Aladdin article in LBO - Tuesday 10th January 2012
Published on Saturday 7 January 2012 09:00 THE panto season is in full swing and the town’s newest theatre group is staging its debut festive show this month at the Raven Theatre, the town’s largest theatre situated in the grounds of Cedars School, Linslade.
Curtain Call Theatre Group and its youth theatre section, will be showcasing their maiden pantomime Aladdin and the LBO has teamed up with the producers to give away four family tickets to any performance for this dazzling family spectacular which runs from January 27 to 29.
This adaptation of the classic Christmas show has been especially written by CC’s founder, Gavyn Lugsden and he’s promising an unforgettable night of fun for all the family.
Gavyn, who also plays the Dame, Widow Twanky, promises that this is the traditional story of Aladdin but with some local ‘twists’. The hero takes his true love far from Peking to a distant town - Leighton Buzzard - when the evil Abanazar finally tricks the Princess Jasmine in swapping the priceless lamp for a shiny new one (with a plug and a low energy light bulb)! They hide away in the town but, with the aid from the Genie of the Ring, Aladdin manages to retrieve the lamp while Abanazar is on the Narrow Gauge Railway!
The show includes a fantastic washing machine where Wishee Washee accidentally falls in and comes out half his size! Then Widow Twanky has a go and is replaced with a small version of her... But do not fear, as with all good launderettes, there’s a stretching machine to get them back to their own size!
The panto also includes four Chinese policemen led by Sargent Pong Ping, who are rather useless at policing... His constables are Chop Stick, Chop Chop and the very silly Ping Pong. The four police parts are played by children from the Youth Theatre.
Watch out for Widow Twanky’s bucket song as there will be lots of treats and surprises in store.
Toe-tapping songs throughout, plenty of laughs for the kids and a hand full of innuendo for the older ones...!
The most exhilarating part if the show will be the fantastic flying scene, where the audience will join Aladdin and the Princess Jasmine on an breathtaking magic carpet ride.
Raffles held during the intervals will be supporting Parkinsons UK and Kids Out charities.
Show dates are January 27 to 29. Fridays performance will start at 7.30pm, Saturdays at 2.00pm and 6.30pm and the Sundays at 2.00pm.
For tickets and prices call 01525 220525, or eTickets can be purchased by a major credit/debit cards via the website www.curtaincalltheatregroup.co.uk
*TO win a free family ticket just tell us the name of the panto being staged by Curtain Call. Send your entries, complete with name and full contact details, to anne.cox@lbobserver.co.uk, drop them into our dead letter box in Dillamores, Leighton High Street, or post to “Panto Competition”, Leighton Buzzard Observer, Media House, 39 Upper George Street, Luton, Beds, LU1 2RD. Entries must be received by next Tuesday, January 17.
Curtain Call Theatre Group and its youth theatre section, will be showcasing their maiden pantomime Aladdin and the LBO has teamed up with the producers to give away four family tickets to any performance for this dazzling family spectacular which runs from January 27 to 29.
This adaptation of the classic Christmas show has been especially written by CC’s founder, Gavyn Lugsden and he’s promising an unforgettable night of fun for all the family.
Gavyn, who also plays the Dame, Widow Twanky, promises that this is the traditional story of Aladdin but with some local ‘twists’. The hero takes his true love far from Peking to a distant town - Leighton Buzzard - when the evil Abanazar finally tricks the Princess Jasmine in swapping the priceless lamp for a shiny new one (with a plug and a low energy light bulb)! They hide away in the town but, with the aid from the Genie of the Ring, Aladdin manages to retrieve the lamp while Abanazar is on the Narrow Gauge Railway!
The show includes a fantastic washing machine where Wishee Washee accidentally falls in and comes out half his size! Then Widow Twanky has a go and is replaced with a small version of her... But do not fear, as with all good launderettes, there’s a stretching machine to get them back to their own size!
The panto also includes four Chinese policemen led by Sargent Pong Ping, who are rather useless at policing... His constables are Chop Stick, Chop Chop and the very silly Ping Pong. The four police parts are played by children from the Youth Theatre.
Watch out for Widow Twanky’s bucket song as there will be lots of treats and surprises in store.
Toe-tapping songs throughout, plenty of laughs for the kids and a hand full of innuendo for the older ones...!
The most exhilarating part if the show will be the fantastic flying scene, where the audience will join Aladdin and the Princess Jasmine on an breathtaking magic carpet ride.
Raffles held during the intervals will be supporting Parkinsons UK and Kids Out charities.
Show dates are January 27 to 29. Fridays performance will start at 7.30pm, Saturdays at 2.00pm and 6.30pm and the Sundays at 2.00pm.
For tickets and prices call 01525 220525, or eTickets can be purchased by a major credit/debit cards via the website www.curtaincalltheatregroup.co.uk
*TO win a free family ticket just tell us the name of the panto being staged by Curtain Call. Send your entries, complete with name and full contact details, to anne.cox@lbobserver.co.uk, drop them into our dead letter box in Dillamores, Leighton High Street, or post to “Panto Competition”, Leighton Buzzard Observer, Media House, 39 Upper George Street, Luton, Beds, LU1 2RD. Entries must be received by next Tuesday, January 17.
Curtain Call Takes The Double at the Leighton-Linslade Carnival 2011...!!!
Curtain Call win 1st Place with their Circus Themed Float, and then take 1st prize with the walking float...!!!
A BIG thank you to everybody involved...
Curtain Call's Carnival Float Comes 3rd in this years Leighton-Linslade Carnival (10 July 2010)
A big thank you to all those who joined us at this years Leighton-Linslade Carnival. The day couldn't have been any better, the sun was out, the music played and we came away with 3rd prize...! Also a big thank you to S & J Pierce Transport for the loan of the Lorry and Paul Cheeseman (Night Sounds) for the use of his disco/PA.
Leighton Buzzard Observer - 16th Feb 2010
Curtain's up on new theatre group in Linslade
Published Date: 15 February 2010
Am-dram veteran launches rival company in town.
A VETERAN panto dame and leading light in the local am-dram scene is launching Linslade's first theatre group.
Families in the town will be spoilt for choice next Christmas when Gavyn Lugsden's new company, the Curtain Call Theatre Group, opens at The Raven Theatre with Aladdin.
Gavyn, former chairman and member of the Wing Players, an ex-Butlins Redcoat and a children's entertainer, has been involved in am-dram for more than 21 years.
And he knows his stuff when it comes to giving family audiences what they want. He's written seven pantomimes and has had his work performed at The Grove Theatre, in Dunstable.
But what the Eaton Bray actor and writer really wants is to give Linslade its own theatre group based in the second largest theatre in South Bedfordshire.
He said: "It will be the largest drama group in the area and will be based at the 360 seat Raven Theatre at Cedars Upper School.
"It is open to all budding actors, singers, dancers or to those who fancy dressmaking, scenery design, stage management, lighting and working behind the scenes.
"Initially, it will be open to everybody over 15 years of age but plans for a youth group are in the pipeline.
"Our first performance will be a spectacular pantomime – Aladdin – next January and yes, this will put us in competition with the Leighton Buzzard Drama Group!
"We then intend to showcase two further productions in 2011 before getting ready for the pantomime for 2012.
"We have a fantastic theatre and no-one is really taking advantage of it. The LBDG and other groups in Leighton use the Library Theatre but that has a third of the capacity of the Raven.
"I think this is the first drama group for Linslade, something the town has been crying out for. It'll be good to have a bit of healthy competition in the town.
"I have spent nearly 25 years in am-dram and I wanted to get more hands-on. This group will receive expert tuition and advice from qualified individuals, there will be workshops, a big social side, and three shows a year.
"We will be starting from scratch so we need people to help fund-raise and create scenery, backdrops, costumes etc.
"Our Aladdin will be truly extravagant production."
Rehearsals start in August but until then the group plans to enter a float into this year's Leighton Carnival.
"I'd really like as many people to register their interest, via the website, as soon as possible, so I can ascertain the level of interest at this early stage.
"We are also looking for a number of local businesses to sponsor the group, as starting from scratch will be quite an awesome task - but I fancy the challenge!"
For more details call Gavyn 01525 220525 or go to the website www.curtaincalltheatregroup.co.uk
Published Date: 15 February 2010
Am-dram veteran launches rival company in town.
A VETERAN panto dame and leading light in the local am-dram scene is launching Linslade's first theatre group.
Families in the town will be spoilt for choice next Christmas when Gavyn Lugsden's new company, the Curtain Call Theatre Group, opens at The Raven Theatre with Aladdin.
Gavyn, former chairman and member of the Wing Players, an ex-Butlins Redcoat and a children's entertainer, has been involved in am-dram for more than 21 years.
And he knows his stuff when it comes to giving family audiences what they want. He's written seven pantomimes and has had his work performed at The Grove Theatre, in Dunstable.
But what the Eaton Bray actor and writer really wants is to give Linslade its own theatre group based in the second largest theatre in South Bedfordshire.
He said: "It will be the largest drama group in the area and will be based at the 360 seat Raven Theatre at Cedars Upper School.
"It is open to all budding actors, singers, dancers or to those who fancy dressmaking, scenery design, stage management, lighting and working behind the scenes.
"Initially, it will be open to everybody over 15 years of age but plans for a youth group are in the pipeline.
"Our first performance will be a spectacular pantomime – Aladdin – next January and yes, this will put us in competition with the Leighton Buzzard Drama Group!
"We then intend to showcase two further productions in 2011 before getting ready for the pantomime for 2012.
"We have a fantastic theatre and no-one is really taking advantage of it. The LBDG and other groups in Leighton use the Library Theatre but that has a third of the capacity of the Raven.
"I think this is the first drama group for Linslade, something the town has been crying out for. It'll be good to have a bit of healthy competition in the town.
"I have spent nearly 25 years in am-dram and I wanted to get more hands-on. This group will receive expert tuition and advice from qualified individuals, there will be workshops, a big social side, and three shows a year.
"We will be starting from scratch so we need people to help fund-raise and create scenery, backdrops, costumes etc.
"Our Aladdin will be truly extravagant production."
Rehearsals start in August but until then the group plans to enter a float into this year's Leighton Carnival.
"I'd really like as many people to register their interest, via the website, as soon as possible, so I can ascertain the level of interest at this early stage.
"We are also looking for a number of local businesses to sponsor the group, as starting from scratch will be quite an awesome task - but I fancy the challenge!"
For more details call Gavyn 01525 220525 or go to the website www.curtaincalltheatregroup.co.uk
Gavyn Lugsden - Founder of Curtain Call Theatre Group
LB - News Wednesday 11th March
Budding performers urged to step into the spotlight
A new theatre group has been formed and is calling for people to take part.
Curtain Call will showcase three productions a year at the 360 seat Raven Theatre at the Cedars Upper School in Mentmore Road, Linslade.
Gavyn Lugsden, from Eaton Bray, has founded the group, which is open to all budding singers, actors, musicians and dancers.
A former chairman and member of the Wing Players, an ex-Butlins Redcoat and a children's entertainer, Mr Lugsden has been involved in amateur drama for more than 21 years.
Curtain Call's first production will be pantomime Aladdin in January 2011.
Mr Lugsden, who has written seven pantomimes and has years of experience playing the dame, said: "We require a strong cast with good vocal talent, a well choreographed chorus and many comedy characters to ensure we show Bedfordshire what Leighton Buzzard has to offer."
"Joining a drama group can seem a bit daunting, but the great news is that everybody will be in the same boat.
"What better way to make new friends and have some fun."
Curtain Call is currently open to everyone over the age of 15, although a Youth Theatre will be formed for those aged five to 15.
The group is also looking for musicians, dressmakers, stage managers, lighting and sound crew, set builders and other volunteers.
Rehearsals for the pantomime will begin in August.
Until then the group plans to enter a float into this year's Leighton Carnival.
Mr Lugsden is also calling for businesses to sponsor the fledgling group.
Visit www.curtaincalltheatregroup.co.uk for more information or call 07502 117555.
A new theatre group has been formed and is calling for people to take part.
Curtain Call will showcase three productions a year at the 360 seat Raven Theatre at the Cedars Upper School in Mentmore Road, Linslade.
Gavyn Lugsden, from Eaton Bray, has founded the group, which is open to all budding singers, actors, musicians and dancers.
A former chairman and member of the Wing Players, an ex-Butlins Redcoat and a children's entertainer, Mr Lugsden has been involved in amateur drama for more than 21 years.
Curtain Call's first production will be pantomime Aladdin in January 2011.
Mr Lugsden, who has written seven pantomimes and has years of experience playing the dame, said: "We require a strong cast with good vocal talent, a well choreographed chorus and many comedy characters to ensure we show Bedfordshire what Leighton Buzzard has to offer."
"Joining a drama group can seem a bit daunting, but the great news is that everybody will be in the same boat.
"What better way to make new friends and have some fun."
Curtain Call is currently open to everyone over the age of 15, although a Youth Theatre will be formed for those aged five to 15.
The group is also looking for musicians, dressmakers, stage managers, lighting and sound crew, set builders and other volunteers.
Rehearsals for the pantomime will begin in August.
Until then the group plans to enter a float into this year's Leighton Carnival.
Mr Lugsden is also calling for businesses to sponsor the fledgling group.
Visit www.curtaincalltheatregroup.co.uk for more information or call 07502 117555.
1st Curtain Call Meeting Sunday 21st March 2010
Our first meeting took place to discuss the direction of Curtain Call, plus the latest news on our sponcership, fund-raising activities, advertising, membership, Carnival theme, branded T-shirts and a detailed discussion on why Rosi takes 6 sugars in her coffee... Thankfully Roy had enough sugar...!!! Our first fund-raising activity will be a quiz night with fish and chip supper to be held at the Linslade Community Centre in Bideford Green, watch this space for further details...!
Pictured (From the left) Gary Burchill, Lucille Thomas, Rosi Zaldua-Taylor, Roy Johnstone, Claire Ward and Gavyn Lugsden.
Pictured (From the left) Gary Burchill, Lucille Thomas, Rosi Zaldua-Taylor, Roy Johnstone, Claire Ward and Gavyn Lugsden.
