Theatre Team
We run an exciting and varied programme of theatre visits, which are open to all members of Tonbridge u3a and advertised in the monthly Journal. Our trips are usually matinees, mostly in London and during the last twelve months we have seen Jersey Boys, To Kill a Mockingbird, Valley of Fear, Upstart Crow, Operation Mincemeat and The Great Gatsby – our first ballet. Moulin Rouge is booked for October and Witness for the Prosecution early next year.
We travel by train, either independently or as a group and often have lunch together. By booking through the u3a, we get great value tickets in the Stalls or Dress Circle. Our trips are generally very popular and often over-subscribed, so we hold a ballot in those instances (more details in the Journal adverts).
Revised Application Procedure
Theatre Group changes for January 2025
The present system of booking theatre tickets has been in place for many years. However, it takes a long time, is stressful as we have to guess how many people might want tickets and Tonbridge u3a pays up front for the tickets. On a couple of occasions we have sustained a loss, as not all tickets were taken up.
Often we use Group Line, looked after very well by Theresa Baker who has known Tonbridge u3a for many years. Theresa said that Tonbridge is the only u3a out of 200 with whom she works, who have our system. Others e-mail those in the Theatre Group and interested people pay before the final invoice is agreed. The present system of buying tickets and then finding an audience, is stressful for
the organiser, potentially wasteful of Tonbridge u3a funds and unsustainable.
The way forward:
• We create a Theatre Group, to which any member of Tonbridge u3a can sign up.
• Productions are advertised by e-mail, to members of the Theatre Group. If individuals cannot access e-mails, they need to buddy up with someone who does have access to e-mails. (Using data from Beacon and our records, I have cross referenced two people who have been to the theatre with us, both of whom have relatives or friends with e-mail addresses).
• Members respond within a week, paying by cheque or BACS.
• We require emergency contacts information and a self addressed envelope for posting tickets.
Theatre News Julie Grimsey theatre@tonbridgeu3a.uk
• The final invoice is agreed with the agent or theatre.
• The Treasurer pays the invoice, with the money already banked.
• The agent issues tickets to the organiser who distributes these to participants.
• Travel arrangements to the theatre are suggested by the organiser and communicated to participants.
• We will keep a waiting list of those who missed the payment deadline, in case someone with a ticket is unable to attend.
• We will add 30p per ticket for printing costs, incurred by the organiser. Frequently we print tickets and also the letter regarding travel
arrangements.
Should you wish to register for the Theatre Group to receive e-mails about upcoming events, please send an e-mail to theatre@tonbridgeu3a.uk expressing your interest. If you are not registered with the Theatre Group, you will not receive e-mails about upcoming shows. We will keep a presence in the monthly Journal, with reviews and reminders of our address, should you wish to join us later. We look forward to welcoming you to the Theatre Group and to enjoying fun, friendship and fabulous theatre experiences.
With kind regards, Julie Grimsey on behalf of the Theatre Group Committee -
Marion Clarke, Glynis Hubble, Johanna Kiernan.
Hadestown review
Recently 26 people saw Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre. The production is not well known and did not resonate with potential audiences from Tonbridge u3a. One couple were encouraged to see the show by their granddaughter who had seen it in New York and several people's daughters praised the production. The positive feedback that I've received mentioned the quality of the production, amazing singing, great choreography and set. All of those who went on the trip have commented that they were pleased to have gone, even though some would not normally have chosen to see this production. I am very pleased that after all, those who went had a wonderful experience.
Julie Grimsey, Theatre Group co-ordinator
See Latest News for upcoming shows. We are currently planning visits for 2025; do let us have your recommendations.
Please contact us at theatre@tonbridgeu3a.uk for more information.