To help us find a very special doggy actor, BATS held the Search for Toto event in October.

The co-directors Katy and Adela, with the help of local dog behaviourist Malcolm Johnson, had the tough job of choosing from a great group of very clever dogs, but finally chose the brilliant Robbie.

Robbie lives in Flitwick with his owner Megan Molloy and has been regularly attending rehearsals to get to know his part and make friends with the cast – we know he’s going to be an amazing addition to the show.

When it’s cold and wet outside… why not go ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’?

BATS (Biggleswade Amateur Theatrical Society) will be performing The Wizard of Oz at Stratton Upper School, Biggleswade on Friday 23^rd January 7.30pm and Saturday 24^thJanuary 2.30pm/7.30pm.

This production is the wonderful stage musical version of the well-loved film, complete with famous songs, characters and a real Toto!

Seating is numbered, so buy now to get the best choice of seats. A great Christmas present idea to brighten up someone’s January.

Tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/bats or from Howells Newsagents, Hitchin Street, Biggleswade and Mama’s Café, High Street, Sandy. Tickets are £10 each or £35 for a family ticket (4).

Does your dog love being in the limelight? Could they be our Toto?

BATS (Biggleswade Amateur Theatrical Society) is seeking a dog to star as ‘Toto’ in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to be performed on 23^rd and 24th January, 2015 at Stratton Upper School, Biggleswade.

‘Toto’ will need to be comfortable with noise and lights and obey simple stage directions. All breeds will be considered, large or small – we’re looking for a dog with that special something!

BATS are excited to be holding their first ever doggy audition on Saturday 4^th October at Bedfordshire Growers, Potton Road, Biggleswade. Registration is from 12noon with the audition starting at 1pm, with a £5 registration fee for each budding star!

Local expert dog trainer and behaviourist, Malcolm Johnson, will be helping to host the event and run the audition exercises; these will look at skills such as recall, sit/stay and walking calmly alongside.

There will also be fun competitions such as Waggiest Tail, Best Trick and Most Adorable, with just a £2 registration fee per category.

Come along for a great time, with or without a canine friend – everyone is welcome to this family event. Meet the cast and have your photo taken with Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion! You may even spy the Wicked Witch of the West…

Choosing their dream Toto will be Alistair Burt, MP for North East Bedfordshire, the show directors Katy Gardiner and Adela Kerr and dog behaviourist Malcolm Johnson.

For more details about the doggy audition and the show please contact Adela Kerr: adela.kerr@yahoo.co.uk, 07894 055791, or see the BATS website www.bats-theatre.com

About BATS

Biggleswade Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) was formed in 1984 and is celebrating 30 years of panto, musicals, comedy and drama in 2014.

The society currently has 30+ members, including a strong junior BATS team with the youngest being just eight years old.

BATS meet each Monday evening at the Methodist Church in Biggleswade and warmly welcomes newcomers, whether for the backstage/production team or as stage performers.

For further details:

www.bats-theatre.com

Press contact – Adela Kerr: Adela.kerr@yahoo.co.uk 07894 055791

Malcolm Johnson: thedogtrainerandbehaviourist.co.uk

We would love everyone to keep coming down to the Methodist over the holidays, before Auditions for Wizard of Oz get under way.  Any new members are more than welcome too! Here is what we have on offer over the coming weeks:

MON 4TH – 7:30pm – Film Night. Come and have a fun evening watching a Sing a long version of Wizard of Oz. Refreshments available in the interval. Arrive early as the film starts at 7:30pm.

WED 6TH – 8:00pm – Wizard of Oz Production Meeting. If anyone is interested in being part of the production team in any way, shape or form, then please come along. All are welcome.

Roles that need filling are:
– set builders/painters
– wardrobe mistress (to co-ordinate costume & backstage for shows)
– anyone willing to sew
– props
– Deputy Stage Manager
– Assistant Stage Manager
– anyone interested in choreography
– Stage crew (set up & scene changes for shows)

Musicians needed:
– 2 violins
– cello
– bass
– Reeds: alto saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, flute, baritone saxophone
– 2 trumpets
– trombone
– drums
– percussion
– piano
– oboe

MON 11^TH – 7:30pm – Drama/Movement Workshop. General acting skills and some script from the show.
Dance Workshop. General group dance skills. A fun way to learn new techniques.

WED 13^TH – 8:00pm – Sing for fun. Learn new songs (some from our new show) and have fun.
Dance Workshop. As above

MON 18^TH – 8:00pm – Sing for fun. As above.

WED 20^TH – 8:00pm – St. Andrews Rehearsals. We have been asked to do a small 20 minute performance in September. This will be to rehearse our program for that day. More info on date/time of performance and the program to follow soon. Everybody welcome.

MON 25^TH – BANK HOLIDAY. NO REHEARSALS.

WED 27^TH – 8:00pm – St. Andrews Rehearsals. As above.

MON 1^ST SEP – 7:30pm – WIZARD OF OZ – First group read through of script.