The Woldingham Pantomime

At the A.G.M. of Woldingham Pantomime held on 14 March, it was agreed that our concerns should be shared with all who read this magazine.

The ever-increasing cost of staging this annual extravaganza is worrying. Despite sponsorship by a local company, keeping a tight rein on our production costs, and holding various fund-raising events throughout the year, our long-term future is far from certain.

A breakdown of costs supports this concern:

INCOME 1994/5

Box Office, Sponsorship, Fund-raising etc ...................................... £6060

EXPENDITURE

Sound, lighting, props £948

Costumes £756

Scenery £256

Printing/publicity £623

Scripts/Music £709

Hire of Hall £2002

Insurance/subs etc £788 ......... £6082

As you will see, the charges for hire of the village hall are extremely high. We appreciate the use of such excellent facilities and understand that charges must reflect running costs, but those present at the meeting were of the opinion that local groups hiring on a regular basis should be given more favourable rates - especially in view of an 8% increase in charges this year. We believe that other groups in the village share our concerns.

This year's production - Ali Baba - was well received by the audience but local support was disappointing. We do stage this show for YOU - whether aged 4 or 94 - but without your continued support and a sympathetic hearing from the Village Hall Committee, the days of the 'Panto' (after a 27 year run!)(sic) - could be numbered.

Any suggestion to help us secure our future will be greatly received.

Our next fund-raising event is a Rock 'n' Roll Ball (see left). Auditions for the '96 production - Cinderella - will be held at the Village Hall on Sunday 25 June and Sunday 2 July 1995 at 2.00pm.

Fiona McNally

Retiring Chairman