PerUSING the abundant plau- dits on social media for their latest offering, it seems that the renowned Bright Sparks thea- tre group have once again im- pressed the masses at Leiston Film Theatre with their lavish production of Beauty and the Beast (January 11th-13th). I was part of a packed venue for the Friday night performance, on the invitation of venue manager and pantomime director Wayne Burns, who had proudly prom- ised me something quite special. Tackling one of the most


beloved fairy tales was always going to be an ambitious task and even more so, given the popular- ity of the studio’s live action ver- sion in 2017. With the arrogant Prince suit-


ably transformed into a hideous beast (both parts ably portrayed by Patrick Norman) by the wick- ed Fairy Thornella (Teresa Web- ster), our heroine Belle (rochelle Grimmer) sees her father, Profes- sor Fumble (Sorrel Adams) leave for the inventor’s fair, before she encounters Dame Dib Dab (Wayne Burns) with her children harry (Marcus Ward) and Bo (Lauren Major) who reunite her with her incontinent dog – cue the mutt weeing over the front row on every appearance! When an assuming Gaston (robert Sewell) appears with his side- kick Oui Oui (harry Sore), he concocts various attempts to woo Belle, but she simply isn’t inter- ested in his manly gestures, much


Laxfield All Saints Singers


eACh year Laxfield All Saints Singers sing carols to raise money for a charity. This year, for Cancer research UK they raised £47.26 on Saturday 2nd December at Laxfield Monthly Street Fair, and on Wednesday 20th December in halesworth Thoroughfare and The Angel hotel, £111. 24 making a total of £158.50. Many thanks to all who con- tributed so generously.


Beauty and the Beast provides another roaring success for Leiston Film Theatre I always enjoy seeing the tal-


to his frustration. When her father fails to return


home (ending up captured at the Beast’s castle), she goes off in search for him, finally encounter- ing the Beast at the castle and sacrificing herself for her father’s freedom. Protected by the castle cook, Mrs Plum (Margaret Butcher) and the good Fairy rosebud (Mandy Baskett), Belle soon discovers that the Beast isn’t so frightening after all, but before the pair can fall in love, she is set free to care for her sick father. When Gaston learns of the Beast, he storms the castle to kill the creature and with sword drawn, Belle bursts in to protect her furry friend, concluding with the demise of Gaston as he falls to his death. With the power of the enchant-


ed rose fading and the Beast dying, true love prevails and with a sprinkling of panto dust (or some clever effects), the Beast is instantly transformed back into the handsome Prince, enabling all to live happily ever after! As entertaining as it was, last


year’s production of Aladdin didn’t quite deliver what previ- ous pantomimes had, but this year’s attempt was completely the opposite, with some audience members commenting that it was the groups best yet as they were leaving the auditorium. The prin- ciple cast of just eleven, ably assisted on stage by supporting performers of all ages, worked hard in bringing the story to life, much to the delight of the entire audience, who laughed, cheered


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and booed during the panto parts and sat intently watching the drama unfold elsewhere and bursting into appreciative applause as the cast took their well-deserved bows. The produc- tion featured a terrific selection of songs, with clever amendments to lyrics to make them work with- in the story, with the scenery and costumes only enhancing what was already an excellent night out at this wonderful venue. Wayne Burns, back in a frock


this year, was as entertaining as ever and clearly had great fun with those he was on stage with. rochelle Grimmer was perfectly cast as the adorable Belle and her rendition of ‘All I Ask of You’ from Phantom of the Opera was simply beautiful – what a talent. The biggest thrill for me person- ally, was the Beast itself. Yes, it was Patrick Norman in a mask, but quite how they did his voice, or how it was achieved, I really don’t want to know, but it worked, and it was impressive.


ented students of the Coral Steb- bings School of Theatre Dance appearing at regular intervals – I counted forty youngsters at one point, all dressed immaculately and adding that “ahh” factor to the proceedings. In all, this was a top-notch


show and the feedback on social media showed just how much the audiences had enjoyed this joint- ly produced effort between Wayne Burns, for Leiston Film Theatre and Bright Sparks over the six-show run. Next year, it’s the turn of Dick


Whittington and his Amazing Cat to take to the stage (January 10th- 13th) – one of the few ‘home grown’ pantomimes and one of my favourites, with a new direc- tor overseeing pantomime 2019 and Wayne Burns taking a well- deserved break. I already have my ticket, along with 500 eager panto-goers.how lucky we are to have pantomime on our doorstep. Tim Mayhew


The Suffolk & Royal Anglian


Regiment Leiston Branch OCA


ON Thursday 4th January, six members met at 10am at the Leiston Community Centre, with no apologies for absence. There are 24 members and asso- ciate members, and all those over 80 years of age were very pleased to receive a Christmas card and gift. It would be good to see more members taking an interest in our monthly gather- ings. however, a big gathering is


Rendham Mummers Light up the Longest Night


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planned for Saturday 3rd March at 12noon at the Community Centre to celebrate the 100th birthday of Wilf Goddard, who as a member of the 4th Battalion of the Suffolk regiment, was a Far east Prisoner of War and is one of our founder members. We are planning drinks and a buffet lunch arranged by Sharon Slaughter, and we very much hope that as many of those local- ly associated with the Suffolks will join us to mark this great occasion. It has been proposed and


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agreed that the AGM should be postponed to Thursday 5th April at 10am at the Community Cen- tre. This year we celebrate 30 years of our branch here in Leis- ton, so watch this space ! In the meantime, keep warm,


AS is their tradition, rendham Mummers and an enthusiastic audience, celebrated the Winter Solstice in style on therendham Knoll. Beneath the illuminated ‘sacred oak’, their performance of their Dickensian play “A Mummers’ Christmas Carol” did not fail to disappoint as they lived up to their reputation of “....being never knowingly over rehearsed”, delivering an inter- pretation of this much loved fes- tive tale in their unique and inimitable style. Smoke, an arch of fire, and flaming torches to accompany the procession of the Straw cart down to rendham White horse, did much to keep


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at bay the night of spirits and ghosts. Seerendham website or rendham Mummers Facebook for photos. The Mummers wish all their


supporters a happy New Year and to thank all who made this magical event the success it was, and are pleased to be able to donate £750 to their chosen charity – the much deserving Ipswich Outreach Bus. rendham Mummers return


again on Summer Solstice eve, Thursday 21st June, at Sweffling Whitehorse, as they begin their 2018 Oak Moon Tour. The Speaker


keep well and keep fit. God bless.


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