TEENAGE MADNESS AT THE CONGRESS THEATRE: No not, not a friendly fracas, but the latest excellent performance by Congress Youth Theatre on March 15-18 when they presented for our enormous enjoyment Our House, the Madness Musical. 

Our House was first produced at the Cambridge Theatre, London on October 28 2002, with libretto by Tim Firth and music and lyrics by Madness. Our Congress Youth Theatre amateur  production was presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd. Those present in the capacity audiences for the three nights would probably agree with me that there was nothing in reality that was ‘amateur’ about this production, as the quality of acting, singing and dancing, along with costumes and set design, would have looked at home in the professional theatres of the West End of London!

Those who were unfamiliar with the story of “Our House” or too young (or too old) to have been fans of Madness were, I am sure, thrilled with the sheer vivacity of this production, the story and music of which is inspired by the life experiences of the band. Chief amongst these sources of inspiration was the fact that Joe Suggs of the band had a father who left when he was very young (Joe much later discovered his father had died from a drugs overdose.) Joe’s love of his mother and of his wife, whom he met when he was 18 years old, plus the fact that they have lived for over 35 years in the same house provide the other pivotal periods for the story.

This complex two version-drama would be challenging for professional adult actors but was accepted with verve and enthusiasm by our young players. Joe, in both versions of his persona, was played superbly by Max Griffiths and handled frequent costume and character changes most expertly. Sarah also had to develop over several years and was portrayed most professionally by Maisie Williams. The other main characters were played by Max Burton (Lewis), Isobel Jones (Billie), Ashleigh Ellis (Angie), Jordan-Leigh Davies (Kath Casey), Ben Wolverson (Reecey), Alfie Morris-Rogers (Mr Pressman). Joe’s deceased Dad, who overlooked events, from the other world, was portrayed by Rhys James. The 23 members of the ensemble helped glue the strands of the two tales with their energetic singing and dancing. Well done all of you!

The large numbers of vibrant costumes were all provided by the Congress Youth Theatre Wardrobe Department, organised by Meryl Herbert; props and scenic props were credited to Sue Smith and Sue Emmings. We all appreciated the artistic scenic painted figures of Good Joe and Bad Joe which were lit up to indicate which story line was being followed in each scene. Jonathan Morgan was the expert Sound Operator and working with Lighting Designer Matthew Hunt and Highlighters Ben Philpot, Grace Anderson and Jordan Davies, provided a truly professional technical service.

Finally congratulations to the inspirational Rachel Hamilton, Director Wayne Beecham, Musical Director with fellow Musicians: John Metcalf, Ceri Rees, Gethin Liddington, Chris Fry, Robin Hames and Diogo Gomes, Stage Manager Maria Beecham and Georgia Head, Company Manager Martyn Redwood and Congress Theatre staff, volunteers and sponsors for helping to produce a magnificent experience for us all.
As I am writing this piece on Mother’s Day (March 26), I am printing the fitting final note in Rachel’s Introduction in the programme:
“Don’t we all want to make our Mums proud? This production is dedicated to Wayne’s and my Mum, without whom there would be no Youth Theatre.”

I will add that every Mum of a cast member and every member of the audience is very proud of you all.

Please note if like me you are thinking i want some more of our talented Torfaen young performers, then book for Congress Junior Theatre’s Production of Lionel Bart’s iconic “Oliver”, July 6-8 at 7.15pm. Tickets cost £7 from the Congress Theatre. Telephone 01633 868239 or visit congresstheatrecwmbran.co.uk. Book early as tickets will go quickly.
 
NUTRITION NEWS FOR THORNHILL COMMUNITY HALL: Chloe Barrell at Communities First has booked the hall for another series of nutrition classes. This is an eight week course commencing Thursday March 30 (excluding Thursday May 4 when the centre is used as a polling station for local Government Elections.) For further details phone Lynne Howles at Costar on 01633 869227. Latest news of Costar activities is on costarcwmbran.co.uk.
 
PONTYPOOL 50 PLUS FORUM: Alyson Ayland of Age Connects Torfaen has asked me to supply Grassroots readers with news of our Mid-Torfaen 50 plus Forum, named Senior Active Support, based at Widdershins Centre. Below is the Agenda for their next meeting  at Widdershins Centre, Griffithstown on April 12 from 1pm-3pm:
1. Welcome and apologies.
2. Speaker: Julian Hayman from the Aneurin Bevan NHS Trust.
3. Minutes of previous meeting on 8th March 2017. 
4. Matters Arising from the previous minutes.
5. Treasurer’s Report.
6. Correspondence received by the Secretary.
7. Age Connects Torfaen Information .
8. A.O.B. (to include refreshments and trips).
 
THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF MARCH 8: 33 members were present with three apologies being noted .The Chair, Carol, gave a warm welcome to everyone, including three visitors/potential new members. Also present was Alyson Ayland of Age Connects Tofaen. With great sadness the Chair reported that former Treasurer Don Hill had passed away. Minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as a true record, with no matters arising.
 
CORRESPONDENCE: Amongst the correspondence received by the Secretary: 
• Public Health Wales had been in touch and the Secretary said she would contact them to ask if they would come to the Forum and give a talk.
• The Fire Service had sent a letter asking the group to be vigilant for forest fires and to call them if they suspected a smouldering fire.
• An email advertising the services of St. Joseph’s Hospital Chest Pain Management Clinic had been received. In it they said NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) recommends that patients who are already known to have coronary artery disease who present with chest pain should be offered a CT Coronary Angiogram scan as the first test. This scan rapidly identifies those with significant coronary artery disease and those without disease.

SPEAKER: The Speaker was Damian Lines, a partner at Rubin Lewis O’Brien Solicitors, who talked about Powers of Attorney (PoA) saying they were becoming more and more important.
There are two types: Lasting or Enduring PoA for property and financial matters and Lasting PoA for health and welfare.
People can take out a PoA when they become physically unwell but still want to remain in charge of their affairs. You can state whether you want to be treated in the event of a serious illness but ultimately your attorney has the final say. Damian mentioned Living Wills which represent your view and your decision and not those of your appointed Attorney.

AGE CONNECTS TORFAEN: The annual Gwent 50+ Forums Networking Event agenda includes speeches on topics like the Social Services and Wellbeing Act, workshops, discussion, lunch, and information stands including Gwent Police, COPA, Gwent Safeguarding, Aneurin Bevan Health Board, Friend of Mine, Ageing Well Programme and South Wales Fire Service.
• Owen Money and his band The Travelling Wrinklies will be appearing at St. Hilda’s Church, Griffithstown, on Wednesday April 26 from 3pm-5pm. They promise a fun-filled afternoon of unique comedy amid the sounds of the sixties. 
Tickets are £7 each, (subsidised by the Forum) and include a hot drink and cake. The chair has reserved 22 tickets so far. Money will be collected at the next meeting.
 The chair then thanked Damian and Members for their Attendance and Contributions and closed the meeting at 3pm.

Torfaen
Mary Barnett
marybarnett.uppercwmbran@gmail.com