Stage Write June 2020

THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FROM THE FRIENDS OF SHANKLIN THEATRE June 2020

2020 STAGE-WRITE

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Chairman’s Foreword To All Theatre Volunteers, members and supporters. Following on from the informative email sent out by David Kast and Vic Farrow recently to all FOST members. I wanted to write to you to say a massive thank you for all your hard work in the past, and for all that you will do in the future. I know it is a very hard and possibly a lonely time for a lot of us at the moment, especially when we are normally very busy at the theatre and at different outside events at this time. I myself have to stay in as per doctor’s instructions for 12 weeks, so I know personally how hard this can be. I have endeavoured to be proactive, but at times this can be very difficult to achieve. Now there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel, according to our Prime Minister, and we shall hopefully very soon be on the other side of this dreadful virus. I have no doubt that you will be in touch with colleagues and friends from the theatre and you will be helping each other through, but if you need anything else please email me and I will try and assist. Like Vic, I am also waiting for curtain up and to getting back to our lovely theatre and seeing some of the great shows we have lined up. Please stay safe and I very much look forward to seeing you all again in the very near future. With kindest regards. Janet Wardle - FOST Chairman. 2|Page

A Message from the Editor

Thank you for reading our June edition of the ‘Stage Write’ magazine. Well, what a strange way of life we find ourselves living these days! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that our day to day living would change so dramatically. Things we had always taken for granted like meeting friends, embracing family members, going out to dine, going to the theatre or simply going out to work has changed so much! And will continue to do so for the immediate future. But we all adapt, we all change, and step up to the challenge of living and carrying out a different way of life, it can be done. In fact, amid all the heart breaking daily news and sorrow that we see on TV and news media, a glimmer of light at the end of a long tunnel is appearing. We have all changed the way we live and communicate, through video conferencing and connecting with friends, family and work colleagues by using technology. This technology will enable us to carry out some aspects of work that we would normally have to travel to using cars, buses or public transport. If there is something positive to take from this terrible crisis, it could be that it’s offered a taste of the air we might breathe in a low-carbon future. I think we have all noticed the improvement in air quality with less carbon emissions from motor vehicles on our roads. May I wish you all the best for the summer season, and remember; ‘Stay Alert – Control the Virus – Save Lives’. I look forward to a time of seeing you again at Shanklin Theatre. Best regards - Michael. Stage Write magazine was originally founded in October 2010 by Ron Bird. I would like to personally thank Ron for his continued help & attention to detail. Michael Beston. Editor for Stage Write magazine, June 2020. Due to the current coronavirus situation, the FOST Chairman has taken the decision not to print the June edition of Stage Write. 3|Page

Sheelah Stephens from the Island Savoyards Sheelah Stephens delighted the audience with her first ever talk on the Island Savoyards at the Shanklin Theatre Coffee, Cake and Chat morning on the 7th March. Sheelah has been the group secretary since the beginning in 1971 and her talk was really interesting; relating the formation of the group and its development over the years, adding various amusing anecdotes, one of them being about men trying to put tights on! Next year the group will celebrate its 50th anniversary. The Savoyards have performed many shows at Shanklin Theatre and was due to perform this year’s show; Kipps THE NEW HALF A SIXPENCE at Easter and SHREK in the Autumn. Unfortunately, these shows have now sadly been cancelled due the coronavirus situation. The pictures show the book with the first 10 years of programmes and newspaper clippings, the first show being the Mikado. We can also see Sheelah with people from the 40s Vintage Group who were in the audience. A great thank you also goes to the catering team who baked all the cakes and were busy all morning serving teas and coffees.

Jacqui Robertson.

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June Stage Write Crossword Prepared and written by Matt Day Answers on page 30.

Oh, what a Carry On! Good luck, Matt.

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ACROSS 1. Actor ______ Cribbins - star of Carry Ons Jack and Spying (7) 6. Carry On film starring Isle of Wight man Melvyn Hayes (7) 9. Carry On Matron – or The Preggers _____ (5) 10. To sleep, perchance to dream – ay, there’s the ___ (3) 11. And 12 across. Picture clue B (5, 5) 14. Have; possess (3) 16. Name of cannibal tribe in Carry On Up The Jungle (5) 18. Colour of animated titles in Carry On Screaming (3) 19. Carry On featuring a holiday in Elsbels (6) 23. 31st and last Carry On starring Rik Mayall, Julian Clary (8) 26. Jim Dale in Screaming, Albert ____; also wizard Harry (6) 27. Guest star in Follow That Camel was from this country (1,1,1) 29. Politically correct like some in Carry On Constable (1,1) 30. Number of Carry On films starring Frankie Howerd (3) 32. Carry On Up The _____ - Snowdonia used for locations (6) 33. The first Carry On in the series from 1958 (8) 37. Actor Bill ___ starred in Carry On Regardless a.k.a Compo in a BBC comedy (4) 38. Role played by 44 across in 13 down (6) 39. The first Carry On set in a hospital (5) 40. ‘’Chunky’’ taxi driver from Carry on Cabby (5) 42. A portable object used on stage and film sets (4) 43. Rhyming slang for believe – Adam and ___ (3) 44. Surname of picture clue D (7) 6|Page

45. See 1 Down. DOWN 1. And 45 across. Picture clue A (7, 7) 2. Body parts that are said to be tickled when laughing (4) 3. Musical voice central to dialtone (4) 4. Occupation shared by Tinkle and Kilmore in this Carry On (6) 5. 1970’s camping Carry On featuring 24 Down (6) 6. Shirley ____ - three Carry Ons and painted gold in Goldfinger (5) 7. Early title for this film was Carry On Beauty Queen (5) 8. Surname shared by Carry-Oners Angela and Jack (7) 13. Classic Carry On with Sid James as Mark Antony (4) 15. Character Mike _____ from Regardless – a bit like our Stage Write editor? (6) 17. Harold ___, TV presenter in Carry On Emmanuelle; bad mood (4) 20. Type of conductor played by Kenny Lynch in Carry on Loving (3) 21. Granny Smith, pink lady for example (5) 22. Name of medical man in Stodge City from 35 down (3) 23. The first Carry On in colour set aboard the SS Happy Wanderer (8) 24. Picture clue C (3, 6) 25. Stanley ____ - one Carry On, famous for his comical nonsense language (5) 28. Carry On __ /____ Convenience (2,4)

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31. ‘’Regular’’ part played by Sheila Hancock in 13 Down? (5, 3) 32. Name shared by actors Connor and Williams (7) 34. School based Carry On with Joan Sims as Miss Allcock (7) 35. Carry On western with Sid James as The Rumpo Kid (6) 36. First name of Carry On producer Mr Rogers (5) 41. Affirmative answer (3) 42. Treasure Island character Blind ___ (3) ********************************************************************* FOST Monthly Members’ Draw Winners for February – March and April 2020 February 2020

FOST No

Marilyn Dyason Clayton Drew Cherry Scudder

590 1746 452

March 2020

FOST No

Lesley Tuppen Suzanne Madle Marcia Goodall

295 998 1181

April 2020

FOST No

Naomi Stanley Carolyn Lymn Josh Murray

1252 1461 1666

Congratulations to all our winners, each of whom received a £10 Theatre voucher.

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2019-2020 FOST FUNDED WORK We have reached the end of another successful financial year. With your support and the fund raising effort of our volunteers and associates, we are proud to have contributed a total of £19,364 to the following works and purchases for the Theatre: · Replacement Boardroom Windows (These were funded jointly by East Wight Landscape and the Co-op). · Box Office Ticketing Programme (including e-ticketing) · Stage Projector · Stage LED lights · PA System · Auditorium Seat & Floor cleaning · Evacuation Chair · Replacement Radios · Replacement Stage Microphones www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk/about/fost-funded-work.php ******************************************************************** A little bit of light reading in these uncertain times. The unforgotten, highly talented and funny Pam Ayres. Courtesy of the British Music Hall Society. THEY SHOULD HAVE ASKED MY HUSBAND by Pam Ayres. You know this world is complicated, imperfect and oppressed And it's not hard to feel timid, apprehensive and depressed. It seems that all around us tides of questions ebb and flow And people want solutions but they don’t know where to go. 9|Page

Opinions abound but who is wrong and who is right. People need a prophet, a diffuser of the light. Someone they can turn to as the crises rage and swirl. Someone with the remedy, the wisdom, and the pearl. Well, they should have asked my ‘usband, He’d have told’em then and there. His thoughts on immigration, teenage mothers, Tony Blair, The future of the monarchy, house prices in the south The wait for hip replacements, BSE and foot and mouth. Yes, they should have asked my husband He can sort out any mess He can rejuvenate the railways he can cure the NHS So any little niggle, anything you want to know Just run it past my husband, wind him up and let him go. Congestion on the motorways, free holidays for thugs The damage to the ozone layer, refugees and drugs. These may defeat the brain of any politician bloke But present it to my husband and he’ll solve it at a stroke. He'll clarify the situation; he will make it crystal clear You'll feel the glazing of your eyeballs, and the bending of your ear. Corruption at the top, he’s an authority on that And the Mafia, Gadafia and Yasser Arafat. Upon these areas he brings his intellect to shine In a great compelling voice that’s twice as loud as yours or mine. I often wonder what it must be like to be so strong, Infallible, articulate, self-confident... and wrong. When it comes to tolerance – he hasn’t got a lot Joyriders should be guillotined and muggers should be shot. The sound of his own voice becomes like music to his ears And he hasn’t got an inkling that he’s boring us to tears. My friends don’t call so often, they have busy lives I know But it’s not every day you want to hear a windbag suck and blow. Encyclopaedias, on them we never have to call Why clutter up the bookshelf when my husband knows it all! 10 | P a g e

Theatre Brochure Distribution – A rough guide Lock down makes people reminisce so I would like to share some of my experiences in distributing brochures to semi-rural parts of Shanklin. You love the Theatre. You want to share this love with others. A simple way to do this is to become a brochure distributor. Do as little or as much as you want. Enjoy talking to your neighbours or even complete strangers. Take in the view of some beautiful gardens. All of this with the feel good factor that you have done some exercise and breathed some fresh air. Ready! This is a rough guide to Brochure Distribution. A waft of new print ink emanated from the Box Office. The new season brochures have arrived. With great anticipation, you come to collect your brochures quota but beware not to get trapped behind the Box Office door where the brochures are kept! Donning good walking shoes and a sturdy bag full of brochures, you are ready for your new adventure and with a spring in your step, off you go. Distribution can be done anytime but there is a set of unwritten rules that I would like to share with you.  Distribute too early and, invariably, you will wake up the house dog and its owner will not be amused!  Distribute too late and you will feel like an intruder and the warning sign 11 | P a g e

“Trespassers will be composted” may become true! Now which way to the front door? Some houses are straightforward but this is not always the case. Take the little quaint path which seems to go in the direction on the front door and you may find yourself battling with vegetation of Amazonian proportions – you are the only one using this path! In some cases, taking the driveway seems the sensible approach as long as there is no car in it. You may find that you have to do some belly dancing wave in between the mirrors to pass the car(s). Where is a letter box? You are now by the front of the house. Front doors aren’t always in the front of the house. Letter boxes aren’t always in the front door. Some owners are quite helpful and put a sign directing you to the letter box while others are determined to confuse you with letter boxes covered with sellotape or camouflaged in the wall. Some others must be owned by keen Pilate’s instructors who make sure you practise bending and touching your toes as their boxes are right at the bottom of the door. You have found the letter box – the next challenge is to put a brochure through it. Most of the time, it is not a problem. However, some owners have installed superior quality draft excluder doubling as finger snatchers. Juggling a pack of slippery brochures in one hand while pushing a brochure in a reticent letter box with the other one can result in all the brochures slithering onto the ground. You feel slightly foolish but you have finally posted that brochure. Now onto the next house…. Jacqui Robertson. Find out more of Brochure distribution: FOSTmembership@shanklintheatre.com 12 | P a g e

From the Stage Write Archive – September 2017 - Recording our Sunshine hours from the Theatre Rooftop Our sunshine recorder sited on the theatre’s roof is known as a CampbellStokes recorder, it consists of a solid glass ball mounted on a small frame, the sun's rays pass through the glass ball and are focused onto a card which is fixed behind the glass ball. The card is calibrated into hourly and half hourly sections, the card is changed daily, at 10am, and the sunshine hours are added up. The sunshine hours recorded up to 10am are attributed to the day the card is being read and any burn after 10am is attributed to the previous day, this data is then sent to the Meteorological Office via email. The sunshine recorder was installed around 1948 by South Wight Borough Council and there was a lot of competition for being the sunniest place between the south coast resorts. In recent times Shanklin has been the sunniest on numerous occasions. Clive Cooper started taking the sunshine recordings on the 10th June 1990. At that time, Shanklin was classed as a Health Resort Station by the Meteorological Office. The temperatures and rainfall observations were taken twice a day and the sunshine hours were noted daily but at 1700hrs. This information was phoned through to the Southampton Meteorological office that then passed onto the Press Office, and it was then published in certain national papers. After a number of years the Meteorological Office lost the contract to supply weather data to the newspapers and Shanklin was reclassified as a Climate Station and the observation times changed to 10am, as it is now. The Campbell–Stokes recorder (sometimes called a Stokes sphere) is a sunshine recorder as used at the theatre. It was invented by John Francis Campbell in 1853 and modified in 1879 by Sir George Gabriel Stokes.

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The original design by Campbell consisted of a glass sphere set into a wooden bowl with the sun burning a trace on the bowl.

Images of the sunshine recorder and the view out from the top of the theatre. Probably the highest point in Shanklin.

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A Quick Theatre Quiz – Created by Gwyn Dawson

The first letter of each answer will spell out a person or act coming to the Theatre later on this year (fingers crossed!). Good luck - Gwyn. 1. The donkeys in Carisbrooke Castle all have first names beginning with which letter? 2. What is the name of the family who occupied Nunwell House since the Norman Times up until 1980? 3. Which fish is happy in Shanklin Old Village? 4. Where is the site of the old Town Hall, which now adjoins a nature reserve? 5. What is the name of our local amateur performing group who put on at least 2 shows a year at the Theatre? 6. What is the name of the road between St. Lawrence and Niton which partly collapsed in 2014? 7. What is the name of the annual show where, amongst other exhibitors, you will find a stand from the Theatre? 8. US comedian, Rich, is coming to the Theatre next January. What is his surname? 9. If you take the No. 5 bus from Newport, which town lies at the end of the route? 10. Which pub in Godshill is renowned for using local produce? Answers on page 31.

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Harold Baker – A Letter from Maggie Lambourne I first became interested in Harold Baker and his connections, as Clerk to Shanklin Council when I volunteered to help at Shanklin Theatre and realised that his name was inscribed in the stone plaque on the left of the theatre steps. This prompted me to do some more research into our family history, helped greatly by my sister Naomi, who had in her possession an extensive scrapbook of newspaper cuttings kept by our Grandmother, Harold Baker's wife. Our Grandfather, or Grandpa as he was known to us, was born on the 6th November 1885, the son of Albert Baker and Annie Maria Church. He had an older brother, Bertram William Baker and a sister, Winnie. The family soon moved to Shanklin, where Harold Baker lived for most of his life. Right - Harold Baker (Grandpa). Harold started his career as a junior clerk of Shanklin Urban District Council under Mr John Marsh, in October 1899, aged just 14. He was appointed Rates Collector for the Council in February 1915, and on the 12th November 1915 he married Miss Ethel Annie Kingswell. She was the only child of Mr and Mrs Ernest Alfred Kingswell. Left – Half of the original Shanklin Institute foundation stone that was cut in two and reinscribed. This newly formed foundation stone was laid in 1933 upon rebuilding the old Institute / Town Hall after a huge fire in November 1925. Harold Baker (Clerk) inscribed 2nd line from the bottom. 16 | P a g e

Earnest was born and brought up in Honeymoon Cottage, which still exists at the bottom of Shanklin Chine. The wedding, by all accounts was a fairly big occasion and the 'happy couple' received many beautiful presents, including a pair of silver candlesticks from Mrs White Popham. At this time Harold Baker was also the secretary of the Conservative club in Shanklin, and they presented him with 'a handsome gilt and marble clock on the occasion of his approaching marriage'. The clock had his name inscribed on the back, and as a child I can remember it taking pride of place on their mantelpiece. In 1916 Harold Baker joined the army, but due partly I believe to his very poor eyesight, he took up his post as Bombardier Baker, and it is not clear where he was stationed in this role. During that time, his wife, Mrs Harold Baker was appointed rates collector for Shanklin Council. She was apparently, at that time one of the few women rates collectors in England, and according to the newspaper, made 'a very satisfactory return' in 1916. Left – Harold Baker’s Wife (Nana). In 1919, Harold Baker was appointed Finance Clerk for the Council, at a starting salary of £75 per annum, and resumed his role as rates collector. In February 1921, their only son, John Baker, our Father, was born. In 1926 Harold was appointed town clerk after the death in 1925 of Mr John Marsh. During his time as town clerk he played an active and lively role in Council affairs. Most notably from the point of view of the Theatre connection was his presentation at the public inquiry in May 1931 of Shanklin council's proposal to borrow £14,000 for the reconstruction of Shanklin Town Hall. The proposed scheme and loan application 'was not made from any administrative point of view, but purely for the purpose of an assembly hall and the provision of entertainment'. There was a very lively debate and a certain amount of opposition to the proposal, particularly from Sandown Council members. Harold Baker eventually retired from his post as Clerk to Sandown/Shanklin Urban district Council in November 1950 after 51 years 17 | P a g e

of public service. He and his wife moved to Lake, where they lived in happy retirement and I will always remember them as very loving Grandparents, devoted to each other. Harold Baker died in April 1963 aged 77 years. He had many connections with Shanklin life, being at one time chairman of the cricket club, secretary of the conservative club, and a prominent Freemason. Paying tribute to him at his funeral service, the Venerable A. Cory, who conducted the service said, “His life was virtually a round of public service, concerned with every branch of public affairs, and to everything he did, he brought his enthusiasm and energy."

Above – Harold Baker (circled) at the official opening ceremony of the newly rebuilt ‘Shanklin Town Hall Theatre’ 21st March 1934. Left – Nana & Grandpa Baker pictured c1960. Our sincerest thanks go to Maggie Lambourne, formerly Margaret Baker for submitting this lovely story and images. 18 | P a g e

LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS UPDATE Shanklin’s shoppers continue to raise money for The Friends of Shanklin Theatre at the CO-OP Landguard Road through the local Co-op cause’s initiative. All funds raised will go to pay for the already completed renovation of the bar area. This includes improving both the ambience and efficiency of the bar as an area for patrons to relax, enhancing the overall experience of theatre visits. We are a community theatre providing a wide variety of shows and activities for the community of the Isle of Wight. Shanklin Theatre has played a central role within the cultural life of the Isle of Wight and never more than today. In addition to our usual (pre-coronavirus) full and varied show programme, we are also home to the 'First Act' group, a theatre group for people with learning difficulties. As well as the multinational groups that come to our theatre each year, we play host to the Isle of Wight Drama festival. We are additionally hosts to Spotlight IOW Ltd, an Island based company who have been providing top quality entertainment since 2001. The money raised from the 2019-2020 Co-op Causes initiative since November 2019 has now reached £740.00 We thank you for supporting our cause. You can become a Co-op member here: membership.coop.co.uk/causes/41898 Co-op home delivery or order in store service here: www.coop.co.uk/instore-services/home-delivery www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk/news/articles/2019/october-2019-coop-causes.php 19 | P a g e

FOST PATRONS The FOST committee recognises the value of FOST Patrons’ support and would like to express their gratitude by offering you additional benefits. Printed FOST ‘Stage-Write’ Newsletter: Patrons who normally receive ‘Stage-Write’ via email may choose to have a printed copy delivered to them. Patrons Social Evening: A biennial event for FOST patrons will be organised at the Theatre in recognition of their contribution. The current list (dated 11/05/20) of FOST Patrons is: Elizabeth Allen Shirley Armstrong John Ash Graham Benson Christine Benson Alana Bird Amy Bird David Bird Ron Bird Ruth Bird Wendy Bliss John L Brett Den Clare Debbie Clement Roy Coleman Paul Coueslant Maggie Currie Kelvin Currie Pamela Dana Lynda Darby Larry Darby Martin Darch Jean Davies Gwyn Dawson Marilyn (Dr) Dyason Michael Ellis Isobel Ellis Jo Everitt Jacqueline Flux David Frankling

Sue Godden Linda Graham Tony Hagan Christopher Hardy Lorraine Harley Raymond Harrington-Vail Neil Hedges Jim Holland Les Honey Vivien Howell Lynn Jones Jennifer Jones Gwyneth Kersey Tim Marshall Nick Mattocks Pat McCree Angela Moorman Cilla Morris Kay Mottram Josh Murray Michael Murwill Wendy Murwill Margaret Newman Bill Nichols Lizzy Nichols Chris O'Connell Jean Osmond Guy Palin Janice Palin Shirley Peck

Shani Petter Hilary Pilcher Carol Pointer David Pointer George Powell Julie Riggott Robert Robertson Alan Rodway Patricia Rodway Michael Sayers Rosemary Sayers Graham Selway Doreen Sheath Peter Stockman Tricia Sztypuljak Victoria Thorneton-Field Jeremy Turk Rodney Walmsley Diana Ward Ann Ward Janet Wardle Anne Watson Heather Whitchurch Maxine White Donna White Steve White Kevin Wilson Anthony Wood Jan Wood Diane York

If you wish to upgrade your membership to Patron (£25/year or more), just contact Jacqui Robertson, FOST Membership Secretary, email: 20 | P a g e

The Friends of Shanklin Theatre Supporting the 2020 Leaflet Exchange Day On the 6th March, the Friends of Shanklin Theatre attended the SPRING LEAFLET EXCHANGE 2020 at the Isle of Wight Pearl - Military Road Brighstone. The exchange has really taken off over the last few years, and it’s now a staple event in the diaries of many people who are looking to proactively promote places of interest to their guests – and for businesses to let accommodation providers know what’s on offer! Our thanks go to Jacqui, Debbie and Viv for attending on the day and promoting the Theatre.

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Dear Members - Very Important Information regarding the AGM 2020 Please read carefully. FOST Constitution One of the key conditions of the FOST constitution is that an annual general meeting (AGM) is held no later than 15 months after the previous AGM, (Article 11.1.1), in this case, the 24th April 2019. This gives the FOST committee until the 24th July 2020 to hold an AGM for this current year. With the current coronavirus situation, the FOST committee, membership and the general public adhering to social distancing guidelines, it will prove almost impossible to meet this condition. To amend the FOST constitution to enable the AGM to be delayed until, either when the government restrictions are eased, or next year, it will be necessary to convene an emergency general meeting (EGM). This meeting normally requires the agreement of a minimum of 10% of the current FOST membership, (Article 11.2.2). The purpose of this letter is to request your agreement for such a meeting to be held. This will enable the FOST committee to vary the FOST constitution to facilitate, because of the coronavirus situation, the 2020 AGM to be postponed for one year, i.e. until April 2021. Could we please ask for your agreement on this matter? If you have any objections to the FOST EGM going forward, could you please write to the chairman of the FOST committee giving your reasons. If you are in agreement with this, your no response will indicate your acceptance. AGM Due to the impossibility of holding the FOST AGM in the normal manner, it is suggested by the FOST committee that this meeting, as incorporated in the constitution of the Friends of Shanklin Theatre, be postponed until April 2021 (or earlier if the current situation changes). The proposal is that the FOST committee remains, with its current members, until it is possible to have an election. The elected members of the FOST committee are as follows: 22 | P a g e

Current members: Janet Wardle (Chairman), Michael Beston (Vice Chairman), Peter Frankling (Treasurer), Jacqui Robertson, Alana Bird, Phil Kelly, Vivien Howell, Roy Coleman, Lesley Kast, Annie O’Neill, Sue Thurgood. Closing date 17th June 2020. Kind regards. Janet Wardle

- FOST Chairman.

********************************************************************** If you intend to pay your membership at the Box Office, it is preferable to either send a cheque made payable to ‘The Friends of Shanklin Theatre’ to the address below or pay by card by calling the Box Office during the current limited hours of 10am-1pm Monday to Friday; 01983 868000. Kind regards. Jacqui Robertson, FOST Membership C/O Shanklin Theatre, Prospect Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 6AJ. More information here: www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk/support-us/become-afriend.php

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Shanklin Theatre – Business (Almost!) as Usual 7th April 2020

Still Working Behind the Scenes! Shanklin Theatre, like all other theatres, is no longer putting on performances at the moment, with the Theatre and Box Office closed to those calling in person. Nevertheless, work very much continues behind the scenes with different departments experiencing very new ways of working. Planning Show Dates Although a very small number of shows have unfortunately been cancelled, most of the shows scheduled to take place in the next 2-3 months have been postponed until later in the year or early next year, keeping our Bookings volunteers, who are home working, busy communicating with agents representing the acts who perform at the Theatre. The Theatre website provides up-to-date information. Theatre Box Office Tickets for shows are handled via the Box Office, whether booked directly with the Box Office or via the Theatre’s website. Fortunately, the Theatre has invested in recent times in a modern phone system, together with a number of upgrades to its ticketing system software. These improvements have allowed the Box Office to ‘move’ to the home of two of our volunteers, husband and wife team, Rob & Jacqui. Above – Jacqui working from the ‘Home Box Office’. 24 | P a g e

In addition to being Box Office volunteers, Rob is our IT Manager and Jacqui is the Membership Secretary for the Friends of Shanklin Theatre. Between them they maintain contact with our customers and Theatre supporters across the island and beyond using our normal phone number and email address. Communicating with Theatre staff and Volunteers Of course, with shows not taking place at the moment, it is important for staff (all of whom are on furlough) and volunteers to remain in contact; understanding what is happening and maintaining the very strong social aspect of the Theatre. Facebook and WhatsApp groups provide this communication, including a bit of fun with Theatre quizzes – do you know where the carousel (below) is found at the Theatre?

Tickets for Shows If you have tickets for a show that has been postponed or even if you are reluctant to purchase tickets for forthcoming shows, there’s no need to be concerned – if a show is postponed and you cannot attend the revised date, we will happily provide you with a voucher for the ticket value, valid for 5 years. The voucher can be used online or via the Box Office to purchase tickets for any show. Supporting the Theatre Shanklin Theatre is a community run theatre, relying on its customers and supporters to keep the Theatre operating. With the temporary lack of 25 | P a g e

shows resulting in a loss of income, the Theatre is very grateful for donations to help maintain this community asset loved by so many for everyone to enjoy. Theatre donations can be made via: https://shanklintheatre.charitycheckout.co.uk/Donations#!/

Thank You! Very big thanks to everyone who has supported the Theatre over the previous years. We very much look forward to greeting our customers at performances once again when the current situation comes to an end. Jacqui & Rob Robertson. ********************************************************************** A Lovely note from one of our Theatre Supporters – Sandy Node ‘You very kindly let me sponsor a seat on the balcony (C13) in memory of my lovely dad, Dave Norman, who passed away on my birthday June 23rd 2015. ‘He was a super harmonica player in his younger days and later played keyboards and wrote songs. He used to entertain at various venues in the Gosport area and I was always so proud to see him on the stage. He taught me to play the harmonica and when I was 7 years old I played ‘Moon River’ in the school playground! I went on to become a music teacher and songwriter myself. ‘We were a Gosport family but having done some ancestral research I found I have roots in the IOW dating back to the 18th century and realised why I had always longed to move here. I made the leap in March 2016 and I’m so pleased I did. The Island is a great place to live with such lovely friendly people. I asked to sponsor this particular seat as it’s the one I sat on when I came along to see Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues. Dad always teased 26 | P a g e

me of my love for Justin in fact my ‘claim to fame’ is that I met and kissed him back in 1979! ‘I’ve been along to the theatre since and asked for that same seat and will do again as soon as it’s possible. It’s a pleasure to support such a wonderful venue. ‘Thank you to everyone at Shanklin Theatre for everything you do. ‘I hope it won’t be long before we’re all enjoying some more entertainment together. Kindest regards and best wishes, Sandy Noad.’

Above – Sandy and her Dad - Dave Norman on his 80th birthday.

Right – Dave rehearsing on his Harmonica in his younger years.

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Our FOST Corporate Members FOST Corporate members are businesses passionate about the theatre who support it with their corporate membership. In return, their company is advertised in our FOST website which is open to anyone and our FOST newsletter circulated to over 700 members from the Isle of Wight and beyond. Corporate membership is £100 a year and entitles the named person to all the FOST benefits.

Welcome to our new Corporate Member: Sandra Honey, Reflexologist in Somerset Road, Ryde. Contact details via website: www.sandrahoney.co.uk/ ‘My husband and I like going to the theatre and have enjoyed many shows at Shanklin. Thanks to the volunteers and friends, Shanklin Theatre continues to go from strength to strength and is a huge asset to the Island. We are lucky to have it and I am very proud to support it.’

The Snowdon is a Silver Award, 4 star guest house situated just some 100 metres away from the spectacular cliff walk and views of Sandown Bay. www.thesnowdonhotel.co.uk/ ‘Snowdon House is delighted to continue to support Shanklin Theatre through its corporate membership scheme. The promotion of tourism through Island businesses is essential to ensure attractions such as our local theatre remain sustainable and available for our residents, tourists and community.’ Sally and Michael Beston.

Ron Bird & Son offers a high quality and affordable piano tuning service across the Isle of Wight and Southern England. www.ronbirdandson.com/

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tldesignworks is an Isle of Wight based web design & development company with a mixed portfolio of Island centric websites and mainland websites. www.tldesignworks.co.uk/ Our FOST website, Lucid, Ron Bird and Son and Isle of Wight.Pub are amongst the many websites design by tldesignworks

Jane Oliver, Educational Consultant, can assist schools with all aspects of behaviour management, based on sound practical experience and theoretical knowledge. Contact details and services can be found on this website: www.janecoliver.co.uk/ ‘I’m an Overner, whose Island memories stretch from end of the pier shows in Ventnor in the 1960s, to seeing the pantomime at Shanklin Theatre with my own children. My company supports FOST because I believe in the educational value of the theatre, to which every child, everywhere, should have access.’

The Clifton: Brimming with coastal charm, this oasis of calm is perched perfectly on Shanklin's clifftop; it's the home from home where you can make yourself comfortable in one of 15 individually designed bedrooms. www.thecliftonshanklin.co.uk/

Shanklin Theatre provides a great home for First Act Theatre Group (a theatre group for people with learning disabilities). www.facebook.com/FirstAct2011/

Island Webservices is an Isle of Wight based web design and hosting company. We make search engine friendly, quick to load web sites that are accessible and easy to use on all devices. www.islandwebservices.co.uk/

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Keep Calm & Carry On Crossword Answers

ACROSS 1. Bernard 6. England 9. Opera 11. Terry 12. Scott 14. Own 16. Nosha 18. Red 19. Abroad 23. Columbus 26. Potter 27. USA 29. PC 30. Two 32. Khyber 33. Sergeant 37. Owen 38. Seneca 39. Nurse 40. Tubby 42. Prop 43. Eve 44. Hawtrey 45. Windsor

DOWN 1. Barbara 2. Ribs 3. Alto 4. Doctor 5. Behind 6. Eaton 7. Girls 8. Douglas 13. Cleo 15. Weston 17. Hump 20. Bus 21. Apple 22. Doc 23. Cruising 24. Liz Fraser 25. Unwin 28. At Your 31. Senna Pod 32. Kenneth 34. Teacher 35. Cowboy 36. Peter 41. Yes 42. Pew

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Answers to Gwyn’s Quick Theatre Quiz 1. J 2. Oglander 3. Haddock 4. Newtown 5. Savoyards 6. Undercliff Drive 7. Chale Show 8. Hall 9. East Cowes 10. Taverners

Answer = John Suchet

SHOWS WITH FOST DISCOUNTS

Conditions of booking   

FOST members - non volunteers: 1 ticket per member FOST members - volunteers: up to 2 tickets per member FOST tickets can’t be purchased online – purchase can be done by phone or in person at the Box Office FOST membership can be renewed or bought either in person at the Box Office or by phone (01983 868000) during Box Office opening hours Please refer to the Shanklin Theatre website https://www.shanklintheatre.com/events.aspx to find the current shows with FOST discounts with accurate dates. Click on on top right of your screen and select Find (or use the keys Ctrl and F) then type FOST in the search field. This will retrieve all the shows with FOST Discounts.

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Friends of Shanklin Theatre - FOST - Organisational Structure FOST Committee: Chairman – Janet Wardle. FOSTchairman@shanklintheatre.com Secretary – Suzie Thurgood. FOSTsecretary@shanklintheatre.com Vice Chair – Michael Beston. FOSTvicechair@shanklintheatre.com Treasurer – Peter Frankling. FOSTtreasurer@shanklintheatre.com Membership – Jacqui Robertson. FOSTmembership@shanklintheatre.com Alana Bird – Vivien Howell – Roy Coleman – Lesley Kast – Annie O’Neill – Phil Kelly.

Department Supervisors & Co-ordinators: Front of House Manager – Peter Frankling. Deputy Manager – Phil Kelly Box Office Managers – Sally Sibley / Janet Wardle Maintenance Manager – Neil Reader. Housekeeping – Shirley Hughes Administration – Jacqui Robertson. Bar Sales – Jean Osmond – Eddy Parsons IT Support – Rob Robertson. Catering – Annie O’Neill Volunteer Co-ordination – Neil McMurray Volunteer Support – Phil Kelly. Welfare - Cilla Morris Fundraising – Alana Bird / Wendy Bliss. Sweet Shop – Lesley Kast Publicity & Social Media - Michael Beston Brochure Distribution – Liz Hinks. Promotional Events – Vivien Howell Archivists – Debbie Clement / Derek Stephens Stage-Write magazine, published by the Friends of Shanklin Theatre. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of Stage-Write magazine, the publishers do not accept any liability or provide any guarantee that the information is accurate, complete or up to date. The publisher and its contributors have used their best efforts in preparing these pages and this publication, but make no warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, with regard to the information supplied. Editor: Michael Beston, June 2020. 32 | P a g e