Chairperson's Update - September 2026

I start this letter with the unfortunate news that we are unable to use the theatre due to no electricity. Both Luke and I have been working non-stop to try and resolve the situation. A temporary cable has been run from the former clubhouse to the theatre but now supply has been lost from there. It seems the developers are as bemused as us and are working to rectify the situation.

All credit to Charlie and his cast for rehearsing at various venues and to Jackie and team for building a set in the dark in an effort to make sure the first play is ready on time. We are now in the hands of the gods as they say.

In addition to this latest debacle, we have had three break-ins and as a consequence had shutters installed on all access points. The development has been delayed because planning are dragging their feet. I have emailed the council letting them know how this delay is impacting on us.

As many of you will know, Cheryl is leaving us as she is moving to Edinburgh to be near her daughter and grandchildren. I’d like to thank Cheryl for all her work with both the children and in the area of publicity. She is going to be sadly missed. Cheryl has kindly offered to carry on with publicity from afar until we find a replacement.

On a positive note, we had ten applicants for her teaching role. Paul, Gaelle and I had a pleasant two days interviewing all ten!  After much deliberation we have appointed Samantha Vaughan to the role of teaching both the Academy and the Young Actors Company. We have also asked Abi McIver to assist her and Esme Garner to assist Nicole with the Next Generation.

So, another successful season has passed. I am pleased to say that Emma received three GMDF Awards, Best Costumes for Sue and I, Best Director (Moi) and Best Production which is to the credit of the whole cast and team. Although they didn’t win it is still an achievement that Ella Norman was nominated for best female actor and Ben Garrord-Murray, Eoghan Quinlan and Esme Garner were nominated for best youth actor.

The pantomime, ‘The Witch of Alder Edge’, also received many nominations and came away with Best Costumes for Sue and I and Best Lighting for Rob. It seems a bit crazy that after all these years of doing costumes we win two awards in one season! Well done to all the other nominees though: Imogen – Best Principal Boy, Helen Ainsworth – Best Villain, Best Dame – Paul Lewis, Best Choreography – Lorraine, Emma Houghton, Polly and Imogen. Thanks to Jackie for putting on another outstanding panto and to Charlie for the script. Again, a sell out!

City Life: Showstoppers musicals were a great selection featuring outstanding singers and dancers. The production was of an excellent standard due in the main to Alex Pollard as musical director and Lorraine Kerr as the main choreographer. Thanks also to James for co-ordinating participates, auditions and directing the numbers from Rent. All I had to do was pull it all together and plot staging. Thanks to the cast and team for soldiering on when I had to leave them for a hospital procedure the week before we opened. I did manage to see the last two performances and they were all brilliant!

In April we staged Rope, a dark play of intrigue by Patrick Hamilton ably directed by Osian Buck. Chris Mercado was nominated as best actor and Ben Walsh and although they didn’t win it is still a great achievement.

‘Calendar Girls’ was a triumph of genius from director Gaelle Roques. It was praised by all who came to see it. The audience waving the sunflowers at the end was a very moving touch. Well done to the girls (and men) especially those on stage for the first time.

At the end of their term Youth Theatre put on their usual showcase much to the delight of family and friends.

The AGM wasn’t very well attended but nonetheless some decisions were able to be made. The Executive remains the same with the exception of Cheryl who will be leaving around November. Jill Barney is co-opted onto the executive and is doing an excellent job in recruiting volunteers for front of house. Paul Barney has taken over the stocking of the bar and Anne has announced her intention to step down at the end of this season. Her role will be divided, and I am pleased to say Christine Blease will take on the admin side of the role, managing ticket sales mainly through Ticket Source. The greeting of audience and checking tickets each evening of a production will be done on a rota basis.

Our in-house awards have extended this year since there are so many categories to consider:

Helen Ainsworth won Best Actor for her portrayal of Annie in Calendar Girls

Mark Vincent won Best Supporting Actor for his role of John in Calendar Girls

Gaelle Roques won Best Director for Calendar Girls

Jackie Vandyes won Best Technical for the Stage Set of Rope

Gaelle Roques won Best Innovation for her original ideas used throughout Calendar Girls.

Well done to all the recipients and thanks to Martin who has source new trophies and arranged for engravings.

The Executive will soon be discussing the subsequent season’s plays (2027/28), so if you have any ideas or burning desires to direct, please get in touch.

Chris

Season 2026/27

29^th Sept – 3^rd Oct – The Unfriend by Steve Moffat; Director: Charlie Cook

30^th Nov – 6^th Dec – Jack and the Beanstalk by Charlie Cook; Director: Jackie Vandyes

16^th -20^th Feb - Menopause Made Me Do It! By Devon Williamson; Director: Gaelle Roques

13^th – 17^th April – Musicals: Heroes and Villains; Chris Hall, James Hinde, Alex Pollard, Lorraine Kerr

25^th-29^th May – Cluedo by Sandy Ruston; Director: Osian Buck