Grainger Players SHOW STOPPERS
(Reprinted from SHIRE no 324 January 1999)
Once again we had the pleasure of another show by `The Grainger Players' at the Public Hall, this time it was "Show Stoppers" and well worth coming out on a cold night and getting a flat `bum' in the balcony! I'm always grateful that there are those in the village who give so freely of their time to give us, the not-so talented a great evening's entertainment, so different from the canned stuff `on the box' . When I sit in my seat I often wonder whether it is easier to perform in front of people that you know, or many of them that you know, and pass in the street next day, or is it easier with strangers? At least you know the comments and appreciation you get from the people of the village are genuine and sincere.
I cannot remember how many shows I've seen to date, but each new one seems better than the last, which I thought would have been impossible. It must be difficult to find some new theme every time and yet each one comes fresh and new.
I liked the variety of tunes this time - finding something to please everybody must cause quite a bit of head scratching. The blending of acts between the young and slightly more mature artists was well done, as was the choice of songs, some taking me back to pre-war days, others to days when "A musical" was musical and not the crash, bang, wallop of much of today's style. The costumes and choreography were a credit to those responsible and the cast used them to the enjoyment of all of us, young and old.
I liked the stage setting, not elaborate, but just right for the type of Show. Thanks must go to the musicians, especially to the gentleman who came in at short notice who gave his free time so that the "Show could go on"!
Much as I would like to thank the cast by name, I found myself unable to put the names in the programme to the faces on stage - must be due to old age! Anyway, to all of them a great big THANK YOU (I can put faces to Monica and Liz, of course!).
To all those who worked unseen back stage, the helpers and all concerned, especially to Shirl for putting it `all together' and giving so generously of her time to provide the village with a great evening's entertainment, a most sincere THANK YOU.
LES GRAY