THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FROM THE FRIENDS OF SHANKLIN THEATRE September 2018
2018
10th Anniversary STAGE-WRITE Special 10th Anniversary Newsletter Edition
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Shanklin Theatre Celebrates 10 Years of Saving the Theatre from Closure with a Special Celebration Variety Show.
Watch performances by: Spotlight IOW, Island Savoyards, Footsteps Dance Studio, First Act 2011 and the Pepperpot Players. Receive a free souvenir programme in addition to other souvenirs to take home. Experience the Theatre’s history from initial construction through to present day via short audio-visual screen presentations at this non-profit show: 10 years ago the Theatre was threatened with closure and demolition. Much hard work and effort by so many since then has prevented this tragedy. We invite everyone to join in celebrating the 10th anniversary of saving our greatly loved Theatre! Tuesday 2nd October 2018 at 7.30pm. FOST Tickets: £7.50 Normal tickets: £10.00. NB: All FOST members are entitled to purchase two tickets at the FOST rate. 2|Page
Chairman’s Foreword
Welcome to our very special edition of Stagewrite, full of news, views and interesting information. I feel very privileged to be part of FOST at such an important moment in the Theatre’s story. Our 10th Anniversary Celebration is well on the way to being organised, with Spotlight, First Act, The Pepperpot Players, The Savoyards and Footsteps Dance Studio all appearing throughout the evening. There is also an entertaining presentation of the origins of the theatre building and a quick view of some of the major key points in history. With all these highlights and fun along the way it will be an evening not to be missed! Thanks go to the volunteers who have made this possible, with all their hard work and tireless commitment to the Theatre. Our fundraising is doing very well, enabling us to complete urgent maintenance within the building, and improving the facilities backstage for the performers. The summer months have been very busy, including taking part in both Shanklin Carnival parades and the Regatta. All three are a great way to showcase the upcoming shows and remind Shanklin and its visitors what we do. We had a stand at the Chale Show again this year. Although the heat wave tried its best, we managed to chat to lots of people and promote our shows! Our catering team have provided teas at two open garden events this summer, which proved to be hard work, but very enjoyable and raising funds in the process. We are now looking forward to our autumn season shows and acts; we have appearances from Ross Noble, Jimmy Osmond, Lucy Worsley and Joan Armatrading to the Opera, 10cc and other outstanding first class entertainment. There is something for every taste. Janet Wardle. 3|Page
A Message from the Editor
Thank you for reading our September edition of ‘Stage Write’ magazine. I hope you find the content interesting, useful and informative. As you would have read from Janet’s Chairman’s Foreword, this issue of Stage Write magazine includes some details and information of our 10th Anniversary Celebration Variety Show, which will be held on the 2nd October 2018 at 7.30pm. You will also be able to read details about our local performing groups & players that will be joining and entertaining us all on the night. Among prominent and distinguished guests invited on the night, will be some very well known faces from the world of entertainment too. So, without giving too much away, please make sure you have purchased your tickets well in time as to not miss this special, one off 10th Anniversary Celebration event. All of us here at Shanklin Theatre, would like to extend our warm thanks for your continued support and encouragement; without you, we would not have our much cherished and valued number one premier Island entertainment venue. May I wish you a pleasant and enjoyable autumn season; we hope to see you again very soon at Shanklin Theatre. Best regards, Michael. Please visit the Friends website for more information: www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk Stage Write magazine was originally founded in October 2010 by Ron Bird. I would like to personally thank Ron for his continued help & guidance. Michael Beston. Editor for Stage Write magazine, September 2018. 4|Page
John Steege’s Big Breakfast Celebration
On the morning of 21st June, we celebrated the retirement of one of our loyal volunteers John Steege as maintenance supervisor at the theatre. Rob Robertson provided the humorous antidotes and presented sentimental gifts to John in our packed Green Room.
Also presented to John on the morning, was an engraved plaque that will be placed in a location of John’s Choice within the theatre, it reads; OUR GRATEFUL THANKS TO JOHN STEEGE MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR FOR HIS INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO RENOVATE AND RESTORE SHANKLIN THEATRE 2010 - 2018 5|Page
John has been a formidable driving force on all the major theatre renovation & restoration projects over the last eight years or so. We wish him all the very best in his new venture at the Island Donkey Sanctuary. Thank you John!
John with theatre operations manager, Roger Coleman, (right).
Left–right. Theatre MD David Kast, John Steege and Vic Farrow.
Introducing our 10th Anniversary Celebration acts: Footsteps Dance Studio
Footsteps Dance Studio has been fulfilling the dancing dreams of hundreds of children since opening in 1986. Many of the students have gone on to have a career in dance and have worked in areas such as professional ballet, Disneyland Paris, cruise ships and teaching dance in schools and colleges. During their time with Footsteps, most pupils will also get the chance to dance on a West End stage (e.g. Her Majesty’s, Sadlers Wells and the Royal Albert Hall) as well as performing in a bi-annual show at Shanklin Theatre. Linda and Anna who lead Footsteps always try to promote fun alongside fancy footwork and pride themselves on having a very happy troupe of dancers whose ages range from 3 to 80-ish. As always, we value the huge support, dedication and hard work of the staff at Shanklin Theatre as they have enabled our students to continue doing what they love most‌performing!
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Bucket Collection Report MAY - £1,691 - 16 shows. JUNE - £1,425 - 16 shows. JULY - £2,226 - 16 shows.
The Bucket Money is an essential part of the day-today running, upkeep and maintenance of the Theatre. In recent months it has contributed towards: Electricals • Testing of Portable Appliances • Installing sockets and computer cables • Stage lighting and replacement microphones • Rewiring of auditorium chandeliers and installation of LED bulbs. Ongoing repairs •Windows repair and replacement • Car Park barrier infrastructure installation • Upgrading of Dressing room shower and toilet facilities. • Door locks upgraded • Additional Radios and hi-vis jackets for ushers. General • New Henry and Gtech vacuum cleaners purchased • Repair to kitchen floor in the Green Room • New range cooker installed in the Green Room • Supplying catering equipment and office furniture • Plus dozens of small items - e.g. pens, pencils etc. This is just a small sample of how your donations to the Bucket Fund help to improve the Theatre experience for the Artistes, Volunteers and Visitors alike. Many thanks to all of you who have put money into our buckets. However, we still have an endless list of tasks to address, so with all the fabulous shows coming up, please be as generous as you can. Alana Bird. 7|Page
Introducing our 10th Anniversary Celebration acts: First Act 2011
First Act was originally established in 1994 as a part of the day services provided by the NHS and Social Services for people with learning disabilities. Early in 2011 the group was reformed as a charitable social enterprise (First Act 2011) based at Shanklin Theatre. Members participate in drama workshops, rehearsals and performances run by local tutors and guest professionals. The group offers a safe and inspiring environment where people who would find it impossible to undertake similar activities in the wider community can meet on a weekly basis. The large audiences who support the bi-annual performances are inspired by the confidence that the cast displays and amazed by latent talents brought to the fore. Actor Melvyn Hayes was moved to become a patron of the group after chatting to the cast before watching one of their shows. The skills explored at the workshops and the personal sense of achievement experienced when performing on stage often has a direct impact on improving the lives of the people who attend.
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Fantastic News on the 13th June 2018!
The Friends of Shanklin Theatre were selected as Winners of the Isle of Wight 2018 Community Action Awards for the Arts & Heritage category and Overall Runner-Up from over 60 nominations. Our thanks go to all our loyal, hardworking and dedicated volunteers for this achievement. Thank you! The total award prize money was £800. The aim of these awards is to encourage and reward dedication in the voluntary sector. Entries were judged on: ·
The positive impact they are having on the lives of Island residents
·
Originality
·
Input of volunteers
·
Good partnership working
A special thank you to Michael Beston for submitting our entry form consisting of an essay of more than 1,300 words, and to Janet Wardle, Rob Robertson and David Kast for presenting our work to the judges. Pictured left to right; Rob Robertson, Janet Wardle, Matt Day & Michael Beston at the Riverside Community Action Awards 2018.
Jacqui Robertson.
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Introducing our 10th Anniversary Celebration acts: Spotlight IOW
Spotlight IOW run a variety of educational workshops, a fantastic summer season of professional shows, an incredibly successful pantomime and five busy stage schools for children aged 4 to 18. At Spotlight’s theatre schools everyone, from the youngest children to older teenagers, receives first class lessons in singing, dancing and acting. The youngsters have an opportunity to perform in their own shows throughout the year. Mainland schools visit for mini workshops during the summer and get the opportunity to see the professionals in action. For over 15 years, Spotlight has been producing successful professional Summer Shows and traditional Pantomimes. They have just completed a successful run of their Beyond the West End shows which were very wellattended and performed to a very high standard, easily on a par with West End performances. Each Summer Season sees a brand new show where the Spotlight performers will entertain you with everything from the classic numbers from Les Miserables, Oliver! And Oklahoma to more recent shows such as The Full Monty. There is something for everyone in a Spotlight Show! 10 | P a g e
Haven Hall National Garden Scheme Open Day 28th July
The Friends of Shanklin Theatre Catering team have once again been invited to provide refreshments for an NGS Open Garden, this time by FOST members David & Arielle Barratt at their luxury boutique hotel at Haven Hall in Shanklin. Left: Members of our catering team, Margaret Ashfield, Dorothy Coleman, Cherry Scudder and Annie O’Neil.
The sun shone on what must be one of the most spectacular views that any hotel in the south of England can possess, and members of the catering team provided a brilliant display of cakes and scones to entice those attending the 'NGS Open Garden' Day to enjoy, whilst supporting charity. A view incidentally, previously exclusively enjoyed by leading celebrities and stars who visit the Theatre. Right: Pouring the tea, Ray Scott & Heather Whitchurch.
A team of ten on the day, plus others who baked before the event made this a very successful day. Thanks to all those who baked, those who served the visitors to the gardens, those who worked the hotel’s very impressive dish washer and the table crockery collectors. Their efforts mean that the proceeds from the Tea and Cakes topped a profit of £480 over the five hours of the gardens being open. These much needed funds will go towards ensuring we maintain our Victorian building for future theatre goers on the bay. Finally, a special thank you to our hosts, David and Arielle at Haven Hall. Images courtesy of Gwyn Dawson, text by Peter Coleman. 11 | P a g e
Introducing our 10th Anniversary Celebration acts: The Island Savoyards
The company was formed in 1971 primarily to perform a one-off production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado to fill a void on the Island at that time in the field of operetta. This first production was such a success it was decided to continue and since then the company has gone from strength to strength. Nowadays, shows of all types are performed. Our repertoire includes not only the Savoy Operas and composers such as Lehar, Strauss and Rogers and Hammerstein but also includes Lionel Bart, Dolly Parton and Andrew Lloyd Weber. Over recent years, Disney’s epic Beauty and the Beast has joined the company’s success story together with productions of Titanic, The Sound of Music and Sister Act to name but a few. Shanklin Theatre has been the company’s home since its inception - it’s a great little theatre which suits the company’s needs so well. We offer our congratulations to all the Friends of Shanklin Theatre on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the theatre being saved from closure. 12 | P a g e
Local Community News UPDATE!
Shanklin’s Shoppers Helping to Maintain Town’s Theatre
On the 21st July 2018, The Friends of Shanklin Theatre were presented with a cheque for £180.00 from the manager at the Co-op store in Landguard Road. Back in June this year, the Friends helped raise money for the Local Co-op Causes Initiative. Between the three causes over a period of seven days – Daisy Chains IW Children’s Charity – Rylstone Chalet Restoration and the Friends of Shanklin Theatre Window Restoration we managed to raise a magnificent £540.00! All the money raised was divided and donated to all three local causes. Thank you to everyone that came and supported us, it’s really appreciated. Thanks also to our loyal band of volunteers that helped out with leaflets, membership and supporting this great cause. Our grand total so far donated by Co-op customers and in store fundraising has now reached a staggering £2,430.00 and increasing all the time. The Co-op gives back 1% of what you spend on all Co-op own brand products to community projects selected by Co-op stores near your home. You can choose which Cause your own 1% goes to. If you don’t, it’s shared out between the causes of your nearest Co-op. New causes are chosen every 12 months. www.coop.co.uk/membersh ip/local-community-fund… Pictured left to right: Jacqui Robertson, Matt Day, Janet Wardle, Vivien Howell & Michael Beston. Our thanks also to Linda Graham, who also helped on the day. 13 | P a g e
Introducing our 10th Anniversary Celebration acts: The Pepperpot Players
The Pepperpot Players started life in 1972 when a small band of enthusiasts performed a one act play at Niton Village Hall. In Spring 1974 Niton Drama Group was born, the group performing two plays each year in spring and autumn, a pattern which continues to this day. In 1982, Whitwell Village Hall was opened and the group began to produce plays there too, initially without a stage. In 1988 it was decided to re-name the group as it was no longer based solely in Niton and, after some discussion, the Pepperpot Players was agreed upon due to the proximity of the Pepperpot tower on top of Niton Down. In 2013, we were winners of Best Village Production for Black Widow at the Isle of Wight Theatre Awards and in 2016 we performed You’re Only Young Twice and When the Cat’s Away winning NODA’s award for Best Village Hall Drama for the latter play. In 2017 we reprised both plays at Shanklin Theatre for larger audiences which were fantastic experiences for the whole company. We would like to congratulate all of those involved in the resurgence of Shanklin Theatre over the last ten years and wish them even greater success in the future. 14 | P a g e
Introducing AmazonSmile
Do you shop on-line using Amazon? Of course you do, many people do. Would you like Amazon to donate money to Shanklin Theatre every time you make on-line purchases? Of course you would, who wouldn’t? Amazon will donate 0.5% of the net purchase price of eligible purchases to the charitable organisations selected by its customers when using AmazonSmile. What is AmazonSmile? AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support a charity of your choice every time you shop, at NO cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.co.uk, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as amazon.co.uk, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your selected charity (Shanklin Theatre and Community Trust). Can I use my existing amazon.co.uk account on smile.amazon.co.uk? Yes, you use the same account on amazon.co.uk and smile.amazon.co.uk. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same. How do I select a charitable organisation to support when shopping on AmazonSmile? On your first visit to smile.amazon.co.uk you will need to select Shanklin Theatre and Community Trust in the search bar. Once found, simply pick the theatre’s charity to enable the Trust to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. Your charity selection will be remembered, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.co.uk will result in a donation of 0.5% from AmazonSmile. Thank you for your continued support. Anthony Wood.
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10th Anniversary Crossword by Matt Day
Hello, all clues/answers are theatre related (OK, some rather loosely!), I've mixed the clues so there are gentle cryptic, definitions and missing word clues. As a reward for those who complete the crossword, the shaded squares in order will reveal a message. The squares at 26 across are deliberately larger.... being rather significant. Good luck, Matt.
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ACROSS 1 & 5. Comic, starts off joking and swearing profusely eliciting reaction Jimmy's over the top (6,7) 10 & 25d. Monies ever exchanged for adventurous author and TV presenter (5,5) 11. See 23 down 12, 7d & 8d. Popular summer show shining spotlight on musicals (4,2,3,4,3) 13. Shanklin Theatre stalwart found in distant seats (6) 14 & 19d. Back end oddly reveals late comedian (3,4) 15. See 5 down 17 & 4d. Library space - part of the Shanklin Institute (7,4) 18. Sudden and striking; full of action and excitement (8) 20. See 22 across 21. Move rhythmically to music (5) 22 & 20a. Tribute show to 1974 Eurovision winners (4,7) 24. Musical work with a story set to music and song (5) 26. 1970s band appropriately playing Shanklin Theatre in this significant year (2,1,1) 27. Thanks team for after-show ride home (4) 33. New ____ Corner - brought on back the 60s in June (4) 34. Duck inspector (5) 35. It's found on the top player's dressing room door (4) 36. US songwriter at home in Fishermans Cottage (7) 38 & 30d. Forever In ____ _____ - country music act (4,5) 39 & 40. Fun family fairy tale coming up this Christmas (8,6)
DOWN 2. AKA The Pub Landlord (2,6)
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3. Pieman Tom is crazy for Cinderella, for example (9) 4. See 17 across 5, 15a and 15d. ______, ____ and ____ - monthly theatre social event (6,4,4) 6 & 31d. US comedian, writer and musician brought us his hoedown (4,4) 7. See 12 across 8. See 12 across 9. Headbangers' ballet? (10) 13. Theatre group who performed the Ruff Guide to Shakespeare (5,3) 15. See 5 down 16. Place rump in oven for digestion at board meeting (6) 19. See 14 across 20. Parries wildly with these tribute show guitarists (7) 21. Ant's and Rik's TV partners united for some significant years (6) 23 & 11a. Punch is not chilled? Refunds and sales here (3,6) 25. See 10 across 28. Confused co-star gives you his fellow players (6) 29. Musical epic performed by the AA? 30. See 38 across 31. See 6 down 32. Show subtitled The Life and Loves of Claude Debussy (alternative spelling!) (6) 37. ___ Beatles - tribute act played Shanklin in August (3) 38. Fancy dress item worn round neck - it could suffocate you (3)
Answers on page 21.
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Local Community News UPDATE! Shanklin’s Shoppers Helping to Maintain Town’s Theatre
On the 23rd June 2018, The Friends of Shanklin Theatre helped raise money for the Local Co-op Causes Initiative at the Landguard Road store.
All the money raised on the day was divided and donated to all three local causes: Daisy Chains IW Children’s Charity, Rylstone Chalet Restoration and the Friends of Shanklin Theatre to help restore and replace the listed historic windows.
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Many thanks to everyone that came along and donated on the day, we can confirm that we raised an amazing £540!! Thank you to everyone that came and supported us on the day, it’s really appreciated. Thanks also to our loyal band of volunteers that helped out with leaflets, membership and supporting this great cause.
Our grand total so far donated by Co-op customers has now reached a staggering £2,430.00 and increasing all the time. The Co-op gives back 1% of what you spend on all Co-op own brand products to community projects selected by Co-op stores near your home. Thank you to Linda Graham, Jacqui Robertson, Viv Howell, Janet Wardle and Matt Day, who all came along to raise money on the day. Our thanks go to our friends at the Co-op Shanklin for their help in making it so successful. Michael Beston.
FOST Attends the Main Shanklin Carnival 2018
Many thanks to everyone that came down and supported us at the 2018 Shanklin Main Carnival on Wednesday 1st August.
The team on the night were: Jean Osmond, Jill Gontar, Linda Stoneham, Wendy Bliss, Clare Cleaver, Dimetrea Pirecleous and Neil Hedges.
The Friends had a great time handing out flyers and giving out information on all our up-coming shows and events. They also collected much needed funds that will help ensure Shanklin has a Carnival for 2019! Thanks also to Denise Larner and the Carnival team for all their hard work ensuring Shanklin retains its valuable carnival for years to come.
Our appreciation goes to our loyal volunteers for making it a great evening, thank you! Michael Beston. 20 | P a g e
Many thanks to Rob & Jacqui Robertson for the great images.
Answers to 10th Anniversary Crossword by Matt Day DOWN ACROSS
2. Al Murray
1. Jasper
3. Pantomime
5. Carrott
4. Room
10. Simon
5. Coffee
11. Office
6. Rich
12. Best
7. Of
13. Farrow
8. The West End
14. Ken
9. Nutcracker
15. Cake
13. First Act
17. Reading
15. Chat
18. Dramatic
16. Agenda
20. Reunion
19. Dodd
21. Dance
20. Rapiers
22. Abba
21. Decade
24. Opera
23. Box
26. 10CC
25. Reeve
27. Taxi
28. Actors
33. Amen
29. Carmen
34. Drake
30. Jeans
35. Star
31. Hall
36. Sherman
32. Revery
38. Blue
37. Fab
39. Sleeping
38. Boa
40. Beauty
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FOST IN THE SPLASH AT SHANKLIN REGATTA
The Shanklin Regatta Chairman and Theatre Director John Fleming, has always facilitated the Friends promoting the summer shows and the future of our cherished theatre at the Beach Regatta. 2018 was no exception. For each of the last eight years we have been handing out leaflets, chatting to holidaymakers about the shows and to local residents about the recent performances and memories they have gained over the years. This year’s regatta will be remembered as 'a day of two halves' weather wise. Toughing it out through the morning rain until mid-day and then thankfully the sun made an appearance to bring out the crowds for the air and sea rescue and the other regatta events. Although intended as a promotion of our summer show programme, our volunteers were delighted to welcome two visitors to the stall, who said they would like to volunteer at the theatre. A useful day all round. Peter Coleman.
Pictured L-R at the Regatta: Peter & Dorothy Coleman, Viv Howell and Jacqui Robertson. 22 | P a g e
FOST CORPORATE MEMBERS FOST Corporate members are businesses passionate about the theatre and who support it with their corporate membership. In return, their company is advertised on our FOST website which is open to anyone, our FOST newsletter is currently circulated to over 600 members from the Isle of Wight and beyond. Corporate membership is ÂŁ100 per year and entitles the named person to all the FOST benefits.
(Sally & Michael Beston)
(Jane Oliver)
(Carol Laidler)
(David Beeson)
If you or someone you know is interested in joining the list of corporate members, please contact the FOST Membership Secretary FOSTmembership@shanklintheatre.com, Shanklin Theatre, Prospect Road, Shanklin, IOW, PO37 6AJ. ******************************************************************** The Friends attended the 2018 Chale Show on the 4th & 5th August. We spoke to many theatre goers, many of whom took flyers, bought prize draw tickets and merchandise. Many flyers were handed out advertising our 10th Anniversary Celebration on the 2nd October (tickets available from the theatre’s box office). Pictured left to right: Cherry Scudder, Liz Hinkes and Sharon Merrick. Thanks also to Ray Scott for helping on the day and for the image. Sharon Merrick.
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FOST PATRONS Since 2010, many dedicated people have rallied to save and continue to support Shanklin Theatre. Patrons of Friends of Shanklin Theatre choose to donate more than a standard subscription. The FOST committee recognises the value of their support and would like to express gratitude for their generosity. The current list (dated 13/08/18) of FOST Patrons is: Allen Ash Benson Bird Bird Bird Blezzard Cesar Clare Clement Coleman Cooley Coueslant Currie Currie Dana Darby Darby Davies Ellis Ellis Everitt Flux Godden Hagan Harley Hartley Hedges Hills Holland Honey Honey
Elizabeth John Graham Ron Alana Amy Bob Elaine Den Debbie Roy Freda Paul Maggie Kevin Pamela Lynda Larry Jean Michael Isobel Jo Jacqueline Sue Tony Lorraine Val Neil Lorna Jim Sandra Les
Jones Jones Marshall Mattocks McCree Moorman Morris Mottram Murwill Needham Newman Nichols Nichols O'Connell Palin Palin Peck Pointer Pointer Powell Riggott Robertson Rodway Rodway Rogers Sayers Sayers Sheath Skinner Stockman Turk Walmsley
Lynn Brian Tim Nick Pat Angela Cilla Kay Michael Doreen Margaret Bill Lizzy Chris Guy Janice Shirley Carol David George Julie Robert Alan Patricia Leslie (Revd) Michael Rosemary Doreen Nick Peter Jeremy Rodney
Ward Wardle Watson Whitchurch White Williams Wilson Wood
Ian Janet Anne Heather Maxine John Kevin Anthony
If you wish to upgrade your membership to Patron (ÂŁ25/year or more) just contact Jacqui Robertson, FOST Membership Secretary, and email: FOSTmembership@shanklintheatre.com 24 | P a g e
FOST Monthly Members’ Draw Winners 1st June 2018 June 2018
FOST No
David Reynolds Michael James Ray Scott
1201 1223 453
Each received a £10 Theatre voucher Prize Draw winners 7th July 2018 1st
Mr Colin Thompson
£250
Freshwater IW
2562
2nd
Linda Kidd
£100
Willenhall West Midlands
2440
3rd
Gillian White
£100
Worcester Pk Surrey
1342
4th
Mr Mitchell
£50
Sandown IW
0319
5th
Mrs Ann Gore
£50
Lower Grange Wigan
2542
6th
Mrs Jean Apps
£25
East Cowes IW
2029
7th
Lee Smith
£25
Niton IW
1946
COFFEE, CAKE AND CHAT – SATURDAY 1st September 2018 The Friends of Shanklin Theatre will be holding their next Coffee, Cake and Chat on Saturday 1st September, 10am-noon in the Theatre Green Room. Please enter by the Box Office door. All welcome – No need to book. Coffee/Tea and Cake only £2. Come along to have a chat about the Theatre and volunteering whilst enjoying lovely homemade cakes. Bring a friend and, if you need to buy or collect any theatre tickets or vouchers our Box Office will be open. Our Poppy Pins will also be on sale at £4.00 each. 25 | P a g e
Upgrading the Theatre Dimmers When a show takes place at the Theatre, lighting effects contribute greatly to the overall experience of the show. Whether dark and sombre or bright and colourful, the lighting must be ‘programmed’ by deciding which lights come on when, and also how bright they are at any time. The lights themselves are very obvious, hanging high up below the ceiling, attached to a wall or even the balcony front. A control panel at the back of the Theatre stalls send commands to electrical dimmers located backstage, which in turn provide the correct amount of power to each light for the required brightness.
Shanklin Theatre’s dimmers were originally installed at Sandown Pavilion and subsequently transferred to Shanklin when the Pavilion Theatre closed in 1998. Recent hot weather has seen the dimmers show their age (they are rated to 35 degrees C), with failures becoming increasingly frequent. They are also controlled by an older analogue system rather than the current digital system.
Mike Steege, removing the old ‘dimmers’.
Chris Gardner, stripping out the old wiring. 26 | P a g e
With the dimmers not far from their 30th birthday, it was time to replace them with more efficient digitally controlled dimmers. Not a trivial task, especially with a limited timescale of only a few days to strip out the old equipment (including the mains
voltage switchgear) and install the new dimmers together with the many wires needed to control the lights – 96 lights in total! Chris Gardner, the Theatre’s Sound and Lighting Engineer, originally purchased the dimmers all those years ago for Sandown Pavilion and re-installed them in Shanklin Theatre when the Pavilion closed.
ready for a show on Wednesday! As always, there were unexpected things to deal with – a few crossed wires were inevitable! Thankfully, and especially for Chris and Mike, most of the dimmers were operational by Wednesday and the show went ahead as planned without a hiccup.
New ‘dimmers’ equipment installed. Old ‘dimmers’ removed. Once again he was required to carry out the replacement with Electrical, Sound and Lighting specialist Mike Steege who has installed and repaired much of the Theatre’s infrastructure over the last few years. Following a show on a Saturday evening, removal of the old dimmers started on Sunday, with Chris and Mike working every available hour to ensure the new equipment was installed & tested 27 | P a g e
Final connections were completed on Thursday in time for a packed full house watching ‘Beyond the West End’. Little did the audience know of the racks of gleaming new equipment powering the stage lights. Even the house lights can now be controlled from Chris’s station at the rear of the stalls! The new dimmers, as well as being more efficient with power, take up less space, leaving more space for storage of lights and other equipment. A great job by the team. And a great job by everyone-
Con’t; for raising the £10k to pay for this hidden Theatre upgrade. Please keep dropping those coins in the bucket on the way out after a show – the Theatre needs it! Text & images, courtesy of Rob Robertson. Below: New ‘dimmers’ equipment fully rewired and tested.
********************************************************************** Jaguar Enthusiasts' Day at Sandown Airport The day was a bit wet; however the fundraisers did a fantastic job selling more than £200 worth of prize draw tickets. Many interested people visited our stall and we handed many leaflets and brochures. Next to us were the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance where Cilla and Viv had a big cuddle with the Teddy Medic mascot. Cilla said it was more fun today than at the bowling club! Our stall was ‘manned’ by: Wendy Bliss, Linda Stoneham, Viv Howell, Cilla Morris and Jacqui Robertson. 28 | P a g e
SAVING SHANKLIN THEATRE 2008 – 2018 Limited Edition 10th Anniversary Poppy Pin on sale now from the theatre Box Office - £4.00 each After deducting our production costs, 50% of proceeds will go directly to the Royal British Legion, Shanklin Branch. The remaining 50% of proceeds will go towards the theatre refurbishment programme. Please note: We are unable to send pins by post.
Normal Box Office Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-3pm. Sat 10am-1pm. Sunday closed (unless a Sunday performance then the Box Office will be open 1 hr before show start time).
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FOST Committee Structure
OFFICERS
Chairman – Janet Wardle. FOSTchairman@shanklintheatre.com Secretary – Lynn Jones. FOSTsecretary@shanklintheatre.com Vice Chair – Michael Beston. FOSTvicechair@shanklintheatre.com Treasurer – Peter Frankling. FOSTtreasurer@shanklintheatre.com Membership – Jacqui Robertson. FOSTmembership@shanklintheatre.com
GROUP REPRESENTATIVES Vacancy – Theatre Upkeep. Lesley Kast – Sales. Roy Coleman / Peter Frankling – Hospitality. Cilla Morris / Phil Kelly/Neil Hedges – Volunteer Support. Alana Bird – Fundraising. Vivien Howell / Michael Beston – Publicity.
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, September 2018.
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Friends of Shanklin Theatre Volunteer Structure
THEATRE SUPERVISORS
Box Office – Janet Wardle / Sally Sibley. shanklintheatreiowboxoffice@gmail.com Ushering / Front of House – Peter Frankling. Bar – Dave Pointer/Brian Platt. Maintenance – Neil Reader. Housekeeping – Shirley Hughes.
THEATRE CO-ORDINATORS Confectionery Kiosk – Christine Reed / Lesley Kast. Catering –Lesley Kast. Bucket Collections - Alana Bird. Social Media – Matt Day. socialmedia@shanklintheatre.com FOST Publicity – Michael Beston. FOSTvicechair@shanklintheatre.com Theatre Archivist – Derek Stephens. Prize Draw Sales – Wendy Bliss.
FOST CO-ORDINATORS Coffee, Cake & Chat – Pam Phillips/Lesley Kast. Welfare– Cilla Morris. Volunteers- Neil Hedges. volunteers@shanklintheatre.com Brochure Distribution – Liz Hinkes. Training – Phil Kelly.
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