The Importance of Being Earnest

Our Spring Production:
The Importance of Being Earnest
Written by Oscar Wilde & Directed by Sarah Joiner

“A Trivial Play for Serious People!” is how Oscar Wilde famously described his most popular play.   Directed by Sarah Joiner

First performed in 1895, The Importance of Being Earnest, has been entertaining savvy audiences for the past 129 years! This romantic comedy follows the escapades of two bachelors, John ‘Jack’ Worthing, and Algernon ‘Algy’ Moncrieff, who create alter egos named Ernest to escape their tiresome lives. They attempt to win the hearts of two women who, conveniently, claim to only love men called Ernest. The pair struggle to keep up with their own stories and become tangled in a tale of deception, disguise, and misadventure. The elaborate plot ridicules Victorian hypocrisy with some of the best loved, and indeed bizarre, characters to be found on the modern stage. 

 

A final note from the director…

Creativity and play are basic human needs. So, to create something with a group of people who are loving and inclusive in order to bring others joy is so precious. That is what BATS is to me. My community of people who are kind…

Sarah Joiner

 

The Ladykillers

 

Our Autumn Production: The Ladykillers – Directed By Barry Cooper

‘The audience experienced pure indulgence in crazy comical situations with plenty of slapstick thrown in.  The script was delivered with clarity and volume, and is especially funny for those of us familiar with the reputation of Kings Cross in the 50’s and 60’s!!’
BY CBC

Calendar Girls

What an amazing production, a huge congratulations to Karen Penny for Directing, the cast who were fabulous, the backstage crew and front of house, who without their commitment and enthusiasm, this play wouldn’t have been possible.

Words from our director Karen Penny

Bishopston Amateur Dramatic Society are proud to present Calendar Girls, a play based on the true story of a group of ordinary women from a small Yorkshire Women’s Institute who are inspired to appear nude for a calendar to raise money for charity in memory of one of their husbands.

News of the women’s charitable venture spreads like wildfire and hordes of press soon descend on the small village of Knapely in the Yorkshire Dales. The Calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie’s friendship is put to the test under the strain of newfound fame….

Our local cast have been amazing, all amateurs, many in their first production. They have courageously dispelled any  inhibitions they may have by not not only appearing live on stage in revealing circumstances but have also been willing to appear in our very own charity calendar.

We have produced 250 calendars, the production costs of which have been kindly donated by local businesses and supporters. We are delighted that 100 % of all sales of the calendar will go to three different charities representing “Hearts, Minds and Body”.

These organisations are: Alzheimers Research UK, Cancer Research UK ( a donation to a young man living with bowel cancer who is about to trek around Iceland) and for a defibrillator for Swansea Bay parkrun.

I, like many others have been profoundly affected by the loss of loved ones due to Alzheimers and cancer, and our local parkrun which attracts up to 500 participants weekly will benefit significantly by the presence of a lifesaving defibrillator

“Remembering Winston, Walter, Alfie, Kingsley and Alma. Never forgotten. And especially thinking of my Dad Keith at this very difficult time.”

Karen Penny Page sponsored by Val & Keith Hayward

Friday 20th November – First Night Performance Seats

Friday 20th November first night performance tickets are two for the price of one. Seat price is £6, concession seats are £5. Bookings are for reservation purposes only and should be picked up and paid for on the door, before the performance.

You will be sent an automated email reply. Please check that the BATS email has not been placed in your email junk folder.

To reserve seats please complete the contact boxes below and we will confirm your ticket reservation.

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 Thank you.

Next Production in 2015 is ‘An Evening with Gary Lineker’.

‘An Evening with Gary Lineker’ directed by Tony Currell is now in production.

Dates for your 2015 calendar are :-

20th & 21st March 2015.

26th, 27th & 28th March 2015.

Sadly, Gary Lineker will not be there, but the infamous cast and crew will be.

Tickets are £6 (£5 concessions) and also 2-4-1 on opening night.
To book please contact Philippa on tickets@batsgower.co.uk or 07805 362546.

 

 

 

‘Glammies’ Nominations

BATS’ production of Alfie was nominated for several ‘Glammies’ from the Glamorgan Drama League 2010-2011. These were:

  • Best Presentation – Alfie
  • Best Actor – Jaimes Cooper (‘Alfie’)
  • Best Supporting Actor – Roger Bell (‘Harry Clamacraft’)
  • Best Supporting Actress – Helen Gwillam (‘Annie’) & Sian Cole (‘Gilda’)