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Don’t sit under the Christmas tree with anyone but Shoo Shoo Baby. 17 December 2012
 
 
Wearing Carmen Miranda-style headgear in the form of Christmas trees, Tanya and Anna (aka Shoo Shoo Baby), stormed the stage at the Spotlight last night, turning the most cynical Christmas curmudgeon into a quivering mass of festive frivolity.
From Andrews Sisters’ harmonies to Marilyn Monroe-esque smoochies, the glittering two-some delivered a Christmas cracker of an evening with oodles of audience participation. Harry left his front row seat to ably assist the girl during ‘Angie the Christmas Tree Angel’. And two very lucky gentlemen got to ‘slow dance’ with our glamorous hostesses as they sang ‘Lady in Red’ – although with slightly less flattering lyrics aimed at their partners.
Unashamedly tongue-in-cheek, this show certainly added some early sparkle to Christmas – from the excess of costume jewellery to the witty repartee. Shame you’ll have to wait another 12 months to see it tour again.

 
Ladies’ Day romps home. 9 November 2012
 
Any play in which one of the characters describes Duncan from Blue as ‘a knob’ is sure to get a thumbs up from me. But there were so many more wonderfully expressed insights in this crowd-pleaser from writer Amanda Whittington that I don’t have enough thumbs to put up.
The action revolves around four fish packers who decide to glam up and join the posh folk at Royal Ascot. As their big day out unfolds, secrets are spilled like champagne from the glass of the ever more inebriated non-drinker amongst them.
As the title suggests, it’s ladies who take centre stage. And the four women at the heart of the action do themselves and the Spotlight proud. Jan (Liz Edwards) is the woman who’s devoted her life to her daughter, at the cost of her marriage. Pearl (Betty Raywood) has been wedded to her hubby for 36 years and about to join him in retired bliss. Linda (Julie Taylor) is the youngest of the group and the world’s greatest Tony Christie fan. And Shelley (Helen Nicholls) is the gobby one who longs for a more glamorous existence and could’ve been a beautician, had the ‘thought of doing a crack-wax’ not put her off.
 
And although the females get the best lines , the male roles provided some of the plays most poignant moments. Irish Jockey Patrick (Graham Beeston) relived a race from start to finishing line that made you feel you were in the saddle with him. Barry (Bob Downing) was affecting in a touching scene And Richard Stiles, as the man who’d lost a lot more than his shirt at the races, made the entire audience pause for thought.
 
Each and every cast member was convincing and had the audience rooting for them throughout. Credit for this must be shared with director Pamela Dalley – and for keeping the set minimal and letting the costumes create the scene.
 

No spoilers here, so whether the girls win or lose, in life as well as on the track, is something you’ll have to find out for yourself.And it’s worth doing just that. If you want a funny, heart-warming evening at the theatre, this is a sure-fire bet.

Ladies' Day hat-trick 9 November 2012
 
With a show set during Royal Ascot’s tenure at York race course, inviting the audience to turn up wearing hats seemed like a great idea. And so it proved to be. Stylish titfers of all shapes and sizes were dusted down and worn with aplomb. And with a bottle of bubbly on offer for the best hat at each performance, the competition was stiff.
However, special mention should go to Margaret Drysdale who looked sensational in a twirly cream number that topped off her wedding outfit 12 years ago.
 
Photos,from the top:
 
Judith weaves her millinery magic in the bar
 
Margaret’s ‘I do’ hat
 
The audience put Philip Treacy to shame
 
 
 
 
 
Queen of the Music Hall 1 November 2012
 
The name Marie Lloyd might not ring a bell, but her most famous song, The Boy I Love is up in the Gallery’ probably does. Anyone who remembers watching The Good Old Days from Leeds City Varities back in the 1970s will be humming the tune as they read this.
In January next year, a one-woman show about her life will be showing at the Spotlight for one night only.
Matilda Alice Victoria Wood was born in Hoxton, North London on February 12 1870 and became famous as Marie Lloyd with a reputation for racy songs, filled with double entendre. She'd Never had her Ticket Punched Before was one of her best loved risque songs. On the surface the lyrics are quite innocent, but accompanied with Lloyd’s nudge, nudge, wink, wink gestures an alternative meaning became apparent to those sitting in the stalls..
 
In 1912 she was left out of the line-up for the Royal Variety Performance for fear of offending the Royal party. In true Marie Lloyd style she rented another theatre for the same night and tickets sold out.
 
Her reputation for being socially unacceptable came partly from her stage act but also from her private life. She was married three times, but never found lasting happiness with her choice of partners.
 
On 4 October 1922 she was appearing at the Empire Music Hall in Edmonton, London. During the last song in her act, I'm One of the Ruins That Cromwell Knocked About a Bit, she staggered about on the stage. The audience laughed delightedly when she fell, thinking it was all part of the act. However, she was desperately ill, and died at home in Golders Green, three days later at the early age of 52.
 
Ref: Wikipedia, www.hackney.gov.uk, www.amaranthdesign.ca, www.vam.ac.uk
Hats off to Ladies Day
 
 
Ladies Day at the races is always a glamorous occasion. Performances of Ladies Day at the Spotlight will be no exception. In keeping with the theme of the play, fashion-conscious females are invited to put on their poshest outfits.
Chairman, Mike Sheldon said, ‘The ladies in our audience are always well turned out but we thought, as the play revolves around a visit to Royal Ascot, that they may wish to dress for the occasion. And the most sartorially stylish lady at each performance will presented with a special gift.
Of course, you’ll still be welcome in jeans and a t.shirt, but if you feel like putting on your best bib and tucker, we’d be delighted.’
 
Ladies Day runs from Tues 6 Nov – Sat 10 Nov which gives you plenty of time to decide what to wear.
Ladies' Day 6 - 10 November 2012
 
The lady behind Ladies’ Day
Ladies’ Day had a premiered at Hull Truck Theatre, just down the coast. In November, the BAODS present their version of this comedy. Find out what inspired the playwright, Amanda Whittington, to write it by clicking the link below.
http://www.whatsonstage.com/interviews/theatre/london/E8821154708609/20+ Questions+With...+Amanda+Whittington.html
  Image www.bbc.co.uk  
Give us a cuddle 18 October 2012
 
A Spotlight show without a raffle is like a trifle without cream. The highlight of every interval is the ‘draw’ and the anticipation of seeing your number come out of the hat.
But keeping the raffle supplied with prizes isn’t easy. With around five lucky winners per raffle, the 15 performances of this year’s panto alone, will need something nice for 75 lucky winners.
Teddy bears and body cream, chocolates and candles, wine and writing sets; everything and anything makes a great prize.
 
Prize Meister, Bob Downing, said, ‘Anyone wishing to provide something for the raffle can just hand it in at the theatre. Every little helps…and will make sure the prize cupboard is never bear’.
A barmy summer night with the LPSO  12 August 2012
 
Sunday evening isn’t usually associated with mayhem and madness in my book…but when the London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra came to town, the week ended with a bang rather than a whimper.
Those who came expecting the back catalogue of Lonnie Donegan hits would have been sadly disappointed with just the one Skiffle King song.  
Those who came expecting an eclectic mix of music that ranged from Summertime played on a plastic watering can to a song in praise of spoons, accompanied by, yes, spoons, would have got it bang on. 
 
With plenty of whacky costume changes and daft gags, this whimsical foursome went from the sublime to the ridiculous at the drop of a madcap hat – duelling with guitars one minute then playing a saw the next.
Not everything impressed (here’s hoping the lads get a new joke book for Christmas) but when it did it was sheer barmy genius – as when the audience sang along to Nelly the Elephant, while Captain Cabbage (in another one of his disguises) played a trombone while wearing an elephant head with the sliding part of the instrument inside the trunk. Frolicsome fun from a talented bunch of musicians…who just need to remember to take their medication.
Sign here 10 August 2012
 
Bridlington Blinds and Curtains, at the top of Bridge Street, is the sole outlet for tickets for Spotlight shows. Its prominent position in the centre of town means it s ideally placed as a collection point.
 
But, until now, it has only had a small window sign announcing the important role it plays.
However, the removal of an unwanted sign on the fascia of the building gave owner Linda Coope, who s also on the theatre s committee, the idea to give the box office a boost with an eye-catching sign stretching the length of the shop front. An additional sign on the side of the building flags up the box office to those approaching from the Hilderthorpe Road direction.
 
It s hoped that the new signage with bring a whole new set of people into the theatre. And remind everyone of the fantastic venue that s just around the corner.
Toe-tappin', hand-clappin', finger-clickin' good. 3 August 2012
 
It may be raining outside, but inside the Spotlight it s positively tropical as rehearsals progress for our two scintillating summer shows.
Team Summertime and Team Starshine are both sharpening up routines, practising dance steps and perfecting musical numbers as they, literally, get their act together for opening night.
Performing two shows weekly throughout the summer season puts big demands on the BAODS company.
 
Cast member, Mike Sheldon said, Taking part in a production is an enormous commitment. We may be amateurs but our audience demands professional standards. We re fortunate here to have a talented and dedicated team front of house, on stage and back stage who put an enormous amount of time and effort into making our shows a huge success .
Make their hard work worthwhile and cheer them on from the stalls. The shows run Weds and Thurs evenings until the end of September.
Interval drink? One lump or two?     6 June 2012
 
Sheila s Tea and Coffee Bar is at the very heart of the Spotlight. How could we possibly function without a decent drop of rosy lee ?
Cast and audience alike appreciate a refreshing hot drink served in a proper cup and saucer with milk poured from a jug not a fiddly little plastic carton.
In her time in the kitchen Sheila s lost count of the number of teas she s served but reckons she s used enough teabags to keep Asam from facing a financial crisis similar to Greece' s.
 
Of course, if you prefer a different kind of brew, the regular Spotlight bar will be happy to oblige. But some of us wouldn t swap our Sheila s cuppa for all the tea in China.
Great Dane comes to town   3 May 2012
 
The last time the Vikings invaded East Yorkshire, they left a trail of destruction in their wake.
But when marauding Danish folk superstar HaraldHaugaard arrives in the county for a string of dates later this month, he is hoping to make a more positive impression, conquering the Riding's music-lovers with his violin.
The acclaimed Dane, who hails from the remote village of Harndrup on Denmark's northwest island of Funen, is to play at the Spotlight Theatre in West Street, Bridlington, on Thursday, May 24 at 7.30pm.
 
 
The gigs have been organised by the ArtERY group, which promotes live music and entertainment across the East Riding, after Harald's acclaimed debut in the region last year.
Image: Hull Daily Mail
Spot the Spotlight car 10 March 2012
 
To promote the theatre' s all-singing production of Calamity Jane , Spotlight supporter Stefan Jefferson had his car emblazoned with details about the show.
The green Fiat Multipla became a mobile poster with the dates and times of the performances splashed across its bonnet and boot.
'Calamity Jane is a great favourite. It has some brilliant songs in it so we really wanted to tell as many people as we could to come along. Driving around town with the message on my car seemed a great way of doing that , said Stefan.
 
The bright yellow artwork for the vehicle was supplied by Andy Asquith Signs and really made an impact on the road.
 
Stef's car was out and about on the streets of Brid over the Easter weekend. And there were free tickets up for grabs for those who spotted it on its travels.
 
Those not lucky enough to win can get tickets, as usual, from Bridlington Blinds and Curtains, top of Bridge Street , adults £7.50, children £4. ‘Calamity Jane’ runs from Mon 16 April to Sat 21 April, 7.30pm.
My Favourite Summer 3 March 2012
Kevin Berry - 'The Stage'
 
Nick Lane's first original play for adults looks back at a landmark summer, before the onset of adulthood and responsibilities. Much of the material is drawn from Lane’'s own life and some of his comic devices will make other writers envious.
 
Unemployed actor Dave shares a house with Sarah, a girl he has grown up with. He fancies her, but has never told her. Faced with Sarah leaving for the USA, he takes a day job to pay for a surprise holiday for both of them. Once on the holiday, he will declare his feelings.
 
 
The job is dull and repetitive and Dave’s only work colleague is Melvin. Their meeting is the comic and dramatic strength of the play. Melvyn is a character to shock - blunt, belligerent and rather frightening. He just might punch Dave in the stomach and then laugh about it.
 
Matthew Booth as Dave wanders amiably through the recollections but isn't being stretched. He occasionally steps aside and becomes a narrator, yet the tone of his narration lacks wistfulness.
 
Marc Bolton'’s Melvin is played with admirable directness and raw, bruising humour. He has Dave reassessing himself and thinking beyond Sarah. He is a type that all male students can recall coming across when forced into a mundane summer job.
 
The women in Dave's favourite summer are only encountered fleetingly, even the unattainable Sarah. Fiona Wass plays all of them effectively.
 
My Favourite Summer is less about lost love, more about bringing one of life’s pivotal chapters to a close
 
The Spotlight says: We liked this so much, we've invited the company back to perform their next production.
 

 

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