News Letter August 2013

From Secretary Jo Morris..

Our AGM was recently held at the Sports Club in Saundersfoot and although not many people attended there was certainly great enthusiasm in the room from the people who were there.  It has been a 'different year' for us due to the recent closure and demolition of our home the Regency Hall.  However, even knocking down our stage didn't prevent Footlights continuing, and in December last year we held our annual panto "Scrooge" at the De Valance Pavilion in Tenby.  It certainly gave us a harder task putting it together as the majority of our belongings were in storage, but in true Footlights style we pulled it off! Unfortunately we were not able to perform a musical this year but that hasn't stopped the society socialising with many events taking place, including quiz nights, film nights, trips to Carmarthen and Cardiff to see other shows and weekend trips to London, and most recently we held a Murder Mystery Supper at the Begelly Arms where we made use of the excellent talent our own members have and had a thoroughly good night as a result!

Other societies in the area have come and gone but after 36 years Saundersfoot Footlights have continued to go from strength to strength. I'm sure there have been lots of local people who at one time or another have been involved and I dare say as you are reading this you are probably saying "yes that's me, I was once a member!"   Earlier this year we said goodbye to a very special person and that was our former Director David Owen who sadly passed away. David was a very talented, fun loving person who is missed by a lot of people and members of the society will always carry the fond memories we shared with him. The continued quality and success of Footlights is highlighted by the awards we have won over the last few years. We are a member of NODA (National Operatic Drama Association) and have won several awards recently for best technical and stage management for shows we have performed. Also this year two of our long standing members Allison and Steve picked up awards for best performance for "Guys and Dolls."  We recently entered the One Act Play competition at the Torch Theatre where the group was successful and gained a place in the Wales One Act Final in Newtown, which unfortunately we didn't win but congratulations to Solva who are through to the UK final.

So you might ask yourself what does the future hold for Footlights?   Well the answer is we continue to carry on entertaining the public in the professional way that we know how.  We have a lot of regular supporters  and followers and I am constantly being asked by the public as to what Footlights are up to next. As many of you will have seen the Regency isn't far off completion and on Saturday 30th November we are looking at holding a cheese and wine open evening, it will give people the chance to come along and meet members and see what the society has to offer, we will also be performing the One Act play so you are welcome to come along and see what took Footlights to the Wales final.   We are always looking for new people to come and join the society so if you are interested in acting or if you are musically talented or have an interest in lighting and sound or helping with scenery and costumes please come along and meet us,  and as I mentioned earlier we have a great social side too.

Next year we are looking at performing "Pirates Of Penzance", it is currently 8 years ago since we last performed it and it proved to be very popular.  It was certainly a special year for me because as of a result of 'Pirates,' this year sees me celebrating my 7th wedding anniversary with the Pirate King aka Gareth Morris, and talking of Footlights playing cupid we wish two of our members all the best as Allison Franklin and Steve Butler are getting married in October this year. So as you can see Footlights does provide a whole range of services! If you would like to become part of the team please contact Jo or through this website, and also please keep checking the local press for details of forthcoming events.