The last few months have been a very busy time for the Players. After the very successful autumn play, ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’, came 3 productions from ‘Tin Shed’, one of which was a joint venture with Tom Barry’s company ‘Just Add Water’. This was ‘Couples’, for Valentine’s evening which successfully linked Shakespeare with modern pieces into a very entertaining evening. Then followed ‘Love Play’ by local playwright, Moira Buffini. Love Play is a series of 10 scenes about various aspects of love set in the same location but at different times in history. This proved to be quite challenging for both actors and director, to say nothing of the back-stage crew who never sat still all night! Costumes and pieces of scenery were made and found by Chris and Tina Sproston, who miraculously turned the paint room next to the kitchen into a dressing room! All productions were well attended and received by audiences throughout the week.
Talking of back-stage crew, it was nice to have Mike Beddard back working with us. Mike is now the proud author of a childrens’ book entitled, ‘Lost in the Snow’. Mike had a double-page spread in ‘Cheshire Life’ before Christmas about his book which is, incidentally, set in the ‘Players’! Mike got his idea years ago when operating the lights for a play, he noticed a small mouse in the lighting box and wrote the story for his god-daughter. The story can be accessed on ‘Kindle’. Congrats Mike!
Ed Green, our artistic director, made his new year’s resolution to raise public awareness of our lovely theatre and to use it more. This he certainly has done. When ‘Dan’ [the development of Arts in Northwich] withdrew their funding for the jazz events, Ed and 2 other jazz enthusiasts decided to go ahead with it themselves. There are now jazz events each month and the houses are full with waiting lists. Thanks go to Ed, Dave & Harry for all their hard work in reinstating the jazz nights.
Our late Christmas ‘do’ earlier this year took the form of a quiz run by Jamie Morris with a scrummy hot-pot supper. It was a very enjoyable evening and Jamie makes an excellent quizmaster. Thanks Jamie and to Gill Gregory for the hot-pot.
Pam Molloy, who works for Barclays, offered to run the raffle for us to apply for ‘Matched funding’. This is a scheme in which Barclays support their employees in any fund raising events they take part in and will match £ for £ any money raised. Our Christmas raffle raised £113 and Barclays doubled our money! A big thank you to Pam for doing this for us.
In January we held the 2nd ‘Laugh Out Loud’ event this being ‘Laugh Out Loud ...... Again’. This proved to be an entertaining and fun 2 evenings and it was nice to see returning member Lorraine Dunne taking part. The highlight of the evening was however, Barbara Crellin in a pink leotard doing a Victoria Wood sketch. Very brave Barbara and very funny!
We are now deep in rehearsals for the next play in May: ‘The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of Macbeth’ directed by Graham Hough. After seeing this, you may never look at some of us in the same light again! Needless to say, it’s a comedy and most of the acting membership is taking part. Graham wanted to produce ‘An Evening With Gary Lineker’ and after finalising his cast with Dan Crellin agreeing to take a part, another member was sadly taken ill and had to withdraw, so Graham very amiably chose another play and moved the date. Thanks to Graham for this and for being so amenable. We all hope that this is not the last we see of Dan Crellin. It would have been nice to have you on board, Dan.
Work on the theatre has been going on apace. We have now decorated right through the building during the last 5 years [almost time to start again!]. Arthur has tiled the kitchen floor and is, as I write, doing more work on the bar, replacing the work-tops. Thanks go to Arthur, Andrea and husband Paul, who have worked so hard to make it more functional and smart. Thanks, also to Paul for placing the monitor in the kitchen, which means actors & crew backstage can see what’s on stage, a very useful piece of equipment. It does save a lot of arduous listening backstage and anxious whisperings such as ‘Where are we up to now?’ & ‘Has he missed a bit?’
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That’s all our news up-to date except that we are still in need of a cooker, gas or electric in good working order.
Dates for your diary.
17th April - A lecture by Adrian Sumner on Leonardo da Vinci 7.30pm. Tickets £6 to include a drink 01606 42920 or 784204
19th April - Jazz- Crème Anglais with John Helliwell. Doors open 7.30pm. Gig starts at 8pm.
Currently sold out! Reserve list 01606 74502
20th - Folk with George Papavgeris. An outstanding singer, songwriter & guitarist. Supported by Local singer, Jess Stenstrom. Tickets £7 [£4 for students] from Harry on 01606 74502 or online at http:/www.danarts.org Times as for jazz.
11th May - Music with Junction 3. An electric blend of Blues, Swing & Jazz favourites with an innovative flavour-led by vocalist Anja Moncrieff. This trio infuses its own lustre to original songs by the likes of Bonnie Raitt, BB King & Dusty Springfield.
Tickets £6 [£4 students] via ed@tinshedtheatre.co.uk or tel Harry 01606 74502 Times as jazz.
15th-19th May –The Davenham Players presents ‘The Farndale Avenue Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of Macbeth. 7.30. pm .Tickets £7 from Paulette 01606 79779
24th May - Jazz Amy Roberts quintet. Voted winner of the Rising Star Category in the British jazz awards 2009 & 2011. Amy is an accomplished performer on saxophone, clarinet & flute. Times as jazz.
25th-26th May - Tin Shed at Davenham. Modern short plays. Details later.
31st May – Quiz night run by Jamie Morris £1 per head. Teams of 4/5 7.30pm for 8pm start.
14th July- Wine tasting evening. This is a new venture for us. Led by Vanessa Duffy. Book your taxi home!!! More details later.
19th July AGM 7.30pm Time for you all to air your views!
Autumn dates to keep free– Barbara Crellin is producing a play the last week of Oct; more details later
8th Dec is our Christmas ‘do’ with supper & entertainment from harmony singers, ‘The Rockafellas’.
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That’s all folks for now but a BIG thank you all for your support both as members and audiences and remember you can keep up to date with further dates on our website :-
www.davenhamplayers.co.uk and blog
Paulette.
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