Stage Write September 2021

THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FROM THE FRIENDS OF SHANKLIN THEATRE September 2021

2021 STAGE-WRITE

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Chairman’s Foreword

Welcome to our latest Stage-Write, where finally we are all gradually getting back to normal. So much has happened in the last few months that the time has just flown by.

Many hours were spent trying to work out the training and reorientation of our volunteers, and it paid off!

Although we have fewer people than at the start of the pandemic, these volunteers have worked very hard to make sure the show does go on. The FOST priority now is to recruit new volunteers to all departments, but mainly housekeeping, bar and prize draw sellers. The draw sellers are key, as they are the ones that do the main fundraising for us, selling you those tickets at only £1.00 each at every opportunity.

Our July Garden Party (in a thunderstorm) went really well, and I would like to thank the Clifton Hotel for looking after us so well. It was lovely to catch up with friends and colleagues while enjoying a cream tea. At the beginning of August, we held our Coffee, Cake and Chat in the refurbished green room and map room, where again everyone was chatting and enjoying delicious cake. We also recruited volunteers for the box office, housekeeping, bar and ushers, and so, another successful event.

As many of you know our gardening team entered the Shanklin in Bloom this year, and won first prize in their category! When you realise this team has only been together a few months, I think this is an extraordinary result.

Well done!

In a few short months I have been through a rollercoaster ride from lockdown, when I didn’t go out at all, to putting in long hours bringing the theatre back to life, and with all the successes we have had I think it has all been worthwhile. Isn’t this what retirement is all about?

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

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A Message from the Editor Thank you for reading our September edition of the ‘Stage Write’ magazine.

Back in 2008, a dedicated group of enthusiasts formed The Friends of Shanklin Theatre to fight the impending closure of the theatre and started dialogue with Shanklin Town Council on forming a Trust to take the theatre over. After gaining a grade II listed building certificate, the Theatre Trust negotiated a transfer of operation with the IW Council, and in April 2010 the keys were handed over. The rest, as they say, is history!

The early days of the rebirth of the theatre was a very exciting and eventful time, you can read more about this in the ‘Vic Farrow Reminisces’ article on page 14. One of my first volunteering roles at the theatre was managing the bar area back in 2009. The bar was a lot different back then, and just consisted of a stage prop as the serving bar top, a few optics for spirits and a limited stock of soft drinks, beers and wine. I finally relinquished the bar managing duties in 2011 after its first transformation including a replacement bespoke bar serving top, beer & wine coolers and associated bar equipment. It was then handed over to the capable hands of fully trained bar volunteers to carry on the good work.

During August, I agreed to help out in the bar for the Francis Rossi – ‘I Talk Too Much’ show. This was my first stint back in the theatre bar for a number of years. The evening session led by bar supervisors Jean Osmond & Eddy Parsons was very enjoyable indeed, and a testament to the professional work ethic they have both invested in the bar over the last couple of years or so. I was quite proud to be back as part of the bar team for that short time. My thanks go to them both and of course to all our hard working volunteers, we could not have a multi award winning theatre without you. I look forward to seeing you again at Shanklin Theatre very soon. Best regards - Michael. Stage Write magazine was originally founded in October 2010 by Ron Bird. I would like to personally thank Ron for his continued help & attention to detail. Michael Beston. Editor for Stage Write magazine, September 2021. This magazine was printed by the

NHS Printing Services. Newport - Isle of Wight.

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Isle of Wight Walking Festival – 2021 From 9th October – 22nd October, the Isle of Wight will be hosting the Isle of Wight Walking Festival 2021 where local and visiting walkers of all ages and abilities set off on trails across the Island’s picturesque landscape.

Walkers will get up close and personal with the best of the Island's stunning scenery, as they journey from the beautiful chalky cliffs of the west coast to the lush green rolling hills of the east.

A group of volunteers from the Friends of Shanklin Theatre will be guiding 2 walks: Walk 1. Tuesday 12th October - Sunshine and Shade of Shanklin Ancient woodlands, panoramic view of the Bay and beyond, scenic rock cleft, wooded coastal path with sea glimpse and stop at Shanklin Theatre for talk and refreshments This walk follows most of the southern part of Shanklin Boundary. It is called Sunshine and Shade of Shanklin because, during the course of this walk, deep shaded woodland will be followed by bright sunny areas (weather permitting!). It is quite a demanding walk with a steady climb to the top of Shanklin Downs, a steep descent at Nansen Hill and steep steps at the Devil’s Chimney. We will stop briefly for lunch at the top of Shanklin Downs and on the way back, at Shanklin Theatre, for a brief talk about its history and refreshments (Tea/Coffee/Soft Drinks and Cake - £3).

7.3 miles – Start 11am from Shanklin Bus Station – Booking via the Isle of Wight Walking Festival Website when walks are published.

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Walk 2. Thursday 21st October – Shanklin Coast to Country Admire Shanklin's panoramic coastal views, the Old Village and hills whilst discovering its volunteer community aspects with a hint of history. Refreshments at Shanklin Theatre, great example of volunteering success.

The walk will be narrated at specific points to highlight volunteering work and key historic facts. A stop is planned at Shanklin Theatre where a brief talk will be given about its history and refreshments will be provided (Tea/Coffee/Soft Drinks and Cake - £3) 4 miles – Start 1pm from Shanklin Train Station. Booking via the Isle of Wight Walking Festival Website when walks are published.

IOW Walking Festival Website: https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/

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The Friends of Shanklin Theatre & Shanklin Green Towns have been recognised by the judges of Shanklin in Bloom - 2021

The dedicated volunteering groups were awarded 1st in class for the category of Community Group Gardens.

During the long closure of the theatre from March 2020 to July 2021, due to Covid-19, the planters and borders around the theatre had been neglected. But now, with the -opening of the theatre, a newly formed combined team of volunteer gardeners has managed to transform the borders to a tip-top award winning condition with a wonderful array of colours being displayed.

The Friends of Shanklin Theatre & Shanklin Green Towns team was very excited to jointly win the category for schools, churches, youth clubs and community group gardens.

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Volunteer Alex, one the gardeners, said: "It’s been hard work but very rewarding. We are a new team of volunteers and it’s been such a pleasure making the theatre look so attractive for our community and all the lovely visitors." ********************************************************************* VOLUNTEERING VACANCIES We urgently need more volunteers for the following teams: HOUSEKEEPING The housekeeping team is vital to the smooth running of the Theatre and is one of the first things our audiences notice as they arrive, whether it is the gleaming toilets or the spotless auditorium.

The Housekeeping team is a small group of dedicated volunteers who have fun whist doing their rewarding work. To join this team, you will need to be reasonably physically fit as there are quite a lot of stairs involved. Other qualities that you will need include reliability, and the ability to work alone as well as part of a team, along with a good sense of humour.

You should ideally wear comfortable loose clothing, and non-slip footwear.

The Housekeeping team also enjoys a good social scene away from the Theatre with regular lunches and get-togethers.

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If you have an hour or two to spare each week, why not join the Housekeeping team.

PRIZE DRAW SELLERS The Prize Draw team is an essential part of the Theatre’s Fundraising activities, which help to facilitate the ongoing Theatre maintenance and improvements to the facilities.

The prize draw is very popular with the audience. Our sellers sell the tickets at our shows in both the Auditorium and Bar. We also attend and sell tickets at outside events where the Theatre has a stall. Our dedicated and highly committed team has a very friendly approach.

To join the team, you will need to show the same commitment in order to cover the busy monthly rota, and be happy to handle money.

Volunteers arrive an hour before the performance, cash up during the first half of the show and are willing to assist with other duties as necessary.

BARTENDER Working in the Bar requires the ability to work under pressure, but always with a smile for our customers. You will need to have a reasonable level of 8|Page

fitness to undertake the duties required. Each show requires 2/3 volunteers serving hot and cold drinks for an hour before the show, and during the interval.

The role demands concentration, the ability to take orders, handle money, and cash up accurately. Once the show has commenced, pre ordered interval drinks need to be prepared. Other duties include restocking the shelves, cleaning the bar area and equipment.

A duty rota is prepared monthly in advance. It is preferred that volunteers can make a reasonably regular commitment to attend, to ensure skills and best practices are retained. Each shift will last approximately 3 hours.

Working in the bar is hard work but rewarding.

THEATRE BROCHURE DISTRIBUTORS The Theatre produces a brochure three times per year to promote the Theatre and upcoming shows.

We always need volunteers to assist with the distribution of these door to door in the Shanklin and Sandown bay areas.

Volunteers wishing to help are welcome to do as small or larger area as they feel able to do; even a small area covered is most helpful.

It should however be remembered that it may not be possible to cover the area where you live as this may already be covered, so some travelling may be needed, it is therefore helpful if you have your own transport If you or someone you know is interested in any of these vacancies below, either drop in at our Coffee, Cake and Chat on 7th August, contact our volunteers’ co-ordinator: volunteers@shanklintheatre.com or call the Box Office: 01983 868000 Please note that to become a volunteer, you will need to join the Friends for insurance purposes – currently £12/year: www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk/.../become-a...

More information on volunteering is available in our leaflet: issuu.com/friendsofshanklintheatre/docs/vib_2018-1

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FOST Monthly Members’ Draw Winners for May – June and July 2021

May 2021

FOST No

Joyce Pacey

784

Brian Musson

1195

Josephine Lewis

1807

June 2021

FOST No

Jane Cross

1617

Lionel Whitehead

1219

Pat Giddings

1441

July 2021

FOST No

Anthony Greville

1472

John Parker

1713

Eddy Parsons

1484

Congratulations to all our winners, each of whom received a £10 Theatre voucher.

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June Stage Write Crossword - Prepared and written by Matt Day It’s a bigger crossword this time with a film theme, the shaded squares spell out a show that’s coming to the theatre soon.

Enjoy, regards, Matt.

Answers on page 27.

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ACROSS

19. Indian bread (4)

1. Picture clue A (6, 4)

24. And 12 Across. Picture clue C (11, 3)

5. Creature, with snakes for hair, who could turn people to stone (6) 9. Stinted over and over – not when paying his bill! (7) 10. Bram Stoker novel published in 1897 (7) 12. See 24 Across 13. Deceitful; cunning (3) 14. Incredible event when car reverses into the distance (7) 15. Claude ____, British actor who has played The Invisible Man and the Phantom of the Opera (5) 17. Status ___, rock band (3)

26. See 1 Down 27. See 28 Down 29. H Rider Haggard novel made into a film by Hammer in 1965 (3) 30. Source of wealth produced by Aesop’s goose (6, 3) 34. Alter ego of Dr Jekyll (4) 35. Ecstasy; great happiness (8) 37. Deprive of dog-end? (7) 38. Hammer film from 1966 featuring cavemen and dinosaurs (3, 7, 5, 1, 1)

18. Singing voice between baritone and alto (5) ********************************************************************* DOWN

4. Profoundly immoral (4)

1. and 26 Across. 1932 Boris Karloff movie remade by Hammer Films; horror film sub-genre (3, 4, 5)

6. Possessor (5)

2. and 21 Down. Picture clue B (7, 5) 3. Dances round objects (5) 12 | P a g e

7. Dr Seuss creation voiced on screen by Boris Karloff, Jim Carrey and others (6) 8. French cathedral famed for its bell-ringing Hunchback (5, 4)

9. Blonde monster hides a worse one (5)

25. Gun usually fired from shoulder level (5)

11. Person unable to give up drinking (9)

28. And 27 Across. Picture clue D (5)

16. Feels; perceives (6)

31. Folded evenly – that’s strange (3)

20. Burnt residue (3) 21. See 2 Down 22. Picture clue E (6) 23. Lead character in a 1950’s BBC TV serial later made into three films by Hammer (10) 24. in music, gradually increasing in loudness (9)

32. Item thought to repel a vampire (6) 33. Francis ___, guitarist and lead singer of 17 across (5) 34. Second largest city and capital of Vietnam (5) 36. European staff? (4) 37. Weep (3)

A Quick Theatre Quiz – Created by Gwyn Dawson 1. Greetings, Miss Parton 2. We’d all like to hitch a lift with Cliff & Co on his red bus for this 4. Joe Biden goes to visit The Louvre 4. Mr Oliver is attracting a lot of gossip 5. Time to spend the end of the weekend on the swings with Mr Harrison 6. My mate, the baby marsupial 7. A young lady in Ho Chi Minh City 8. Venus de Milo meets Mark Labbett 9. I hope Gene has remembered his wellies 10. Diddy David is thrilled to have 13 | P a g e

a musical named after him 11. Mr Banks does a bit of kite flying 12. Please bring a bonnet for this festive gathering 13. Copenhagen’s famous statue longs to be human 14. Tell Ms Lennox to fetch her weapon 15. Audrey II is always hungry 16. P.T. Barnum is simply the best 17. Sirius comes into being 18. Precipitation is a dark shade of mauve 19. Leo wears a crown 20. What’s Yehudi Menuhin doing near the chimney pots?

Answers on page 27.

Vic Farrow Reminisces – Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen

You may recall in our last edition of Stage Write back in June, Vic spoke about the time he set up and operated the ‘Screen de Luxe’ Cinema in Lake, and the start of his volunteer Bookings Manager role at Shanklin Theatre.

During those early years of the rebirth of Shanklin Theatre, we saw big acts and names appearing on the stage such as: Jimmy Cricket – ‘Jimmy’s Christmas Cracker’, Barry Cryer & Ronnie Golden – ‘Unplugged’, The Wurzels, Craig Douglas (aka, the Isle of Wight - Singing Milkman) and Mike Berry and the Outlaws among other top class names.

One of these top class acts’ performing at the theatre was Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen.

Kenny Ball was born in Ilford Essex in May 1930. At the age of 14 he left school to work as a clerk in an advertising agency, but also started taking trumpet lessons. He began his career as a semiprofessional sideman (a professional musician who is hired to perform live with a solo artist or with a group) in various bands.

He turned professional in 1953 and played the trumpet in bands led by Sid Phillips, Charlie Galbraith, Eric Delaney and Terry Lightfoot before forming his own trad jazz band – Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen – in 1958.

His Dixieland band was at the forefront of the early 1960s UK jazz revival.

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In 1961 their recording of Cole Porter's ‘Samantha’ became a hit, and they reached No. 2 at the end of 1961 on the UK Singles Chart and in March 1962 on the Hot 100 with ‘Midnight in Moscow’. The record sold over one million copies, earning gold disc status.

Their next single ‘March of the Siamese Children’ from ‘The King and I’ topped the pop music magazine - New Musical Express's chart on 9th March 1962.

Further hits followed and such was their popularity in the UK that Kenny was featured, along with Cliff Richard, Brenda Lee, Joe Brown, Craig Douglas (the Isle of Wight singing milkman) and Frank Ifield, on the cover of the New Musical Express in July 1962; although in the United States they remained a "one-hit wonder".

Kenny appeared with his jazz band in the 1962 British musical movie; Its Trad, Dad! directed by Richard Lester. In 1963, Kenny was awarded the honorary citizenship of New Orleans and appeared in the 1963 film Live It Up! featuring Gene Vincent.

In 1968 the band appeared with Louis Armstrong during his last European tour. Kenny later appeared on BBC Television's highly rated review of the 1960s music scene Pop Go The Sixties, performing "Midnight in Moscow" with his Jazzmen on the show's broadcast on BBC 1 on 31st December 1969. His continued success was aided by guest appearances on every edition of the first six series of the BBC's Morecambe and Wise Show. Image right – Kenny on the cover of the New Musical Express in July 1962.

He later said that the peak of his career was when Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen played at the reception for the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana.

Kenny and his band enjoyed one of the longest unbroken spells of success for trad bands and his status rivals contemporaries such as Acker Bilk and Chris Barber. Their joint album, ‘The Best of Ball, Barber and Bilk’, reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart. In 2001 Kenny was part of the recording of an album that featured Don Lusher, Acker Bilk, John Chilton and the Feetwarmers, John Dankworth, Humphrey Lyttelton and George Melly, and was entitled British Jazz Legends Together.

In March 2004, after much negotiation with Kenny’s agent, John Williams, the contract was signed for Kenny Ball & his Jazzmen to perform at Shanklin Theatre on Sunday 29th August 2004. Rachel Rosewell reporter for the Isle of Wight County Press wrote- ‘There were plenty of Kenny Ball hits for fans to enjoy, including - I Love You Samantha, Sukiyaki and the Jungle Book theme - I 15 | P a g e

Want Be Like You. Highlights also included South Rampart Street Parade, Saturday Night Junction and Midnight In Moscow. A showman to the tips of his fingers, Kenny and fellow musicians also hammed it up with a comedy barbershop routine – Them There Eyes.

The acoustics of Shanklin Theatre were perfect for the gig and the venue, according to those in the know, similar to the jazz clubs of the 1950s and 60s.’

Performing on the stage that night was: Kenny Ball - Trumpet & Vocals.

Bill Coleman – Double Bass. Hugh Ledigo – Piano & Vocals. John Bennett – Trombone. Nick Millward – Drums & Vocals. Andy Cooper – Clarinet & Vocals.

Chris Gardner, our technical/stage manager for the theatre got chatting with Vic about working with Kenny on the mainland a few years before coming to the Island, he goes onto say: ‘The first time I worked with Kenny and his jazzmen was at the Palace Theatre in Plymouth. Once we had the show set up and it had started. Dave Reed, the stage manager, and I went to the Phoenix (a pub just across from the stage door of the Palace) for a drink. (I was young,

and it was different times!) After being there for about 10 minutes, the door burst open and 6 of the jazzmen came running in to the bar. Dave and I were rather shocked and said “is it the interval already?” “No” they said “it’s a bass solo, 6 pints please!” which they downed in about 5 minutes, then ran out of the pub and back to the theatre.

10 minutes later, 6 more came running in and said “drum solo, 6 pints please!” and repeated the process. It went on like that all night. It seems that whoever had a solo simply played until the rest of the band returned. They did like a drink.’

‘The other story is from The Pavilion in Sandown, when it was a Kenny Ball and Acker Bilk double bill. They had agreed they would share the PA responsibilities and only bring their preferred bits. Kenny’s Speakers and amps, Ackers desk and mics, that sort of thing. We didn’t have much PA in house. Some time into the set up, I overheard the 2 teccys urgently whispering to each other “you said you

were bringing your multicore ‘cos it was longer” “no you said you were bringing yours ‘cos the connector on mine was wrong!” and other such remarks. At this point I sidled up to them and said “problem gentlemen?”

“Yes, there has been a breakdown in communication and we don’t have a multicore, so we will have to put the desk on the front of the stage as that is the only way they could get the mics into the sound desk”. We didn’t have a multi in those days, but I did have one at the Ventnor Winter Gardens. So I rang my SM there, Tim, and asked him if he would mind saving the gig and pull it out and deliver it to me at the Pavilion. Which he did, and the gig was saved. Much to Kenny & Acker’s relief.’

Kenny continued to tour over the years until shortly before his death, his last scheduled concert being with Acker Bilk and Chris Barber at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall on 21st February 2013.

Kenny Ball sadly passed away on the 7th March 2013 at Basildon Hospital, Essex, where he was being treated for pneumonia.

The band continues with Kenny’s son at the helm and under the name of ‘Kenny Ball Junior and his Jazzmen’.

Photograph of the Jazzmen, historic material and stories courtesy of Vic Farrow and Chris Gardner.

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The Friends supporting the Vectis 40's Vintage Club at Calbourne Mill – by Viv Howell Being a volunteer is not always a piece of cake. Especially when promoting the theatre at an outside event. It can also be a lot of fun. Take the first weekend in August for example. The Shanklin Theatre team were invited by Vectis 40s Vintage Club to be part of their 1940s event at the lovely Calbourne Mill. Now, I know the weather forecast wasn't brilliant, so we prepared. Brollies, wellies and macs at the ready.

Early Saturday morning we encountered a lot of floods on the way to Calbourne. On arrival we were given a perfect space to pitch up and were made to feel very welcome, near to the cafe, always important. Everyone was friendly and other stall holders rushed to assist when the wind took our flyers and threatened to up-end the gazebo. We had a very pleasant morning but just after one o’clock the rain came. Actually it was more like stair rods than rain, running in a river off the gazebo roof. We covered all our stock with a blanket and waited. Sadly, it drove away all the visitors. We had to call it a day. Not wanting to pack away a soaking wet gazebo it was suggested that we just reduce the size down to half and leave it overnight. It was now windy as well as raining.

I didn't sleep very well that night imagining our precious shelter like a navy blue parachute floating across the downs. Come Sunday morning with all our fingers crossed we arrived back at Calbourne to find that all was well. Nothing blown away, nothing damaged. It was still raining heavily; most of the 40s club, in costume were gathered in the cafe waiting for it to stop. We joined them. Eventually the sun came out, and with help from fellow stall holders we got our canopy back up to full size. Then the wind set in. It was just like a Brian Rix farce, all of us trying to keep the posters, flyers, brochures, and merchandise on the table. We were in fits of laughter as we battled the elements for a second day. Despite the weather we managed to take some fun photographs of an eventful weekend.

Our thanks to Calbourne Mill for their hospitality and to Vectis 40s Vintage Club for including us in their event. Thanks also for making Shanklin Theatre one of their charities this year.

My own thanks go to the team who made it all work.

Alana, Peter T, Jacqui R, Linda S, Lin H J and Sapphire, Vroni B, Cherry and Ray.

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FOST Membership Secretary Report– AGM 2021 You may ask - How did the membership fare during the Theatre Closure?

The main key has been to keep in touch with our members during this difficult period.

We did this by:  Continuing to provide the quarterly newsletter – I would like to thank Michael Beston, our news editor for his hard work  Continuing the monthly FOST Members’ draw which made 36 members happy to receive a £10 Theatre voucher  Continuing to send regular emails and posting news on the FOST Facebook Group Page  Engaging FOST Members in raising funds for the Shanklin Boundary walk  And more recently, using the podcasts to communicate key information about the Theatre and add a personal touch. I would like to thank all the podcasts interviewees (my victims!): David Kast, Michael Beston, Vic Farrow, Janet Wardle… who kindly participated in these audio sessions and my husband, Rob, who patiently edited and put the sessions together So, I’m pleased to say that the Friends of Shanklin Theatre have continued to rally in their support of the Theatre.

How did they show their support?  By continuing to pay their subscriptions The total of the subscriptions is understandably down compared with the previous year, but a core of over 600 members have steadily continued to pay their subscriptions. In fact, the total number of Patrons has increased from 90 in March 2020 to 104 in March 2021.  By donating Many FOST members have donated money directly to the Theatre using the Donate portal or donated their ticket money for cancelled or postponed shows. Many have also supported the FOST fundraising walk organised in Oct 2020 which raised over £2000.

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So a great thank you to all of you, FOST members, who have supported the Theatre during this difficult period.

Kind regards, Jacqui Robertson – FOST Membership Secretary ********************************************************************* News Articles Wanted If you have any stories or photos relating to the Theatre or shows, please don’t hesitate to contact me at: friends@shanklintheatre.com I will also welcome any historic images or pastime memories you may have of Shanklin Town and its residents.

All material, photos, press clippings etc. will be either copied or scanned and returned to you with the utmost care.

Thank you, Michael Beston – FOST Publicity & Social Media.

View previous newsletters here: www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk/stage-write/

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FOST GARDEN PARTY TURNS LOUNGE PARTY DUE TO THE DOWNPOUR ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON

The party was well attended by over 50 people who came in spite of the very wet weather at the Clifton Hotel in Shanklin on Sunday 25th July 2021. Our host, David Beeson at The Clifton provided the lovely cream teas, drinks and space for all of us to be seated in the lounge, the bar and the veranda.

FOST Chairman Janet Wardle welcomed everyone. Guests were entertained by James Derbyshire and Katy Allen of Spotlight (IOW) Ltd. Above: Janet Wardle & David Beeson

Gwyn Dawson prepared the quiz and raffle. In spite of the weather, an enjoyable afternoon was had by all.

A big thank you to all of you who braved the weather!

Thanks to the organisers - David Beeson, Janet Wardle, Sue Thurgood, Lesley Kast, Vivien Howell, Linda and Gwyn and the entertainers (James and Katy - above) and everyone who generously donated a prize.

See you next year! www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk/news/ 20 | P a g e

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 date of this event is this year on Monday 25th October. More details will follow near the time.

The current list (dated 04/08/21) of FOST Patrons is: Elizabeth Shirley John

Allen Armstrong Ash

Marilyn (Dr)

Lyndon

Leonora

Powell Riggott

Dyer

Tim

Marshall

Julie

Isobel

Ellis

Nick

Mattocks

Jacqui

Robertson

Ellis

McCree

Robert

Robertson

Benson

Michael

Graham

Benson

Jo

Bird

Penny

Brenda

Christine Alana

Dyason

Sylvia

Amy

Bird

Nicholas

David

Bird

Jacqueline

Ron

Bird

David

Everitt Fallows Finney (OBE) Flux Frankling

Pat Linda

McLinden

Alan

Rodway

Thomas

McLinden

Patricia

Rodway

Angela

Moorman

Cilla Kay

Morris Mottram

Michael

Sayers

Rosemary

Sayers

Graham

Selway

Ruth

Bird

Sue

Godden

Josh

Murray

Doreen

Sheath

Wendy

Bliss

Linda

Graham

Michael

Murwill

Shirley

Smallman

John L

Brett

Murwill

Peter

Stockman

Newman

Tricia

Sztypuljak

Margaret Elaine Den

Bristow Carter

Tony

Hagan

Wendy

Christopher

Hardy

Margaret

Lorraine

Harley

Bill

Nichols

Victoria

Thornton-Field

Clare

Neil

Hedges

Lizzy

Nichols

Jeremy

Turk

Debbie

Clement

Jim

Holland

Chris

O'Connell

Rodney

Walmsley

Roy

Coleman

Les

Honey

Susan

Andrew

Corkish

Vivien

Howell

Jean

Charlotte

Corkish

Geoffrey

Jackson

Guy

Paul

Coueslant

Kelvin

Currie

Maggie

Currie

Pamela

Dana

Larry

Darby

Edgar

Jones

Janice

Jennifer

Jones

Eddy

Lynn

Jones

Phyllis

Gwyneth

Kersey

Terry

Fiona

Klein

Shirley

Osborne CBE

Ann

Ward

Diana

Ward

Palin

Ian

Ward

Palin

Janet

Wardle

Parsons

Anne

Watson

Osmond

Payne Pearson Peck

Heather

Whitchurch

Donna

White

Maxine

White

Lynda

Darby

Geoff

Klein

Shani

Petter

Steve

White

Martin

Darch

Simon

Lacey

Carol

Pointer

Kevin

Wilson

Jean

Davies

Anthony

Lewis

David

Pointer

Anthony

Wood

Josephine

Lewis

George

Jan

Wood

Gwyn

Dawson

Powell

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

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Replacement Auditorium Fan – by Neil Reader – Maintenance With it being realised that ventilation is key to reducing COVID risk, the Theatre undertook some trials and confirmed that the two current fans in the Auditorium ceiling are too noisy to run during a performance, as they run at quite a high speed and were removing too much air at once, which could not escape from the roof vents quickly enough to be of use.

Rob Robertson, with his Engineering hat on worked out required fan sizes based on speed of fan and number of air changes required for the size of the Auditorium. Having worked out the requirement, Rob sourced a company which could provide the right size fan, ducting silencer and fittings to be able to run quietly during performances to provide a constant air change for the comfort of the audience. Image above – A small section of the roof void above the auditorium.

Once all the parts had arrived, a test run was set up to ensure calculations were in fact correct and would achieve the desired effect. As you can see from the photo right, this is not your ordinary bathroom size fan; this is your “Jeremy Clarkson“size fan!!!

The Maintenance Team was now tasked with fitting the new fan in the roof void of the Auditorium in time for reopening of the Theatre after lockdown. After removing two rows of seats on the balcony, with no knowledge of how they go together we had space to fit a scaffold tower, seats lying everywhere, and a large tub of bits!!!

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Now to the task in hand. The centre ceiling grille had to be boarded over, sealed around and other ceiling apertures sealed for maximum fan effect.

The grills do not look that large from the ground but are actually 12 feet x six feet, this was done using new floor joists and boarding which all had to go up the tower and in through the roof void access. Below - image of ceiling grille.

This all went well with the help of “Henry” cleaning up many years of dust and with nobody putting a foot through the ceiling. Just now to position the fan, connect up, and switch on, all sounds easy, but we did not realise until a late stage that the silencer would not fit through the roof access without fouling part of the roof structure.

This was solved by dismantling one side of the door set, cutting out the side members and reinstating after silencer moved into place. With the fan silencer and duct in place, this was trialled and with a few teething problems with the operating control switch sorted out by Rob and Chris our Electrician, all is now working as planned. Now just to take down the scaffold tower, put the seats back in place and find a use for all the bits in the tub and you would never know we had been!!!

A big thank you has to go to Rob Robertson, not only for the design and sourcing of the fan, but for providing useful employment for the Maintenance Team throughout this part of the Pandemic. We hope that all Theatre audiences can take some comfort in the knowledge that the air is constantly being changed throughout performances. Image Left – The completed job. Regards, Neil.

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Bucket Collection Report February 2020 to July 2021 When COVID-19 closed the theatre in March 2020, we were unable to count the bucket collections until restrictions were lifted.

I am pleased to give the following collection results.

2020: February - £660 - 9 shows March - £116 - 2 shows Theatre closed December - £143 - 4 shows Theatre closed 2021: (June - £65 - 1 preview show) July - £1077 - 8 shows Feb 2020 - Michael Portillo, The Fureys and Jimmy Carr’s two shows packed the theatre, followed by four performances of play Revenge, and Spotlight’s Stage School show.

March 2020 - Ben Fogle and Joel Dennett appeared, but Opera Aida was cancelled, and First Act’s Orpheus Rocks was postponed.

We closed again until 19th December, when Spotlight’s pantomime Rapunzel only managed four socially-distanced shows before the theatre was forced to close again.

June 2021 - The show must go on! Spotlight’s Beyond the West End lit up the theatre and opened the summer season on 1st July.

Sarah Millican followed with two shows, filling the theatre and raising £1134 collection, which was shared between FOST and her designated charity The Samaritans.

We are delighted to welcome you all back to the theatre, where volunteers will be wearing face coverings etc to keep us all safe.

The Bucket Fund really makes a difference - we thank you all so much for your continued support.

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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 Farmshop Products at Delysia Farm are arguably as fresh as you can get with owner John Day catching, growing, smoking and preparing the vast majority of it himself.

On display you will find freshly laid duck, goose and chicken eggs including rare Araucana eggs, handpicked fruit and vegetables mostly home grown; seasonal meats and game; plus John’s own freshly caught crab and lobster.

The Village Inn Independent family run free house Church Road, Shanklin PO37 6NU Traditional thatched pub in the centre of Shanklin old village, serving real ales, good homemade food and locally caught crab and lobster in a warm and cosy atmosphere.

Pretty enclosed courtyard garden to the rear.

Live easy listening music from local talent

Sandra Honey Reflexologist in Somerset Road in Ryde.

Contact details via website: www.sandrahoney.co.uk

The Snowdon 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

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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

Crossword Answers 26 | P a g e

Matt’s Crossword Answers ACROSS 1. Oliver Reed 5. Gorgon 9. Dentist 10. Dracula 12. Lee 13. Sly 14. Miracle 15. Rains 17. Quo 18. Tenor 19. Naan 24. Christopher 26. House 27. Cushing 29. She 30. Golden egg 34. Hyde 35. Euphoria 37. Curtail 38. One Million Years B.C.

DOWN 1. Old dark 2. Vincent 3. Reels 4. Evil 6. Owner 7. Grinch 8. Notre Dame 9. Demon 11. Alcoholic 16. Senses 20. Ash 21. Price 22. Shaggy 23. Quatermass 24. Crescendo 25. Rifle 28. Peter 31. Odd 32. Garlic 33. Rossi 34. Hanoi 36. Pole 37. Cry

********************************************************************** Gwyn’s – A Quick Theatre Quiz - Answers 1. Hello, Dolly 2. Summer Holiday 3. An American in Paris 4. Everybody's Talking about Jamie 5. Sunday in the Park with George 6. Pal Joey 7. Miss Saigon 8. Beauty and the Beast 9. Singing in the Rain 27 | P a g e

10. Hamilton 11. Mary Poppins 12. Easter Parade 13. The Little Mermaid 14. Anne, Get Your Gun 15. Little Shop of Horrors 16. The Greatest Showman 17. A Star is Born 18. Purple Rain 19. The Lion King 20. Fiddler on the Roof

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 – Vacancy (TBC) 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. 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, September 2021.

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