Letter from SVP Chair
As we approach the start of a new year, plus of course our next pantomime, it is a good time to look back at what we have achieved in 2023.
It has certainly been a busy time for all members, some much busier than others, but everyone making a contribution in one way or another.
The Sunday morning Youth Workshops have been a huge success, as seen by the production of Anniversary at Camelot, which was directed and acted by our younger members and was evidence of the way they have grown in ability and confidence. The workshops are currently suspended whilst pantomime rehearsals take place, but will resume in February.
As always, the summer production at Acton Reynald, this year an Agatha Christie favourite “And Then There Were None", was a huge success with very satisfying audience numbers and nail-biting performances by those on stage. Thanks again to Richard Bray for his hard work as Director; to Chris Fraser as producer; to Judith & Chris Mackley for the use of their home and to everyone else who worked so hard in their many and various capacities.
Rehearsals are well underway for Treasure Island, our pantomime to be performed in January, with Catherine and Clare making their debuts as directors with SVP. Watching the actors on stage it is clear that SVP is very age inclusive as the cast ages range from 8-80, an achievement of which we should be very proud.
Looking beyond the pantomime, plans are already in place for next year's productions, with another Agatha Christie in April "A Murder is Announced"; The Vicar of Dibley in September; Pantomime 2024 and hopefully another performance by the younger members in the summer.
The monthly quiz nights are to be suspended for a while as numbers have been quite low, but our grateful thanks to Lisa, Callum, Grace and others for keeping it going as it has brought in useful additional revenue.
We are very fortunate to have a reasonable supply of people who wish to act, but where we do struggle at present is to fill positions such as prompt, backstage, children's helpers and front of house - very often people start in one of these roles and then get lured onto the stage. Any help with filling these supporting activities would be welcomed with open arms.
Finally, the best of Christmas wishes and hopes for the New Year are sent to all our members and to those who support us so loyally in many and various ways.
Jo Humphreys
SVP Chair
Dates for the Diary
Saturday 9th & Saturday 16th December - Set up days for the pantomime, mostly painting taking place on the 9th, and the stage being built on the 16th
Saturday 30th December - Changing rooms and tech setup
Thursday 4th to Saturday 6th January - Treasure Island Pantomime (TICKETS HERE)
Sunday 7th January - Panto take-down
Sunday 4th February - First SVP Workshop session of 2024
Friday 26th February - Next Quiz
Thursday 18th to Saturday 20th April - 'A Murder is Announced' performances
