"Salad Days" by Dorothy Reynolds and Julian Slade (25-29 June 2019)

Thank you to our sponsors

Without these kind people there would be no show.
 
This help and support of local community activities is much appreciated.

About the Show

This June the longest running musical of the 1950s, ‘Salad Days’, steps into the open air as part of St Michael’s Players 70th Anniversary celebrations.

The show follows a young couple fresh from university, seeking to find their place in life and work. They encounter a colourful array of characters, including a mysterious tramp who loans them a magical piano which, when played, makes anyone in the vicinity spontaneously dance! Further exploits ensue in an Egyptian themed nightclub and aboard a flying saucer. All the while the dour Minister of Pleasures and Pastimes seeks to put an end to all this gleeful enjoyment.

A fun, frivolous musical certain to fill you with the joys of youth.
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Reviews
"Wonderful play.  Such strong singing voices  and dancing.  I had a great time" Cheryl B

"Seeing “Salad Days” took me back to the 1950’s when I was a young thing and I so enjoyed it. Wonderful singing - what a treat to hear them instead of today’s “shouting”.  And that wonderful little piano had us all tapping our feet!  Well done, St Michael's Players!" Peggy B
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"What an amazing show - Salad Days! The St Michaels Players were so well cast. The singing was impressive as was the dancing! Thanks for such a highly entertaining show in a beautiful setting. There was something for everyone and we all left smiling." Cathy W

"we thoroughly enjoyed the show. Thought all the cast were excellent especially the two leads. And direction was spot on. Well done to all." Love Amanda H 

"We just wanted to say congratulations and thank you for a WONDERFUL production of Salad Days last night. Brilliantly staged, brilliantly played and another massively generous gift to the local community. Please pass our thanks and congratulations on to all involved." Charlie + Coleen H

"I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed last night's performance - it was such fun good singing and dancing - and I don't think we were the only members of the audience to have done so.  Well done to you and to all your cast." Caroline G

“My uncle Julian Slade would have been thrilled to see that the St Michael’s Players have captured all the youth, vitality and irreverence of his show – congratulations on sparkling performances and good luck for the rest of the run!” Richard Slade 

"A delightful balmy and barmy evening! Great fun, good performances. Beautiful setting. Perfect entertainment for a summers eve " Rula Lenska

"‘Fabulous revival of this wonderfully entertaining musical, the two leads were faultless, supported by an energetic and entertaining cast. The setting was quintessentially English, the BBQ and bar made the experience complete" Nick C

“Congratulations! What a wonderful production!  Brilliant singing from everyone, slick choreography, good performances from all, imaginative staging - and the cast all seemed to be enjoying it as much as we did.  Thank you very much for a splendid evening.” Averil F

“Just wanted to thank the whole team for a great evening. Everyone was very professional and made you smile. Thank you. Was my first time but will look out the next.” Robert M

"One of my friends went to your production of Salad Days and said it was amazing and the leading lady had a wonderful voice " Anita D

“A triumph! You were wonderful dahlings! And an excellent production” Linda C

“The musical is amazing ! Such an enjoyable evening. Really well done!” Kathleen T

"Thanks for a great production last night everyone. Such a funny, warm enjoyable musical. The voices were great especially harmonies in the ensemble numbers. What a treat for an audience on a summer's evening. Left me feeling quite gay" Harry D

"We have just returned to Staines after witnessing a truly remarkable performance of "Salad Days" by St Michael's Players. Our congratulations to everybody who produced a perfect show that professional actors would indeed be proud of. Very well done."   Fred and Mary Gwyther

"WHAT A FABULOUS EVENING!
THANK YOU for a BRILLIANT performance last night. Uncle Bob (West) remembers the show of old ... and thought the "Church garden" setting a delightful idea" Paul T

“Congratulations to Marc​, the cast, backstage & production team for a professional performance yesterday.  Very good singing by everyone and especially from the two principals. A credit to St Michael’s Players” Mervyn J

"Very lively show, and great fun.  I was brought up on Salad Days and have seen it many times.  This production did not disappoint.  Congratulations to all the cast, production team and orchestra, especially to the lead roles Jane and Timothy.  I can see a professional career there, if they're not already professionals" Joanna C

"Your production of Salad Days was an absolute treat. The setting was so lovely. The acting, singing, dancing all beautifully performed.  It was also great to be greeted as we went in the Decibelles which just set the mood for an uplifting and memorable night. Thank you and well done everyone"
Phyllis O'K

"I thoroughly enjoyed your production of Salad Days. The musical is very familiar to me as my parents had the LP record when I was growing up, so it was great to hear the songs again after many decades. The outdoor setting gave the production a real freshness. The performances all round were a delight. “Jane” in particular has an incredible voice and talent. Well done to the entire cast and crew!" Neil C

"A delightful show, imaginatively produced and performed to a high standard" Martin D

"We thoroughly enjoyed your production. We do come to all of your shows as they are very professional. I did see the original show in the 50’s and thought yours was equal, if not better. We belong to an Am Dram group, which we love, but have to admit your performances put us in the shade. Long may you continue." Shirley N

"It was really Fantastic ,such clever ideas the set , raised seating and to perform in the 'open air" Jan D

"Very good.  I saw it twice in the 50s and this brought back some old memories" Michael G
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"Just to say how much we enjoyed the charming rendering of Salad Days - performed with such joy and enthusiasm. The feel good factor was infectious. Well done to all involved" Penny H

"We thought it was great fun" Nic F

Photos

Programme
salad_days_programme.pdf
File Size: 1368 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Cast

​Jane (Sarah Bradley)
Timothy (Michael Hill)
The Tramp (George Atkinson)
Timothy’s Mother, Nurse, Press (Jo Harry)
Timothy’s Father & Uncle Zed (Adrian Ellis)
Aunt Prue, Butterfly Catcher, Theatregoer, Press (Sue Darrieulat)
Lady Raeburn & Press (Cressida Strauss)
Heloise, The Nun, Lady (Christine Lee)
Beauty Shop Assistant, Asphynxia, Anthea & Lady (Emilia Lederleitnerová)
Manicurist, Tennis Player, Lady, Marguerite & Electrode (Pihu Dubé)
P.C. Boot & Arms Dancer (Peter Price)
Rowena, Sunbather & Arms Dancer (Anny Austin-Smith)
Troppo & The Manager (Utku Er)
Artist, Theatregoer, Lady, Slave, Waitress (Sheila Churchill)
Fosdyke, Nigel (Michael Cook)
Sir Clamsby Williams, Tom Smith & Well-Dressed Man (Alastair Dewar)
Inspector (Christine Neyman)
Belly Dancer (Hulya Kiraz Er)
Fiona (Misty Hammond)
Augustine Williams (Rodger Hayward Smith)
Ambrose (David Burles)

Band

​Musical Director (Simon Douglas Lane)
Percussion (Nick Handel)
Upright Double Bass (James Royan)

Crew

​Director (Marc Pearce)
Producer (Fleur De Henrie Pearce)
Lighting Designer (Martin Walton)
Sound Designer (Martin Spriggs)
Sound Engineer (Ian Trowbridge)
Sound Assistants (Joanna Field & Andy Murray)
Choreography (Amanda Harker)
Additional Choreography (Paul Tomkinson)
Production Designer (Francesca Stone)
Costume Design & Stage Management (Jane Atkinson & Bryony Wilman)
Props Supervisor (Claire Richmond)
Props Assistant (Chris Pease)
Make-Up & Hair (Teena Heer)
‘Electrode’ Prosthetics, Make-Up & Hair Assistant (Rosie Copping)
Assistant Stage Managers (Arabella Burles & Madeleine Hazard)
Rigging & Follow Spot Operators (Stuart Campbell & Andrew Hale)

Q&A
CANCELLATION POLICY
Should there be light rain the show will go ahead as planned
Should conditions prevent us performing outside (heavy rain, lightning, strong winds) the production will be moved inside St Paul’s Church.
Refunds apply in the event of the production being cancelled.

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?
The audience can arrive as of 7.00pm. The show starts promptly at 7.45pm.

IS THERE AN AGE RESTRICTION TO THIS SHOW? 
The production is suitable for all ages.

HOW LONG IS THE SHOW?
The running time of the show is approximately two and a half hours including an interval.

IS THERE AN INTERVAL?
There will be an interval of 15 minutes between Act 1 and Act 2.

WILL IT BE COLD?
We recommend bringing warm clothing and blankets as the weather will cool down throughout the evening.

WILL I BE THIRSTY OR HUNGRY?
Not at all. There's a bar and food available. 
There will be a main bar plus a BBQ. Both will be open from 7.00pm and during the interval each night.

Please note that due to licensing restrictions, only alcohol and food purchased on site can be consumed.

WHAT IS THE SEATING
Seating is individual chairs on a tiered structure and is accessed via steps. Bringing a cushion would be a good idea.

IS THE VENUE ACCESSIBLE FOR PEOPLE WITH LIMITED MOBILITY?
Yes, however we do ask that anyone with mobility issues advises us after they book.

CAN I BOOK SEATING?
Yes - Seating is allocated during the booking process.

DO YOU RUN A WAITING-LIST?
We do. And there may be spaces available at the last minute. We suggest that if you are interested in joining a queue for returns, you arrive 15 minutes before the show starts. We cannot guarantee that spaces will become available.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I ARRIVE LATE TO THE SHOW?
If you arrive late the front of house team will assist in seating you at an appropriate time.

WHERE CAN I PARK?
Free parking is available on Grove Park Road and neighbouring streets. Please note that parking is limited and so we advise arriving as early as possible.

HOW DO I GET TO THE VENUE? St Paul’s Church (56-62 Grove Park Rd, Chiswick, W4 3SD)
Via Train –Chiswick Station 5/10-minute walk to the venue
Via Tube - Gunnersbury Station (District Line) 15 minute walk to the venue
Via Bus – 272 & E3
Via Car – free parking is available on Grove Park Road/neighbouring streets

CAN I TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS?
We are happy for you to take pictures before the show begins and during curtain call.
However, please note that it is strictly forbidden to take pictures or video of the action on stage when the show begins.

CAN I SMOKE?
Smoking is not permitted within the seating structure.