 |
 |
 |
||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
22/07/08 |
|
 |
It was with great regret that we received the news of Jean’s death. Although she had battled with poor health for ten years, it was a shock to hear that she had died unexpectedly on11th July. Jean joined the Phoenix Players in September 1960 to assist the founding Secretary, Connie Charles, with Front of House work at the theatre. The Civic Theatre was newly opened and the team needed to be expanded. In 1965 Jean took over as Ticket Secretary, a position she filled, with one short break due to family illness, until the end of 1998. Although her position as Ticket Secretary did not require her regular attendance at rehearsals, she hardly ever missed one, such was her commitment to the society. She was always there to talk to members, particularly new ones who might be feeling a little nervous. The Players affectionately called her ‘Auntie Jean’ and this is how she will be remembered, but not forgetting our tremendous debt of gratitude for a lifetime’s dedication to Amateur Theatre. |
|
|
28/03/08 |
|
 |
We are pleased to welcome Mike Dodsworth as a new member of the company. He will be taking the part of Philip Taverner, the investigator from Head Office, in our next play, the who-dunnit - 'Countercrime'. Mike has previously appeared in two productions for High Green AOS, as Slim in 'Oklahoma' and the Giant in their panto Jack and the Beanstalk. Mike says that he is looking forward to getting to grips with the demands and challenges of a drama. |
 |
Another recruit to our ranks is Pauline Stirling who has recently moved to Rotherham from Essex. Pauline has no previous experience on stage except in performing monologues when she was at school. She has been a keen playgoer and is hoping to make new friends as well as learning to act. Pauline will be assisting backstage for our coming production and looking forward to an opportunity to tread the boards next season. |
 |
The Players are grateful to Kirsty Bennie who is guesting for us in 'Countercrime', playing the part of a pert shop assistant. She has performed in many musicals since the age of 6 and is currently playing the lead in Peggy Sawyer in '42nd Street' with Wakefield West Riding. Professionally, Kirsty spent a year dancing in Spain and has worked on cruise ships for the past 3 years as Dance Captain and adage special act. Now back home in Rotherham, Kirsty has started her own business running children's birthday parties and doing first dances for weddings. We hope that she enjoys this experience in a straight play as a change from her regular stage appearances. |
|
|
18/03/08 |
We are sad to say goodbye to two talented and long standing members who have decided to retire from the stage this season. |
 |
Firstly, Roy Bakewell whose first performance with the Players was in 1957 when he played Tom Spragg in Michael Brett’s ‘Lucky Strike’. His appearances since have been numerable, if a little sporadic, but always enjoyable to watch. Although we are not the only society in Rotherham to benefit from Roy’s abilities, we are certain that regular audiences to Civic Theatre will miss his quick wit and excellent characterisations. |
 |
Ruth Cliff joined the Players in 1990. Among her many performances since was her memorable portrayal of Mrs. Slocombe in Lloyd & Croft’s ‘Are You Being Served?’ Always chirpy and kind, Ruth’s talent and reliability will be missed as part of our regular team. |
