking fee

Sh!t Faced Shakespeare present Much Ado About Nothing

Wednesday 11th October 2023 at 7.30pm

Adult: £25

Concession:£22 FOST: £22

Included £1 booking fee

Classical Ballet and Opera House Presents Swan Lake

Tuesday 31st October at 7.30pm

Tickets: £37.00 FOST: £35.00

Ticket prices includes £1 booking fee

Ukrainian National Opera Presents Carmen

Thursday 1st February 2024 at 7.30pm

Tickets: £40.00 FOST: £37.00

Ticket prices includes £1 booking fee

Shanklin Hoteliers go on Tour of the Theatre

On the 18th of April, members of the Shanklin Hotel & Accommodation Association (SHAA) were taken on a guided tour of Shanklin Theatre. Ably led by our volunteer tour guides: Vivien Howell, Tony Needham and assisted by Jacqui Robertson. The group of hoteliers were shown on stage, other areas of the theatre and told interesting stories and amusing anecdotes of past visiting artists and performing acts.

"SHAA would like to give our thanks to The Friends of Shanklin Theatre (FOST) for giving their time and providing such an interesting tour of the theatre this afternoon."

Thanks also to Cherry Scudder and Fiona Klein from the catering team for providing the tea and coffee.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO EXPLORE BEHIND THE SCENES OF SHANKLIN THEATRE? ARE YOU FASCINATED BY ITS RICH HISTORY? JOIN US ON A PUBLIC TOUR OF THE THEATRE TO DISCOVER FACTS AND HEAR STORIES.

Above - Tour guides – Vivien Howell and Tony Needham (far left & right) with members of the Shanklin Hotel & Accommodation Association

Book online at: https://www.shanklintheatre.com/events.aspx or call the Box Office. The tour will start with a short history video before embarking on a journey of discovery.

There is a significant number of stairs on the tour and the Theatre is a working environment so, for operational reasons, each tour may vary. Number per tour will be limited to 12 and the tour will last approx. 1 hour. Suitable for children over 12 who must be accompanied by an adult.

Private group tours can be arranged by contacting the Box Office: 01983 868000

The Shanklin Hotel & Accommodation Association (SHAA) was first formed back in 1935, it is currently the only surviving accommodation association of its kind in the Isle of Wight.

The current committee members are made up of accommodation proprietors and all serve SHAA members on a voluntary basis.

SHAA holds monthly general members meetings from October to May every year with the Annual General Meeting being held during the month of January.

SHAA has developed the Visit Shanklin website in conjunction with Digital Eaze to help promote & advertise one of the most scenic and popular resorts in the Isle of Wight.

EVENT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Coffee, Cake and Chat at the Theatre Sat 3rd June 10am-noon

All Welcome – Bring a friend! Interested in volunteering? Just drop in!

Historic Map Room - Theatre History Video –Theatre Souvenirs

Buy or collect your show tickets at the Box Office

FOST Members’ Garden Party at the Clifton in award winning gardens

1 Queen’s Road, Shanklin, PO37 6AN Sunday 11th June 2-4pm

Cream Tea, Quiz, Raffle and Entertainment by -

Bertie Everson

who appeared as Sky Masterson in the Island Savoyards’ Production of Guys & Dolls in Oct 2022

Tickets: £10 available at the Box Office

If you wish to donate a prize for the Raffle, please drop it at the Box Office. Thank you!

Pam Ayres – LIVE at Shanklin Theatre 10th March 2023

Pam Ayres MBE has been making the nation laugh for almost five decades, and on the 10th of March she performed a selection of poems and stories, old and new, from her many books, including her latest, Pam Ayres on Animals, which was the UK’s bestselling poetry book of 2021.

Recent TV appearances include two series of The Cotswolds with Pam Ayres, for Channel 5, This Morning, Alan Titchmarsh, and Would I Lie To You.

Pam’s Radio career includes six series of Ayres On The Air, many appearances on Just A Minute, and she is honoured to have appeared twice on Desert Island Discs.

Shanklin Theatre Stage Manager, Chris Gardner and theatre chairman, Vic Farrow presented Pam with a bottle of the Island’s finest blue Mermaid Gin as she was returning to Shanklin Theatre after 11 years absence.

Vic went on to say: ‘The gin was a gift from Mermaid Gin Isle of Wight Distillery and consisted of a full bottle of their flagship original flavour. They also supplied three different flavour miniatures.

Further to this, a tasting of Mermaid products was held at the Theatre on the evening of Madama Butterfly. It was a successful event and it is hoped to be repeated later in the year.’

Image above: Left-right, Vic, Pam and Chris ‘Gaffer’ Gardner

Shanklin Theatre’s Voluntary Front of House Team

By Viv Howell

In any busy working theatre, a key role is played by the front of house (FOH) team. Shanklin Theatre is no exception. Our FOH management team oversees the selling of prize draw tickets, programmes, souvenirs, sweets and ices and of course the management of usherettes and ushers.

Without the usherettes and ushers, no show could go ahead; also, many are trained in administering First Aid.

All volunteers adhere to a code of conduct and are there to help and assist our visitors, making sure that everyone feels safe and welcome.

They also complete regular evacuation training sessions, and have on more than one occasion needed to put that into practice, safely evacuating a packed house of over 600 people out of the theatre in record time.

Volunteers also undergo Safeguarding and Fire Extinguisher training as well, including the box office and the bar volunteers. The FOH team have direct contact with the public, assisting customers with wheelchairs and walking aids, getting everyone to their correct seats, knowing what time the curtain comes down, finding a taxi number, mopping up spillages and of course directing customers to the bar and the toilets.

At the end of an evening you will see the ushers with black bags collecting all the refuse; no one goes home until the rubbish is sorted. Then finally our bucket fund collectors gratefully receive donations to the theatre upkeep and restoration fund as the audience leaves the building. We have approximately 60 FOH volunteers, with an age range from 20s to the 90s.

Image above of long service volunteer usherettes. Left-right, Jill Gontar, Cilla Morris, Viv Howell, Carol Pointer and Doreen Sheath.

A Quick Theatre Quiz – Created by Gwyn

Dawson

Answers are on page 39.

The answers to this arts-ish quiz all start with the letter ‘A’. Where the answer is a person, the A could be a first name, a surname or even both. Good luck.

1. Who played Hawkeye Pierce in the TV series M*A*S*H?

2. What are the first names of the As in ABBA? (Bragging rights if you know their surnames too!)

3. Anything You Can Do can be heard in which musical?

4. In which opera does the title character fall in love with Radames?

5. Who wrote the novel Brave New World?

6. What is the name of the Peter Schaffer play which tells of the rivalry between Mozart and Salieri?

7. Who played the butler, Mr Stevens, in the film The Remains of the Day?

8. Which sisters sang first sang Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree?

9. Who composed Appalachian Spring in 1944?

10. Which actor lifted the Strictly Glitterball in 2021?

Shademakers UK

We were delighted to have special guests Lily George & Joe Plumb visit us from Shademakers UK, one of the leading carnival arts companies in Europe based in Ryde at our Coffee, Cake & Chat morning on Saturday 29th April.

Shademakers are renowned for their work with kinetic structures, termed “Dancing Sculptures.”

A benchmark of their work is the high quality of design and execution. Shademakers have an extensive storage facility containing materials of every description and an extensive suppliers list to suit every costume build imaginable, with over 30 years of experience in costume design. Costumes are designed to perform in all weather conditions, whether night time illuminated or daytime reflective. Modern technological developments with

Above: Joe leading the ‘Queen’s Beasts procession along the Mall for the 2022 Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant

LED reflective material, hydraulic and kinetic engineered movement are employed in Shademakers work.

Image left: Local dance and performing group, DanceVibez led by Miss Ann Abe including Callum, Esme, Baylee, Cara-Mae, Wanda, Sam and Logan were also present at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in London last year. The Headdresses, sashes, body tabards and tassels were all created by the Shademakers UK.

Some of our volunteers had the opportunity to try on the incredibly detailed head masks. Note the detail of the eyes, which is a key part of producing a distinctive mask.

We sincerely thank Joe and Lily for spending the time to visit us and for bringing along the superb display of carnival head masks.

WWW.SHADEMAKERSUK.ORG

Image lower right: Joe & Lily from Shademakers UK

Volunteers Thankyou Evening

The annual Volunteers Thank You Evening took place on the 20th of February.

This event is an expression of our gratitude and recognition to our dedicated volunteer work force, without which the theatre would not be able to operate affectively.

We were delightfully entertained by the Newchurch Male Voice Choir who sang a selection of songs and harmonies, old and new. During the interlude, mother and daughter duo, Louise & India mesmerised us with their excellent performances playing the flute and singing.

After which, the 5 and 10 year long service badges were awarded to our volunteers. Our special thanks go to the Catering Team for the magnificent spread of sandwiches, quiche, dips and desserts. Thanks also to Vic Farrow for agreeing the reduced prices at the Bar for the evening.

Len Goodman

The ex-Strictly head judge, Len Goodman passed away in April. Len died at a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, surrounded by his family. He was 78.

Len featured on Strictly from its launch in 2004 until 2016 and proved popular with viewers for his wry humour and avuncular critiques.

As well as Strictly, he also appeared on the US version of the show, Dancing with the Stars from 2005 until 2022.

In November 2011, Len recorded video clips to be played during the Cinderella Pantomime show performances at Shanklin Theatre that year.

Panto director Jayne Morris (Derbyshire) said at the time: "We're hoping Len helps save the day and we can keep the theatre open."

He will appear on a video screen on stage judging a dance competition as part of the pantomime.

Len Goodman's son James, who lives on the island for part of the year, also appears in the show.

Ms Morris went on to say: "Len is a real supporter of the theatre. He was so generous with his time, it was lovely and it means a lot to us. The panto is the biggest show of the year, so it’s vital people support local theatre."

"It was always hard to attract celebrities to star in pantomimes on the island at Christmas and that the cast was made up entirely of island-based actors."

Our thoughts remain with Len’s family and friends at this sad time.

The Theatres Trust funds vital accessibility and sustainability projects at 19 theatres

Theatres Trust, the national advisory body for theatres, is awarding more than £93,000 from its Small Grants Programme supported by The Linbury Trust to 19 theatres to help them improve their sustainability, access and viability.

At Shanklin Theatre, we are delighted to announce that £5,000 has been awarded to us as part of the Small Grants Programme by the Linbury Trust & Theatres Trust.

This grant from Theatres Trust will complete phase one of the theatre’s project to expand the provision of female toilet facilities in the lower foyer bar. This will significantly increase the number of women's toilets, cutting queue times and providing a better audience experience.

We would like to thank other organisations for also contributing to our renovation project:

The Daisie Rich Trust, The Friends of Shanklin Theatre, Shanklin Town Council and The Shanklin Rotary Club.

The Theatres Trust is the national advisory public body for theatres. It believes that current and future generations should have access to good quality theatre buildings where they can be inspired by, and enjoy, live performance. It champions the future of live performance by protecting and supporting excellent theatre buildings which meet the needs of their communities.

It does this by providing advice on the design, planning, development and sustainability of theatres, campaigning on behalf of theatres old and new and offering financial assistance through grants.

www.theatrestrust.org.uk

The Linbury Trust is an independent grant-making Trust established by Lord Sainsbury and his wife Anya, Lady Sainsbury CBE. It funds compelling projects in the area of culture, environment, social and

community welfare; and also funds work benefiting young people, older people and overseas humanitarian aid. www.linburytrust.org.uk

Shanklin Theatre & Community Trust on eBay

A message from Des Wiltshire –FOST eBay seller

Do you sell items on eBay?

Would you like to help raise funds for Shanklin Theatre and Community Trust?

Donate 10% or more and your item will feature an attention-grabbing charity ribbon.

Plus, you reduce your seller fees. The PayPal Giving Fund will send your donation to your selected charity and will provide you with a donation receipt. eBay will also discount your Final Value Fees equal to the percentage you donated.

Use Charity Search to find "Shanklin Theatre and Community Trust", then look for “Donate a portion to charity” when you list your item.

Add your charity and pick your donation percentage before finalising your listing.

You can also see the items that the Friends of Shanklin Theatre have on sale on eBay here https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/shanklintheatrecommunitytrust

The Friends of Shanklin Theatre have a range of gifts and souvenirs now available for sale on eBay. We have souvenir booklets, pens, badges and lots more for sale in one place and items can be posted to you or your family across the world.

Plus you can make a donation direct to the Theatre by purchasing a donation on our eBay page. Why not take a look at our items here:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/shanklintheatrecommunitytrust

Stage Write Summer Crossword – by Matt

Day

This edition’s crossword is titled Contentious Grooviness and 34 answers fit the theme revealed by the coloured squares. Good luck! Matt. The answers are on page 39.

ACROSS

1. Top Gear theme music; girl’s name (7)

4. Main produce of Mersley Farm, Newchurch (6)

9. Pop singer and Masked Singer panellist, Rita ___(3)

10. Country which gives the UK a Christmas tree every year (6)

12. City in northern Italy, capital of Piedmont region (5)

13. Colour of Adgestone Vineyard’s sparkling wine (4)

14. Citizen from 27 down, for example (4)

15. And 7 down. The hidden phrase is one of these (4, 7)

16. UK’s last winning song in 1997 – Love ____ A Light (5)

18. Characters from Sabbath form a pop band (4)

21. One of the six republics which formed Yugoslavia (7)

24. Table server drops one drink (5)

25. Lavatory (3)

28. Root vegetable (5)

29. One from Swiss city by a lake (7)

30. Second largest city in 21 across (5)

31. Celine ____, Canadian singer who won for Switzerland in 1988

33. Swedish city, hosts in 1992 and 2013 (5)

35. One of the ‘Big Five’ countries that fund the event (5)

37. To provide with a foreign language soundtrack (3)

38. Light source concealed by magic and legerdemain (6)

39. Mythical bird that regenerates from ashes (7)

42. Repair; rig the result of (3)

43. Nothing; zero (3)

45. Singer and actress who sang for the UK in 1974 (6, 6-4)

DOWN

1. In Roman myth, two-faced god of beginnings (5)

2. See 41 down

3. First UK song to score ‘’nul points’’ – producing crocodile tears? (3, 4)

5. Part of a play exactly in the middle (3)

6. Soul or disco inspired Finnish rock band, winners in 2006 (5)

7. See 15 across

8. Devastating hurricane which hit New Orleans in 2005 (7)

11. Swiss city that hosted the first one in 1956 (6)

17. Bowie hit of 1977; winning song in 2015 (6)

19. Gestures with hand; backing band of 8 down (5)

20. Obsolete Spanish currency (6)

22. 2007 Strictly winner who later joined the judging panel (6, 5)

23. Country that has won seven times (7)

25. First city to host three modern Olympic Games (6)

26. Capital city of 10 across (4)

27. Lab units rebuilt host city in 2004 (8)

32. Dollars get you only half a cocktail? (5)

33. Relating to the mind (6)

34. Scottish singer born Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie (4)

35. Choose to do something as right or appropriate (3, 3)

36. Colour common to flags of Malta, Poland and Austria (5)

40. A contribution? Not interested… at first (2)

41. And 2 down. Sandie Shaw song, Puppet __ _ _____ (2,1,6)

44. Roughly (slang) 3)

‘That’ll Be The Day’ Theatre Tours and Film History

On the 12th & 13th of April, Shanklin Theatre played its part in celebrating the 50 year anniversary of the film – ‘That’ll Be The Day’. Two private tours were arranged by our volunteers for fans of David Essex (who played the character Jim MacLaine) and the film itself. Viv Howell, Jacqui Robertson and Tony Needham ably conducted the tours to 20 guests on these dates to coincide with the film opening premier day in the UK on Thursday 12th April 1973.

Filming was completed in the Isle of Wight because the area still had a late1950s look in the early 1970s. When filming started on the 23rd of October 1972, David Essex had a seven-week break from his Godspell role to film the picture. A scene from the ‘That’ll Be The Day’ film was shot in the theatre’s lower auditorium; in the movie it was called the ‘Floral Hall’. The original seating could be removed for dances, and this is how the auditorium appeared in the movie ... without seats.

Image above - The cast and film crew preparing for a scene shot on the theatre’s stage. There were a number of Island resident ‘extras’ that appeared in this scene on the auditorium dance floor. Note David Essex sitting on the chair far right of the picture.

Image above - How the scene actually appeared in the film.

A false, mock-up coffee bar pictured below was built by the set carpenters and sited at the back of the theatre under the ornate staircase. The lady pictured serving behind the bar counter (Jeanette) is the wife of contributor of the images (Alan Philpott). The set carpenters built what they called a six inch ‘pancake’ (a wooden box) for her to stand on, so she looked taller! To simulate the steam from an expresso coffee machine, a couple of hidden boiling kettles were placed out of sight to give the effect.

Below: How the scene appeared in the film. The name of the fictitious band playing on the stage in the scene were called ‘The Devvonaires’.

David Essex as Jim MacLaine

Image above. ‘The Devvonaires’ setting up for the ‘Floral Hall’ scene shot. Island resident extras take their places by the stage.

An array of lighting and set equipment ready for the filming.

In the image on stage to the left is the late – great, Keith Moon, ex-drummer for ‘The Who’. Although Moon did not appear in this particular scene filmed in the ‘Floral Hall’, he helped setting up the bands’ drum kit and did a tremendous job of entertaining the crew and extras! After Moon had consumed copious amounts of champagne throughout that afternoon, at the end of the working day an announcement was made of a ‘ very special event’ . The stage curtain closed and re-opened to reveal a scaffold tower, step ladder and a drum kit!

Moon climbed up the ladder onto the tower and then ceremonially leaped off onto the drum stool but missed it completely and fell over.

After putting himself and the stool right, he climbed the ladder and tower once again for a second attempt, this time leaping off and landing perfectly onto the stool and straight into an incredible drum solo!

Included in the image above is the film’s producer, David Puttnam, far right.

Image right: Keith Moon from a different scene in the film as drummer ‘J.D Clover’. ‘Stormy Tempest’ was played by Billy Fury.

The final image below from the film set in the theatre’s auditorium is of ‘THE BOSS’. Film producer, David (now Lord) Puttnam pictured here sitting on a scaffold tower in ‘The Floral Hall’ as renamed for the movie.

David Terence Puttnam, Baron Puttnam, CBE was born on the 25th of February 1941 is a British film producer, educator, environmentalist and former member of the House of Lords. His productions include Chariots of Fire, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, The Mission, The Killing Fields, Local Hero, Midnight Express and Memphis Belle. In 1982, he received the BAFTA for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema, and in 2006 he was awarded the BAFTA Fellowship for lifetime achievement from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

Our sincerest thanks go to Joanne Johnsong for all the information on the film scene and set, Alan Philpott for the images, Cathy Reevell for assisting with the tours and additional history, and of course to our volunteers, Viv Howell, Jacqui Robertson and Tony Needham for conducting the tours over the two days. Researched and written by Michael Beston.

Prize Draw winners - 6th May 2023

The Draw took place in the theatre bar under the supervision of Peter Franklin, Lionel Whitehead and Phil Kelly.

1st M Write £500 2289

2nd FOST (donated ticket) £200 4063

3rd Mrs J Fraser £100 2480

4th John Crafford £75 1028

5th Mrs Corinne White £75 1988

6th Mrs M Edwards £50 4090

7th Mrs S Hope £50 1065

The Prize Draw team is an important part of the Theatre, raising funds for its maintenance and upkeep. The team is a dedicated group of volunteers who work well together selling Draw tickets before shows. 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.

The Draw date is printed on the ticket and can also be found on our calendar.

www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk/events/prize-draw.php

Bucket Collection Report

February 2023 - £379,89 - 8 shows

March 2023 - £882.98 - 7 shows

April 2023 - £768.17 - 8 shows

February kicked off with a murder mystery play - Who Killed Agatha Christie - with three shows, then in contrast we had two shows of 9 to 5 the Musical, from Curtain Call Creative. All five shows raised over £170.

Irish band, One Night in Dublin, collected £87. Jack Up Events presented ‘60s with the Zoots and then a Night of a Thousand Freddies, collecting nearly £200 and taking us into March.

Stories and poems from Pam Ayres filled the theatre with laughter, and raised £230.

Then two weeks of the IW Dance and Drama Festival was followed by First Act’s Spring Show.

March Ended with Madama Butterfly, performed by the Ukrainian National Opera, with an emotional flag-waving finale. It raised over £400.

Always a favourite, The Sound of Music collected over £570 during the Savoyards’ four-show run.

Pop music ended April with the ELO Experience, Michael, Lost In Music ‘70s Disco Hits, and Think Floyd The Wall all of which raised over £200.

The Summer Brochure is out now, with something for all.

Alana Bird

Welcome to Billie’s Blog

Maintenance Team

We are so fortunate at The Theatre to have over 130 volunteers all giving their time and skills. From gardeners, catering, ushers…. Too many departments to mention…. This time I managed to catch up with some of our fantastic Maintenance Team when they found a spare five minutes!

I tell you, these guys are so busy! Their work around the building is constant. Neil leads the team and his background as a Building Inspector has helped in the design and alterations of major works backstage and in the dressing rooms.

He is ably assisted by Peter and Geoff, both with years of experience in engineering and who have taught themselves carpentry, plumbing and many other DIY skills. David is keen and loves DIY and then there’s Chris who is invaluable as a qualified electrician. These guys have saved the Theatre literally thousands of pounds by sourcing materials themselves and working on major projects and maintaining the building on a day to day basis.

Let me give you an insight into some of their work.

Firstly, there is a system in place for anyone that may see something that needs repairing in the building or that may have an idea for something that could be done or installed to enhance the building. A Maintenance slip is available to fill in. These are collected by Neil and any jobs that are urgent are quickly distributed to the team. This could be anything from a lightbulb not working or a door handle that has become loose.

Very often they are called to repair the toilets. Taps that won’t turn off, leaky cisterns, doors that need attention and they even deal with blocked toilets. No need to wait for a plumber to come out – this team will get the drain rods out and do it themselves. Due to the hundreds of patrons that use the toilets, there are always going to be problems but these are dealt with quickly and efficiently.

The team all give a hand to any job but they all agree that Chris as an electrician is amazing because not only can he fix and repair and install electrical items, running cables etc., but he can also sign off any smaller fixes that the rest of team may have done. It is clear that the team themselves appreciate there is no lack of waiting to call out an electrician and I wonder if Chris has a ‘steps counter’ in his pocket because he was certainly on the go, back and forth repairing outside emergency lighting when I was there.

Yes, it’s not just inside the building, but the car park, walkways, and foyer steps need to be kept in order as well as windows, notice boards and doors. Despite the skills and enthusiasm among the team, sometimes, there are bigger issues that they just cannot attempt themselves – major roofing issues or digging up concrete etc. Major works that the team have completed have included renewing the floor in the Green Room. The original concrete floor had timber grounds cast in the floor and then floorboards nailed to that. The floorboards had rotted over the years through damp and these all had to be removed. This took days of back breaking work and then a two inch plinth of concrete that supported an original dumb waiter had to be broken up and removed before the floor could then be screeded.

Image above. Peter Tuppen from the maintenance team, hands-on with the task of removing the rotten wooden flooring in the Green Room.

COVID produced many other jobs for the team; from fitting a dozen sanitising units around the building, installing screening in the Box Office, to fitting a large new fan in the auditorium ceiling and a new vent through the roof to enhance the airflow.

Another challenge for the team was when The Savoyards produced the show “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”. The full sized car to be used was large and heavy, It was apparent that the stage flooring had a weak spot and the stage needed reinforcing. This included building a timber frame underneath the stage and bolting this to the timbers that were already there. Then an additional problem was to get the car into the building and of course it was just a couple of inches too wide for the doorway so the doors had to be removed to get the car in, then put back again for the shows and then obviously all taken off again to remove the car after the shows had finished its run. Let’s not even talk about how they got the car up onto the stage!

‘Chitty’ on-stage at Shanklin Theatre 2019

Work in the bar area was another project for the team. They were asked to move the bar serving area 18 inches forward to give the bar staff more room to move behind and therefore they could use extra staff to help serve.

This included replacing parts of the floor, the bar top and the structure underneath it, installing new plumbing for the coffee machine, new lighting, new optics and all this had to be done to a timescale. They played close to the wind and it was completed by 3pm on the day that Michael Portillo officially opened the bar at 6pm!

The Sweets kiosk was another project that the team put their hand to –totally refurbishing it from re-shelving, new ceiling, new drinks units, a pegboard to hang the packets of sweets, new counter top, new flooring, new lighting and this has totally transformed it. Although the team only come in two days a week, much of their other time is thinking about sourcing materials and planning.

They have replaced windows, installed new handrails, made tables for the bar area, standardised paintwork and so the list goes on. Any recommendations following Fire Risk Assessments have been dealt with to ensure the safety of everyone using the building. Shanklin Theatre is a listed building which produces other challenges but the team continue to work within the guidelines. There is no hiding the camaraderie among this team who clearly ensure they have fun whilst tackling the most arduous of jobs but are equally very proud of their achievements and find it very rewarding.

I leave you with this report from Neil describing the finalisation of 3 years’ work to refurbish the dressing rooms that included new plans submitted and agreed by the Council, new walls, ceilings, toilets and shower, whilst also considering the corridor width and ventilation. Billie Thornton.

Dressing Room Refurbishment 2023

After a highly successful pantomime run, the dark time for the Theatre falls again and “The Maintenance Fairies” set about the planned tasks for the brief period of time, the project for this year being the refurbishment of the smallest but, well loved by performers, Dressing Room 7

The wall for this room forms part of an escape route, so needed rebuilding to meet current fire regulations. The team loves a bit of demolition, so in no time the old wall was down and the framework for the new wall was in place. The inside was plasterboard so that the necessary wiring for power and lighting could be run prior to insulating and closing up the outer part of the wall forming the corridor.

After initial internal decoration, the second fix for electrics got underway, then in with the new worktop with sink cutout and raking props to allow clear floor areas for cleaning to be made easier.

Image left. The team working on the new dressing room. Photo by Neil Reader

Whilst this progressed work started on the second seating area by taking down and relining the inner wall by way of fire upgrade ready to receive worktop, light and power.

As you can imagine, a team of five working in quite a small area did get quite cosy at times and the consistent banter kept us all focused on the task at hand!!!

Time moves quickly, so before long, push did come to shove, as there was wiring to complete, walls and ceiling to paint, sink and hot water heater to fit, skirtings, new door and closer to provide, oh and a hanging rail in readiness for the Music Festival.

Image right. The work continues. Photo by Neil Reader All was in place by close of play on Thursday 16th just before the festival started, so a total of 20 days in all as we attend the Theatre two days a week.

New floor covering is scheduled for June which will replace the old worn-out Lino, after which we can say Dressing Room 7 has had a complete makeover.

Our Team is proud of what we achieved and hope that this will be enjoyed by many performers over the years to come.

Image left. Almost finished! Photo by Peter Tuppen

For and on behalf of Geoff, Dave, Peter, and Chris.

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’ NewsletterPatrons 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 next Patrons Thank You evening will take place on Mon 25th September 2023 – More details to follow The current list (dated 15/5/23) of FOST Patrons are below.

If you wish to upgrade your membership to Patron (£25/year or more), just email: FOSTmembership@shanklintheatre.com

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 650 members from the Isle of Wight and beyond. Corporate membership is £100 a year.

Clive Thorogood Building Surveying Services Ltd

Clive Thorogood provides Building Surveying services for residential and commercial clients in the following areas: West London, Surrey, Berkshire, West Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Clive Throrogood Building Surveying Ltd

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.

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/

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/

STAGE WRITE Summer 23 Crossword Answers

ACROSS

1. Jessica 4. Garlic 9. Ora 10. Norway 12. Turin 13. Blue 14. Turk 15. Song 16. Shine 18. Abba 21. Croatia 24. Water 25. Loo 28. Swede 29. Genevan 30. Split 31. Dion 33. Malmo 35. Spain 37. Dub 38. Candle 39. Phoenix 42. Fix 43. Nil 45. Olivia Newton-John

DOWN

1. Janus 2. String 3. Cry Baby 5. Act 6. Lordi 7. Contest 8. Katrina

11. Lugano 17. Heroes 19. Waves 20. Peseta 22. Alesha Dixon 23. Ireland 25. London 26. Oslo 27. Istanbul 32. Bucks 33. Mental 34. Lulu 35. See fit 36. White 40. NI 41. On a 44. ISH

Contentious Grooviness (the xword title) is an anagram of the Eurovision Song Contest. **********************************************************************

A Quick Theatre Quiz - Answers

Answers:

1. Alan Alda

2. Agnetha (Fältskog), Anni-Frid (Lyngstad)

3. Annie Get Your Gun

4. Aida

5. Aldous Huxley

6. Amadeus

7. Anthony Hopkins

8. The Andrew Sisters

9. Aaron Copland

10. Rose Ayling-Ellis

Friends of Shanklin Theatre - FOST - Organisational Structure

FOST Executive Committee:

Chairman – Lionel Whitehead

Fund Raising Officer – Veronica Bingham

Health and Safety Training – Phil Kelly

Membership Secretary – Christine McCarthy

Promotional Officer – Jacqui Robertson

Secretary – Liz Hinkes

Treasurer – Peter Frankling

Vice Chairman – TBC

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. 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 2023.