A Special Treat

">" border="0" alt="" />
The theatre's big musical production in the Autumn is to be EVITA . The auditions are on Saturday and Sunday June 9th and 10th and Peter Mitchell will be conducting a workshop on the Friday before, June 8th, at 7 p.m. to discuss the production, music and characters. So as a special treat here is local boy, Antonio Banderas (who unfortunately won't be in the show) singing from the film.

Trip to Nerja

May 24th we have our trip to Nerja. I've just come back from a couple of days staying there. It is very different from our part of the Coast retaining still a feeling that it really is a Spanish town with it's typical narrow streets. Spoilt a bit by far too many estate agents and restaurants clearly demonstrating that English is the local language. We walked over to Burriana Beach but the Cafe del Mar was closed up for the week. Unfortunately the weather was pretty bad so although the beach looked good it was deserted and very out of season. I am sure it will be very different at the end of May.

JUNE 7th a date for your diary. We set off for a picnic in the Lake District of Málaga Province. Away from the Coast is a whole experience quite different from the sort of thing that you think of when someone says Costa Del Sol. The coach leaves Fuengirola and next stops at Álora after passing through Orange growing country beyond Cartama and Pizzara. At Álora there is a stop for coffee and if you are lucky you can see the Ostrich farm over the road. Then via the gorge where Von Ryan's Express was filmed, to the lake where you will be able to enjoy the picnic you have brought with you (there is a restaurant if you prefer). The scenery is quite spectacular and after the recent rains the lake level should be better than it is in the photos, which were taken last September. When the reservoir is full the water should be up to tree level- not likely - but will be high enough for a refreshing dip.
Now for the bad news. Blame global warming, well everyone does, but with winter residents heading north earlier this year we couldn't get a coach together for the trip to Jaen. Everyone who booked has been told but if you are now feeling disappointed let us know and we'll rethink it for next year.
Last Saturday saw a satisfactory return on our efforts with the book sale. What was particularly nice was that so many people took the opportunity of coming to say hello, not just to us but to each other so it was a good social occasion.
Our next event is lunch on May 3rd. Come along to the desk to confirm the venue.
Finally a note for your diary. The AGM is on May 22nd. All the retiring members of the committee are willing to stand again if you want them and there will be one vacancy caused by a member of the committee 'retiring' by non attendance.

I thought that you would like this photo. it shows two of our stalwarts as they appeared in the recent production of 'The Dancing Years'. On the left is our President Gina and with her a long time member and fundraiser (remember all her fashion shows?) Maggie. More 'Dancing Years' photos are on the Salon Varities website www.salonvarietestheatre.com as will be some of 'Anne of Green Gables' which we saw this week. The audience was disappointingly small for this effort. Doubly disappointing because the cast were mostly young performers who showed a lot of promise and gave a good evening's entertainment. Let's hope that in the future we can say 'I saw ..... when they started out'!
Don't forget the trip tomorrow and the book sale a week on Saturday.
Enjoy Semana Santa

Update on programme for rest of season.

Our programme for the rest of the year was finalised at our last committee meeting (fingers crossed!) and, in the hope that there is something that you will enjoy, here it is:

March 29th a trip into Granada province to the Cueva de Ventana. With the provinces mountains rising to the highest point on the peninsula you can be assured of some spectacular scenery.
April 5th we are back to the very popular Campesino restaurant in Fuengirola for a lunch
April 14th there will be a book sale on the theatre forecourt
April 17th -19th is our postponed trip to Jaen,Ubeda and Baeza. This is a world heritage site with magnificent Renaissance squares and Palaces and some outstanding areas of great beauty on the way. a very different aspect of Spain for those of us living on the Costa del Sol.
May 3 Lunch at Antonio Videro restaurant
May 12 a fashion show on the theatre's forecourt. Bring your wallet, there has been some real bargains in the past for both sexes.
May 24th a trip to Nerja. On the way there is an outlet shopping mall - don't worry about the non shoppers, there's plenty for them to do whilst the serious business is taken in hand. Then lunch at Burriana Beach where the reataurant is run by some old friends of the theatre and an optional excursion to the famous Caves.
June 7th our popular outing to El Chorro lakes. Whenever I take visiotors out there they are amazed by an aspect of Spain so close to the beaches and so different. We usually go swimming and this year is a 'bring your own picnic' day. There is a rstaurant at the lakes if your prefer that but a picnic in the pine woods which stretch down to the water's edge sounds nicer.

Well that's our programme but don't forget the theatre has a programme too. Opening this weekend is a Peter Mitchell production, 'The Dancing Years' by Ivor Novello. Starring Sian Hopkins and Peter Height with a cast that is going to make the dressing rooms very cramped it is so large, this promises to be a very entertaining night out. Already some nights a almost fully booked so move quickly (Box Office 952 47 45 42).

We shall look forward to seeing you on the FOTA desk on Monday,Wednesday or Friday mornings.

A Good Week in Fuengirola

We have had a very good week this week. On Tuesday I went to see the Music Hall at the theatre and as it often does it got me musing on the very English concept of AmDram. The theatre was packed and the audience loved it. The audiences we get here are used to high standards for free. There are many bars you can go to where, for the price of a drink you can watch professional entertainers, many with a background of training and performing going back a long way and yet 300 people every night sat in our theatre having paid 12 euros for the privilege and thought it worth every penny. This particular show depended very heavily on one performer who was not only pivotal since he was on stage all the time but also set a standard the others had to reach if they weren't to seem, well - amateur. The Chairman wasn't the only performer on stage who has been a professional and however much it showed I have still heard, then and later, 'superior' remarks about amdram. When I last visited the States even the small towns we went through had a theatre (in the British English sense of the word) and some had several. Whether the performers were getting paid or not the description of the theatre was usually 'Community Theatre' and this is what we have in Fuengirola. The theatre is a serious community resource not just for the expat English here and the many visitors who have been attracted to Fuengirola's tourist industry but also local Spanish people who are using the theatre to improve their language skills or surprise, surprise - enjoy themselves. So if you are involved with the theatre no more negative 'amdram' comments and if you aren't then come along and find out if you agree with me. Let me know - there is a comment button.
The next bit of good news this week has been the weather (until today). I arrived at the FOTA desk on Wednesday in hot, by English standards, summer sun and was told that the trip to Motril and Salobrena was fully booked. I have put our latest programme at the end of this blog so leaving things to the last moment can be avoided. Let us hope the weather is kind to all on Thursday.
Today we had the auction on the theatre café forecourt and every seat was taken. There was some enthusiastic bidding but some incredible bargains were to be had too. All told we raised nearly 250 euros for our funds. Leaving the auction I bumped into the cast of 'The Heiress' which opens this Friday, February 23rd at 8.00. Normally a cast shows signs of quiet desperation at this stage but there was a confidence that the show will be a good one. I stayed on to sit in on a rehearsal for 'The Dancing Years' . All I can say is that I wish I could pick up a routine as quickly.
FOTA's Programme:

Here are the dates for your diary:

March 1st: Lunch at Casa Rustica

March 29th: Trip to Cuevas in Granada Province

April 5th: Lunch at Meson La Costa (just up from the Horses' head roundabout)

April 26th: Trip to Nerja, the Caves and Burriana Beach

May 1st: Lunch at Antonio Verduras

June(date TBA): Trip to the Lakes with a bring your own picnic.

We shall look forward to seeing you at the desk on Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings.

Town Crier article

If you've come to us because you saw the piece in the 'Town Crier' then you are very welcome. The picture they used is a little further down the site as it was taken at the Christmas Bazaar. My camera is off to Barcelona to be repaired so no pictures of the auction this Saturday on the theatre forecourt. Join us at 12.00 and you may find a terrific bargain.
Yesterday was a good day at the theatre, not only did we have the publicity in the 'Town Crier' but also Mary Harboe at REM radio gave the current production a rave review. Tonight is the last night for this but Lizz Freeman is already working on a new show for May so watch for the latest information. The FOTA desk was busy too - and even if a lot of it was gossip that is covered by our 'social' tag! - so the coach outing next week along the coast to Motril and Salobrena is getting very full. If you've been hesitating book now as they say.
The last committee meeting decided to postpone the planned trip to Jaen but we definitely hope to do it a bit later in the year. Our other social events are now a bit up inthe air because of that but we are thinking of a 'blossom route' trip for March and a visit to Nerja and the caves for April. This would include lunch in a very nice beachside restaurant we know. Then we look forward to a picnic in a local beauty spot in June. As ever if you have any ideas let us know either here or at our desk at the theatre on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. We shall look forward to seeing you

Jaen, Ubeda and Baeza are the destinations of our three day trip scheduled for Tuesday March 27th.
Jaen was a strategic stop on the moors caravan route from Castille to Andalusia. The old part of the town has the cathedral and the Barrio San Juan with the houses of the gentry in long winding streets. Smart shops are in the city centre where the narrow streets near the Plaza de la Constución also house the tapas bars and are wonderful for people watching.
The real jewels though are Ubeda and Baeza, both World Heritage sites. Although both towns have a rich Roman, Visigoth and Moorish history (conquered by Castille in 1226) it is as Renaissance towns they they are celebrated. You will see magnificent houses, palaces and churches built with the spoils of Empire by one of Italy's greatest architects Andrés de Valdevera.
The cost of the trip will be 280 euros.

We are booking well for the trip to Motril and Salobrena which goes on February 22nd. Further details of both trips can be had from our desk.

Happy New Year

It's been a beautiful Christmas here and today the sun was out and a walk on the seafront could be done in shirtsleeves. We even saw a FOTA member off to the beach with full sunbathing gear to hand! So far Christmas at the theatre has been good too. The panto has had really good (read sell out) audiences who have joined in and made a lot of noise, the cast have enjoyed it and I am sure are looking forward with confidence to the performances commencing January 3rd. The audiences particularly fell for the kids in the cast - don't they always?, there is also a big contingent of younger cast members who are doing a terrific job so the theatres future looks promising. All we need to do now is to get them to join FOTA.
The panto finishes on January 7th and the next production at the theatre will be a the farce 'Holiday Snaps' which runs from January 19th to 24th.
The next FOTA event is on February 1st when we have a lunch at the Europa in Fish Alley and then we are off to Salobrena and Motril for a day out on February 22nd. We'll look forward to seeing you at the FOTA desk soon.

Merry Christmas

All of us at FOTA wish all members and other friends a very Merry Christmas and we hope for a very Happy New Year for all. It could get off to a good start with the panto - oh yes it could. We have had two nights so far with really enthusiastic audiences taking a full part in the show. The pre Christmas run is fully booked but we are back on January 3rd and although some nights are fully sold out there a few tickets left so if you want to come the message is book now.
The FOTA desk is open again in the New Year and we hope to see as many as possible of you then.

New programme.

The captions didn't come out quite right on the last picture blog but I'll try and work out what went wrong when I can.
In the meantime here is our forthcoming programme. We hope that there is something there you like but if not let us know. We can't rely on guesswork!

Lunches:
February 1st at the Europa
March 1st at Oscars
both of these restaurants are in 'Fish Alley' so quite close to the theatre.

Trips
February 22nd we are going along the coast to Salobrena and then inland to Motril..
March 27th - a Tuesday- we are planning a longer trip. Staying in Jaen for three nights we will be exploring Baeza and Ubeda which are both beautiful World Heritage sites.
Come and see us at the desk for more details.

Pat is getting in the mood

The cake and marmalade went well too












Every bazaar needs a well run tombola! 

Christmas bazaar

David and Arthur with the cards 

Theatre's AGM

Anyone who has ever been to a meeting in Spain will know how long they can last and how undisciplined they seem to an English eye. It is not uncommon for an owners community meeting to start at 10,break for lunch and finish at 8 with not all agenda items covered so it was rather nice to go to the AGM of the theatre and have it all over in 16 minutes. It was quite a tribute to prior organisation and communication. Important stuff covered included information on the work being carried out. Fingers crossed all the electrical work except for a minor item is going to be finished by the time the panto opens on December 21st. FOTA's contribution of 13000 euros was acknowledged. Problems still remain with the building which is getting towards the end of its life but there is now a breathing space in which the future can be considered. FOTA member Gloria Harding was elected to the board of SALVA and we all wish her well. Continuity of the theatre management was assured when the current President told us that she would be handing over the running of the theatre gradually to the Vice President, whilst still making sure the buck stopped with her.

See you at the Bazaar

We've got into a rhythmn with the Autumn programme. Tomorrow the coach trip to the white villages goes with a good number of passengers and next Tuesday we will have our final committee before the Christmas Bazaar on December 9th at the theatre. Ideas and anything we can use to raise funds are both equally welcome.
The theatre is in full swing too and it doesn't look as if it will have to close to get the final electric work done. 'Witness For The Prosecution' was a great success at the box office (and with four FOTA Committee members in the cast we hope it was a success in other ways. The audience seemed to enjoy it each night of its run). Now we look forward to Lizz Freeman's Christmas Cracker which is a mix of 'turns' and audience participation. These shows are always very popular and I am not sure which side of the curtains enjoys itself most. The panto comes next and that has an enormous cast of children and adults. Rehearsals are well under way and tickets were going well at the theatre this morning. This year it is 'Aladdin' . The script calls for some exotic locations but I can't imagine Peter Mitchell not being up to the task of making it magic.

FOTA memberships fall due in January and now is a good time to let us know what is going to make you renew your membership - or perish the thought what we are doing that means you won't renew!

Meet us at the desk

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings in the bar at the theatre FOTA has a desk where you can check out our latest trips and activities or come along for a chat. I would love to get gossip for this blog but haven't had much that is repeatable!. Here is a picture of Gina, the president of FOTA and Arthur who is the Treasurer taken last Wednesday. The coffee is mine.
Our fundraising activities include selling some home made items - there is some marmalade in the picture - but the most important homemeade fundraiser is the re cycled cards, mostly for Christmas but also birthday and general cards. The work of David who is also our Vice President. Here he is with his stand.





This week the theatre saw the end of a successful return of 'Stepping Out' and a packed house for a visit from the Risca Male Voice Choir and guest Sian Hopkins. Now work is coming to a head for 'Witness For The Prosecution' by Agatha Christie. With four members of the FOTA committee in the cast we have a strong interest in the play. Agatha Christie regarded it as her best play and it has some intriguing twists and puzzles for the audience.

November trip re arranged

Our November trip is now on 30th and will be a tour of some of Andalucia's best white villages and towns. At any time of the year they are quite stunning as they curl up mountains, usually crowned by a Moorish castle, but in both Spring and Autumn there are complimentary colours which bring out the best for the eyes and the cameras. Our trip includes a breakfast stop and lunch and is only 23 euros.
The theatre is going well despite the continuing problems. The Boyfriend has been a success and now 'Stepping Out' opened last night with advance bookings going really well. At rehearsals yesterday for 'Witness For The Prosecution' the electrics failed but the electricians rallied round and all was well by the time we had finished a line rehearsal in the bar. It's shaping up well and we hope will be another run to rebuild the coffers after the summer. Unfortunately the next show 'Abigail's Party' has had to be cancelled so that the theatre can go dark long enough for the work to be completely finalised. After that Lizz has her Christmas Show which is always a really popular and fun way to get in the mood for Christmas and the Pantomime which is now cast and will begin rehearsing soon.
Don't forget our Christmas Bazaar on December 9th. If you can help with something for it our desk will be delighted to see you. Of course we'll be delighted to see you on the day and hope that you will find something for Christmas.
If you are reading this away from the Costa del Sol just to let you know that the autumn has begun. It happens quite suddenly on the Mediterranean and we are now down to about 20C and the last week has seen a lot of cloud and some rain. Still I guess we don't suffer too much.

What a week!

Phew! it all came good this week. Our trip to the Howling was a great success although there was a problem with the cold. Here on the coast we have got used to the thermometer rarely dropping below 20 and when we set off it was shirt sleeves and summer dresses but as the sun dipped over the incredibly spectacular mountains behind Antequera the temperature went down with it. Those who had brought anoraks were OK but those of us who had wondered whether a light pullover was overdoing it, suffered. Nevertheless we had an enjoyable meal before setting off as it got dark. The wolves were beautiful and the enthusiasm of Daniel their host was infectious. We came away with a changed idea of the wolf and a respect for its place in nature.
At the theatre 'The Boyfriend' started only ten minutes behind schedule. Literally the audience could have watched the paint dry if the tabs had been open. There is still a bit of a problem with the electrics, mostly affecting the house lights but the stage was perfectly lit. First reviews in the bar on Saturday lunchtime were very enthusiastic with the youngsters dancing coming in for high praise and barely a word of criticism of the performances even from people who weren't cast!
FOTA's next big thing is the book sale on Saturday and stocks are good so come along and get prepared for the long winter evenings. Although it is still summer here with daytime temperatures reaching 29 we can't be too far away from a few wet nights when indoors is where it's at. Sale starts at 12. Looking forward to seeing you.

'Howling with the Wolves' had 35 booked by last night which is encouraging news. It means we should raise funds with the trip and, as someone who is going on it, there will be a good crowd so it should be fun. The theatre news is promising too. The Boyfriend is in the final stages of rehearsal but I hear comments that it is ready now. It opens this Friday. We are still keeping our fingers crossed that all will be well with the theatre. Yesterday evening the auditorium looked immaculate for a packed meeting of NADFAS. Rehearsals are well under way for the re run of 'Stepping Out' 'Abigails Party' and for 'Witness For the Prosecution' so the Autumn is looking pretty good.
Away from the theatre Lynn who is our Membership Secretary, took over The Gun at the Riverside (do summer holidaymakers believe it sometimes is a river?) for a special birthday and a great time was had by her friends with the singers in the party giving us a very enjoyable cabaret.
Don't forget the Book sale on October 21st.

Our next trip is Howling with the Wolves at the Lobo Park near Antequera. We leave Fuengirola at 4.30 on October 12th (next Thursday) and the trip includes a barbeque. Come and see us at the desk if you are interested.
The theatre is slowly coming together. The electrical work isn't finished yet but the crew are pretty confident that all will be well in time for 'The Boyfriend'. Sandy Wilson's hit musical opens on Friday 13th!! It's not a mindstretcher, just great fun and having been nosey when they were rehearsing it looks like a good evening.
This week will be Feria in Fuengirola so if you are able to get in but have thought it not for you give it a try. Having been to Málaga and Torremolinos Ferias this year I can say that Fuengirola is a bit different. It specialises in horse events and as it is the last Feria of the season seems to attract horsemen - and women - from far and wide. It also seems friendlier and more accessible. A real chance for the foreigners to get in touch with Spanish culture (what will they make of The Boyfriend if they come to the Salon?)