BP News

From the Chairman

Congratulations and thank you to Nicki Pope, her cast and crew for the wonderful production of “Hamlet”. Her vision and determination are to be admired. The setting was the world of A-List celebrities, and her “Hamlet” focused on the struggles within the family to gain the power of the Elsinore Film Studios. I know that Nicki spent many hours cutting Shakespeares text in order to achieve her aim. She cut out most of the political content and concentrated on the relationships. The end product was a stunning, powerful production with excellent acting and first class lighting.

“Wind In The Willows” was another successful production by Bancroft Juniors. Thanks to Carole, Jane, Paula and Joy for putting the cast through their paces and producing a delightful show. A very simple but effective set, complete with rowing boat, was complemented by the lighting design. Every member of the cast had obviously worked very hard, particularly the lead actors who sustained their characters beautifully throughout. We are very lucky to have such a talented bunch of Juniors.

Those of you who have visited the Theatre in the last month must have noticed that the Theatre is now well and truly illuminated. Thank you to Chris Lane for project managing this work which was funded by Stephen Howard Homes sponsorship monies.

Also funded by SHH sponsorship are the two new electronic pianos. One of these was used for the first time, to great effect, during “Wind in the Willows” . The other is based in the Studio. These replace the two Clavinovas, one of which is completely out of action and is now being used as spare parts for the one remaining.

We are now two thirds of the way through the Season and still have three BP productions coming up. “Misery” in May, “Someone to Watch Over Me” in June, and finally “The Boy Friend” in July. If you add to these the Wednesday Quiz Evenings and the Bar Club Night in June there is still plenty to look forward to and get involved in.