THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FROM THE FRIENDS OF SHANKLIN THEATRE June 2021
2021 STAGE-WRITE
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Chairman’s Foreword As I write this we are at the start of opening up indoor events and looking forward to more freedom to live and work. The light is at the end of the tunnel! Theatre management have taken the decision to officially open the theatre on the 1st July 2021. This means the FOST team and I have much work to do to bring the volunteers up to speed with current legislation and update all the training needed for first aid, defibrillation and health and safety. We have already sent out messages to all the volunteers on our lists to let us know if they will be returning to work, and so far the response has been very positive. However, the past eighteen months have also brought sadness and upset, with some of our volunteers succumbing to Covid and other illnesses, but their memory will live on as we open up and continue the story that is Shanklin Theatre. To get the season off to a racing start, Spotlight are putting on Beyond the West End from July to November. Their seasonal show is full of fun, laughter, dance and music and a wonderful way to return to the theatre. For the next two years we have a packed programme for every taste, from comedians to dance schools and anything in-between. Check our website for full details. For all of you who enjoy a coffee and cake you will be pleased to hear that our coffee cake and chat is returning on 3rd July, 10am to 12 noon in the Green Room and bar (both refurbished!) as before. For any of you wishing to volunteer please come along and we can chat about the vacancies we have and how the theatre runs. Another event to look forward to is the annual Garden Party at the Clifton Hotel in Shanklin on the 18th July 2pm to 4pm. Book now as places are limited, via the Box Office (which is open to the public 10.00am to 1.00pm Monday to Saturday), at £6.50 it is a bargain. Much work has been going on behind the scenes recently by the maintenance and gardening teams to make the theatre better than ever and safe for us to enjoy. Well done to them. So let’s be positive and look forward to a great summer full of fun and excitement. Janet – FOST Chairman. 2|Page
A Message from the Editor Thank you for reading our June edition of the ‘Stage Write’ magazine. I sincerely hope that you are keeping well and safe. As Janet has already mentioned in her opening Chairman’s Foreword remarks, it’s really great that our beloved theatre with all the hard work from our volunteers and staff is ready to return to life once again in July. We also had some marvellous news in April of the Culture Recovery Fund that was granted to the theatre and then subsequently announced by the Culture Secretary, this was very much welcomed indeed. It will provide a vital financial lifeline to help keep our valuable community asset afloat and viable. You can read more about this on pages 12 & 13. Also in this June edition, look out for Matt Day’s ‘Good Old Fashioned’ Crossword Puzzle on page 15, Gwyn Dawson’s ‘Quick Theatre Quiz’ on page 18 and the story of the ‘Screen de Luxe’ cinema in Lake on page 5 & 6. In February 2020, with the help and assistance from various contributors, we published a 40 page history booklet. Copies of the booklet are available to purchase from the theatre box office priced at £2.75 each, with all proceeds going back to the theatre. If you have any stories or photos relating to the Theatre or the shows, please don’t hesitate to contact me at: friends@shanklintheatre.com May I wish you all the best for the summer season, please stay safe, keep well and remember to be kind to each other. I look forward to 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 2021. This magazine was printed by the NHS Printing Services. Newport - Isle of Wight.
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Wednesday 30th June 2021 - 7.30pm BEYOND THE WEST END - FOST PREVIEW See details on page 9 & 10
Saturday 3rd July 2021 10am - 12noon Coffee, Cake and Chat More details to follow Sunday 18th July 2021 Annual FOST Garden Party See details on page 17 Monday 19th July 2021 FOST AGM More details to follow
Monday 25th October 2021 FOST Patrons’ evening More details to follow Monday 8th November 2021 Curry night More details to follow 4|Page
Vic Farrow Reminisces Vic Farrow is the current Director-Chairman of Shanklin Theatre Ltd, the company that operates the theatre on a day to day basis. Unbeknown to a lot of people, Vic set up and operated the ‘Screen de Luxe’ Cinema in Lake – near Sandown before managing and booking the acts and shows at Shanklin Theatre. The single level building was constructed in the 1930s as a Co-Operative shop. That closed in the 1960s, and the building became a C.B. Furnishings store. It was then converted by Vic into the Screen de Luxe Cinema, opening on 14th October 1989 with the Harrison Ford film of the same year; ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’. It was described as a ‘reverse cinema’, with the screen end at the front of the building behind a small foyer as opposed to the more traditional design where the screen would be situated to the rear of the building. After operating for nearly eleven years, the Screen de Luxe finally closed on 21st September 2000 with the showing of the Russell Crowe film; ‘Gladiator’. Permission was granted to convert the building into a fitness centre, but it’s unsure if this activity actually occurred. It was then used as a hardware store specialising in floor materials. By 2016 it was a veterinary clinic and still operates as such to this day. Image above: ‘Screen de Luxe’ Cinema - Lake. Vic goes onto say; ‘Cinelake Ltd was the Limited Company I formed in early 1989 prior to opening Screen De Luxe situated in Lake High Street. It eventually closed in 2000. I retained the name and used it subsequently as a Company to promote shows.
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‘I did so periodically for several years. This involved hiring Shanklin and Medina Theatre, as well as having a series of cabaret evenings at The Ponda Rosa in Ryde. This saw a number of acts who were big names from that time appearing for the first time on the Island. Image left: The interior of the Cinema with the screen located to the front of building. Latecomers to the films were easily identified! ‘After this I took on the volunteer role of Entertainment Manager at Shanklin Conservative Club for some seven years, where top names, even some from the USA, appeared. Some acts subsequently seen at Shanklin Theatre made their first visit to the Island under the banner of Cinelake Promotions at the various venues. ‘During that time I did return to Shanklin Theatre for a three date Christmas Show with Jimmy Cricket. During this show I actually had a non speaking ten second walk on part as a stooge to Jimmy Cricket! ‘After some seven years at the Club, having been a bit involved with the rebirth of the Theatre, I was asked about the role of volunteer Bookings Manager. I found this irresistible and I was proud to help.’
The early years of the rebirth of Shanklin Theatre saw big acts and names appearing on the stage such as: Jimmy Cricket – ‘Jimmy’s Christmas Cracker’, Barry Cryer & Ronnie Golden – ‘Unplugged’, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, The Wurzels, Craig Douglas (aka, the Isle of Wight - Singing Milkman) and Mike Berry and the Outlaws among other top class names. For Vic, and being in close contact with Cliff Richard at that time, one name stood out, ‘Jimmy Jemain’. Jimmy Jemain was inspired to be a singer when he was just 14 years old. He attended the Cheshunt School in Hertfordshire. His English teacher at the time was Mrs. J. Norris – a lovely lady who was also the teacher to Harry Webb (known better to everyone now as Sir Cliff Richard) some years before. Jimmy recalls Cliff visiting the school on many occasions, and 6|Page
at one time, he remembers him teaching religious education for three weeks running. There were also times when Cliff performed at the school to raise money for the TearFund Christian charity. After seeing and hearing him perform at school, Cliff inspired Jimmy to be a singer and he went on to form a band with other pupils and called themselves ‘Silver Wings’; they were only 14 years old. Mrs. Norris then asked if the band would perform two songs as a support act for Cliff. It was 1976 and Jimmy remembers the event like it was yesterday. He goes on to say; ‘My little band and I were sound-checking in the afternoon of the day, when suddenly in walked Cliff! It was a pleasure to meet him. He kindly let me use his microphone on that evening. It was a gift from his mother for his 35th birthday’. Jimmy reminisces; ‘I cannot believe that I have now been performing professionally as a tribute to Sir Cliff for thirty-one years after a win on television’s Stars in Their Eyes. With many highlights such as singing for him at his celebration for 50 years in show business and also Cliff’s 70th birthday party at The Dorchester Hotel in London. ‘I was so proud to have performed in ‘Cliff – The musical’ at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Leicester Square. I have achieved all this after being inspired by the great man himself all those years ago. He is a wonderful role model and a true gentleman. I owe a lot to Sir Cliff and I will continue to love and respect him.’
During the month of January 2004, Vic set to work in booking Jimmy to perform at Shanklin Theatre. And after much negotiation with Jimmy’s agent, two dates were confirmed for Jimmy to perform his show; ’The Best of Me’ on the 18th July & the 8th August 2004. The Isle of Wight County Press reported on the upcoming show; THE Best of Me, the ultimate Cliff Richard musical journey, which stars former Stars In Their Eyes winner Jimmy Jemain as Cliff, opens Shanklin Theatre’s summer season Sunday Concerts. This show is not just another tribute production. It has links with the real Cliff Richard story. The Shadows are portrayed by The Rapiers, who have a huge following on the Island, and making guest appearances will be original Shadow Jet Harris, who thought of the group’s name and was their leader for several years. Joining him on stage will be The Shadows’ keyboard player Cliff Hall, who has appeared on many of their records and joined them on all their major tours.
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Jimmy Jemain won Stars In Their Eyes in 1990 as Cliff Richard and more recently took the lead in the West End production of Cliff The Musical. The show is also endorsed by Cliff’s youngest sister, Joan, and is the brainchild of Shanklin show promoter Vic Farrow. The Best of Me, which features almost 40 hits made famous by Cliff and the Shadows, starts at 7.30pm on Sunday and returns to Shanklin on Sunday, August 8th.
(Ed) I personally attended ‘The Best of Me’ show at the theatre on the 8th August 2004. Having grown up in the 60s & 70s to the sounds of Cliff and the Shadows, I was intrigued and somewhat reserved as to what expect on the night. I was not disappointed, as soon as the curtain went up; we were instantly transported back in time to those marvellous days of - The Young Ones – Apache - Move It – Wonderful Land – Wired for Sound et al. The evening was divided into two musical eras: Cliff, and Cliff with the Shadows. The intrinsic guest appearance of Terence (Jet) Harris on bass guitar was phenomenal; a pint size man with his Fender Bass Guitar of almost the same size certainly punching well above his weight musically was a sight to behold, and a memory that will stay with me forever. Incidentally, Jet was the first man in the UK to play electric bass guitar. This was my first visit to Shanklin Theatre after moving to the Island in 2001, and has certainly not been my last. From that moment on, I was hooked on Shanklin Theatre! My thanks go to Vic for contributing the text information, images of the cinema and poster of Jimmy’s show. Michael.
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BEYOND THE WEST END FOST PREVIEW Spotlight IOW Ltd is offering FOST members this first and unique opportunity to see the new 2021 Beyond The West End prior to the general public. As Jayne & James Derbyshire from Spotlight (IOW) Ltd have mentioned in their recent podcast, it is like a ‘press release’.......... This full show will be introduced by James Be the first to return to Shanklin Theatre! Be the first to see Beyond the West End 2021! Be the first to cheer the Spotlight’s cast! When is this show? Wednesday 30th June - 7.30pm How much? Unallocated seating – all tickets £12.50 Who? Each FOST member can purchase up to 4 tickets When can I purchase tickets? Ticket sale starts on Monday 17th May from 10am How can I get them? By either phoning the Box Office (01983 868000) or visiting in person When is the Box Office open? Hours are currently 10am-1pm Monday to Saturday Please note, to purchase these special - one off tickets - you must be a fully paid up member of the Friends of Shanklin Theatre: www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk/.../become-a... Please click on the link below to listen to the latest FOST podcast with Jayne & James www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk/media/Podcast4V8.mp3
Please see over for the show poster.
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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 date of this event is this year on Monday 25th October. More details will follow near the time. The current list (dated 15/05/21) of FOST Patrons is:
Elizabeth
Allen
Sylvia
Fallows
Nick
Mattocks
Robert
Robertson
Shirley John Christine Graham David Ruth Wendy John L
Armstrong Ash
Nicholas Jacqueline David Sue Linda Tony Christine Christopher
Finney Flux Frankling Godden Graham Hagan Hardy
Pat Linda Thomas Angela Cilla Josh Michael Wendy
McCree McLinden McLinden Moorman Morris
Murwill
Alan Patricia Michael Rosemary Graham Doreen Shirley Peter
Rodway Rodway Sayers Sayers Selway Sheath Smallman Stockman
Elaine Den Debbie Andrew Charlotte Paul Kelvin
Carter Clare Clement
Harley Hedges Holland Honey Howell
Coueslant Currie
Lorraine Neil Jim Les Vivien Geoffrey Edgar
Margaret Bill Lizzy Chris Jean Guy Janice
Newman Nichols Nichols O'Connell Osmond Palin Palin
Tricia Victoria Jeremy Rodney Ann Diana Ian
Sztypuljak Thornton-Field Turk Walmsley Ward Ward Ward
Maggie Larry Lynda Martin Jean Gwyn Marilyn Brenda
Currie Darby Darby Darch Davies Dawson Dyason Dyer
Jennifer Lynn Steven Gwyneth Fiona Geoff Simon Anthony
Jones Jones
Eddy Phyllis Terry Shirley Shani Carol David George
Parsons
Janet Anne Heather Donna Maxine Steve Anthony Jan
Wardle Watson Whitchurch
Isobel Michael Jo
Ellis Ellis Everitt
Josephine Penny Tim
Leonora Julie Jacqui
Powell
Benson Benson Bird Bird Bliss
Brett
Corkish Corkish
Hardy
Jackson Jones
Julians Kersey Klein Klein
Lacey Lewis Lewis Lyndon Marshall
Murray Murwill
Payne Pearson Peck
Petter Pointer Pointer Powell
White White
White Wood Wood
Riggott Robertson
If you wish to upgrade your membership to Patron (£25/year or more), just contact Jacqui Robertson, FOST Membership Secretary, email: FOSTmembership@shanklintheatre.com 11 | P a g e
Shanklin Theatre Receives £37,000 from Second Round of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund Shanklin Theatre is among more than 2,700 recipients to benefit from the latest round of awards from the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund. This award will help sustain and ensure the continuation of Shanklin Theatre once we are able to recommence performances. More than £300 million has been awarded to thousands of cultural organisations across the country including Shanklin Theatre in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund, announced by the Culture Secretary on the 2nd April 2021. Commenting on the latest grant, Shanklin Theatre Chairman, Vic Farrow said: “Having saved Shanklin Theatre from closure over 10 years ago, both the Theatre and its volunteers have worked extremely hard to establish it as a major venue on the UK theatre circuit. Following our application to the Culture Recovery Fund back in August 2020 we were delighted to hear that this latest application has been successful. Receiving this grant will go some of the way towards meeting the shortfall in our operational costs and hopefully, until such times as we are able to open again and resume a regular programme for our audience.” Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said: “Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they've ever faced. Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors - helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead." Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said: “Investing in a thriving cultural sector at the heart of communities is a vital part of helping the whole country to recover from the pandemic. These grants will help to re-open theatres, concert halls, and museums
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and will give artists and companies the opportunity to begin making new work. We are grateful to the Government for this support and for recognising the paramount importance of culture to our sense of belonging and identity as individuals and as a society.” The funding awarded in April is from a £400 million pot which was held back last year to ensure the Culture Recovery Fund could continue to help organisations in need as the public health picture changed. The funding has been awarded by Arts Council England, as well as Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute.
********************************************************************* SHOW WITH FOST DISCOUNT - BEYOND THE WEST END Tickets on sale now – Show dates: Every Thursday from 1s July until 4th November – All shows at 8.15 pm Tickets: £18.50 Concession: £17.50 – online or from the Box Office FOST £17.50 – from the Box Office only Conditions of booking for FOST member discount: FOST members - non volunteers: 1 ticket per member FOST members - volunteers: up to 2 tickets per member FOST membership can be renewed or bought on the day 13 | P a g e
Box Office Re-opening On Monday 12th April the theatre’s Box Office reopened to the public. Box Office volunteers can now sell tickets over the counter again between the hours of 10am - 1pm, Monday to Saturday. And we have a lot of great shows to choose from right through to 2022. We have limited space for customers (two at a time) so you may be asked to wait outside. Hand sanitiser will be easily available and masks should be worn unless you have an exemption. Everything is ready for a Covid safe Box Office: Hand sanitisers are available for use Large Perspex screens have been installed on the Box Office counter to protect customers and staff Our Box Office staff have been Covid trained Appropriate signage has been put in place Only two customers are permitted at a time in the Box Office www.shanklintheatre.com 01983 868000 Box Office Opening Hours: Mon - Sat 10am-1pm Sundays CLOSED 14 | P a g e
June Stage Write Crossword
Prepared and written by Matt Day – A good old fashioned crossword, no picture clues and no hidden message this time. Enjoy, regards, Matt. Answers on page 21.
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STAGE WRITE Summer 2021 Crossword Clues ACROSS 1. Pulchritude (6) 4. Nickname of Mark Labbett on ITV’s The Chase (3, 5) 8. Short-lived jukebox musical based on Madness songs (3, 5) 10. 42nd ______ American musical and film (6) 12. London location of the Theatre Royal (5, 5) 13. Complete change of direction or opinion (1-4) 14. See 4 down 16. Lively musical hosted in artificial leg room (7) 18. 2003 West End musical ___________ Modern Millie (10) 20. See 5 down 21. 1978 musical with lyrics and book by Tim Rice (5) 22. Group of songs on an album or recording (9) 25. Its recast, rewritten to produce a musical comedy hit (6, 3) 27. Rapunzel was trapped in one (5) 28. 23 down and 3 down. Queen musical by Ben Elton (2, 4, 4, 3) 29. See 9 down DOWN 1. Willy Russell musical which ran for 24 years (5, 8) 2. Off West End production subtitled ‘’The Front Of House Musical’’ (6) 3. See 28 across 4. And 14 across. To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there’s ___ ___ (3, 3) 5. And 20 across. Musical by Jim Steinman based on Meatloaf songs (3, 3, 2, 4) 6. Comedy musical featuring puppets and human actors (6, 1) 7. Musical performed by Island Savoyards in 2012 marking a centenary (7) 9. And 29 across. Train based musical which had the cast rolling in the aisles? (9, 7) 11. See 26 down 15. Films such as Ray, Rocketman and Bohemian Rhapsody (7) 16. A pleasant smell (5) 17. Second rate celebs with foot problems (8) 19. UK number one disco hit in 1978 (1, 1, 1, 1) 20. Hit song performed by both Adele and Lionel Richie (5) 23. See 28 across 24. Spoken (4) 26 And 11 down. It wrecked 7 down… broken in two! (3, 4) 27. 1935 film and 2012 West End show ___ Hat (3) 16 | P a g e
Friends of Shanklin Theatre Annual Garden Party - To be held on - Sunday 18th July 2021 – 2pm – 4pm At The Clifton Hotel 1 Queen’s Road, Shanklin, PO37 6AN Cream Tea and Entertainment - Provided by James Derbyshire - Tickets £6.50 each Numbers are limited and tickets are selling fast. To avoid disappointment, purchase your tickets early by phoning the Box Office on 01983 868000 FOST Monthly Members’ Draw Winners for February - March and April 2021
February 2021
FOST No
Dick Roberts
1014
Carole Walsh
1556
Helen Bingham
1714
March 2021
FOST No
William Hinkes Terry Chapman Sally Sibley
1439 1960 15
April 2021
FOST No
Margaret Bristow
1636
Sammantha Cave
1502
Christine Dickson
1567
Congratulations to all our winners, each of whom received a £10 Theatre voucher. 17 | P a g e
A Quick Theatre Quiz – Created by Gwyn Dawson The clues refer to TV programmes. The first letter of the answer will spell out the name of a forthcoming production. Good luck. Gwyn.
1. Don’t go to Saint Marie if you want to stay alive. 2. Victor Meldrew felt he had this when he was forced into retirement. 3. Mel, Griff, Rowan and Pamela will not be discussing current affairs. (Image below). 4. There’s been a murrrder. 5. Inspector Japp wishes he had the little grey cells of this man. 6. Noah saved these from the flood. 7. You can’t teach an old dog these. 8. Derek Jacobi channels his inner Igglepiggle. 9. Characters portrayed by Dames Judi and Eileen, amongst others, enjoy keeping their eye on fellow villagers in this series.
Answers on page 21.
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FOST CORPORATE SPONSORS FOST Corporate sponsors 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 600 members from the Isle of Wight and beyond. Corporate membership is £100 a year. Delysia Farmshop Products at Delysia Farm are arguably as fresh as you can get with owner John Day catching, growing, smoking and preparing the vast majority of it himself. On display you will find freshly laid duck, goose and chicken eggs including rare Araucana eggs, handpicked fruit and vegetables mostly home grown; seasonal meats and game; plus John’s own freshly caught crab and lobster.
The Village Inn Independent family run free house Church Road, Shanklin PO37 6NU Traditional thatched pub in the centre of Shanklin old village, serving real ales, good homemade food and locally caught crab and lobster in a warm and cosy atmosphere. Pretty enclosed courtyard garden to the rear. Live easy listening music from local talent
Sandra Honey Reflexologist in Somerset Road in Ryde. Contact details via website: www.sandrahoney.co.uk
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
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Ron Bird & Son offer a high quality and affordable piano tuning service across the Isle of Wight and Southern England. www.ronbirdandson.com
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
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
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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SUMMER 2021 CROSSWORD - ANSWERS ACROSS 1. Beauty 4. The Beast 8. Our House 10. Street 12. Drury Lane 13. U-turn 14. Rub 16. Allegro 18. Thoroughly 20. Hell 21. Evita 22. Tracklist 25. Sister Act 27. Tower 28. We Will 29. Express DOWN 1. Blood Brothers 2. Ushers 3. You 4. The 5. Bat Out Of 6. Avenue Q 7. Titanic 9. Starlight 11. Berg 15. Biopics 16. Aroma 17. Blisters 19. YMCA 20. Hello 23. Rock 24. Oral 26. Ice 27. Top ********************************************************************** A Quick Theatre Quiz – Answers 1. Death in Paradise 2. One Foot in the Grave 3. Not the Nine O’clock News 4. Taggart 5. Poirot 6. All Creatures Great and Small 7. New Tricks 8. In the Night Garden 9. Cranford Don’t Panic – a tribute to the well-loved TV programme. Tickets are available for the matinée on Sunday 14th November.
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Immie's Birthday Fundraiser for Shanklin Theatre and Community Trust Immie is a member of First Act, and has performed on the stage at Shanklin Theatre many times over. For her birthday wish back in March this year, Immie unselfishly decided not to receive any personal presents or gifts, but to request that donations are given to the Shanklin Theatre and Community Trust instead. Immie went onto say; ‘For my birthday this year, I'm asking for donations to Shanklin Theatre & Community Trust. I've chosen this charity because their mission means a lot to me, and I hope that you'll consider contributing as a way of celebrating with me. Every little bit will help me reach my goal.’ We are delighted to say that Immie reached a magnificent £65 of her target for the Trust. Shanklin Theatre Managing Director went onto to say: ‘Thank you so much for your help, Immie. This is such a difficult time for Theatres and it's great that folk like you are raising funds to help our Theatre.’ So, on behalf of the Trustee’s at Shanklin Theatre, we thank you very much for your kind gesture, it’s very much appreciated! Don’t forget, First Act Present Orpheus Rocks -rescheduled date on the 6th & 7th December 2021 at 6.30pm. Tickets available on-line or at the box office. First Act – Theatre Group for people with learning disabilities (Age 18+) Learning theatre skills with a production of 2 shows a year. First Act operates from Shanklin Theatre on Mondays and Tuesdays 10.00am – 3.00pm. 22 | P a g e
Meet the new Shanklin Theatre volunteer Gardening Team
The volunteering team, made up of; Debs, Alex, Grant & Norman met for the first time on Friday 9th April and have many plans for improving the Theatre surroundings. They are all enthusiastic green fingered volunteers. As you can see, they are already very industrious. Their first tasks will be weeding and tidying up, and then refreshing the large planters with new plants. COMPOST APPEAL! The Theatre has many planters and the gardeners need a lot compost to fill them. Do you have any compost you could donate? If yes, please send an email to: friends@shanklintheatre.com or contact the Box Office - 01983 868000 Thank you! 23 | P a g e
Name a Seat at Shanklin Theatre - New Style of Plaque – Online Ordering
As announced in the March podcast with Michael Beston, we have introduced online purchasing for seat plaques as part of the ‘Name a Seat’ scheme, together with a new plaque design. You can now see available seats order and sponsor your own seat online now. What is the ‘Name a Seat’ scheme? This is a unique opportunity to dedicate a seat at Shanklin Theatre in a location of your choice (subject to availability) with your special or personal message. You can ‘Name a Seat’ for a minimum donation of £100 that lasts for ten years. Your special or personal message will be engraved onto a plaque which will be affixed to an auditorium seat of your choice, thus making it a very special part of the Theatre’s history. You can ‘Name a Seat’ for different reasons: In your own name or family name simply to support the Theatre In memory of someone special, a family member or a loved one As a gift to someone special celebrating a life event, a birthday, wedding, anniversary, retirement or even the birth of a baby 24 | P a g e
In the name of a group, company, association or business etc In addition, you will receive an official certificate of support from the Theatre confirming your seat location. The “Name a Seat” scheme will help go towards our ongoing restoration programme. Your money will ensure Shanklin Theatre stays open not only for the community but also for visitors to enjoy our shows and local theatre productions. Plaque colour options: Plaques have a new design on silver anodised aluminium, printed with text in one colour. All text will be in capitals.
BLACK TEXT (£100) RED TEXT (£125) GREEN TEXT (£125) BLUE TEXT (£125)
All new plaques and renewals last for ten years. How can I purchase a new plaque? There are 3 ways to Name a Seat plaque: Online via the online booking system where you can choose your seat(s) and pay online. Click below for the link. Following your order, the Box Office will contact you so you can let us know the dedication text Phone the Box Office on 01983 868000 or visit in person Complete the form below and return it to the Box Office via email or by post Order online here: www.shanklintheatre.com/name_a_seat.aspx Download and complete the form here: www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk/documents/seat_sponsor.pdf NB: Dedicated seats may not be available for specific performances, events or shows.
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How do I renew a plaque that I have already purchased? As plaque renewals become due following 10 years after the original sponsorship, the Theatre will contact you regarding renewal options. If you have any questions, please contact the Box Office Tel: 01983 868000 - email: boxoffice@shanklintheatre.com www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk/support-us/name-a-seat.php
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Friends of Shanklin Theatre - FOST - Organisational Structure FOST Committee: Chairman – Janet Wardle Secretary – Suzie Thurgood Vice Chair – Michael Beston Treasurer – Peter Frankling Membership – Jacqui Robertson Alana Bird – Vivien Howell – Roy Coleman – Lesley Kast – Annie O’Neill – Phil Kelly. Contact: friends@shanklintheatre.com 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. Sweet Shop – Lesley Kast Publicity & Social Media - Michael Beston Brochure Distribution – Liz Hinks. Promotional Events – Vivien Howell Archivists – Derek Stephens. Chronicler - Debbie Clement 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 2021. 27 | P a g e
Shanklin Theatre Drawing Competition Our Friends at Spotlight IOW Ltd recently launched a competition for the best drawn picture of Shanklin Theatre. You can see the tremendous hand drawn pictures below that are all winners in our book. Well done to all the entrants. Jayne Derbyshire from Spotlight IOW sent this message to all that took part.
Drum Roll Please ......
The winners (yes winners, we couldn’t just choose one!!) of our Shanklin Theatre drawing competition are – Olivia Wray age 15 (front cover page) & Noah Attril age 6!!!!!! Tasty treats will be at your door soon... An amazing effort from everyone that entered. More competitions coming soon. 28 | P a g e