In October 1996 the group had stagnated. No show had been done since 1994 (except for our contribution to V.E. Day) and no one seemed to be wanting to do one in 1997. However, at the meeting we called to consider winding up someone mentioned "how about a Pantomime". Suddenly everything changed! The Secretary was asked to find a script; four days later a script had appeared thanks to the support and instant response of "Full House Productions" (Judy Shone) and it was cast! There was no turning back and now we do a Pantomime in February and a Play in October! NB, Judy Shone's webpage is down at present.
| 1997 Feb | "Jack and Beanstalk" Euan McLusky had volunteered to Produce this and set to with a will. |
| Several children from the local Killinghall CP School took part and everything was full of enthusiasm and fun! A realistic beanstalk and some sets were borrowed from Hambledon Players and we played to packed houses. A new innovation was a matinee and the producer had the problems of letting the imps in to a darkened hall for their dance through the main door as a mum pushed out with a double push-chair! This year, for the first time we had a "solid set" instead of only hanging painted backdrops. | |
| 1998 Feb | "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" Euan again produced with Nancy again as Musical Director. |
| There was a cast of twenty nine and loads of helpers. Quite a contrast to 1995 when we were struggling in all departments. Trott's Dairy from last year became (with extensions) the Dwarf's House. Again, thanks to Hambledon Players for backdrops and a mangle! | |
| Oct | "When we are Married" by J. B. Priestley was our first play. |
| There had been a drama group in the village years ago but we had never ventured into plays. Our main problem was (and is) finding a play which only needed one set. This did and we also managed to view a BBC production of it. Produced by Malcolm Holloway it did very well and everyone enjoyed it. | |
| 1999 Feb | "Aladdin" produced once more by Euan and written by him and Malcolm. |
| All the usual mayhem of the best Pantomimes once again drew good audiences. This was the first time we had attempted to write ourselves. No problems with Royalties and fees to take videos. Incidentally, Judy Shone charges extremely reasonably and includes all those extra costs. | |
| Oct | "Fools Rush In" by Kenneth Horne. Another play suitable for one set. |
| "Round the Horne" amused me and many in the 50's and 60's, and it is easy to forget that he also wrote excellent plays. This one revolves around a forthcoming marriage and the ons and offs of this. All ends well in the end. Directed by Malcolm and Pauline Holloway. | |
| 2000 Feb | "Cinderella" The Producer (still Euan) wrote this little piece of nonsense based on the original story. |
| However, being a Pantomime the fur slipper stayed as a glass one and the rats nobly became liveried attendants. The talking clock was innovative as was the fantastic crystal coach (actually kept in the wings) (or so we told people). | |
| Oct | "Here we come Gathering" by Armstrong and King. |
| Malcolm had become a pub landlord so had no time to spare and Cheryl Clarkson stepped into the breach. An experienced thespian she beavered away with enthusiasm and created a play which was very well received. It was Euan's first move into stage management and, to his relief, required a set without furniture! However, to create extra space a stage extension was made (and has been increased as productions have gone by). Made by Bob Richardson (Chairman). | |
| 2001 Feb | "Robin Hood" another Judy Shone script. Produced this time by Wendy Mitchell |
| Strange goings-on around Nottingham (and strangely in Scotland) took our cast from Nottingham Goose Fair to Cock-a-Leekie Castle and back again. | |
| Oct | "Tons of Money" by Alan Ayckbourn. Once again produced by Cheryl Clarkson. |
| By this time we had purchased our own lighting. Twelve lamps and a control box sent our electrician into ecstasies. It saved our usual lighting people (David Barritt and Sons of Traydarti who have voluntarily lit our shows from the first) having to come and pat us on the head and explain how it should be done! This amusing play (about a will fraud basically) was again produced by Cheryl and was a great success. | |
| 2002 Feb | "Treasure Island" This time produced by Jacqui Page and another Judy Shone script. |
| Twenty seven in the cast and a fairly faithful rendition of the Stevenson book (eh?) led to Squire Trelawney leading his faithful band into the jaws of the bloodthirsty pirates! Jacqui started off highly nervous and ended in a glow of well deserved adulation. | |
| Oct | "A Month of Sundays" by Bob Larbey. This won comedy of the year in 1982 |
| Initial readings suggested a dark and worrying scenario, but the audience fooled us by laughing a lot. Bob Larbey has written such shows as "The Good Life", "Please Sir". It's set in a Rest Home and revolves round two elderly men who gradually deteriorate between monthly duty visits by relatives. Produced again by Cheryl. | |
| 2003 Feb | "Beauty and the Beast" by Judy Shone and produced by Jacqui. |
| Another success! Marshall Gregory was superb as the Beast (and in providing provisions for our rehearsals) and the special effects included a squirting toilet and flying pancakes, served up by Bob Richardson. | |
| Oct | "Billy Liar" |
| Once more into the successes, dear friends! Friday was quieter, but then it was Hallowe'en.... Everyone who saw it liked it and everyone who acted in it, was backstage and so on --- liked it. Once again Produced by Cheryl. | |
| 2004 Feb | "Dick Whittington" (and his cat). Script again by Judy Shone and Production by Jacqui. |
| The cast really enjoyed this one and by all accounts so did the audiences! As an innovation wine was available for the evening performances (not for the Matinee). | |
| Oct | Sadly due a bereavement this had to be cancelled at very short notice - it was to be "Outside Edge" and we may do it in 2005 |
| 2005 Feb | "Cinderella". A script by Judy Shone and Production by Shirley Snape. |
| Oct | A new format - "in the round" with dinner. Two nights "Split Ends" by Bob Larbey and on night Please Mrs Butler performed by the children. |
| 2006 Oct | Same as last year, but two one act plays on two nights - "The Worst Day of my Life" by Alan Robertson (the English premiere) and Last Tango in Little Grimley. The children's show was truly "Spectacular" as it was titled. |