Patrons’Volume 4, Issue 1 | SEPTEMBER Newsletter 2014 A welcome from our Chairman, Stephen Hughes-Alty

As Chairman allow me to welcome you all to another exciting year here at the Little Theatre. You can look forward to recent West End hits and timeless classics: thought-provoking family sagas, thrilling whodunits, fast-paced comedies and political intrigues. With witty social dra- mas such as the classic ‘The Chalk Garden’, farcical masterpieces such as Ackybourne’s ‘Body Language’ and our traditional family pantomime ‘Dick Whittington and his Cat’ there truly is something for everyone to enjoy. We open our new season by commemorating the anniversary of World War I with the deeply moving ‘The Accrington Pals’. It promises to be a fitting tribute and the perfect introduction to our panoply of plays. As always, our members have been busy working away to ensure your experience here is a memorable and en- joyable one. Thank you, each of you, for your continued support; support that reminds us that this is as much your Little Theatre, as it is ours. The Witches of Eastwick Follies Maghull Musical Theatre Company By John Dempsey & Dana P. Rowe by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd on behalf of BOS Musical Theatre Company Music Theatre International of New York 4th - 11th October Diary 5th - 8th November Box Office opens 27th September at 11am Box Office opens 29th October at 11am Advance Booking on 01704 564042 Advance Booking on 01695 632372 The Chalk Garden October Body Language November Directed by Margaret Mann Directed by Adrian Roberts Written by Enid Bagnold Written By Alan Ayckbourn October 24th - November 1st 24 21st - 29th November 21 Box Office opens 17th Oct at 11am Box Office opens 14th Nov at 11am

The Chalk Garden Directed by Margaret Mann Some of our long standing subscribers will probably remember this play which was first produced in London in the late fifties. The illustrious cast included Dames and , also Rachel Gurney, and was directed by Sir . The subsequent film featured , , and his daughter, Hayley. For this production, I think we have assembled a very talented cast who will bring this drama, which is very humorous at times, to life! It includes Helen Bennett, Jacquie Wade, Tracey Batchelor, Beth Milligan, Hilary Thomson, Samantha Roberts, John Sharp and Eric Chadwick. Briefly, the story concerns the eccentric Mrs St Maugham who engages Miss Madrigal as a companion to her spirited granddaughter, Laurel. A former conscientious objector, who is the manservant and fond of Laurel completes the unusual household. Add to this mix of interesting characters, Laurel’s estranged mother and a prestigious judge, who is a long-standing friend of Mrs St Maugham, and many secrets are revealed! The play is a fascinating and enjoyable piece of theatre which reflects the mood of the period in a world still -re covering from the deprivations of the war, but ready to embrace the ‘swinging 60s’.

Box Office Find out more about us (01704) 530521/530460 www.littletheatresouthport.co.uk Hoghton Street, Southport PR9 0PA Like us on Facebook Southport Little Theatre Editor Philip Hutchinson | info@littletheatresouthport. Buy your programme, just £1.50, for an exclusive interview with the director Available Throughout the Theatre

The SDC Youth Theatre

A Personal Perspective By Joe Bloom I must say, the SDC have the best people helping with their productions. Theydo many of them, all different, but one particularly unique musical is Into the Woods, which was performed here recently.

I have had amazing times when I have ever rehearsed a show with the SDC. With Into the Woods, it was the best time I’d had with them. I was thrilled with the incredible special effects, such as the transformation of the witch, the death of the giant, the death of my- self and the wolf’s bed. Other things I enjoyed were being with such a lovely cast, who did the production. Not to mention the stage crew who were very patient with us all.

The set was really beautiful, and with the end altered very slightly to make the baker the narrator’s dad, it was a lovely production.

I just want to congratulate everbody who contributed to the show, from chaperone to lead actors, to the wardrobe, the props and not to mention Stephen Hughes-Alty, the director. None of this would be possible without all of them! Thanks to you all.

Get involved with the Southport Dramatic Club Acting Set construction The Southport Dramatic Club is always looking for new members. If you want to get involved, there’s sure to be something for you! Backstage Front of house Contact our membership secretary, Lindsay Haywood, on 01704 Barwork and much more... 504800 or on [email protected]

Box Office Find out more about us (01704) 530521/530460 www.littletheatresouthport.co.uk Hoghton Street, Southport PR9 0PA Like us on Facebook Southport Little Theatre