This years play, which is being produced by Barbara Simpson, is a farce with parts for 3 ladies and 3 men.

For anyone interested in being involved , there is to be a play reading at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 21 st June, which will take place in the Mutual Room at St. Mary's Centre.

Society Receives Award

The Town Council has chosen Clitheroe Parish Church Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society to receive the `John Barry Award for Arts and Culture' for 2006. The Award, in the form of a framed certificate, was received on behalf of the Society by Terry Till and Jean Croft at the Annual Meeting of Clitheroe Town Council in the Ribble Valley Civic Suite on Tuesday 2nd May 2006.

Change of Show for 2007

After discussions with Tony Fry and Gary Worthy, who are producing the next show, the Committee decided that our original choice of show would be unsuitable. So, after lengthy deliberations, it was agreed that “Anything Goes” would be a good show for our society and that the Secretary would apply for the licence immediately.

Obituary

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of an old friend of the society. Geoff Bottoms died on Friday the 2nd of June aged 82. Geoff will be remembered by many for helping his wife, Dee, backstage with props and for many years producing a video of the dress rehearsal for the entertainment of the cast. Geoff leaves his wife Dee, daughter Debbie, son in law Brian and granddaughters Emma and Rebecca. Our thoughts are with them at this time.

Report of last show

This is the report of our last show which was published in the last edition of NODA Northwest News.

Directed by: Howard G. Raw Musical Director: Chris Andrews Choreographer: Anne Grogan
This was my second musical of the season. Crazy For You, with such inimitable songs as “Embraceable You and “I Got Rhythm” by George and Ira Gershwin, won our hearts from the start.

The story is set in the Nevada. A city boy comes to save the local theatre; it’s a great success and he also gets the girl.

The Orchestra under the baton of Chris Andrews played beautifully, being both sympathetic to the performers and the audience alike. I thought Andrew controlled all the numbers with professionalism and confidence and the sound levels were great; well done.
The scenery was effective and the use of projection and stage aprons worked well, with the scene changes taking place without fuss and noise. Lighting was simple but effective. The only technical problem on the night I attended was when one of the personal mic’s seemed to fail during the first half. However, this did not detract from the overall performance.
The direction under the control of Howard G. Raw was fantastic. Every member of the company knew when and where they had to be and strong lead characterisations came to the forefront during this performance.

Costumes and wigs were wonderful and fitted the period — a credit to Brenda Dixon and team.
All the cast and Company had obviously worked extremely hard on this show, but none more so than Anne Grogan the choreographer. You need a medal for this momentous task. All the dance numbers were polished with everyone knowing what to do, and when. And you even made simple steps look fantastic!
The tap routines were both effortless and well rehearsed; well done.

And now the Cast: David Hulme gave a good account of himself as Bobby Child, the dance numbers flowed and he seemed at ease with this demanding role.
Irene Roth was played with grace and confidence by Andrea Cawley I would have liked to seen a little more grit when you presented your song ‘Naughty Baby’ but well done for a likeable characterisation.
Mrs Lottie Child played with style by Jean Pells but on the night I attended, the accent seemed to slip a little.
Lank Hawkins was played by the experienced Brian Haworth squeezing every ounce of comedy from this normally very dry role. I loved the way you portrayed this character, good use of guns; great performance.
Tess was well executed by Samantha Smith with good diction and movement around the set.
Everett Baker’s role was played by Tom Garner who had a wonderful reprise of ‘Things Are Looking Up’. Great acting, loved the interpretation.
Eugene Fodor played by Bob Cleeve, and Patricia Fodor played by Lesley Haworth made a great comedy duo. The accents were great with good comedy timing making their performances a pleasure to watch.
Bela Zangler was played in his own inimitable style by Howard G. Raw. I loved the character and especially the bar scene. What comedy — I loved it. This was followed by a great interpretation of the song ‘What Causes That’. Both Howard and David must have worked so hard on that scene it came across so funny; the audience was in stitches; well done.
The men’s and ladies chorus worked so hard to deliver their great numbers and the dancers worked hard to please the audience.

The star of the show in my opinion was Bethany Clews who portrayed Polly Baker. I understand that this was this young lady’s first principal role, Wow! I am sure we will be
seeing more of her in the future. At first her character was gntty and she was clearly not interested in the lovelorn Bobby but we saw a warmth developing until she realised she was in love. Bethany worked the whole stage and gave a wonderful rendition of ‘But Not For Me'.

The show had many highlights for me; the routine with the chairs worked well during ‘Stiff Upper Lip’. The singing was excellent and everyone in the cast and company worked as a team. You should all be proud of a first class show.

Newsletter from June 1st, 2006

Society Receives Award

Change of Show for 2007

Obituary

Report of last show