It’s the last post of the year, and what a lot to there is to write about.

Let’s start with a huge ‘well done’ to Paula, Ellen and all the cast and crew of As You Like It – what a hugely joyful show, full of light, laughter and music – a real treat.

The SSA is closing the year in style, by picking up 5 nominations for April’s A Winter’s Tale in the Daily Echo Curtain Call Awards.  Congratulations to Andy Thomas and Rob Bartlett for their “Best Actor in a Shakespeare Play” nominations, Susie Coutts for her “Best Actress in a Shakespeare Play” nomination, Penelope Ping for her “Best Supporting Actress in a Shakespeare Play” nomination, and Nick Downes for his “Best Director of a Shakespeare Play” nomination.  The awards ceremony is on the 27th January, so fingers crossed for all of you.

Cabin Pressure is making a welcome return for a Christmas special, this Monday, 19th December, at 7.30pm in HQ.  This is a members only event and you do need tickets – so hopefully all of you responded to Mr Bartlett’s kind offer via the SSA Facebook page.  If you’re coming, remember your Christmas jumpers and your singing voices, as we’ll be rounding off the evening with a few Christmas classics.

Finally, let’s look forward to 2017, our big “7 0” year.  Pericles is being cast as we speak, ready for an April production, and plans are being drawn up for the rest of the year.  I’m hearing a couple of big beast Shakespeares, potentially a Rattigan, some in-house productions, and maybe even a party!  Keep your eyes on this website and on our Facebook page for more details

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you out there in SSA land.