Welcome to Catherine Smyth Media

Catherine Smyth Media

1 week ago

Thank you InYourArea for using my story about singer and musician Alice from Whitworth Community High School - definitely one to watch.
To read the story click the link
www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/whitworth-community-high-school-student-alice-wows-at-prestigious-natio... ... See MoreSee Less

Catherine Smyth Media

2 weeks ago

REVIEW
Nobody’s Perfect
The Rossendale Players at The New Millennium Theatre

Kicking off the Players 90th anniversary season was a crazy comedy with farcical elements that had the audience laughing out loud throughout.
Nobody’s Perfect by Simon Williams tells the tale of nervous Leonard who struggles with relationships and dreams of becoming a published author.
Played by Stephen Claxon, who also took the lead role of Inspector Drake in the last show I reviewed at the players, the portrayal of the character reminded me of Wallace (as in Gromit).
I thought there was lovely interaction between dad and daughter Dee Dee played by Emmeline Greenwood, who was very natural and had superb delivery.
Emmeline, along with Grandad Gus played by Steve Gill – who reminded me of Compo – brought their brilliant comedic interactions to life with more than just delivery of lines – mannerisms, attitude and facial expressions too.
Very well done to Director Dawn Rowe who stepped in late in the day when a new actor was needed for the role of Harriet Copeland and, although she needed the script on hand, her delivery was not impacted too much.
There was a lively repartee between Stephen and Steve in their son and father roles and great comedy when Aunt Myrtle was introduced… no spoilers.
As with all Players’ productions the staging was brilliant, well done to all concerned.
One of the funniest parts was when Stephen removed the satsuma from his clothing and decided to eat it – when you know, you know.
Behind every production there is a huge team you never see, well done to the stage crew, lighting and sound, wardrobe, set builders and front of house.
Production on ‘til Saturday night.
Catherine Smyth

A bit about the Players – thanks to Stanley Whittaker for sending me the information.
Rossendale Players owes its roots to the Workers Educational Association whose drama section decided to ‘do a play’ rather than just read and study them and 90 years ago set up a separate group called ‘The Rossendale Players’.
He first play was ‘The Circle’ by Somerset Maugham stages at Victoria Hall in Waterfoot on October 6 1936.
After the WEA ‘kicked them out’ in 1940, the players continued to stage productions throughout the War, and presented their 50th play in 1950.
An unused schoolroom in St John’s in Cloughfold then became their home, and nine months later the venue had been transformed and they staged ‘Where the Sun Doesn’t Shine’.
Audiences of more than 200 would attend the next 60 productions to be staged in Cloughfold, until the Players became homeless again.
Nomadic years followed when they used 10 different venues from Bacup to Helmshore.
In 1990 they launched the First Stage Appeal and then, in November 1991 Bethel Baptist Lecture Hall in Waterfoot came up for sale.
With the asking price 10 times more than the funds already raised, the Players found ingenious ways of fundraising.
Sponsored walks, swims, slims, mock auctions, prize draws, and much more – including the annual calendar and dinner theatre productions in Bacup Leisure Hall were held.
Major amounts were donated by local Charitable Trusts and the final payment was made less than 24 hours before the seller’s deadline.
Volunteers helped to empty, clean and repair the building, local tradesmen and capable members helped to transform the building.
The opening production in The New Millennium Theatre was 64 years after that first show and – of course – it was ‘The Circle’. ... See MoreSee Less