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Writer's pictureProbus Parish Players

2023 - A Year of Magic Carpets, Musicals and Mermaids

In a year that unfolded like a magical storybook, Probus Parish Players immersed themselves in a whirlwind of achievements, creating moments that would resonate for years to come.


Magical Moments and Nostalgic Nights: Aladdin Takes Centre Stage

The narrative began with the enchanting production of Aladdin in February. Imagine classic storytelling with a dash of '90s nostalgia – it was a recipe for success expertly directed by the fantastic Andrew Kennedy. The cast, brimming with talent and enthusiasm, truly made the show a hit.

Show week is always the best seven days of the year, sparkled with excitement - and this year was no different. Audience members showed up in their hundreds to watch the culmination of several months of hard work from both the cast and the backstage crew and we were delighted by the feedback. As the emotional curtain fell on this year's panto season, our PPP family, as we fondly call ourselves, basked in the warmth of our tight-knit community.



Thank you to our generous sponsors who made the magic of our 2023 productions possible: Cornish Bricks, Edward Buckland, Melinsey Mill, Philip Martin, Temple Spa, Vintage Superstore Cornwall & Community Repaint.


New Committee: Unveiling the Unsung Heroes Behind the Curtain

Probus Parish Players committee stands as the indispensable backbone of our group. Their hard work and unwavering dedication play a crucial role in creating unforgettable shows and events. Despite the challenges they face, the committee tackles them with enthusiasm, energy, and passion, breathing life into each production. In the past year, we welcomed both new and familiar faces to this exceptional team.


A heartfelt thank you to our committee for their tireless efforts. It is their commitment that ensures the success of our productions, and without them, we wouldn't be here. Here's to the remarkable individuals who make the magic happen behind the scenes.


Fundraising Extravaganza: A Year of Laughter, Joy, and Community Unity

This year certainly wasn't short of fundraisers, from the Family Games Night to the Easter Bingo, another round of Family Games Night. Not forgetting our stall at the Grampound Carnival, the Spooktacular Halloween Party, and the festive Christmas Prize Bingo adding even more sparkle to our fundraising efforts. We even had a visit from the big man himself, at Breakfast with Father Christmas.


A huge thank you to everyone who came out and supported these events – your enthusiasm and support mean the world to us. We're truly fortunate to have the best community ever!


We can't not mention Probus Fun Week in August. We loved participating in the Carnival and competing in 'It's a Knockout,' which brought us so much joy. Witnessing the entire community come together during this week was heartwarming, and we can't wait for the festivities again next year.


As we say goodbye to 2023, get ready for more excitement in the coming year. We've got the amazing Johnny Cowling and a mind-blowing Mediumship Showcase lined up for February.





100 Club Jackpot: 48 Winners and Counting in a Year of Lucky Surprises

What a year for our 100 Club! We've had a whopping 48 winners, and we're sending a big thank you to all our awesome members. If you're wondering what the 100 Club is, it's like a monthly lottery, with draws happening on the 28th of each month.


The best part? Half of the draw funds go straight into the prize pot. The first prize winner gets a cool 20%, and three lucky runners-up snag 10% each. Plus, as more folks join, the cash prize keeps growing—it's a win-win!





Musical Marvels: Probus Parish Players Dazzle in 'A Night of Musicals'

Earlier this year, we added a touch of musical magic to our repertoire, steering away from cherished pantomimes to create an extraordinary evening that showcased our love for musical theatre. For nearly three decades, we’ve regaled audiences with 26 pantomimes since 1992, and this time, the stage was set for something truly special—a celebration of the enchantment of musical theatre.


The visionary behind this magical showcase was Shannon Wignall, taking the reins as the Director and Choreographer for 'A Night of Musicals.' Her passion and ingenuity illuminated the stage, turning the event into a celebration of the pure joy and enchantment of musical theatre.


The show proved to be a resounding success, highlighting the talent within Probus Parish Players. The stage came alive with amazing musical talent, featuring performances that ranged from The Greatest Showman to Little Shop of Horrors and Legally Blonde the Musical. The audience was treated to a dazzling array and variety of magical musical performances, each one a testament to the exceptional skills of the cast.


But here's the twist – this enchanting evening didn't unfold in the familiar confines of our usual performance space. No, it graced the stage of the Burrell Theatre in Truro, a professional theatre befitting a cast of our calibre. The change of scenery added an extra layer of magic to the experience, bringing a fresh perspective and a newfound sense of professionalism to the performance.

And the magic doesn't end there! 'A Night of Musicals' is set to make a triumphant return this next year on the 13th of July 2024, once again at the Burrell Theatre in Truro. Circle the date on your calendar, and stay tuned for more details.


Dive into 2024: The Little Mermaid Beckons with Sophie Baker at the Helm

This year saw the announcement of our 2024 pantomime of The Little Mermaid directed by Sophie Baker. Sophie expresses her love for pantomime as a place to be herself and have a blast, emphasising the joyous and friendly community it offers. Rehearsals for the upcoming show have been a splash, with the cast diving into their characters.


Sophie, delighted with the progress and dedication of her cast, finds joy in seeing her visions come to life during rehearsals. Despite the challenges, the team shares laugh-out-loud moments, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.


As the show approaches, she hopes for everyone, from the cast to the audience, to fully enjoy the experience. For her, pantomime is about having a whale of a time doing something you love.


We can’t wait for you to join our underwater adventure this February half-term.





Shining Stars: Probus Parish Players Illuminate the Cornwall Drama Association Awards

Probus Parish Players soared to new heights, capping off the year with a resounding success in the 2023 production of Aladdin. The spotlight shone brightly on their enchanting 'Flying Carpet Scene,' earning us a coveted Cornwall Drama Association (CDA) award. Directed with finesse by Andrew and choreographed by the talented Shannon, this magical moment stood as a crowning achievement for us.


This marked a significant milestone as our first CDA award, a testament to our growth and dedication. Congratulations echoed to everyone involved, both on stage and behind the scenes, contributing to this remarkable achievement.


A Heartfelt Encore to Our Cast, Crew, and Community

As we lovingly close the last chapter of Probus Parish Players' 2023 saga, we're riding a wave of gratitude for the crazy, heartwarming moments shared on and off the stage. The applause, the behind-the-scenes shenanigans, and the rock-solid support from our community – it's been one wild, unforgettable ride.


A huge shoutout to our fantastic cast, the unsung heroes working magic backstage, and our community that turns every show into a party.


Now, let's raise a virtual toast to the mystery of what's next, the joy of working together, and the excitement building for our 2024 adventure. The stage is ours, and trust us, the best – and probably the most hilarious – is yet to come. Thank you for being a part of our crazy, wonderful story. Buckle up, folks – the sequel is always more unpredictable than the original!


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