Welcome to Fota blog for 2006 where we will try to keep all the members of FOTA up to date with our activities and the happenings at the theatre.
FOTA is a fundraising and social group for the Salon Varieties Theatre in Fuengirola on Spain's Costa del Sol. We raise funds in a number of ways. During our season (September to May) we organise trips into Andalucia and sometimes further afield, then every month we have a lunch at a local restaurant. Several times a year we use the theatre forecourt for bazaars and we also do our bit for the environment by recycling Christmas and birthday cards which are sold in the theatre's bar.
If you want to come along and join or chat to us we have a table in the bar on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11.30 to 1.15.
This year's programme kicks off with a social lunch at Ku Damm on October 5th. If you don't know this restaurant it is on the port overlooking the boats. It's a very popular restaurant and just the sort of place to get to know some fellow Fota members in a convivial atmosphere.
The first trip of the year is a return to the 'Howling of the Wolves' which was easily the most popular of the trips we did last year with nearly half a coachload of people disappointed as our one coach was full. This is on October 12th so come along and see us in the theatre forecourt as soon as you can.
Then on October 21st there is the Book sale on the theatre forecourt. This is another popular Saturday morning activity - keeping fingers crossed the autumn rains haven't arrived. It is also interactive which really just means if you have some books you have finished with that you think someone else will ennjoy then we would be happy to sell them for the theatre.
And so to the theatre. Work hasn't finished yet on the building and it is still touch and go whether the first show of the new season will go ahead. As soon as we get more news it will be posted. meanwhile rehearsals are starting for the Autumn season which will include: 'The Boy Friend' Stepping Out' Abigails Party' 'Witness for the Prosecution' and 'Grease'. More details soon or why not pick up a leaflet when you come to see us on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

There is still news even though the theatre is closed down for the summer. The builders are in and it seems almost as if we are in the middle of one of those 'will it be finished in time' reality shows. I've heard that progress is good in the bar and office area even if they look as if a bomb has hit it with plenty of rubble for souvenir collectors. Audience members will also be pleased to hear that the toilet refurbishment programme is coming along well. The bad news seems to be that the electricians still haven't started so are way behind schedule and with the reluctance of anyone to work in Andalucia in August it will be exciting times as the first production of the new season approaches. This is a visiting production so it's really important all goes well. Temperatures here are alrady approaching 30 (more if you can't find a breeze and are out in the sun) and the theatre can get very hot so it is a case of the sooner the better for the electrics and work that needs to be done on the roof.

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.

It was AGM time on Wednesday this week (May 24th). I wish I could say that the theatre was packed but despite having about 300 members of FOTA only 15 turned up. Still such dedicated members are the ones most likely to keep the committee on our toes. It was gratifying that they seemed pretty content with what we had done in the year past. It was a time too for some goodbyes. Especially missed will be Joan who is going back to England as are Ann and Roy Akers. Joan has been Secretary almost from the beginning and will be a hard act to follow. We also remembered Jackie Travis who died this year and had been one of the most important and influential members of the theatre.
One fundraising trip remains this year. The annual picnic and visit to the Lakes. (If you don't know Málaga province it may come as a surprise that behind the Costa del Sol there is a beautiful, mountainous lake district).WE STILL HAVE VACANCIES so put JUNE 1st in your diary and come and see us on the desk at the theatre on Monday or Wednesday.
With the bank account in a healthy state we considered ideas for spending on the theatre. One popular idea has been a CCTV system for the stage manager. When we have box sets the SM has to rely on the actors getting the lines right and... well lets just say it doesn't always happen. Seeing what is happening makes her life easier and stops the audience having unplanned entertainment. We are still looking for ideas so if you want to post one go ahead.

The next production at the theatre is Ibsen's 'A Dolls House' . It's good to see the programming committee tackling an important classic - and it only gets to be a classic if it's good - and I am really looking forward to seeing it. The 'blurb' in the press reads:

Nora is a doll in her husband's eyes. She is a trophy he has won. He wants to keep his trophy pretty, pampered and kept on a high pedestal. When he talks to his wife he treats her like a little girl. He feels as if Nora should know nothing about their financial situation or any important issues in the household. It is a man's job in life to take care of the family. Torvald adores his wife but treats her as if she is not on the same level as him. He has pet names for her such as skylark, squirrel and feather brain. This is the story of Nora who bravely walks away from her confined marriage in a quest for freedom and self-enlightenment. A Dolls House from 1879 is performed as a tribute to Henrik Ibsen who died a hundred years ago. Henrik Hagensen directs in an entertaing, modern set. Samuel Adamson's snappy translation adds lethal punch and the classic play remains poignant touching and exciting for modern day audiences. Did Nora do the right thing? This question is still being discussed!

With a distinguished director and a cast of actors most of whom have worked in the professional theatre this should prove a stimulating and enjoyable evening. The play opens on Friday April 21st and runs toTuesday April 25th inclusive. Curtain up at 8.00 except Sunday when it is 7.00 I am looking forward to it.

Programme for the rest of this season:

Saturday April 8th - Easter Fair on the theatre forecourt

Thursday April 20th - Coach trip from Fuengirola to Malaga with a panorama of the city the a guided visit to the Jardin de la Concepcion followed by lunch in the mountains at a trout farm. Coach leaves from Solbank in Fuengirola at 9.30 a.m.

Thursday May 4th - Lunch at the beach. Chiringuito Antonio Videra in Los Boliches

Thursday May 18th - Evening trip to 'Howl with the Wolves' with a barbeque

thursday June 1st - Picnic at the Lakes

FOTA

Welcome to Fota blog where we will try to keep all the members of FOTA up to date with our activities and the happenings at the theatre.
FOTA is a fundraising and social group for the Salon Varieties Theatre in Fuengirola on Spain's Costa del Sol. We raise funds in a number of ways. During our season (September to May) we organise trips into Andalucia and sometimes further afield, then every month we have a lunch at a local restaurant. Several times a year we use the theatre forecourt for bazaars and we also do our bit for the environment by recycling Christmas and birthday cards which are sold in the theatre's bar.
If you want to come along and join or chat to us we have a table in the bar on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11.30 to 1.15.