MADAM, When the Larruperz Centre opened 20 years ago part of the organisation was a choral group run by two founder members of the Ross and District Community Association, Les Haines and Dave Fishpool.
This group flourished and in 1994 the 'Larruperz Light Opera' produced their first stage show, 'Songs from the Shows'. This event signalled the start of regular annual shows joined in 1997 by what the group will be perhaps most remembered for, the Christmas pantomime, due in no small part to John Ripley who has been our outrageous Dame since 1998.
Sadly, Les died in 1999 but the group continued under the musical directorship of Dave. The retirement from the group of Dave Fishpool in 2004 was a huge loss but great shows continued, under a new name, The Larruperz Community Theatre (LCT), with musical direction by Jo Boardman, Rob Mason and more recently, Tim Murray.
Unfortunately, the membership slowly declined as people moved away, lost interest or became infirm. Although a stalwart nucleus of long term members remained it proved increasingly difficult to attract new blood, especially in the 20-40 age range whose experience and abilities were sorely needed. Younger children were always keen to get on stage and it was a pleasure to see some stay and develop their abilities over the years.
However, the decline continued and at our last AGM in May it proved impossible to elect a committee. Sadly and reluctantly a motion to close down the group was unanimously approved and the LCT ceased to exist.
My sincere thanks go out to all who took part in the shows over the years, not only to the many cast members but to the far fewer men and women who worked tirelessly in the background to bring the productions to the stage.
On a brighter note theatre lives on at the Larruperz with shows enthusiastically performed by X-centricity, the youth theatre group. Their next big show will be Disney's Beauty and the Beast in September. Don't miss it.
Colin Boughen, Chairman LCT (retired)