Something different for this month's catch up meeting: special guest Ben Coleman joined us to chat about his own am-dram experiences and some of the innovative ways he has kept busy during the past 12 months, including podcast 'Treading the Boards.
The meeting was a lively Q&A where Ben entertained us with stories from past shows, and plans for the future. During lockdown in May 2020, when many of us were missing theatre and performance, Ben was involved in a Virtual Variety Show, where Avocet Theatre Company members came together for a special production from the comfort of their own homes!
The Virtual Variety Show was free to view for one month, donations were encouraged through JustGiving and split with the NHS. The group raised just over £1,000 for good causes.
This was followed in December by a filmed, festive variety show, streamed over Christmas, where profits were shared with a local food bank.
Treading the Boards, a weekly podcast series, is Ben's latest venture, co-hosted by fellow actor/director Gill Crowther. Over the first series of 10 episodes, Ben & Gill invited members of the local drama community, including yours truly, to join them to discuss the topic of the week. Topics included running a drama group, costumes, panto and mental health issues. Series 2 may return later in the year.
Ben appeared with Lynden Players as sadistic dentist Orin Scrivello in our 2014 production of Little Shop of Horrors. He has been seen on stage many times in the Banbury area, including roles in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Sister Act, Spamalot and Hairspray. As well as acting and singing, Ben also writes and directs for Avocet Theatre Company, where he is Chairman and Artistic Director.