On Friday 25^th May a gala function was held by theatre group the Summerseat Players to celebrate their 50^thanniversary.  The event, which was held in the Hayloft Suite at the Bolholt Hotel in Bury was attended by over 130 guests, largely made up of current and past members to celebrate the special occasion.  Also in attendance was Councillor Dorothy Gunther (former Mayor of Bury) who is a patron of the society.

 

After welcome drinks, a delicious three-course meal was accompanied by live music from the Munch Manship Band as well singer Giles Miller, who then each did further superb live sets to provide the after dinner entertainment.  Martin Henfield, TV and radio presenter and a familiar face and voice on the BBC, provided his skills as MC for the evening.

 

Other honoured guests for the evening included two former Summerseat Players youth group members who have gone on to find success in the acting profession.  Ralf Little (Royle Family, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, The Zoo, 24 hour Party People), having just completed a run at the National Theatre in “Ugly Lies the Bones”, was accompanied to the event by his girlfriend Lindsey Ferrentino, an acclaimed New York based playwright.  Ralf gave a warm and humorous speech about his recollections of the society and he was then joined for the ceremonial cake cutting by Summerseat Players head patron Kate O’Flynn (The Glass Menagerie – Duke of York’s, A Taste of Honey – The National, Bridget Jones Diaries, Ordinary Lies).

 

Gold Pins commemorating 50 years of service to Summerseat Players were presented on the evening to Geoff and Kay Sword by Janet and Ray Halfpenny and Henri Exton.A