Caxton Theatre Programme - July to December 2024

Page 1

HOME OF THE CAXTON PLAYERS Online ticket sales available! www.caxtontheatre.com enquiries@caxtontheatre.com @thecaxton1 thecaxtontheatregrimsby FREE PLEASE TAKE ONE instagram.com/caxtontheatre/ Find us on Tripadvisor under Caxton_Theatre-Grimsby The Caxton Theatre Member of the Little Theatre Guild of Great Britain | Registered with The Charity Commissioners No. 500867 JULY - DECEMBER 2024 Scan me! GEEZERS Tommy’s Long Weekend THE T T ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS The DRESSER
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FTHE CAXTON PLAYERS

Dear Patrons

I am happy to report that the first half of 2024 has been a cracking success with our audience attendance figures slowly growing.

or the first half of our season, we brought you some wonderfully varied theatre. We opened with the classic Willy Russell play “Educating Rita” a hilarious romp through the world of Education and Literature. Featuring only two actors, the play was very well received by all. Next was the fabulous “Game Show,” an interactive play where you the audience were invited on stage to take part in the play. Well done to all those who were brave enough to do this. Our third production for 2024 was the dark and thrilling “The Girl on the Train,” a play based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins, a rollercoaster production which kept the audience guessing right until the end. Finally, we had the debut production of a new play by Ben ParfrementParks, “Hens”, a laugh out loud comedy based around the riotous antics of a pre-wedding hen night.

The second half of our 2024 season is equally exciting. We open this half with a bitter - sweet, gentle comedy, “Geezers”, a play set in an old folks home where some of the residents share their stories. Some will make you laugh and some may bring a little tear to your eye. We then have “Tommy’s Long Weekend” in our Studio Bar, a local story. This is followed by William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”, a play about magic, betrayal, love and forgiveness. It is set on an enchanted island somewhere near Italy and was Shakespeare’s last play.

October brings “The Dresser”. A 1980 West End and Broadway backstage tragicomedy. It is the story of an aging actor’s personal assistant, who struggles to keep his charge’s life together. We finish the season with the hysterical physical comedy “One Man Two Guvnors” which took the West End by storm. It featured James Corden in the lead role and eventually toured the UK. You will hopefully leave the theatre aching with laughter.

A massive thank you must go to all our

volunteers - our wonderful directors, actors, technicians and back stage crew who stage our plays. To the members who look after you, welcoming you in our lovely theatre, serving you behind the bar and in our coffee bar, the programme sellers and our box office team. Last but not least, thanks to you, our patrons, for continuing to support us; we honestly couldn’t do it without you.

There are countless opportunities within The Caxton Theatre both on and off stage if you wish to join us and become a volunteer, the membership application form is within this brochure or you can contact us at caxton.membership@outlook.com. You can also join online.

If you’d simply like to know more about our Caxton family, come along to our Thursday social nights where you can listen to the Director of the next play to be cast describing their play and the cast needed for the production, meet current members for an informal chat, or join our mailing list – mailing.caxtontheatre@gmail.com. It is always a warm and friendly gathering in the Studio Bar area where you are guaranteed a warm welcome and the Bar is always open. Look out for dates in this brochure, around the Theatre and on our social media. This brochure contains our plans for July 2024 – December 2024 but are subject to change.

For further information, photographs and updates check our website: www.caxtontheatre.com our Facebook page The Caxton Theatre Grimsby and Twitter feed @thecaxton1 and instagram: caxtontheatre

Many thanks for you continued patronage, which is as ever much appreciated.

Chairman, The Caxton Players

Robert Till

JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 01
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Well done! MACBETH –

This production was a triumph for Director Cathy Bennett-Ryan, and Cast and Crew. Due in some part to Macbeth being on the curriculum, some of our local schools took the opportunity to give their students a unique opportunity to watch a live performance of a text which they would normally only get to see on paper, and in addition have a thoroughly entertaining evening.

So many people took to their keyboard to express how much they had enjoyed the production. Well done everyone involved, and here’s hoping to see some of those new young theatre goers next season.

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN

WRITTEN BY E.NESBIT

ADAPTED BY MIKE KENNY

DIRECTED BY ROB TILL

This well loved and heartwarming tale of three children adapting to life in the country, alights onto our stage on 2nd – 9th Dec Perfect for all the family, this production is the ideal way to begin the Christmas period. Tickets unsurprisingly, are selling fast, with some nights already at limited availability.

NEXT UP ON OUR MAIN STAGE!

JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 02 Send an email to: mailing.caxtontheatre@gmail.com, then add it to your safe list so our emails don’t go into the Junkbox!
Subscribe to our mailing list CAXTON NEWSLETTER ISSUE 23 SEPT 2023
JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 03
North-East-Lincs/1429870300631834 @ageuknelincs Registered Charity No. 1150939
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A MAIN HOUSE PRODUCTION

20TH TO 27TH JULY 2024

GEEZERS

Geezers introduces us to some beautiful and wonderful old people who are enjoying their golden years in a retirement home.

Jack, a pathologically shy young man, begins a job there helping the seniors with their daily needs. But it’s the “geezers” who wind up helping Jack with his needs. On his road to an epiphany, Jack learns from the old folks that he must break out of his comfort zone to achieve anything in life. Jack learns to crawl--then walk, then fly-with a wise group of mentors guiding him along. A funny, heartwarming drama about growth and wisdom, learning and loving, life and death.

JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 04
This amateur production of “Geezers” is presented by arrangement with Dramatic Publishing (dramaticpublishing.com)
A comedy by Tommy Lee Johnston Directed by Nadine Bennett-Wood

A STUDIO BAR PRODUCTION

15TH, 16TH & 17TH AUGUST 2024

Tommy’s Long Weekend

You don’t mess with Tommy Taylor. Everyone knows him – or do they?

Three particularly harrowing days while fighting in the trenches of the Somme have turned him into one of Grimsby’s toughest pub landlords. But, with Britain once again on the brink of war and the Mariners playing a vital FA Cup semi-final against Wolves, it promises to be another challenging and poignant weekend for Tommy. For their latest play, journalists John and Victoria Taylor have trawled family and local history archives to shine a light on the difficult inter-war years in a Grimsby surviving the Great Depression with humour, beer, fish... and football. Tommy’s Long Weekend is a funny, affectionate and nostalgic story, based on the life of a legendary local publican.

JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 05
This amateur production is premiered at the Caxton Theatre. A new play by John & Victoria Taylor Directed by Cathy Bennett-Ryan

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A MAIN HOUSE PRODUCTION

7TH TO 14TH SEPTEMBER 2024

THE TEMPES

Prospero, once Duke of Milan, has fled from his wicked brother Antonio and taken refuge on a remote and enchanted island, with his daughter Miranda. Also on the island are Ariel, a spirit, and the monstrous Caliban.

After 12 years, Antonio’s ship passes the island. Prospero conjures a tempest which wrecks the ship and maroons Antonio and his entourage on Prospero’s island. The play’s characters split in to 3 groups, all with wondrous discoveries and adventures ahead of them, before uniting in an ending where forgiveness reigns and everyone makes amends

This is a tale of magic, family, revenge and hilarity, Shakespeare’s greatest tragi-comedy.

JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 08

A MAIN HOUSE PRODUCTION

19TH TO 26TH OCTOBER 2024

The DRESSER

Set in WWII, during an air raid. Sir, the last of the great, but dying, breed of English actor-managers, is in a very bad way tonight.

As his dresser tries valiantly to prepare him to go on stage as King Lear, Sir is having great difficulty remembering who and where he is, let alone Lear’s lines.

With a Herculean effort on the part of Norman, the dresser, Sir does finally make it on stage, and through the performance.

With a superb supporting cast, this tale of a fading actor, once the greatest of his era, has stood the test of time and is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. A classic.

JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 09
This amateur production of “The Dresser” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd www.concordtheatricals.co.uk Written by Ronald Harwood Directed by Debra West

30TH NOVEMBER TO 7TH DECEMBER 2024

Based on The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldini

Directed by Robert Till

TWO GUVNORS ONE MAN

Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe, a small-time East-End hood, now in Brighton to collect £6000 from his fiancee’s dad.

But Roscoe is really his sister Rachael posing as her own dead brother, who’s been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers. Holed up at the Cricketers Arms, the permanently ravenous Francis spots the chance of an extra meal ticket and takes a second job with Stanley Stubbers, who is hiding from the police and waiting to be reunited with Rachael. To prevent discovery, Francis must keep his two guvnors apart. Simple! Or is it??

In Richard Bean’s English version of Goldoni’s classic Italian comedy, sex, food and money are high on the agenda.

JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 10
A MAIN HOUSE PRODUCTION
This amateur production of “One Man Two Guvnors” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 11

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SEATING PLAN FOR THE

SEATING PLAN FOR THE CAXTON THEATRE

house following rules apply: initially reserved for and B14 reserved are released week before the for Season from night to night of for availability on-line or at the ticket office.

Caxton Theatre & Arts Centre 128 Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby DN31 3HW

The Caxton Theatre and Arts Centre is situated on the south side of Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, just beyond where the A180 dual carriageway meets Riby Square.

For our main house production, we employ a local security firm to patrol the public car park in Orwell Street, to the rear of the buildings opposite the theatre, between 7.00pm and 10.15pm.

Although no charge is made for parking here in the evening, we do have some collection boxes at various locations in the theatre where any donations will be gratefully received, in order to offset some of the cost of the provision of this security.

Doors open at 6.45pm. Performances begin at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated.

Latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance. Please do not leave the auditorium during the performance as you may not be re-admitted immediately.

Use of mobile phones and other electrical devices is not permitted during the performance. Our bar is open before and after the performance and during the interval. Please note we are unable to offer a credit/debit card facility.

2020
THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 15
JANUARY - JUNE
|
PLAN FOR THE CAXTON THEATRE JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 14 JANUARY - JUNE 2020 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 14 STAGE PLEASE NOTE - the plan is not to scale SEATING PLAN FOR THE CAXTON THEATRE JANUARY - JUNE 2020 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 14 STAGE PLEASE NOTE - the plan is not to scale
SEATING
CAXTON
THEATRE

SEATING PLAN FOR THE CAXTON THEATRE

CAR PARKING

SEATING PLAN FOR THE CAXTON THEATRE

SEATING PLAN FOR THE CAXTON THEATRE

SEATING PLAN FOR THE CAXTON THEATRE

CAR PARKING

CAR PARKING

CAR PARKING

SEATING PLAN FOR THE CAXTON THEATRE

Caxton Theatre & Arts Centre 128 Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby DN31 3HW

The Caxton Theatre and Arts Centre is situated on the south side of Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, just beyond where the A180 dual carriageway meets Riby Square.

meets Riby Square.

7.00pm and 10.15pm.

For our main house production, we employ a local security firm to patrol the public car park in Orwell Street, to the rear of the buildings opposite the theatre, between 7.00pm and 10.15pm.

Caxton Players main house productions the following rules apply:

For Caxton Players main house productions the following rules apply: A11, A12 and A13 are initially reserved for wheelchair users, with B13 and B14 reserved for their companions. They are released for general sale one week before the play opens.

A12 and A13 are initially reserved for wheelchair users, with B13 and B14 reserved their companions. They are released general sale one week before the opens.

For Caxton Players main house productions the following rules apply: A11, A12 and A13 are initially reserved for wheelchair users, with B13 and B14 reserved for their companions. They are released for general sale one week before the play opens.

seats will be reserved for Season Holders and will vary from night to night of production. Please check for availability on-line or at the ticket office.

For our main house production, we employ a local security firm to patrol the public car park in Orwell Street, to the rear of the buildings opposite the theatre, between 7.00pm and 10.15pm.

Although no charge is made for parking here in the evening, we do have some collection boxes at various locations in the theatre where any donations will be gratefully received, in order to offset some of the cost of the provision of this security.

Although no charge is made for parking here in the evening, we do have some collection boxes at various locations in the theatre where any donations will be gratefully received, in order to offset some of the cost of the provision of this security.

Although no charge is made for parking here in the evening, we do have some collection boxes at various locations in the theatre where any donations will be gratefully received, in order to offset some of the cost of the provision of this security.

Some seats will be reserved for Season Ticket Holders and will vary from night to night of a production. Please check for availability on-line or at the ticket office.

Doors open at 6.45pm. Performances begin at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated.

on the south side of Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, just beyond where the A180 dual carriageway meets Riby Square.

The Caxton Theatre and Arts Centre is situated on the south side of Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, just beyond where the A180 dual carriageway meets Riby Square.

Doors open at 6.45pm. Performances begin at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated.

Latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance. Please do not leave the auditorium during the performance as you may not be re-admitted immediately.

Latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance. Please do not leave the auditorium during the performance as you may not be re-admitted immediately.

Some seats will be reserved for Season Ticket Holders and will vary from night to night of a production. Please check for availability on-line or at the ticket office.

Doors open at 6.45pm. Performances begin at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated.

No charge is presently made for parking here in the evening.

For our main house production, we employ a local security firm to patrol the public car park in Orwell Street, to the rear of the buildings opposite the theatre, between 7.00pm and 10.15pm.

Latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance. Please do not leave the auditorium during the performance as you may not be re-admitted immediately.

Use of mobile phones and other electrical devices is not permitted during the performance. Our bar is open before and after the performance and during the interval. Please note we are unable to offer a credit/debit card facility.

Use of mobile phones and other electrical devices is not permitted during the performance. Our bar is open before and after the performance and during the interval. Please note we are unable to offer a credit/debit card facility.

Although no charge is made for parking here in the evening, we do have some collection boxes at various locations in the theatre where any donations will be gratefully received, in order to offset some of the cost of the provision of this security.

There is limited parking at the rear of the theatre, on Strand Street, including 2 blue badge parking spaces.

Use of mobile phones and other electrical devices is not permitted during the performance. Our bar is open before and after the performance and during the interval. Please note we are unable to offer a credit/debit card facility.

The theatre is fully accessible for wheelchair users.

JANUARY - JUNE 2020 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 15

Doors open at 6.45pm. Performances begin at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated.

Latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance. Please do not leave the auditorium during the performance as you may not be re-admitted immediately.

JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 15 JANUARY - JUNE 2020 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 15
JANUARY - JUNE 2020 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 15
For Caxton Players main house productions the following rules apply: A11, A12 and A13 are initially reserved for wheelchair users, with B13 and B14 reserved
The Caxton Theatre and Arts Centre is situated Caxton Theatre & Arts Centre 128 Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby DN31 3HW

The Caxton Theatre offers an array of facilities to help with parking, access and visitors with disabilities.

• ACCESSIBLE TOILET

• 2 BLUE BADGE PARKING SPACES AT THE BACK DOOR ON STRAND STREET

• FREE PARKING IN ORWELL STREET CAR PARKS AFTER 6PM

• PASSENGER LIFT

• SPACE FOR 2 WHEELCHAIR SEATS IF BOOKED AT LEAST 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO AN OPENING NIGHT

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ABOUT THE THEATRE

On February 2nd 1943, The Grimsby Evening Telegraph carried an advertisement for a play performed by the Caxton Players. On the front page was a photograph of a scene from ‘Children to Bless You’.

This was the first public appearance by the ‘Caxton Players’ as a society. The real beginnings though go further back. Late in 1940, at a time when local dramatic societies and operatic groups had closed down because of the war, three members of the Grimsby Evening Telegraph staff decided to put on a play, to counteract the depression of the times. John Knowles, the advertising manager, two of his staff, Mary Pinion and Sheila Robinson, all with some dramatic experience, and four other newspaper workers became the Telegraph Amateur Dramatic Society. In February 1943, it was decided by the committee that a new society should be formed, because there were so few members of the Evening Telegraph now left. The name ‘Caxton’ was suggested because of the connection with printing.

The society has continued to thrive since its humble beginnings and is the only society in North East Lincolnshire with its own theatre. Our auditorium seats 174 people and we produce eight main-house productions per year. These productions last for seven performances –Saturday to Saturday (excluding Sunday), and are produced every six to seven weeks.

A taster of the play normally takes place 14-16 weeks before opening night, where anyone can come along and have a drink and hear the Director’s take on the play about to be cast. Audition pieces are available on the night to take away to prepare for the auditions, which take place a few nights later.

Auditions take place in front of a casting panel of three directors, one of which will be the director of the play concerned. Rehearsal periods last about 12-13 weeks before opening night. The number of rehearsals you will be required to attend depends on the size of the part you have. The director will draw up a rehearsal schedule at the beginning so you will know when you are required. As we always have at least two plays in production at any one time, the first period of rehearsals take place in our rehearsal rooms (Burnetts) next door to the theatre in Strand Street. Then immediately after the preceding play finishes rehearsals move to the actual stage until opening night.

We also put on smaller productions, normally for two or three nights, in the bar area –the Studio Bar. Rehearsals for these productions vary, depending on the director and cast involved. The taster and auditions for these productions are usually run as for a main stage production. We hope the above information gives you a taste of our society.

PAGE 19 JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE

ALL ABOUT TICKETS

Tickets for productions at The Caxton Theatre may be purchased in the following ways:

ONLINE

On line at www.caxtontheatre.com. Please print your ticket at the conclusion of purchase. You can also collect your ticket at the theatre on the night of the performance booked, up to 7.15pm.

We do not post out tickets and unlike many theatres we are currently NOT charging a fee for on-line ticket sales.

IN PERSON by credit/debit card at the Tourist Information Point, Fishing Heritage Centre, Alexandra Dock, Grimsby DN31 1UU. Opening hours are seasonal and can be confirmed at www.nelincs.gov.uk.

AT THE THEATRE BOX OFFICE on the On On the night, subject to availability, and for future productions during the interval of a current production.

To check for late availability please call (01472) 345167 after 6.30pm. on the night of a production.

CURTAIN UP

We ask that members of the audience are in their seats by 7.30 p.m. otherwise, if the play has begun, you may have to wait for a suitable opportunity before our front of house staff can allow you safe access to your seat.

Please do not leave the auditorium during the performance as you may not be re-admitted immediately.

Doors open 6.45pm. Performances begin at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated.

Latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance.

Use of mobile phones, cameras and other electrical devices is not permitted during the performance. Our bar is open before and after the performance and during the interval.

WHEELCHAIR USERS

Seats A11, A12 and A13 are initially reserved for wheelchair users, with B13 and B14 reserved for their companions. There is easy access via our passenger lift.

If not sold, or if a performance is sold out, they will be released for general sale two weeks before the play opens. Please therefore book early if you require this facility.

HARD OF HEARING

The auditorium is fitted with an Audio Loop System for the hard of hearing.

All main house performances start at 7.30 pm - Doors open 6.45pm Times may vary for outside bookings and Theatre Bar productions

Please see our website for further details www.caxtontheatre.com

The Studio Bar is open before the performance, during the interval and again at the end of the play

Tea & Coffee are on sale on the Mezzanine during the interval. Ice Creams will also be available in the auditorium during the interval.

JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 20

TICKET PRICES

For main house Caxton Players productions:

GROUP SALES

For every ten tickets bought for the same night’s production of a Caxton Players event on the main stage, receive one extra ticket free.

First Saturday to Friday £9.50 (Monday Concessions £8.50)

Second Saturday £10.00

Season Tickets are charged pro rata, 8 plays for the price of 7. For Caxton Players Theatre Bar productions ticket prices are £6.00. Prices may vary for visiting groups and other events. Please check when ordering tickets.

SEASON TICKETS - THE IDEAL GIFT

Whether a present for Christmas, an anniversary or birthday, a Caxton Theatre Season Ticket makes the ideal gift, reminding the recipient of your appreciation not once but eight times a year. Or why not treat yourself and guarantee your favourite seat throughout the year? For further details, and to register an interest, for the 2025 season, please contact J Pearson on 01472 690618 or see our theatre box office staff during the interval of any play. Please note that a Season Ticket is for the same seat on the same night for the eight Caxton main house plays. Your ticket is not transferable to alternative seats or evenings. These are charged pro rata, 8 plays for the price of 7.

PLEASE NOTE TICKETS ARE NON REFUNDABLE

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

ENQUIRIES

Enquiries regarding the Caxton Players should be addressed to The Honorary Secretary, at the Caxton Theatre and Arts Centre, 128 Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, DN31 3HW.

Telephone queries can only be made on the evening of a production when you may telephone (01472) 345167.

POSTAL ADDRESS

The Caxton Theatre 128 Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN31 3HW.

TICKETS

Tickets can be purchased via our Website: www.caxtontheatre.com or in person from the Fishing Heritage Centre (cash only).

Please also visit the theatre website on www.caxtontheatre.com or email: enquiries@caxtontheatre.com or send a message to our Facebook page.

PRESIDENTS

Caxton Players President - Patricia Hodge Youth Theatre President - Julie Peasgood

Member of the Little Theatre Guild of Great Britain Registered with The Charity Commissioners No. 500867

JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 21

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DID YOU KNOW?

Welcome to the CaxFax

• Our theatre celebrated its 80th birthday in 2023.

• It is and has aways been run solely by volunteers.

• We are a not for profit organisation with charitable status.

• We believe we are probably the best value night out in the area.

• Our most expensive ticket price is £10.00 (on the second Saturday of each show).

• Our cheapest ticket price is £8.50 (concession price for those eligible on Monday nights).

• Tickets can be booked on www.caxtontheatre.com. We don’t send tickets out, they are available for collection on the night booked.

• Tickets can also be booked for current and future productions whilst you are at the theatre, subject to availability.

• We accept cash or card for everything bar our fundraising during our plays.

• We put on 8 plays each year on our main stage.

• We also perform shows in our Studio Bar from time to time, for only £6.00 per ticket.

• As well as putting on plays we host other events, such as fashion shows and networking events. We also host other acting companies.

• Every year in September we have a Grand Opening Night and reveal the following year’s season. This is free to attend.

• 8 times each year we have an open night for the next play to be cast, also free to attend.

• There is free parking after 6.00pm in the Orwell Street car parks, only a short distance from the theatre.

• We are an accessible theatre, with 2 spaces at the rear for those with blue badges, an accessible toilet on the ground floor and a lift up to the main stage. We have a hearing loop.

• 2 wheelchair spaces are available to book in our main theatre, up to two weeks before the first night of any play. After this, if not booked they are released for general booking

• The theatre and the theatre bar are available for hire.

The best way to contact us is to message our Facebook page, The Caxton Theatre, or email us on enquiries@caxtontheatre.com

JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 23

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JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 24

OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN

We are continually looking for new members, not only to act, but to help backstage, set build and paint sets, operate the lighting and sound, as well as Front of House staff for the bar, box office and refreshments for every show. The Caxton Theatre is a great place to meet and make new friends.

INTERESTED?

For details on how to join please contact us on Facebook Messenger or via email: caxton.membership@outlook.com

Alternatively, you can print off and complete a full membership form from our website www.caxtontheatre.com where more information on membership can be found.

Annual membership costs are very reasonable, with no further charges once you join. All we ask for is your time and commitment. Membership fees for 2025 are as follows:

(a) Full Membership £25.00 per annum

(b) Full Membership Concessions (Under 18s, senior citizen, student, unwaged) £15.00 per annum

(c) Associate Membership £10.00 per annum

Subscription periods run from 1st January each year to 31st December. Membership renewal is requested as soon as possible after 31st December.

Joining on or after our Season Launch night in September 2024 will give you membership until 31st December 2025.

thecaxtonplayers

Please send an application for membership form to:

Name (Block Capitals)

Address:

Telephone: E-mail:

Please say what type of membership you require as shown above:

Please remember to enclose a stamped addressed envelope. A B C

Signature:

Date:

JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 25

PLAY READINGS AND AUDITIONS

Anyone is welcome to come along to our regular open nights and to audition to be in any Caxton Main House or Studio Bar Play – in fact this is how most of our members arrive!

We hold an open night, usually on a Thursday, before every play about to be cast. The format varies according to the Director. Generally, the taster for the play and the characters will last for between 30 minutes to an hour after which there is the opportunity to socialise. You can also decide if you fancy having a go. If the answer is yes, then you should come to the audition night, usually the following Tuesday.

Alternatively, come to an open night purely as a social event, to meet new people. The bar will be open and you can be assured of a warm and friendly welcome.

Auditions are held before a panel of three directors, who will select the best mix of people to form the cast. You will not have to act in front of everyone else, nor learn the audition piece by heart.

We choose a variety of plays each season so there are roles to suit all talents and ages. Experienced actors and complete novices are welcomed every year; our directors are always looking for new talent to nurture and develop.

A Caxton play takes about 12 weeks from first rehearsal to opening night. Rehearsals are usually three nights a week, at the discretion of the director, but minor players rehearse significantly less. Everyone is part of the team and preparing a play is seen as a social event and a chance for fun and friendship.

Details of open nights and auditions can be found on our website www.caxtontheatre.com, Facebook (thecaxtontheatre) and twitter @caxton1

JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 26

SPONSOR

A SEAT

• The best seat in the house could have your name on it. You can now sponsor a seat or seats*. An engraved plaque with your name/ your business’s name will be affixed to a seat or seats. 174 available. Early birds will stand the best chance of getting the seat number preferred.

* Please note this is a sponsorship opportunity and will not entitle you to a ticket for any play nor that particular seat for any performance.

Are you a STAR?

SUPPORTER OF THEATRE AND ARTS

If so you have the opportunity to purchase a star with your name on, which will be displayed in a prominent position as audiences make their way in to the main theatre.

Would you or your business like to sponsor a play?

We have sponsorship packages that can be tailored suit you. A basic package would include:

• the required number of tickets for either the first Saturday or the Monday of the sponsored play

• a drink for each member of your party at the bar prior to the performance • a programme for each member of your party

• your business name and logo on all posters and programmes for the sponsored play

Enhanced packages are also available.

For further information and prices for the above, please contact enquiries@caxtontheatre.com

To support us at no cost to yourself, you can find our easyfundraising page at www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/caxtontheatre/

If you prefer to show your support by making a donation, please scan this QR code which will take you to our Just Giving pages where donations can be made. We thank you for your support, which is much appreciated.

PAGE 27 JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Director’s night & social, THE DRESSER

Thursday 4th July by Ronald Harewood. Performances on the main stage October 19th – 26th 2024.

Director’s night & social, ONE MAN TWO GUV’NORS

Thursday 22nd August by Richard Bean. Performances on the main stage 30th November –7th December 2024.

THEATRE OPEN EVENING & 2025 Season Reveal

Thursday 19th September Theatre Tours.

Director’s night & social

Thursday 3rd October January 2025 play (tba).

Director’s night & social Thursday 14th November March 2025 play (tba).

@thecaxton1

thecaxtontheatregrimsby

instagram.com/caxtontheatre/

JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE
OPEN
AT THE CAXTON THEATRE PAGE 28
UPCOMING
NIGHTS
FOR NEWS ABOUT OUR LATEST PRODUCTIONS AND INFORMATION ON HOW TO BOOK TICKETS VISIT OUR WEBSITE
YOU CAN
UP-TO-DATE
THINGS
For more information please see a Caxton Theatre member or go to www.facebook.com/ thecaxtontheatregrimsby or follow us on twitter @thecaxton1 www.caxtontheatre.com
OR
KEEP
WITH ALL
CAXTON BY VISITING...
Monthly newsletter
DISCLAIMER All details are correct at time of going to press, but are subject to change
If you wish to be on our email list to receive our monthly newsletter, please contact us on mailing.caxtontheatre@gmail.com
All 7.30pm start, bar open 2024
JULY - DECEMBER 2024 | THE CAXTON THEATRE Family run and Lincolnshire based www.northernlogcabins.com w.northernlogcabins.com y L northernlogcabins.com me Offices - Gyms - O g Units - Gyms - Swimm run and Lincolnsh www.northernlogca oor Kitchens - Residential g Pool Enclosures re based’ ins.com
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On: 0300 300 0035 • grimsbyauditorium.org.uk *Online & telephone booking fees apply/ Restoration levy included.
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