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“GALA PERFORMANCE” AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW ASSEMBLY HALL, FELTHAM |
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Friday 12 March 1965 |
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A large number of our Members turned out to assist in this Show and I think we acquitted ourselves very well. |
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First, a word about the building. My very first impression was of the clarity of directions given to 'Ladies & Gentlemen' but then I approached from the wrong side. Once having found the entrance, I was most impressed with the layout. I don't think there is quite enough room in the foyer but dressing rooms are excellent. There is a good view of the stage from every part of the auditorium - you can even see feet! The first half really went with a swing - once we had all been reassured that Ron was there in time for “All Down Piccadilly” |
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After the interval, we had a rather prolonged Old Tyme Music Hall by the Armada Variety Club, but the Arts Revue Group who ended the first half of the programme were, I thought, first-class (with one or two exceptions). Anyway I thoroughly enjoyed their show, though I feel they should have joined the rest of us on stage for the National Anthem at the end of the evening. |
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For the second half, we pranced on again, and several people said that this was our best. I certainly enjoyed the solos - thank you Joyce, Robbie and Maureen - you really had the audience in your pockets. |
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Taking it all round, it was a rousing inauguration - maybe it all went on a little too long, but they say you can't have too much of a good thing, and the customers certainly seemed to enjoy themselves. |
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We shall know more about the place when we have actually done a full show there, but I do think we should give ourselves a couple of performances to really sort out the pitfalls and the advantages. We know that parking cars is going to be a problem, but it will be bliss not to have to pack up all the costumes, scenery etc halfway through a Pantomime! |
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But these aspects I leave to our 'experts' - on the whole I think this new hall has much to commend it, and we should have a bright future there. |
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PHYLLIS PROBERT |