Stage Write March 2024

STAGE-WRITE March 2024

The Quarterly Newsletter from the Friends of Shanklin Theatre

Chairman’s Foreword

So the festivities are over for another year and although the weather continues to be unpredictable at least our shows have been the opposite.

Following on from the success of ‘Shrek’ , there has been another brilliant Pantomime, and well supported solo shows of ‘Carmen’, Jason Fox, and the return of the Freddies, all very popular.

After these we were treated to 5 sell out shows of ‘ The Phantom of the Opera.’ As always the whole team of Volunteers responded brilliantly to the busy time we have had in recent weeks, and I should like to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to every one of them.

We have an exciting programme in place during the rest of the year with more shows being added to what is guaranteed to be a busy time ahead. April will see the return of the ever popular Al Murray, who continues the trend of the top Comedians performing twice in the same day.

The end of April will mark the return of The Island Savoyards with another ever popular musical ‘Me and My Girl’ which will doubtless continue the run of exciting Musicals at Shanklin Theatre.

Thank you all for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing many of you during the Summer.

My Best Wishes to you all Vic.

A Message From The Editor

So, here we are, with Spring already upon us, the Christmas celebrations seem as if they ended more than just over two months ago. Easter will soon be upon us, bringing the first signs of brighter, sunnier days and longer evenings with the Summer months just around the corner. It’s uplifting, and my favourite time of year.

Thank you reading our March edition of the Stage Write newsletter. In this edition we have a lovely story about the life of our most senior FOST volunteer, Cilla Morris, written by Billie Thornton.

Suzie Thurgood writes about the Volunteers Thank You Evening that took place at the beginning of February, Matt Day gives us another excellent Crossword to complete and Gwyn Dawson provides another superb ‘A Quick (Springtime) Theatre Quiz’. Look out for Chris Turner’s ‘Never Ending & Eventful Train Journey’ on page 23. We also have an update on the Bucket Fund Collection from Alana Bird. I have also included a few ‘Christmas Round-up’ articles on page 17, including the valuable input from Jacqui Robertson. Thank you to all that have contributed to this newsletter, it’s always very much appreciated. Be sure to purchase your tickets for the FOST Summer event – Tea at the Hall taking place on Sunday 7th July at 1.30pm. 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 camera to find out more.

May I wish you an enjoyable peaceful Easter, and I look forward to presenting the Summer Stage Write to you in June. 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 March 2024 Stage Write magazine. This magazine was printed by the NHS Printing Services. Newport - Isle of Wight

TEA AT THE HALL – A FOST EVENT

Luccombe Hall Hotel

8 Luccombe Rd, Shanklin PO37 6RL

Sunday 7th July 1.30pm – 4.30pm

Savour the breathtaking location and indulge with a delicious afternoon tea in the Grand View restaurant.

A selection of Sandwiches, Fruit Scones with Strawberry Jam & Clotted Cream, Selection of Mini Cakes, Tea or Coffee with Choice of Milk or Cream, Fruit, Herbal Teas & Speciality Coffees Available.

Adjacent Bar will be open £15 p/person.

Each FOST Member can bring one paying partner/friend. Performer/Singer Simon Howard, famous for impersonating Tom Jones, will entertain us later in the afternoon. Buy raffle tickets to be in a chance to win some great prizes.

Take a stroll in the beautiful gardens. Enjoy a couple of games in the Games Room. (Pool Table £1/game; Air Hockey £1/game; Table Tennis; Table Football; Giant Connect)

DON’T DELAY!

Book your ticket(s) at the Box Office or by phone (01983 868000) specifying any dietary requirements.

Parking will be limited at the Hall but spaces are available in the street. Car share or walk if possible

Cilla's Birthday Celebration

At our first Coffee, Cake and Chat event of 2024, David Kast, Shanklin Theatre MD, revealed the age of our most senior Theatre Volunteer, Cilla Morris, who celebrated her 98th birthday during the first week of February. Cilla has been volunteering as an Usher since the Theatre re-opened, and was one of the first volunteers to sign up to FOST in 2010.

After singing a ’Happy Birthday’ to a surprised Cilla, she was then presented with a beautifully decorated birthday cake made by Fiona Klein from the Catering team.

Read Cilla’s story over on the next page.

Thank you Cilla!

Cilla Morris

When you hear the name Cilla, many of us would conjure up an image of a Liverpudlian comedian, singer and presenter who spanned our TVs for many years. But if you mention the name Cilla within Shanklin Theatre, many people will instantly think we are referring to Cilla Morris, our oldest volunteer and usher since the theatre reopened in 2010.

Cilla has just celebrated her 98th birthday and is well known throughout the volunteers and patrons. She is regularly seen at the theatre actively ushering, usually at least once a week, sometimes several times a week and she can also be seen regularly in the office shredding old paperwork.

Island born Cilla was born in 1926 in East Cowes. The youngest of three girls and with several cousins living nearby, Cilla received a lot of love and attention and there was a demand for friends and family that wanted to look after her and take her out for the day.

Cilla left school at the age of 14 and with no exams or experience she secured a job as a typist at Saunders-Roe Limited, a British aero and marine engineering company based at Columbine Works, East Cowes.

By 1941 there were so many air raids that work was often interrupted so the company moved the staff to Lord Melchett’s country house on the mainland near Romsey. Once a fortnight, Cilla was able to return to the Island for the weekend travelling from Southampton by Paddle Steamer to Cowes. Often, air raids would happen overhead.

During her time at Melchet Court, Cilla made the most of enjoying herself socially. They were staying at an air ministry property and stationed around them were the Army and in particular The Royal Signals, the British Army's communications experts.

Once a week, Cilla and the other staff were allowed to invite people in for a weekly dance. This originally began with dancing to records but as they soon invited the Signals, they in turn had a band that came and performed

instead. The Signals brought other guests in with them for the evening and this is where Cilla met her future husband, Bill.

However, the distance apart was not easy to have a courtship and communication between Cilla and Bill was only by letters for three years. Cilla still has these letters today.

Cilla returned to the island just before D-Day in June 1944 but unfortunately the family house had been destroyed in 1942.

Cilla finally arranged to meet Bill in London and then to meet his family for the first time. Fortunately, she recognised him amongst the masses at Waterloo station!

That weekend they became engaged, and Cilla returned to the island alone again.

Bill was able to travel to celebrate Cilla’s 21st birthday but it was on a winter’s day thick with snow. Bill and other friends ventured to the island to celebrate but trains from London were struggling and diverted via Brighton.

Telegram from Bill for Cilla’s 21st Birthday

In April 1947 Cilla and Bill were married at St Mary’s church East Cowes followed by a reception at Northwood House. Thanks to her sister for saving up and making use of ration tokens, Cilla was able to have a wedding cake and reception. Recently Cilla has given Northwood House some photos for their archives.

They honeymooned for a few days in Swanage and moved to a flat in London.

Cilla and Bill on honeymoon

The following year they had a son, Michael, who was later awarded a scholarship to a grammar school in Battersea.

Cilla took on small jobs from home including painting tin soldiers to help with finances. If they were lucky, there would be enough money left at the end of the week to pay for the fare for Bill to get to work.

Cilla and Bill moved nearby to another flat in the top half of a house and then when the downstairs flat became available, they were able to get a mortgage for the whole house.

Cilla secured a job in the office of a boys’ school in Wandsworth and stayed with them for over 20 years. During her time there, she was given the wonderful opportunity to travel to different countries in Europe with the schoolchildren.

The school also held big prize giving events and the awards were presented by some well-known people including Terry Waite and Harold Wilson! She absolutely loved this job and was sad to have to retire at the age of 60.

Cilla at Spencer Park School office

Cilla and Bill moved to Merton Park near Wimbledon, and both enjoyed learning to play bowls. Such was their passion for this new hobby, they played matches all over the country and in Europe. Sadly, Bill died at the age of 77 and a few years later in 2003 Cilla decided to move back to The Isle of Wight where

she still had family and friends. Before long, Cilla had joined Shanklin bowls club and the Women’s Institute. In 2010 Cilla heard that volunteers were needed for Shanklin Theatre, so she went along to Falcon Cross Hall to sign up.

One of Cilla’s many bowls trophies Cilla can usually be seen as an usher in the theatre, but she has previously helped in many different roles, and this included twice a year when all the volunteers would spend the evening cleaning and scrubbing the theatre and polishing up the paintwork.

The front of the stalls area of the theatre used to have cabaret type tables and chairs and Cilla took it upon herself to number all the seats in this area which took her two days.

Cilla had experience of catering through the bowls club events and she used her knowledge to help in the theatre’s kitchen. Many people recognise Cilla through her ushering. Her friendly manner is perfect for a Front of House role, and she recognises and welcomes regular visitors and likewise they in turn look out for Cilla. Cilla thoroughly enjoys her time at the theatre. She has seen the progression of technology, from the early days of handwritten tickets to now having on-line bookings and e-tickets, from cash only to accepting card payments for ice creams, but Cilla has not been daunted by these changes.

During Covid, Cilla was aware that some of the volunteers were alone at home, and she made a point of phoning these at least once a week as well as bowls club members that were in a similar position.

“Anyone who had a heart” can see just how much Cilla has brought to Shanklin Theatre and it’s no “Surprise, Surprise” to see Cilla still ushering at the theatre today. Written by Billie Thornton, first image by Vic Farrow.

Volunteer Fair 2024

The Friends of Shanklin Theatre attended the annual Volunteer Fair at the Riverside Centre in Newport on the 20th of January.

The fair gave an opportunity for all (over 400 people) who attended to speak with over 40 organisations from across the Isle of Wight, who are looking for volunteers, and to find out what they do, how they work and what opportunities there are to get involved.

Many thanks to Suzie Thurgood & Jacqui Robertson for setting up our stall and attending on the day. Images courtesy of Michael Paler

Volunteers Thank You Evening 2024

–

By Suzie Thurgood

This year we also introduced the Long Service badges which are awarded to any volunteer who has been volunteering at the Theatre for 14 years plus, and it was extremely pleasing to see this was a fairly long list.

The Shanklin Theatre’s Volunteer Thank You evening was held at the theatre on Monday 5th of February and was attended by eighty volunteers. The numbers would have been nearer to one hundred, but unfortunately a few volunteers were unable to attend due to a horrible bug that seems to be doing the rounds.

The event started promptly at 6.15pm with a short introduction by Vic Farrow the acting FOST Chairman. I was then thrown into the limelight, literally, to read out the names of the recipients for the 5- and 10-year badges. For anyone who has seen the photographs on Facebook, those are not white legs but coloured tights which did not really come out well in the photo!!

FOST also presented Chris and Rebecca Gardner with their Long Service badges together with a bouquet of flowers and a case of wine as they will be retiring in May after working at the Theatre since May 1987.

Ben Stubbs then entertained us for 40 minutes with some of his original songs with a few covers thrown in, with my favourite being ‘Sitting on the Dock of the Bay’ . I think most of us thoroughly enjoyed his music, maybe we should invite him back again next year! If you were not there check him out on Facebook or YouTube.

Katie with Ben Stubbs.

We surprised ourselves by actually running ahead of time a lot earlier than planned, so we headed downstairs to the Map Room for a buffet which was brought in from M&S and Morrison’s, with the Catering Team providing some delicious cakes. The ladies did a grand job of serving us all with our food whilst Penny and Elaine did a sterling job in manning the bar which had discounted prices. Our thanks go to STL for that.

As usual there was food left over, so a few people were able to take doggie bags home. As it was my fourth wedding anniversary, I took some home for my husband Albert and presented him with a takeaway box as his anniversary tea which he very much enjoyed, but ate the cake first!

The evening finished around 8.45pm. I know I’m biased, but I thought the evening was a huge success. If you missed it this year and you volunteer, look out for my email towards the end of the year giving the date for

2025. On that subject, can you please ensure if you change your email address that you let me know, otherwise you will not get to hear about things that are happening at the theatre. Volunteers@shanklintheatre.com

Finally, I would like to thank Vic, Phil, Jacqui, Liz, Chris and Rebecca for all their help on the night, it was very much appreciated. Special thanks to the Catering team, Bar team and also the Housekeeping team who came in the next day to clean up. Most importantly, thank you all for coming and hopefully having a good time.

Suzie Thurgood.

Gwyn Dawson’s – ‘A Quick (Springtime) Theatre Quiz’

It’s time for the letter D in this arts-based quiz. The D can either refer to the first, second or both names. The answers are on page 31. Good luck, Gwyn.

1. Who played Calamity Jane in the film of the same name?

2. What is the name of Othello’s wife?

3. Who wrote Robinson Crusoe?

4. Which pop group took their name from a character in the film Barbarella?

5. In The Nutcracker what is the name of the magician who gives Clara the nutcracker?

6. Which composer was born in Bradford in 1862

7. Who wrote The Three Musketeers?

8. Who had a backing group called The Aces?

9. The National Theatre on London’s South Bank has 3 theatres. One is named after a South American playwright. What is it called?

10. On 9 August tickets are available for a show called ‘My Heart Will Go On’. To whom is this a tribute?

Christmas 2023 at the Theatre Round-up

As the temperatures dropped near freezing, the customers to our festive Coffee, Cake and Carols held on the 2nd of December, received a very 'warm' welcome. Our Catering team made an amazing selection of cakes, the Just Sing Choir got us into the Christmas mood and Santa came to the delight of old and young.

Christmas 2023 at the Theatre

Many thanks to the Just Sing choir and Fiona our contact, the Catering Team, Santa, Carol who looked after the Souvenirs stall, and Liz for helping with the setting up of the rooms.

Christmas 2023 - Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival

Our FOST Christmas Tree was located at the Calbourne Water Mill, one of the many venues of the Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival. The annual festival is hosted at various venues around Brighstone, Calbourne and Mottistone on the Isle of Wight, with even more venues added for the 2023 season. All venues are FREE to visit.

The Festival began in 1996 and has since been able to raise nearly £100,000 for Island and national charities.

Organisations such as ours - the Friends of Shanklin Theatre, that are charitable and not for profit, can showcase a tree at no cost.

The festivities traditionally start on a Wednesday with a tree lighting ceremony in Brighstone Church in aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.

The annual Christmas Tree Festival event has attracted around 6,500 tourists each year.

Jacqui Robertson

Christmas 2023 - Sowing a Theatre Seed!

Our FOST events team went to Greenmount Primary school to join their Winter Fayre. There the volunteers distributed brochures to the parents and other stall holders while some children participated in the FOST activities, such as the model of Shanklin Theatre stage with its scenery display, and ‘match the drawings to the Panto list’. The children really enjoyed finding out about the Theatre. The Brass band (neighbours) played Christmas music to cheers us all.

Many thanks to:

(leftright), Jacqui Robertson, Sarah BucherJones, Viv Howell and Heather Whitchurch

Christmas 2023 – Hamper Winner

Congratulations to Kay from St Helens who won the Delysia Christmas Hamper! Kindly donated by Diane and John Day in support of Shanklin Theatre, the Delysia Christmas Hamper raised a fantastic £263.

Many thanks to John and Diane and their customers

Chris Turner’s ‘Never Ending & Eventful Train Journey’

Have you ever had one of those days when the day seemed so perfect and then things went from bad to worse?

Chris Turner, one of our theatre maintenance team, occasionally meets up with a group that he used to work with on the railway. They decide on different places to visit as a group and meet up along the route to spend time together at the chosen venue. Recently they even went to Germany! However, another trip was planned to York which seemed fairly straightforward for all to meet at.

The day started well enough – up very early, breakfast, finished packing a bag with waterproofs and snacks and his journey began.

The ferry and train were on time and before long, Chris arrived at King’ s Cross. Here, on this wet and rainy day, it was very busy and as Chris boarded the train to York, he was grateful that he had reserved seats and squeezed his way between standing passengers to find his seat along with the rest of his group. The train was busier than usual due to many students being off for Half-Term.

The train was non-stop to York. A good journey but the weather continued to get worse and the view from the train was of many water-logged fields.

Their arrival at York was on time though and the group began their visit to a Steam Railway Museum. They enjoyed their visit, found somewhere to eat, and decided they should begin the journey back home.

They headed for the station, aiming for the train at about 3pm, only to find that trains were at a standstill, and nothing had moved since 1.30pm due

apparently to flooding on the track at Grantham. After waiting and wondering what to do next, at about 5pm there was an announcement that a train was due at King’s Cross. Everybody rushed to Platform 10 and boarded the train that was again packed, but Chris and two others of his group were fortunately able to find seats because, of course, their reserved seats were not applicable for this train. They soon began chatting to other folk on the train who had been on there since Edinburgh for two and a half hours and others that had boarded at Newcastle, and a lady who was visiting from Australia and was trying to get to Ely. Despite this, people were generally in good spirits. However, the train did not move and was still sitting at York. After about an hour, the guard announced that some people would need to leave the train! There were people sitting in the aisles and some had dogs with them, and the guard said there was no room for him to walk through the train so they would need to get off the train!

Reluctantly, some did leave as they were promised a train would follow in about 25 minutes that may be less busy as it was starting from York.

Eventually, Chris’s train began to travel at about twenty miles an hour through Grantham and on to King’s Cross and finally arrived at about 9.30pm. Then Chris had to get across to Waterloo to catch the last train at 10pm to Portsmouth. He grabbed a takeaway cup of tea only to find that once on train the tea had no milk in it! When you’re that thirsty, it hardly matters. Chris arrived at Portsmouth and half ran, half walked as fast as he could, not realising that it would take a good 10-minute route to the car ferry only to watch the midnight sailing pull out without him!

The next ferry was at 3am. Another three hour wait.

All alone in the waiting room, after about 15 minutes, a police officer popped his head in, followed shortly afterwards by another Police Officer. They then proceeded to bring in a guy in handcuffs, and Chris watched as they removed his handcuffs and left him on his own with Chris! A little unnerving to say the least but fortunately uneventful. The ferry arrived and Chris finally disembarked at Fishbourne at about 3.40am. The rain continued to pour, and the terminal was suffering with the rain streaming along the road. Chris still had to get home but knew that he would get soaked if he walked to the bus stop. Excitedly, he saw someone he knew pull up in a car to collect someone, but probably due to the bad weather, the driver did not see him. Chris decided he should wait in the terminal

building until the rain eased off and about 4.30 am he began the trek through Binstead without seeing another person! Who ever knew Fishbourne Lane could be so long when you’re walking it? A bus came along, and he boarded this to Ryde. Chris saw that a bus was due from Ryde to Shanklin at 5.20am. As he got off the bus at Ryde, he headed towards the next bus only to see it pull away before his eyes! How much longer was this day going to get? Chris ran to the bus and the driver kindly opened the doors and let him get on. Chris eventually got home at 6am. He had begun his day at 5am!

Whilst many would now go to bed and sleep for a good few hours, Chris only had a short sleep and then made his way to the theatre as he had arranged to be there to work on the new Ladies’ toilets! He continued to work until about 4.30pm. Now that’s loyalty to a new degree for a Shanklin Theatre Volunteer!

Chris hasn’t been deterred from another outing with his friends but hopefully the next one will be less adventurous!

Story by Chris Turner, written by Billie Thornton

Shanklin & District History Society at Shanklin Theatre – 3rd February

The display from the Shanklin and District History Society at our first Coffee, Cake and Chat of the year raised a lot of interest. Many people gathered around the display boards asking questions of the society’s members. Some brought their own historical pictures revealing new information. Many thanks go to the members of the society: Sammantha Cave, Terry Knight, Helen Thomas and Ian Murdock.

March Stage Write - Springtime Crossword - Prepared and

written by Matt Day

Here’s your first crossword of 2024

Clues such as Barbara/ /Davies have a missing name that completes both – in this case Windsor.

Clues such as US singer: lacking tone – the first part is a definition, the second an anagram. Nat King Cole fits.

Good luck! Kind regards, Matt. The answers are on page 31.

ACROSS

1. And 11ac. Snooker player: nastily on red (6, 6)

7. See 6 down

11. See 1 across

13. See 34 down

14. Level 42’s bassist, singer and Isle Of Wight resident (4, 4)

15. David ____ - director of Doctor Zhivago and Lawrence of Arabia (4)

16. And 26ac. Footballer: go get beers (6, 4)

17. Talking lion which features in The Chronicles of Narnia (5)

20. And 25d. Dancer: I tread safer (4, 7)

21. Village near Windsor, home to Hammer Film Productions from 1951-70 (4)

22. And 12d. TV Chef - granary moods (6, 6)

23. Name shared by singers Gaynor and Estefan (6)

25. Princess/ /Diamond (4)

26. See 16 across

29. Coyly hides Olive? (3)

30. TV presenter: lady’s set (4, 4)

32. Sir ____ Hardwicke, actor in over 70 films including Hitchcock’s Rope(6)

36. Bird is authentic at heart (3)

37. Welsh actor/dramatist - gave his name to a song writing award (4, 7)

39. Picture clue C (5)

41. Ben/ /John (5)

43. BBC sitcom starring Tom Hollander as a vicar (3)

44. US actress: Germany (3, 4)

45. Author: had dollar (5, 4)

DOWN

2. Pop musician/singer: seen heard (2, 7)

3. US musician/producer: older singer (4, 7)

4. English pop singer born in 1994, Harry ______ (6)

5. See 21d

6. And 7ac. US actor: costumier (3, 6)

8. Picture Clue A (3, 6)

9. And 19d. Author: horrid music (4, 7)

10. And 24d. US author: ape and all gore (5, 5, 3)

12. See 22 across

18. Thomas ____ - composer of ‘Rule, Britannia!’ (4)

19. See 9 down

21. And 5d. US musician/songwriter: bald bony (3, 5)

24. See 10 down

25. See 20 across

27. Cul-de-____ (3)

28. Neil/ /Reed (6)

31. Selina/ /Joplin (5)

33. Madonna album with time-consuming Beethoven symphony? (7)

34. And 13ac. 1980’s pop singer - take lyrics (4, 6)

35. Picture clue B (6)

38. Girl’s name; city in France (5)

40. Catherine ___ - Jones (4)

42. Christopher/ /Mack (3)

The answers are on page 31.

A little bit of self-indulgence from me above & left, and a little help with clue 14 across should you need it!

Ed.

Volunteering Vacancies – Suzie Thurgood

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO KEEP OUR THEATRE IN SPARKLING CONDITION?

We are looking for keen and enthusiastic people who can join our friendly Housekeeping Team. We know it’s not the most glamorous of volunteering roles in the theatre, but it is a very important role.

So, if you feel you can wield a duster, or cruise with a vacuum cleaner, the team are here, ready and waiting for you.

If you believe you have what it takes to help keep our wonderful old Theatre looking its best and are able to spare some time, then your services are needed and most welcome.

To find out more, please email Suzie on volunteers@shanklintheatre.com

Spring 2024 Crossword Answers

ACROSS

1. Dennis 7. Cruise 11. Taylor 13. Astley 14. Mark King 15. Lean

16. George 17. Aslan 20. Fred

21. Bray 22. Gordon 23. Gloria 25. Anne 26. Best 29. Oyl 30. Tess Daly 32. Cedric 36. Hen

37. Ivor Novello 39. Kazoo 41. Elton 43. Rev 44. Meg Ryan 45. Roald Dahl

DOWN

2. Ed Sheeran 3. Nile Rodgers 4. Styles 5. Dylan 6. Tom 8. Rik Mayall 9. Iris 10. Edgar 12. Ramsay

18. Arne 19. Murdoch 21. Bob 24. Allan Poe 25. Astaire 27. Sac 28. Oliver 31. Scott 33. Erotica

34. Rick 35. Clever 38. Nancy 40. Zeta 42. Lee

Gwyn Dawson’s – A Quick Springtime Theatre Quiz

Answers

1. Doris Day

2. Desdemona

3. Daniel Defoe

4. Duran Duran (Dr. Durand Durand in the film)

5. Dosselmeyer

6. Frederick Delius

7. Alexandre Dumas

8. Desmond Dekker

9. The Dorfman

10. Celine Dion

Grand Prize Draw Winners – 6th January 2024

The Draw took place at the theatre in the presence of FOST committee members.

1st Robert Irwin

2nd Ms Linda Titchner

3rd Ms Janet Nolan

4th Mr Richard Stone

5th Mrs Anne Watson

6th Ms Sharon Read

7th Mr Tony Baker

Kent 3604

Ryde 2436

Shanklin 0165

Limerstone 2957

Grand Prize Draw

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.

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 EveningA biennial event for FOST Patrons will be organised at the Theatre in recognition of their contribution. The FOST Patrons current list (dated 12/02/24) is:

Sandra Aldridge Michael Ellis Cilla Morris Shirley Smallman

Elizabeth Allen Isobel Ellis Kay Mottram Anthony Smith

Shirley Armstrong Jo Everitt Michael Murwill Peter Stockman

John Ash Sylvia Fallows Wendy Murwill Tricia Sztypuljak

Graham Benson Nicholas Finney OBE Anthony Needham Victoria ThorntonField

Christine Benson Jacqueline Flux Margaret Newman Sue Thurgood

Michael Bingham David Frankling Bill Nichols Roy Trevatt

Veronica Bingham Peter Gibson Lizzy Nichols Jeremy Turk

Ron Bird Caroline Gibson Marie Nicholson Dorothy Uren

Alana Bird Sue Godden Chris O'Connell Sir Paul Walker

Amy Bird Linda Graham Susan Osborne CBE Lady Annie Walker

David Bird

Tony Hagan Guy Palin Rodney Walmsley

Ruth Bird Christopher Hardy Janice Palin Diana Ward

John L Brett Lorraine Harley Phyllis Payne Ian Ward

Margaret Bristow Neil Hedges Terry Pearson Sonja Ward

Elaine Carter Jim Holland Marilyn Pearson Ann Ward

Debbie Clement Vivien Howell Shirley Peck Janet Wardle

Andrew Corkish John Hulse Shani Petter Anne Watson

Charlotte Corkish Geoffrey Jackson Carol Pointer Heather Whitchurch

Paul Coueslant Edgar Jones David Pointer Maxine White

Maggie Currie

Lynn Jones George Powell Kevin Wilson

Kelvin Currie Jennifer Jones Leonora Powell Su Wompra

Pamela Dana Steven Julians Julie Riggott Anthony Wood

Beryl Daniels Fiona Klein Jane Robert Jan Wood

Lynda Darby

Geoff Klein Jacqui Robertson

Larry Darby Simon Lacey Robert Robertson

Martin Darch Tim Marshall Alan Rodway

Jean Davies Sarah McCarthy-Fry Patricia Rodway

Gwyn Dawson Pat McCree Michael Sayers

Carole Dennett Linda McLinden Rosemary Sayers

Marilyn (Dr) Dyason Patricia Metcalf Cherry Scudder

Brenda Dyer Jason Monk Doreen Sheath

WELCOME TO OUR NEW FOST CORPORATE SPONSOR ISLE OF WIGHT DISTILLERY

“Rooted in the natural landscape of a unique island, the Isle of Wight Distillery creates premium, hand-crafted spirits, working in connection with nature.

The distillery’s signature spirit, Mermaid Gin, delivers a smooth yet complex blend of fresh organic lemon zest and peppery grains of paradise, with a hint of sea air from locally foraged, fragrant rock samphire.

This coastal botanical, wild-foraged from the island’s cliffs, is known locally as ‘mermaid’s kiss’. A Certified B Corporation, the distillery proactively strives to protect the environment, presenting Mermaid plastic-free and supporting seagrass meadow restoration projects locally and overseas.

Ingredients are ethically sourced or wild-foraged, with the Mermaid and HMS Navy Strength ranges inspired by the ocean and island’s natural elements.”

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.

ISLE OF WIGHT DISTILLERY

Rooted in the natural landscape of a unique island, the Isle of Wight Distillery creates premium, hand-crafted spirits, working in connection with nature. A Certified B Corporation, ingredients are ethically sourced or wild-foraged, inspired by the island’s natural elements.

100% ELECTRICAL

Philip Jennings

Electrical Contractors. Industrial, Commercial, and Domestic. NICEIC Approved. NICEIC Domestic Installation.

email: office@100-percent-electrical.co.uk

Phone : 07929 193007

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.

www.thesnowdonhotel.co.uk

RON BIRD & SON offer 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/

Bucket Collection Report

Nov 2023 £1022.18 - 15 shows

Dec 2023 £1600.61 - 22 shows

Jan 2024 £129.40 - 1 show.

Donation Pots, Sweet shop, Box office £118.97.

November started with seasonal shows from our local companies: The Joel Morris Dance Academy presented Swan Lake, Nativity the Musical from Curtain Call Creative, and Peter Pan by First Act; also, Spotlight’s Kids’ Christmas Show, and Aladdin from Theatre Train, together raising over £550.

Sarah Millican’s two shows sold out, and Kevin Bloody Wilson also made a return visit, together raising over £300.

Pop music from Fleetwood Bac, Talon and Big Girls Don’t Cry gave us over £260 in buckets.

Spotlight did it again with a fabulous panto - Rapunzel - featuring all the local cast, taking us to the end of 2023 and raising over £1430.

February starts the Spring Season, so make sure you have a few pennies for our Bucket Collections!

Thank You!

Alana.

Friends of Shanklin Theatre – FOST Organisational Structure

FOST Executive Committee:

Chairman (acting) – Vic Farrow

Membership Secretary – Christine McCarthy

Policy & Support – Michael Beston

Promotional Officer – Jacqui Robertson

Secretary – Liz Hinkes

Treasurer – Peter Frankling

Volunteer Liaison Officer – Suzie Thurgood

Volunteer Training & Welfare – Tony Needham

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, March 2024