• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Chandler's Ford Today

  • Home
  • About
    • About Chandler’s Ford
    • Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Research
  • Blog
    • Blogging Tips
  • Event
    • Upcoming Events
  • Community
    • Groups
    • Churches
    • Schools
    • GP Surgeries
    • Leisure
    • Library
    • Charities
    • Eastleigh Basics Bank
    • Community Food Larder at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church
  • Contact
    • Subscribe
  • Site Policies

comedy

The Chameleon Theatre Group – Bleak Expectations – Review

August 2, 2024 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credits:-
Many thanks to The Chameleons for kind permission to use their fabulous photos, which were taken by Stuart Wineberg. Other images were created in Book Brush using one image from The Chameleons. Screenshots were taken by me, Allison Symes.

I was intrigued to discover The Chameleon Theatre Group were staging Bleak Expectations and was only too glad to go to this show. I remember this as a hilarious Radio Four comedy show which I enjoyed listening to many years ago. Both the play and the radio show were written by Mark Evans.

The title comes from Dickens’s Bleak House and Great Expectations, but there were plenty of other gags connected with the great author.

[Read more…] about The Chameleon Theatre Group – Bleak Expectations – Review

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: amateur theatre, Bleak Expectations, Charles Dickens, comedy, drama, humorous plays, Ritchie Hall, spoofs, The Chameleon Theatre Group

Lilies on the Land – Chameleon Theatre Company – Thursday 27 Jul – Saturday 29 Jul 2023

June 4, 2023 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

The Chameleon Theatre Company is an amateur dramatic group based in Chandlers’ Ford. It was established in 1965, and they stage four productions each year – three plays and a pantomime.

The next production is Lilies on the Land. Box Office is open.

[Read more…] about Lilies on the Land – Chameleon Theatre Company – Thursday 27 Jul – Saturday 29 Jul 2023

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chameleon Theatre, Chandler’s Ford community, comedy, drama, event, Hursley Road, Ritchie Memorial Hall

The Chameleons – Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery at Mallen Hall. Got Your Tickets Yet? 27th – 29th October

October 3, 2022 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery at Mallen Hall
Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery at Mallen Hall
Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery at Mallen Hall

Without Mrs Hudson to keep him in check, can Sherlock solve the mystery surrounding the deaths at Mallen Hall, including the family dog; all of which are not as they seem?

We are great fans of the Chameleons here at Chandler’s Ford Today. They are absolutely brilliant.

Have you got your tickets yet?

A few of us have bought the tickets for the Thursday show. We hope to see you there!

Chameleon Theatre Company in Chandler’s Ford

Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery at Mallen Hall
Showing: 27th – 29th October 2022

Venue: Venue: Ritchie Memorial Hall, Hursley Road, Chandler’s Ford SO53 2FT (next to St. Boniface Church).

[Read more…] about The Chameleons – Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery at Mallen Hall. Got Your Tickets Yet? 27th – 29th October

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chameleon Theatre, Chandler’s Ford community, comedy, drama, event, Hursley Road, Ritchie Memorial Hall

The Chameleons – The Dragon of Wantley Till 30th April 2022. Don’t Miss This Show!

April 29, 2022 By Janet Williams 1 Comment

Showing: 22nd - 30th April 2022

You really don’t want to miss this show. There are still 3 shows till Saturday.

Showing: 22nd - 30th April 2022
Showing: 22nd – 30th April 2022

Allison Symes and my family and friends watched this on Thursday night. Amazing show; amazing music; funny and warm; lots of surprises. I last checked the website Chameleon Theatre Company and there are still some tickets left. Some of you may want to grab the tickets and I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic time.

The pantomime has been moved from January to April due to Covid. This brilliant show is really worth waiting for. [Read more…] about The Chameleons – The Dragon of Wantley Till 30th April 2022. Don’t Miss This Show!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chameleon Theatre, Chandler’s Ford community, comedy, drama, event, Hursley Road, Ritchie Memorial Hall

Chameleon Theatre Company is Back with Two Comedies for July

June 20, 2021 By SO53 News 1 Comment

Chameleon Theatre Company, Hursley Road, Chandler's Ford.

Great news! The Chameleon Theatre Company is back with two comedies for summer. Box Office opens on 22.06.2021.

Date: 29th – 31st July; Adults £9, Seniors £8, under 16s £5; Licensed bar

Address: Ritchie Memorial Hall, Hursley Road, Chandler’s Ford, SO53 2FT

Chameleon Theatre Company: We're back with two comedies for summer.
Chameleon Theatre Company: We’re back with two comedies for summer.

[Read more…] about Chameleon Theatre Company is Back with Two Comedies for July

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chameleon Theatre, Chandler’s Ford community, comedy, drama, event, Hursley Road, Ritchie Memorial Hall

Part 3 – The Chameleons Say Hello…to their Favourite Performances

May 1, 2020 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Hello and welcome to another installment from The Chameleon Theatre Group looking at life behind the scenes. This week, they share with us what some of their most memorable productions have been and why.

The Chameleons start with All My Sons, which they presented in October 2016.

Image Credit:  As ever, a big thanks to The Chameleons for the images.

Feature Image: All My Sons
Feature Image: All My Sons

[Read more…] about Part 3 – The Chameleons Say Hello…to their Favourite Performances

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: amateur theatre, comedy, drama, entertainment, Ritchie Hall, shows, The Chameleon Theatre Group

Chameleon Theatre Company – Review: They Came From Mars…

August 2, 2019 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Feature Image - Chameleons - They Came From Mars

Apologies but the title of this spoof is so long for the boxes CFT has for its posts, I thought it best to truncate it. Truncate or not to truncate, that is the question… (oh and apologies to Shakespeare too).

Image Credit: As ever a huge thank you to Lionel Elliott, Mike Morris, and all of The Chameleons for the pictures.

I discussed titles in last week’s post and the latest production from The Chameleon Theatre Company has one which is a humdinger! They Came From Mars and Landed Outside the Farndale Avenue Church Hall in time for the Townswomen’s Coffee Morning doesn’t trip off the tongue but is a classic example of a title showing clearly what the story is – a spoof! [Read more…] about Chameleon Theatre Company – Review: They Came From Mars…

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: amateur theatre, Chameleon Theatre Group, comedy, entertainment, humour, plays, sci-fi, spoof, theatre

Review: They Came from Mars and Landed Outside the Farndale Avenue Church Hall in Time for the Townswomen’s Coffee Morning

July 28, 2019 By Ben Williams Leave a Comment

Last Thursday I watched the latest Chameleons Theatre production – They Came From Mars and Landed Outside the Farndale Avenue Church Hall in Time for the Townswomen’s Guild’s coffee Morning – yes that is the title. A double parody of both amateur dramatics and sci-fi, the play is hilarious in how layered the comedy was, with multiple levels of humour. This performance also came ploughman’s dinner beforehand, which I thought was a nice touch and made the fourth wall breaks more immersive and “in tune” with the style of the play.

The nature of the play also meant a fake programme was created with lots of funny notes such as “Tickets cost £1 each- a strip of 5 is a bargain at £6” and the fact that Mrs Reece is the only member of the behind the scenes crew. The basic plot has the fictional Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society putting together a really, really, really dreadful version of They Came From Mars. Hilarity ensues. [Read more…] about Review: They Came from Mars and Landed Outside the Farndale Avenue Church Hall in Time for the Townswomen’s Coffee Morning

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: acting, Chameleon Theatre, Chandler’s Ford community, comedy, drama, Hursley Road, review, Ritchie Memorial Hall

Review – The Vicar of Dibley by Bishopstoke Players

September 30, 2018 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

Review by Diane Allen.

We really enjoyed Vicar of Dibley last Friday, performed by Bishopstoke Players. The production was really good. The cast (and choir) were excellent. In particular the actress playing Alice Tinker (Jennifer Pike) was superb. She had her accent and mannerisms down to a tee. [Read more…] about Review – The Vicar of Dibley by Bishopstoke Players

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: acting, comedy, drama, Eastleigh, review

A Bunch of Amateurs – Review by Allison Symes

August 3, 2018 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credit:  As ever, a very big thank you to Lionel Elliott and The Chameleons for supplying the pictures.

There can’t be many plays which manage to be entertaining and reveal all you need to know about Shakespeare’s King Lear at the same time but A Bunch of Amateurs managed this beautifully.

Ben Williams’ review shows what a great play this is and, if you love a laugh AND Shakespeare, it is the play for you. (It was a film, starring Burt Reynolds, but for a play about a play, the stage is the best place for it).
[Read more…] about A Bunch of Amateurs – Review by Allison Symes

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: acting, Chameleon Theatre, Chandler’s Ford community, comedy, drama, Hursley Road, review, Ritchie Memorial Hall, Shakespeare

Review: A Bunch of Amateurs by Chameleon Theatre Company

July 28, 2018 By Ben Williams Leave a Comment

The latest performance A Bunch of Amateurs by the Chameleons is a hilarious satire on Hollywood egotism and Shakespeare. When Stratford (Suffolk, not on-Avon) runs out of money for the theatre, the Stratford Player’s only choice is a washed up Hollywood actor called Jefferson Steel, who agrees to act in an amateur dramatics production of King Lear – only to find himself in the wrong Stratford- not the luxurious home of Shakespeare, but a nondescript English village. [Read more…] about Review: A Bunch of Amateurs by Chameleon Theatre Company

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: acting, Chameleon Theatre, Chandler’s Ford community, comedy, drama, Hursley Road, review, Ritchie Memorial Hall, Shakespeare

The Wonderful World of Radio by Allison Symes

March 3, 2017 By Allison Symes 6 Comments

Feature Image - The Wonderful World of Radio - image via Pixabay

I love radio. I rarely watch TV these days. It has to be something special to make me turn the box on and that’s usually a Doctor Who!

(And yes I am sorry Peter Capaldi is going – I’ve liked an older Doctor being in charge of the Tardis. That’s nothing against David Tennant, Matt Smith of Christopher Ecclestone, all of whom were great, but for a Time Lord meant to be over 900 years old, having an older actor playing the role fits). [Read more…] about The Wonderful World of Radio by Allison Symes

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: BBC, comedy, entertainment, humour, music

Harry Baker the Sunshine Kid; All My Sons

October 27, 2016 By Janet Williams 2 Comments

Two brilliant shows in Chandler’s Ford are not to be missed today.

The first is from the poet Harry Baker — The Sunshine Kid, with The Underground Clown Club.

This will take place at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church tonight – Thursday 27th October at 7pm.

Nationally praised for his clever and quick-witted lines, Harry promises an evening of great entertainment.
[Read more…] about Harry Baker the Sunshine Kid; All My Sons

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: arts and crafts, Chandler's Ford Good Neighbours, Chandler’s Ford community, comedy, community, Dovetail Centre, entertainment, event, Hursley Road, local interest, Methodist Church, Ritchie Memorial Hall, Winchester Road

As You Like It… and I Did!

March 11, 2016 By Allison Symes 3 Comments

I had the great joy of going to see As You Like It on Thursday, 25th February 2016 at Thornden Hall.

Having experienced the wonders of Shakespeare’s best known tragedy, Hamlet, late in 2015, I was curious to find out how I was going to get on with one of the Bard of Avon’s comedies. [Read more…] about As You Like It… and I Did!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: arts and crafts, Chandler’s Ford community, comedy, community, culture, entertainment, event, local interest, National Theatre Live, review, social, theatre, Thornden Hall, Winchester Road, writing

Comedy Night for Ramalley Hall Sunday 15th March 2015

January 31, 2015 By Janet Williams Leave a Comment

There is an active fundraising movement in Chandler’s Ford for the new Ramalley Hall.

You can support the new Ramalley Hall in many ways, such as buying Lego Brick Cufflinks.

Or, why not enjoy a Comedy Night at The Hilt on Sunday 15th of March? [Read more…] about Comedy Night for Ramalley Hall Sunday 15th March 2015

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chandler's Ford, comedy, community, entertainment, event, fundraising, good neighbours, Hursley Road, local interest, Ramalley Hall, scouting

2015 Chandler’s Ford Social Events

January 15, 2015 By Janet Williams 1 Comment

There are many exciting events in Chandler’s Ford from January, and here is a quick summary.

The first unmissable event will be The Wizard of Oz pantomime by the Chameleon Theatre Company.

The Chameleons will run 7 performances starting on Friday 23rd of January at 7:30pm. [Read more…] about 2015 Chandler’s Ford Social Events

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chameleon Theatre, Chandler's Ford, charity, comedy, community, Eastleigh, Hiltingbury, local interest, music, Ritchie Memorial Hall, St. Boniface Church, St. Martin, The Hilt, theatre, Thornden Hall

6 Things That Put Chandler’s Ford on The Map in 2014

January 3, 2015 By Janet Williams 2 Comments

I asked a few people what put Chandler’s Ford on the map.

The number one answer I got was always: “HSBC bank robberies.”

The number two answer was: “Wife swapping.”

Are these the ultimate definitions of modern Chandler’s Ford? [Read more…] about 6 Things That Put Chandler’s Ford on The Map in 2014

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: blogging, celebrations, Chameleon Theatre, Chandler's Ford, charity, comedy, community, Hiltingbury, local interest, MDG Players, Methodist Church, music, reading, review, St. Martin, The Hilt, theatre, writing

Comedian Paul Kerensa Brought Comedy And Carols To Chandler’s Ford

December 19, 2014 By Janet Williams 2 Comments

Paul Kerensa comedian

Stand-up comedian Paul Kerensa, well-known for his scriptwriting for Miranda and Not Going Out, came to St. Martin in the Wood Church in Hiltingbury last weekend for an evening of comedy and carols.

Performing to a packed church on 13th December (Saturday), Paul and his friends, [Read more…] about Comedian Paul Kerensa Brought Comedy And Carols To Chandler’s Ford

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chandler's Ford, Christmas, church, comedy, community, entertainment, event, Hiltingbury, local interest, music, St. Martin

Primary Sidebar

Search

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to Chandler's Ford Today blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Archives

Top Posts & Pages

Building On What Has Gone Before

Categories

Tags

am writing arts and crafts books Chandler's Ford Chandler's Ford Today Chandler’s Ford community charity Christianity Christmas church community creative writing culture Eastleigh Eastleigh Borough Council education entertainment event family fundraising gardening gardening tips good neighbours Hiltingbury Hiltingbury Road history hobby how-to Joan Adamson Joan Adelaide Goater local businesses local interest memory Methodist Church music nature news reading review social storytelling theatre travel Winchester Road writing

Recent Comments

  • Robbie Sprague on VE Day – Thursday 8th May 1945
  • Mike Sedgwick on VE Day – Thursday 8th May 1945
  • Chippy on VE Day – Thursday 8th May 1945
  • Allison Symes on Review – The Chameleons – Sudden Death at Thornbury Manor
  • Janet Williams on Review – The Chameleons – Sudden Death at Thornbury Manor
  • Christine Clark on Brickmaking in Chandler’s Ford

Regular Writers and Contributors

Janet Williams Allison Symes Mike Sedgwick Rick Goater Doug Clews chippy minton Martin Napier Roger White Andy Vining Gopi Chandroth Nicola Slade Wellie Roger Clark Ray Fishman Hazel Bateman SO53 News

Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal by Joan Adelaide Goater

Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal by Joan Adelaide Goater

Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s by Martin Napier

Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s by Martin Napier

My Memories of the War Years in Chandler’s Ford 1939 – 1945 by Doug Clews

My Memories of the War Years in Chandler’s Ford 1939 – 1945 by Doug Clews

Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Research by Margaret Doores

Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Research by Margaret Doores

History of Hiltonbury Farmhouse by Andy Vining

History of Hiltonbury Farmhouse by Andy Vining

My Family History in Chandler’s Ford and Hursley by Roger White

My Family History in Chandler’s Ford and Hursley by Roger White

Do You Remember The Hutments? By Nick John

Do You Remember The Hutments? By Nick John

Memory of Peter Green by Wendy Green

Memory of Peter Green by Wendy Green

History of Vickers Armstrongs (Supermarine) Hursley Park by Dave Key

History of Vickers Armstrongs (Supermarine) Hursley Park by Dave Key

Reviews of local performances and places

Reviews of local performances and places

Copyright © 2025 Chandler's Ford Today. WordPress. Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.