My Welcome from Stage Two

When we moved to the Ribble Valley we were new to the area, and wanted to meet people and make new friends. Enter Amateur Dramatics! I have been in plays with Stage Two Downham for over 10 years. How time flies. Panic Stations was my first foray with Stage Two – a farce. I recall having to stick my lines on the wall off-stage as I was terrified of forgetting them!

The group generally puts on two productions a year (in the Spring and Autumn), and rehearsals take place over 10 weeks so there is time (in principle!) to learn lines, get used to the set, props and costumes. It’s always nice to chat over the play at break time with the rest of the cast over a cuppa and one of Fran’s amazing flapjacks.

One of the most fun things is when we make a pilgrimage to the Hippodrome in Colne to pick out our costumes. They have everything for hire from mob caps to hobnail boots covering every historical era you can think of. It’s like a big dressing up box.

During Covid the group recorded Under Milk Wood using Zoom and smartphones. It was lovely to see everyone (virtually), and keep the acting spark alive. Eventually, everyone’s recordings were edited together and the recording set to a photo montage with music and sound effects. The Stage Two production of Under Milk Wood is now available to watch free of charge.