Millport Notes

by Mary Currie 530544

millport@newsquest.co.uk

Summer playhouse

Cumbrae Dramatic Club had an extremely successful first night on Friday June 7. Their summer playhouse took place in the DA Hall. This year's productions are two very funny plays. A duology sketch and a one act play both penned by David Tristam. First on the stage was the sketch 'Coffee Break'. Two old schoolfriends Lottie and Lucy bump into each other after 25 years in a coffee shop. Things have panned out differently than expected for the two 'girls' and as the hilarious dialogue follows it seems that they have more in common than they realise.

Great comic timing and acting from Kirstin Metcalfe, playing the brash up-market Lucy with Mary Currie excellent in the role as the quiet dowdy Lottie.

After the interval, the one act play Little Grimley presents Strictly Sex Factor (on ice) was performed by for members of the club. Anyone involved in an am dram would identify with this hilarious play. Little Grimley Amateur Dramatic Club are facing yet another threat to their club with falling audiences, and bad critiques and TV reality shows and they need to come up with something quickly. So chairman Gordon comes up with their own blockbuster, combining all the other formats. What ensues is extremely funny as the dress rehearsal goes from bad to worse. Jackie Wilson excelled as Margaret, the leading lady, and Lyn Burtt as the hapless Joyce has got to be seen. Bernard, the club's handyman (and absent prompt) when the plays are on was excellently played by Scott Watson.

Gordon, the club's chairman, was played by John Orr, in his first performance for Cumbrae Dramatic Club. His stage presence was excellent, and is a great addition to the club, bringing a wealth of experience.

Both plays were produced by Lyn Burtt, stepping into the producer's shoes for the first time, and she did a marvellous job. Sound and lighting was in the capable hands of Andy Watson. If you missed the Playhouse, don't worry. More dates are going to be announced very soon. A big hit for Cumbrae Dramatic Club.

School Fayre

Cumbrae Primary School's parent council held a summer fayre on Sunday June 10 in the DA Hall. The event raised the marvellous sum of £1000. The pupils, staff and hard working parent council would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who attended, all the parent helpers and everyone who donated including all the local businesses for raffle prizes etc. Everyone's support for our lovely primary school is extremely appreciated.

Cathedral

The ninth Classical Guitar Retreat takes place next week at the Cathedral of the Isles. Various concerts take place including Young Artist Concert, Wednesday 5 July, 8pm; Amadeus Duo Thursday 6 July 8pm; Raphaella Smits Solo Recital Friday 7 July, 8pm; Bardic Trio, Saturday 8 July, 3pm; Lukasz Kuropaczewski Sunday 9 July, 3pm. Tickets available from www.cgretreat.com/concerts

Comedy festival

The Cumbrae Comedy festival returns for a second year on Friday July 21 and Saturday July 22 in the D.A Hall with Big Gary Little, Julia Sutherland, Phil Differ and Des McLean. Children’s comedy to be announced, and other venues to be confirmed. Pint Size Productions return to the Newton on Friday July 21 for ‘Scrubbers’.

Rockpools

North Ayrshire Rangers invite everyone to join an adventure to discover what lurks in the rockpools on Monday July 3. Meet at Croc Rock at 1.30pm, and wear sturdy clothes and boots/shoes. This is a free event.