Page 28 - RADC Bulletin 2018

OVERSEAS ASSIGNMENTS
Stage & Performing Arts Club Episkopi – SPACE
SSgt Protheroe RADC
Most, on arrival in Cyprus, will usually gravitate towards the sea and become immersed in sailing, triathlon, diving or kite surfing etc. I broke the mould and found the theatre. I have been an active volunteer with the community amateur dramatics club in Episkopi – Stage & Performing Arts Club Episkopi (SPACE)
– since I arrived in Sept 2015, providing the Episkopi & Akrotiri communities with varied entertainment including, plays, comedy productions as well as the annual pantomime. The club is comprised of a core group of ex pats, UKBC’s and military personnel.
The theatre prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive place for all those willing to give up their precious time to become part of the team. The team is vast and ever evolving but can consist of bar staff, cleaners, set designers & painters, sound & light crew, costume design & creation, maintenance, props, musical provision, choreography, director, singer, coach as well as those who actually step on stage. Everyone is encouraged to develop and take on other roles, and help out in an area where they perhaps had no initial desire too. I, for example, arrived to support my daughter at a read
through and ended
up as the baddie on
stage!
For the most recent production, the January 2018 Panto ‘Aladdin’, I co-directed for the first time and learnt just how difficult these things are, but
I had very clear and
definite ideas of what I wanted to produce. All the cast were fantastic and showed real dedication and professionalism throughout. A number of children were cast to enhance the show with their bright smiles and energetic dance moves. I can honestly say that these children were a pleasure to work with and genuinely made the show come
Yes, that’s me in the blue knit cardigan, grey wig & glasses – playing Mrs Cropley in the Vicar of Dibley
to life. Who said never to work with animals or children? It was a complete success and took lots of money at the box office to
26 RADC BULLETIN 2018
All the cast were fantastic and showed real dedication and professionalism throughout
support the club for at least another year.
I hope that the theatre will continue for many more years to come as it provides essential distraction from the difficulties
of overseas service life, forming great friendships and therefore providing
a support network for all involved. I will certainly be taking my new found love of theatre with me on my next assignment.... oh yes I will!
Me as the Baddie in Humpty Dumpty the Panto, my first ever role!