Our Autumn Production:
Witness For The Prosecution
Written by Agatha Christie & Directed by Roger Bell

Our Autumn production was once again a great success and we have enjoyed some really positive feedback

What the audience had to say:

I just wanted to say what a great evening we all had! It was a long play, with 4 big parts, but the acting throughout was excellent, and  very well supported by all those ‘behind the scenes’ as it were. And I don’t think any of us saw the twists and turns at the end! Patrons

It was EXCELLENT; you should all be very proud. I’m reminded of how many very good actors we have in BATS, unlike some other am dram groups, and am looking forward to joining you on stage again. The scenery was very good, and cleverly designed, too. SN

We both loved the play. What an ending! What an excellent performance by all the actors. It was very professional. Thank you. Anon

“What a tonic!”

… was my immediate reaction as the curtains closed on the outrageously contrived final scene, but we would expect nothing less of the mistress of mystery Agatha Christie! Like many people at this time of year, when the days are shorter and darker, Christmas approaching like a train! with work/family/social dramas coming at us from all directions, the positive drama we need is definitely a big dose of BATS tonic! From the opening scene of reassuring old fashioned legal chambers, drawing the audience in to a world of confident [some might say over confident!] professional expertise, we are carried along on a magic carpet of gripping story telling, all the way through to the devastating finale. You guys are just the best!  The scenery and props, whilst maybe not as demanding as in some recent productions ! lent great authenticity to proceedings.  Costumes, hair and make-up were all beautifully appropriate representations of 1950’s styles. Always difficult to single out individual performances, when I know every single cast member has put in hours and hours of rehearsal time, and the supporting cast are as vital as the leads, every one had clearly invested in bringing a convincing authentic character to their role.  For sheer stamina Steve S. and Jaimes have to be congratulated.  Sam’s Greta was so lovely I wanted her to make me a cup of tea! And following hot on the heels of her distinctive Miss Prism, Kay’s Dr. Wyatt was especially engaging.  There was much hilarity in the script, some tucked away discretely and some less subtle: I loved Emily’s bold interpretation of a sobbing QC! But the punch lines came for me from the facial expressions of Marcus and Wendy! Both of them were sensational (with the ball and off the ball as we say in football!) when speaking and when just being on stage! Particular thanks to Barry and Julie for coming out of retirement …  …. again?! And many congratulations to Roger [alter ego Alan Bennett?!] for a very successful directing debut. And SPECIAL THANKS TO EVERYONE ON STAGE AND OFF for a truly wonderful evening of escapism and a massive boost of joy to our spirits! CBC

Our Spring Production:
The Importance of Being Earnest
Written by Oscar Wilde & Directed by Sarah Joiner

“A Trivial Play for Serious People!” is how Oscar Wilde famously described his most popular play.   Directed by Sarah Joiner

First performed in 1895, The Importance of Being Earnest, has been entertaining savvy audiences for the past 129 years! This romantic comedy follows the escapades of two bachelors, John ‘Jack’ Worthing, and Algernon ‘Algy’ Moncrieff, who create alter egos named Ernest to escape their tiresome lives. They attempt to win the hearts of two women who, conveniently, claim to only love men called Ernest. The pair struggle to keep up with their own stories and become tangled in a tale of deception, disguise, and misadventure. The elaborate plot ridicules Victorian hypocrisy with some of the best loved, and indeed bizarre, characters to be found on the modern stage. 

Our Autumn Production: The Ladykillers – Directed By Barry Cooper

‘The audience experienced pure indulgence in crazy comical situations with plenty of slapstick thrown in.  The script was delivered with clarity and volume, and is especially funny for those of us familiar with the reputation of Kings Cross in the 50’s and 60’s!!’
BY CBC

Words from our director Karen Penny

Bishopston Amateur Dramatic Society are proud to present Calendar Girls, a play based on the true story of a group of ordinary women from a small Yorkshire Women’s Institute who are inspired to appear nude for a calendar to raise money for charity in memory of one of their husbands.

News of the women’s charitable venture spreads like wildfire and hordes of press soon descend on the small village of Knapely in the Yorkshire Dales. The Calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie’s friendship is put to the test under the strain of newfound fame….

Our local cast have been amazing, all amateurs, many in their first production. They have courageously dispelled any  inhibitions they may have by not not only appearing live on stage in revealing circumstances but have also been willing to appear in our very own charity calendar.

We have produced 250 calendars, the production costs of which have been kindly donated by local businesses and supporters. We are delighted that 100 % of all sales of the calendar will go to three different charities representing “Hearts, Minds and Body”.

These organisations are: Alzheimers Research UK, Cancer Research UK ( a donation to a young man living with bowel cancer who is about to trek around Iceland) and for a defibrillator for Swansea Bay parkrun.

I, like many others have been profoundly affected by the loss of loved ones due to Alzheimers and cancer, and our local parkrun which attracts up to 500 participants weekly will benefit significantly by the presence of a lifesaving defibrillator

“Remembering Winston, Walter, Alfie, Kingsley and Alma. Never forgotten. And especially thinking of my Dad Keith at this very difficult time.”

Karen Penny Page sponsored by Val & Keith Hayward

Friday 20th November first night performance tickets are two for the price of one. Seat price is £6, concession seats are £5. Bookings are for reservation purposes only and should be picked up and paid for on the door, before the performance.

You will be sent an automated email reply. Please check that the BATS email has not been placed in your email junk folder.

To reserve seats please complete the contact boxes below and we will confirm your ticket reservation.

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 Thank you.

‘An Evening with Gary Lineker’ directed by Tony Currell is now in production.

Dates for your 2015 calendar are :-

20th & 21st March 2015.

26th, 27th & 28th March 2015.

Sadly, Gary Lineker will not be there, but the infamous cast and crew will be.

Tickets are £6 (£5 concessions) and also 2-4-1 on opening night.
To book please contact Philippa on tickets@batsgower.co.uk or 07805 362546.

BATS’ production of Alfie was nominated for several ‘Glammies’ from the Glamorgan Drama League 2010-2011. These were:

• Best Presentation – Alfie
• Best Actor – Jaimes Cooper (‘Alfie’)
• Best Supporting Actor – Roger Bell (‘Harry Clamacraft’)
• Best Supporting Actress – Helen Gwillam (‘Annie’) & Sian Cole (‘Gilda’)