A Christmas Carol
5th & 6Th December 2014 saw BATS venture into "radio broadcasting" down at the Bryce.
In a departure from our normal shows, this was set up as being a live radio show, with everyone in the hall playing the part of a studio audience.
For the first part of the show, we presented a selection of festive songs, superbly sung by Jen Armitstead, Elaine Burke, Clare Walker and Ron Milnes. To add a little variety to those proceedings, we had a guest appearance from Tony Hill, one of the Bryce Street Strummers Group, who entertained with some fine ukulele playing. Martin Cash acted as host for the evening, linking groups of songs together, making introductions and moving or adjusting microphones as required. He even managed a true "DJ" moment when he read the credits over the instrumental break in the last song!
After a short break - and a raffle called in a way only Elaine can call it - we moved on to the main event of the evening, the radio play of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". The stage had no scenery and the performers were dressed in black. Dan Taylor, our multi talented lighting man had made a realistic looking "On Air" sign which lit up red at the appropriate time. And in a massive departure from the norm, our backstage crew of Ally Harkness, Matt Townson, Fran Milnes and Helen Townson (the latter two also having to contend with speaking parts as well!) were seen in all their glory, centre stage - though it has to be said it was not a natural environment for them as they blinked in the unaccustomed light!
Described in the local paper as "5 Star BATS Regulars" the cast of Simon Yaxley, Martin Cash, Adam Carruthers, Kevin Beecroft Ron Milnes, Elisha Selby, Helen Townson, Fran Milnes and newcomer Bethan Naylor, delivered this atmospheric piece as though performing it in a radio studio. Stepping up to the mic as and when required, all bar Adam - who was fully occupied with the role of Scrooge - utilised a variety of voices and accents to portray multiple characters. Lakeland Radio star Simon Yaxley was notable for switching easily between fearsome phantoms and winsome children, with the odd businessman thrown in for good measure! There were a variety of hats and scarves to wear as well to remind the cast who they were meant to be at any one time - and to give the "studio audience" something different to look at! Dan was also able to provide some suitably atmospheric lighting effects, again for the benefit of the audience in the hall.
Obviously, being a radio play, it was all about the sound, with Nigel Crook up in the booth providing the atmospheric music and certain pre-recorded effects.
But the majority of the effects were done live by our backstage crew who sat centre stage surrounded by all manner of noise making equipment. Whether it was doors or windows opening, horses passing by or clanking chains and ringing bells, they performed superbly and their efforts were much appreciated by the audience - many comments were made as to how good it was, not only to see our backstage stalwarts "in the flesh" for a change, but to also to see how they actually created the effects.
A special mention must go to Jackie O'Sullivan for her vision in wanting to put this play on and her dedication in ensuring it became the polished, professional, show she envisaged from the outset.
All in all, an enjoyable evening for everyone involved, which looks like it has been well received by those who supported the show, and from the numerous "likes" and comments on Facebook....
5th & 6Th December 2014 saw BATS venture into "radio broadcasting" down at the Bryce.
In a departure from our normal shows, this was set up as being a live radio show, with everyone in the hall playing the part of a studio audience.
For the first part of the show, we presented a selection of festive songs, superbly sung by Jen Armitstead, Elaine Burke, Clare Walker and Ron Milnes. To add a little variety to those proceedings, we had a guest appearance from Tony Hill, one of the Bryce Street Strummers Group, who entertained with some fine ukulele playing. Martin Cash acted as host for the evening, linking groups of songs together, making introductions and moving or adjusting microphones as required. He even managed a true "DJ" moment when he read the credits over the instrumental break in the last song!
After a short break - and a raffle called in a way only Elaine can call it - we moved on to the main event of the evening, the radio play of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". The stage had no scenery and the performers were dressed in black. Dan Taylor, our multi talented lighting man had made a realistic looking "On Air" sign which lit up red at the appropriate time. And in a massive departure from the norm, our backstage crew of Ally Harkness, Matt Townson, Fran Milnes and Helen Townson (the latter two also having to contend with speaking parts as well!) were seen in all their glory, centre stage - though it has to be said it was not a natural environment for them as they blinked in the unaccustomed light!
Described in the local paper as "5 Star BATS Regulars" the cast of Simon Yaxley, Martin Cash, Adam Carruthers, Kevin Beecroft Ron Milnes, Elisha Selby, Helen Townson, Fran Milnes and newcomer Bethan Naylor, delivered this atmospheric piece as though performing it in a radio studio. Stepping up to the mic as and when required, all bar Adam - who was fully occupied with the role of Scrooge - utilised a variety of voices and accents to portray multiple characters. Lakeland Radio star Simon Yaxley was notable for switching easily between fearsome phantoms and winsome children, with the odd businessman thrown in for good measure! There were a variety of hats and scarves to wear as well to remind the cast who they were meant to be at any one time - and to give the "studio audience" something different to look at! Dan was also able to provide some suitably atmospheric lighting effects, again for the benefit of the audience in the hall.
Obviously, being a radio play, it was all about the sound, with Nigel Crook up in the booth providing the atmospheric music and certain pre-recorded effects.
But the majority of the effects were done live by our backstage crew who sat centre stage surrounded by all manner of noise making equipment. Whether it was doors or windows opening, horses passing by or clanking chains and ringing bells, they performed superbly and their efforts were much appreciated by the audience - many comments were made as to how good it was, not only to see our backstage stalwarts "in the flesh" for a change, but to also to see how they actually created the effects.
A special mention must go to Jackie O'Sullivan for her vision in wanting to put this play on and her dedication in ensuring it became the polished, professional, show she envisaged from the outset.
All in all, an enjoyable evening for everyone involved, which looks like it has been well received by those who supported the show, and from the numerous "likes" and comments on Facebook....
