Time to Act (2005)

Back in May the Committee decided to hold an evening to lay out future plans, launch our new patron scheme, and also provide an entertaining evening. Although the turn out was smaller than we had hoped, those of us lucky to attend were rewarded for our efforts with a wonderfully diverse showcase of SCTC talent.

After initial gossip, nibbles and drink (all donations very gratefully received!), Mike introduced the current committee and stressed the need for all of us to help secure the future of the group, outlining some of the exciting projects in the pipeline and launching our patrons scheme. Mike invited ideas and suggestions from everyone, not just about future productions but social and workshop ideas. So, if you’ve something you would like to see performed or have a mad urge to have a go at set design, or just want a drinking session with your mates let the Committee know!

Of course, we could always ask Muriel to do a conducted tour for us! Many of you will be familiar with “Muriel”, the alter ego of our very own Alison Wale, though her wonderful bus tour of Milton Keynes in “Milton Keynes the Musical”. Here we were all treated to Muriel in full flow, gliding majestically through her stately home, hilariously advising her invisible public on the finer, and not so fine, points of the tour. If only all house guides could be this funny!

Eric Thompson and Brad Bradstock did a brilliant trip down memory lane with their condensed version of “All Change”. With scripted (and non-scripted!) banter and song, and not forgetting audience participation, we all sung along to the waiting room song with it”s memories of hot soup, scullery maids, kitchen maids and, of course, the matron seeing everyone “was at their proper station”.

It’s just as well alcohol was not served in the waiting room or our next visitor would not have made it onto the train! With an excerpt from “Bed Amongst the Lentils”, (originally produced and directed for SCTC by Jeremy Cooper) Rosemary reminded us that she is a consummate actress as well as director. A poignant, moving and softly humorous way of completing the evening”s entertainment.

The evening finished with what must have been the longest raffle in history, with so many prizes and so many multiple winners we all ended up in hysterics! See what you missed! It was a good evening and all the performers must be congratulated for their superb skills. It just goes to show the wide range of talent this group has, so what are we waiting for, lets show it to a wider audience!

Sue Whyte