September Stage Write – Autumn Crossword by Matt Day

Bonjour! Yes, it’s another French crossword. All answers are words common to French and English (except 17 and 27 down). The shaded letters spell the name of the cake in Picture C and its translation.

Good luck! Matt.

The answers are on page 35.

Autumn 2023 Stage Write Crossword Clues

Across

1. and 4 across. Thin, vanilla sauce similar to custard (5, 8)

9. Elevatin’ dried fruit? (6)

10. French Christmas (4)

11. French, yellow plum with a name meaning ‘’look beautiful’’ (9)

12. Light pastry used to make profiteroles and cake in Picture C (5)

13. and 14 across. Network of culinary schools teaching haute cuisine (6, 4)

15. Consumed hot or cold starters - a sweet treat shortened (4)

16. Open pastry case with a sweet or savoury filling (4)

17. Long, thin cake similar to one in Picture C (6)

18. A quick, light bite to eat (5)

19. French garlic found in snails… but not escargot? (3)

22. Thin pancake (5)

26. Type of brandy made in western France (6)

27. Surname of French fashionista Gabrielle Bonheur a.k.a Coco (6)

28. See Picture Clue D (8)

29. Small round piece of meat, usually lamb; French for hazelnut (8)

31. A rich gravy sauce made from reduced meat juices (3)

32. Creamy custard dessert with a ‘’burnt’’ sugar topping (5, 6)

2. Trust arena converted into food venue (10)

3. Mutton served up with sage and these green vegetables (10)

4. and 14 down. Bite size appetiser usually given free and chosen by chef (5, 6)

5. Sauce made by pouring simmering cream on to chocolate (7)

6. Pre-dinner drink swallowed in escape room (5)

7. and 16 down. Soured cream thickened with buttermilk (5, 7)

8. Picture Clue A (5, 7)

14. See 4 down

15. General name for a brown fizzy drink (4)

16. See 7 down

17. Strong, colourless fruit brandy: ___ de vie (3)

20. Food group that includes lentils, chickpeas; French for vegetables (7)

21. Bundle of herbs put in stock etc to add flavour – bouquet _____ (5)

23. Picture B – a cheese - its name comes from this French verb meaning ‘to roll’ (6)

24. Baguette indigestion? (4)

25. A luxurious cake (6)

27. Get higher costs initially, an arm or a leg? (5) (English)

30. French hot beverage made from a selection of potherbs? (3)

Shanklin In Bloom 2023

For the 3rd year running, Shanklin Theatre has won 1st place in the Shanklin in Bloom competition.

Our dedicated volunteers, which include members of the Green Towns group have successfully secured the top spot in the ‘Schools, Churches, Youth Clubs & Community Gardens’ category in this year’s competition.

An awards ceremony will take place later in the Summer. This is a rather fitting tribute to one of our gardening volunteers – Norman Green who sadly passed away recently. We are extremely grateful to all that work and volunteer their time for the theatre, it’s very much appreciated.

Congratulations also to Shanklin Age UK, Shanklin Green Towns group and all participants for winning their respective categories.

Our thanks go to the Shanklin in Bloom team for facilitating the judging and the awards ceremony this year.

Image left – David Williams presenting Norman & Grant with their 2022 Shanklin in Bloom award.

FOST Garden Party

The FOST annual Garden Party took place on the 11th of June at the Clifton Hotel in Shanklin. Bertie Everson entertained the 61 attendees with an array of well-known songs. Gwyn’s picture quiz got everyone involved. The cream tea provided by the hotel was delicious and copious. The raffle run by Vroni had many prizes and raised £181. Many thanks to David Beeson once again for hosting the event in the Clifton Gardens, thanks also to Suzie Thurgood for the organisation of the Party and liaising with The Clifton, Lionel Whitehead for greeting the guests, Bertie Everson for the entertainment, Gwyn Dawson for the quiz, Lesley Kast for the quiz prizes, Vroni Bingham for the raffle and to all the helpers involved. We look forward to seeing you all again at our next event. Regards, Jacqui Robertson.

2023

Above - although the first day of the Chale show was cancelled, our volunteers did a sterling job on day two in spite of the mud. Many thanks to Viv, Linda, Carol, Heather, and Gwyn.

Right - our events teamSarah, Jacqui, Viv, Cilla and Linda, attended the Autofest at Sandown Airport. They even had first-hand experience of meeting with ‘Big Bear’ of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Thanks to all our volunteers involved with the events.

Memories of Pantomime – ‘Running in the Family’ by Tony Needham

During the 1970’s, my Mum and Dad (Doreen & Ivan Needham) were involved in amateur dramatics in Shanklin. Dad managed backstage and Mum was acting on the stage. They performed with the Palmerston Players, Island Theatre Productions and a few others, the names I can’t remember.

This meant I got to spend a lot of time at Shanklin Theatre for many dress rehearsals and set building sessions. This was when my love for Shanklin Theatre started, I would be left to my own devices a lot, which meant I would explore the theatre as I wanted. Mum and Dad would often spend ages trying to find me when it was time to go home. Nowhere was really out of bounds apart from the dressing rooms when the ladies/girls were getting changed.

As a kid I was a fidget, always tapping and drumming on things. To channel this I was sent to tap dancing classes, I wanted to learn the drums! (no chance, LOL). I went to The Gloria Roberts Stage School of Dance every Saturday morning, Gloria’s son Richard Fleming was there too so I wasn't alone, within no time there was five boys, so we got our own class. We became quite a novelty as no other dance schools had a troupe of boys.

The Christmas pantomime held at Shanklin Theatre included the dancers from the school each year, I remember Dorothy Newnhan coming to watch us one Saturday morning and saying they had to find a space for us in the coming years pantomime. We spent months learning a routine. It was only at the last minute the music was added and we found out we would have to sing.

In 1975, the family Christmas pantomime was Dick Whittington, and the boys’ troupe and I were going to be part of the production appearing as the Barrow Boys with Mark Rogers, Richard Fleming, James Hilbert and Jamie Norris. Mum was also in the pantomime appearing as Princess Ulul, Dad was the stage manager and also involved with organising the stage scenery.

The boys and I were housed in the stables under the stage and kept being told to walk quietly in our tap shoes. The horror when we found out that we had to wear make up! To make it worse, when there was a matinee we had to leave it on ready for the evening performance. I got some looks walking home through the town. I also have vivid memories of the nerves before walking out on stage and the amazing feeling when the audience clapped when we finished our routine. It was a very special feeling walking in the stage door as a performer.

We left the Island as a family in 1980 when I was 16. When Mum and Dad retired back to Shanklin they were in the right place when FOST was formed to help save the Theatre. They both loved being involved. It’s nice that since moving back to the Island I am involved with the Theatre keeping the family involvement going.

Shanklin Theatre is in my blood, I enjoy everything I do there. I particularly enjoy being a tour guide sharing our wonderful theatre with others. Everyone that volunteers are amazing and its very special to be part of the team. Tony Needham.

1975 Dick Whittington programme supplied by FOST archivist – Derek Stephens.

Editor - Both Doreen and Ivan became volunteers for the theatre in 2008 when the theatre was saved from closure, and at the same time the Friends of Shanklin Theatre (FOST) was formed.

Doreen enjoyed her time as an usherette as part of the front of house team and later became part of the catering team. Doreen was sometimes a force to be reckoned with! Ivan was a FOST committee member taking care of the FOST finances.

Sadly, Ivan passed away in March 2016.

Doreen had thought to return to the mainland after Ivan’s death, but decided to stay on the Island where she kept up with her theatre friends and spent time at Age Concern.

Sadly, Doreen passed away in March 2020 only a few years after Ivan.

Image left – behind the scenes credits

Peter Coleman, who was Chairman of the Friends at the time went on to pay tribute to Ivan.

“Ivan leaves a legacy which we can all applaud. His diligence to ensure that the Friends of Shanklin Theatre accounts were immaculately kept and that the financial priorities were strictly adhered to will never be bettered.

Softly spoken and always easily approachable as the Treasurer of the ‘Friends’, Ivan was the team member you could always count upon.

The many hours he spent with the finances, were only part of his contribution to the theatre, he worked with the Box Office team helping with the expanding numbers attending shows, and was often in one of his preferred seats in the theatre watching another favourite show.

We pay tribute to Ivan and Doreen, who was his pillar of support. He will be greatly missed by us all”.

Welcome to our new FOST Corporate Sponsor

SHANKLIN JEWELLERS - Independent local jewellers

Gold, silver & diamond jewellery, watches, clocks & gifts. Watch, clock & jewellery repairs. Watch batteries & straps fitted to all watches. Great selection of pre-owned jewellery.

Free estimates & advice. Agents for Seiko, Bulova & Accurist watches. FOST members can receive a 10% discount on all purchases over £10 excluding items that have been reduced and not on repairs.

In addition to all the FOST benefits, Corporate Sponsors can advertise on the FOST website and the quarterly newsletter. Corporate membership is £100/year.

Interested? Visit our FOST Website: www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk or contact Christine at: FOSTmembership@shanklintheatre.com

Grand Prize Draw Winners – 1st July 2023

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

1st Mrs G Petter £500 Surrey 4500

2nd Mrs Shirley Hill £200 Cowes 1019

3rd Keira Powell £100 Lake 0430

4th Mr P Osterbery £75 Surrey 3472

5th Joan Gordon £75 Leicestershire 3637

6th Paul Robinson £50 Wootton 0696

7th Julian Burke £50 Alverston G V 4320

Autumn Walking Festival

Our volunteers will be leading two walks on Monday 9th October.

While enjoying the views of Shanklin and Sandown Bay, the walkers will be re-enacting a small piece of theatre history. Intrigued? Find out more by visiting the links below: www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/walks/sandown-shanklin-exchange www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/walks/shanklin-sandown-exchange

If you wish to join a walk, you must register on the Walking Festival website: www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk

Shanklin Theatre Volunteer Fair 2023

Date for your diaries!

Shanklin Theatre is run almost entirely by volunteers. Have you got what it takes to help keep this wonderful Theatre going? You will be surprised at how many roles there are to choose from:

• Bar staff

• Catering team

• Box Office

• Housekeeping team

• Maintenance

• Ushering/Front Of House team

• Gardening

• IT

• Brochure Distribution

Our first volunteer fair will be held on Saturday 9th September between 10.30am and 3.30pm. To find out more about working here, why not come along and meet volunteers from all departments. Have a chat about what's involved and see if it is for you.

Free tea and coffee plus a chance to win: £10 Theatre voucher - Theatre tour ticket - One year's membership to Friends of Shanklin Theatre.

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 Evening - A biennial event for FOST Patrons will be organised at the Theatre in recognition of their contribution. The next ‘Patrons Thank You’ evening will be on Mon 25th September 2023.

Invitations to the Patrons’ evening have been sent. If you haven’t replied yet, please do so by sending an email to Jacqui at: FOSTpromotion@shanklintheatre.com

Due to the success of the Patrons’ scheme, it has become increasingly difficult to fit all the Patrons’ names in one page. So only new patrons will be featured.

Welcome to our new FOST Patrons who have joined since the last edition of the newsletter!

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

Autumn 2023 Crossword Answers

ACROSS

1. Crème 4. Anglaise 9. Raisin 10. Noel 11. Mirabelle 12. Choux

13. Cordon 14. Bleu 15. Choc 16. Flan 17. Éclair 18. Snack 19. Ail

22. Crepe 26. Cognac 27. Chanel 28. Emmental 29. Noisette 31. Jus 32. Crème brulee

DOWN

2. Restaurant 3. Mangetouts 4. Amuse 5. Ganache 6. Apero 7. Crème 8. Crème caramel 14. Bouche 15. Cola 16. Fraiche 17. Eau

20. Legumes 21. Garni 23. Rouler 24. Pain 25. Gateau 27. Climb

30. The

Answers to Gwyn’s Autumn Quick Quiz

1. Björn (Ulvaeus) and Benny (Andersson) 2. Georges Bizet 3. Busby Berkeley 4. Bless This House 5. Brian Blessed 6. Sandro Botticelli 7. Burt Bacharach 8. Bullitt 9. Simon Brodkin 10. Alan Bennett

Fost Corporate Sponsors

Welcome to our new FOST Corporate Sponsor

SHANKLIN JEWELLERS 11-13 Regent Street, Shanklin, PO37 7AF

Independent local jewellers

FOST Members can receive a 10% discount on all purchases over £10 excluding items that have been reduced and not on repair.

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.

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

Clive Throrogood Building Surveying Ltd

Delysia Farmshop

Products at Delysia Farm are arguably as fresh as you can get with owner John Day catching, growing, smoking, and preparing the vast majority of it himself. On display you will find freshly laid duck, goose and chicken eggs including rare Araucana eggs, handpicked fruit and vegetables mostly home grown; seasonal meats and game; plus, John’s own freshly caught crab and lobster.

The Village Inn

Independent family run free house Church Road, Shanklin PO37 6NU Traditional thatched pub in the centre of Shanklin old village, serving real ales, good homemade food and locally caught crab and lobster in a warm and cosy atmosphere. Pretty enclosed courtyard garden to the rear. Live easy listening music from local talent

The Snowdon House

A Visit England –Silver Award 4-star guest house situated just some 100 metres away from the spectacular cliff walk and views of Sandown Bay.

Sally & Michael Beston – Resident proprietors since 2001. http://www.thesnowdonhotel.co.uk/ https://www.ronbirdandson.com/ tldesignworks is an Isle of Wight based web design & development company with a mixed portfolio of Island centric websites and mainland websites. https://www.tldesignworks.co.uk/

Ron Bird & Son offer a high quality and affordable piano tuning service across the Isle of Wight and Southern England.

Jane Oliver, Educational Consultant, can assist schools with all aspects of behaviour management, based on sound practical experience and theoretical knowledge. Contact details and services can be found on this website: http://www.janecoliver.co.uk/ https://www.thecliftonshanklin.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/FirstAct2011/ https://www.islandwebservices.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.

Shanklin Theatre provides a great home for First Act Theatre Group (a theatre group for people with learning disabilities).

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.

May 2023 - £828.18 - 12 shows

June 2023 - £1146.05 - 11 shows

July 2023 - £997.20 - 15 shows

Beyond the West End opened our Summer Season in May and runs every Thursday until October.

In June, four performances of Calendar Girls - the Musical - collected over £158.

Theatre Train’s young performers appeared in Grease in July, with four first-class shows, where over £100 was raised.

A great selection of tribute bands raised over £400 and included a new show - All Or Nothing Experience - featuring the music of the Small Faces.

On 4th May we had an entertaining evening of Tunes and Chat with Francis Rossi.

We had two full houses for Sixty Years of Jazz and Blues from Paul Jones and the Manfreds, and The Showaddywaddy 50th Anniversary Concertand we knew all the words! These gathered over £150.

Comedy featured Chris McCausland, star of the Royal Variety Performance, and Tim Vine’s fast-paced one-liners show Breeeep, together made over £100.

Still more to look forward to and don’t forget some cash for our Bucket Fund, which goes towards the support and upkeep of our great Theatre.

Alana Bird

Friends of Shanklin Theatre - FOST - Organisational Structure

FOST Executive Committee:

Chairman – Vic Farrow

Fund Raising Officer – Veronica Bingham

Health and Safety/Training – Phil Kelly

Membership Secretary – Christine McCarthy

Policy & Support – Michael Beston

Promotional Officer – Jacqui Robertson

Secretary – Liz Hinkes

Treasurer – Peter Frankling

Volunteer Liaison Officer – Suzie Thurgood

Contact: FOSTpromotion@shanklintheatre.com

Stage-Write magazine, published by the Friends of Shanklin Theatre.

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of Stage-Write magazine, the publishers do not accept any liability or provide any guarantee that the information is accurate, complete, or up to date. The publisher and its contributors have used their best efforts in preparing these pages and this publication, but make no warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, with regard to the information supplied.

Editor: Michael Beston, September 2023.