PANTOMIME
A full complement of committee members: Karen Slater (Vice), Ruth Willerton, Anne Prew, Peter Horner, Barbara Parkinson, Jim Parkinson, Ian Harley and Dale Rivers (Sec); heard the chairman single out Bob Willerton – director of all five pantomimes over the last four years – for specific praise saying he hoped it would be possible to persuade Bob to fill the role again. Whether such persuasion was successful or not, it seemed vital to ease the directorial workload for future productions. The appointment of an assistant director or producer could be among the options considered.
Also singled out for praise was Neil Barham and his production team, Jim Parkinson for sound-and-light duties, front-of-house volunteers and those who helped in publicity and marketing – particular those who took to the town centre in costume on January 4th.
After hearing from treasurer, Ruth Willerton, that the pantomime is likely to have made a profit in excess of £1,300, the committee considered the Directors’ Notes, commendably submitted by Bob at the close of the show, and flagged up several items for future consideration. They included:
• The need to keep an impressive line-up of junior cast members involved in the society.
• Consideration of purchase, hire and use of a movable spotlight and microphone.
• The rearrangement of performance times.
• The need to improve the look and appearance of the hall.
• Provision of an advertisement board outside the hall.
• The improvement of hall seating through the purchase of new seat covers.
The committee agreed that a donation of £100 be made to the authors of the pantomime script, Christine and Michael Goodwin. As was the case last year, the money is to go to a charity of their choice.
ELECTRICAL SURVEY
Jim Parkinson announced that a bill of £275 had been received for the work necessary to ensure the hall gained a safety certificate in operation for the next six years. The committee agreed the bill be paid.
SPRING PLAY
Karen reported that she has selected the comedy, ‘Home Is Where Your Clothes Are’ by Anthony Marriot and Bob Grant, appropriate for her return to the directorial arena. With a cast of four men and four women, it is to be performed at Trinity in the week commencing May 12th but with an additional performance on Sunday, May 25th as our entry in the Wakefield Festival.
Karen said the first read-through is to take place at Trinity on Wednesday January 29th. Cast ages are flexible and she hoped anyone interested in taking part (on stage or in production) would attend. If anyone wished to be considered but could not attend Trinity on the next Wednesday or two, could they please contact her?
PAST PRODUCTIONS
The committee commended the action of former chairman, Phil Johnson, in compiling a chronological list of previous productions both by Trinity Players and its forerunner organisation, Farrer Street Players, after realising that information was scant particularly for the post-1994 period. They hope all members members will give Phil whatever help they can.
SOCIAL
Peter Horner announced that arrangements had been made for around 20 members to attend Mapplewell’s China Court restaurant for a Chinese meal at 7.30pm on Friday, January 31st. It could be, however, that the booking could be enlarged if any late-comers contacted the restaurant direct.
Similarly, Peter reported that around ten Trinity members had already paid to see the Friday, February 7th performance of Dick Whittington at Penistone Paramount. He understood that tickets remained on sale there at a cost of £8 (£5 concessions) should other members wish to make their own arrangements to join the party.
Last but not least, Peter said he was investigating the possibility of members visiting the historic Georgian Theatre at Richmond, North Yorkshire on either the last Saturday in July or the first Saturday in August. A tour of the theatre and seats for the comedy ‘The Vicar of Dibley’, performed by Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society, would be separated by a meal or, perhaps, a visit to Richmond Castle (English Heritage) or Easby Abbey. Anyone interested should contact Peter for further information.
CONSTITUTION
Having adjourned consideration of a new constitution at the last meetings, the committee completed the task by considering the following items: AGM minutes and Extraordinary General Meetings; Subscriptions and Finance; Visitors to Rehearsals and Readings; the Registration of Members; Productions and Membership of the Society.
Because of the wordiness of the items, it was decided that copies of the complete new constitution of Trinity Players Theatre Society should be prepared and distributed to members in good time for the annual general meeting.
NEXT MEETING
Monday February 10th at 7.30pm at the home of Paul Taylor.
All comments etc. to:committee@trinityplayersbarnsley.com