Minstead Players

Theatre at the Hall

WOW at Minstead
(New Women's Group)

is always held on the first Saturday in September. Originally created to raise funds to purchase the Village Hall (or Hut as it was known then) the first show was in 1951 and had just over 40 classes. It raised the princely sum of £27.10s. Nowadays the show has 100 classes including traditional homecrafts, children's classes, wine making and, of course, classes for the wonderful flowers, fruit and vegetables. On show day you will get the best value tea anywhere in the New Forest with home made cakes and scones that you will enjoy all for a reasonable price of £1. The show opens at 2pm when you can feast your eyes on the wonderful colours and walk round the hall to see who has won a prize or cup. Many of the  challenge cups have been  presented over the years and especially of note is the annual presentation of a trophy in memory of our founder Dr. Tony Danby.
 
The annual general meeting is held at the Hall on the first Tuesday in December when everyone is welcome to come and air their views, make suggestions for future shows and of course join the committee. We are always interested in new committee members and volunteers, on the day of the show they make sure that everything runs fairly smoothly, we hope.
 
Schedules are available from the village shop a couple of months in advance of the show and look out for the special posters designed by members of Junior Minstead. Any queries or comments to the Secretary please - Janet Mitchell on 023 80813484. jm_z2.mitchell@virgin.net

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Minstead folk have been staging plays in the village hall since 1981. The more ‘formalised’ society began in 1995 and the following year Minstead Players became a member of NODA. Currently the membership stands at around 35.

We usually put on two stage productions per year; in June and November.   Play reading evenings are a recent innovation; taking place in houses around the village these are proving to be most enjoyable social events.   We have an active Youth section who stage some independent productions - most recently the Tom Stoppard play “The Real Inspector Hound” in 2007. When they’re not doing that they’re happy to take part in any play. 

Though small, the society is a multi talented, friendly and enthusiastic band of actors, directors, producers and playwrights. Since inception Minstead Players have won three awards; the most recent in 2002-3 for Geoff Green’s interpretation of "Lark Rise" and "Candleford”. Sophia Olorenshaw was nominated for a NODA award for her performance in the Youth section play “Do Gooders” performed in 2006.

Interested in joining?  We’re delighted to welcome new members.  Please contact our Chairman, Mike Hutton on 023 8028 2174 michael.hutton2@which.net

Minstead Youth Players and Minstead Players
Double Bill
Friday 20th and Saturday 21st November 2009
Doors open 7pm
 
”Out for the Count” aka “How do you like your Stake?”, written by Martin Downing,
 
“Holmes Sweet Holmes” written by Jim Sperinck
 
Tickets from Minstead Shop, priced £6 (under 18’s £5)
Bar available

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Various production companies perform at the Village Hall often as part of the Hampshire County Council’s scheme to provide entertainment in more rural areas.  The range of performances over the past years has been vast including drama, comedy, music and magic – always being of a very high standard.

Watch this website for the next production

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WOW at  Minstead

WOW is a brand new women’s group in Minstead.  We usually meet on the 2^nd Wednesday of the month in the evening – hence WOW which stands for Women on Wednesdays.  We plan to entertain ourselves in a variety of ways – with interesting speakers (some imported and some home grown), with a summer lunch and a cheer up January dinner, with outings, garden visits and the occasional theatre trip.  We also raise a little money for our nominated charity, intend to be involved in the village and enjoy each other’s company.  If you think you would like to come and take a look at us phone Sylvia on 07831 142245 – you will be made very welcome.

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