On Saturday evening in the Sussex Hall at White Rock Theatre, SHADES celebrated its 25th year of evangelism through drama.
In the presence of the Mayor, Maureen Charlesworth and local MP Michael Foster, the Company performed many memorable sketches and excerpts from its past productions. Rev’d Chris Sears, one of SHADES’ Chaplains, said Grace before the buffet and also gave thanks for the Company’s 25 years existence. Photographs and video clips were shown of every major production since the first in 1991 at William Parker School (now Phoenix Arts Centre).
Besides those living in Hastings and neighbouring towns, past members had travelled in from as far away as Wales and Northamptonshire in order to take part or simply to join in the celebration. Good wishes were sent via a video clip from Portugal and a card from Australia.
Some songs from the Music Hall in 1998 and The Last Bomb Shell in 2005, gave the audience the opportunity to have a sing-along and the delightful voice of Leigh-Anna Harris (aged 10), singing Love Changes Everything (from the last production All the World’s a Stage in 2008) entertained us to the end.
The evening was most memorable and nostalgic for its members, past members, friends and family as well as for many of the Company’s loyal supporters, without whom it would not be celebrating this anniversary and on whom it depends for the next 25 years!
New members are always welcome for acting, back stage work or organization!
For photographs, video clips and reviews, go to the Gallery.
