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1st February 2011 - A Comedy of Errors Hazel Gourley Our members were transported into the world of theatre on Tuesday last when our guest speaker, Mrs Hazel Gourlay, spoke about the Biggar Theatre Workshop. In his introduction, President Sandy Laird described her as being a Lady of some Spirit and Strong Character. This proved to be so in the sparkling and cleverly crafted talk, some of it ‘in character’, that she gave under the heading of ‘A Comedy of Errors’. What followed was a master-class on the workings of live theatre in general and here in Biggar in particular while she outlined the various roles she has fulfilled over nearly thirty years with the group. Many readers will remember her on stage persona in different guises but her talents have extended to that of Producer and Director over time and she is currently ‘learning her lines’ for three separate plays. Rehearsals are underway for a production of Sweeney Todd, which will be performed in the newly re-furbished Corn Exchange in May. With the help of a substantial grant, Lanarkshire Council have transformed the old building into a state of the art theatre capable of mounting a wide variety of plays. Members were however intrigued to learn how the original Theatre Workshop came into being in 1971 when the building had doubled as a cinema and did not lend itself easily to stage production. However, in those halcyon days the groundwork was laid and has continued until the present time as a succession of very dedicated actors and stage managers have taken part. Inevitably things moved on to encompass the youth in the district and it was her involvement with them that has given her so much pleasure. It became strikingly evident that many from the town and surrounding area, adults and children alike, had benefited greatly from their time with The Biggar Theatre Workshop in all of it’s facets and indeed some have gone on to higher things in the world of theatre. The members responded most heartily to the vote of thanks proposed by Past President Walter Watson. President Sandy reminded members that our next meeting is to be held on 15th February when the guest speaker will be Mr Charles Cuthbert from the Forestry Commission who will speak about the ongoing Tweed Valley Nature Conservation Project.
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