'I do' love a good ending

Oct 31 2008 Amateur Stage By John Slim

* THE Circle Players’ production of We Love You, Arthur, a story of the miners’ strike in the 1980s, ended with “I love you, Beth.”

That was the message delivered by Alex Howell after playing the role of Father on the final night of the show at Aldridge Youth Theatre.

The company had taken its bow when Alex stepped forward and asked the audience to wait just a minute because he had something extra to do. He then led Beth Le Gresley from her seat and onto the stage – where he got down on one knee, produced an engagement ring from his pocket and popped the question.

Beth was suitably stunned but produced the correct response, whereupon the Players and their patrons broke into applause and cheers.

It’s called a grand finale.

* MEMBERS of Birmingham’s Crescent Theatre will mark Armistice Day on Sunday, November 9, with At The Going Down Of The Sun, a compilation of readings andsongs from the First World War.

This will be two days after the Crescent opens its studio production of Journey’s End, RC Sherriff’s moving drama of the trenches, first performed in 1928, which will run until November 15. The November 14 performance will be followed by a chance to meet the cast and learn more about the play.

The Crescent will give a pound from every ticket to the Poppy Appeal.

* THE All Saints’ Players, of West Bromwich, will follow in the footsteps of Dora Bryan when they present They Don’t Grow on Trees – the story of a professional couple who find complications in their quest to replace their cook.

But whereas the legendary Dora played no fewer than nine characters, the Players are taking the democratic opportunity to give all their members a chance to be involved.

The show will run from November 11-14 at All Saints’ Church, West Bromwich.

* ERDINGTON Operatic Society will celebrate its golden jubilee by presenting The Yeomen of the Guard at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall from Tuesday to Saturday next week.

The group was founded in 1958 by the late Lyndon Page, who remained at the helm until handing over production to Colin Lapworth in 1978 and musical direction to David Allen in 1983. Colin and David are still masterminding productions, providing the society with a wealth of tradition and continuity.

Chairman John Cheese says: “We are indebted to the loyalty and dedication of all our members, but especially to Colin and David, who both do an amazing job. We hope to see many of our past members at performances during the week’s run.”

* Email Amateur Stage news to johnslim47@aol.com

* WHAT’S ON

* The Boy Friend, The Arcadians, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham (to tomorrow).

* The Homecoming, Friction Theatre Company, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham (to tomorrow).

* Calamity Jane, Circle Light Opera Company, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall (to tomorrow).

* Alice in Wonderland, MCS Rep Company, Old Rep (to tomorrow).

* Hope Springs, Young Rep, Birmingham Rep (to Nov 2).

* The Memory of Water, Nonentities, Rose Theatre, Kidderminster (Nov 3-8).

* Carmen, Midland Opera Company, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham (Nov 4-8).

* Aladdin, BMOS Youtheatre, Old Rep (Nov 4-8).

* Round and Round the Garden, St John’s Players, Swan Theatre, Worcester (Nov 4-8).

* The Yeomen of the Guard, Erdington Operatic Society, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall (Nov 4-8).

* Run for Your Wife, Wythall Theatre Company, Palace Theatre, Redditch (Nov 5-8).

* My Boy Jack, Grange Players, Grange Playhouse, Walsall (Nov 6-15).

* Journey’s End, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham (Nov 7-15).

* Canterbury Tales, MDCC Theatre Company, Library Theatre, Birmingham (Nov 7).