Don’t forget everyone, the Auditions for BATS 2011 Panto – Peter Pan will be on the 6th-8th September.

BATS will be back down the Methodist Hall on Monday 23rd August after a small Summer break. We will be having a sing-a-long (possibly with a sneak preview of some of the proposed songs for this years Pantomime) and a read through of potential future plays.

Hope to see you all there,

We are looking for dedicated children and adults of all ages to come along and to take part in the swashbuckling adventure. Rehearsals are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings.

Auditions on Monday 6th September will be for all chorus and dancers and auditions on Wednesday 8th will be for principle roles.

Also please come along on Monday if you are interested in helping out in any other way.

See the website, local press and facebook group ( Biggleswade-Amateur-Theatrical-Society-BATS) for further details.

The plays are on for two nights only. Doors open 7.15pm. Curtain up at 7.45pm. Tickets £6 and there will be a bar available. Tickets are available from Thomas Morris Estate Agents in Biggleswade town centre, from the Box Office on 07834 590 764 or on the door.

Henlow Theatre, RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire SG16 6DN

Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th July 2010

The adult entry Between Mouthfuls’ by Alan Ackbourn was set in a restaurant and centred around the Waiter who was serving two couples at different tables, who worked together. As the Waiter flits between tables, you can hear the separate conversations between the different couples when he is there. As the evening progresses, we discover the relationship between the two couples are more interwined than we first thought. The Adjudicator thought the play had a lot of detail, and commented on the way the waiter, played by Michael Darvell, was integral to the timing of the play and kept in character throughout, doing a good job of keeping the pace up. The adjudicator also commented that Emma Evans, who played Mrs Pierce, gave a fine performance with great facial expressions and gave good energy to the play.

The Youth Entry ‘Deadly’ by Jonny Ardern is set in a park with each teenage character in the play representing one of the seven deadly sins. Set over a number of days, we see the different “sins” relating to each other in their own ways.  The judge commented that the play was well presented and all the characters were believable. The adjudicator thought the throwing of Lewis (lust), played by David Broadbent, over the wall by Wendy (wrath), played by Laura Bell, was fantastic. He also noted that David gave a confident performance throughout the play with good stage presence.

Nominations and Awards were given as follows:

Nominations: Emma Evans for Best Actress in ‘Between Mouthfuls & David Broadbent in the Youth Entry ‘Deadly’ for Best Youth Actor.

 ’Between Mouthfuls’ was also nominated for best dressed set.

Awards: Michael Darvell won the award for Best Supporting Actor in “Between Mouthfuls” & “Deadly” won Best Dramatic Moment.

Proposals have been submitted for plays and directors for the additional One Act Play. If you would like to take part please express your interest please send a message to committee. We will be re-grouping on Wednesday 7th April to confirm the play, director and audition date to everyone wishing to take part. Debbie Brown BATS Chairman

The Twenty Eighth Annual Festival will be held at Haynes Village Hall during the week commencing Monday, April 26th 2010.

BATS will be entering two One Act Plays as follows:

The Adult entry “Between Mouthfuls” by Alan Ayckbourn is to be directed by Karla Mikkena.

This play is set in a restaurant where there are two couples eating on separate tables and is very much moved along by the waiter who hears a lot more than he bargained for about the two couples!

Cast: Emma Evans, Michael Darvell, Hadleigh Spicer, Russ Jones & Janet Bennett
To be performed on Wednesday 28th April 2010

The Youth entry “Deadly” by Jonny Arden is being directed by Sue Jordan.

Seven friends attempt to make the most – or least – of their summer holidays. Each has a vice but it’s a vice they’re comfortable with, until Lewis makes a move on Priscilla, the new girl in town. Then it emerges that their sins could end up deadly…

Cast: Laura Bell, Lauren Endersby, Greg Jordan, Maddy Jordan, Seth Moloney, David Broadbent & Holly Smith
To be performed on Thursday 29th April 2010

The adult entry is also to be performed at welwyn drama Festival – dates to be announced.

BATS are entering the Drama Festival this year with two entries, one for the adults and one for the juniors, and are holding autitions on Monday 25th January.

The adult entry is going to be “In Flame” by Charlotte Jones, and is open to anyone over or under 18. The junior entry will be confirmed shortly and is only open to those under 18.

The performance will be in April some time between the 21st and the 24th. Hopefully see as many as possible on Monday.

Break a leg everyone!

We have been busy in December promoting our up and coming Pantomime and celebrating Christmas.

BATS entered a Christmas tree this year in the St Andrews Church Christmas Tree Festival, which was decorated in the theme of our pantomime Dick Whittington & His Cat on 4th December 2009, see picture below.

You may have also seen BATS supporting the turning on of the Biggleswade Christmas Lights. BATS were invited to form part of the parade and then sing a song from our much-awaited January pantomime on stage. Photographs include the principles, directors and producers of the show.

BATS have been letting their hair down however, with a Christmas meal at Simply Oak in Biggleswade. Lots of nice food, lots of dancing and a lot of fun (see below photos). The kids also got in on the fun, with a kids Christmas party after a rehearsal, involving lots of party food and games.

After a short break we are now back to our busy rehearsal schedule and look forward to seeing you all at our Pantomime Dick Whittington & His Cat on Friday 15th & Saturday 16th January 2010.

Biggleswade Amateur Theatrical Society proudly presents the Pantomime favourite “Dick Whittington And His Cat“, to be performed at Stratton Upper School. Come with the family to see the adventures of Dick Whittington and his Feline companion as they attempt to seek their fortune in London Town, with the help of his new friend Alice; however the evil King Rat attempts to thwart their plans with his own fiendish scheme. Come and share in their tale of mystery and adventure.

Show times are Friday 15th January 2010 at 19:30, and Saturday 16th January 2010 at 14:30 and 19:30.

Tickets will be £8 and concessions £7. These can be bought from Thomas Morris in December.

Hope to see you at the show,

Debbie Brown – BATS Chairman