Welcome Back

Something light to begin. I've just come back from London where I saw two very different shows. If you get a chance to go to the National Theatre to see 'The Pitmen Painters' grab it. A very funny and serious look at art and how it can help a person grow in ways not immediately obvious. We see it here in Fuengirola in the use of drama and theatre in helping young people (and some of us older ones too) learn a little more about ourselves and the world around us. If that sounds too serious it isn't meant to be because that is what a good play or film or even TV show does after it has entertained us and this play really was very entertaining.
Our other show was very different - 'Hairspray' - at the Shaftesbury Theatre. For both shows we bought our tickets in the hut in Leicester Square (useful tip) and for 'Hairspray' we got them at half price, although when we got there the theatre was very full. So from 'Hairspray' I thought we could cheer ourselves up with a song we used in panto a couple of years ago. Although I was in the lineup then I couldn't honestly say we did it better !!


September Committee so to start the serious stuff a report on our first meeting. We are looking for a progress report on the special cleaning of the dressing rooms. We offered at the end of last season to pay for an 'industrial' clean of the dressing rooms which were showing the effects of a busy season. This is to include replacing the floor covering which was way past its sell by date with a special rubberised one recommended by John Pyne, the resident Stage Manager. We are also paying for a new extractor system to cope with the cigarette smoke on the stairwell.

I like, and I think the rest of the Board like, the idea that we can point to specific improvements we can make to the theatre as well as the financial contribution FOTA has made in the past year which is now 25,000 euros. Without that contribution we might not be looking at the season ahead with, well - anything at all. Everyone who joins in with FOTA activities is helping keep the theatre going. Apparent successful shows often bring with them enormous costs in terms of royalties and charges.

Lunches Our first social event of the new year is a lunch at Ku Damm on the port in Fuengirola on October 1st. Whilst it is not my favourite restaurant I know a lot of you like it so I hope we can get the programme off to a good start.
Following that we have plans for Casa Dori on November 5th and El Brujo for the Christmas Lunch on December 17th.

Trips:

Our first trip of the season is to be to SELWO park on October 22nd. This very popular tourist attraction is just outside Estepona and we will stop at Puerto Banus on the way back to shop till our wallets are empty (won't take me long!). The trip will include our usual stop for coffee and tostado and will include lunch. Full details will be available shortly at the desk.

Now a Bribe

Help will be needed during the run of 'Cabaret' when we will have a raffle for our funds. So far these raffles have been pretty successful but we are sure we can do better. Help selling the tickets could add considerably as last season lots of people were never approached to buy a ticket. if you can do anything then please contact David Radford who is at the theatre most days and always on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday.
Here's the bribe. The great Liza herself (I saw her at Puerto Banus last year - wow!)

Condolences

Anyone who has ever gone to the theatre must at some time seen or bumped into Lizz Freeman, currently Vice President of SALVA and a very regular performer working now on 'Cabaret' and it is with great sadness that I start this seasons news blogs with the information that her husband David died last Friday. I am sure that all members of FOTA will join me in wishing her well at a difficult time.

A Visit to Ireland

An aprehensive group of six actors and two stage managers gathered in gate area C at Malaga Airport for the first foreign tour of a play from the theatre (unless you count Gibraltar). We had been invited to perform 'A View From The Bridge' at the festival in Dundalk in Ireland. The flight went smoothly (just as well since one of us had been up until 4.00 clearing his desk) and we were met by what turned out to be as hospitable a group of people as it is possible to imagine. Safely transferred to Dundalk we had a look at the theatre. A very different design to the one we are used to. From an actors point of view it meant remembering to look up rather

having the audience at your feet. Gloria and John were knocked out by the facilities and have come back with a long shopping list. Next season is going to be a busy fundraising one for us!.
Then again the actors noted with unconcealed jealousy a Green Room with TV (of the stage) as big as all our dressing rooms put together and still three further dressing rooms each suitable for a football team.
The theatre seats 350 and we were told bookings were going well.
Suitably humbled we were taken to dinner at the Riva restaurant before being sent to our lodgings. Forget stories about theatrical landladies and dodgy digs. We all spent a very comfortable four days. Even the weather was brilliant. The locals must have been very pleased we brought some Spanish sun with us. During the stay we had a brunch at Dundalk Golf Club which looked perfect with the sun showing off the work of the rain that preceded us. We almost forgot why we were there with that and a pre arranged visit to Carlingford

Local hospitality was centred around McGeoffs which serves a mean pint of Guiness and the pub opposite the theatre where we may have disgraced ourselves by beating the locals on the quiz night. Such hedonism was soon brought short when Matt Murphy appeared and reminded us why we were there. Immensely hard work by our John Pyne and their Tony was producing an excellent set but we needed to do some work. In these photos the set is nearly complete and the central cast members getting to know it.















Radio interviews done, shirts made suitably messy (nice clean car park but my shirt may never recover. Did longshoremen really get that mucky?) we had to face our audience. Some less eager than others
But I think the intensity of the play is better demonstrated - let's face it it couldn't be worse demonstrated - by this photo:












I think you can be proud of the audience reaction to the play (I should make it clear that my role was quite small and all the Kudos lies elsewhere). We were told that even the top Irish Theatre companies get one round of aupplause and are lucky if they get off the stage before the clapping stops but they called the cast back on. Here is a transcript of a radio critics report;

I was somewhat apprehensive about going to see the production of "A View From The Bridge" as one associates plays done in holiday resorts with stock amateur fare. Well this play presented by salva from Fuengirola made my doubts seem quite ludicrous.from the 1st words uttered to the wonderful climax it was completly riverting. The acting was sublime and the direction was just what we expect from Matt Murphy.the theme of jealously and obsession as a man loses his niece to an italian immigrant was fully realised. There was not a weak link, Bobbye Aaron and Brianna Mcpherson were terrific as they came to terms with Geoffrey Standsfield s mesmerising performance as Eddie Carbone. I have never seen a better played Marco and Radolpho -totally believable and Stephen Burns gave his usual assured performance as the story telling lawyer. Even the smallest roles were handled expertly. A lesson in what theatre should be all about! They will be welcomed back hopefully very soon and the many locals who visit the Costa del Sol will be looking out for "the Salon de Variete" harry lee

After the show we had supper in McGeoffs and all of us found the walk to the back of the pub a long one as the audience stopped us to chat. Harry may be right and we hope that both the Salon and Fuengirola will benefit from a connection with Dundalk.
Of course none of this would have been possible without the work of Matt Murphy who was a difficult taskmaster. At times not a kind word could be heard from the cast but we were all queuing up at the end to ask about his next piece at the Salon and presented him with a memento which we hope he will be putting in a proud place. Watching him from a corner are Stephen,Bobbye and Brianna















So it remained for us to get home for a reality check as we line up for auditions for the next time. See you there. But not in a Green Room:

Theatre Programme Autumn 2009

With so many of us flexible with our dates it was suggested to me that the Autumn Programme for the theatre should be somewhere on this blog so those who could only spend a short time here could plan their break. So, subject to change as they say, here it is:

18th -22nd September - Happy Birthday. This is a French farce which has been well received around the world

9th - 18th October - Cabaret. Peter Mitchell will be doing a workshop on this on Friday this week and auditions are on Saturday June 6th

30th October -7th November -A Murder is Announced. Peter Brooks will be holding Auditions on June 13th

20th - 25th November - Habeus Corpus

4th - 8th December - Christmas Show

18th - 21st December and 2nd- 5th January - The Wizard of Oz

22nd -27th January - Noises Off

5th - 9th February - Entertaining Mr Sloane

19th - 24th February - Old Time Music Hall

Well that takes us a bit past the Autumn but I hope you will find it useful.

AGM

Just to remind everyone that the AGM is on Wednesday June 3rd at 7.00 at the theatre.
I sent a news e mail to everyone whose email address I have - a few got bounced back so if you have given us your email address and think you should have had one let us know.

Picnic at Chorro

The trip to Cordoba is now full even with a bigger coach. Those who booked - have agood one.
What next? I hear you cry. Well we have a coach trip planned for June 4th to the Farmer's Market at Alora and then to the Lakes at Chorro.

Alora has a new attraction with it's Farmers Market which is set up at the Los Cabelleros restaurant. I have quizzed a friend who lives in the town and he goes especially for the pies from the Pie lady of Pizzara which are totally orgasmic. Who says the English can't cook. The idea is that you will be able to buy something delicious at the market for your picnic at the Lakeside, now much fuller of water than two years ago when these photos were taken

More on the Patios

I know it sounds like a cheap sales stunt but if you were thinking of coming to Cordoba with us you should book soon. We thought it might not sell so did some extra publicity and as of last Wednesday we have 40 booked for the trip which only leaves 14 seats to go. It is great that we should be able to add to our donations to the theatre by making a profit but I hope that we don't have disappointed members. See you on Monday or Wednesday. Who knows, Friday may be too late!

Not enough pictures and our best trip yet?

Make a note in your diary for May 14th when we have a trip to the Patios of Cordoba. This is a taste of what you will see:



Each year there are fears that the dedicated Cordobans will be a dying breed and the patios will decline (but when has that stopped a proper Yorkshire man from growing leeks?).
The patios are only open for a short time and that is why we have an earlier date for our trip than is usual. And the best part is that the trip with a stop for tostado and coffee and lunch included is only 35 euros.
That isn't all of course. Cordoba has the Mezquita
which Charles V thought one of the most beautiful buildings in Europe - and he was ruler of most of Europe at the time - and a splendid Arab Palace and Baths. The Roman Bridge is unshrouded from its restoration and the Jewish quarter has intriguing alleyways and a stunning square which is just lived in by ordinary Cordobans. You will want to go back if you haven't been before.

A View From The Bridge

There have been some really good productions this season at the theatre and we can all be proud of the work that has been done but those of you who did not see A View From The Bridge may be kicking yourselves by now. (I declare an interest as I had a very small part in it). Comments on the production (directed by Matt Murphy whose first production here it was) were unanimous that it was the best, or very nearly so, play seen at the Salon. The play has been invited to the Festival at Dundalk in Ireland and will be seen there on May 30th. Naturally we are all very excited about this and really looking forward to it. If you want to see what the fuss is all about there will be a final rehearsal for the trip , provisionally on May 27th. I don't know what the ticketing arrangements will be, if any, but an audience would be nice and even without the terrific set that John Pyne put up I think you would have a memorable evening at the theatre.

April News

The Committee meeting at the beginning of the month began with a sad moment. Lynn Halliday sent in a letter of resignation from the Board of FOTA. Now that she has been elected to the Board of SALVA they have told her she must resign from FOTA and we shall miss her. Fotunately she will not be far away and remains committed to what we do. As Lynn had been Vice Prsident of FOTA a replacement was needed and we are lucky that Pauline Naylor accepted the position. Lynn had also been membership secretary and Helen Tomlinson agreed to do this.

Our Trips have been very successful this year. The last one was fully booked and a bigger coach had to be ordered. The current trip to Tarifa and Baelo Claudia is full (though if you want to go we shall be at the desk tomorrow -April 22nd - in case of cancellations) and already some bookings are in for the trip to see the patios of Cordoba. After that we have a visit to the Farmer's Market at Álora and a picnic at the Lakes which this year are quite full (I hear a groan from winter visitors but we did need the rain). Bright ideas are needed for trips for next season. All in all a big thank you to Gina for organising these.

The next discussion point was a bit tricky. Sweelan Ford offered at the last SALVA AGM to prepare a booklet on the history of the theatre to mark the 25th anniversary. SALVA agreed to this but didn't offer any financial backing. The information has been gathered together and Barry Suart is editing it but the finance for the project was not in place. The selling price of the booklet will be 5 euros and it will need 300 coies sold to break even. Some Committee members could not see a market, even at the most optimistic, of more than a 100 which would leave a loss of a thousand euros. By a majority the Board of FOTA agreed to back the project and make every effort to ensure that sufficient copies would be sold. So now let's hope that we can all persuade as many people as possible to buy the booklet when it comes out in September.

Another 1000 euros was handed to SALVA for the theatres reserves. This makes the total donations from FOTA for this season 23000 euros.

Our final item is date for your diary and is the AGM on June 3rd. By rotation Graham Cherry, Pat Suart, Helen Young and Norma Wilson will be retiring and will be standing for re-election. It would be a great help if any further names could be passed to the President (David Radford) or Secretary (Graham Cherry).

March Committee News

I am delighted to begin with success stories. The trip to see the flamingoes was fully booked so we made a nice profit for the theatre's funds. Just as important it's success has made the next trip already fully booked - in fact by last Friday we squeezed the last tripper on the bus. There is a waiting list and it is too late now even for that.
The next trip on April 23rd is to Tarifa and Baelo Claudia. Many will know Tarifa as a windsurfers centre and ferry point and not much more but it is a charming small town nearly all pedestrianised and with narrow atmospheric streets and a daily market. Tarifa was an entry point for the Moorish invasion of Spain and has a tenth century castle now called el castillo de Guzman after the Spanish commander during the siege of 1292. There is a gruesome story behind the siege when....... no, you'll have to wait till you get to the Castle.






Then on the Baelo Claudia. Founded in the second century B.C. it became an important town for fish processing.





There is a well preserved forum, three temples to Roman gods and even one to Isis of Egypt. Shops, main street and theatre. Near the beach is the fish processing plant and here a sauce was produced that the Roman's regarded as a rare and very expensive luxury. But it did rather smell


The trip after that will be a bit earlier than usual because we are going to see the famous Patios of Cordoba. Each Spring the patios are lovingly decorated with flowering plants but only for a brief period, hence the change of date. Not to be missed.

Lunches: I think everyone enjoyed their vegetarian lunch at Vegetalia. Even those making slightly nervous jokes beforehand came out with a smile. The next two dates for your diary are April 2nd when we hope to go to Casa Dori and then May 7th when Antonio Videra is the choice. They have both been popular on previous visits so I hope we will see you there.

During the meeting we handed over 1000 euros to the theatre. That makes a total of 22000 euros this year. I think that demonstrates how even a little contribution can add up. The theatre now seems to be in a pretty healthy state as long as we don't have a crisis and with a building as old that is who knows what is round the corner. (The roof over the storage area for David's cards leaked badly a few weeks ago) That is why we continue with the fundraising and why all your contributions, help and support are so important.

Beware the Ides of March

Sweelan Ford has asked me to remind all devoted readers(!) that she needs copy for the anniversary book of theatre reminiscenses by March 15th. Next year the theatre is 25 and Sweelan is preparing a book to record our history and celebrate the existence, often against the odds, of this strange phenomenon of an English Theatre in the South of Spain. I have had some fascinating chats with Norma Wilson and seen some of her scrapbook. I must confess that my attitude to begin with was a bit cynical but now I can't wait to read what others will be putting Sweelan's way. It is a tight deadline if you haven't started yet but that really shouldn't phase anyone connected with this theatre.You have all had plenty of practice.

Full Monty and the Oscars

Congratulations to Simon Beaufoy who wrote the screenplay for the Full Monty on winning an Oscar for his adaptation of Slumdog Millionaire. Word has it that the Salon's production of The Full Monty will be very popular and the writing may not be one of the reasons but for whatever reason you are sitting there it is good to know that the show has a real quality about it. Terrence McNally who wroyte the book of the show is no slouch either.
You wil have a great evening.

The Full Monty is on at the Salon from 20th March to the 29th

For Your Diary

Tuesday March 5th Lunch at Vegetalia. Vegetalia is about the best of the vegetarian reataurants along the Costa del Sol. Lunch is a good choice buffet which is being offered to us at the reduced rate of 10 euros. Even a dedicated meat eater will enjoy this unusual lunch and it is certainly a bit different to our regular choices of restaurants. Vegetalia is in Los Boliches just before you get to El Corte Ingles and the rail staion.


Thursday March 19th heading back into the Andalucian countryside we will really visit an asparagus farm this time.(On the Estepa trip the asparagus wasn't ready for harvesting yet) and then on to a Leather factory

we are still negotiating to complete the rest of the season's programme so watch this space.

We saw some Flamingoes - honest

Last Thursday saw a full coachload of friends and supporters set off for a day trip. Over the past few months the ultimate destination of this trip has changed a number of times so although it wasn't billed as a mystery tour those of us who had sat in meetings where each new possibility was raised kept our fingers crossed


Our first stop for the usual tostada and coffee. Later we returned for a pretty reasonable lunch.

Excitement mounted as we then headed for Fuente de Piedra and the Flamingoes. It is early in the season for them but the winter was wet enough to encourage hopes that they would be there and they were. BUT only those with binoculars could actually see anything very much. There was a small group who were clearly very pink but mostly they were white. Still all around were other water birds and the weather was terrific with a gentle breeze so nobody was complaining (except possibly you as I couldn't get a photo, sorry). If you go independently it seems you can get a bit closer with a car than is possible with a coach.
















So after lunch it was on to Estepa. First impressions were good as we approached along a country road and could see the castle on top of the hill with almond trees in blossom reaching the road. Between then all was green after the recent rains. The coach took us up to the castle which presents rather a strange sight as it is the process of being restored so medieval stones were butressed by plain concrete.













The monastery of the Franciscans at the other end of the hill was closed to the public. it looked rather German than Spanish. It would be intersting to hear if anyone knows how well occupied it is as the building looked well maintained and was quite large.
We followed this with a ride through Estepa and then to the chocolate factory which only makes chocolates between September and Christmas. Never mind, there was cafe for those of us who wanted a little tea and a fancy and lots of good local produce - including chocolate - on sale.


A final view of Estepa before the bus home to bed.











The trip turned out to be a good fundraiser for the theatre so thanks to all who came, we hope you enjoyed it.

Coming events.

The theatre has it's new flyer out and already changes need to be made. But it is great to start with news of an event that is over and much more successful than we had ever thought it would be. Last Thursday we had the first lunch of the year at Casa Rustica in Fish alley. We were a bit despairing last Monday with four booked but when Thursday came we had 50 members and their guests. The restaurant looked after us really well, and it couldn't have been easy having so many extra numbers at this time of the year. They even gave a meal voucher donation to our raffle which raised 100 euros for our funds. We have some difficulty with the venues for the next two lunches so do come along to the desk and find out what is planned. If we can do as well as Casa Rustica you will have a splendid day out.
Talking of days out we have a trip booked to Estepa on February 19th. Famous for asparagus and chocolate, not necessarily together, the end result is only part of the pleasures of the day. This time of the year southern Andalusia can look really attractive particularly as we pass almond groves in blossom.
We will be building on that with a more deliberate approach to finding the most beautiful parts of this region with our trip on March 19th

A past blog told you that we were cutting back on our fundraising events (booksales, bazaars etc) as age and backs caught up with us. So instead we tried a raffle for the Christmas Show and it proved so successful we had another one for the panto. Not quite as good but still a great contribution to FOTA's and ultimately the theatre's funds. Thanks to all who bought tickets. We plan another one during the run of 'The Full Monty'

My notes on the SALVA AGM

SALVA may not mean much to some of you but it is the controlling body of the theatre. It produces most of the plays seen there. Some productions come in from outside groups ( and it's a great way to visit the Costa del Sol) and SALVA will then be the local producer. It holds the lease of the theatre.
FOTA's history goes back along way (another time) but now we support the work of the theatre by fundraising and in what follows it's worth remembering that this year FOTA has given the theatre 19,000 euros partly because of a near emergency over the financial stability of SALVA.

At the meeting we were told that Lynn and Eddie Barnett (all names are on the SALVA Board unless otherwise stated) were sorting out legal problems, especially with regard to employment matters. As the theatre has grown with more and more productions, paid staff have become necessary. This has been the case for some time and now job descriptions and a proper contract setting out their parameters have been prepared.
Lynn and Eddie were also working closely with directors to prepare and monitor budgets for productions much more vigorously. They had examined production costs over the last two years to try to produce guidelines and this was described as a 'work in progress'. This was all necessary because the past year had been the best ever at the box office but had only produced a modest profit - hence FOTA's decision to hand over so much money.

There were no contests for the places on the Board which were due for re-election and the one vacancy was filled by Lynn Halliday, our Vice-president.

When Any Other Business came along it began with Sweelan Ford(non Board) asking if anything special would be done to celebrate 25 years of the theatre. She then volunteered to produce a booklet and calendar (see last post).

The cost control exercise took up some more time with it becoming more apparent that greater clarity in organisation structure and control was a significant need.

Lizz Freeman asked whether there were too many shows being put on since there was a limited pool of performers. No decision was taken.

A question was put about tickets being ordered and not picked up or paid for. A credit card system was not considered a good idea so I hope that no FOTA member does this !

The loop system for the hard of hearing is out of action at the moment and this is because the system seems to be incompatible with the theatre's current sound system. Howard John will try to find a way round this.

The meeting ended with a presentation and thanks to John Mack who is leaving the post of Treasurer after 19 years.

Your Help Needed - No Work Involved

At the AGM of SALVA held last week - of which more anon - SWEELAN FORD put up the idea of producing a small booklet of anecdotes, scenes etc from the history of the theatre to be published to celebrate the theatre's 25th anniversary next year. She is looking forward to compiling it and has asked for contributions by the end of May when she leaves for Singapore. The aim is to have it published for Christmas.
If you have anything you think might be good her e mail address for the project is slf.svarietes@hotmail.es

Rack those memories

January Committee meeting

I shall start with some notes for your diary.
Next Thursday, January 15th, we have our first lunch of 2009 and this will be at Casa Rustica in 'Fish Alley'. We've been there before and had a few cast parties there too and never been anything other than pleased.
After that we have a lunch planned for February 5th and again on March 5th. We have got to go back to the drawing board on venues as the restaurants we had thought to use are no longer available.

On February 19th Gina has organised a visit to Estepa (yes I know we said we'd go there before Christmas but we had a very pleasant trip to Rute instead). The main attractions are a visit to an asparagus farm - bit different that- and chocolate is involved somewhere. Not necessarily with the asparagus but I haven't looked at my Jamie Oliver recently so anything is possible.

Then the March trip is called 'Springtime in Andalucia' quite the most beautiful time to see our new homeland. Previous trips on the same sort of theme have involved stops for local produce and tastings to add a real interest to the day.

More details will be available on the desk on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and you can book at the same time. Each trip is 30 euros which includes the breakfast stop and lunch.

Now our main purpose is to raise funds for the theatre and as many of you will know there has been a bit of a crisis this past year. At one time there was some doubt that the theatre would be able to open for 2009 and FOTA has raided our piggy bank and so far 19000 euros has been handed over to SALVA.

Our fundraising has changed emphasis a bit. The events held on the theatre forecourt (book sales, bazaars etc) whilst profitable - the Christmas Bazaar made 340 euros - involves quite a bit of physical work and backs and other bits are protesting so we have moved the main activity to raffles held during busy shows. The raffle during the Christmas show raised 835 euros so thank you to those who bought tickets. The raffle during the panto wasn't quite so successful but we think we will be pleased when the final total is calculated.

Outside fundraising will continue on a limited basis with Helen Young organising another 'Petticoat Lane' for April 18th.

Many people think the theatre makes vast profits but I hope you can see that the contribution made by FOTA members and supporters makes a real difference. The yearly membership is now due (yes I did pay mine last week!) and any encouragement you can give to those who use the theatre and don't want it to go, to join us and join in will be great.

I shall look forward to seeing you on Wednesdays on the forecourt and the desk is open Mondays and Fridays as well.

Happy New Year

That says it all really. Sorry it's a bit late but I've been away and anyway we only had our committee meeting this morning so it isn't just from me to you.