The Capel pantomime goes from  strength to strength, with  some of the very best audience feedback that we have ever had. This year’s tale, ‘Percy and the Holy Grail’ had audiences in stiches from the moment the lights went down until the finale. Not one of the more  usual pantomimes but this had a bit of innuendo, a lot of laughs, some amazing sound and lighting effects, dancing, singing and a fast paced script.

In any production, it’s lovely to have great audience feedback, the cast and crew had a lovely time, your feedback made the weeks of rehearsal all so worthwhile.

We opened with three performances in Capel, then our debut in Cranleigh (they enjoyed it so much they booked us for next year on the spot) and then closed with  three more  performances the following weekend in Ockley. The Ockley  shows were all “full houses”, word  had spread from the previous weekend!

This is now the third  joint production between Capel and Ockley  (having been established in Ockley for many years previously)  and our now not so new ploy of using talent from  the two  villages is working very well. We have the same cast and crew for all the performances, I’m delighted that the audience were met by such a friendly ‘front  of house’ crew, all of whom came from Capel, the technical brilliance was enhanced by help from those well-known Capel duo Phil and Mark (Musical festival and other events)and almost half the dancers were Capel children. We  were delighted to welcome Capel’s Doug Richardson to the cast too. Next year, we want to split the dance troupe into two: one for the younger children  but also to introduce a ‘senior troupe’  of teenager dancers to learn and perform  some more advanced dance routines, as an additional ‘wow’ feature. Whilst Capel is well represented ‘off-stage’ we would love to capture (whoops, I mean entice) more Capel adults onto stage. None of us are professionals but we all enjoy having a laugh and giving you a laugh too.

We’ll be back next year with  two  productions: another pantomime  in early New  Year and a musical

‘Oh  what a lovely war’ which has been put back a few months  (due to the clamour  for another  pants) in June 20 1 7.

Look out for news about the next pantomime  in the September Magazine; the dance auditions followed  by the pantomime  read through  are already scheduled: these will be at 2pm and 3pm on Sunday 9th October 2016 at Capel Memorial  Hall.

Alternatively, contact  the director, Martin Pratt on 0 1306 628 155

Christmas has passed we’re into New Year

Gone are the trees that gave such cheer

Much fun was had on a bright December day With AI the saxophonist there to play

The day before our three elves appear

David, Norman and Richard to make it quite clear

With  mallets they bash in many a stake

That’s where the trees go, make no mistake

Mince pies from our friendly shops without ration Mulled wine for adults, a very generous donation

Coffee from our local producers for all to enjoy Served In the warmth of the church by Betty and Joy

The big lighting up ceremony was also such fun

Much singing of carols by everyone

On the day of dismantling Guy was there by eight

So that with the electrics we didn’t get in a state

Many people turned up early to undress their trees

They got soaking wet, but they didn’t freeze

This annual tradition is much admired

Surprising how folks can be so inspired

Keep your thinking caps on, for wouldn’t you know

It’ll soon be time to produce another beautiful show.

Sally Wyborn

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Old Friends Christmas Party. It was a wonderful occasion. We had loads of lovely comments. It really couldn’t happen without all of your help.

The raffle raised over £400, which also goes a long way towards the cost.

Best wishes,

Emma

Chris D suggested I write the article, as a first time guest.

Having, like several others, sometimes been a helper, it was a new experience.

Guided into the hall with friendly greetings to view lovely decorations, balloons, Christmas trees, baubles, bespoke table decorations. and hand-made napkin rings.

Then drinks were served continuously to over a hundred people, followed by a welcome and “staff news”.

Vicar Liz said grace, and we were all served a plate of delicious food within 20minutes!

Entertainment followed the pudding, and the jolly duo had people dancing and tapping their toes, with familiar songs.

Then came the excellent raffle and tea fcoffee and mince pies, and Freda’s traditional lead for Auld Lang Syne.

Welcome to the trainees who have graduated to take over, from those who have, after many years stepped down.

If this was a media review it would say Food *****

Service*****

Ambience*****

Thank you all for our lovely event

DT

This year’s party will be held on Saturday 8th December in Capel Village Memorial Hall -12:30 for 1:00pm. Invitations will be sent out during the second week of November. If you are a retired Capel resident and have not received an invitation in previous years but would like to attend, please contact Jackie Coke 711098