Probus Theatre Club
About Probus Theatre Club: From time to time we get approaches from various theatre groups offering us heavily discounted prices for some of the top shows. In some cases we are able to fit one of these trips into our normal events programme - the recent trip to Oliver, for example - but more often than not they clash with events which we have already organised. As our aim is to provide a varied events programme for the whole club, with no more than, say, two theatre/concert trips per year, it is not possible to take advantage of these offers without extending, or detracting from, the main programme. It was, therefore, decided in April 2009 to form a Theatre Club, which would comprise a group of members who were interested in the theatre, and whom we could quickly contact - preferably by e-mail - when these offers arise. On occasion the event might be instigated by ourselves as we are on the mailing list for a number of theatre groups/agencies (including the National, RSC and Chichester) where we can sometimes get a discount for groups of 10+. This means we can cater for classical and serious theatre, and not just the popular musicals. Transport is, of course, an important element and costs will depend on the level of support we get for a particular event. However, the benefits of discounted tickets and a "door to door" service (particularly in regard to the West End) generally combine to make an attractive package. All members are welcome to join - just contact Dave Norris on 01442 215263, or e-mail Dave Norris and you will be added to the list. If Dave is not available then his assistant, Ian Burton can be contacted on 01442 244003, or e-mail Ian Burton. As the theatre club needs to be self- sufficient, a few basic rules/principles apply: 1.] The Group is open to the membership of Boxmoor Probus as notified to the Social Secretary or the Assistant Social Secretary. 2.] The purpose of the Group is to take advantage of special deals which are offered to us by various theatre groups from time to time; where West End theatres are involved these will usually (but not exclusively) be for weekday matinee performances. 3.] It is the intention to provide a varied programme which, as far as possible, will take account of individual tastes and availability in choosing the events; this will, however, clearly depend on the level of support we get for a particular event. 4.] Generally, trips will be restricted to London and other theatres within easy travelling distance (e.g. Milton Keynes); transport will be arranged according to the size of the group, and will be included in the price. We may on occasion travel further afield ( e.g.Stratford-upon -Avon, Chichester) but this will be the exception. 5.] The prime form of communication will be via e-mail and only those few members not on-line will be telephoned to notify them of the event. Members are, therefore, encouraged to check their e-mail in boxes regularly as, where tickets are limited, they will be allocated on a strictly "first come, first served" basis. 6.] The programme will be planned in such a manner as not to detract from the main events programme, and we will aim at about four events per year. 7.] As tickets will need to be paid for in advance, the usual practice of paying at the meeting in the month before the event is not practical; instead, prompt payment will required to the Treasurer once the tickets are booked, and the transport organised. | |
