For
archival material click on Memories and follow the links
Don’t
sit under the Christmas tree with anyone but Shoo Shoo Baby.
17
December 2012
Wearing
Carmen Miranda-style headgear in the form of Christmas
trees, Tanya and Anna (aka Shoo Shoo Baby), stormed the
stage at the Spotlight last night, turning the most cynical
Christmas curmudgeon into a quivering mass of festive
frivolity.
From Andrews Sisters’ harmonies to Marilyn Monroe-esque
smoochies, the glittering two-some delivered a Christmas
cracker of an evening with oodles of audience participation.
Harry left his front row seat to ably assist the girl
during ‘Angie the Christmas Tree Angel’. And
two very lucky gentlemen got to ‘slow dance’
with our glamorous hostesses as they sang ‘Lady
in Red’ – although with slightly less flattering
lyrics aimed at their partners.
Unashamedly tongue-in-cheek, this show certainly added
some early sparkle to Christmas – from the excess
of costume jewellery to the witty repartee. Shame you’ll
have to wait another 12 months to see it tour again.
Ladies’
Day romps home.
9
November 2012
Any
play in which one of the characters describes Duncan from
Blue as ‘a knob’ is sure to get a thumbs up
from me. But there were so many more wonderfully expressed
insights in this crowd-pleaser from writer Amanda Whittington
that I don’t have enough thumbs to put up.
The
action revolves around four fish packers who decide to
glam up and join the posh folk at Royal Ascot. As their
big day out unfolds, secrets are spilled like champagne
from the glass of the ever more inebriated non-drinker
amongst them.
As
the title suggests, it’s ladies who take centre stage.
And the four women at the heart of the action do themselves
and the Spotlight proud. Jan (Liz Edwards) is the woman who’s
devoted her life to her daughter, at the cost of her marriage.
Pearl (Betty Raywood) has been wedded to her hubby for 36 years
and about to join him in retired bliss. Linda (Julie Taylor)
is the youngest of the group and the world’s greatest
Tony Christie fan. And Shelley (Helen Nicholls) is the gobby
one who longs for a more glamorous existence and could’ve
been a beautician, had the ‘thought of doing a crack-wax’
not put her off.
And
although the females get the best lines , the male roles provided
some of the plays most poignant moments. Irish Jockey Patrick
(Graham Beeston) relived a race from start to finishing line
that made you feel you were in the saddle with him. Barry (Bob
Downing) was affecting in a touching scene And Richard Stiles,
as the man who’d lost a lot more than his shirt at the
races, made the entire audience pause for thought.
Each
and every cast member was convincing and had the audience rooting
for them throughout. Credit for this must be shared with
director Pamela Dalley – and for keeping the set minimal
and letting the costumes create the scene.
No
spoilers here, so whether the girls win or lose, in life as
well as on the track, is something you’ll have to find
out for yourself.And
it’s worth doing just that. If you want a funny, heart-warming
evening at the theatre, this is a sure-fire bet.
Ladies'
Day hat-trick
9
November 2012
With
a show set during Royal Ascot’s tenure at York race
course, inviting the audience to turn up wearing hats
seemed like a great idea. And so it proved to be. Stylish
titfers of all shapes and sizes were dusted down and worn
with aplomb. And with a bottle of bubbly on offer for
the best hat at each performance, the competition was
stiff.
However,
special mention should go to Margaret Drysdale who looked
sensational in a twirly cream number that topped off her
wedding outfit 12 years ago.
Photos,from
the top:
Judith
weaves her millinery magic in the bar
Margaret’s
‘I do’ hat
The
audience put Philip Treacy to shame
Queen
of the Music Hall
1
November 2012
The
name Marie Lloyd might not ring a bell, but her most famous
song, The Boy I Love is up in the Gallery’ probably
does. Anyone who remembers watching The Good Old Days
from Leeds City Varities back in the 1970s will be humming
the tune as they read this.
In
January next year, a one-woman show about her life will
be showing at the Spotlight for one night only.
Matilda
Alice Victoria Wood was born in Hoxton, North London on February
12 1870 and became famous as Marie Lloyd with a reputation for
racy songs, filled with double entendre. She'd Never had her
Ticket Punched Before was one of her best loved risque songs.
On the surface the lyrics are quite innocent, but accompanied
with Lloyd’s nudge, nudge, wink, wink gestures an alternative
meaning became apparent to those sitting in the stalls..
In
1912 she was left out of the line-up for the Royal Variety Performance
for fear of offending the Royal party. In true Marie Lloyd style
she rented another theatre for the same night and tickets sold
out.
Her
reputation for being socially unacceptable came partly from
her stage act but also from her private life. She was married
three times, but never found lasting happiness with her choice
of partners.
On
4 October 1922 she was appearing at the Empire Music Hall in
Edmonton, London. During the last song in her act, I'm One of
the Ruins That Cromwell Knocked About a Bit, she staggered about
on the stage. The audience laughed delightedly when she fell,
thinking it was all part of the act. However, she was desperately
ill, and died at home in Golders Green, three days later at
the early age of 52.
Ladies
Day at the races is always a glamorous occasion. Performances
of Ladies Day at the Spotlight will be no exception. In
keeping with the theme of the play, fashion-conscious
females are invited to put on their poshest outfits.
Chairman,
Mike Sheldon said, ‘The ladies in our audience are
always well turned out but we thought, as the play revolves
around a visit to Royal Ascot, that they may wish to dress
for the occasion. And the most sartorially stylish lady
at each performance will presented with a special gift.
Of
course, you’ll still be welcome in jeans and a t.shirt,
but if you feel like putting on your best bib and tucker,
we’d be delighted.’
Ladies
Day runs from Tues 6 Nov – Sat 10 Nov which gives
you plenty of time to decide what to wear.
Ladies'
Day
6
- 10 November 2012
The
lady behind Ladies’ Day
Ladies’
Day had a premiered at Hull Truck Theatre, just down the
coast. In November, the BAODS present their version of
this comedy. Find out what inspired the playwright, Amanda
Whittington, to write it by clicking the link below.
A
Spotlight show without a raffle is like a trifle without
cream. The highlight of every interval is the ‘draw’
and the anticipation of seeing your number come out of
the hat.
But
keeping the raffle supplied with prizes isn’t easy.
With around five lucky winners per raffle, the 15 performances
of this year’s panto alone, will need something
nice for 75 lucky winners.
Teddy
bears and body cream, chocolates and candles, wine and
writing sets; everything and anything makes a great prize.
Prize
Meister, Bob Downing, said, ‘Anyone wishing to provide
something for the raffle can just hand it in at the theatre.
Every little helps…and will make sure the prize cupboard
is never bear’.
A
barmy summer night with the LPSO
12
August 2012
Sunday
evening isn’t usually associated with mayhem and
madness in my book…but when the London Philharmonic
Skiffle Orchestra came to town, the week ended with a
bang rather than a whimper.
Those
who came expecting the back catalogue of Lonnie Donegan
hits would have been sadly disappointed with just the
one Skiffle King song.
Those
who came expecting an eclectic mix of music that ranged
from Summertime played on a plastic watering can to a
song in praise of spoons, accompanied by, yes, spoons,
would have got it bang on.
With
plenty of whacky costume changes and daft gags, this whimsical
foursome went from the sublime to the ridiculous at the drop
of a madcap hat – duelling with guitars one minute then
playing a saw the next.
Not
everything impressed (here’s hoping the lads get a new
joke book for Christmas) but when it did it was sheer barmy
genius – as when the audience sang along to Nelly the
Elephant, while Captain Cabbage (in another one of his disguises)
played a trombone while wearing an elephant head with the sliding
part of the instrument inside the trunk. Frolicsome fun from
a talented bunch of musicians…who just need to remember
to take their medication.
Sign
here
10
August 2012
Bridlington
Blinds and Curtains, at the top of Bridge Street, is the
sole outlet for tickets for Spotlight shows. Its prominent
position in the centre of town means it s ideally placed
as a collection point.
But,
until now, it has only had a small window sign announcing
the important role it plays.
However,
the removal of an unwanted sign on the fascia of the building
gave owner Linda Coope, who s also on the theatre s committee,
the idea to give the box office a boost with an eye-catching
sign stretching the length of the shop front. An additional
sign on the side of the building flags up the box office
to those approaching from the Hilderthorpe Road direction.
It
s hoped that the new signage with bring a whole new set of people
into the theatre. And remind everyone of the fantastic venue
that s just around the corner.
Toe-tappin',
hand-clappin', finger-clickin' good.
3
August 2012
It
may be raining outside, but inside the Spotlight it s
positively tropical as rehearsals progress for our two
scintillating summer shows.
Team
Summertime and Team Starshine are both sharpening up routines,
practising dance steps and perfecting musical numbers
as they, literally, get their act together for opening
night.
Performing
two shows weekly throughout the summer season puts big
demands on the BAODS company.
Cast
member, Mike Sheldon said, Taking part in a production is an
enormous commitment. We may be amateurs but our audience demands
professional standards. We re fortunate here to have a talented
and dedicated team front of house, on stage and back stage who
put an enormous amount of time and effort into making our shows
a huge success .
Make
their hard work worthwhile and cheer them on from the stalls.
The shows run Weds and Thurs evenings until the end of September.
Interval
drink? One lump or two?
6
June 2012
Sheila
s Tea and Coffee Bar is at the very heart of the Spotlight.
How could we possibly function without a decent drop of
rosy lee ?
Cast
and audience alike appreciate a refreshing hot drink served
in a proper cup and saucer with milk poured from a jug
not a fiddly little plastic carton.
In
her time in the kitchen Sheila s lost count of the number
of teas she s served but reckons she s used enough teabags
to keep Asam from facing a financial crisis similar to
Greece' s.
Of
course, if you prefer a different kind of brew, the regular
Spotlight bar will be happy to oblige. But some of us wouldn
t swap our Sheila s cuppa for all the tea in China.
Great
Dane comes to town
3
May 2012
The
last time the Vikings invaded East Yorkshire, they left
a trail of destruction in their wake.
But
when marauding Danish folk superstar HaraldHaugaard arrives
in the county for a string of dates later this month,
he is hoping to make a more positive impression, conquering
the Riding's music-lovers with his violin.
The
acclaimed Dane, who hails from the remote village of Harndrup
on Denmark's northwest island of Funen, is to play at
the Spotlight Theatre in West Street, Bridlington, on
Thursday, May 24 at 7.30pm.
The
gigs have been organised by the ArtERY group, which promotes
live music and entertainment across the East Riding, after Harald's
acclaimed debut in the region last year.
Image:
Hull Daily Mail
Spot
the Spotlight car
10
March 2012
To
promote the theatre' s all-singing production of Calamity
Jane , Spotlight supporter Stefan Jefferson had his car
emblazoned with details about the show.
The
green Fiat Multipla became a mobile poster with the dates
and times of the performances splashed across its bonnet
and boot.
'Calamity
Jane is a great favourite. It has some brilliant songs
in it so we really wanted to tell as many people as we
could to come along. Driving around town with the message
on my car seemed a great way of doing that , said Stefan.
The
bright yellow artwork for the vehicle was supplied by Andy Asquith
Signs and really made an impact on the road.
Stef's
car was out and about on the streets of Brid over the Easter
weekend. And there were free tickets up for grabs for those
who spotted it on its travels.
Those
not lucky enough to win can get tickets, as usual, from Bridlington
Blinds and Curtains, top of Bridge Street , adults £7.50,
children £4. ‘Calamity Jane’ runs from Mon
16 April to Sat 21 April, 7.30pm.
My
Favourite Summer
3
March 2012
Kevin
Berry - 'The Stage'
Nick
Lane's first original play for adults looks back at a
landmark summer, before the onset of adulthood and responsibilities.
Much of the material is drawn from Lane’'s own life
and some of his comic devices will make other writers
envious.
Unemployed
actor Dave shares a house with Sarah, a girl he has grown
up with. He fancies her, but has never told her. Faced
with Sarah leaving for the USA, he takes a day job to
pay for a surprise holiday for both of them. Once on the
holiday, he will declare his feelings.
The
job is dull and repetitive and Dave’s only work colleague
is Melvin. Their meeting is the comic and dramatic strength
of the play. Melvyn is a character to shock - blunt, belligerent
and rather frightening. He just might punch Dave in the stomach
and then laugh about it.
Matthew
Booth as Dave wanders amiably through the recollections but
isn't being stretched. He occasionally steps aside and becomes
a narrator, yet the tone of his narration lacks wistfulness.
Marc
Bolton'’s Melvin is played with admirable directness and
raw, bruising humour. He has Dave reassessing himself and thinking
beyond Sarah. He is a type that all male students can recall
coming across when forced into a mundane summer job.
The
women in Dave's favourite summer are only encountered fleetingly,
even the unattainable Sarah. Fiona Wass plays all of them effectively.
My
Favourite Summer is less about lost love, more about bringing
one of life’s pivotal chapters to a close
The
Spotlight says: We liked this so much, we've invited
the company back to perform their next production.