Stage Write September 2020

THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FROM THE FRIENDS OF SHANKLIN THEATRE September 2020

2020 STAGE-WRITE

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Chairman’s Foreword Hello everyone.

I hope you are all keeping well in these strange times. We have seen the start of a return to a ‘new normal’, where shops are beginning to open, and hairdressers!!!! Isn’t it amazing the difference a visit to the hairdresser makes to your whole outlook.

Although we are seeing a more normal life coming back, the theatre still has a way to go. The maintenance team are going in at the moment to complete essentials repairs. One of which is the re-plastering and making good the ceiling in the balcony stairs, which were badly damaged when rain water came through the roof covering above. The team are also repairing the rotted floor in the Green Room, so they are being kept very busy.

The Box Office re-opened on the 1st August 2020, but don’t get too excited!

The opening hours are 10am – 1pm Monday to Friday, with Box Office Managers only. The public will not be allowed in, all bookings and information will still be completed over the phone and website. Safety measures to ensure social distancing is adhered to have been put in place.

The maintenance team have already erected a Perspex screen between the two desks in the back office, and all volunteers coming back have completed Health and Safety training. At present only the Box Office, Manager’s offices, ushers room and upstairs conference room are accessible.

The theatre is in good hands, and is being monitored very carefully. We are very fortunate that so many of us volunteer, and this is a big factor in our recovery and future planning. Shows are still being booked and our customers are very supportive and have donated very generously to our cause. As I learn anything further from the Theatre regarding its forward plans, etc., I will keep the volunteers and the membership informed of developments. Without you it would be a different story altogether, so I thank you all very much for all you do, and what you are willing to do in the future.

Keep safe and well, kind regards. Janet Wardle - FOST Chairman.

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A Message from the Editor Thank you for reading the September edition of the Stage Write magazine. It’s incredible to think, that we are now officially well over half way through 2020 and heading fast towards 2021. I’m sure you’ll agree, 2020 has been one of the strangest and most eventful years in recent history.

We have now seen the opening of pubs, restaurants and businesses across the Island, all making the most of what is left of the very short trading season. Many people have been celebrating being able to meet more of their loved ones, family members and friends for the first time since lockdown. I will never take for granted the simple pleasure of visiting the barber to have a hair cut ever again!

Whilst other establishments begin to reopen their doors to customers at long last, the guidelines for theatres and performing venues still remain unclear. Please rest assured that the management team are working very hard in the back ground to ensure Shanklin Theatre remains viable and ready to reopen when we finally get the go ahead from Boris………

In this edition we have a superb quiz from Gwyn Dawson and another excellent crossword from Matt Day. Read about the ‘hidden’ and lesser known ‘summer theatre’ along Shanklin Esplanade including the story of Henry Powis-Pinder of the Shanklin auxiliary fire service.

May I wish you a peaceful and safe autumn; I look forward to presenting the December Stage Write to you at Christmas time. Take care, stay safe and look after yourselves. 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 September 2020 Stage Write magazine. This magazine was printed by the NHS Printing Services.

Newport - Isle of Wight.

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Grand Prize Draw Notice Due to the current coronavirus situation, our grand prize draw has been temporarily suspended until further notice.

Please retain your tickets until such time we can recommence the draw.

All tickets sold from the 5th January 2020 will be honoured and re-drawn as soon as we are able.

The lucky winners will be notified by phone when the draw recommences.

FOST Monthly Members’ Draw Winners for May, June & July 2020

May 2020

FOST No

Pat Green Vicky Gower C Sparrow

354 1234 1697

June 2020

FOST No

Jean Reed

882

John Turner

1071

David Wayne Lawrence

1716

July 2020

FOST No

Roger Coleman

204

Alison Botha

1016

Erica Strudley

1002

Congratulations to all our winners. Each received a ÂŁ10 Theatre voucher valid for 5 years.

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An interesting description of the Shanklin Institute c1880 including a reference to the 'Continental Kursaal'

‘The institute is the town hall of Shanklin; at least it fills that position in reality, if not in name. It was erected in 1879 partly by public subscription, on a site of land generously given by the late Lord of the Manor, Francis White-Popham, Esq. Although it is set back from the high street some little distance; this only brings into greater prominence the handsome and noble outlines of the building. It is approached by a wide flight of steps which spread out on either side, very convenient for those who throng the hall on popular entertainment nights, and to those who enter from either of the roads which abut upon it.’

Above – The Shanklin Institute picture shortly after construction c1880 ‘There is a large billiard room and good reading room (the Theatre Box Office); nearly all the daily and many weekly illustrated papers will be found there, and the entrance fee is but a small one, and the Institute 5|Page

undoubtedly fills a public want and is well supported. Attached to it is a library, from which books can be taken without any additional charge to members. ‘Public and private balls are given in the large hall and during the winter the badminton club meets there weekly. It will thus be seen that the advantages of the institute are open to the public; it is in no sense exclusive or proprietary, the casual visitor for one penny per day may enjoy all it offers; and it can be safely said no one will refuse that small sum for the comfort and convenience afforded. ‘The weekly, monthly or yearly subscriptions are very moderate; it may not provide all that the Continental Kursaal does, because it was never designed to do so, but the visitor will consider it an acquisition to the town and deserving the support of the inhabitants.’

Above - Sandown's answer to the 'Continental Kursaal'

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Our IT Guru - Rob Robertson and volunteer - Deb Vannozzi has been busy producing new posters for the theatre

'Future Shows Now Booking' Check our website for information and updates BOOK ONLINE www.shanklintheatre.com/events.aspx BOX OFFICE - 01983 868000 - Mon-Fri 10am-1pm SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL THEATRE GO TO: www.shanklintheatre.com/donate.aspx

Thank you for your continued support of the theatre, it's truly appreciated.

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September Stage Write Crossword Compiled and written by Matt Day – Answers on Page 28 Good luck!

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ACROSS

1. And 17 across. Chart-topping Queen ballad from 1991 (5,3,3,4,2,3,5) 8. Picture Clue B: 1989 Queen album The ______ (7) 10. Queen’s handclapping hit from 1984 (5,2,2) 11. And 21 across. Picture clue A - Freddie’s solo album Mr ___ ___ (3,3) 12. A.K.A Beelzebub (5) 13. An extremely long time (3) 16. Freddie solo hit: Living On My ___ (3) 17. See 1 across.

19. See 12 down.

21. See 11 across.

22. Rock guitar string is cut (4) 24. Chart occasionally featuring rock? (3) 25. Surname of Queen drummer Roger (6) 27. And 6 down. Queen’s first hit: _____ ____ Of Rhye (5,4) 28. First note of major scale (3) 30. The shortest month? (3) 32. Layer of fine waste matter on a surface (4) 35. Small - like that crazy thing called love (6) 37. As well as (4) 40. Queen hit: A Kind Of _____ (5) 41. Art form e.g. jazz, classical or blues (5) 42. Smallest planet in solar system (7) 43. 1985 Queen hit inspired by Live Aid (3,6)

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DOWN

1. Pink Floyd track; 1986 West End musical by Dave Clark (4) 2. Outrage caused by note found in open shoe (7) 3. Queen hit: I Want It ___ (3) 4. In a rush; with reckless haste (8) 5. Queen guitarist’s big hit used in a Ford car advert (6,2,3) 6. See 27 across 7. Sudden burst of light (5) 9. Organ of sight (3) 12. And 19 across. He sang with Queen on Under Pressure (5,5) 14. Queen’s 1977 album – ____ Of The World (4) 15. And 18 down. Award winning Queen biopic (8,8) 20. Third planet from the sun (5) 23. Picture clue C: Glastonbury founder Michael _____ (5) 26. Periods of 12 months (5) 29. Swear words (5) 31. Picture clue D: Surname of Queen bassist John (6) 33. Striped animal (5) 34. Queen hit: Bicycle ____ (4) 36. Picture clue E: Black Sabbath guitarist Tony _____ (5) 38. Man-eating monster (4) 39. Improvised playing session enjoyed by 60’s band Traffic? (3) 40. Short for microphone (3)

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Dame Vera Lynn Dame Vera Lynn, the Forces' Sweetheart whose songs helped raise morale in World War Two, passed away at the age 103 on the 18th June 2020.

Dame Vera Margaret Lynn CH DBE OStJ (nee) Welch was born on the 20th March 1917.

A world famous English singer, songwriter and entertainer whose musical recordings and performances were very popular during the Second World War. She was widely referred to as the "Forces' Sweetheart" and gave outdoor concerts for the troops in Egypt, India and Burma during the war as part of Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA).

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The songs most associated with her are "We'll Meet Again", "(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover", "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" and "There'll Always Be an England".

She remained popular after the war, appearing on radio and television in the United Kingdom and the United States, and recording such hits as "Auf Wiederseh'n, Sweetheart" and her UK number-one single "My Son, My Son". Her last single, "I Love This Land", was released to mark the end of the Falklands War. In 2009, at the age of 92, she became the oldest living artist to top the UK Albums Chart with the compilation album We'll Meet Again: The Very Best of Vera Lynn. In 2014, she released the collection Vera Lynn: National Treasure and in 2017, she released Vera Lynn 100, a compilation album of hits to commemorate her centenary—it was a No. 3 hit, making her the first centenarian performer to have a Top 10 album in the charts. By the time of her death in 2020 she had been active in the music industry for 96 years.

Dame Vera devoted much time and energy to charity work connected with exservicemen, disabled children and breast cancer. She was held in great affection by Second World War veterans and in 2000 was named the Briton who best exemplified the spirit of the 20th century.

Left – Vera Lynn in 1962 - Image courtesy of Eric Koch /Anefo – Nationaal Archief.

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‘If there's something strange - In your local theatre - Who you gonna call?

Covidbusters!’

‘If there's something weird - And it don't look good - Who you gonna call?

Covidbusters!’

‘I ain't 'fraid of no germ - I ain't 'fraid of no germ.’

FOST have now purchased a Fogger for initial testing at the Theatre. The Fogger produces a fine ‘fog’ that is used to quickly sterilise surfaces at the Theatre and is especially useful within the auditorium due to the large area to be treated.

The Fogger creates a very fine ‘fog’ with very small droplets that settle on surfaces without making them overly wet. The droplets kill viruses within 5 minutes and then evaporate within 30 minutes, leaving all surfaces dry.

With the safety of our fogging volunteers in mind, the Fogger will utilise chlorine dissolved in water as the sterilising solution. This is the same method used for many years in keeping swimming pools free from bacteria and is very safe.

The backpack Fogger holds 10 litres of solution, so is not exactly light!

FOST is planning to create a new ‘Covidbusting Team’ to handle many of the tasks required in keeping the Theatre safe for performances, including fogging. All team members will be provided with a ‘Covidbuster’ badge!

‘Mmm, if you've had a dose of a Freaky germ, baby - You better call Covidbusters!

FOST Chairman – Janet Wardle getting to grips with the ‘Fogger’.

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PLEASE DONATE TO FOST FUNDRAISING - SHANKLIN BOUNDARY WALK

Sunday 20th September 2020

Due to the pandemic, Shanklin Theatre has been closed to the public since March. However, projects such as the complete refurbishment of the Green Room floor and the exploration of ways to sanitize the auditorium have recently been undertaken.

FOST is funding part of the Green Room floor refurbishment as well as purchasing an anti-virus fogging machine (fogger) and restarting printing the FOST newsletter for members without email.

To support FOST funding, a group of intrepid Friends of Shanklin Theatre (FOST) will undertake a fundraising Shanklin Boundary walk with social distancing on Sunday 20th September.

The 10 mile route follows Shanklin Esplanade, the boundary with Lake, goes through America Wood, climbs to Shanklin and Luccombe Downs, descends towards Bonchurch, joins the cliff path by Luccombe and finally comes back to Shanklin Esplanade via the Appley steps.

Please support FOST and our walkers by donating here: https://shanklinthe atre.enthuse.com/w alk#!/ Thank you in advance for your donation. Your support in this way is very much appreciated in these difficult times.

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Leading Fireman - Henry Powis-Pinder and the forgotten, hidden Summer Theatre Henry Powis-Pinder was a Leading Fireman of Shanklin’s Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS). Henry passed away on 25th July 1941 aged 68 at a Shanklin Nursing Home after being transferred from his residence at Baytree Cottage in Shanklin.

He had been in failing health for some time, but the end came as a great shock to his family and friends.

When researching the lives of firemen of the past, it’s common to find that their family backgrounds were one of manual labour – typically in construction or agriculture. The life of Henry PowisPinder is therefore contradictory to all expectations being as remote from that of the stereotypical fireman as one could imagine.

Henry had never served in any fire service until volunteering for the AFS when he was in his 60s, which makes his story quite remarkable.

A son of the late Dr Edward Pinder of Camberwell, he devoted his life to theatrical interests and became known far and wide as founder of the famous Sunshine Concert Party, the nursery of many stage, screen and radio celebrities. Henry was born in Camberwell on 6th September 1872 and grew up in the expansive family home in the leafy Grove Lane – London, where the average property sells for in excess of £900k today.

Henry was the possessor of a splendid baritone voice and this with his undoubtedly acting ability brought him early success in the D’Oyly Carte Opera company in his performances of Gilbert & Sullivan operas at the Savoy Theatre London. He scored his biggest success as Colonel Popoff in the ‘Chocolate Soldier’. Other hits in which he appeared included ‘The Earl and the Girl’ and the ‘Talk of the Town’ with Sir Seymour Hicks.

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Henry married Ethel Florence Quarry in 1897 and his wife was associated with him when he ventured into theatrical management in 1914.

This appears to have been the time at which Henry detached himself from the bright lights of London and was entranced

by Shanklin with his first concert party ‘The Burlesques’ which he presented in the Grand Pavilion on Shanklin Pier.

Left – ‘the Earl and the Girl’ - Sir Seymour Hicks. Below – Shanklin Pier and Pavilion along the Southern Esplanade The first printed reference connecting Henry with the Isle of Wight appeared in a County Press article in the edition of 16th January 1915. Shanklin Town Hall (Theatre) had been the venue for ‘an evening entertainment of singular artistic excellence’ – in aid of the St John Ambulance Association. The crowded performance concluded with a one-act comedy, ‘Jerry and the Sunbeam’ starring Miss Dorothy Gouldsmith and Henry Powis-Pinder.

Finding Shanklin a worthy home, the couple embedded themselves in local society with Henry becoming a freemason of the Chine Lodge in October 1919. Henry and Ethel’s contributions to Shanklin’s entertainment industry were relentless from there on, eventually establishing the new Summer Theatre on Shanklin Esplanade.

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The Summer Theatre was constructed on the Esplanade at Shanklin in the early part of 1921. It was actually a brick-by-brick reconstruction of a former large sea plane hangar sold from the Bembridge Harbour Station.

The hangar originally housed WWI Fairey Campania Seaplanes of the Nizam of Hyderabad's RAF Squadron as used by the Royal and United States Navies. The Summer Theatre was reconstructed on its new site by construction engineers Messrs Simmonds. The interior was redesigned as a Concert Pavilion that included a platform stage and proscenium arch.

Left – the original Hangars at Bembridge Harbour Station During WWII the Theatre was used as storage for the PLUTO project which was a pipe line under the sea (ocean), and was later badly damaged. There is no doubt that it has had a large amount of maintenance and repair work over the last ninety nine years or so.

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Page over – image of the rebuilt original Hangar building. The 1921 plaque is visible on the triangular gable end section of the theatre Today the former Summer Theatre is in use as an Amusement Arcade called the Summer Arcade.

After the reconstruction was completed, the Theatre opened in the later part of 1921 with the first Sunshine Concert Party, and went from success to even greater success with brilliant entertainments. Henry was also responsible for concert parties at Ventnor. Among artists that he had helped along the road to fame as members of his concert party were; Edwin “Teddy" Styles, Arthur Askey, Bernard Lee, Webster Booth, Mario de Pietro and Raymond Newall among others.

Above - Powis Pinder's Sunshine Concert Party, Sunshine Theatre, Shanklin – c1930 Although Henry was a busy man, he found time for relaxation as a member of the Shanklin Club and on the links of the Shanklin and Sandown Golf 18 | P a g e

Club, of which he was club captain in 1939, in recent years he put his wealth of experience as an old Savoyard at the disposal of the Sandown & Shanklin Operatic Society working in happy collaboration with Mr and Mrs A E English. It is a striking coincidence in Henry’s acting career that he started on management in 1914 when WWI broke out and finished in 1939 in the year that the WWII began. Through all those twenty five years he had the enthusiastic and sympathetic support of Ethel and for much of the time was assisted by his son Arthur Powis Pinder, Arthur subsequently left to assist the war effort and joined the army.

Above – The Shanklin Club (formally Keats Inn - now apartments) along Keats Green-c1910 Three days after the declaration of war Henry celebrated his 67th birthday – but his age didn’t prevent him from volunteering to serve with the Auxiliary Fire Service. Henry continued ‘doing his bit’ as a crew leader in the AFS during the war and ironically for the last four months of his life he 19 | P a g e

had been reading the Lessons at the Old Church, Shanklin. Sadly in 1941 his previous good health suddenly failed him, and he was unable to continue his fire fighting duties, in which he had been appointed to the role of Leading Fireman.

Henry passed away on the 25th July 1941. His funeral was held at St Blasius Church, Shanklin and was attended by a mass of local friends and dignitaries. Also attending were notable friends and admirers of the stage from London.

Representatives were also sent from the Brigade and AFS units in Ventnor and Sandown. The floral tributes displayed included those from Shanklin Fire Brigade and the men of the Sandown Road AFS sub-station.

Rest in peace – LF Henry Powis-Pinder.

1872 - 1941 Above - Advertisement from the IWCP, 24th August 1918

Text and images courtesy of Derek Stephens (Shanklin Theatre Archivist) and Damon Corr - Story compiled by Michael Beston

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Theatre Chronicle In the Stagewrite magazine of June 2019, there was an article about the first Patrons’ evening that had been held in May. Mention was made in the article of the albums of mostly signed posters that were available to look at, with a passing reference to the folders of cuttings about the theatre. I thought you might like to know how these folders came into being.

It all started one morning about six years ago, when I was on duty, with Sharon, in the box office. There being a few idle moments without customers in person or on the phone, I decided (being a bit nosey) to have a look at a ring binder labelled FOST and found it contained a few press cuttings about the theatre since its rebirth in 2010. From then the conversation went a bit like this: Sharon “I started a scrapbook but haven’t been very good at keeping it going” – Debbie: “Oh” Sharon: “Do you do scrapbooks?” – Debbie: “Well yes, I have done some in the past” And, as the saying goes, the rest is history, as those few words sealed my “fate”. I found I had assumed responsibility for the theatre scrapbook. I knew Derek Stephens held the post of archivist and as I didn’t want to” tread on any toes” I went to see Derek to discover exactly what he did.

Derek is interested in the history of the theatre before its rejuvenation in 2010 and assured me that anything going forward from 2007/8, when the first group of concerned citizens came together to prevent its closure, would not interfere with what he was doing.

IWCP cutting from the 21st September 2007

My conscience now clear, the first thing to do was to research the County Press archives. I had been given a few cuttings dated from 2007 and 2008 but decided to start from 2007 to make sure I had as comprehensive a coverage as possible. My first problem came as I tried to access the CP archives and yes I had paid the fee. They 21 | P a g e

duly set me up with a user name and password and I was able to start my research. This was just the beginning of many telephone conversations and emails, over the years, between various people at the County Press and me.

Here I must make it plain that whoever I spoke to was always very helpful and had patience in abundance.

It took me about a year to work my way through the archives from 2007 to 2015. By then I had started collecting cuttings from the paper every week.

Having noted all the references it was time to print them out. Hindsight being the wonderful thing that it is I should have printed out the articles as I found them. By this time the year’s subscription had run out so I duly renewed it and started to print out the various articles and notes. All went well for a while up to about 2009/2010 and then it all went downhill. There followed the first of many conversations with the receptionist – a very nice, pleasant and most patient lady called Helen who talked me through the process and we kept two sets of fingers crossed and hoped it would work.

Unfortunately, it didn’t. Up till then I had done the vast majority of my research and all the printing at home.

Next step – try to print at the theatre where I hoped the “whizz kid” or should that be “whizz kids” of computers, otherwise known as Roger and Rob, could help me. No such luck – they tried. I phoned Helen again who gave me further instruction, duly passed on to Roger and Rob, but still no success. By this time, the CP had been sold to a conglomerate that published a lot of local newspapers and someone had forgotten the old adage of “if it ain’t broke, don’t mend it” as they did something with the archive. No idea what but my family and others will know that technology and me do not go well together and too much technical explanation goes straight over my head.

Above - cutting from the IWCP 14th October 2011 – Story by the late Keith Newbery

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Next step was another phone call to Helen who suggested that if I could use microfiche I could go into the CP offices in Newport and print from these.

Success, I thought, as I have used microfiche without a problem, so off I went all prepared to have a successful morning. Alas it was not to be. The microfiche copies stopped at the end of 2010 and I needed 2011 onwards.

By this time Helen had also shown me, on an earlier visit, how to print from the archives – using the two “public” machines in reception. Even with these carefully written down instructions, neither I, nor Roger and Rob, had had any success, hence the suggestion of the microfiche.

IWCP Royal Garden Party article by Jon Moreno 10th June 2012

Another alternative was the bound volumes that they kept but this was not a very practical suggestion as they were very large and heavy and would have meant a lot of work for those behind the scenes of the front office.

Neither could I expect them to do all that copying for me Oh dear! Where do I go from here? I wasn’t quite at my “wits’ end” but was frustrated to say the least.

Then Helen came to my rescue and offered to do the printing for me during any spare time she had from her duties as receptionist. I duly furnished her with all the references up to the end of 2015 and over the next few months she, with the help of her colleague, printed them all for me. Various trips to Newport followed to collect all these.

Meanwhile, I had started to cut out and collate all those articles and decided how to present all these bits of information. I looked at various folders/ring binders and discovered what I wanted in Beardsalls. “We have an account at Beardsalls” says Janet. Great, off I went and ordered four to begin with – the first of many Next I needed laminating sheets and once 23 | P a g e

again Janet came to the rescue, saying that she could order some for me when she next ordered stationery for the box office – again the first of several boxes. Much of the preparation for laminating i.e. placement of articles on sheets of plain paper and into the laminating sheets was done at home. Then, mainly after the end of my shift in the box office, out would come the laminating machine. I have lost count of the number of sheets that have passed through the machine.

Roy Hudd - IWCP cutting 6th May 2016

The result is several binders currently housed upstairs in the ‘Mayor’s Parlour’. There is a brief history of the events from 2007 through to 2010, that led to the theatre re opening - from the pressure group STAGE that evolved into FOST, written with the aid of minutes from that time and scrutinised by others to ensure accuracy– in the first folder and lots of pictures too, of the work and workers who cleaned the theatre and helped to put in the new seating, so that all would be ready for the reopening. I have tried to add, when and where appropriate, pictures of volunteers that have been taken with various artists that have appeared.

Originally, my hope was that another copy of this would be available for the public to look at either in the bar or in the box office but as the number of folders grew I decided that wouldn’t be very practical. A shame as I wanted people to be able to read about our successes, including the Queen’s Award for Voluntary groups, the visit by TRH the Earl and Countess of Wessex and look at the high profile stars that we have been able to attract to our theatre.

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I have compiled a second edition to be placed in the usherettes’ room for everyone to look at. The contents are exactly the same but this edition comes with extra pictures, such as those taken at box office lunches and other events for volunteers plus other bits and pieces that are more personal to all those who volunteer. I have tried hard to include all relevant material including pictures and I would like to thank those who have forwarded me pictures and given me other bits and pieces. Thanks must also go to Roger, who has on occasion pointed me in the right direction for information and also printed out the spine labels for the files, plus other labels for other files that I have compiled such as those for the poster albums. He could do this in less than a quarter of the time it would have taken me and without the choice vocabulary that, no doubt, would have accompanied my efforts. I did mention above that technology and I do not mix well.

Lastly, recent charts explaining the structure of the theatre management and FOST with people’s position on the committee and their area of responsibility to ensure the smooth running of the theatre, listed Derek Stephens and myself as archivists. Whilst this is a true description for Derek it is not for me. One suggested title was ‘scrapbooker’ and I shuddered at that and in these days of the popular hobby of crafting it was not appropriate as creating a scrapbook is entirely different from what I have done. A couple of suggestions were put forward and the title of “chronicler” was agreed upon – I can live with that. It is after all a chronicle of events since 2007.

Debbie Clement – Theatre Chronicler

********************************************************************* Wightbay Sale - FOST has started to raise money through Wightbay. Click here https://www.wightbay.com/isle-ofwight/search/?keywords=friends+of+shanklin+theatre to see what is currently for sale.

If you have items you would like to donate, please contact Jacqui FOSTmembership@shanklintheatre.com.

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A Quick Theatre Quiz – Created by Gwyn Dawson

A film and stage musical theme this time.

The first letter of each answer will spell out the name of a play coming to the Theatre next year. Tickets are already available.

1. What is the name of the character from Les Mis who sings ‘I dreamed a dream?’

2. In Oklahoma who eventually marries Will Parker?

3. Who wrote the lyrics to Jesus Christ Superstar?

4. In which musical does the song Aquarius appear?

5. Madonna played the eponymous character in the film version of which stage musical?

6. Which stage musical, originally performed in 1994, is loosely based on La Bohème?

7. The music of Meat Loaf is the inspiration for which stage musical?

8. What is the surname of Betty, the character in Grease played

by Stockard Channing?

9. In which film do sailors Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Jules Munshin spend 24 hours in New York?

10. Who lives in The Emerald City?

11. What is the first name of Ms Desmond from Sunset Boulevard?

Answers on page 28.

Good luck – Gwyn.

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Shanklin Theatre History We are always seeking any historic images, photographs, newspaper clippings or anything related to the history of Shanklin Theatre. We do not expect you to give up your treasured items, but we would really appreciate the chance to copy, photograph or scan any material you may have. Please contact our Theatre Archivist – Derek Stephens or Theatre Chronicler – Debbie Clements. FOSTmembership@shanklintheatre.com

The ‘Deck of Cards’ carnival float - Shanklin Carnival 1979?

Can anyone confirm the year and name the Carnival Queen, Maids of Honour, Princess and her attendants?

Thank you. Photos courtesy of Glynn Trow.

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September Crossword - Answers from Matt Day ACROSS 1. These Are The Days Of 8. Miracle 10. Radio Ga Ga 11. Bad 12.

Devil 13. Eon 16. Own 17. Our Lives 19. Bowie 21. Guy 22. Axed 24. Map 25. Taylor 27. Seven 28. Doh 30. May 32. Dust 35. Little 37. Also 40. Magic 41. Music 42. Mercury 43. One Vision DOWN 1. Time 2. Scandal 3. All 4. Headlong 5. Driven By You 6. Seas 7.

Flash 9. Eye 12. David 14. News 15. Bohemian 18. Rhapsody 20. Earth 23. Eavis 26. Years 29.

Oaths 31. Deacon 33. Tiger 34. Race 36. Iommi 38. Ogre 39. Jam 40. Mic ********************************************************************* A Quick Theatre Quiz - Answers from Gwyn Dawson 1. Fantine 2. Ado Annie 3. Tim Rice 4. Hair 5. Evita 6. Rent 7. Bat Out of Hell 8. Rizzo 9. On The Town 10. (The) Wizard of Oz 11. Norma Answer - FATHER BROWN

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Our FOST Corporate Members FOST Corporate members 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 700 members from the Isle of Wight and beyond. Corporate membership is £100 a year and entitles the named person to all the FOST benefits.

Welcome to our new Corporate Member: Sandra Honey, Reflexologist in Somerset Road, Ryde. Contact details via website: www.sandrahoney.co.uk/ ‘My husband and I like going to the theatre and have enjoyed many shows at Shanklin. Thanks to the volunteers and friends, Shanklin Theatre continues to go from strength to strength and is a huge asset to the Island.

We are lucky to have it and I am very proud to support it.’

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/ ‘Snowdon House is delighted to continue to support Shanklin Theatre through its corporate membership scheme. The promotion of tourism through Island businesses is essential to ensure attractions such as our local theatre remain sustainable and available for our residents, tourists and community.’ Sally and Michael Beston.

Ron Bird & Son offers a high quality and affordable piano tuning service across the Isle of Wight and Southern England. www.ronbirdandson.com/

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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/ Our FOST website, Lucid, Ron Bird and Son and Isle of Wight.Pub are amongst the many websites design by tldesignworks

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/ ‘I’m an Overner, whose Island memories stretch from end of the pier shows in Ventnor in the 1960s, to seeing the pantomime at Shanklin Theatre with my own children. My company supports FOST because I believe in the educational value of the theatre, to which every child, everywhere, should have access.’

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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FOST PATRONS The FOST committee recognises the value of FOST Patrons’ support and would like to express their gratitude by offering you additional benefits.

Printed FOST ‘Stage-Write’ Newsletter - Patrons who normally receive ‘Stage-Write’ via email may choose to have a printed copy delivered to them. Patrons Social Evening - A biennial event for FOST patrons will be organised at the Theatre in recognition of their contribution. The current list (dated 12/08/20) 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 Michael Isobel Jo Jacqueline David Sue

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 Ellis Ellis Everitt Flux Frankling Godden

Linda Tony Christine Christopher Lorraine Neil Jim Les Vivien Lynn Jennifer Steven Gwyneth Tim Nick Pat Angela Cilla Josh Michael Wendy Margaret Bill Lizzy Chris Jean Guy Janice Terry Shirley Shani Hilary

Graham Hagan Hardy Hardy Harley Hedges Holland Honey Howell Jones Jones Julians Kersey Marshall Mattocks McCree Moorman Morris Murray Murwill Murwill Newman Nichols Nichols O'Connell Osmond Palin Palin Pearson Peck Petter Pilcher

Carol David George Julie Robert Alan Patricia Michael Rosemary Graham Doreen Peter Tricia Victoria Jeremy Rodney Diana Ian Ann Janet Anne Heather Maxine Donna Steve Kevin Anthony Jan Diane

Pointer Pointer Powell Riggott Robertson Rodway Rodway Sayers Sayers Selway Sheath Stockman Sztypuljak ThornetonField 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 31 | P a g e

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 Hinkes. Promotional Events – Vivien Howell Archivist –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, September 2020.

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