In 1979 the Hall had pleasure in producing the first of a series of amateur productions both to entertain and of course to raise funds for the upkeep of the Hall. I say amateurs but we did boast one professional, Ray Holder, a thespian guru who was more used to manipulating the cast of West End musicals than the Needham version of Tin Pan Alley! He famously boasted that he could teach anybody to sing - that is until he met yours truly!
The original show was based on the then popular TV series of the Old Time Music Hall but developed over the years to a more standard variety show often mimicking (and improving on?) the TV shows of the day with sketches from Dad's Army, Tenko, Esatenders and many more! The shows were always a challenge with a cast ranging from the talented children, unrepentant adults to our more senior citizens. With lighting, sound and scenery to be prepared all on our compact stage, the only way to move large props was by hoisting them on pulleys to be suspended in the ceiling above the actors.
On one occasion a young child was fired out of a canon in the show - 'The Circus Comes to Needham'. Health & Safety hadn't raised its head in those days!
And on another occasion a French theme saw Can Can dancers and a strip tease artiste performing a Fan Dance!
In 1986 the new production saw the stage transformed into a TV set with full colour and surround sound. As usual there was an enthusiastic front of house support team providing tasty snacks and stimulating (or steadying) refreshments. Following all the enjoyment of the cast, the sufferance of the paying public and generosity of many local businesses a post production profit of £525.00 was handed over to the Hall.
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