The Group was formed in 2011 under the Seven Valleys Social Group (7VSG). The team have created a theatre by converting an old garage premises, part of the property of Debbie & Alex, in Cavron St Martin. A stage, back-stage, technical booth, toilet and a bar are all included. There is a good lighting system, controlled from the booth.

I understand that all the participants were absolute novice actors/actresses before this performance and that during the early planning much reluctance to perform was expressed. However, under the direction of Debbie, progress was made, with regular rehearsals, a final dress rehearsal, culminating in a fantastic show!

The pantomime itself was great. Full of the customary panto jokes, a few adult jokes for the parents and of course a great dollop of “its behind you”, and “oh yes we are”. After all, what would panto be without it? The story of Cinderella is one which we are all familiar with, but a few little twists and turns kept us guessing.

It would be unfair to pick out any single person, as the parts played by all were truly first-class. Debbie had written a good script, but the masterstroke for me was the inclusion of a bi-lingual narrator between each scene. This ensured that the true mix of a Franco - Anglaise audience fully followed the plot, plus adding an extra bit of humour!

As with any amateur dramatics, mistakes will occur and folk will fluff their lines, but in true theatre fashion a prompter was provided and there were a few ad-libs that brought laughs from the audience! It’s not always just about timing!!

All participants in the troupe played their parts in a superb manner. The set, costumes, plot, songs and dialogue had all been prepared with care, and it really showed. All the music fitted the scenes perfectly and a few word-plays (some untranslatable), matched the mood perfectly. The audience participation was infectious.

The finalé was a song/dance routine with each actor playing a part in the process. This had obviously needed plenty of practice and the timing for it was spot-on! A great end to a great show!

Thanks to all the actors, willing members, back-stage helpers but most of all to the Director/Writer, Debbie. I wish them all well for any future productions, and please note that new members are welcome.

A theatregoer

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Le samedi 21 janvier 2012 c’est avec joie que je me suis rendu à l’association des 7 Vallées afin d’assister à une représentation selon la tradition typiquement anglaise de comédie pantomine ; le sujet ‘’ Cendrillon’’.

Je me dois d’exprimer dans ces lignes la satisfaction que j’ai tiré de cette soirée.

Je m’attendais à un bon spectacle conscient du long travail mis en œuvre par la troupe depuis des mois mais ce à quoi nous avons assisté a été bien plus que bon, très bon, excellent !

Tout était soigné, précis, bien coordonné, le travail de chaque mouvement sur scène, chacune des mimiques montrait un travail approfondi de préparation. La musique, les décors tout fut remarquable.

Pourquoi tant d’éloges, eh bien lorsque l’on sait que c’est la première fois que les membres de la troupe jouent et que une seule représentation fut donnée la veille on ne peut se passer de les féliciter pour tant qualité, tant de générosité exprimée.

Il ne manquait pas de spectateurs français et à cet égard chacune des scènes composant les actes furent introduites dans notre langue avec brio et une très bonne pointe d’humour.

Je tiens donc par ces quelques lignes à exprimer à nos amis britanniques mon admiration et félicitations pour tout ce qu’il font si bien dont on sait que le but final est toujours pour le profit d’œuvres de charité.

Michel POUILLY

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