September 2009

Two official Group events this month, both of which were organised by Clare M. One new, one returning old favourite, both of which involve a fair proportion of the group members pitching in and helping out. Thanks go to all those involved, and below are brief reviews by the organiser herself...

This year, for the first time, The Cissbury Players manned a stall at the Findon Village Sheep Fair. The main purpose of the stall was to grow awareness of the group within the village and surrounding areas. New members are always welcome and there is room to grow the number of patrons attached to the group.

From 9am to 5.30pm there were several teams of Cissbury Players manning the stall dressed in a large selection of costumes. Early passers by enjoyed seeing Pam dressed in a Victorian red striped bathing suit and Stuart in a rather fetching sailors outfit. (In fact the Herald Newspaper chose a picture of these two as one of the three they displayed in Thursday's edition). Later on Mary represented the group in a fabulously decadent white Charleston outfit teamed with husband Ken in the usual front of house attire. Clare B sporting a fabulous Edwardian dress with matching hat and handbag. Afternoon visitors were excited by Lindsey in the Principal Boy outfit (including a sexy black tunic and fishnet stockings) as well as sister Sam in a beautiful princess outfit with trailing sleeves and matching tiara. The day was finished off with a Victorian lady in pink, matched with an appropriate hat and pink parasol.

Passers by were greeted with the phrase "Any interest in local theatre, watching or taking part?". Most of the fairs visitors stopped to chat about the next play, "The Importance Of Being Earnest", or to ask about past productions, where we perform and how often. The odd visitor replied with "not today thank you" much to the mirth of the Players manning the stall. In all the group began to build a permanent email mailing list to inform interested villagers in the next production as well as generally spreading the word. It was an enjoyable day for all.

The hope is that every year The Cissbury Players can take part in the annual Sheep Fair and Village Festival, representing an integral part of the community. Who knows next year we may even be brave enough to put on a short production or small adaptation of a popular play? Discussions are being held to see if we are able to become more involved.

Clare-Louise Mitchell, Social Secretary, The Cissbury Players.

On Sunday the Cissbury Players successfully held their annual Patrons Day. For the first time a Murder Mystery was performed as entertainment to accompany the luncheon, quiz and afternoon cream tea.

The Patrons are an integral part of The Cissbury Players family. For £15 a year Patrons enjoy free entry into all three productions, invites to social events like wine tasting day, skittles evenings and the Christmas dinner as well as the free Patrons Day.

A group of like minded individuals teamed with the years performers were able to discuss past productions and future ideas while tucking into a well prepared buffet lunch and cream tea. The Murder Mystery was a hit with Patrons having to guess the murderer in a funny play acted by newcomer Nick and veterans Mike, Anne, Mary, Lindsey and Dave.

Fun was had by all and hopes are hgh for another enjoyable Patrons Day next year.

Clare-Louise Mitchell, Social Secretary, The Cissbury Players.

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Events - September 2009