I've just come back from two weeks in the Canary Islands and although it was very pleasant to have nothing to do except lie in the sun and go to restaurants (and Sudoku of course) it really brought home to me how lucky we are on the Costa del Sol to have the Salon Varieties at Fuengirola. So let me begin by saying thank you to all those people who worked so hard to set it up twenty one years ago. It is up to us to keep it going and this summer has been a good example of where FOTA has been able to help.
A major power surge courtesy of Sevillana destroyed nearly all the electrical equipment in the theatre. The power company will only pay for repairs. As anyone who has tried to get repairs to electrical equipment that isn't exactly new will know, replacement is the only realistic option. FOTA has been pleased to pay for 5000 euros worth of new items - things like a DMX controller or Dimmer zero88 chilli pros (love that) as well as more obvious things like mini disc players and a computer monitor.
As well as that we have bought the theatre a new soundboard. The one used for the very successful musicals was excellent but belonged to the sound technician. With the performers and the directors thoroughly spoiled FOTA has paid 8000 euros for new to us soundboard.
Our season has come to an end and we are now looking forward to next Autumn. We have definitely planned another trip to see the wolves because that was so popular and we shall look forward to seeing old friends who have fled the heat of the Costa (30 degrees today) as we set up our stall again in the theatre's foyer.