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2010
Unfortunately I was unable to attend this year's Xmas show "Festive Fun" by
The Debonaires - back again by popular demand! However from reports
received it was another excellent evening of entertainment for those who
braved the icy weather conditions.
Lots of good food again - a taster for the upcoming Xmas celebrations!
Will there be another show next year? - hopefully yes!
The Debonaires would like to thank everybody who supported the show which
raised £500 which is being donated as follows.
£200 for Cystic Fibrosis.
£200 for the village hall towards the new heating system.
£50 to the church towards replacing the windows broken by vandals.
£50 to STAK in St Austell for feeding those in need.
2009
Despite last year being the swansong for the Debonaires - like a Phoenix
from the ashes, as anticipated, they rose again and entertained their eager
followers with a show having a different format.
Nostalgia was a mix of sketches and songs from the 1940's, 50's and 60's.
The emphasis this year was on the singing, with the audience joining in with
all the songs. These were linked together by two ladies reminiscing with
their scrapbooks of the eras involved. A few short sketches dealing with
events of the time were included and two ladies made regular two minute
gossip sessions over a cup of tea.
As usual the food was abundant and delicious, but the quiz was a nightmare,
difficult enough to remember what happened last week - let alone in 1940!!
An enjoyable evening - will it really be the last this time?
Proceeds as usual will go to local charities - as above.
2008
Ten years ago, a few friends decided to put on a Christmas Show for
Charity. Some were ex members of the Village Players who could no
longer commit to the pantomime but were missing the companionship
of the group and some, the performing. lt was lovely to do something
different, have fun and help others, all at the same time. Our biggest
problem was not having a pianist but we managed to persuade Len
Bold an accomplished pianist to play for us. He was brilliant and
played whatever we asked with a smile and had endless patience.
We decided to set the evening with the audience around tables to
make it more relaxed, and in the interval we served supper. The show
itself was a mix of sketches, songs and dances with a Christmas
theme and at times a few jokes were added. Over the years we have
tried different formats to keep the show fresh and hopefully this year
will be different again. The last few years we have also had a
welcome quiz to be completed before the show starts so you can get
to know the other people on your table.
ln the first show we joined with a group from Newquay but after that
we continued on our own evolving in our own way. Some of our
members have left over the years but others have replaced them and
brought different aspects to the group. The important thing though is
to have fun and make money for charity.
Three years ago we were sorry to lose Len to cancer. He was sadly
missed but we were very lucky to have Steve Rowse from the Players
come and play for us. He has added to the performance, not only with
his playing, but also producing sound effects for us which has added
another dimension to the show. Steve also brought along his friend
Dave Cobbett for the lights so we can also get special lighting effects
also. A real luxury. From the beginning we have had support from
John Sergeant, our back stage expert and good luck charm, and
Doreen Rawling who helps with make-up, costumes and everything
else which doesn‘t involve going on stage.
Our biggest asset, however is John Cornish who has gone from doing
Front of House, to giving the answers to the quiz, being on stage
when we need a man, thanking everyone and generally being
wonderman.
Another sad note this year is the loss of Brian Bassett. He was such a
fun person and did the Front of House and the Quiz for us and was
very supportive. A ‘larger than life' figure indeed.
As previously stated this will be our tenth show. It will be performed
on Saturday and Sunday the 29"‘ and 30'" of November. So far we
have raised £4486 for various charities and this year we hope to
make it to £5000. We hope you will come and support us, and that we
can be the start of a very happy Christmas for you.
From - the Debonaires.
Sue Quick, Joyce Rowe, Rose Bassett, Brigitte Julian, Joan Evenden,
Jenny Padley, Sheila Williams, Chris Sargeant, Stephanie Cornish.)
To view a selection of photographs from the 2008 Xmas Show click on
the blue link on the LHS of this page.
The 2008 Xmas Show was intended as the swansong of the group but public outcry
resulted in a change of heart. However, the intention is to have a complete change
of format for 2009 with two completely different shows being staged - one in October and one in November.
Watch this space!!!
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