SPOTLIGHT

April 2026

Edited by Doug Craig

d.craig754@btinternet.com

General Enquiries: 97697962

Tickets: stageonetheatre.net/tickets

 

Editorial

Welcome to April’s edition of Stage One’s most popular newsletter.   Lots of information this month, so keep up to date!

 

 

 

 

 

May

The May production on 13 to 16 of the month, will be P.G. Wodehouse’s Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, play by David and Robert Goodale.  This is a fast-moving, hilarious farce directed by Penny Cook.  This time there are only 3 actors playing 12 characters, Peter Sandwith, Geoff Greavey and Doug Craig.  Book now on line!

 

 

October

On 30 September to 3 October is Dirty Dusting directed by Doug Craig, which features 3 cleaning ladies who, having been made redundant, find an unexpected and outrageous way of supplementing their redundancy pay.  Bawdy and hilarious this is definitely one for grown-ups!  Audition date will be Tuesday 19 May at 7pm in the Green Room backstage.  Audition pieces available from Peter Sandwith.  Cast - 3 Women and 1 man.

 

               

 

December

Our Panto this Year is Camelot and the Knights of the Desk written and directed by Sian Williams so you can bank on some very unexpected twists and a lot of laughter.  Dates are: Sunday 6 Matinee, then Tuesday 8 to Saturday 12.  Audition date:  Thursday 28 May 7pm in the theatre .

 

Auditions.

The following is an extract from the Responsibilities of a Director, which is available on the website.

PLEASE NOTE: Anyone wishing to audition must inform the Audition Administrator of their intention to do so before the start of the auditions. In order to ensure fairness, no-one can be added to the audition process once auditions have started.

As more than one night is usually set aside for auditions, a person who cannot

make the first night must ensure the Audition Administrator knows their intention to attend the second night before the first night of auditions starts

 

TICKET BOOKING

Just to re-iterate, the booking for all shows now is on line at www.stageonetheatre.net/tickets.   If you haven’t yet done it, it is very easy and the website will lead you through the process.   If you prefer the more traditional method, the box office will be open:

Usually three weeks before each production.

During this time Box Office opening hours are:

Monday and Friday 10am until 12 noon

 

So coming up: April 27, May 1, 4, 8, 11 .

 

For further information & opening times call 97697962

 

Other Stuff to Look Out For

By Jezebel Groove

Jezebel's Quiz continues every Monday 5.30pm at Tala's Cliff Bar, everyone welcome 99831136

 

Crocky: A Rocky Horror Tribute at The Phoenix Club, KatoPaphos on  Thursday 23rd April 7.30pm, Friday 24th April 7.30pm and Sunday 26th April 1pm. 

Directed by our own Jessica Evans;  with Paul Hudson as Musical Director, Freddie and Half of Chad; whilst Jezebel plays Half of Janet...intrigued? Book €10 tickets via Wendy on 96784377. Dressing up encouraged.

                            

Elea Spring Fair Sunday 3rd May 10am-3pm 

                   

Multi Choir event including our Harmony Saturday 9th May at Chlorakas Amphitheatre https://sobo.dailydealscy.com/event/paphos-sings/

 

       

 

SIX The Musical concert version Saturday 23rd May 

 

                   Coral Bay Bowls Club

The Coral Bay Bowls Club is having a Taster Day on Sunday 3rd May from 10am to 3pm (closing st 4) at Neo’s Sports Club, Pegeia, with free loan of bowls and equipment.

Please book your time slot before coming  with Chris on 97476065 or CFITZPATRICK1@YAHOO.CO.UK.

Enjoy the day!

 

Club Nights

April 16th will be a musical session featuring singing and guitar playing by some of our own members.  Come and support our home-grown talent.  American supper – bring a plate of food to share.

May 21st will be an Open Mic night when anyone who wishes to perform anything can do their thing (even if it doesn’t need a mic – so belly dancers are especially welcome!)

June 18th  Will be a Gay-Pride themed Quiz Night by Jessica Evans.  Should be a lot of fun and certainly an innovation for Stage One, where we hope to attract new younger members.

 

 

Be a Patron of Stage One Theatre

You may have heard about the recently introduced scheme to allow our members to become “Patrons” of the society.  Basically, this is a scheme to raise funds for the theatre and to give our members some extra benefits and an opportunity to contribute to keeping the theatre open, even if they are not able to physically become involved with productions.  The cost is 190 Euros per annum.

Your Patronage helps us:

By becoming a Patron, you’re not just supporting a hobby—you’re helping preserve a vital part of local culture and community life

 

Patron Benefits – A Thank You from Us

To show our appreciation, we’ve put together a package of benefits just for our Patrons. These are designed to make you feel more connected to what we do—and hopefully, add to your enjoyment of our productions.

🎟️ Complimentary Tickets

You will automatically become a member of Stage One Theatre Group, there will be no further annual subscriptions.

You’ll receive four complimentary tickets to Stage One productions during the year. Whether we’re putting on a classic play, a light-hearted comedy, or a seasonal show, we’ll make sure you have seats reserved.

🥂 Invitations to Dress Rehearsals or Preview Nights

Patrons are invited to attend special preview evenings or final dress rehearsals—a great chance to see the show before anyone else and get a behind-the-scenes feel for how things come together.

📖 Recognition in Programmes

We will list your name in our show programmes and on our website as a thank you for your support. If you prefer to remain anonymous, we will be happy to accommodate that.

📨 Updates & Patron News

We’ll keep you in the loop with occasional email updates—letting you know what we’re working on, when shows are coming up, and how your support is making a difference.

We are acutely aware of the financial pressures on everybody at the moment but if you feel you can add Stage One Patronage to your list of annual expenses, please do and know that you are contributing to the continuance of the performing arts in the Paphos area.

 

 

 

In the Spotlight – Sian Williams.

 

The new Chair of the Society, Sian Williams speaks to Spotlight.

 

 Where did you grow up? Tell us a bit about your youth and career.

I grew up in Reading – famous for its train station and Cemetery Junction – though I was regularly exported to Barry in South Wales to visit relatives and be reminded of my Welsh heritage. I also spent a lot of time swimming.

After university, I worked for ITV and the BBC before moving to the U.A.E. for love (arguably my boldest career move). There, I built a mixed career teaching, coaching, and working in film, theatre, journalism, and radio—essentially saying yes to anything that sounded interesting and paid.

 What was your first experience of theatre?

My theatrical adventures began at the age of nine when I landed a role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. I had one line, which I managed to get right every night, and that was that—I was hooked. In my teens, I joined a student theatre group with my good friend Ken B. ;) and trained with the National Youth Theatre, learning all aspects of acting and theatre production.

At university, I did a bit of everything – writing, directing, acting, make-up – and worked backstage at The Oxford Playhouse where I learned that everything is about teamwork and practice.

In Abu Dhabi, I was involved with a local amateur group and ran student workshops, doing my best to pass on what I’d learned (and quietly learning more in the process).

 When did you come to Cyprus and why?

In late 2016, we fell in love with Cyprus and, in the summer of 2017 we decided to move here – after I’d confirmed there was a theatre nearby.

 When did you join Stage One?

I joined Stage One in October 2017 after seeing Silly Cow, which I really enjoyed, and helped with make-up in the fabulous production of Fiddler on the Roof.

What was your perception of the group when you joined?

I was struck by how lively and welcoming the group was, and so far, they have let me stay.

 As both a director and actor do you have a favourite play?

I couldn’t pick a favourite play – I love all genres – but my favourite playwright is probably Oscar Wilde or Willy Russell or Shakespeare or ...

 You have worked in both professional and amateur theatre, how can we, at Stage One, best bridge the gap between the standards of trained and untrained actors and directors?

While some people seem born to act or direct, most of us improve through practice, persistence, and the occasional well-timed disaster. More workshops in all aspects of theatre would be a wonderful way to grow our collective talent.

  What show would you most like to see Stage One perform and would we be able to cast it?

Noises Off – I think we could cast it but it might be difficult to stage.

 Which professional actors/directors have had the greatest impact on you?

Dorothy Lamour and Kenneth Branagh

 If you had words of advice to give to actors who are new to being on stage, what would they be?

Learn your lines as soon as possible, listen to the director and ask when you are not sure about something.  We are so lucky at Stage One to have an actual theatre – so here’s to its lasting growth and success.

Thank you Sian, we feel we know you even better now!

 

If you haven’t yet got your copy of this interesting History of Stage One, you can obtain it at any club function, performance or by contacting Spotlight.  It is a must-read for all members. Only 5 Euros

Auntie Prue’s Advice Column.

Auntie Prue has gone on a trip to America this month, has had a ball and is spending her last couple of weeks in the Betty Ford Clinic to dry out.  She’ll be back next month with more sound advice for all you sad efforts.

 

Thought for the Day

Sign by a Lithuanian roadside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITTEE:  Chair – Sian Williams, Treasurer/Vice Chair – Peter Sandwith, Secretary – Jezebel Groove,

Tech Manager – Clive Richards, Theatre Manager – Jenny Jacobson, Membership Secretary – Colleen Tyndall

Social Secretary – Doug Craig, Production Manager – Colin Tyndall