Girlguiding Stone Outward Division Handful of Songs 2008

The curtain fell on A Handful of Songs 2008 on Saturday 29th March to tremendous applause. The cast had given fantastic performances to packed audiences during the week’s run at The Rep Theatre Stoke on Trent.

A cast of 101 Brownies, Guides, Senior Section, and Guiders had rehearsed for 11 weeks from January 6th every Sunday for three and half hours with an occasional additional hour on a Saturday to get the show to the polished performance that the audiences enjoyed. The show is now in its 33rd year and moves from strength to strength with a wealth of talent on show from members in the Division.

The youngest performers were just seven years old through to the “old ladies” (they are not the guiders) who are up to eighteen. Their ability to work hard, remember the words to the 35 songs, 3 scripts and 20 dance routines was amazing and they are all to be congratulated on their individual performances, they were all “stars” and richly deserve the applause they received.

For every girl on stage there was someone behind the scenes working in one of the many departments which bring the whole show to life. This team put in hours of work, much of it unseen and they give their time so freely to give guiding members another unique opportunity.

During each show the Phyllis Goodall Memorial Award is presented to a cast member or team member who has “gone that extra mile” in their contribution to the success of the show. Lauren Wright a 16year old Young Leader was presented with the award at the close of the matinee performance, this is the citation that was read out:-

Lauren Wright joined the show in 2002 as a Brownie when she gave a stunning performance and has continued to perform to a high standard in the 2004, 2006, and this 2008 show.

She has shown so much commitment to the show despite working hard for her forthcoming GCSE exams, her Mum was not sure that she should take part because of the workload and the need for her education to come first but she convinced her that she could do both!

She has been an inspiration to the younger cast members and provided support to those who have struggled. She has a real passion for singing and dancing and that shows in her enthusiasm to learn. She has picked up the dancing so quickly that she easily takes a lead which others are willing follow. She has helped numerous cast members learn their words and pick up dance steps, and all this has been done without anyone having to ask her.

It has been noted by many as to how much input she has had, she goes about everything in such a reserved manner. She enjoys every minute of rehearsals and is a real team player; she will give you 100% until the last minute of the final show and will encourage everyone else to do the same.

From bouncing around the stage as “Tigger” in 2002 her ability to perform the very complex “Mum’s the Word” has amazed everyone on the team whilst she also understudies parts of “Something Special” It is hard to believe that she is only just, 16 years of age.

Every member of the cast is very special and they have all given of there best but it is the opinion of the Show Executive Committee that this cast member has gone that extra mile in commitment, enthusiasm and supporting others that for the first time, we award the “Phyllis Goodall Memorial Award 2008” to cast member Lauren Wright.

If you missed this show then here is a date for your diary, A Handful of Songs 2010 can be seen from April 6th – 10th 2010 when we shall celebrate our Guiding Centenary., -see you there.