May 2009 Archives

Local drama group Thorpe Players is breaking new ground with their next production. Not only is it an European premiere, but it features a mother and daughter acting the roles of mother and daughter. Dee and Angie Bews have both been members for many years, but this is the first time that they have acted together and they are both thrilled to be playing Mrs Bennet and her daughter Lizzie in a new adaptation of Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice.

Director Sharon Young "searched for a version of the story that kept the truth of the book, and this one by Jon Jory does just that. I am excited and nervous at staging such a well-known and well-loved classic, but I know my cast will meet the challenge and they and the audience will enjoy the humour and charm of the play." Thorpe Village Hall is an old barn, and just right for this show, which takes place from Wednesday 10th to Saturday 13th June at 8pm. Tickets are £9 and can be booked on 07923 583295.

Carve Her Name with Pride is one of the all-time classic war movies, starring Virginia McKenna as Violet Szabo. Local resident, Margaret Robinson, has kept the original designs for this film that were done by her late husband Bernard, and they will on display for the first time at The Chertsey Hall on Sunday 17th May.

There will also be an illustrated exploration of the work of Special Operations Executive and agents such as Szabo and Odette Sansom by Dr. Mark Baldwin, who has had access to recently released information. The SOE trained over 9000 agents between 1940 and 1946, many in undisclosed locations in Surrey and Middlesex, and they worked not just in Europe, but in the Far East and Africa. Doors open at 7.00pm and the tickets for this joint event cost £10 and are bookable on 01483 811923 or on the door.