If you’ve been into the theatre recently you’ll be impressed with the headway we’ve made in recovering from the Boxing Day flood. These efforts have been largely self-funded, but we have been helped by a grant of £2,500 from Calderdale, applied for by Ray, and by a fund-raising benefit, on 7 March, starring Timothy West and Prunella Scales, which as well as being hugely enjoyable, was also financially lucrative. This event was instigated and organised by Jenny, who arranged transport and accommodation for our guests, and compèred the evening. She is to be congratulated on her superb achievement. Tim and Pru’ were delightful company, and gave us many fascinating and entertaining insights into their long careers in acting, even joining us in the bar afterwards to continue the conversation.

Another planned fund-raiser, which we hope will be equally enjoyable, is the Music Hall concert on Saturday 14 May, at 7.30pm. This is cheekily titled ‘The Good Old (Bad Old) Days! A Concert Celebrating the Golden Years of Music Hall’. A scintillating succession of stellar talents (‘Oooh!!’) will recreate the greats of the period, such as Marie Lloyd and Gus Elen. Come along, let your hair down, and have a good sing-song! Fancy dress is optional, but there will a prize for the audience member with the best period costume. Tickets cost £8, and may be purchased at the theatre, during Stepping Out, or by ringing 01422 843907. All proceeds to go to the Little Theatre Flood Repair Fund.

The AGM takes place on Monday 4 April, at 8pm. (following a committee meeting at 7pm). A number of positions need filling, so if anyone fancies taking on extra responsibility please contact Sue Riches! We are still looking for someone to fill Maddie’s shoes, in wardrobe, though we’d probably make do with someone filling one shoe! I’m a firm believer in creating teams and sharing responsibility, which will be my approach if I get elected to take on Publicity (which Ray is giving up after many years’ service).