Summerbridge Players go ‘cuckoo’ with pre-Christmas panto

Summerbridge Players are going ‘cuckoo’ in a pantomime that promises to provide pre-Christmas fun for all the family.

Four performances of Alice in Cuckoo Land will be staged at Dacre and Hartwith Village Hall in Dacre Banks, starting from November 30.

Rev Alastair Ferneley (pictured back, third from left) will be swapping his clerical clothes for high heels and a dress, as he takes the part of the Dame.

Peter Nuttall’s panto provides a comical and alternative view on the festive season as Rev Ferneley, the Vicar of Dacre with Hartwith & Darley with Thornthwaite, told the Stray Ferret:

“The evil Queen of Hearts hates Christmas and is determined that it will be banned from her realm.  She has even thrown Santa into the dungeons.

“Alice and her friends Chester the Cheshire cat, Floppy the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter set out to rescue him.  Of course, there are also the Dame and other colourful characters to add to the fun and games.”

The pantomime, starting at 7.30pm, will be held from Thursday November 30 until Saturday December 2 and there will also be a matinee performance starting at 12,30 on the Saturday. Tickets are available at the J Todd and Sons store in Main Street ,Summerbridge.

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Could you take up a role with Summerbridge Players?

Summerbridge Players have put out an urgent call in a search for actors, lighting/sound technicians and people who can perform various backstage roles.

With a proud history of many performances over 73 years, the players are looking to the future.

The Rev Alastair Ferneley, vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Dacre Banks, who in May was in the cast of Give us a Sign – a comedy of errors written by award-winning playwright Tony Domaille – said:

“We are asking the Nidderdale community to help keep our local theatre group going – and have fun doing it.

“Anybody who feels that they can play a role – whether acting or behind the scenes – will be made most welcome at the open day we are holding at Dacre and Hartwith Village Hall on Saturday, September 9.”

Those who visit between 11am and 2pm will have the opportunity to find out more about the players and their planned future productions and further details about the open day can be obtained by emailing Sue Wright on suewr1ght@yahoo.co.uk

Since its foundation as an independent group in 1950, the Summerbridge Players have performed a broad portfolio of plays, ranging from The Vicar of Dibley to The House of Frankenstein.

Other notable productions include Oliver!, My Fair Lady, Jonah and the Whale, Twelfth Night and A Christmas Carol.

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Summerbridge Players to perform a tale of spying and spooky events

Summerbridge Players will perform the comedy Give Us A Sign by award-winning playwright Tony Domaille next week.

The play, which features a Russian spy, spooky happenings, a drunk CIA man, MI5 and the ghost of a dead professor, makes for a hilarious comedy of errors.

The players’ preview, says:

“When unemployed Ken Lockwood sets himself up as a clairvoyant he bites off more than he and his wife Rachel can chew and things soon get out of hand.”

Performances will be staged at Dacre and Hartwith Village Hall in Dacre Banks on May 18, 19 and 20, starting at 7.30pm and tickets costing £6, are available from Todds stores, Summerbridge or can be reserved by e-mailing Jackie Kerr – jackiekerr812@btinternet.com

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