Caldicot & District U3A have again been fortunate in receiving a grant from Awards for All Wales [the Lottery Fund] for the purchase of extra Computer Equipment and 6 new laptop computers, complete with additional keyboards and headphones, have been acquired.

These are being used by beginners with little or no experience of computing to learn what can be achieved with knowledge of computing and access to the Internet. The scheme started at the beginning of September and there has been a "full house" ever since as more and more senior citizens realise that the world of IT can add to their quality of life.

In addition to the computer equipment, the U3A received a grant to buy a sound amplifying system for the Drama Group. The system includes wireless collar microphones which allow the players to have their voices amplified without the encumbrance of wires and they were used publicly for the first time in September when the Group gave a performance of "The Worst Day of my Life" to an audience of over 100 people in the Choir Hall in Caldicot.

5/10/2008.

 

DRAMA GROUP PRODUCTION…….. “ THE WORST DAY OF MY LIFE ”

Written by Alan Richardson.

"Charlie Brown" has worst day of his life! Members and guests of Caldicot & District U3A gathered in the Choir Hall for a production by The Phoenix Players, their own Drama Group.

*Please click the photographs below to access larger images

Photo: Nurse Samantha greets Mrs Charlie Brown

After an entertaining monologue by Lillian Selmes they were treated to a one act farce entitled "The Worst Day of my Life". Charlie Brown (played by Tony Hirst) was confined to hospital and being well looked after by Nurse Samantha (Wendy Protheroe).

Things did not go well for him though, as first one Mrs Charlie Brown, Joanne (Ann Duke) came to visit him, to be joined by another Mrs Charlie Brown, Evelyn (Lyn Thompson) and yet another Mrs Charlie Brown, Melissa (Pam Caines) - three wives of his he had kept apart for many years by living with each only two days of every week!

Photo: Charlie with the three Mrs Charlie Browns

All three portrayed their very differing characters extremely well and when they had got over the shock of meeting each other were hoaxed into thinking Charlie didn't have long to live. The play ended with Nurse Samantha thinking she was going to be the "first" Mrs Charlie Brown only to find out that the others were not really Charlie's sisters as she had been led to believe.

Photo: Some of the Drama Group with Convenor Dianne Payne

The play was produced by the Group's Convenor, Dianne Payne ably backed up by John Duke & Tony Hirst (Scenery), Rob and Ann Taylor-Heard (Audio management) and Audrey Bright (Prompter and Technical Aid). After the performance everyone enjoyed a sumptuous tea prepared by all the members of the Drama Group.

David Evans

 

“ THE WORST DAY OF MY LIFE ”

12th September 2008 the Choir Hall, Caldicot

 

Drama Groups Christmas Production brings the house down !

*Click the photograph above to access the photo slideshow

Pease take time to browse our photos of the show, it was based on the popular TV sit/com "Vicar of Dibley" a quick look at a photograph should give you an idea of who was playing what part. The successful production was followed by cups of tea and Christmas goodies, whilst the audience chatted and laughed about the show and it's many hilarious moments. Film was also shown of two Christmas messages received from three of our members who spent their Christmas on the other side of the world. Thank you to all the members of our Drama group, the technical crew and the buffet team for making it a wonderful afternoon, here is looking forward to your next production

Ron Lapthorn

 

Production of Cinder-Ella

At the July monthly meeting members were treated to a West End (of Caldicot that is!) production of Cinder-Ella by their very own Drama Group now known as The Phoenix Players.

A witty introduction by Sheila Ford put the audience in the right frame of mind for an excellent performance.

*Click the photograph above to access a photo slide show of the

"Phoenix Players" Production of Cinder-Ella

The cast consisted of:-
Cinder-Ella - Lyn Thompson,
Buttons - Adrian Dallow,
Wicked Stepmother - Lillian Selmes,
Baron Hardup & Dubya - Peter Shreeve,
Fairy Spice – Wendy Protheroe,
Ugly Sister (Nausea) - Dianne Payne,
Ugly Sister (Hernia) - Pam Caines,
Prince Charming - Jan Potter,
Dandini - Cindy McOwen,
Tone & King - Tony Hirst,
Queen - Joyce Davies,
Alan - Sheila Ford,
Bows - Irene Viney,
Herald - Noreen Powell
Chorus - Sue Bird, Ann Dukes, Noreen Powell,
Joyce Davies, Irene Viney & Tony Hirst.
Many members assisted with staging, sound effects, etc. including
Director of Music - Ann Dukes,
Dresser - Glenice Dallow,
Scenery Manager - John Dukes,
Stagehand - Geraint Roberts
Prompter - Audrey Bright.

This was a truly fun “Summer Pantomime” and much hard work had obviously gone into staging it.

The Drama Group of Caldicot and District U3A gave their first production on 19th January under their new title of the

"Phoenix Players".

*Click the photograph above to access a photo slide show of the
"Phoenix Players"

The afternoon got off to a lively start with nearly all the members on stage taking it in turn to recite various amusing poems.After a short break to rearrange the stage and get into costume the audience were treated to an excellent performance of the short play entitled "Bus Stop". Other members of the group were also busy with other duties including setting out a very nice buffet for all present to participate in at the end of the performance.

The Cast

The Choir Hall at Caldicot was packed and everyone enjoyed it, judging by the buzz of congratulations afterwards.

The producer and director was Anna Nicholas who teaches the drama group, who when asked, said how proud she was of her little group and how hard she had worked them to attain this excellence in a very short time.

The poignancy of Pam Caines singing was very emotional, the allure of Dianne Payne's various parts were cleverly executed, the screams of Mrs Butcher Beynon, Lilian Selmes, the bad tempered Mrs Pugh, Lyn Thompson, the very, very bad tempered Mrs Ogmore Pritchard, Eileen Chesworth, brought laughter as did Lily Small's servant, Joyce Davies and Mrs Cherry Owen, Dianna Waddington, the audience appreciated it all.

The men in the cast, also brought their touch of magic to the play. Adrian Dallow as Butcher Beynon with his cleaver! made the audience hoot with laughter, while Willy Nilly postman Jerry Nicholas had the audience grinning before he said a word and then the elegant Captain Cat, Peter Shreeve, completed the cast.