THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FROM THE FRIENDS OF SHANKLIN THEATRE MARCH 2021
2021 STAGE-WRITE
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Chairman’s Foreword Our lives since the New Year have been a strain to say the least. The successful run of the pantomime was cut short just before Christmas by the new lockdown rules. The staff and theatre volunteers worked extremely hard to make sure the building was compliant with all Covid measures, and Spotlight pulled out all the stops with a terrific Rapunzel, but this dratted virus won again. Not for much longer! There is hope on the horizon with the vaccination rollout, and if the restrictions ease we can start planning for the future. The Box Office has already been quietly working on moving shows from last year to this and even into 2022, so if you already have tickets please check on the website for the correct date. New shows have been added, which means this year and next will be packed with must see comedians, plays, singers and bands. So much to look forward to, with all our volunteers keen to get back to the Theatre we all love. Personally, I can’t wait to start working in the Box Office again. I have had enough of clearing the house, spring cleaning and generally filling the days with those jobs that have been put off, and I now know why they were put off! Much better to be at the Theatre dealing with all the lovely people that come to our shows. We humans like the interaction with each other and the social events that bring a smile to our face. All I can say is bring it on and lets all look forward to better times ahead.
Janet 2|Page
A Message from the Editor
Thank you for reading our March edition of the ‘Stage - Write’ magazine. I hope you find the content interesting, useful and informative. Whilst writing this spring edition, I’m reflecting on the past twelve months and how all our lives and lifestyles have changed so dramatically. We have, unfortunately lost people we know and love due to this terrible virus; our hearts and thoughts go out to all affected during these unprecedented times. But the light at the end of this long pandemic tunnel has suddenly become brighter and stronger. The roll out of the approved vaccines across the UK and the Island has picked up at pace with millions of people receiving their first dose. A testament indeed to the people and colleagues on the front line services delivering our health care needs in a speedy, professional and safe way. Long may it continue. In this edition, you can read about the latest work from Neil Reader and his maintenance team; transforming one of the dressing rooms and the final chapter of the Green Room flooring. Gwyn Dawson has produced another fine ‘Quick Theatre Quiz’ and Matt Day has come in with his usual superb Crosswords specifically aimed at a special anniversary. We also have a short piece of Shanklin history including the building of the Shanklin Institute. May I wish you a peaceful Easter and spring season, I look forward to presenting the June Stage Write to you in the summer. Take care, stay safe and remember to be kind to each other. Best regards, Michael. Michael Beston – FOST Vice Chairman & 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 March 2021 Stage Write magazine. This magazine was printed by the NHS Printing Services. Newport - Isle of Wight.
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FOST Monthly Members’ Draw Winners for November and December 2020 – January 2021 November 2020
FOST No
Diane Mawson Shirley Mosdell Edgar Jones
1718 1107 359
December 2020
FOST No
Susan Goodall
361
Phyllis Liddiard Jacqui Welch
1779 1813
January 2021
FOST No
John Gansler Valerie Keynes Marie Ireson
800 1295 1302
Congratulations to all our winners, each of whom received a £10 Theatre voucher. *********************************************************************
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A Step Back in Shanklin Time I enjoy reading about local history, especially history relating to Shanklin and the Theatre. The way that history and historic events or images intertwines and builds a timeline on all that has gone on before us really intrigues me. Here is a local image below, taken in Shanklin Old Village at the corner of Chine Avenue and Church Road in April 1866 by Symonds Photographer's Ryde.
The Saddler Shop on the left is now the Strawberry Thatch Teashop, with the Post Office and Sampson Newsagents clearly visible on the right. The next image (year unknown but possibly between 1866-1878) is taken from Chine Avenue and depicts Sampson Newsagent next to Pinnocks Carpet Warehouse (now Grange Gifts). Note the five horses pulling the cart laden with the huge stone, possibly en-route from Ventnor. This stone among many others could have been used in the construction of the imposing and prominent buildings in Shanklin at around that era. These were the Capital & Counties Bank and Post Office (junction of the 5|Page
High Street and Steephill Road), and of course the building and construction of the Shanklin Institute (Shanklin Town Hall Theatre) in 1877-1878.
Above – Horses and cart assemble outside Sampson Newsagent and Pinnocks Carpet Warehouse. You will recognise the carpet warehouse building as now being Grange Gifts. Below – The Capital & Counties Bank, now No.64 Cocktail Bar in Steephill Road. Image taken c1905.
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Above – Image taken c1914 at the top of Shanklin High Street. The building on the right is the former Shanklin Post Office, now the Spar shop. Below The construction of the Shanklin Institute (Shanklin Theatre Town Hall) 1877-1878. Is this the same stone on the back of the cart? Michael Beston.
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March Stage Write Crossword Prepared and written by Matt Day. There's a local performing group theme this time with shaded letters spelling out a special anniversary. Happy Easter to everyone. Matt. Answers on page 23.
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Spring 2021 Stage Write Crossword Clues ACROSS 1. Fifth Gilbert and Sullivan production a.k.a The Slave of Duty (7, 2, 8) 7. Middle name of TV character Reginald Perrin (8) 8. Wand’ring minstrel, son of 38 across (5-3) 10. and 3 down. Entertainment provided by Gilbert and Sullivan (5, 5) 11. and 6 down. Musical based on Kipps by H G Wells (4, 1, 8) 12. Salaried (4) 13. Oboist agent provides a performance area (5) 16. Given money back (8) 18. G & S 1 Down, half way home to find a state (5) 19. Compete eagerly (3) 22. Popular song twice written into Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (3) 23. Classical poem (3) 25. Work – play without actors initially (3) 26. Long, accompanied songs for a solo voice (5) 27. and 14 down. 1990 musical based on an 1886 Gothic novella (6, 3, 4) 29. Encounters; gatherings (5) 31. 1970’s musical set in a 1950’s high school (6) 32. Escape stairs (6) 33. and 36 across. Raises; elevates (5, 2) 35. First name of Miss D from Pic Clue C (5) 36. See 33 across 9|Page
37. and 38 across. Operetta set in Titipu (3, 6)
DOWN 1. Daughter of a monarch (8) 2. Adjective describing a dreamcoat (7) 3. See 10 across 4. See 11 down 5. Standard working hours (4, 2, 4) 6. See 11 across 9. Scottish TV historian and author Neil _____ (6) 11. and 4 down. Ship foreman composed a nautical tale (3, 8) 14. See 27 across 15. Musical inspired by Argentinian in Pic Clue B (5) 17. October 2020 show that never happened - Pic Clue A (5) 20. A divine production – tries Cats wrongly (6, 3) 21. Comedy musical based on Monty Python (8) 23. 1940’s Rodgers and Hammerstein musical (8) 24. 2012 show performed 100 years after a certain disaster (7) 26. Concurs; anagram of 31 across (6) 28. Evenly oddly? A slippery customer! (3) 30. Ballet skirt (4) 34. Bond, Hannay or Smiley for example (3)
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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 ‘StageWrite’ 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 current list (dated 10/02/21) of FOST Patrons is: Elizabeth Shirley John Graham Christine Ron Alana Amy David Ruth Wendy John L Elaine Den Debbie Roy Paul Maggie Kelvin Pamela Lynda Larry Martin Jean Gwyn Marilyn Brenda Michael Isobel Jo Sylvia Jacqueline David Sue Linda
Allen Armstrong Ash Benson Benson Bird Bird Bird Bird Bird Bliss Brett Carter Clare Clement Coleman Coueslant Currie Currie Dana Darby Darby Darch Davies Dawson Dyason Dyer Ellis Ellis Everitt Fallows Flux Frankling Godden Graham
Tony Christine Christopher Lorraine Neil Jim Les Vivien Geoffrey Lynn Jennifer Steven Gwyneth Fiona Geoff Simon Anthony Josephine Tim Nick Pat Angela Cilla Josh Michael Wendy Margaret Bill Lizzy Chris Jean Guy Janice Eddy Terry
Hagan Hardy Hardy Harley Hedges Holland Honey Howell Jackson Jones Jones Julians Kersey Klein Klein Lacey Lewis Lewis Marshall Mattocks McCree Moorman Morris Murray Murwill Murwill Newman Nichols Nichols O'Connell Osmond Palin Palin Parsons Pearson
Shirley Shani Hilary Carol David George Leonora Julie Jacqui Robert Alan Patricia Michael Rosemary Graham Doreen Shirley Peter Tricia Victoria Jeremy Rodney Diana Ian Ann Janet Anne Heather Maxine Donna Steve Kevin Anthony Jan Diane
Peck Petter Pilcher Pointer Pointer Powell Powell Riggott Robertson Robertson Rodway Rodway Sayers Sayers Selway Sheath Smallman Stockman Sztypuljak Thornton-Field Turk Walmsley Ward Ward Ward Wardle Watson Whitchurch White White White Wilson Wood Wood York
If you wish to upgrade your membership to Patron (£25/year or more) just contact Jacqui Robertson, FOST Membership Secretary, email: FOSTmembership@shanklintheatre.com 11 | P a g e
Brian Platt
1941 - 2021
On the 12th January Brian died, and we lost a well-known figure not just with the theatre, but for the local community as well. Always larger than life, and a kind word for everybody he met, he will be greatly missed. Brian and his wife Margaret have been volunteering at the theatre for many years, helping with any job that was required. Although Brian was happiest in the bar, always chatting with everyone he came across, he would turn his hand to anything. One of my favourite memories is of them both steam cleaning the auditorium seats during one of our January shut downs. Brian in the role of supervisor and Margaret waving the hose around – but at the end of the day all those seats were sparkling! FOST has sent a donation to Age Concern in his memory. Margaret has asked us to give her thanks to all the friends at the theatre who so kindly sent messages and flowers to her and the family when Brian died. They were much appreciated. Above – Margaret and Brian during their attendance at the Five Year Service – Volunteer’s Thank You Evening on the 5th February 2020.
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Grand Prize Draw Winners from 2nd May 2020 The Draw took place in the theatre after the last December 2020 Pantomime.
1st
A Griffiths
£500
1700
2nd
Mrs E Povey
£200
1380
3rd
Mr J Blake
£100
1561
4th
Mrs P Frankling
£75
1526
5th
Mrs K Tyrell
£75
0124
6th
Mrs AS Turner
£50
0156
7th
Mr I Gardner
£50
0079
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
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A Quick Theatre Quiz – Created by Gwyn Dawson The theme this time is Sitcoms. The first letter of the answers will spell out the name of an act coming to the theatre later this year, all being well. Good luck, Gwyn. 1. Vince and Penny were what? 2. In which sitcom is Mike the landlord at the Nag’s Head? 3. Which sitcom is set in East Cheam? 4. Windsor Davies and Donald Sinden play rival antique dealers in which sitcom? 5. Which US sitcom took place in a Boston bar? 6. This sitcom was the forerunner to Terry and June. 7. Which sitcom was set in the close of fictional St. Ogg’s Cathedral? 8. Electricians, Terry and Bob, were often to be found in the pub talking about football and girls in which sitcom? 9. This programme was the longest-running sitcom in Britain. 10. Theatre Patron, Melvyn Hayes, played ‘Gloria’ in which 2nd World War comedy? 11. The husband of Betty and father to Jessica was a character created by another Theatre Patron, Ray Allen, in which sitcom? Far right of image: Melvyn Hayes as Gunner “Gloria” Beaumont. Answers on page 23.
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Delysia Farm Shop - Christmas Hamper Winner The Hamper Prize Draw took place on 19th December at the Farm shop. The lucky winner was Carol Pointer – a volunteer at the Theatre. Congratulations to Carol! Diane and John Day done a fantastic job raising OVER £500 for the Theatre they both love. A great thank you goes to both of them. 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 – see more information here: www.tasteofthewight.co.uk/.../listing/delysia-farm The image below of Diane & John in their Farm shop
Hamper winner; Carol Pointer said: ‘What a wonderful surprise waiting for me when I got home after ushering at the panto on Saturday!!
A huge thank you to John and Diane for putting so much effort into organising this raffle. The hamper is amazing, full of wonderful produce. Will definitely be using the farm shop in the future.’ 15 | P a g e
Completion of the Green Room Floor Towards the end of August, as arranged the guys turned up to prepare and screed the floor (see photos) ready to receive the vinyl floor covering. This is something of an art to get level so it was undertaken by a local building company. Once laid, average thickness of about 40mm, takes 1mm per day to dry out, i.e. about 6 weeks. This was aided by a dehumidifier which helped keep things on track. The next task was to line up John Anderson, who has laid much flooring for the Theatre and always does a first class job. Well it would seem that most of the Island was having new flooring, so he was very much in demand!!! After much grovelling and many phone calls we fixed a date in mid November to have the vinyl fitted and what better colour than, you guessed it, green. The self levelling latex was laid on a Friday and the vinyl followed on the next Tuesday. Due to timing our Team still have the skirting boards to reinstate after which we plan to redecorate and give it a fresh new look. Neil J. Reader - On behalf of the Maintenance Team. Below – the finished floor screed and green vinyl covering. Fitting of the skirting boards to follow.
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Dressing Room 2 Refurbishment Due to the coronavirus situation last year, the Maintenance Team took the opportunity to add, as requested four new seating positions to give more scope when performers use this area. To this end we sourced the materials and set to. We wanted to give a clean modern look with wires hidden, safer lighting and a lighter and brighter feel. This was completed fairly quickly and the Theatre gave the go ahead to continue, while the time was available, to upgrade the existing facilities.
Above – The poor condition of Dressing Room 2 before renovation.
We lined the wall out to “lose” the pillar and gave the same finish as the newly added four, and fitted a new sink with splash back to add a finishing touch. Dressing room 2 having previously had four seating spaces, this has now been increased to nine. The new facilities were used for a short while during the rehearsals and performances of the Christmas Pantomime, but sadly, not for long before the plug was pulled, and the Theatre had to fall dark again. 17 | P a g e
Above & below - Completed and refurbished Dressing Room 2.
Text and images, courtesy of Neil J. Reader. Written by Neil on behalf of Peter, Geoff, Dave and Chris.
The following page contains major items of FOST expenditure throughout 20192020.
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FOST Funded Work – How we Spend your Money
FOST has funded a number of major items (everything over £1000) during 2019/2020. THEATRE EXPENDITURE
Window refurbishment (part funded by Co-op donation) Box Office IT programme upgrade (including e-ticketing) Auditorium seat cleaning Replacement stage microphones
TOTAL OF MAJOR THEATRE ITEMS: £19,561
FOST EXPENDITURE
Printing, stage write & history Insurance (including 20/21 premium) Prize draw winners 2 laptops (for use of Treasurer & Secretary) Training
TOTAL OF MAJOR FOST ITEMS: £14,718
2020/2021 (so far)
THEATRE EXPENDITURE Box Office E-Ticketing Programme Green Room floor Dehumidifiers (preventing the theatre getting damp) & Foggers (Covid-19 precautions) TOTAL OF MAJOR THEATRE ITEMS: £3,095
Thank you for your continued support of Shanklin Theatre 19 | P a g e
From the Archives of 2017 - the Osmonds Cooking up a Storm at Shanklin Theatre
On the 14th December 2016, the one and only Osmonds took to our humble stage to perform their world famous show, ‘The Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza Variety Show’. Shanklin Theatre would be the start of a 13-date UK tour, which was back by popular demand for the second year running. There were also special guests performing on the night; ventriloquist Steve Hewlett, singer Charlie Green plus The Moon River Singers and dancers. Jimmy Osmond said, “It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year and my brothers Jay, Merrill and I are looking forward to once again bringing back some of that Christmas cheer”. Jimmy went onto say, “The Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza is an American tradition that started in the 1960s and is beloved around the world. It was Andy’s wishes and now my great honour and privilege to continue his amazing legacy of family-friendly, action-packed variety at its best”. Our dedicated catering team, led by Dorothy Coleman, prepared and cooked a wonderful pre-show dinner for our visiting American stars in the theatre’s Green Room. Speaking after the show, Jay Osmond said, “I absolutely love Shanklin & the Old Village, I think it’s cute. I would love to return in the summer months to explore more of your wonderful Island.” Above, Jimmy, Dorothy Coleman and Merrill, giving Dorothy a helping hand with the cooking!
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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 600 members from the Isle of Wight and beyond. Corporate membership is £100 a year.
Delysia Farm Shop 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
Sandra Honey, Reflexologist in Somerset Road in Ryde. Contact details via website: www.sandrahoney.co.uk
The Snowdon is a Silver Award, 4 star guest house situated just some 100 metres away from the spectacular cliff walk and views of Sandown Bay. www.thesnowdonhotel.co.uk
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Ron Bird & Son offers a high quality and affordable piano tuning service across the Isle of Wight and Southern England. 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. 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: 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. www.thecliftonshanklin.co.uk
Shanklin Theatre provides a great home for First Act Theatre Group (a theatre group for people with learning disabilities). 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. www.islandwebservices.co.uk
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Spring 2021 Crossword Answers by Matt ACROSS 1. Pirates of Penzance 7. Iolanthe 8. Nankipoo 10. Comic 11. Half 12. Paid 13. Stage 16. Refunded 18. Idaho 19. Vie 22. Hit 23. Ode 25. Ply 26. Arias 27. Jekyll 29. Meets 31. Grease 32. Flight 33. Lifts 35. Eliza 37. The 38. Mikado DOWN 1. Princess 2. Amazing 3. Opera 4. Pinafore 5. Nine to Five 6. A Sixpence 9. Oliver 11. HMS 14. And Hyde 15. Evita 17. Shrek 20. Sister Act 21. Spamalot 23. Oklahoma 24. Titanic 26. Agrees 28. Eel 30. Tutu 34. Spy ********************************************************************* Answers to Gwyn’s Sitcom Quiz 1. Just Good Friends - 2. Only Fools and Horses 3. Hancock’s Half Hour - 4. Never the Twain - 5. Cheers 6. Happy Ever After - 7. All Gas and Gaiters - 8. Likely Lads (The) 9. Last of the Summer Wine - 10. It Ain’t Half Hot, Mum 11. Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em John Challis, aka Boycie from question 2.
Tickets available now. Amusing anecdotes guaranteed.
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Friends of Shanklin Theatre - FOST - Organisational Structure FOST Committee: Chairman – Janet Wardle Secretary – Suzie Thurgood Vice Chair – Michael Beston Treasurer – Peter Frankling Membership – Jacqui Robertson Alana Bird – Vivien Howell – Roy Coleman – Lesley Kast – Annie O’Neill Phil Kelly Contact: friends@shanklintheatre.com
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 – Jean Osmond – Eddy Parsons IT Support – Rob Robertson. Catering – Annie O’Neill Volunteer Co-ordination – Neil McMurray Volunteer Support – Phil Kelly. Welfare - Cilla Morris Fundraising – Alana Bird / Wendy Bliss. Sweet Shop – Lesley Kast Publicity & Social Media - Michael Beston Brochure Distribution – Liz Hinks. Promotional Events – Vivien Howell Archivists – Derek Stephens. Chronicler - Debbie Clement 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, March 2021. 24 | P a g e