Hi Everyone,
Last month’s newsletter opened with the news that future productions promise to be more colourful because of the purchase of new stage lights. This month’s starts with news that they may also be rather more dramatic as a result of committee members agreeing the purchase of a pyrotechnic kit, capable of providing loud bangs and flashes etc. as stage characters dramatically appear into or disappear from view.
Perhaps for the benefit of continued injury-free existence, sound and lights guru Jim Parkinson made his appeal for the £230 required by letter delivered from the safety of a bunker where he was enjoying a festive meal with his post office staff. While his request was approved (despite much wailing by committee members at the further reduction in society funds), Jim was warned that any further requests for cash could result in the bunker being converted into a burial chamber!
It’s believed the committee may have been influenced by Jim’s assertion that the society has paid £150 for the hire of a pyrotechnic facility in the past and his assurance that the new acquisition will be up and running in time for the opening night of our 2015 pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on January 16th.
PANTOMIME PRODUCTION
I
n his pre-production notes, the director of this year’s pantomime Bob Willerton reported that rehearsals were progressing well despite some fractured attendances by cast members.
Other good news is that our friends at Penistone Theatre Group had been able to supply almost all the costumes required while the production team of Neil Barham, Ian Harley, Phil Johnson, John Ryal and Jim Parkinson is progressing well with set painting and the manufacture and acquisition of a wide variety or props.
Conversely, however, there remains a need for backstage help and child cast supervision both before and throughout the production run and for someone to take on the selection, purchase and sale of sweets and drinks to the children.
Last but not least, there is a massive need for a really big push in tickets sales and anyone able to help in this – perhaps in the supply of posters to primary schools and nurseries? – is asked to contact any committee member.
COMMITTEE MEETING
Held at the home of secretary, Dale Rivers, on Tuesday, December 9th, the meeting was attended by Paul Taylor (in the chair), Dale Rivers, Ruth Willerton, Anne Prew, Neil Barham and Ian Harley.
Still on the subject of the pantomime, Anne Prew reported that permission had been gained for cast members, in costume and including the panto cow, to attend Barnsley market from 10am to 3pm on Saturday January 3rd to publicise the show and hand out flyers. As this coincides with an ADDITIONAL REHEARSAL FOR ALL CAST MEMBERS, it is hoped all will take turns in joining the promotion which was described as “fun” by those who took part last year. It is hoped that the dwarfs, and others only appearing in Act 2, will get things off to a good start at 10am.
The pantomime has already had some publicity in a free publication circulating in Barnsley; newspaper advertisements and, hopefully, a photograph in the Chronicle are being pursued by Anne, Ruth and Ian.
OTHER FUTURE PRODUCTIONS
Dale reported that rights to stage Brian Clarke’s acclaimed play Whose Life Is It Anyway? at the Lamproom Theatre in the week commencing June 7th next year have been granted and paid for.
Director Paul Taylor said he hoped anyone wishing to appear in WLIIA will register their interest as early as possible as he hopes to cast it before the pantomime opens but then put it on the back-burner for three or four weeks. Those hoping to take part should remember that the play is additionally forming our entry in Wakefield Festival being held in the Spring Bank holiday week at the end of May.
EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING.
In line with the vote taken at the AGM in midsummer, the Committee has recommended that the EGM (open to all paid-up members) be held at Trinity on Wednesday at 7.30pm on Wednesday, January 28th.
Selecting the date after the pantomime, of course, means we should have a better idea of our financial position and the meeting should feature a treasurer’s mid-term report. Apart from that, there will be no fixed agenda and will be open to members to suggest items for discussion. The list may include considering expenditure, both in the past and future, for the theatre group and to the church.
SOCIAL
The committee decided to place on record its gratitude to former social secretary Peter Horner for his work in ensuring that 28 Trinity members enjoyed a Christmas Dinner-Dance event at Barnsley Football Club’s Oakwell function suite on Friday, December 5th.
Also receiving the committee’s thanks is Dawn Waite whose skilful handling of refreshment monies resulted in the society’s funds increasing by £92.
Last but not least, members were reminded that Anthony Larkin, best remembered for his portrayal of Aunt Em in Trinity’s production of Wizard of Oz in 2010, is leading his Royston pantomimers on stage at Carlton Community College this weekend, December 12-14.
NEXT MEETING
To be arranged. The meeting closed with the chairman, Paul Taylor, wishing a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all Trinity members and supporters.
Comments etc. to: committee@trinityplayersbarnsley.com