Welcome to our new 2023/24 season which has a wonderful mix of the familiar and new.
The first play, ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’, showing 3rd – 7th October is the classic, well-loved Oscar Wilde comedy. The cast have been rehearsing since July and are ready to perform their wonderful take on Wilde’s mocking of Victorian society and culture. Don’t miss it, you are in for a treat!
This will be followed by our traditional pantomime, running 5th-10th December. Mother Goose is a ‘new’ one for the theatre and this year will be directed by Jackie Vandyes and Christine Blease. Another classic written by our own Charlie Cook. Rehearsals will start soon after the close of ‘Earnest’.
The new year sees two fairly new plays, ‘Whipping It Up’, 20th-24th February and ‘The Kitchen Sink’ 16th-20th April. ‘Whipping It Up’ is a comedy set in Westminster (probably more likely a farce!) and will be directed by first time director, Helen Tyler. ‘The Kitchen Sink’ is a funny and tender play about big dreams and small changes centred around a family from Withernsea and will be directed by Ryan Ellershaw and feature some of our amazing young actors.
On that note: I am pleased to announce that Evie Prescott won best female youth actor and Liam Stuckey best male youth actor at the GMDF awards. Also, absolutely delighted that Emma Haughton won best choreographer for her contribution to last year’s pantomime, ‘Sleeping Beauty’. I was also, completely overwhelmed to receive ‘The Muriel Goodwin Trophy’ for ‘outstanding contribution to the development and encouragement of young people in all aspects of amateur theatre’. A complete shock! I have only been doing what I love, over the last 20 years. I am pleased to say Lucy Kerr has taken over my teaching role.
The final production will be ‘World of Musicals’, scheduled later than usual (25th -30th June) and including matinees on the Saturday and Sunday. Thanks to James for taking on this mammoth task. More information will come out in November and auditions held in February. Let James know if you are interested in taking part.
There has been much activity over the summer as we prepare the theatre for new carpet. This has involved a lot of hard work and thanks must go to Jackie for her tireless commitment to improving the theatre. The floor of the bar has been screwed down and a sound proofing underlay laid. Jackie is going to do further work on the stairs to try and alleviate the squeaks. I think you will be very surprised when you see the improvements. Thanks also, to Christine for her support and efforts in the refurbishment. Jill has done a sterling job on ‘weeding’ outside.
In an attempt to be more environmentally friendly Jackie has organised a contract with a company that provides recycling. It means we all will have get used to using the correct bin!
It is hoped we will be able to report on the future development planned for Gatley Golf Club shortly, as we are meeting with a representative from HSL, the company who are overseeing the plans. We do know that changes have been made to the original plans as Stockport MBC demanded more open space, resulting in the reduction of houses.
In the meantime, we will continue to give the very best service possible to our patrons and the surrounding community.
Chris Hall
Chairperson
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