Players rose to the challenge

Denstone Players

MANY members attended a general meeting on November 22 at Denstone Village Hall. Terry Davies, director of the latest production Improbable Fiction, said how pleased he was with the performance.

“We rose to the challenge of this Alan Ayckbourn comedy with a strong cast and excellent support from back stage and front of house crews,” he said. “The audience reaction has been very positive and complimentary, the play was a wonderful experience and had stretched boundaries.

“It had been a highly successful team effort.”

Thanks were extended to Stephen Leake for his work on the set, lighting and sounds.

Chairman Dave Shooter thanked Terry for his vision and commitment to making the play such a success.

Thanks were also expressed to Denstone Hall Farm Shop for acting as a box office. Members were delighted to hear that the owners have pledged to continue selling tickets on the group’s behalf for all future productions.

The impact on ticket sales due to the closure of Denstone Stores was noted – as was the increase in internet sales.

The QR reader option for buying tickets will continue and no doubt prove to be even more successful in the future.

The chairman presented a £500 donation to David Boden representing the Tom Boden Memorial Sports Trust which will be used to refurbish the sports pavilion.

The “Best float in Show” cup was presented. This was awarded in September by the organisers of the Country Show and won jointly by Denstone Players and the Denstone WI. The £25 prize was also shared.

It was agreed that a new, purpose-built set of stage blocks should be purchased and grants applied for to meet part of the cost. The players’ next production is the annual pantomime for which rehearsals are well under way.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be directed by Gill Brown and performed on February 21-23 (with two performances) next year. Tickets will be on sale in the new year but could make ideal Christmas gifts by being reserved on 01538 722667.

It was agreed that a Variety Show will be held on June 14 and 15. Auditions will be held in March.

Even further ahead, it was agreed that the play A Case of Mistaken Identity, a two-act comedy written specifically for Denstone Players by Les Humphries should be performed in early October.

This comedy will be put on with a hot meal as a way of making an enjoyable evening for the audience.

Social Secretary Sue Davies reported that some members had greatly enjoyed the CATS production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and that possible visits to see other local am-dram group productions will be considered when dates are known.

The revised Child Protection Policy and proposed Privacy Policy were agreed for adoption unanimously.

It was further agreed to establish an archive section on the society’s website.

The next meeting of Denstone Players will be held shortly after the February pantomime.