Chairman's Message
Spring 2011Whenever there is a call for financial restraint or cuts to be made, one of the first casualties is the Arts and no doubt that will again be the case. There’s nothing new for The Lamproom Theatre in that though. Despite Ken Dodd’s advice “You can’t look back too much – it gives you a stiff neck” we should remember that the place was created as a result of theatre closures but has survived through the years due not least to the loyalty of our theatre-goers in supporting the efforts, determination and collaboration of a rare eclectic mix of experienced ability with youthful emergent talent. The Lamproom has become more like an extended family as new young families move in and equally some old-established and valued ones move on.2010 began with one of the Lamproom’s ‘Golden Oldies’ The Calendar Girls’, and ended with our youngest in-house performers’ ‘Frog and Toad’. That has transpired to be the last Lamplyters’ production by Steve and Donna Rennison. It is always with regret that we see old friends leave, but wish them well in their new venture. We also thank Don Clarke for his years of engagement with The Lamproom, as he retires as a Trustee, but takes a seat in the audience. As inevitable as these changes are, so new doors open and one of the theatre’s strengths is that it welcomes new talent and the return of old friends. The introduction of our new writers’ programme proved a great hit for University of Huddersfield’s undergraduate Jack Land-Noble and his production of ‘Grappling’, which due to popular demand will return in 2011. As a young student writer whose career also began locally in the 1970s, and whose plays continue to attract Lamproom audiences, John Godber continues to support the work of the theatre. Nominated for a National TV Award along with everyone’s favourite actress Katherine Kelly, another familiar face is to return. A rare opportunity to take advantage of a Barnsley FC home match and a slot in Shaun Dooley’s increasingly busy schedule allows him to do ‘An Evening With’ with us next Spring. In reviving our annual drama competition, The South Yorkshire Youth Drama Festival, Louise Weigold has brought in an encouraging number of schools from around the county with some stunning theatre, and the discovery of outstanding talent. For me personally the greatest feature of this healthily competitive event was the spontaneously generous applause for all the entrants, not just from parents and staff, but from children who did or didn’t win. As a result a keen group of Barnsley teachers is now on task to set up an innovative alternative to that festival. Headed by enthusiastic staff from Hoyland Common and Birkwood Primary Schools, all participating schools in this exciting initiative will learn to perform Shakespeare in non-competitive real theatrical conditions with the support of Lamproom technology and its committed staff expertise and experience. A new stage is now set for yet more local talent to be discovered to entertain and bring newcomers to join our in-house and visiting groups to impress our loyal and audiences – whose support we continue to value above all. Mel Dyke – Chair – Barnsley Theatre Trust (1998) Limited |
Gift Vouchers
The Lamproom Theatre now provides Gift Vouchers for performances. These make perfect presents for theatre goers, friends, and family alike. Click here for more information.
Latest News
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