The Davenham Players Newsletter March 2013

The autumn saw a very successful  production of  ‘Playhouse Creatures’ by April de Angelis, directed  by Felicity Goodman . The Xmas party followed and those that came enjoyed a tasty hot-pot supper and entertainment from a close harmony group.

In February, Barbara Crellin directed ‘God of Carnage’ by Yasmina Reza. This play had only just been released for amateurs to perform and we were the first in the area to do so. This was a very thought provoking play and the four cast members did a sterling job. Well done to Barbara, who also designed the very striking set.

Rehearsals are under way for two forthcoming productions :-

Jerry Park, from Nantwich is directing, ‘The Curious Savage’ by John Patrick  from 10^th-13^th April. This is an American comedy about a wealthy widow whose step-children are trying to get their hands on the money for which she has other ideas. The cast of 11 includes new member George O’Gazi in his first Davenham role. We welcome back, Andrea Scott and visitors  Kelly Cowley ,[Arthur’s daughter  and  who has acted at Davenham before] and  Richard  Stanley who came late into the play but is doing a great job.

Felicity Goodman & Tom Barry are producing  ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream' from 22^nd-to 25^th May. This production involves players from around the community as well as our own and promises to be very exciting.

New Directors Wanted!

It is always nice to have a visiting director and we are ready to welcome them. In the October newsletter I have asked if anyone wished to try their hand at directing. So far, there have been no takers! Come on you young and talented people, pick a play and put it to the committee!  All you need is a strong feeling about putting on a certain play; the experienced old hands will help you! We have no one to produce the March 2014 play and  there is a possible space in November this year. Please contact Ed Green on 01606 784442 if you feel you can help.

Ticket Secretary.

Although we have started to use the Danarts online facility to book tickets for plays, we also like to have a phone number  as many of our audience do not use computers. Bob Almquist usually fills this role and as he is in the current play, Graham Hough has kindly offered to do the job. However, it is a position that needs filling, so if any of you, member or not, feel they could offer their services, please contact Bob or myself.

Jazz

Ed, Harry & Dave have been busy booking Jazz events up to next year. These prove very popular and play to packed houses each month .  Thanks go to those 3 for their continued hard work.

Building.

The care of the building has, as always, kept us busy. The committee has been investigating the possibility of providing better toilet facilities and a foyer on the ground floor and are going through the process of having plans drawn. Of course all this costs money and so we are also applying for grants. If anyone feels they have any ideas for fund raising or wishes to help with grant application please contact Bob  Almquist on 01606 45186.

A big thank you goes to Mavis Green, who has  had the mammoth task of  repairing and remaking some of our stage curtains.

Social.

We thought that this year the Xmas party should take on a different form and are planning to hold a ‘Cabaret’ evening on 7^th Dec. This has been done in the past and is good fun.

So ....... what does it entail? Well .... basically  the programme is made up of  anyone  performing anything! This could be absolutely anything,   singing, dancing ,reciting, playing an instrument, performing a party piece such as fire-eating or sword-swallowing .... more or less anything .  There would be no charge and we would bring food. Bring along your friends to watch and if they want to perform too, that’s great.

All we ask is that you let us know by October what it you are doing so that we may have a couple of run-throughs to establish a running order.  Please get your thinking caps on as, if there is a poor response, we cannot run this.

Register your interest with Paulette 01606 79779 by October

Swop Shop.---20^th June

This is an evening for the ladies [although we won’t turn you gents away and will need you to serve on the bar please!]

Ladies , bring along up to 3 items of unwanted, good  quality items of clothing or accessories.  You pay £3 and get 3 raffle tickets to determine your turn.  Items are displayed around the room and when you have a had a good rifle  through, we take turns to choose the item we fancy. You could go home with something really swish for only £3!! Please bring as many friends as you wish.

Names to me , Paulette, by 13^th  June   01606 79779

Quiz -11^th JUly

Jamie is holding one of his excellent quiz nights . £1 a head . Just turn up and bring along your friends.  Teams of 4/5 please. Make up a team on arrival or come with one ready.

Art/ Crafts  Day.-Sept 7^th

Last Sept the arts and crafts’ day was so successful that we have decided to hold another . We are not sure if Mike Beddard will have completed his 2^nd children’s book by then, but if he has, we will have another book launch as we did before. This year we will charge stall holders a nominal £5 payable before the day. Please book stalls with:- 

Paulette 016060 79779 e-mail: donpolander@tiscali.co.uk

New Members.

We are always on the lookout for new members of any age.. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t acted before. Only £15 a year to join. Lastly, thank you all for your continued help and support and to remind you of these ................

Dates for your diary.

March 28^th - Jazz-John Helliwell   7.30 for 8pm start. SOLD OUT

April 10^th-13^th - Davenham Production of  ‘The Curious Savage’ .Tickets : £8/£7 www.danarts.org or 01606 835582   7.30 start  

April 19^th –  Rhythm & Blues- Midnight Train. SOLD OUT.

April  25^th – Jazz Jeremy Sassoon. Ring Harry or Dave on 01606 74502  & 44253

May 10^th Rocket Theatre  presents ‘Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime’-A cracking and witty play. Tickets £8/£7 on 016006 784442 or www. danarts .org

May 22^nd -25^th -  Physical Folk – A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Ticket details - ed@tinshedtheatre.co.uk

May 30th – Jazz- Karen Sharp. Details as above.

June 5^th – AGM 7.30pm .  For all members. An opportunity to voice your opinions and offer help. Any nominations for the committee to be sent  to donpolander@tiscali.co.uk  by June 1^{st .}

20th June – Swop shop 7.30pm . Bring along items on the night.

4^th July- Jazz -Phil Meadows.

11^th July – Quiz Night 7.30.for 8pm start  £1 p.p.

18^th July –Play Reading- ‘ Moonshine ‘ by Jim Nolan.

7^th Sept – Arts& Craft day 10-4pm

11^th-14^th Sept –  Tin Shed presents – ‘Effie’s Burning’ & ‘A Cream Cracker under the settee.’