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It’s here. The sixty-fifth season. 65 years........and no thoughts of retirement! The first play of the season, Things we do for Love is already behind us and well received by our loyal patrons. Congratulations to the producer Robin Green who went into hospital for surgery during rehearsals and returned whilst still convalescing to polish off the performances. During his absence his stage manager Nadine Walker kept her experienced eye on rehearsals. Each play brings its own little dramas and associated items of interest. Our next play Flare Path, set in 1942, is no exception. The Saturday performance will be watched by a gentleman of ninety-one years who flew in Halifax bombers as a tail gunner during World War Two.....and survived. (For more on this story, see the next newsletter). He is the grandfather of a member of the cast, Rick Hoddy, who also had a career in the Royal Air Force. “Happy landings, Rick!” Since our last newsletter we have had the summer recess......when most background activities continue as usual! Each department continues its work. Maintenance is carried out and committees still meet to plan for the coming season. Our publicity machine, led by David Helliwell, never stops, and is now also assisting with the Arts Centre events schedule. I am always impressed by the unrelenting effort from the Reading and Casting committee which meets almost on a weekly basis to select plays for the next year’s season and to hold auditions of new members. As you know, theatre is all about creation, and the search for new actors and the matching of an actor to a role never stops.......creativity of a different kind! What of our theatre’s new department, the Bingley Arts Centre? You’ll be pleased to know that the events calendar continues to grow. We are hosting celebrations for weddings and landmark birthdays. We have also had regular Saturday Antiques and Collectors’ Fayres. Music promoters have begun booking bands which brings yet further interest from music lovers around the region. Still to come in the next months are “The Comedy Show for Kids”; “The Variety Show”; “Kala Utsav Art Celebration” (in Sanskrit) and OH...so much more. See the pages inside. The Funny Musical Theatre deserves special attention as it is a professional company bringing “Eddy and the Gold Tops”. We have produced a colour programme of “What’s On”, so pick up a copy for your coffee table. The building alterations began in late July.....and

“worramess” for several weeks! A valiant team of volunteers (who else) managed a clean-up in time for our first opening night. Their reward was, as usual, free tea, coffee, sandwiches and cake. In the fullness of time we will produce a photographic display chronicling the progress of the works. At the time of writing the improvements in the public areas are just about completed and the construction of the new ground floor dressing rooms has begun. What do we have? Please see Tony’s report inside. It was heartwarming to hear the praises from our patrons who came to last week’s play. Currently we are awaiting the installation of new (safer to operate) shutters at the bar and enlarged ice cream kiosk. Ahh, I think I’ve said enough, except for....... “This is YOUR theatre and community centre. It is run by volunteers from every walk of life. Call in to see how it works and if you would enjoy being in the team. It requires just an hour or two a week in friendly company and will bring you a lot of satisfaction. No pay, just tea, coffee and smiles.”

Kind regards to everyone, Jeff Peacock.Chairman

B INGLEY LITTLE THEATRE NEWSLETTER

October 2012 65th SEASON

Please send your copy for the next Newsletter to Robin Martin or Margaret Barrans by Monday 17 December 2012

Stuffing will be in the small rehearsal room on Monday 14 January 2013

From the Chair

Tony Cross

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You will all have seen by now the extraordinary improvements that have been made to the Arts Centre. The chair-man of the Bingley Arts Centre Committee, which has organised and overseen this work, brings you the first in a se-ries of what we hope will be regular updates....

I have searched the Arts Centre and Little Theatre from top to bottom and I still haven’t found our chairman Jeff’s bed! I’m convinced he’s spending 24/7 on the premises watching over what has been a complete transforma-tion of the very tired and, due to lack of funding, sadly neglected building.

I’m sure many will have seen first hand the work that had been completed but, for the record, this has in-cluded:-

Re-upholstery of all the auditorium seating. Fitting of safety rails to the auditorium steps. Redecoration of the ENTIRE Arts Centre (except dressing rooms and Squires Room) - (thanks to Dulux for

providing 150 litres of paint!) Re-equipping the office including IT etc. Re-carpeting the office. Overhauling the electrical installation throughout the building. Installing removable safety rail to the upper section of the seating bank to enable 80 bookable seats to open

auditorium concerts. Re-equipping the bar and redesigning the beer cellar. Enlarging the kiosk servery. Redesigning the ticket sales desk and installing ticketing equipment. Building mezzanine floor in the main store room to create chair store. Creation and refitting of completely new kitchen in the original ladies’ cloakroom providing new cooker, ’fridge, dishwasher, permanent water boiler, microwave etc.. Installing kitchen servery shutter. Creating 5 cubicle ladies’ toilets with 4 washbasins in the original gents’ toilet area and 2 cubicle and 4 urinal gents’ toilets in the original chair store. Carpeting the entire coffee lounge. Re-upholstery of the bench seating in the foyer.

Work that is currently in hand for completion before our next production includes:- Partitioning the bar cellar, demolishing partition walling and stripping the original ladies’ toilet, powder room

and kitchen to create new ladies’ and gents’ fully equipped dressing rooms each with washbasins, toilets and shower. Installation of electrically operated security shutter to the bar with matching shutter to the sales kiosk.

My grateful thanks are due to Jeff, our professional trades people and the many members who have worked tirelessly to see the creation of what must now rank as one of the finest amateur theatre company premises in the county - if not the country!

Tony Cross Chairman Arts Centre

BLT Members hard at work putting the finishing touches to the Arts Centre prior to the First Night of Season 65.

Guess the Bum Competition!

Ken Wilcock

Ken Hemsley

Terry McAllister

Jacqui Scott

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22 - 27 October 2012 FLARE PATH

by Terence Rattigan

***** 3 - 8 December 2012

THE HAPPIEST DAYS OF YOUR LIFE

by John Dighton

***** 14 -19 January 2013

DANGEROUS CORNER by J B Priestley

*****

18 - 23 February 2013 A NIGHT OF DARK INTENT

by L Don Swartz

***** 8 - 13 April 2013

THE GAME by Harold Brighouse

*****

18 - 20 April 2013

THE WINTER’S TALE by William Shakespeare

*****

13 - 18 May 2013 A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS

by Robert Bolt

***** 24 - 29 June 2013

NUNSENSE II: A SECOND COMING

by Dan Goggin

SEASON 65 2012 - 2013 FLARE PATH

Doris Skriczevinsky  JILL WHITEHOUSE 

Peter Kyle  ANTHONY MORTON 

Mrs Oakes  MURIEL THOMAS 

Sgt Dusty Miller  GARETH JAMES 

Percy  DAN LANE (Kal’scope) 

Count Skriczevinsky  RICK HODDY 

Flt Lt Teddy Graham  DALE CHADWICK 

Patricia Graham  NIKOLA MORRISON 

Maudie Miller  ROSIE CRABB‐WYKE 

Sqn Ldr Swanson  DAVID ELLIOTT 

Cast List for Next Plays

THE HAPPIEST DAYS OF YOUR LIFE Dick Tassell  DEAN AMBRIDGE 

Rainbow  STUART FARRELL 

Rupert Billings   tba 

Godfrey Pond  DAVID HELLIWELL 

Miss Evelyn Whitchurch  SANDRA CHEWINS 

Miss Gossage  YVONNE TEMPLETON 

Hopcroft Minor  JUDE CONNOLLY (Kal) 

Barbara Cahoun  ALICE ROBERTS (Kal) 

Joyce Harper  TANYA GILLOW 

The Rev Edward Peck  JIM BROOKS 

Mrs Peck  ALISON MAIN 

Edgar Sowter  FRANK ETCHELLS 

Mrs Sowter  tba 

Freda Caplan  JULIE‐MARIE HINTON 

Miss Mockridge  KATRINA WOOD 

Betty Whitehouse  tba 

Olwen Peel  RHIANNON CAWTHORNE 

Charles Stanton  PHIL HOLBROUGH 

Gordon Whitehouse  MIKE McCARTHY 

Robert Caplan  NEIL LLOYD 

DANGEROUS CORNER

* * * * *

* * * * *

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The ‘Star’ Appeal I would like to offer a huge thank you to all those who have contributed to the ‘Star’ appeal, launched to help fund the refurbishment of the Arts Centre. The response has been beyond my wildest hopes and the generosity shown has been quite extraordinary. Until the donations stop coming in I cannot be sure exactly how much will be raised and what it will be used for, but already more than £4000 has been donated, with more to come when we recoup the tax under the Gift Aid scheme. I will of course, keep you informed in future newsletters. Just as an explanation of the mechanics of the system, the ‘Stars’ are engraved and cut in batches of thirty, so if your star is not immediately put on the board, it will be because I am waiting to complete another batch. It will be there before long! Thanking you all again

David Helliwell

BOWLS NIGHT 12 July

Unusually this year the annual bowls night was not rained off. Our pictures show Terry McAllister's stylish delivery (in the background Stephen Mason is watching in awe); Nadine Walker and her shiny balls;

and the presentation by Nadine to this year's winning team - Terry and partner Ian Smithson

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THE DARLING BUDS OF MAY By H. E. BATES

This play, set in Kent in the leisurely and peaceful times of 1957, was billed as “An

evening of feel-good and fun”. It was the final Main House production of Season 64. It was also particularly significant since it marked the take-over of the Bingley Arts Centre by Bingley Little Theatre. The cast included many of our most popular and talented members and Jan Darnbrough directed it, so I knew it would be good. But there was a potential problem.

H.E.Bates wrote over a hundred novels and collections of short stories many of them based on the countryside and people of the rural Midlands and Kent. He was a successful and prolific author in his own lifetime; his two volumes of essays Through the Woods and Down the River were reprinted many times. He was appointed CBE in 1973 and died a year later at the relatively young age of 68. His greatest success came only after his death with the television adaptations of three of his stories, including the highly popular and acclaimed version of The Darling Buds of May and its sequels. One of the most difficult tasks facing an amateur theatre company when producing a play that has been widely televised with well-known actors, David Jason and Pam Ferris in this case, is to stop the audience linking back to the television productions and to images of the actors involved. Would this be a problem for BLT?

I need not have worried. From the moment the curtains opened to a well-earned round of applause for the beautiful set designed by Anthony Leach to the closing spot-lit discovery that yet another addition to the Larkin family was on the way, the audience was completely absorbed into one of the most enjoyable evenings of entertainment seen at BLT for some time. As Pop Larkin would say “It was absolutely perfick”.

Julian Freeman and Helen Clarke were simply superb as Pop and Ma Larkin as they skilfully and amusingly guided the members of the clan through a series of obstacles that would have defeated less intuitive leaders. When Charley (Anthony Morton) arrived to try to persuade Pop to fill in a tax return he fell in love with the Larkin way of life and with daughter Mariette (Nikola Morrison) and the scene was set for an uproariously funny play that demanded, and received, outstanding performances from the cast. It is almost invidious to single out individual cast members since they were all good. But I must mention the seven members of Kaleidoscope who rose magnificently to the challenge of appearing on the Main House stage and Shaunie Mitchell, who played Pauline Jackson and, unbelievably, had never acted before. Welcome to you all, I look forward to seeing you again on stage soon.

I was left wondering how Julian managed to maintain the regional accent so well and admiring Helen’s infectious rolling laugh. I was full of admiration for the Props Team for producing fish and chips, boiled eggs and other nibbles and seemingly endless drinks for nine people. Above all, Jan’s Directing skills,

that were evident throughout the play, particularly perhaps in one sequence of conversations cutting across action where her use of motion freeze was brilliantly handled. When will we see the other episodes in the series? After all we never did find out what happened to the Nightingales in the Bluebell Woods!

So! Congratulations to everyone concerned and thank you all for a most enjoyable evening of fun, food and feel-good. What a wonderful way to end a season of BLT productions and what a wonderful way to issue in the new phase of growth for the Bingley Arts Centre.

John Norris

Reviews

Anthony Morton and Helen Clarke with L to R Lucy Wilkinson and Laura Knowles as twins Petunia and Zinnia

Helen Clarke and Julian Freeman as Ma & Pop Larkin in our June play.

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THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE

There are four characters in Alan Ayckbourn’s tragical/comical thought-provoking play about love. They are Barbara Trapes (Deborah Mouat) the owner of three flats, and is a rather old-maidish secretary who is single but with a bit of a crush on her boss. Then there is Nikki Wickstead (Carol Southby), Barbara’s old school friend and admirer who needs somewhere to stay while she and her new man Hamish Alexander (Gerard Kennedy) fix up their house. The fourth of these dysfunctional characters is Gilbert Fleet (Andrew Bailey), a transvestite postal worker who always wants to be helpful and has a crush on Barbara, whom he happens to be painting as a giant nude on the ceiling of his flat. The splendid three decker set designed by Graeme Holbrough was brilliant and earned well-deserved applause as the curtain opened. Gilbert lives in the basement of which only the top part is seen at stage level while Barbara lives in the middle. Nikki, and Hamish a Scottish Oceanographer, occupy the top floor although the audience only sees the bottom part of their flat with action-packed glimpses of their legs from time to time. When the play opens, Gilbert wants to please Barbara by fixing things around the flats but she is clearly not at all impressed by him or initially by Hamish, while Nikki and Hamish seem very much in love despite certain difficulties Nikki has, probably as a result of beatings she sustained from her ex.

As in other Ayckbourn dramas, the course of love does not run smoothly for any of them. Barbara and Hamish rapidly fall for each other, somewhat literally, Gilbert gets drunk and sustains a broken leg, and the others variously end up with a broken arm, a black eye and a bandaged head – A & E at their local hospital was kept busy that night. There was some very good acting from all four characters who had to portray a range of emotions in a short time frame. As the action unfolded I had a few niggles. Nikki was sometimes unnecessarily shrill early on in the play at somewhat high volume, although she did effect the required slightly over the top innocent sparkle until confronted with Hamish’s betrayal, while Barbara was a model of prudishness until her rather exaggerated explosion of lust for Hamish, who although commendably dour, didn’t sound very Scottish. Gilbert remained suitably solicitous throughout, even when drunk. The action of the play takes place over a number of days marked out by a total of eight scenes. It was however a bit disconcerting for at least some of the audience to have to sit through such long blackouts between those scenes. For me this resulted in some loss of momentum. Altogether Things we do for love with its quick and sustained action is not an easy play to stage for the season’s opener but Robin Green the director ensured that it was well worthwhile and gave us a Freudian field day, although I’m not entirely sure how far Ayckbourn intended it to be quite such a farce.

Bruce Grainger

Reviews

Gerard Kennedy, Andrew Bailey and Deborah Mouat

Deborah Mouat and Carol Southby

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

SUNDAY 3rd MARCH

BINGLEY ARTS CENTRE OPEN DAY

To celebrate the official opening of the refurbished Arts Centre, Members, friends, the wider Bingley community and local and national dignitaries will be invited to attend what will be an exciting day of events, refreshments and guided tours of Bingley's new community Arts Centre, proudly owned and run by BLT.

Special Guest tbc

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Globe to Globe One of the joys of retirement is listening to Woman’s Hour. In April there was an interview with an Afghan actor who was due to appear in Comedy of Errors at the Globe to Globe festival. As soon as she finished her inspiring story of the struggle against persecution faced by actresses in Kabul, I phoned up for a ticket. So, in June I was again in the groundlings queue outside my favourite theatre. By now the press was enthusing about this unique journey through the 37 plays from 37 countries in their own languages. Londoners waiting with me talked excitedly about many of these adventurous productions… Two Gentlemen in Shona, Richard III in Mandarin, Othello in Hip-Hop… An hour later, three musicians walked onto the stage in traditional dress with traditional instruments and argued about where to sit before they found a place for their rug. English is translated into Dari Persian, Ephesus becomes Kabul, the time is the present. When the strangers arrive in Scene 2 as tourists in shorts and shades they are soon persuaded to change into local robes. The comic devices continue, sometimes subtle, sometimes slapstick, always in the joyous spirit of the piece. It is beyond imagining what it must have meant to these brave people to perform at the Globe, and to all of us standing there applauding them this show had been much more than suspension of disbelief.

The next day I saw a highly imaginative and energetic production of Timon of Athens in German with just one prop, a trampoline … I’ve never known an audience, other than at a rock concert, spontaneously erupt with such almost riotous enthusiasm. But, why go to Shakespeare in a foreign language, it’s hard enough in English? And neither of these plays is remarkable by Shakespeare’s standards… so why go when there isn’t even the beautiful language? Well, the themes of course are universal and they inspire the creative imagination everywhere… it was a privilege to see these highly original interpretations of Shakespeare’s angle on the human condition. I hadn’t had enough, so I went to Edinburgh last month to see Othello by the four Chicago rappers… cunning cruelty and blinding jealousy on the mean streets. Fantastic!

David Gilman

Contributions please to:- The Newsletter Editor, Bingley Little Theatre,

Main Street, Bingley, BD16 2JZ

Emails: Robin Martin robungo@talktalk.net

or Margaret Barrans

margaretbarrans@blueyonder.co.uk

..or in their pigeonholes at BLT. Before 17 December

THE BATHTUB TEST

During a visit to my doctor, I asked him. "How do you determine whether or not an older person should be put in an old age

home?"

"Well," he said, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the

person to empty the bathtub."

"Oh. I understand," I said. "A normal person would use the bucket because it is bigger than

the spoon or the teacup."

"No" he said. "A normal person would pull the plug."

David Gilman - pictured recently outside Shakespeare’s Globe - was a long-time member of BLT in the 80s & 90s.He directed (eg Wuthering Heights), & acted (Entertaining Mr Sloane), & still attends our productions from time to time.

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We present here the latest (at time of going to press) information sheet prepared by the Arts Centre Office. This is an abbreviated form of the “What’s On” leaflet which is to be a regular publication. Full copies are available from the Arts Centre. As you can see, a full and varied programme of events is being developed in a venue which has been, and is being, transformed into one of which Bingley and the wider community can be proud. We hope to keep you informed of Arts Centre goings-on on a regular basis.

What’s On at Bingley Arts Centre Sept - Dec 2012 Kala Sangam presents Kala Utsav "Art Celebration” in Sanskrit.

13 Oct 2012, 6:00pm

Bingley Little Theatre – Flare Path

22-27 October 7:30 pm

Armed Forces Support Group Coffee Morning

27 October 2012, 10:30am – 1:30pm

Book Stall, Tombola, Home made Cakes, Hand made Cards, Raffle, Refreshments and more

Table Tots – Pamper and Shopping Evening

1 November 2012, 6:30pm

Eddie and the Gold Tops - Funny musical theatre

4 November, 7:30pm

Sara Packham Theatre School Dance Show

9 November at 5pm and 7:30pm 10 November at 2:30pm and 7:30pm

BAOS – The Sound of Music

12 – 17 November 2012, 7:15pm

Live music from Swedish Rock Band Bonafide

23 November 2012, Doors 7:00pm

Bingley Chamber of Trade and Commerce – Christmas Fayre

24 November 2012 10:30am

City of Bradford Brass Band Concert

24 November 2012, 7:30pm

Bingley Little Theatre – The Happiest Days of Your Life

By John Dighton Directed by Mark Brown & Gilly Rogers

3 – 8 December 2012, 7:30pm

Bradford Theatre Arts – Presentation and Showcase display

9 December 2012, 3:30 – 5:00pm

BLT READING GROUP

...has now started. We meet monthly, on a Wednesday morning, at members' homes. We will discuss a novel each month. New members welcome. If you would be interested in joining us, please contact Robin Martin (details else-where) for a chat.

Bingley Little Theatre Waddington Street

Does anyone have - or know of anyone who has - pictures, videos, or old TV footage of the old Theatre building?

Please contact Robin Martin or Ian Wilkinson

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BLT STUDIO Wanted! Casts for the following 2 short plays to put on in the Studio on Sat/Sun 1 and 2 December, and a Director for Murder by Proxy Anyone interested in being considered, please get back to me asap! I can provide scripts to read. 1.'Nasty Things, Murders' a play by Arthur Lovegrove Director: Gerard Kennedy, assisted by Andy Bailey. Set in the lounge of the Grantley home for Retired Gentlewomen on a winter's evening. Characters: all in their late sixties or early seventies, retired gentlefolk Ethel, sardonic and rather aristocratic Madge, a short, tubby woman Louise, smallish and excitable Mary, gentle and sweet looking plus Matron, big, stout, motherly woman of about 55. 2.'Murder By Proxy' by Elizabeth Poynter Plot summary: CHARLES KEYNES is charming, arrogant and successful. He makes the life of his colleague HAROLD ROSS miserable. He seduces colleague ISOBEL LAMBERT, whom Harold secretly admires. Then he is arrested for murder, convicted and sentenced to hang. In the last scene, his missing alibi, chorus girl 'LORETA', turns up. Harold has to decide whether or not to persuade her to go to the police and save Charles' neck, or not. NB it is c. 1935 and hanging is the fairly automatic penalty for murder. Characters: HAROLD ROSS (late 30s.) Wears spectacles. Rather hesitant, lacking in confidence. Quiet and neat. ISOBEL LAMBERT (late 30s.) A university graduate, a woman working in a man's world. Intellectually successful, but unsure of herself as a woman. CHARLES KEYNES (30s.) Self-confident, arrogant, puts other people down without realising (or caring) how much he is hurting them. He needs to be credible as a seducer and a success in his career, yet obnoxious enough that the audience sympathises with Harold. INSPECTOR BRENT (older, probably 50s.) Very quiet and calm. Accent less upper-class than the above. 'LORETA' (20s.) Very made-up. A chorus-girl. More successful off stage than on. Yorkshire accent. RSVP: Jan Darnbrough 01274 565596 or at jan.darnbrough@hotmail.co.uk

Are you interested in taking your dramatic skills further? Or would you be interested in volunteering to help others “brush up their Shakespeare”? If you are, then would a ‘workshop’ idea appeal to you, for occasional times throughout the year? For e.g. Stage Combat, Lighting, Sound, and other ideas would be welcome! Please

contact Gillian Wright at gwright@phonecoop.coop

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FROM THE WINGS Unlike the saying that children should be seen but not heard, prompts are a breed that should be heard but not seen. They sit with their playscripts conscientiously following the lines by torchlight; ready to chip in if a player dries on stage (forgets his words - for those unfamiliar with theatrical terms). Very often they can’t see the whole of the stage from their perches and rely on the fact that they have followed the actors and actresses in rehearsals to know where those sticky patches are. For June Driver and Faye Hardy, our prompts for the June production of The Darling Buds of May, prompt corner was a shed situated stage left with a perfick view of the whole stage and cast. They sat like Grand Duchesses surveying the scenes below, peering through a small aperture six feet off the floor. Climbing a step ladder to her lofty position, June ecstatically declared, “It’s heaven. I wish it was always like this” and Faye, the next night, whooped “Awesome!”

Comedian Ken Dodd lends his support to our endeavours in the Arts Centre - now our permanent home - and was interested to read about the theatre’s history in a recent issue of the newsletter. I wondered if the country’s No 1 funny man would be able to do a one-night stand for us next year as part of our fund raising efforts. He replied “Unfortunately I really don’t think I will be able to help you as I am not taking on quite as much work as I used to. However, please let me know if you have any fundraising events where you might have a celebrity auction or raffle and to that end I enclose a DVD which you may be able to use on such an occasion.” Maybe that was a joke for there was no DVD enclosed! Ken remembered with affection the late Peter Holdsworth, a theatre member, as “ a great supporter of theatres and a great reporter.” He once stayed overnight with Peter and his wife, Anne, at their home in Southlands Avenue, Bingley, in the 80’s. Anne, who died in 1998, often used to talk about “the night that Ken came to stay” but Peter never said much to his cronies in the Bar – Andy Petrie, Alan Whitham, Harry Chapman and myself - as we munched our Thursday night pies. Peter sadly died 18 years ago.

Etain Barrett, better known to older members of the theatre as Etain Geoghegan, daughter of Laurie Geoghegan, a Past President of BLT (1970-80) and Chairman (1950-51) has written to me from her home in Saffron Walden. “I was touched to see my father appearing alongside Sir Donald Wolfit, Rex Squires and Donald and Patricia Clough (all past Presidents). Incidentally, I have recently heard that Laurie has been put in the Bradford Library Literary Archive alongside J.B. Priestley and John Braine and, of course, many others. Wonders never cease. “The review of MACBETH made me wish I had seen it and the cast list from the 1950’s production brought tears; we knew them all and were moved by the power of Ken Paine’s production. I noticed the messenger was my little brother Hilary and three cheers for Mary Newton playing witches in two productions in 62 years. Give her a hug from me.” Looking ahead, she adds, “With all the struggle behind and 99 years ahead, I have no doubt the success of the theatre will continue and the imagination and sheer force of creativity will make the Arts Centre famous world wide, the envy of so many similar centres and a pleasure to be experienced by all who pass that way.” Thanks, Etain.

Since the last newsletter there have been two theatre trips The first was to the Manchester Royal Exchange to see a very peculiar production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream set in what looked like a music recording studio. The script was cut to shreds and novelty took over. Now you may like the Bard to be experimented with in unusual ways but this was ridiculous and I – like most of those on the visit- prefer to be with the traditionalists. Any Shakespearian production will be under great scrutiny before we waste our money again. The second was our annual Mystery Trip. These are great fun because the destinations are never revealed until the coach gets there. What to wear is always a problem. Too much information would give the game away. This time the coach headed north east. Five minutes before the first destination everyone got thirsty so the coach had to pull in to a supermarket car park. Someone thought we were heading for Scarborough. In fact, we were going to the Yorkshire Lavender Farm, a few miles north of York. And the SUN came out! After an hour and a half’s stay, the passengers learned of their final destination – the YORK MYSTERY PLAYS. This was a great experience for most of the travellers but those who expected to back home by ten o’clock had a shock in store. The performance was three and a half hours long! It was after midnight when we landed back in the BLT car park. Another super day.

Congratulations to Andy Bailey, our chairman Jeff Peacock and Derek Lawrence who all shared a big birthday on the same day - June 6th. Andy was 50, Jeff 70 and Derek 80. That surely must be a one off. So, guys - that makes you 49, 69 and 79 respectively!

Anthony Leach

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BLT PLAYING STROLLERS JUNE JUBILEE WALK

Despite a downturn in the recent spell of hot weather a group of fifteen Playing Strollers braved the elements and celebrated the Diamond Jubilee in style. Long may she reign over us may have been the topic of the weekend but the rain certainly did nothing to enhance the walk from Oxenhope to Hebden Bridge via Crimsworth Dene and Hardcastle Crags lead by Susan Wood. There was a steep incline up the hill out of

Oxenhope but as you can see from the photograph we were rewarded by the wonderful view! However no expense was spared when it came to suitable attire, there was plenty of flag waving and Pauline Norris managed to keep reasonably dry under her jubilee umbrella! A themed jubilee lunch was enjoyed at Susan’s house in Oxenhope and thanks go to her for her hospitality. Whilst drying out, The Strollers rounded off the day by watching the Jubilee Pageant on television.

Christine McCabe

CONGRATULATIONS TO KAT MARTIN For the last eighteen months or so, Kat has been working towards the LAMDA DIPLOMA in DRAMATIC ART (LDDA), which she has now completed and passed with Merit. The syllabus is demanding and the standard high, and Kat is to be warmly congratulated on her success. It was no mean feat for her to achieve this and all the work entailed while also studying full time at Drama School. WELL DONE, KAT!

Christine McCabe and her husband Michael are enthusiastic BLT Strollers and Season Ticket holders. Christine is also a Team Manager with British Swimming (“and very proud to wear the T Shirt” she says). She was recently officiating at the fabulous Olympic Games, where she tells us, she had the most amazing time. We thought that was a good enough excuse to include these photographs.

Wendy Broadbent adds :- You may be interested in this little ditty my father-in-law used to trot out every time he even saw a scone: I asked the girl in dulcet tone To order me a buttered scone The silly girl has only gone And ordered me a buttered scone!

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UPDATE WHARFEDALE FESTIVAL OF THEATRE RESULTS We are delighted that a number of the Cast of ARABIAN NIGHTS won performance awards this

year. The Certificates were presented at the Gala Awards evening in July. Congratulations to: Jude Connolly, Eleanor Edwardes, Rosanna Loach, Dan Lane, Sophie Mullen, Sam Shaw and Jacob Simpson. SUMMER HOLIDAY DRAMA WORKSHOPS Following the successful two afternoon workshops last year in the Summer holidays, we decided to extend the programme this year. Kat Martin, home from drama school, and Louisa Parry put together a four day programme of lively and interesting sessions for two groups of students, 8 - 12 year olds in the mornings and 13 - 16 year olds in the afternoons. The theme for the younger group was “Theatre round the world”. The first session was on Greek theatre, the second on Italian Commedia del ’Arte, the third used Japanese “Noh” as a starting point for working with masks, and on Thursday there was a brief look at American musicals (including learning a song with actions) before putting together some of the items to show the parents in the evening. The older group’s theme was theatre through the ages: Greek theatre chorus, the Promenade nature of Mediaeval Theatre, Shakespeare's verse, and a quick glance at the differences between melodrama, naturalism and realism. The older group also spent some time on Thursday rehearsing for the evening when we had an audience of between 50 and 60 parents and friends to watch a variety of short pieces performed by members of both groups. Of course not everyone had been able to attend all the sessions and a number were not available on the Thursday. However those who were performed well and gave the audience a varied and entertaining hour. Thanks and congratulations are due to Kat and Louisa for organising a very happy and successful week.

KALEIDOSCOPE INVOLVEMENT IN VARIOUS PLAYS We are delighted that Dan Lane will be appearing in FLARE PATH and Alice Roberts and Jude Connolly in THE HAPPIEST DAYS OF YOUR LIFE. In addition in the Studio production of MY MOTHER SAID I NEVER SHOULD, Eleanor Edwardes is one of the cast of four, while Sam Shaw and Joslan Scherewode will be appearing with Bingley Amateurs in THE SOUND OF MUSIC. We look forward to seeing them all!

Rosemary Grainger

The Younger Group

The Older Group

Summer Kaleidoscope - a Mum's perspective (See next page) I attended the Summer Performances in early July - a warm Summer's evening - and really enjoyed both Junior and Intermediate plays. The Junior play - Three Characters in Search of a Verdict - was excellently put together, with all actors displaying different talents, and enjoying a slice of the limelight. Jessica Landi was excellent as the judge, as were many of the other lawyers and court officials, and the dead-pan humour of the other characters was well played. The Intermediate performance, The Bourbons and Other Crackers was a whirlwind of History through the ages. The actors performed with relish and humour the different historical events; some notable characters being Alfred the Great, Henry VIII, Mary Queen of Scots, Robert the Bruce and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Overall a fabulous evening watching children as young as eight displaying some real talent - and more importantly, a real enthusiasm for performing!

Jo Martin

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SUCCESSFUL SUMMER PERFORMANCE WEEKEND IN THE THEATRE UPSTAIRS The Summer term ended with a very successful weekend in the Theatre Upstairs. The Junior & Intermediate groups delighted their audiences with three performances of two one act plays, THREE CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF A VERDICT and BOURBONS AND OTHER CHARACTERS by Sue Gordon, while the Senior & Advanced classes, following their successful production of ARABIAN NIGHTS in April, came together again to give two successful SHOWCASE performances on the theme of TIME AND TECHNOLOGY. THREE CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF A VERDICT performed by the Junior group This play consisted of three mock trials set in the “Fairy-tale Land Court of Justice”, the accused being Jack’s Mother, Goldilocks and A Big Bad Wolf. Using three well known fairy tales, the play revealed some little known “facts” about the characters, giving the stories totally new interpretations. BOURBONS AND OTHER CHARACTERS performed by the Intermediate group It was the turn of History to get a make-over in the Intermediates’ play. This was a breathless and random scramble through the ages, as we were presented with characters ranging from Tutankhamen to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, via various

British monarchs and statesmen. With Bonnie Prince Charlie rowing backwards and forwards across the stage at intervals throughout the play (and never arriving), King Ethelred never being ready and Henry V with swimming bands rushing “Unto the Beach dear friends” we were entertained to a highly original version of history. Somehow, in and amongst, Little Miss Muffett became involved with Robert the Bruce, while “Celia Smith” appeared in a cookery programme with King Alfred. There were some delightful performances in both plays and the audiences were left in no doubt about the strength of the talents of our younger members. Of

course none of this would have been possible without the help and support of the parents who provided the costumes and helped with dressing and supervision. Especial thanks are due to Lynn George (Assistant Tutor), Louise Potter & Sarah Wilson (parents) who organised the Props, worked backstage and controlled the Cast, and Neil Cookson (parent) who prepared and ran the Sound effects. Neil also resourced the Sound effects for the older groups’ performances. Thanks also to Charlie Western (Kaleidoscope member) who ran the Lighting and Maya George (also Kaleidoscope) who assisted back-stage. TIME & TECHNOLOGY The SENIOR groups performed two series of vignettes, one about waiting and the other about the ridiculous omniscience of mobile phones. The light, humorous material we chose for the Showcase could have been stronger and as always, rehearsal time was limited, but nevertheless, the cast of the 32 performed well. While the sketches were amusing, they also provoked some thoughtful responses to the way we use technology and our time. Only a small group from the ADVANCED class were available, owing to exam pressures and other commitments, and rehearsal time was even more limited. However they still managed to perform a range of material related to the theme. This included funny sketches and a more serious ensemble piece based on a folk tale which used Choral narrative and physical theatre and was underscored throughout. It was a pleasure to work with the whole group but a special mention must go to Charlie Western, who was accidentally missed out of the programme. As well as running the lighting for the younger groups’ performances as already mentioned, he was the central figure in the group's main piece. It was good to see Brad Judge, a former Kaleidoscope member back from university, making a guest appearance on the Friday night and he also contributed some of the staging ideas for the ensemble piece, The Thread of Life. THANKS In addition to those who helped with the JUNIOR & INTERMEDIATE performances, we were indebted to members of BLT for their help with the weekend as a whole, creating the posters, printing the tickets and ensuring that the front of house arrangements ran smoothly. In particular however thanks are due to Richard Thompson and Jeff Peacock who put up apron stage and the tiered seating. Richard also ensured that the lights were set appropriately and ran the lighting and sound for the SENIOR & ADVANCED groups. We are also very grateful once again to Katy Gaul who played for ALL the performances.

Louisa Parry & Rosemary Grainger

Cast of Three Characters in search of a Verdict

Ethelred is ready at last in The Bourbons and Other Crackers

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Dear Ed Darling Buds was a super show .Brilliantly staged, acted, produced and Wow, the props. All that food, how did they manage it ? The kids certainly tucked in, (any tummy troubles ?). But apart from the show, it's a night out. Yes, to be royally entertained but also to meet old friends, both in the Theatre and in the Bar afterwards and reminisce. This is what live theatre is all about. Brilliant.

John Taylor

Letters to the Editor

BLT Comedy Night

Thursday 13th September saw the inaugural BLT Comedy Night arranged by the Studio Committee and held in the bar and rehearsal room upstairs. We were unsure at first what the response would be from those wishing to perform and from those just wanting to come along and watch. However, due partly to the wealth of talent that we have at the theatre but mainly to the quality of Margaret Wilcock’s pie and peas the evening was a great success. Acts performed a broad range of 'stand ups' including quick fire gags, risqué songs, comic readings and musical pieces. Thanks to the performers; the Scotts and Calverts, Frank Etchells, Robin Martin, Bruce Grainger, David Templeton, Sue Steward, Rosie Crabbe White, Brian Stoner, John Taylor, Patricia Clough and John Eaton (hope I haven't missed anyone). Several people were heard to say afterwards that they wished they had got involved so it looks like we may reprise the evening some time in the future.

Jonathan Scott

“Cheap Flights” performed by the Scotts and Calverts

ARTS CENTRE GIGS

The first of what we hope will be regular Rock/ Blues events - The Mick Ralphs Band was a great success. Nearly 350 people turned up on the 3rd August in a packed Arts centre to see veteran Blues guitarist Mick Ralphs and his band. A great time was had by all. By the time you read this a second band will have played (The Pat McManus Band). A third - Bonafide - is booked for the 23rd November.

Tickets are available for this 'gig' at the Arts Centre Box Office, 11:00am to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday. By Phone: 01274 567983, 11:00am to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday. Email: boxoffice@bingleyartscentre.co.uk Online: www.ticketsource.co.uk (a booking fee applies to online bookings)

Our BAC website tells us:- "Their mission; to play Hard Rock the way it´s supposed to be played!" Early December 2011, BONAFIDE made their UK debut at the Hard Rock Hell Festival´s main stage. In all BONAFIDE did 10 shows around the UK, culminating in a show at London's famous Islington O2 Academy. In spring/early summer 2012 BONAFIDE will release a third full length album, and a full scale world tour is planned to kick off during the Summer"

Bonafide

Something for everyone? From The Globe to a new Studio play written by a member, from Pie and Peas to Rock 'n Roll, from a thriving Youth Group to extra-theatre Social activities,

past and future....there is surely something for everyone in this your latest newsletter. Inevitably, the Arts Centre takes centre stage in this issue, with a wealth of up-to-date information on its transformation. But we have also tried to give due weight to the rest of our thriving social and artistic scene. Thanks as ever to the many contributors who make this newsletter a vehicle of communication, and - we hope - of interest to you all. Do you have any thoughts, comments, ideas about the Arts Centre or any other issue referred to herein? If so, we'd love to hear from you via the usual channels.

Robin Martin

Editorial

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Social Update Thank you to all who came to support the Coffee Morning on 21st July (see aside) and the Garden Party on the Sunday, both were very good and well supported. Future Events COFFEE MORNING Friday 26 October. We hope to have a regular coffee morning on the Friday of each play week. Just pop in and have a drink and a chat. A DAY AT THE RACES Saturday 6th October 7.30pm £6 including supper. Horses will be avail-able to buy and name before, and on the night, £1 each. CHRISTMAS PARTY Saturday 15th December Pressies to cost no more than £3. NEW YEAR 65TH CELEBRATION DINNER DANCE NEW TO YOU FASHION SHOW Friday 11th January We hope to raise a lot of money by doing our own show so please look through your wardrobe for things you no longer want or an odd mistake you made, clothes, accessories, shoes, bags etc.. Contributions can be brought to the theatre anytime, we just ask that they are clean and preferably ironed. We will also need models on the night. For details of any of the above ask any member of the social team.

Margaret Wilcock Social Chairman

BLT’s Garden Party at Ian and Judith Smithson’s on 22 July

The Angel of The North?

Our genial host Ian Smithson - Lord of all he Surveys

John Norris. Whatever is he doing?

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Notice Board

This page is to advertise up and coming events at BLT. If you wish to make fellow-members aware of an event you are planning, please send your

information through the normal channels

? ? Fun Quiz ? ? Thursday 1 November

(usually the Thursday following Play Week) Captain Prunes invites Members to a Fun Quiz

in the Victoria Bar. Play in teams of up to four

£1 per person. Beef Butties £1 ‘Key’ Jackpot!

STUDIO

Dates for your Diaries - Saturday/Sunday 20 & 21 October

at 7.30pm. My Mother Said I Never Should

by Charlotte Keatley. Directed by Rosemary Grainger

* * * * * Saturday/Sunday 1 & 2 December

at 7.30pm Nasty Things, Murders

a play by Arthur Lovegrove Directed by Gerard Kennedy

and Murder By Proxy

by Elizabeth Poynter (Director to be decided)

All Tickets £5 from jan.darnbrough@hotmail.co.uk

or from the Arts Centre Box Office 567983 or reserve them on the

Studio Notice Board by the Victoria Bar.

Studio Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month at 8.00pm. All members who wish to

promote Studio Productions are welcome.

BLT’s Antiques & Collectables Fair

We regret that there will be no more Antiques Fairs until 2013

Thank you for all your support. Watch for further notices.

October 6 Day at the Races October 20 & 21 My Mother Said I Never Should 

October 22‐27 Flare Path October 26 Coffee Morning in the Arts Centre 

November 1 Captain Prunes Quiz Night December 1 & 2 Nasty Things, Murders + Murder by Proxy 

December 3‐8 The Happiest Days of your Life December 13  Captain Prunes Quiz Night 

December 15 Christmas Party December 31 New Year’s Eve 

January 11 New to You Fashion Show 

You are no longer be able to book tickets through the

Alhambra, St George’s Hall, the Council Shop in Bingley or any other outlet.

Instead, you can book in the following ways:-

In person: at Bingley Arts Centre 11.00am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday

By phone: 01274 567983, 11.00am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday

Online: http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/bingleyartscentre

(a booking fee applies to online bookings)

Ticket Exchanges can be made at the Arts Centre during the above times at a cost of £1 per transaction

Ticket prices remain unchanged

At a Glance

October

to

January

at BLT

See elsewhere for details

The Playing Strollers meet on the first Sunday of each month normally in BLT’s car park at 9.30. Watch the notice boards for details. If you want any more information or want to put yourself on the email list you can contact Barry on 01535 272114 or barry.d.greenwood@btinternet.com So, see you there for the next walk on 7 October