LEADER: ANNE MARIE GLEESON DEPUTY: MAUREEN McCOY

PREVIOUS SEASON 2024-25 We had a great season, visiting 22 plays at local theatres and two trips to the RSC Stratford. Our programme of topics for the fortnightly meetings included two speakers - Anita Warburton on the history of the Centenary Theatre and Paul Thompson on 'Stephen Sondheim'; also lively discussions and our usual fix of Shakespeare from 'Book Club' Jackie (Starkey), 2 play readings, NT @ Home (with great difficulty sometimes) and presentations on Playwrights, Thompson Dynasty and a look at those who passed away in 2024, which is something we always cover in January.

Some photographs of our visits to the theatres are attached - we always go to a matinee performance and try and make a day of it with lunch at either the theatre or a restaurant nearby and either go by train or arrange lifts and sharing the costs of petrol and parking.

NEXT SEASON 2025/26 We have now provisionally finalised our new season's programme with two Speakers, Steph Elkins on make up for the Theatre, and Steve Smith is hopefully coming to talk about his new role at Altrincham Little Theatre. As well as the usual fixtures of Christmas Lunch, 2024 Obituaries of Actors Careers, Jackie on Shakespeare, we are also doing a debate on two actresses with a vote at the end of who is the best, looking at local Playwrights and Playwright Abby Morgan and a further presentation on the great David Garrick and theatre managers that have changed theatre today; 3 discussions and readings and discussion on Alan Bennett's 'Talking Heads'. Our two Play Readings are 'Pride & Prejudice' in honour of Jane Austen's 250th anniversary and 'Importance of Being Ernest'. Details of dates are attached and will be posted in the Events column of the website.

THEATRE VISITS: These are arranged in addition to the fortnightly meetings. September to December 2025 - So far we have booked to see 11 plays at four theatres, as well as keeping an eye on Amateur Theate in the area.

MEETING : 15th OCTOBER - GUEST SPEAKER STEPH ELKINS

On Wednesday we had a special treat with Speaker Steph Elkins who did a presentation on 'Script to Screen: The Makeup Artist’s Role in Visual Storytelling'; letting us in on her secrets of working with actors and to finish off she demonstrated her skills on making up 'Jane with cuts and bruises' photo below:

VENUE - SALVATION ARMY CENTRE, ACADEMY STREET, WA1 2BR

Our venue is ideal with comfy seating and a friendly warm atmosphere with a Cafe for refreshments before we start our meeting at 10am and a car park at the back for those driving.

MEETINGS

We meet every fortnight on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 10am til 12am (we don't do any extra meetings on the 5-week month)

PROGRAMME OF MEETINGS 2025/26

17th September	PRESENTATION: Local Playwrights
1st October	DEBATE: Actresses Phyllis Logan Vs Celia Imrie
15th October	GUEST SPEAKER: Steph Elkins, Make-up Artist
5th November	PLAY READING Part 1: Pride & Prejudice
19th November	PLAY READING Part 2: Pride & Prejudice
3rd December	DISCUSSION: Comedians turned serious Actors
17th December	CHRISTMAS LUNCH: White Hart, Sankey Street @ 12.15
7th January 2026	PRESENTATION: Obituaries Looking at careers of actors who passed away in 2025
21st January	PRESENTATION: Playwright Abby Morgan
4th February	READINGS & DISCUSSION: 2 Alan Bennett's 'Talking Heads'
18th February	GUEST SPEAKER: Steve Smith from Altrincham Little Theatre
4th March	DISCUSSION: 'Future Theatre of Multi Media & A1
18th March	PRESTATION: 'Past Heroes of Theatre' - David Garrick etc.
1st April	GUEST SPEAKER: Jackie Starkey on Shakespeare
15th April	PLAY READING Part 1: Importance of Being Ernest
6th May	PLAY READING Part 2: Importance of Being Ernest
20th May	READINGS & DISCUSSION: Further 2 'Talking Heads' Alan Bennett
3rd June	DISCUSSION: 'Who are the future Movers & Shakes'
17th June	PLANNING MEETING