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Fairytales and Pantomime

January 26, 2024 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credit: Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. Thought you would want to know, given the topic for this week’s post, that the font used in my Book Brush pictures is actually called Aladin! How apt! (Yes, US spelling here).

By the time this post goes out, Janet and I will have seen the latest production from The Chameleon Theatre Group, their annual pantomime. This time they have staged the classic fairytale, Sleeping Beauty.

I hope to share my review next week but thought I would look at the links between the classic fairytales and pantomime. They do seem like a match made in heaven – or at least a match made for the boards.

[Read more…] about Fairytales and Pantomime

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Tags: amateur theatre, entertainment, fairytales, love of theatre, pantomime, pantomime Dames, Principal Boy, slapstick, Sleeping Beauty, The Chameleon Theatre Group

Lilies on the Land Performed by the Chameleons – a Review

July 29, 2023 By Gopi Chandroth 3 Comments

Albert Camus once said, ‘Impulses are the most sacred of human emotions.” On Wednesday this week, my good friend Janet offered me a free ticket for Thursday evening’s show of Lilies on the Land by The Lions Part at the Chameleon, Chandler’s Ford. On an impulse, I accepted it. I am glad I did.

The advertisement for the play stated, ‘A humorous look at wartime life, based on the real lives of the Women’s Land Army’ (WLA). After the show, I came away with the feeling that the blurb did not do full justice to the director and the all-women cast who put on a show par excellence.

“We shall fight on the beaches …” Churchill’s famous wartime speech set the tone for the evening. Dressed in costumes of wartime England, the WLA girls conveyed the ambience with skill. The sombreness of war was never downplayed, yet they managed to have us splitting our sides with clever and witty dialogues, narrating and bringing to life personal anecdotes. [Read more…] about Lilies on the Land Performed by the Chameleons – a Review

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Tags: amateur theatre, Chameleon Theatre, Chameleon Theatre Group, creative arts, drama, entertainment, event, Hursley Road, review, Ritchie Memorial Hall

Chandler’s Ford u3a Celebrating 25th Anniversary

March 5, 2023 By SO53 News 3 Comments

Knitted postbox toppers are appearing around Chandler’s Ford. Have you seen them? These have brought a lot of smiles.

Chandler’s Ford u3a is celebrating its 25th Anniversary by erecting 25 toppers in Chandler’s Ford. Thank you Jill Mayes for sharing these photos.

[Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford u3a Celebrating 25th Anniversary

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Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, community, Dovetail Centre, entertainment, event, good neighbours, learning, local interest, Methodist Church, u3a

Review: The Chameleon Theatre Group – Pinocchio

February 3, 2023 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credit:-
A huge thank you as ever to The Chameleons for kind permission to use their photos. One image adapted in Book Brush using a Chameleon photo. One screenshot taken by me, Allison Symes, from the Chameleons’ website re their next production.

It was a joy to see Pinocchio, staged by The Chameleon Theatre Group on Saturday, 28th January. There are many for whom pantomime is their first experience of live theatre. Funnily enough, it wasn’t for me. My kid sister and I tended to go and see the latest Disney releases at the old Gaumont, now of course The Mayflower in Southampton. Remember seeing Robin Hood and Cinderella there.

[Read more…] about Review: The Chameleon Theatre Group – Pinocchio

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Tags: amateur theatre, Chameleon Theatre Group, classic fairytale, entertainment, pantomime, Pinocchio, review, Ritchie Hall

Review: The Chameleon Theatre Group – Sherlock Holmes and The Mystery at Mallen Hall

November 4, 2022 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

Image Credits:-
Many thanks to the Chameleons for kind permission to use their photos. Other images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos (and in one case my picture of the excellent programme!).

It was with great pleasure I met with Janet Williams at Richie Hall to watch the latest production from The Chameleon Theatre Group. I love Sherlock Holmes tales so this was a win-win. Congratulations must go to the Chameleons for a sell out performance on all three nights from 27th to 29th October 2022.

[Read more…] about Review: The Chameleon Theatre Group – Sherlock Holmes and The Mystery at Mallen Hall

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Tags: amateur theatre, detective plays, entertainment, review, Ritchie Hall, Sherlock Holmes and The Mystery of Mallen Hall, The Chameleon Theatre Group

Review: A Sherlock Treat with the Chameleons

October 28, 2022 By Gopi Chandroth 9 Comments

Brilliant performance. Image credit: Chameleon Theatre Company.

“The jasmine in one’s garden has no fragrance,” goes a Malayalam homily – meaning, we don’t appreciate what is right under our nose and seek our pleasures in distant venues. I realised the true import of this saying last evening when we went to see ‘Sherlock Holmes and the mystery at Mallen Hall‘ presented by the Chameleon Theatre Company on Hursley Road, Chandler’s Ford. The theatre is a mere ten-minute walk from my house. In the twelve years that I have lived in Chandler’s Ford, this was my first visit to Chameleon, thanks to a tip from my friend Janet on Chandler’s Ford Today.

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

The tickets were quite reasonably priced and the show played to a full house. The acoustics were impressive – dialogues came across crisp and clear even to those of us who sat in the back rows. In my youth, I have read several Sherlock Holmes mysteries, but this was the first time I watched a live enactment. And what a performance it was. Holmes, Dr Watson and other characters acted with grace and élan.

Can Sherlock solve the mystery surrounding the deaths at Mallen Hall? Image from Chameleon Theatre Company.
Can Sherlock solve the mystery surrounding the deaths at Mallen Hall? Image from Chameleon Theatre Company.

[Read more…] about Review: A Sherlock Treat with the Chameleons

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Tags: amateur theatre, Chameleon Theatre, Chameleon Theatre Group, creative arts, drama, entertainment, event, Hursley Road, review, Ritchie Memorial Hall

Review: Chameleon Theatre Group – Murder with Ghosts

November 12, 2021 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Image Credits:  Some images created in Book Brush using screenshots and/or Pixabay photos. A huge thanks to The Chameleon Theatre Group for kind permission to use their photos.

It is always a pleasure to see the latest Chameleon Theatre Group production. This one was particularly nice as it was the first time our esteemed CFT editor, Janet Williams, and I have had what is effectively a Chandler’s Ford Today “works outing” since before the lockdowns. And I adore a spoof. So win-win here.

Murder with Ghosts is written by Simon Brett (a big tick in the box) and the plot has more than a nod to an Agatha Christie whodunnit (a HUGE tick in the box here. The first series of books I collected, which I still have, were the Odhams red leather hardbacks of almost all of the Agatha Christie series and novels).

So a spoof written by a renowned crime writer and based on the structure so often used by the Queen of Crime has got to be a winner, yes?

Yes indeed!

[Read more…] about Review: Chameleon Theatre Group – Murder with Ghosts

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Tags: Agatha Christie, amateur theatre, Chameleon Theatre Group, creative arts, entertainment, Murder with Ghosts, P.G. Wodehouse, spoof

Previous St. George’s Day Parades in Chandler’s Ford – Video and Photos

April 24, 2021 By SO53 News 1 Comment

14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band - St George's Day 2017

Did you remember or celebrate St. George’s Day on the 23rd of April?

This is a video with some footage in 2017 showing the St. George’s Day parade, by the magnificent 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band “The Spitfires” Band.

This video features the band’s second and third parades of the day in Winchester and Chandler’s Ford.

14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band - St George's Day 2017
14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band – St. George’s Day 2017

[Read more…] about Previous St. George’s Day Parades in Chandler’s Ford – Video and Photos

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Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, community, culture, Eastleigh, entertainment, event, local interest, Merdon Avenue, Merdon School, Methodist Church, music, scouting, social, St. George's Day, The Spitfires marching band, Winchester Road

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

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Tags: amateur theatre, comedy, drama, entertainment, Ritchie Hall, shows, The Chameleon Theatre Group

Murphy’s Law For Readers

April 10, 2020 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

Feature Image - Murphy's Law for Readers

I thought a lighthearted piece would probably be timely. Last year, I wrote a piece about Murphy’s Law for Writers so I thought I would take the topic again and look at it from a reader’s viewpoint.

So how could Murphy’s Law apply to readers then? As follows, I think, but send in your suggestions via the comments box. Some of what follows will be for when we resume normal life again but the general principles apply.

So how could Murphy’s Law affect readers? Pixabay

[Read more…] about Murphy’s Law For Readers

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Tags: books, bookshops, entertainment, humour, libraries, Murphy's Law, readers, stories

Part 2 – The Chameleons Say Hello… to the Technical Side

April 3, 2020 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

From Cinderella

It is always a great pleasure to welcome The Chameleon Theatre Group back to Chandler’s Ford Today. We are sorry their Spring Quartet production had to be cancelled and we hope it is not long before we see them again on the stage at Ritchie Hall. Janet and I very much look forward to our “CFT works outings” again in the future!

Meanwhile, for a fascinating look behind the scenes at sound, lighting, set design, and props, read on… and as ever many thanks to The Chameleons for the interviews and the photos. (Many thanks also to Janet Williams as there was a useful picture for this post in the CFT archives taken by her).

 

This week’s post looks at the technical aspects of a production. Pixabay image.

[Read more…] about Part 2 – The Chameleons Say Hello… to the Technical Side

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Tags: amateur theatre, behind the scenes, entertainment, Information, interviews, Ritchie Hall, The Chameleon Theatre Group

The Chameleons Say Hello – Part 1

March 13, 2020 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

Feature Image - The Chameleons Say Hello - Part 1

The Chameleon Theatre Group have been posting a series of small interviews. They and I thought it a good idea to compile these in some articles for CFT. Hope you enjoy! These will hopefully be spread out over a few weeks between each one. Many thanks as ever to The Chameleons for the photos.

Oh and don’t forget that when you go to one of their excellent productions and take part in things like the raffle, proceeds go to a nominated charity. So have a great night out and support a good cause at the same time. Now that’s the kind of multitasking I’ve always got time for!

And now over to The Chameleons for Part 1 in what we hope will be an enjoyable series.

Feature Image - The Chameleons Say Hello - Part 1
Feature Image – The Chameleons Say Hello – Part 1. Pixabay image.

[Read more…] about The Chameleons Say Hello – Part 1

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Tags: amateur theatre, behind the scenes, entertainment, interviews, plays, Ritchie Hall, The Chameleon Theatre Group

‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ by The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band “The Spitfires” and Friends

December 20, 2019 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

The latest recording by the 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band, released December 2019. Featuring Hampshire Scouts Present, The Spitfire Sisters, Elijah Jeffery and Christian Wood.

Written by Greg Walker, Principal Director of Music, The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band.

Here’s our talented group of youngsters at The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band showing what we can do, along with a mass choir of Scout and Guide Shows from all across Hampshire, with our cover of ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’... we hope you enjoy it – we had GREAT fun recording and making it.

“The Spitfires and Friends do Christmas” CD (2019)

[Read more…] about ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ by The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band “The Spitfires” and Friends

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Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, Christmas, community, culture, Eastleigh, entertainment, local interest, music, news, scouting, The Spitfires marching band

Review: Chandler’s Ford MDG Players: ‘Welcome to our village, please invade carefully’

December 2, 2019 By SO53 News 4 Comments

MDG Players next production is *‘Welcome to our village, please invade carefully’* by Eddie Robson on Thursday 28^th – Saturday 30^th November in the Dovetail Centre Café at 7.30pm.

By Ben Williams

This year’s performance by the MDG Players is a pastiche of sci-fi storytelling that lampoons radio plays and the stories of Stephen King and John Wyndham. Presented as a radio play, Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully is filled with clever humour and wit that results in a very original, fun way to spend an evening.

Mike Standing (A Minion), Lester Parry (Gryvook), and Mike Slatcher (Uljabaan)
Mike Standing (A Minion), Lester Parry (Gryvook), and Mike Slatcher (Uljabaan)

The plot is simple – the village of Cresdon Green, Buckinghamshire, is a normal English town that has just happened to be slowly invaded by aliens. It starts with a dome being placed over the village and then Uljabaan, an alien trying desperately hard to impress his superiors, attempting to blend in with the villagers. Whilst some embrace the aliens, others, led by the rebellious Katrina Lyons, want to see the aliens gone. Hilarity ensues. [Read more…] about Review: Chandler’s Ford MDG Players: ‘Welcome to our village, please invade carefully’

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Tags: acting, arts and crafts, Chandler's Ford, community, Dovetail Centre, drama, entertainment, event, fiction, humour, local interest, MDG Players, Methodist Church, review, social, theatre, Winchester Road

Favourite Adverts

November 8, 2019 By Allison Symes 15 Comments

Feature Image - Favourite Adverts

Do you like advertising? I don’t mind adverts that entertain me. I accept their purpose is to try to make me part with my money but unless it really is for a product I’m interested in, there’s nothing doing!

Always glad to advertise these people
Always glad to advertise these people – and yes the image is from Pixabay, who else?!

[Read more…] about Favourite Adverts

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Tags: adverts, entertainment, favourite adverts, marketing, quiz, writers and advertising

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…

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Tags: amateur theatre, Chameleon Theatre Group, comedy, entertainment, humour, plays, sci-fi, spoof, theatre

Murphy’s Law

July 19, 2019 By Allison Symes 3 Comments

Feature Image - Murphy's Law

I’m a great believer in Murphy’s Law. “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong”. Why? Because humans have such a wonderful creative capacity and, simultaneously, an equally wonderful capacity to muck things up. (It’s just wonderful in a different direction, that’s all!). [Read more…] about Murphy’s Law

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Tags: creative writing, entertainment, humour, Murphy's Law, writers

Reading Aloud Allowed (and Local Author News: Allison Symes)

June 14, 2019 By Allison Symes 7 Comments

I make no apology for the pun! Reading aloud is encouraged in youngsters to help them develop their vocabulary and rightly so but, unless you are a performance poet or oral storyteller, this habit is forgotten in adulthood. I think this is a shame. I find it is a real treat to be read to and it makes a lovely connection to the old oral storytelling tradition too. [Read more…] about Reading Aloud Allowed (and Local Author News: Allison Symes)

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Tags: audio books, creative writing, entertainment, fiction, listening to stories, open mic, performance prose, reading, reading aloud

2019 Fryern Funtasia – Were You There?

May 10, 2019 By Allison Symes 1 Comment

Feature Image - 2019 Fryern Funtasia - Were You There

Well, I was, and it was great to meet up with Janet once again and, later, to meet Roger Clark, fellow CFT contributor. Many thanks to Janet for the selfie (and I guess you could have called this an outdoor editorial meeting!).

Image Credit (or blame as you see fit): Unless otherwise named, the culprit behind the images is Allison Symes. [Read more…] about 2019 Fryern Funtasia – Were You There?

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Tags: charities, community, entertainment, event, Fryern Funtasia, Fryern Recreation Ground, One Community, Three Rivers Rail Partnership

Review: Spring Trio of Plays – Chameleon Theatre Group

May 3, 2019 By Allison Symes 1 Comment

Feature Image - Spring Trio of Plays

Image Credit: Many thanks as ever to Stuart Wineberg, Lionel Elliott and the Chameleons for the wonderful pictures.

I went to see the latest Chameleons’ production Spring Trio of Plays on Thursday 25th April. I like the mixed assortment of plays they often put on in the Spring as you have a variety of entertainment which have a powerful impact. None of the three plays were long enough to stage alone (at least not in this form) but worked very well in a trio format like this. [Read more…] about Review: Spring Trio of Plays – Chameleon Theatre Group

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Tags: acting, Chameleon Theatre Group, drama, entertainment, plays, Ritchie Hall, theatre
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