Twyford panto will follow Dick’s quest for streets of gold
Mill up for another award – and needs digs
ATHEATRE in Sonning has been shortlisted for a national sustainability award for its work in generating its own power.
The Mill at Sonning, which draws the electricity for its lighting in the theatre, restaurant, bar, reception and backstage areas from a hydroelectric scheme harnessing the power of the River Thames, has been shortlisted for the prize at The Stage Awards 2018.
The Sustainability Award recognises theatres or companies that have implemented significant environmental initiatives.
The Mill’s hydroelectric scheme, which was launched in July
2005, means that the theatre has dramatically reduced its energy bills, and saves approximately 75 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
The Mill has been shortlisted alongside Arcola Theatre and The Attic.
Alistair Smith, editor of The Stage and chair of the judging panel, said: “I’m delighted The Stage Awards once again celebrate the achievements of theatres from across the UK, many of which aren’t recognised at other ceremonies.
“This year’s shortlist highlights the theatrical talent among organisations of all sizes, right across the UK.”
The winner will be announced at The Stage Awards on January 26 at the Theatre Royal, in London.
Can you put up an actor?
THE MILL at Sonning is looking for accommodation for its visiting actors, and is calling on members of the local community to help.
Actors from all over the country perform at the theatre and are in need of somewhere to stay during that time.
The theatre is calling on local residents who have a comfortable, spare bedroom which they are happy to rent out to be added to its ‘Digs List’ for 2018.
Actors may request to stay for a couple of nights or for the full duration of a show, which is usually around eight weeks, but residents are not required to take bookings that are not convenient.
The price charged is up to the resident, but as a guide actors will expect to pay between £65-£85 per week. The resident will also be offered a pair of free tickets to the opening night of the show their tenant is appearing in.
A spokesperson for The Mill said: “We are very grateful to people who open their homes to our actors, so as a thank you
The Mill at Sonning will also offer a pair of complimentary tickets to anyone who is providing accommodation to our actors on the Opening Nights of our shows.
“We find that people stay on our Digs List for many years and enjoy being linked with the theatre, but you are welcome to come off the Digs List at any time.”
To join the Digs List or for more information, email vanessa@ millatsonning.com, or call 0118 969 8000. You will be asked to complete a short form providing a few details e.g. distance from the theatre, amenities you provide, Wi-Fi access, any pets etc. THE TALE of a man and his talented cat will be performed as a late panto treat by a theatre group in Twyford next month.
The Twyford and Ruscombe Theatre
Group will present the hilarious story of Dick Whittington and his Cat to audiences at Loddon Hall between January 11 and 13.
The lively show, which features music, dancing and plenty of corny jokes, tells the tale of Dick and his cat, who arrive in London to try to rid the city of the dreaded King Rat and his entourage.
Eventually, after a voyage on the high seas to Morocco, a shipwreck and a whole host of other adventures, Dick returns to London victorious.
Featuring a full cast of loveable characters, the group has pulled out all the stops to give theatregoers a real post-Christmas treat which will see them through the New Year.
Dick Whittington and his Cat is performed at Loddon Hall on Thursday, January 11 and Friday, January 12 at 7.45pm, and Saturday, January 13 at 2pm and 7pm.
Tickets start from £7 and are available by calling the Box Office on 07378 163771 or visiting www.twyrusdrama.org.uk.