CastAways Archives ⋆ Bispham CastAways

April 2, 2023 Posted by Susan Hope Tagged with CastAways, Debut, Plays Posted in Bispham, CastAways, Members, Plays, Success, Theatre

World Debut Success

The world debut of CastAways own Linda McKenzie’s thoughtful and surprising play, Memories, was a big success across the three performances on the 31st of March and the 1st of April! Audiences were treated to surprising twists and turns with an ending that left some in tears. Linda’s first play was also a directorial debut for Lesley Amos who did a great job with a play that needed restraint. Everyone at Bispham CastAways looks forward to seeing what these two talented ladies do next!

February 16, 2023 Posted by Susan Hope Tagged with Awards, CastAways, NODA, Winner Posted in Awards, CastAways, Members, News, NODA, Pantomime, Success

And the winner is…

Hayley Price – NODA North West District 2 Award Winner

What a wonderful evening at the NODA North West District 2 Awards at The Imperial Hotel! Bispham CastAways had an unbelievable 11 nominations and the group got their first ever winner. The amazing Hayley Price (also a Trustee and Deputy Business Manager) picked up the award for Best Leading Performance in a pantomime for her portrayal of Toto in The Wicked Witches of Oz by Peter Nuttall. It was very well deserved and she now goes onto the North West regional awards. Everyone is wishing her all the luck in the world!

January 18, 2023 Posted by Susan Hope Tagged with CastAways, NODA, nominations, Pantomime Posted in Awards, Bispham, CastAways, Members, News, NODA, Pantomime

And there’s more!!!

Even more nominations poured in for the CastAways following the release of the NODA North West District 2 nominations relating to pantomimes! A further 5 nominations were announced for the CastAways all from their production of The Wicked Witches Of Oz by Peter Nuttall. They were:

Best Pantomime – The Wicked Witches of Oz
Best Director of a Pantomime – Harry Chambers – The Wicked Witches Of Oz
Best Pantomime Dame – Ian Dodd – Momby/Aunty Em – The Wicked Witches Of Oz
Best Pantomime Villain – Susan Hope – Edna/Wicked Witch of the West – The Wicked Witches Of Oz
Best Leading Performance in a Pantomime – Hayley Price – Toto – The Wicked Witches of Oz

This brought the nominations at the upcoming NODA awards to a massive ELEVEN for Bispham CastAways… what an amazing achievement!!

August 12, 2022 Posted by Susan Hope Tagged with CastAways, Community, Events, Fun Posted in Bispham, Charity, Members

CastAways does Bispham Gala!

On the 16th of July 2022, Bispham Gala restarted after a three year break for COVID. Bispham CastAways took part again, participating in the parade and performing the karaoke finale from Old Boilers. It was a beautifully sunny day and the rose queens and their retinues all looked amazing in their dresses and outfits. The members taking part in the parade met at the gala field for Hayley to glitter up the girls and Sue to stick posters on everyone’s back. Then armed with whistles, bell sticks and our trusty dog mascot, Marley, we took off on the route. There were unfortunate issues with the parade due to the heat but we all made it back and, following the rose queen ceremony, sung our hearts out… despite the fact we are not a musical theatre group. Fun was had by all and we look forward to going into the community again.

November 9, 2021 Posted by Susan Hope Tagged with bbc, CastAways, interview, lancashire, Radio Posted in CastAways, Charity, Members, News, Pantomime, Radio, Theatre

CastAways on Your Lancashire

A group of seven members had a great time being interviewed by Garry Scott on BBC Radio Lancashire on the 21st of October about the community theatre group and upcoming pantomime. The episode is still available on BBC Sounds, so get listening now!

June 8, 2019 Posted by Susan Hope Tagged with CastAways, Events, LGBT Posted in Bispham, CastAways, Members, News

CastAways does Pride

Some hardy members of Bispham CastAways braved the rain and winds on the promenade to walk in the Blackpool Pride 2019 parade. Armed with rainbow face paint, jingle sticks, rattling hula hoops, bubble guns and huge smiles, they carried the banner for the group in support of the LGBT community from South Pier to The Metropole.

June 7, 2019 Posted by Susan Hope Tagged with CastAways, NODA, Plays Posted in Bispham, CastAways, NODA, Plays, Success

Seaside Success

Bispham CastAways Cast Of Beside The Seaside by Leslie Sands

It was such fun at the “Seaview”, two minutes from the sea, under the hard gaze of Mrs Austin. This play was the first by Bispham CastAways and played to two very appreciative audiences on the 26th and 27th of April. There were laughs galore at the antics of the Blackpool boarding house residents during a typically English week in August in the 1950s. A financial success as well with a great NODA review put the cherry on top of the cake!