Autumn seems to have arrived this weekend.  The berries on the hawthorn bush outside are plentiful and plump.  School is back and everyone has that sort of energy that you get at the start of a school year.

Which is good news for ELAPs rehearsals.  It's always a problem trying to juggle what to do in rehearsals during the summer with different people away from week to week.  In some ways it doesn't get better in the Autumn, as there are always people nipping off for a quick break and half term can be problematic.

But one thing we have to insist on is that people are around for the last month.  Think twice before declaring that you can't possibly make it to the dress rehearsal.  The director will go through the roof.

Why should this be so important?  You may know your part, but it's easy to go off the boil in the run up to the show if you've been away for a week.  Even more, it disrupts the rest of the cast.  The person who stands in simply hasn't been able to get into the part like you have, doesn't speak the same way, and doesn't move to the correct positions.

All of this takes the edge of performance.  And we want to give our best performances.  Yes sirree!

Cinderella -  not quite a panto - or should I say, a panto with a difference, is taking shape.  Madeline, our Wardrobe Witch has bustled everyone into giving their measurements.  Oh yes, all costumes are individually made.

We have an enthusiastic junior chorus ready to sing out and entertain you.

So put the 6th, 7th and 8th December in your diaries, matinee on Saturday the 8th too, to come and watch, at East Leake Village Hall.

And, momentous news, you can book your tickets and pay online too at http://www.elaps.co.uk/shop.php  with Google Checkout.

Keen on treading the boards or helping out backstage?  Come and meet us on Thursday evenings from 7.30 - 9.30 pm at East Leake Village Hall.  More details and contacts at www.elaps.co.uk