News Letter - Autumn 2016
A Summer Bargain was in store for the Audience
Glitz and glamour came to Stourbridge Town Hall when the whole of our talented company
performed what was without question their most complex and challenging production to date.
MYTH IN STORE, created by our Director Susan Wallin, transferred the ancient Greek myth
of Persephone to a 1930’s department store. Here we experienced real drama, comedy,
love, loss and longing.
The stage was transformed with an authentic lift (built by John Field) that created the
impression that our cast could move swiftly between the floors of the store. The use of
effective and quickly changing lighting, and the actors positioning the on-stage props, all
helped to maintain the fast pace of the show. Full marks must go to the costume department,
dressing the actors in stylish costumes - with smart dresses and hats for the ladies and top
hat and tails for the
men. Dance and
movement to wellchosen music, the
delivery of the
script, and live
singing by the cast
have once again
pushed back the
boundaries of what
SbS can achieve.
After Show Party
Following a very successful
week performing MYTH IN
STORE, SbS cast members
together with stage crew,
back stage helpers, and the
front of house team enjoyed
a buffet and a chance to
exchange their stories from
the show.
At the party, NODA long service badges were
presented to Toby Shaw (10 yrs), Theresa Byrne
and Jason Hinchcliffe (15yrs) by NODA member
Graham Smith.
Fringe Festival Fun
In August, our actors and support team travelled by coach to Edinburgh to perform a one
hour version of MYTH IN STORE at Paradise at Augustines. Following a rehearsal on the
Monday, SbS presented the show every day from Tuesday to Saturday. It was an amazing
week with some wonderful audience feed-back, including a lovely e mail from Rob Conner,
the Financial Director of the Edinburgh International Festival, who said that he “thought the
production and performance was excellent”. Our accommodation was at the new Christine
Miller block of Herriot Watt University. All of our 44 rooms were very spacious and, as well
as the building having a large meeting area, there was also a lift – ideal for transporting our
luggage and show props.
During the week, we also fitted in a trip
to the Zoo and the International Tattoo,
and ended the week with a meal at the
Toby Carvery. Derek said that the whole
trip went very well, and he was
especially pleased with Prospect
Coaches who supplied their ‘Ski Trip’
coach fitted out with additional storage
compartments – all of which were filled.
Sue was pleased to have had so much
help from our traveling team members
and our growing number of younger
supporters.
Our 2017 Production Is Getting Ready For Lift Off
“Within all of us there is the potential to rise above the
confines of our perceived limitations and fly on wings of our
aspirations, to touch the sky” Susan Rachel Wallin 1999.
To celebrate our 20th year, Sue has written Worlds Beyond
- a brand new production taking SbS on a journey into outer
space. You will be our passengers on the Star Ship Aspire
as we search for Life, encounter meteorite storms, and
discover other planets, strange plants, Aliens and robots. John
Field is busy at work constructing our space ship, and the
technical team are developing new costumes, special effects
and music. Opening night will be at Stourbridge Town Hall on
Wednesday 21 June, and performances will continue until
Saturday 24 June.
To get everyone ready for
the
adventure,
SbS
members
visited
the
National Space Centre near
Leicester on 27 September.
A feature at the centre was
a large planetarium in which
SbS members could see the
vast expanse of planets and
stars. Everyone enjoyed the
spectacular
displays
of
rockets and space modules.
There was even a chance to
experience a simulated ride
into space.
Training - Emma reports that the Wednesday and Thursday groups are proving to be very
popular. Emma is planning to create a small scale production to give the groups even more
experience. It may be possible to perform this locally, and to fit this production into our main
show.
Ruskin Centre - Our Dancers will perform Top Hat and Tails and Baubles Bangles and
Beads at the arts venue in Amblecote on Saturday 26 November. The performances taken
from our last show will take place at 2pm, and will be part of the Centre’s Christmas Fayre.
SbS will also have a promotional stand to advertise Worlds Beyond.
Dudley Festival - SbS will be entering the Dudley Festival planned for 2017. The Festival
was under threat of closure, but we now understand that it will be going ahead.
Annual General Meeting - The SbS AGM will be held at New Road Methodist Church on
Tues 15 November. The meeting starts at 7pm – please do your best to attend.
Surprise Party Guest
Strictly Come Dancing
star Anton du Beke
called in to help Susie
Schwartz (who played
the part of Persephone in
MYTH
IN
STORE)
celebrate
her
21st
birthday. Susie’s brother
Tom had organised his
visit. Anton stayed for
over an hour, and spent
time talking and dancing
with SbS members.
Social Events help to boost SbS funds
The canal boat trip planned for June (that had to be cancelled due to floods) was rearranged
for the 16th September. The weather was very kind and everyone had a good evening £170 was raised on the night. The Times Delights concert held at St James’s Church
Wollaston raised £228, and the Acoustafoam Golf day added £1900 to the funds. Pat Perry
and friends had a jumble Sale which gave us £320, and the Bromsgrove School event added
another £1085. (Thanks to June Field for supplying these details).
Music of the Night - A Fundraiser for SbS
Stourbridge based Gig Caritas performed a
concert featuring invited West End singing stars,
and their full chorus and orchestra to perform the
music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. The fund raising
event was held at the Civic Hall Brierley Hill on
Saturday 2 July, and has helped to raise £1219 for
SbS. During the concert four of our members came
on stage to talk about their involvement with SbS.
Sarah explained the history of SbS and Ben talked
about our successful involvement with the RSC at Stratford. James told everyone about the
experience of performing at Edinburgh, and Susie said how SbS had made such a positive
impact on her life. Pictured on stage at the concert are Ben, Susie, James and Sarah.
Christmas Party Time
Our party will be at Stourbridge Lawn Tennis and Squash Club from 7pm
on Tuesday 13 December. To enjoy our excellent buffet and dancing tickets are £10 each. Please contact Sue or Louise by 1st November. Raffle
tickets are now on sale, and the winning tickets will be drawn at the party.
Remember – the more tickets we sell, the more funds we raise for SbS. We
still require a few items for the raffle prize hampers, so please ring John
Field 01905641767 if you are able to donate any gifts.
Christmas Cards - SbS cards will soon be available. Contact Louise or Sue for details.
Treasure Island trip is sold out - The SbS visit to see Treasure Island at Birmingham
Rep has sold out. If you have paid the £5 deposit to be on the trip – please make sure you
pay the remaining £12.