Welcome to our April 2024 on line Newsletter
This past month has seen the start of rehearsals for our summer production on 28th and 29th June of:
Spotlight Express
“A fast-paced showcase of talent, where an hilarious one act play meets musical interludes and comedic skits”
We were delighted to start organising social events – the first, a get together at The Swan on 5th April. For upcoming events see the social diary section below.
In addition to the following donations:
Chet Valley Community Larder £500
Loddon Community Gym £500
The Church’s of Loddon and Chedgrave for window repairs £500
we also donated to the RNLI £57.40 – the collection taken at Pantomime Songs of Praise.
In due course we will be asking for suggestion for local good causes to make donations to in the next year.
Watch this space!
Latest show
Treasure Island Panto 24
Written and produced by Steve Burton, directed by Jackie Bingham, with musical direction from Alan Cant and choreography for Funky Feet dancers by Miss Vicky Codling.
Here are a few more images:
More details including reviews and lots of photos from the production
Stage Crew
To put on a production there are lots of technical issues that need to be “performed” in addition to those in costume.
Our resident stage manager is Alan Harper-Bourne – ably assisted by Vicky Gates, Katie Wright. Director Jackie Bingham also lends a hand and acts as prompt.
They are a huge part of our team – without whom the show would just not happen.
Future Shows
Spotlight Express - 28 & 29 June 2024
Building on the success of last years Variety Show, we return to variety again this year. Compered again by Maureen Larkin and Anthony Bunting.
Spotlight Express is in two parts.
The first half features an hilarious one act play called “The Last Bread Pudding”. Written by Nick Warburton
The committee of an amateur dramatic group are meeting to discuss a new play written by one of its members. What could possibly go wrong? (The play contains moderate adult language, that may not be suitable for children under 16).
The second half is packed full of music, dance and comedic skits, some familiar, some new ones.
Our next Panto in January 2025 will be The Pied Piper – lots of rats and plenty of German sausage jokes!
Local Theatre
Theatre Royal
including
Drop the Dead Donkey 7th – 11th May – Tickets here
Romeo and Juliet – Ballet 14th – 18th May – Tickets here
The Maddermarket Theatre
Whats on
Lowestoft
Wisbech - The Secret Garden
NODA
The National Scene
Loddon Players have been members of NODA for many years. We get support for many issues including legal and welfare matters.
NODA nationally run events such as summer schools and training workshops.
NODA in the EAST
NODA has a regional structure and we fall into that area in NODA East Region 6.
Our representatives normally visit us to watch and report on our performances – here is their report for Mother Goose which has been nominated for their Best Panto Award 2023 – decision imminent.
Their latest review is of Treasure Island 2024
Maureen's Moments
Previous productions & players
Our oldest and most celebrated active member – Maureen Larkin briefly looks back at the first pantomime that the Players performed at the current venue – The Lecture Hall Theatre, George Lane. Previous productions were all held at Hobart High School – Little Red Riding hood in 1986.
“Derek Loyd had not taken part in the last two pantomimes at Hobart High School as he had taken a break.
For this first Panto at Lecture Hall 1986 Derek was back as my Mother, Mrs. Monger and I was Ruby Monger. Not only was I delighted that he was back, but the audiences were so pleased too, as he had been greatly missed.
We did a hilarious decorating scene which turned out to be done to a Keep Fit routine. I remember Melvyn Frankland being the wolf ,but not a scary wolf but a comical soft gentle wolf. He didn’t scare the children at all. He was just a “grit old sorft dog”
I was complemented by the press review as holding the Panto together, by being the linchpin of much of the humour….Of course that was because the script was well written by Joan,and she allowed comedy sequences to be added by Derek and myself.
Our move to the Lecture Hall in 1986 was Joan Evan’s idea, approved by the committee. The rehearsals were at the Lecture Hall and the scenery was stored there so it seemed to make sense that the Pantos could take place there.
The Lecture Hall also had a more intimate theatrical atmosphere.
Here is our archive page for
Little Red Riding hood and The Wolf
Latest News
Recent activities of our dancers and performers
How to join
Classes – Timetable
Announcements
We are proud to say that Funky Feet students are all working hard in classes and some students are also preparing a Cabaret evening event for 26th April that we would love the local community to attend. Please see our poster for more information:
Upcoming Events
Over the coming months our Social Secretary Sam Bailey will be organising various events. Most will be open to members and their accompanying partners and some will be open for younger family members as well. (see note below).
We will be holding regular monthly social meets ups around the area.
Our May Monthly Meet Up – will be a karaoke night at the Jubilee Hall, George Lane, Loddon on Saturday 4th May from 7.30pm
This social get together is intended for over 18 members, partners and accompanying children.
All current members will receive an email each month with a link to the newsletter. It will also be available to read on our website.
Email us below if you are likely to attend this meet up event.
(Note – if you have received this via an email link, you are on our membership list and are entitled to attend these events).
Social Diary