RECENT PRODUCTIONS

2021: 13 & 14 May : Murder Mystery Dinner

Published Alderney author Lee Flewitt has pulled it off again – this time with two short murder mystery plays which were performed in the Georgian House on 13^th and 14^th May.

For the first time, the Alderney Theatre Group hosted a murder mystery dinner in the Orangery. Seating 56 diners, it was possible to accommodate a theatre stage and amazing backdrops as well as props.

On Thursday 13^th and Friday 14^th May, the stage was set for two different murder mystery plays. The stunning backdrops created by Nick Collier and Ronnie Cairnduff’s clever props set the scene.

Both plays were pre-recorded by Alex Flewitt, with special sound effects adding further suspense, and were brilliantly enacted by the cast who had the audience in suspense and stitches.

The first crime “Murder in the Library” claimed just one victim who perished due to extremely intriguing circumstances. But, as this play may well be shown again during Alderney Week, no clues, other than the cast, will be disclosed!

Lord Percival Rogers-Knightley (Nigel Soane-Sands), Caspar the Dog (Aleksandra Jakubowska), Carmel the Maid (Thea Constance), Doctor Cameron (Lee Flewitt) Lady Camilla (Charlotte Newton) and Henrietta Sandwich (Sarah Simpkins)

For photographs of Murder in the Library – to view/download/share from our Flickr site. Click here

The curtains were raised again to reveal another crime scene- this time Alderney’s railway station.

“Murder on the Alderney Express”, first performed during Alderney Week 2020, claimed no less than four casualties. The storyline is hilarious and the mystery was solved by the famous and very clever Belgian detective Hercule Poirot (Ronnie Cairnduff). The cast also featured Lord Albert (Nigel Soane-Sands), Lady Essex (Lesley Cairnduff), Doctor Proctor (Lee Flewitt) and Raz Causeway (Ian Corder).

 The curtains came down to thunderous applause and we are pleased to confirm the casualties lived on to survive another day and to star in another show!   ENDS

For photographs of Murder on the Alderney Express – to view/download/share  from our Flickr site. Click here

2021: 26 March – Play-Reading Night at the Georgian House

2020: 3-5 December: PETER PANDEMIC – written and produced by Lee Flewitt

PETER PAN PULLS IT OFF IN NEVERLAND ALDERNEY:

Three performances, all sold out (we had to open the Dress Rehearsal to over 80 people on the waiting list)

Review by Mort Burch – Alderney Journal (Issue 1210 – 11 Dec 2020)

PANTO PANDEMIC SWEEPS ISLAND HALL

It wasn’t great (Boo). It wasn’t good (Hiss). – It was fabulous!!! (Cheers)…

What a triumph and what talent for such a small Island.

You can cover it with scores of superlatives and envelop it in unstinting praise, but this wasn’t just a pantomime. It was a theatrical experience.

For three memorable nights, Peter Pandemic infected sell-out audiences at the Island Hall with its laughter and the warm glow of its magic. From the overture to the finale, the in-jokes and innuendos: the clever special effects and the superb singing, it was stunning.

Every cast member deserved the highest of praise and none more so than Charlotte Newton, who enthralled the audience as the captivating Mr. Smee and Richard Matimong as the snarling, sinister and stentorian Captain Hook. …Their double act was worth the admission fee alone.

Poppy Bristow excelled as Peter Pan with Caitlin Cotton as Tinkerbell and Isabella Simeone, Lottie Dawber and Aleksandra Jakubowska as the Darling Children, were delightful.

So were Barrie Pimm-Smith, Lesley Chapman, Dominika Jakubowska and Barbara Featherstone as the saucy trees in the Whispering Wood and the Lost Boys, Ilona Soane-Sands, Tim Butler and Helen Martin.

Mermaids Moira Sleeman, Candy Osborne and Jenny Rowley added a further touch of irreverence and Tess Woodnutt as Mary, Maria Ives as Mrs. Darling played their parts to the full as did Matt Aldcroft as the languid and laconic Dream Weaver.

Ronnie Cairnduff and his backroom team of David Stanley, Cameron Cairnduff and Simon Chapman were responsible for the special effects and cinematography.

It was another magnificent achievement for Lee Flewitt, who played John Darling, but was again the wordsmith and inspiration behind it all; writing and producing the panto and directing it alongside Charlotte Newton.

It really was wonderful Darlings.

You can now watch this show on our Alderney Theatre Group YouTube Channel. Click here

Take a look at the photos published on our our Flickr Site

Go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/alderneytheatregroup/albums/72157717185151653

and to https://www.flickr.com/photos/alderneytheatregroup/albums/72157717227494123

and feel free to download or share.

2020: (August 5) Alderney Week Mini Gala Night

The only outdoor show being performed in the Channel Islands …. and the UK!……. during the pandemic was the hilarious INSPECTOR POIROT on the Mini Gala Night of  Alderney Week 2020.

There were  a number of extremely funny sketches, but “MURDER ON THE ALDERNEY EXPRESS”  written by Lee Flewitt, was without doubt one of the funniest, starring  Ronnie Cairnduff as Hercule Poirot

You can watch this hilarious show on the Alderney Theatre Group YouTube Channel. Click here

2020 (July 18 & 19) Annie JR – the Musical

The young stars of this famous Broadway Musical,  based on Thomas Meehan’s book “Little Orphan Annie”. (Music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin) aged 6 to 16, gave three absolutely brilliant performances of this 1-act musical and their last performance on Saturday 18 July 2020 ended with a standing ovation.

Initially the musical had been scheduled for March, but COVID-19 virus meant it had to be postponed until July.

Starring – many in more than just one role!

Annie finally finds refuge in Alderney!

Whilst theatres and concert halls across the world are deserted and audiences have to rely on digital media for any access to live performance, the people of Alderney, and their visiting Bailiwick friends, have been treated to what may well be one of the first live theatre productions, in front of an audience, in the British Isles – or maybe the world! And what a show it was too…Twenty-two young members of the Alderney Theatre group put on 3 performances of the Broadway hit ‘Annie Jr’ in the Island Hall on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th July to sell-out audiences. The production had been originally scheduled for the end of March but, due to restrictions in place by that time, was postponed indefinitely. Only as phase 5 approached was there a glimmer of hope and, with most of the cast heading off on staycation at different points during the summer holidays, or to college in Guernsey in September, the only possible dates for the production were the first two days of the summer holidays, leaving 3 weeks and 1 day from the first Thursday rehearsal date until the performance, with a huge amount to do. However, the young cast, aged from 9-16, relished the challenge and pulled off 3 truly superb performances.

With Aleks Jakubowska in the title role of Annie and a supporting cast of orphans (Lucia Simeone, Poppy Gauvain, Isabella Simeone, Hollie Maurice, Anna Tangkam, Grace Millan and Amber Shaw) and villains, including Jenny Taylor as the decidedly unpleasant Miss Hannigan, with her equally dastardly co-conspirators Rooster and Lily (Tobin Collier and Courteney Benfield) and Alex Nellist as the hero of the day – the billionaire Oliver Warbucks with his efficient secretary Grace, played by Lottie Dawber, the young thespians expertly sang, danced and dramatically led us through the familiar rags-to-riches story of the little orphan Annie in New York City.

A stunning set design by Nick Collier was complimented by lighting from Ronnie Cairnduff and a wardrobe provided by Liz Sumner. Directors Maxine Simeone and Maria Collier, who provided guidance to the actors and piano accompaniment, were delighted with what their young charges achieved – “We were very unsure as to how this would work, in such a short amount of time, with the threat of a certain virus still looming, but were totally bowled over by the commitment, enthusiasm and tenacity of our young cast, who exceeded not only our expectations but those of their audiences too. We have been privileged to work with these incredible young people again.” The cast now eagerly await the video of the performance to share with their families, many of whom are still living restricted lives in the UK and were unable to come to the performances as they had hoped to do.

A large selection of photographs are now published on our Flickr site. To view or download, click here 

2019: (14 & 15 Dec) THE GOOD OLD DAYS – OLD TIME MUSIC HALL EXTRAVAGANZA

To celebrate the 74th anniversary of the Homecoming (15 December) ,  the Alderney Theatre Group produced a very special  Old Time Music Hall “THE GOOD OLD DAYS”

The creators and producers of this amazing home-grown variety show – Ronnie Cairnduff and Lee Flewitt – were determined to bring plenty of sunshine and laughter with an impressive line-up of 16 individual acts performed by a 2o-strong cast. “This will be an evening of sumptuous, plentitudinous ,prestiditatious, epictatious entertainment for your delectatiousness and delight”, promised Compère Extraordinaire Lee Flewitt – and that’s exactly what happened!

During 1.1/2 days, the cast gave  3 performances – Saturday evening 14th December, on Sunday 15th December a matinee show exclusively for the Returnees and guests invited by the President of the States of Alderney, followed by an evening performance.

Many members of the audience had dressed up for the occasion.

To view , share or download any of the many photographs taken during the three performances (over 500!), click here.

You can watch this entertaining show on the Alderney Theatre Group YouTube Channel. Click here

This was the last production of the Alderney Theatre Group’s 70th anniversary year. But there are already plans for 2020.

2019: (4 October) SUNNY ORMONDE (LILIAN BELLAMY OF ‘THE ARCHERS’)

Sunny, aka  Lilian Bellamy. the famous landlady of Britain’s longest-running soap opera “The Archers” , was extremely entertaining. Her rich repertoire of anecdotes, her humorous suggestions of what could have happened and what should have happened  behind the scenes, the limericks, jokes … and some serious and some not so serious poetry,  received an enthusiastic reception.

Without any difficulty, Sunny established an instant rapport with the audience. You didn’t need to be an Archers listener to enjoy her performance, but after her show Sunny will no doubt have recruited new fans to tune into BBC Radio 4 hoping to hear what this famous vivacious landlady is up to next.

More photos here

2019 (Sept 20) KING LEAR – By Oddbodies

SHAKESPEARE  –  WITH A SMILE

“King Lear” by Oddbodies – in this case a one-man show starring Paul Morel  who introduced the audience to the funny side of this otherwise rather dark Shakespeare drama, while playing 17 characters!

The highly acclaimed actor engaged with the audience throughout his performance.  His clever and highly entertaining interpretation and impersonation of all characters in the play was rewarded with impromptu applause and laughter.

Enthusiastic comments from the audience are testimony to his performance and included “wonderful to have such a talented actor perform here”…. “absolutely brilliant…”  “Very clever! We were lucky to get him here!”

Before leaving, he said “It was a lovely few days spent on your island – super audience on Friday!”

More photos are available to view/share/download . click here

2019: (August 12 & 13): “MAMMA MIA” OPEN AIR SPECTACULAR

Without doubt one of the Alderney Theatre Group’s most ambitious shows ever produced and performed on a unique stage:  Douglas Quay on Braye Beach. This outdoor spectacular was watched by over 800 enthusiastic spectators who gave standing ovations at the end of each performance.

Charlotte Newton came up with this idea as she was walking her little dog along Braye Beach on a wind-swept winter morning.  “I looked at Douglas Quay and thought ‘what a fabulous stage this would be to perform a great summer show like “Mamma Mia”…. . A lady of few words but plenty of action, she acquired the 97-page script and managed to condense it to just under 30 pages while adding an Alderney twist to the story. Rehearsals started in April 2019.

Produced and directed by Charlotte Newton, the 1-hour non-stop show,   produced and directed by Charlotte Newton, was  performed by an all-singing, all-dancing  25-strong cast – which included many new faces.

There were a few technical and logistic challenges to overcome, not to mention tidal issues and stormy weather,  but the Alderney Theatre Group pulled it off and thanks to the fabulous musical direction of Alex Flewitt and the hi-tec  wizardry of Ronnie Cairnduff and his team, “Mamma Mia”was an absolute hit.

Both performances were  professionally filmed  and the  DVD has just been released. To get a copy (£5 plus postage), please email info@alderneytheatregroup.com

Meanwhile, please take a look at the many photographs taken during the dress rehearsal and both performances. Click here

You can now watch the entire show on our Alderney Theatre Group YouTube Channel.  Click here

We would like to thank our sponsors for their much welcome and highly appreciated support:

The Guernsey Arts Commission, The Braye Beach Hotel, The Alderney Opticians and The Fort Group

2019 (12 July) ALICE MARSHALL IN CHARACTER

Review by Tim Butler, published in the Alderney Journal 26 July 2019

A comedic breeze blew into Alderney recently in the shape of Alison Marshall, an actor who takes on a variety of colourful characters.

Her strongest persona being that of an Eastern European air hostess whose cure for everything involved a bag of pretzels liberally thrown at any problem, including Alison herself. Such was the effect on her, this character has now become central to her act.

With influences from “Smack the Pony”, Eddie Izzard, /Dylan Moran and anything that includes Rik Mayall, her act has taken her around the globe, including even Estonia.

On this night her comedic energy carried her through, despite technical issues, and the talent was self-evident. It is this ability that has seen her cast in the new Four Weddings production to be released later in the year, a talent that is there, but if you see her again with pretzels in hand, duck!

A very funny show.  read more about Alice Marshall here

2019 (June): Henning Wehn “GET ON WITH IT!”

This TV comedian needs no introduction.

Henning Wehn, the German Comedy Ambassador to the United Kingdom, had the audience in stitches.  The show was hilarious, the second half provided the audience with a little food for thought…. after Brexit!

His most recent television and radio appearances include “Live At The Apollo” BBC2, “Have I Got News For You” BBC1, “Would I Lie To You” BBC1, “8 Out Of Cats Does Countdown” Channel 4, “Fighting Talk” BBC Radio 5 Live and “The Unbelievable Truth” BBC Radio 4.

2019: (26 April) A Potful of Scandalous History

This evening was part of the 2019 Alderney Heritage Festival Programme Theatre: A 2-course supper at the Georgian House, where numerous historical events of a scandalous nature were presented by Lee Flewitt, Ronnie Cairnduff, Moira Sleeman,  Candy Osborne and Donald Hughes.

Would they lie to you?

It was full house and a highly entertaining evening and many learned some new historical facts or fiction about the island of Alderney which their history teachers seemed to have missed!

for photos click here

2018 (Nov 20): Theatrical Quiz Dinner in the Georgian Orangery

Another hilarious evening of entertainment: our effervescent Quiz Master Lee Flewitt challenged the audience to take to the stage with spontaneous re-enactment, totally unrehearsed (so  what’s new!) .

To view pictures click here

2018 (April): “MUCH ADO ABOUT HISTORY” QUIZ NIGHT AT THE GEORGIAN HOUSE

As part of the Alderney Heritage Festival 2018 ,the Alderney Theatre Group organised an evening of historical entertainment – an interactive theatrical quiz  preceded by supper.

2018 (January): SLEEPING BEAUTY AND THE BEASTS by Lee Flewitt

Once upon a time.. A kind, slightly mad professor, three mischievous witches busy casting mad spells on an innocent Guernsey princess, a beautiful Alderney girl and a poor little lamb are thrown into the pot. Will the dashing Guernsey prince and his motley crew who sailed in from the bigger island, or the arrogant – but nice – self-styled local hero protect the island and its people from three dangerous prowling beasts?    Will Alderney ever be safe again?

This hilarious pantomime, written by Lee Flewitt and directed by Charlotte Newton, was performed by an 18-strong cast which included several new faces with great talent. It also featured the Panto Choir – 9 beautiful voices directed by Alex Flewitt.  Special sound and visual effects were introduced to the stage by Ronnie Cairnduff. The set was designed by Charlotte Newton and Trevor Sanders. The cast, in order of appearance:  Andrée Gaydon-Smith, Beverley Hope-Smith, Maria Ives, Lucie Easton, Lee Flewitt, Ben Turner, Bobbie Allen McNiven-Young, Phil Hatcher, Jake Woodnutt, Tim Butler, Barbara Featherstone, Lesley Chapman, Jenny Rowley, Barrie Pimm-Smith, Candy Osborne, Sarah Pepper, and Moira Sleeman.  To view/download a large selection of photographs, click here

The Alderney Theatre Group would like to thank the States of Alderney, the Guernsey Arts Commission and Geraldine Whittaker for their sponsorship support.

You can  watch the entire performance on our Alderney Theatre Group YouTube Channel.  Click here

2017 (November): Cautionary Tales for Daughters by Tanya Holt

If you’ve seen any of the ShooShooBaby cabaret shows performed here in Alderney, you knew you were in for another big treat guaranteed to brighten up the grey November days: Cautionary Tales for Daughters was performed by Tanya Holt who is part of the hilarious ShooShoo double-act and was accompanied by pianist Jenny Gould.

“Cautionary Tales for Daughters” was hosted by the Alderney Theatre Group and sponsored by The Fort Group and Farm Court Guest House. Photos of the Alderney performance are  published on Flickr

2017 (April): A Potful of Poetry

As our special contribution towards the 2017 Channel Islands Heritage Festival,  the Alderney Theatre Group served diners in the Georgian House with generous helpings from their Potful of Poetry.

Recited by thespians – some of which are also self-confessed secret poets – the audience was treated to a potpourri of serious and not so serious poems, dittis, a rap and two videos – written by local and visiting poets and songwriters. The presenters, in no particular order, were: Linda Aldis, Robin Whicker, Andree Gaydon-Smith, Lee Flewitt, Moira Sleeman, Ronnie Cairnduff, Tess Woodnutt, Nigel Soane-Sands, Barbara Featherstone and last but not least, Roger Featherstone.  For more photos click here

2017 (February): JUNGLE BOOK by the Odd Socks

Making the Jungle great again! (article by Peter Annereau in the Alderney Press)
Since Rudyard Kipling wrote “The Jungle Book” in the 1890s, the story of Mowgli has taken on many guises. None has been as high octane as that performed by madcap strolling players Odd Socks who paid a return visit to Alderney on Monday 13 February, to delight a receptive island audience of 30 to 80-year olds going on eight and a half!

The strength of the wolf is the pack, they declared, as the audience mimicked being alert and set to pounce, and made suitable animal noises and boos not heard since the last Alderney pantomime. As with the group’s previous shows on Alderney, there was much audience participation and banter, especially with the fiery tiger Shere Khan who relished the thought of eating Ridunians. It was an evening of culture, but not as we know it!” Just take a look at the photos taken that night – Click here

2016 (December): SHOO SHOO BABY’S CHRISTMAS PARTY

If you’ve seen any of their four previous shows, Shoo Shoo Baby’s Christmas Party was the party you didn’t want to miss. Hilarious and full of surprises, this effortlessly funny musical double act by Tanya Holt and Anna Braithwaite, accompanied by Jenni Gould on the keyboard, entertained the audience with fresh new arrangements of well-known Christmas songs. Some were played with a musical saw, while other tunes required the audience to hum along with the kazoos handed out earlier that evening.  To view all photos taken during the show click here

2016 (February): THE LEGEND OF KING ARTHUR by The Odd Socks

Hilarious – and as ever – they had the audience in stitches.
To view images of this show and their previous show “ROGER RADIO”,  click here

2015 (December): AN ISLAND STORY – a musical play written and composed by Ray Parkin

A unique musical play written and produced by Ray Parkin to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the evacuation of Alderney and the 70th anniversary of the Homecoming, this was the biggest production ever undertaken by the Alderney Theatre Group. It tells the tragic story of the island’s evacuation in 1940 and the subsequent return of the islanders in 1945/46 to a devastated island.
Featuring: Robert Whicker, Andree Gaydon-Smith, Moira Sleeman, Ben Turner, Daisy Doardo, Tess Woddnutt, James Lancaster, Martin Batt, Jenny Rowley, Candy Osborne, Victoria McAllister, Barry Pimm-Smith, Richard Matimong, Martin Smith, Nic Clarke, Amber Castle, John Russell,Frank Venton, Nick Hogg Gail Gregg and children Heather Syer, Holly Jenkins, Niamh Kelleher, Amelie & Florence Carpenter, Luke & Erin Atkinson and Rebecca & Chloe Faulkner.  For photographs of this unique production click here

You can watch the entire show on our Alderney Theatre Group YouTube channel. click here

2015 ( April): “OFF THE HOOK” – TV Stand-up Comedian DYLAN MORAN

It was a coup for the Alderney Theatre Group to get this celebrity comedian to the Island Hall.  There was standing room only during an extremely entertaining and very funny evening.

2015( August): “THE TEMPEST” by The Rain or Shine Theatre Company

Performed in the Island Hall Gardens during Alderney Week 2015, the cast featured former Alderney resident James Reynard. More info

2015 (January): “GREAT EXPECTATIONS” by the Rain or Shine Theatre Company

Charles Dickens’ tale of destiny, desire and duplicity -James Reynard’s new adaptation:

Christmas Eve, 1823: a misty churchyard…. young orphan, Philip Pirrip, known as Pip, is about to begin his life of great expectations…. Dickens’ thrilling coming of age tale is one of excitement, amusement, romance and intrigue and is a ‘who is it’, as opposed to a ‘who-dunnit’, regarding the mysterious benefactor funding pip’s growth in to a gentleman. For more information click here

2014 (August) THE BOUNCERS

A unique home-made production performed in the Georgian House.

A little bit funny, a little bit tragic:  A fictionalised vision of island night life. You’ll see what happens during the course of this night-time circus, where girls dance, and lads prance, hoping for the chance of a quick one round the back. You’ll experience the thrills, the spills, the chills, and throughout it all, the bouncers, with their late night, fatuous philosophies.

Starring Julie Turner, Tess Woodnutt and Bobbie Allen McNiven-Young

2014 (August)  TREASURE ISLAND by Rain or Shine Theatre Company

performed during Alderney Week 2014 in the Island Hall Gardens.
When their ship is stranded at sea on a windless day, Captain Jim Hawkins and his loyal crew while away the time telling old sailors’ tales. And Captain Jim’s tale is always the most popular…

With a host of wild characters and events, this tale of buccaneers, greed, courage, betrayal and pieces of eight had both humour and brutality.

2014 (31 Jan & 1 Feb) THE SNOW QUEEN – performed by The Rain or Shine Theatre Company

And so the story goes: Once upon a time, a naughty goblin made a magic mirror that only reflected wickedness and ugliness in people, but it was broken in to billions of pieces, and scattered around the world by the wind.

Many years later, two inseparable friends, Kai and Gerda are happily playing, when Kai gets a splinter from the mirror in his eye; he becomes mean and nasty, attracting the attention of the ice cold Snow Queen. When he disappears without trace, Gerda must go on a long and dangerous quest to find him.
More here

2013 (1 March) ROGER RADIO by The Odd Socks

performed in the Island Hall. Extremely funny! More about the Odd Socks here

2013 (1 Feb) THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS by The Rain or Shine Theatre Company

A very entertaining and delightful performance to a full house in the Island Hall
More information  here

2012: (12,13,14 & 15 December) ALICE IN BLUNDERLAND – Panto written by Lee Flewitt

…another hilarious Pantomime, written and produced by Lee Flewitt and performed by a 20-strong cast, featuring the first ever Panto Choir under the baton of Alex Flewitt
Amazing special effects!

View the images on our Flickr Site

2012 (August): Alderney Week Commercial produced by Ronnie Cairnduff

Filmed in the Georgian House gardens and screened during Alderney Week 2012.

To view this hilarious short video, click here

2012 (23 March): HENRY BLOFIELD

Henry Blofield – Raconteur par excellence!
Prickly and earth-shatteringly funny: The pompous and celebrities were unceremoniously kicked into touch and Elf an Safety  shaken until the pips squeaked.

Wonderfully entertaining anecdotes of Ian Fleming, Noel Coward, John Arlott and Alec Guinness.

2011 (9-12 February) : THE PIRATES OF THE CORONATION – A Panto written by Lee Flewitt

Written and produced especiallly for Alderney by Lee Flewitt
PART 1: THE QUEST FOR ONE EYED JACKS TREASURE

Once upon a time on an island not so far away, there lived an evil pirate admiral.
His vessels – The Belle Vue, The Campania, The Marais and The Coronation were the scourge of the English Channel. No ship was safe from them. If it had sails, then every month was January.

Starring, in alphabetic order: Hilary Bentley, Polly Burke, Tim Butler, Daisy Doardo, Alex Dufour, Andy Dufour, Paul Durston, Barbara Featherstone, Alex Flewitt, Lee Flewitt, Maria Ives, Moira Knight, Sarah Pepper, Isabel Picornell, Edward Rowe, Ilona Soane-Sands, Julie Turner and James Varley

To view/download more photographs of this highly entertaining production, click here

You can now watch the entire show on the Alderney Theatre Group YouTube Channel. Click here

DVD available on request

2010 (8 November) JOHN SHUTTLEWORTH: “A MAN WITH NO MORE ROLLS”

Extremely funny evening with TV personality and comedian John Shuttleworth
more info here

2010 (29 & 30 October): IS THERE ANYBODY THERE? written by Lee Flewitt

An incredibly scary play performed utterly convincingly by a splendid cast.
Lee Flewitt, author, producer and director of the play:

starring in order of appearance: Andree Gaydon-Smith, Barbara Featherstone, Alex Flewitt, Phil Hatcher, Robin Whicker, Tess Woodnutt, James Varley, Bonnie Flewitt

Reprised thriller goes with a bang and bumps in the night!
Lee Flewitt, author of the annual pantomimes poking fun at island characters, wrote a one-act thriller that was performed by the group in 2010 and has since been performed around the world and even translated into Danish.

Set in a Whitechapel parlour at the time of the Jack the Ripper murders, IS THERE ANYBODY THERE tells of creepy events surrounding a seance attended by, among others, Dr. Watson, Sherlock Holmes; celebrated side-kick.

to view more photos click here

2009 (9-12 December): JACK AND THE BEANJAR Panto – written by Lee Flewitt

written and produced by Lee Flewitt with an 18-strong cast, plus a bird!
starring, in order of appearance: Alex Rebanks, Piper Collins, Julie Turner, Ilona Soane-Sands, Daisy Doardo, Edward Rowe, Joe Stanley, James Varley, Moira Knight, Hilary Bentley, Tim Butler, Sarah Pepper, Lucy Casado, Sarah Whyte, Tess Woodnutt, Nigel Soane-Sands, Lee Flewitt and Paddy Campbell. Plus musical quartett Eric Pye, David Stanley, Alex Birch and Rea Gregg.

It takes all sorts to make a panto a cow of many parts, a scheming villain, an old hag, a king and queen, a princess, an ugly giant, rollicking songs and props that go bump on the night. They were all there in Alderneys pantomime.
In true Alderney tradition, no pebble was left unturned or local celebrity spared a mention in Lee Flewitt’s  script which moved the show along at a good pace interspersed with apt musical numbers, rewritten for the occasion.

There are over 60 photographs of the performance on our Flickr site. Click here

You can now watch this panto on our YouTube Channel. Click here

DVD available

2009 (6 November) ShooShoo Baby: FROM BERLIN TO BROADWAY

This was Shoo Shoo Babys 4th performance in Alderney and, as everytime, they were a big hit with the audience.
In their latest show, the Shoo Shoos illustrate cabarets scandalous and illustrious past with music from Marilyn Monroe to The Velvet Underground and Eartha Kitt to Elvis. Expertly assisted from the piano by Michael Roulston, they gamely took their audience from the revolutionary ferment of Gay Paree and the smoky subversion of Berlin to the Cockney sing-alongs of the London music hall. The show colourfully climaxed with a tribute to the Rat Pack in cabaret’s glittering jewel in the crown, Las Vegas.
Shoo Shoo Baby performed to a packed Island Hall ,and everybody thoroughly enjoyed this great show. More info

2009 (2 & 3 October) : A NIGHT A THE THEATRE – WITH 2 PLAYS

Alderney Theatre Group and Alderney W.I. claimed the stage for a night at the theatre.
In the past, the Alderney Theatre Group and the Alderney W.I. have teamed up to celeberate the 60th anniversary of the Alderney Theatre Group in 2009- a perfect opportunity to bring back this popular Night at the Theatre tradition.

FAMILY ALBUM
a 1-act comedy by Noel Coward, performed by the Alderney Theatre Group and directed by Robin Whicker

Trapped by convention, a Victorian family mourns the death of Papa, a wealthy ship owner. Gathered together in the drawing room on the evening of the funeral, they face a world without his dominant presence, but through the benign influence of Burrows, the family butler, gradually come to recognize that play (rather than playacting) is the key to happiness. Starring Andree Gaydon-Smith, Donald Hughes, Piper Collins, Alex Rebanks, Mike Gaunt, James Varley , Daisy Doardo and Robin Whicker who directed the play

HOME FROM HOME
a 1-act comedy by Peggy Cannam, performed by the Alderney W.I. and directed by Mary Robertson

HOME FROM HOME is about five women- all in their seventies – who are all residents in the Resthaven Home for the Elderly. They are waited on by Janet, a younger woman. But, as you will soon discover, all is not sweetness and light. One particular lady dominates the lives of the others until Janet threatens to hand in her notice. There follows the distinct possibility that the Home may have to close. How the matter is resolved makes a fascinating thirty minutes of theatre.
Both serious and amusing, this play , directed by Mary Robertson was performed by a 6-strong cast featuring, in alphabetic order: Shirley Goodman, Eileen Kelly, Lin Maurice, Mary Robertson, Jan Walker and Ann Wheeler.
Prompt: Jane Barker. Make-up: Pat Raymond

2009 (3 & 4 Aug): THE TAMING OF THE SHREW by The Rain or Shine Theatre Company

As every year for the past ten years, the Rain or Shine Theatre Company’s  performances was one of the highlights of Alderney Week.

Their unique adaptation of Shakespeare’s play entertained and delighted the audience. Traditionally – each performance was preceded by a pre-theatre picnic.
more information  here

2009 (2 & 3 August): “THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST” performed by The Rain or Shine Theatre Company

Outdoor performance in the Island Hall Gardens
more details  here

2009 (29 & 30 May): TWO AWARD-WINNING PLAYS performed by the Guernsey ORCA TRUST

This year, after a long absence, we had the pleasure of welcoming a Guernsey production company to Alderney.

The Orca Trust, winner of the 2008 Adjudicato’s  award at the British All-Winners Play Festival, Gaiety Theatre, Douglas (Isle of Man), performed two plays on both consecutive nights:
One serious play “LAUGHTER IN THE SHADOW OF THE TREES” by James Prideaux, followed by
a light-hearted comedy by David Tristram: THE EXTRAORDINARY REVELATIONS OF ORCA THE GOLDFISH
Brilliant performances.

2009 (16 April) : Play Reading of George Bernard Shaw’s ARMS AND THE MAN

You could be forgiven for suggesting that performing a Play Reading is for those who can?t remember their lines. Not so!

Imagine somebody reading a book to you and, instead of having to imagine the characters and personalities portrayed, a cast of actors does it for you. For the cast it means just a handful of rehearsals before the actual performance takes place with few props, but possibly a few costumes to set the scene.

On Thursday 16 April 2009, immediately after the AGM, members of the Alderney Theatre Group were treated to a play reading performance the Alderney Theatre Group who chose George Bernard Shaw's comedy ARMS AND THE MAN, a satire about war and love, set during the 4-month-long Serbo-Bulgarian War that occurred between November 1885 and March 1886.
Brilliantly read and enacted by the 7-strong cast: Alex Birch, Lee Flewitt, James Varley, Tess Woodnutt, Rupert Street, Moira Sleeman, Steve Waddicor

2007 ( 22 November): ShooShoo Baby: “DELICIOUS “

Shoo-ing Stars brighten up grey November sky. The Island Hall was absolutely packed on Thursday 22 November, as an appreciative audience was treated to the world premiere of ShooShoo Baby’s latest cabaret show DELICIOUS. For the third consecutive year, Shoo Shoo Baby has brought a brand new show to Alderney.
The terrific duo, Tanya Holt and Anna Braithwaite, this time accompanied by singing and dancing pianist Michael Roulston, gave their slickest and most entertaining performance ever.

2008 (8-10 May): ABIGAIL’S PARTY

The greatest TV play of all time written by Mike Leigh – was performed live on stage at the Alderney Cinema in May 2008, starring Alex Birch, Tess Woodnutt, Steve Waddicor , Julia Turner and Lee Flewitt.

Extracts from the Alderney Journal’s review by editor James Varley: “… and a fine show it was too. Waddicor, who also directed the black comedy, excellently portrayed his character, a workaholic estage agent with an interest in finer things in life, while Birch cleverly portrayed Beverly, a middle-class, middle-minded Tom Jones fan locked in 1970s suburbia.
Angela Beverly’s new friend was played by Tess Woodnutt and her performance stole the show. Lee Flewitt took on the role of Tony, Angela’s husband and his subtle style fitted in well alongside Birch and Woodnutt. Sue, the mother of Abigail, was played by Julie Turner and her performance was also well-received.
The play was aided by an impressive set and numerous props which looked as if they’d been plucked right from 1977.
More photos are on our Flickr page. Click here

2007 (6 & 7 August ):THE TWELFTH NIGHT by The Rain or Shine Theatre Company

Rain or Shine’s adaption of Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT, performed during Alderney Week in the Island Hall Gardens, was hailed a great success.
More information CLICK HERE

2007 (19 April): AN INSPECTOR CALLS

On Thursday 19 April 2007, the Georgian House Orangerie was the scene of an investigation into the tragic death of a young girl and the investigating inspector was quick to point the finger at members of a highly respectable family from Yorkshire.
The play-reading of J.B. Priestley’s AN INSPECTOR CALLS was performed by a 6-strong cast who had the audience spellbound. And an unexpected twist at the very end of the performance took everybody by surprise.
The play, set in 1912 and first performed in 1946, was performed by John Russell, Andree Gaydon-Smith, Alex Harrisson, Gary Marriner, Steve Waddicor and Robin Whicker.

2006 (9-11 November): NATIVITY

2006 (December): Visiting Performance FROM BERLIN TO BROADWAY by ShooShooBaby

They were back for another Channel Islands exclusive here in Alderney with their latest cabaret show “From Berlin to Broadway”. The fantastically glitzy and glamorous singing trio, Shoo Shoo Baby, combine dry humour, rich harmonies and pulse-racing costume changes in their colourful cabaret shows. No theme tune, jazz standard or pop song is safe from their tongue-in-cheek treatment or quirky interpretation.

What made it so special is the reference to local Alderney issues, like the incinerator, and with plenty of audience participation, it was a very lively evening.
Needless to say, the show was a sell-out and they’ve promised to be back in 2007 with their brand new show “DELICIOUS “. More details  CLICK HERE

2006 (August) A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM by The Rain or Shine Theatre Company

Performed in the Island Hall Gardens during Alderney Week
more information CLICK HERE

2006 (8-11 February): DICK WHITTINGTON – The Panto written by Lee Flewitt

Written and directed by Lee Flewitt and performed by a 36-strong cast of the Alderney Theatre Group, this pantomine was an absolute hit with the audience.

The tale of Dick Whittington is loosely based on fact, like most of the stories one hears on Alderney. He did journey to London and become Lord Mayor, and he did establish several charitable institutions which exist to this day.
This was home-grown entertainment at its very best – great music, fantastic dance routines, and a very funny script with insults, innuendos and double-entendres flying, leaving few of Alderney’s politicians and other prominent residents unscathed.

You can now watch this show on our YouTube Channel. Click here

more photos: CLICK HERE
DVD available

2005 (8 December):WINTER WONDERLAND by ShooShoo Baby

Full house for one of today’s slickest and sexiest Christmas cabarets at the Island Hall. The trio – Tanya Holt , Anne Braithwaite and Craig Schneider – delighted the crowds with a sparkling performance of a vast repertoire of Christmas songs , as well as unknown gems from the 1940’s, some pop songs, dance even tap dance routines.
CLICK HERE

2005 (2 July & 4 August): TRAFALGAR – THE DEATH OF NELSON – written by Charlotte Newton

2003 (21 Jan-1 Feb : GLADIATORS – The Panto written by Lee Flewitt

2002 – details of performances during the year 2002 to follow

2001 “SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN OTHERS” Panto written by Richard Matimong and directed by Charlotte Newton

The Wild West comes to Alderney.  To view more photos of this hilarious pantomime click here

2001 (May/June): CAMELLIAS BLUE

Sorry, no photographs available. If you can assist, please email info@alderneytheatregroup.com

2001 (August): THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL

performed by the Rain or Shine Theatre Company during Alderney Week 2001

2000 : “ALADDIN” – The Panto written and produced by Lee Flewitt

To view more photos of this brilliant pantomime, click here

1991-2000 PERFORMANCES BY THE ALDERNEY THEATRE GROUP

We have few photographs of productions during this period and are in the process of collecting material.

If you can assist with photographs and information, please email info@alderneytheatregroup.com

1999: “Educating Rita”  Starring Angela Mason and Stuart Yates. Directed by Maisie Herivel.

August (Alderney Week) : “The Comedy of Errors” performed by the Rain or Shine Theatre Company

1998: “Peter Pan” – Panto written and produced by Lee Flewitt and directed by Maisie Herivel.  Sorry, no photos available. If you can assist, please email info@alderneytheatregroup.com

1997 : “Is There Anybody There”

1996: “Iron Magnolias” – performed by the W.I. written by Barry Hillman

1995
January: “Carry on Camelot” Panto written by Lee Flewitt . Sorry, no photos available. If you can assist, please email info@alderneytheatregroup.com

December: “Cinderella” –  Panto written and produced by The BBC Clothes Show  and Alderney’s most extravagant production ever.

You  can now watch this show on our YouTube Channel. Click here

to view photos click here 

1994 
“Cup Final”
“Princess and the Pirate”
December: “Saturday Swamp Fever” Panto

1993 

January: “Scrooge” Panto

“Hay Fever”
December: “Batman” the Panto

1992: “Holiday Snap”

1981-1990 PERFORMANCES BY THE ALDERNEY THEATRE GROUP

We have few photographs of productions during this period. To view or download, click here

If you can assist with more photographs and information, please email info@alderneytheatregroup.com

1990: “Close Encounter of a Panto Kind” Panto – Sorry, no photos available.  If you can assist with   photographs and information, please email info@alderneytheatregroup.com

1989: “Snow White and the Six Dwarfs” Panto  – Sorry, no photos available.  If you can assist with  photographs and information, please email info@alderneytheatregroup.com

1988: “The Princess and The Pirate” A musical drama by Elisabeth Beresford – Sorry, no photos available.  If you can assist with more photographs and information, please email info@alderneytheatregroup.com

1987: “Costa del Packet” by Anthony Booth 1986: “Arabian Nights”  – Sorry, no photos available.  If you can assist with photographs and information, please email info@alderneytheatregroup.com

1985: “There Goes the Bride”  –  Sorry, no photos available.  If you can assist with photographs and information, please email info@alderneytheatregroup.com

1984: “Robinson Crusoe” performed by the St. Anne’s Church Pantomime Group. To view photos  click here

1983: “The Little Mermaid”  a musical fantasy by Elisabeth Beresford – Sorry, no photos available.  If you can assist with  photographs and information, please email info@alderneytheatregroup.com

1983: “Cinderella”  Christmas Pantomime performed by the St. Anne’s Church Pantomime Group. To view photos, click here

date/year not confirmed: “It’s Christmas!” a musical by Elizabeth Beresford – Sorry, no photos available.  If you can assist with  photographs and information, please email info@alderneytheatregroup.com

1981 Summer: “I’ll Get My Man” by Dorothy Reynolds & Julian Slade, performed by the Jersey Amateur Dramatic Club- Sorry, no photos available.  If you can assist with  photographs and information, please email info@alderneytheatregroup.com

1971-1980 PERFORMANCES BY THE ALDERNEY THEATRE GROUP

We have a selection of photographs of productions during this period. To view or download, click here

If you can assist with more photographs or information, please email info@alderneytheatregroup.com

1980 
“Gaslight” by Patrick Hamilton

1979 :“Thriller of the Year”

1978: Silver Jubilee of the Alderney Drama Club (1953-1978)

“The Rats” by Agatha Cristie

1977: “Elementary My Dear”

1976: “Victorian Melodrama”

1975 
Spring: “Grande Dame” by Alan Melville
Summer: “Wait until Dark” by Frederick Knott

September: 3 One-act plays

“The Recce” by Falkland L. Cary
“Home is the Hunted” by R..F. Delderfield and
“Green for Danger” Bby Philip Johnson

1974 
March: “1-Act Plays and Melodrama” performed by the Jersey Amateur Drama Club
May: The Man Most Likely to”
Summer: “All for Mary”
November: “Nasty Things, Murders” by Arthur Lovegrove

1973 
3 One-At Plays “Picture Business” by James Pattinson
“Murder at  WI” by S.N.Kay and
“The Laboratory” by David Campton
Jersey Eisteddfod: Alderney Drama Club received 2nd class award for “The Laboratory”

1972 
February: Play Reading
March: One-Act Play & Supper
June: “Portrait of a Murder” by Robert Bloomfield
August: “Edwardian Music Hall & The Great Stromboli” – Alderney Week
October: 1-Act Play and Supper                                                                                                   

December: “Goldilocks and The Three Lighthouse Keepers”

1971 
January: “Double Yolk” by Hugh & Margaret Williams
Spring: “Tea and Trickery” by Maurice McLoughlin
June: “Boeing-Boeing” by Mark Camoleti & Beverley Cross
December: “Toad of Toad Hall”

1960-1970 PERFORMANCES BY THE ALDERNEY DRAMA CLUB

We have a selection of photographs of productions 1960-1970. To view or download, click here

If you can assist with more photographs or information, please email info@alderneytheatregroup.com

1970
January: “Charley’s Aunt” by Brandon Thomas
February : “The Bridegroom Rose Early” by Michael Brett
March: “Sganerelle” by Molière
June: “Make me a Widow” by David Ellis
October:“No Return” by Kathleen Palmer

Christmas: “Double Yolk”

1969 
Summer: “Lucky Strike” by Michael Brett

“Charlie’s Aunt”

1968 
May: “See how they run”
December: “Alice in Wonderland”

1967 
March: “Dial ‘M’ for Murder” by Frederick Knott
1-act Play Festival in Guernsey “The Rats” by Agatha Christie
August & September: Son et Lumiere “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare
“Blithe Spirit” by Noel Coward

1966 
May: “Plantiff in a Pretty Hat” by Hugh & Margaret Williams
1-act Play Festival in Guernsey “The Inheritance”

1965
March: “Home at Seven” by R.C. Sherriff
April: “Pools Paradise” by Philip King

1964 
January: “A Clean Kill” by Michael Gilbert
July: “White Sheep of the Family” by L. du Garde Peach & Ian Hay

1963
February: “Murder at the Festival”
April: “The Grass is Greener” by Hugh & Margaret Williams

1962 
December:Christmas Old Tyme Musical Hall
“A Doctor’s Invention”

1961 
June: “A Song without Words”

1960 
June: “The Cat and the Cream” by William Dinner
August: The Withering Look
December: Variety Show & Concert

1954-1959 PERFORMANCES BY THE ALDERNEY DRAMA CLUB

We have a selection of archive photographs for 1949-1959.  To view or download, click here

If you can assist with more photographs or information, please email info@alderneytheatregroup.com

1959 
May: “Ladies in Retirement” by Edward Percy and Reginald Denham
December: “The Inheritance”

1958 
July: “Widows are Dangerous” by June Garland

1957 
May: “Dark Road” (1-act play) by Kathleen Palmer
“Mr. Twemlow is not Himself” (1-act comedy) by Philip Johnson
June: “Dark Road” by Kathleen Palmer – performed in Guernsey
December: Edwardian Evening

1956 
February:3-act comedy “Haul for the Shore” by Jean McConnell
August: “It Wont’ be a Stylish Marriage” by A.P. Dearsley

1955 
April: Play Night at the Lyceum
“Wife Required” by Falkland Cary and Philip King
“The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs
August: “Crime by Persuasion” by Cyril J. Burton
“All is not Gold” by Frank Vosper                                                                                                                                      December: “Triangle Drama”, “The Park Bench” and “The Perfect Pair”

1954 
February: First 3-act play in 30 years! “Fools Rush in” by Kenneth Horne
August: “If this be Error” by Rachel Grieve

1949-1953 Performances by the SATURDAY CLUB, the founders of the ALDERNEY THEATRE GROUP

We have uploaded archive photographs of productions from 1949 to 1959 on our Flickr site. To view/download, click here

If you have additional information or photographs of other productions during that period, please email info@alderneytheatregroup.com.

1953:
April: Play Night at the Lyceum
“Wow Wow” by Basil Charlton
March: “Polka”
“Green Grow the Cabbages” by Philip Johnson
“An African Angle” by Garden Peach

1952 
March: Play Night at the Lyceum
“Dark Brown” by Philip Johnson
“The Man in the Bowler Hat” by A.A. Milne
“The Bugginses Picnic” by Mabel /Constanduros and Michael Hogan

1951 
August: Play Night at the Lyceum “Anticlockwise”
“El Dorado” by Bernard Gilbert
“The Fell Arrest” by Lesbia Scott presented by  The Guild Players

1950 
“Have a go” evening of entertainment

1949 
Entertainment/talent shows – singing, dancing, games and solo performances