Ginger53

To celebrate the 75h birthday of one of British theatres most popular and prolific playwrights, the 53 Theatre Group will be performing 'Flat Spin' by Alan Ayckbourn. The play focuses on Rosie Seymour, a struggling actress who's career is going nowhere, her love life is even worse and she is desperately in need of a big break. To make ends meet, she takes a job as cleaner in a swanky London apartment block and whilst performing her duties, is interrupted by handsome neighbour Sam, who mistakes her for flat owner Joanna. Desperate for company and maybe a little romance, she fails to correct the error - a little white lie that gets her into a whole heap of trouble. Imagine dropping Bridget Jones into the middle of a Hitchcock film, the result is chaos and comedy in equal measure and a heroine that audiences can really root for. The play features genuine thrills, a cast of memorable characters and the sharp comic dialogue for which the author is renowned. Alan Ayckbourn is one of the country's most popular and prolific playwrights with 78 plays to his credit. Major successes include 'A Chorus of Disapproval', 'The Norman Conquests' and the ever popular 'Seasons Greetings'. By happy chance we will be performing the play on the 12th April, Sir Alan's birthday and would be delighted if you could join us. The play runs from the 9th - 12th April at the Library Theatre, Sheffield. Tickets are £8.00 (£7.00 concessions) and can be obtained by calling 0114 286 2740 or emailing: [email protected]. Curtain up at 7.30 p.m.

Hello The 53 Group will be performing Hi De Hi at the Library Theatre Sheffield from the 13 - 16 November. The play, by Paul Carpenter and Ian Gower, is adapted from the original TV series written by David Croft and Jimmy Perry and features a cast of unforgettable characters including wide boy camp comedian Ted and his hapless stooge Spike, hopeless romantic Gladys and the object of her affection Jeffrey and of course, the ever optimistic chalet maid Peggy, still desperate to win her place amongst the glamorous yellow coats. The plot is simple, with the announcement that a new Maplin's camp is set to be built in the Bahamas, the competition for jobs amongst staff is fierce and whilst the ladies compete in a beauty pageant to secure their place abroad, manager Jeffrey must cope with the trials and tribulations of keeping his camp afloat. Those familiar with the original sit com should enjoy revisiting these popular characters as much as the cast have done. Those new to the show will hopefully fall in love with them just as we all did back in the day Tickets for the show are £8.00 (£7.00 concession) and can be booked by calling 0114 286 2740 Hi De Hi!

The 53 Group will be presenting, "The Memory of Water" by Shelagh Stephenson at the Library Theatre from 10th - 13th April 2013. The play won the Laurence Olivier Award for comedy in 2000 and focuses on three sisters who gather in the family home on the eve of their mother’s funeral and are forced to confront their feelings for her and for each other. United by grief they may be but as is always the case when sisters get together, it's not long before the bickering begins and the ladies start to argue over their very different recollections of shared events. As the funeral draws closer and the whiskey flows, the ladies start to let go of their inhibitions (the presence of a large joint helps them along their way) and past conflicts, jealousies and family secrets are exposed. As they try to come to terms with their mothers death, the sisters are forced to confront the choices they have made in their lives, will the funeral bring them closer together or drive them further apart? The portrayal of grief in the play is real and poignant and as is often the case when families come together in times of tragedy, there are as many laughs as there are tears. The female members of the cast in particular, are relishing their roles and Stephenson's award winning dialogue which is as funny as it is touching. If you have sisters - or mothers come to that - you are going to identify with this! Tickets for the performances are £8.00 (£7.00 conc) and can be booked by calling 0114 286 2740

The 53 Theatre Group will be performing 'The Memory of Water' at the Library Theatre from the 10 - 13 of April. The play won the Laurence Olivier Award for comedy in 2000 and focuses on three sisters who gather at the family home on the eve of their mother’s funeral to make the necessary arrangements. United by grief they may be but - as is always the way with sisters - its not long before the bickering begins and past conflicts, jealousies and family secrets are revealed. As the sisters look back over their lives and the key events that shaped them, there are as many tears as there are laughs as they try to come to terms with their mother's death and the choices they have made in their lives. Will the funeral bring them closer together or drive them further apart? You will have to come and see it to find out! Tickets are £8.00 (£7.00 conc) and can be booked by calling 0114 286 2740

If you fancy a fun night out, you could do a lot worse than joining the 53 Theatre Group for the their latest production, Ladies' Day by Amanda Whittington. This laugh out loud comedy tells the story of a group of female factory workers fr om Yorkshire who decide to take a day off from the daily grind of fish filleting, to spend a day at the races. The ladies wangle free entry to the grandstand and decide to risk their meagre savings on a 6 horse accumulator, all the horses in which are inspired by a mutual love of Tony Christie - might today be their lucky day? As the champagne flows and the horses keep winning, our heroines start to lose their inhibitions and we discover that in addition to celebrating her early retirement, Pearl is plotting an assignation with an elusive bookie; Linda is struggling to cope with her irresponsible mother; unlucky in love Jan is harboring a secret passion and wannabe glamour girl Shelley is looking for an opportunity. Might Ladies Day be the day on which their dreams come true? There is only way to find out! The play will be performed at the Library Theatre, Surrey Street from Wed 7 to Saturday 10 of November, and if you are interested in finding out more or in booking tickets you can call the ticket secretary on the following number 0114 286 2740

Sounds good, I'll dust off my dancin shoes

Couldn't agree more, first night was a cracker and all three groups were excellent Chalk and Cheese was my fave too, I particularly liked the karaoke singer!! Poor Freddie will be turning in his grave. There are still two nights to go so if you fancy getting in out of the rain, pop along and see what's on.

If you are undecided about what to see during the event, come down on opening night and check out Chalk and Cheese, I only say this because I have seen it and its ace!! Written by a local man its the tale of two brothers from Sheffield, as different as two people can be but bound by family ties. Only one thing can come between them - and she does!! Come along and see what happens

Thanks for the tip, I have been in touch and have fingers crossed that they will do a feature! Keep your eyes peeled!

If you fancy a night out at the theatre why not check out the SADATA one act play festival at the Library Theatre next week. The annual event is a celebration of the very best in amateur drama and we are delighted to welcome groups from across Sheffield to compete against one another in this three day competition. Details of what is on and when are One Act Play Festival 2012 Thursday 21st - Saturday 23rd June 2012 THURSDAY 21st JUNE- Gosforth Youth Theatre, “Now That’s What I Call Shakespeare!” by Rod Duncan 53 Theatre Group, "Chalk & Cheese" by Dave Oxley Tudor Players “Scarecrow” by Don Nigro FRIDAY 22nd JUNE- Dronfield Players “The Train” by Carl Slotboom The Strolling Players “Sky” by Anthony Adler The Denys Edward Players “Last Tango in Little Grimley” by David Tristram SATURDAY 23rd JUNE- Gosforth Semors “The Laughing Policemen” by Rod Duncan Ecclesall Theatre Group “The Book Group” by Andy Ramsden Deswbury Arts Group “Only a Matter of Time” by Alan Plater Library Theatre, Tudor Square Tickets: Per Night: £8 (£7 conc.) Week-Long: £20 (£17.50 conc.) Ticket Secretary: Jack Massey 0114 2551367 or 07710 277976 [email protected] Please support local talent!

If you fancy a night out at the theatre why not check out the SADATA one act play festival at the Library Theatre next week. The annual event is a celebration of the very best in amateur drama and we are delighted to welcome groups from across Sheffield to compete against one another in this three day competition. Details of what is on and when are One Act Play Festival 2012 Thursday 21st - Saturday 23rd June 2012 THURSDAY 21st JUNE- Gosforth Youth Theatre, “Now That’s What I Call Shakespeare!” by Rod Duncan 53 Theatre Group, "Chalk & Cheese" by Dave Oxley Tudor Players “Scarecrow” by Don Nigro FRIDAY 22nd JUNE- Dronfield Players “The Train” by Carl Slotboom The Strolling Players “Sky” by Anthony Adler The Denys Edward Players “Last Tango in Little Grimley” by David Tristram SATURDAY 23rd JUNE- Gosforth Semors “The Laughing Policemen” by Rod Duncan Ecclesall Theatre Group “The Book Group” by Andy Ramsden Deswbury Arts Group “Only a Matter of Time” by Alan Plater Library Theatre, Tudor Square Tickets: Per Night: £8 (£7 conc.) Week-Long: £20 (£17.50 conc.) Ticket Secretary: Jack Massey 0114 2551367 or 07710 277976 [email protected] Please support local talent!

I Love Stephen Booth! Count me in, mystery and mayhem in Castleton, you don't get that every weekend!

I'll have a go as long as its stopped raining by then.

The 53 Theatre Group are pleased to announce details of their spring production, 'The Weekend' the first stage play by Sheffield's own Michael Palin. This black comedy focuses on a family gathering at the home of Stephen Febble, drained and world weary the last thing he needs is a visit from his dysfunctional daughter, her dreary husband and unruly dog. The whisky bottle offers some consolation but as the weekend progresses the booze does little to alleviate the tension and the scene is set for some uncomfortable revelations and painful confrontations. Matters come to a head during an awkward dinner party and the weekend gathering descends into a comic nightmare of gossip fuelled accusations, jealousy and betrayal. The play, which will be at the Library Theatre from the 18-21 of April, has all the essential ingredients to entertain - touches of Ayckbourn, a dash of Miller (Death of a Salesman), and a Pythonesque sprinkling to add spice. Tickets are £8.00 and £7.00 (Concessions) and can be obtained by calling 0114 286 2740

The 53 Theatre Group are pleased to announce details of their spring production, 'The Weekend' the first stage play by Sheffield's own Michael Palin. This black comedy focuses on a family gathering at the home of Stephen Febble, drained and world weary the last thing he needs is a visit from his dysfunctional daughter, her dreary husband and unruly dog. The whisky bottle offers some consolation but as the weekend progresses the booze does little to alleviate the tension and the scene is set for some uncomfortable revelations and painful confrontations. Matters come to a head during an awkward dinner party and the weekend gathering descends into a comic nightmare of gossip fuelled accusations, jealousy and betrayal. The play, which will be at the Library Theatre from the 18-21 of April, has all the essential ingredients to entertain - touches of Ayckbourn, a dash of Miller (Death of a Salesman), and a Pythonesque sprinkling to add spice. Tickets are £8.00 and £7.00 (Concessions) and can be obtained by calling 0114 286 2740

The 53 Theatre Group are pleased to announce details of their spring production, 'The Weekend' the first stage play by Sheffield's own Michael Palin. This black comedy focuses on a family gathering at the home of Stephen Febble, drained and world weary the last thing he needs is a visit from his dysfunctional daughter, her dreary husband and unruly dog. The whisky bottle offers some consolation but as the weekend progresses the booze does little to alleviate the tension and the scene is set for some uncomfortable revelations and painful confrontations. Matters come to a head during an awkward dinner party and the weekend gathering descends into a comic nightmare of gossip fuelled accusations, jealousy and betrayal. The play, which will be at the Library Theatre from the 18-21 of April, has all the essential ingredients to entertain - touches of Ayckbourn, a dash of Miller (Death of a Salesman), and a Pythonesque sprinkling to add spice. Tickets are £8.00 and £7.00 (Concessions) and can be obtained by calling 0114 286 270 See you at The Weekend!

Thanks for this, I have posted details on the facebook site for Sadata, the organisers of the Sheffield annual amateur drama festival. Your play is being performed on the last day of the festival so maybe there will be opportunities for cross promotion or even inclusion in the programme - not exactly a one act but maybe something we could promote as a special event of some kind. i am sure that there are ways that we could help each other out with this, I would be interested in your thoughts. Thanks again and good luck with the casting! Lindsay

Sounds fab, I shall be there as i have heard that the group performing are brilliant. Thanks for the reminder

Our Autumn 2011 production is "Sand Castles" by Bob Larbey - the brains behind such classic tv comedies As Time Goes By, A Fine Romance and Ever Decreasing Circles. We all like to be beside the seaside and as everybody knows, an Englishman's home is his sand castle. Stan and Bernice Billet and William and Margaret Patterson have been taking their holidays in the same resort for years. They don't exactly rule the waves but they have turned the area around their beach huts into a cosy little domain over which they exercise absolute control - or at least they did until Doug moved in. The arrival of Doug and his nubile nieces is a cause for some concern amongst the regulars, they don't give a hoot for beach hut protocol but they do know how to party! So who will reign supreme, will the old guard retain control of the beaches or will the newcomers mount a take-over? Only one way to find out, don't miss a thoroughly enjoyable evening at the seaside. The play is being performed at the Library Theatre, Sheffield from the 16 - 19 November. Tickets are priced at £8.00 (£7.00 conc) and can be ordered by calling 0114 255 0931 / 0795 127 2775. [email protected] Please calll between the hours of 6.00 - 10.00 p.m. only http://www.facebook.com/groups/44575522960/

having worked with Henk on a couple of projects i can guarantee that he will have plenty of colourful anecdotes to share, should be a good night, look forward to seeing him there

I'm game, love a pub quiz, love the peak district, this sounds like just the thing for me! Hope there are a few low brow questions in there for us Closer readers!!

Check out the 53 Theatre Group website for details of the group and the forthcoming productions. We are taking part in the One Act Play Festival at the library theatre in June and if you are interested in coming along to see the guys in action, you would be more than welcome. Our enty is a cracker, very funny!! There are 10 plays being performed over 4 days and there are a lot of groups taking part. If you want to make contacts and find out more about what theh groups and where they do it, this is a great place to start.

If you want to check out some of the local talent, try this years one act play festival, see below for details Sheffield and District Amateur Theatre Association present the 2011 One Act Play Festival. Local groups from across the South and West Yorkshire regions will be taking part in this year’s event and 10 plays will be performed during the 4 day theatrical extravaganza. ...The event celebrates the very best in amateur theatrical talent and offers a platform for groups to explore new writers or revisit old ones and have their work judged by a professional adjudicator. Prizes will be awarded for Acting, Production, Presentation and Dramatic Achievement and if you would like to cast your vote, there is an audience choice award for the best ‘moment’. Programme Details TUESDAY 14th JUNE- Gosforth Semors, “Mine’s a Pint” by Rod Duncan 53 Theatre Group, "The Last Bread Pudding" by Nick Warburton WEDNESDAY 15th JUNE- Ecclesall Theatre Company, “Heart’s Desire” by Caryl Churchill Just Drama- Bradford Youth Players, “Rabbit” by David Foxton Dronfield Players, “Orange Blossom” by Philip Johnson THURSDAY 16th JUNE- FRIDAY 17th JUNE- Just Drama- Bradford Youth Players, “Apparently Not” by Hayley Gordon Red Redemption, “Missing People” by Gill Buttery Denys Edwards Players, “Ritual For Dolls” by George MacEwan Green SATURDAY 18th JUNE- Gosforth Youth Theatre, “Rabbit” by David Foxton Dewsbury Arts Group, “It Runs In The Family” by David Foxton If you would like to buy tickets for any of the days (or all – discounts available for multiple ticket purchases) contact Jack Massey at [email protected] or call 0114 2551367/07710 277976 Tickets are priced at £8.00 (£7.00 conc)

If you like goo, reasonably priced theatre, you might want to check out this years festival: Sheffield and District Amateur Theatre Association present the 2011 One Act Play Festival. Local groups from across the South and West Yorkshire regions will be taking part in this year’s event and 10 plays will be performed during the 4 day theatrical extravaganza. The event celebrates the very best in amateur theatrical talent and offers a platform for groups to explore new writers or revisit old ones and have their work judged by a professional adjudicator. Prizes will be awarded for Acting, Production, Presentation and Dramatic Achievement and if you would like to cast your vote, there is an audience choice award for the best ‘moment’. Programme Details TUESDAY 14th JUNE- Gosforth Semors, “Mine’s a Pint” by Rod Duncan 53 Theatre Group, "The Last Bread Pudding" by Nick Warburton WEDNESDAY 15th JUNE- Ecclesall Theatre Company, “Heart’s Desire” by Caryl Churchill Just Drama- Bradford Youth Players, “Rabbit” by David Foxton Dronfield Players, “Orange Blossom” by Philip Johnson THURSDAY 16th JUNE- FRIDAY 17th JUNE- Just Drama- Bradford Youth Players, “Apparently Not” by Hayley Gordon Red Redemption, “Missing People” by Gill Buttery Denys Edwards Players, “Ritual For Dolls” by George MacEwan Green SATURDAY 18th JUNE- Gosforth Youth Theatre, “Rabbit” by David Foxton Dewsbury Arts Group, “It Runs In The Family” by David Foxton If you would like to buy tickets for any of the days (or all – discounts available for multiple ticket purchases) contact Jack Massey at [email protected] or call 0114 2551367/07710 277976 Tickets are priced at £8.00 (£7.00 conc)

Hello This sounds like a fab event and I hope that you make a packet. I have added a link to the SADATA facebok site to alert fellow thesps. If you want to add details check us out.