Ashwell Theatre Club
2009/10 Chairmans report
September 2010
The year began with the fitting of the new stage curtains and everyone is impressed. The work was completed during the October half term and the curtains have already been well used during our 09/10 season. They are kept locked by the specially made tiebacks, which is the only way to ensure that they are not damaged through mis-handling which is possible in a village venue with multiple users. Other groups have, however, benefitted from their installation and they have been used at other village events throughout the year. The curtains were in place, as I reported last year they would be, just in time to celebrate Halloween with a film night. Two films were shown, one for adults and one for a younger audience. Despite researching the level of interest we were very disappointed with the support for the junior film and, while the adult audience was larger, costs were barely covered with the result that the committee has put film nights ‘on-hold’ for a while.
Following our AGM auditions were held for the panto - Robin Hood and his merry men which I directed. This was a ‘proper village panto’ just as I had hoped it would be with a large cast, many members of ATC, both old and new, performing and a fantastic support team working back stage and front of house. While I cannot list them all, I must mention Wendy Skeen who was persuaded to join us to help with music - what a find she turned out to be! The quality of her musical ‘sound track’ lifted Robin Hood to a level far higher than I could have hoped for. We sold out three of the four performances and had well attended opening night. In every way it was an enjoyable success.
Robin Lipscombe agreed to direct Blithe Spirit for the spring production and was very ably assisted by Sally Fletcher; they did a fantastic job. This is a very long play with a lot of lines to learn and many rehearsals to attend but the cast was wonderful. All members of Am-Dram have many commitments and getting the whole cast to every rehearsal was almost impossible but the performance came together and with the set design and build as well as some very clever ‘Boggo trickery’ a fantastically enjoyable evening resulted. Many people sent congratulations and I add my own to all involved. Wendy Scott and Wendy Evans came up with an inspired solution to the question of achieving darkness and they have made some blackout blinds which not only look great but will be usable for some years which will allow us time to prioritize our fund raising and obtain other essential items. Many of those who took part are off to watch a professional production of Blithe in November - I wonder how many errors in lines they will pick up?
In the summer we were delighted to support Christine Scholfiled, our former Chair, with her fundraising in support of specialist units at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. The Diamond Review evening was a fantastic event, which was as much fun to be in as it was to watch, and gave the opportunity to win a real diamond. I think it was a brilliant prize! The evening raised £2,725.00 and Christine donated £1,300.00 each to Oncology and Liver Cancer Research and £125 to the Wallace Centre. While we all hope never to need these services we are so grateful to have such fantastic facilities close by and that we were able to help.
It’s hard to believe another year has gone by and again we say good-bye to a couple of members of our committee:
Debbie Toombs is stepping down as secretary and from the committee. I am going to miss Debbie’s support, wise words and guidance. She has kept me ‘in check’ when necessary, has given me the ‘background’ when I needed to understand the context and she is the most efficient administrator you could ever want. Debbie thank you so much and I hope you will continue to support us with your skills at the makeup box!
Keith Gordon is a name synonymous with ATC! He has been involved for a long time but with his new premises, recently established in Ashwell, he needs more time for his jewelry business. I sincerely hope that Keith will continue to perform; he has a fan club of regulars who come especially to see him. He will, for me, always be Mr Scrooge! On the 10th anniversary can we put it on again Keith?
I am delighted to report however, that Tracy Young, having been bitten by the thespian bug when she was in Robin Hood and went on to perform in Blithe has agreed to take on the role of secretary as long as she is elected into the office At this point, I understand all other members of the committee have agreed to stand for another year including my self - unless someone else wants the job? We do, however, welcome new members to the committee and should anyone wish to join us please make it known at the appropriate point in tonight's proceedings.
I would like to recognize all the committee who do so much behind the scenes; without their input and support ATC would simply not function. In these difficult times the demands of everyday life, whether work or family, can be significant and I am aware all members of the committee juggle many different commitments. Yet, they continue to be ‘there’ when needed with friends and family all of whom have been roped in to help and they are all a vital part of the team. My thanks go to each one of you.
We must thank Rob and Maurine at the post office. They agree, without fail, to be our box office, their help is invaluable and we continue to be very grateful to them.
Finally it is the audience which makes everything worthwhile and we are very lucky in Ashwell to have such a vibrant community which attends our performances and supports us. Our thanks go to all of them for their continued support.
As we look forward to 2010/11 season this evening - we are recruiting people to take part in our Christmas review and already looking to spring next year when Christine Shwick has agreed to direct for us - no doubt this will be a giggle of a production!
Connie Chambers
