The theatre is back for a new season but somewhat marred by the untimely passing of Sue Mooney and David Carney.
Above: Sue Mooney in Hedda Gabler in 1990
Sue was a longstanding member of HGTC and her talent was evident in her acting and directing. She had many roles on the executive, the latest being vice-chair until she moved on to Woodford Players. It is her voice you can hear on the welcome announced at the start of each production.
Paul, Charlie and I attended her funeral which was packed with her many friends from the theatre world. Although, a sad affair it was a fitting tribute to someone who had given her life to amateur theatre, promoting and encouraging all societies through her commitment to the Greater Manchester Drama Federation. She will be sadly missed by many and our thoughts are with Alan and the family as they come to terms with their terrible loss.
Above: David in his role as Director of April in Paris, 2018
Dave had been a member of HGTC for many years. We are grateful to have known him, witnessing both his acting and directing talent. Dave had been ill for several years and had been unable to get to the theatre except for a few occasions. He was a lovely man with a passion for theatre and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with Annika, his daughter and his grandchildren who hardly had time to get to know their grandad. RIP, Dave, you are now free from pain.
David's celebration of life takes place at 14:30 on Monday 30 September at Grenoside Crematorium (South Chapel), 5 Skew Hill Lane, Sheffield, S35 8RZ, followed by a wake at Crookes Social Club, Mulehouse Road, Sheffield, S10 1TD. Dress code: bright colours or fancy dress. Please email annikacarney@hotmail.co.uk if you plan to attend.
Alternatively, you can join online using the details below:
Username: yete5611
Password: 242011
The family request no flowers but welcome donations to the Lewy Body Society - www.lewybody.org
As usual, though the show must go on!
The first play of the season ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ based on the novel by Oscar Wilde and written by his grandson, Merlin Holland and his collaborator, John O’Connor is ready to open on 1st October. The cast have worked extremely hard to present this deeply disturbing story of a young man obsessed with retaining his youthful appearance. The director is Cass Buck, and I know it has been her dream to present this story on stage. We welcome two new members, Rohan and Eve. Please come and support Cass and the cast by getting your tickets to watch it.
This will be followed by our pantomime, ‘Snow White’, which is in the capable hands of Jackie who proved she can also direct as well as build sets! This was evident in the successful production of ‘Mother Goose’ proved last year. The performances will include Monday this year as the pantomime always sells out. Get your tickets early, particularly if you want a matinee. Tickets will be available after the first play.
The Fantastical Musicals planned for February this year are starting to take shape. It is looking like some family favourites like ‘The Wizard of Oz’, ‘Shrek’ and ‘Chitty, Chitty Bang, Bang’ will be included. Auditions will start sometime in the next few weeks. Look out for messages from James.
This will be followed in April by a beautifully tender play, ‘Big, Big Sky’ by Tom Wells. Set in Kilnsea, East Yorkshire it explores nature’s influence on love, friendship and family and the belief that anyone who is lost can be found even in the remotest of places. The play will be directed by Ryan Ellershaw.
Finally, ‘Stepping Out’ will grace our stage. This is a rollicking comedy about a group of amateur dancers. The dance teacher is trying to get them ready for an upcoming show while trying to deal with the life dramas of the cast. It will be directed by Gaelle Roques and choreographed by Emma Haughton. Rehearsals will start early as Emma needs to teach them to tap dance!
The Executive will soon be discussing the subsequent season’s plays (2025/26), so if you have any ideas or burning desires to direct, please get in touch.
We are still in limbo regarding the future of Gatley Golf Club. Many of you will know that Stockport Council rejected the development plans, even though the planning committee recommended it go ahead. It has now gone to appeal (set for November) and the outcome will be known in January. Let’s hope with the government’s declaration of facilitating new housing, the scheme will go ahead. In the meantime, the land is beginning to look unkempt (the Golf Club closed in June). A few of us have made an attempt to cut back the hedges surrounding our car park, but the area will need further maintenance.
Chris Hall
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