Autumn evenings with the annual Woodlanders Variety Show

This time of year, in the lovely, leafy village of East Woodlands, on the edge of Longleat Estate, is the scene of much activity as local entertainers get ready for their annual variety show. 

The annual Woodlanders Variety Show has taken place at East Woodlands Village Hall, known by the locals for one week only as The Hippodrome, since 1977.  

A member of the Woodlanders said, “Mrs Tudgay, the choir mistress of the local church, had the idea of arranging a show featuring local people to raise money for the village hall, which was in desperate need of repair at that time. The show has evolved over the years but has always had its roots in music and comedy.” 

The Woodlanders are looking forward to welcoming members of the Gateway Club, a Frome-based group for adults with learning disabilities, to watch a special dress rehearsal at the village hall on Thursday 3rd October.  

Having visited the Gateway Club at their home base of Trinity Hall to put on a performance for them a year or two ago, they are now planning to give them a feel of the magic of The Woodlanders in their own special environment. 

“Anyone who has never felt the charm of The Woodlanders’ experience should buy a ticket and treat themselves to an enjoyable autumn evening in the historic surroundings of the beautiful East Woodlands Village Hall,” says a member of the Woodlanders. “It was originally built in 1834 by the Marquis of Bath as a school where the village children could receive an education. This setting, approached through the village and down a pretty wooded lane, is quintessentially Somerset. There is magic here that ‘townies’ can only dream about. 

“The show has its origins in music and variety but each year it is completely different and new thanks to the input of the cast, primarily Glyn Carpenter, who writes much of the material.  

“Audiences of a certain age will recognize the influence of acts like The Two Ronnies, George Formby, Acorn Antiques, Morecambe and Wise, Bernard Cribbins, Mae West and their ilk. Many favourite musical numbers are also included in the programme.  

“We continue to embrace our beginnings with the show being staged to raise funds for charities in the local area. There is no single thing which defines The Woodlanders. It is a mix of so many things; the warm welcome and convivial atmosphere, the historic building, now comfortable and beautifully kept, the licensed bar, the café seating and even a new piano to lift your spirits further.” 

The Woodlanders Variety Show has been described by the group as a two-hour ‘spectacle of fun, laugher and singing.’ It runs from Monday 7th to Saturday 12th October. With performances, Monday to Friday at 7.45pm and Saturday’s performance being a matinee only at 2pm.  

To get your ticket, call Ann Hart 01373 764291 or 07510 919573 or email annhart68@ymail.com. Tickets are £10 for Monday’s preview show and £12.50 for all other performances.   

Find them on Facebook or www.thewoodlanders.biz