It is hoped that Spotlightʼ will be prepared approximately every four to five weeks providing there is enough material to produce the newsletter. So its up to you!Will this be the one and only edition!Any suggestions? What do you think? Let us know!Contact the editor at sheilaandquin@aol.com

SPOTLIGHT Edition 1

JULY 2011

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Welcome to the ‘new look’ RATS newsletter keeping you up to date.

‘Spotlight’ is highlighting all aspects of the RATS.

This month we look at the new scenery bay.

Backstage is often an area of a drama group that is a mystery to some of the members who are mostly involved in the acting. So this edition SPOTLIGHT is focussing on the new scenery bay and the jobs done by those unsung heroes of the backstage crew!!The RATS have been very fortunate to have negotiated with the Army for a new home at the St Georges Barracks. This negotiation was due to

the hard work of Grahame Carey without whom this fantastic opportunity would never have arisen!. His work in discussing the problem of the accommodation of our ever growing scenery with the Camp Commandant, was able to find us a corner in one of their warehouses. This means that we can now paint without causing any problems for any members and it means that ALL are welcome to join us when we are painting a set. Thanks to those members who helped to store the items for us. As you can see the scenery for ʻHi-De- Hiʼ was well under way and anyone

who wishes to help painting please contact Julie France.

A big THANK-YOU is due to Grahame

Carey who without all of his hard work over the past few years, the scenery, and

stage seating would not have been

created for the RATS to use at the Victoria

Hall.

CONGRATULATIONS to all those involved with‘Hi-De-Hi’. The costumes, props, lighting and the stage scenery were

all up to the usual high standard, as were the actual performances. Well done to all who helped in anyway.

Another successful production, with lots of fun for all during rehearsals.

NORMANTON HALL(or ʻwhat ʻappens at the Big Houseʼ)

ʻNORMANTON HALLʼ is a musical extravaganza and will take place on Weds 28th September to Sat 1st October 2011. The show has been devised and by Joan Jenkin with assistance from Sheila Plant. It comprises of the usual ʻdietʼ of chorus songs, humour and solo items all based in the 1920ʼs and 1930ʼs, with a well-devised script by Joan Jenkin. The show is a cross between ʻUpstairs Downstairsʼ / Downton Abbey and Me and My Girlʼ!!!!Anyone is welcome to come and join in. The show centres around a fictitious family based at Normanton Hall and their trials and tribulations throughout the 20ʼs and 30ʼs. There are popular songs from both eras such as ʻSpread a little Happinessʼ, ʻSinging in the Rainʼ and ʻOn the Sunny side of the Streetʼ etc. It follows a similar format to the last 2 shows with chorus items, soloists and duets with a sketch acting out the developments for the family of the house in Act 2. The scene is set in the garden of the house and Chris Martin with her ʻaccomplicesʼ, Tony and Dennis, will provide the band for the show.

Forthcoming Events‘HAMLET’ TRIP 11th August 2011 Tolethorpe Hall

‘NORMANTON HALL’28th Sept - 1st Oct 2011Victoria Hall

RATS AGM 12th Oct 2011 Victoria Hall

‘ROUND ROBIN‘ EVENING 15th Oct 2011 (contact Maureen Dodds 01572 723434)

‘RING and SING’ 12th Nov 2011 All Saints Church

‘MOTHER GOOSE’8th - 11th Feb 2012Victoria Hall

A warm welcome to all the new members that have joined us

since“Hi-De-Hi”

Any suggestions /photos or items for ‘SPOTLIGHT‘ please send to sheilaandquin@aol.com.

Suggestions for plays are always appreciated.

You can hand them to Sheila or any member of the committee at a Wednesday Rehearsal.

DEADLINE FOR NEXT EDITION IS WEDS 17TH AUGUST 2011

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WHAT A SUCCESS!!Last years Pantomime ʻCinderellaʼ was entered for the Pantomime Alliance and out of 18 entries ‘Cinderella’ came 4th, we were nominated for 8 different categories but unfortunately we did not win anything this year. We were congratulated on our achievement and hope we will enter next year. A huge

big THANK-YOU and well done to all those who were involved.

Next Yearʼs panto will be ʻMother Gooseʼ. It is at present being rewritten to make it accessible for the Victoria Hall performance space. The read-through and auditions will follow the ʻNormanton Hallʼ show in October.

MESSAGES FROM YOUR COMMITTEEWe are always looking for Directors, Stage Mangers and people for backstage these are especially needed for the Pantomime ‘Mother Goose’ in February 2012.

For the AGM in October, members will need to be making nominations before the 12th Oct both for Officers and members of the Committee. Forms for this will be issued nearer the time.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

•Jackie Sellwood

•Joy Gregg

•Grahame Carey

•Mick Barker

•Julie France

•Amanda Bills

•Joan Jenkin

•Lynne Hopwood