By ELOISE WALTON [email protected]
Following 12 years of performances across the Algarve, Victor Graham and Suzanne Jefferies from the Jefferies English Theatre have decided to wind down their company and donate all of their effects to the Angels Theatre Group.
Suzanne Jefferies told the Algarve Resident: “After 40 years of acting, including 12 years in the Algarve, my partner and I have decided it’s time to retire.”
She added that their ages, as well as the difficulty in being able to pay for backstage helpers, are the main reasons for winding down the theatre company.
Having performed with theatre companies all over the world, including Belgium, Germany and Kenya, Suzanne said: “It’s very hard for an actor to give up their grease paint, and we have been asked to perform one of our plays again in November, which we may still do.”
She added that she made the decision to donate the costumes and props to the Angels Theatre Group over all others in the region because all of the money raised by them is given to charity, and she knows that her treasured items will be looked after.
Aladdin’s cave
Marion Griffiths from the Angels Theatre Group said: “This is truly an Aladdin’s cave. There are boxes of gloves, hats, shoes and a trunk full of props, which include a great many pewter tankards and one false hand.”
She added: “A large quantity of wigs, in all styles and colours, will ensure that future productions from the Angels will have resources to help promote their charity endeavours.”
To ensure that these costumes and accessories stay in pristine condition for years to come, the Angels Theatre Group are now appealing for clothes rails and storage space.
The Angels Theatre Group’s next production, a Music Hall Revue, is due to be held at the Hotel Garbe in Armação de Pêra on March 20, in aid of the Castelo dos Sonhos charity in Silves.
For more information about the group and to buy tickets for their next production, please call the Hotel Garbe on 282 320 260 or Joro Lda in Almancil on 289 390 830 or Celia Mossman on 282 332 665. Tickets cost 28 euros including a buffet, wine, show and song sheets.
