Our annual charity picnic “Lark in the Park”

There is only a week to go before the fabulous “Lark in the Park” outdoor event in Parque Torre Leonera in Benahavis on Sunday 15th June 2025. Entry is by donation so please go online and book for this magical event in aid of Aspandem and the ITS building fund.

We have singer and song writer Karen Danzig plus her Del Dol Singers, and a new one-act comedy “The Val Hala Fashion Show”. Bring your friends, your picnic and your seat cushions for this fun and very enjoyable afternoon/early evening fundraiser. Free carparking spaces in the townhall’s underground carpark or on the street.

Aspandem has asked for help in finding prizes for the raffle. The raffle usually boosts the amount raised by over 1.000€ so good prizes are needed. If you have anything suitable or can offer ideas, please let us know as soon as possible. Thank you.

Wednesday 9th July at El Trapiche Cultural Centre in San Pedro.

Andrea Stevens will be directing the comedy “Four Old Broads” written by Leslie Kimbell as a rehearsed play reading.

(This is when the cast has a script in their hand to which they refer, it is costumed, has lights and music, and props but with a minimal set or no set.)

Auditions were held in May and were well attended. Andrea and Fiona, the producer, were impressed with the talent available to them and had a difficult time selecting the actors from the group attending.

Their cast is below, and includes two newcomers, Mary and Katie.

Beatrice Shelton: Sue Hall

Eaddy Mae Clayton: Mary Cooper

Imogene Fletcher: Margaret Dunkley

Pat Jones: Samantha Weaver

Maude Jenkins: Fiona Poole

Sam Smith: Paul Baker

Ruby Sue Bennett: Katie Rowlands

Director: Andrea Stevens

Producer: Fiona Poole

Stage Manager: Paloma Salgado

This hilarious comedy is about four sassy ladies living in a retirement home.

Tickets are 15€ for non-members and 13€ for ITS members. These are available on our website.

El Trapiche Cultural Centre in San Pedro is not licensed but we will provide a bar outside as usual. Doors open at 7 pm for a 7.30 pm curtain.

Auditions: Sunday 20th July 2025

Martin Curd, the director, will be holding auditions for the main play that will be performed on 17th, 18th, and 19th October 2025.

The play will be David Tristram’s “Inspector Drake and the Perfekt Crime”. It is a fast-moving comedy with slapstick and comic timing.

The producer will be Sue Hall and Sue Moreton will be the stage manager for this production.

The auditions will take place at the Age Concern Centre in San Pedro at 12.30 pm on Sunday 20th July 2025. There are parts for three men and three women.

Synopsis:

Inspector Drake is brought in to solve a murder. Did Doctor Short murder his fourth wife, or did she murder him first? Why did Sabrina’s marriage to Mervin the Mountie fail in Canada? Was Short’s wife a warthog?

Characters:

3 male / 3 female

Drake Male / Any age

Sleuth extraordinaire. Insane? …. Perhaps. A romantic? …. Perhaps. Shrewd …. Undoubtedly.

PC Plod Male / Over 40

Hapless constable who is as daft as a brush and ends up the butt of many of the jokes and gags

Dr Short Male / Mature – 50 / 60 / 70 years

Highly intelligent. Dry witted. Smart. Sneaky. Likeable? … Not really!

Sabrina Female / 20/30/40/50’s

Young enough to be Dr. Short’s daughter

Miss Short Female / 20/30/40/50’s

Is she really Dr. Short’s daughter?

Mrs Short Female – Any age – Dr Short’s fourth wife.

Small role at the outset of the play.

If you wish to attend, please reply to this email. If for any reason, you cannot attend the auditions but are interested, please also let us know.

Other Future Dates for your diary

*Wednesday 10th September: Peter Brooks will be leading a play reading evening. He has chosen a comedy that you will certainly know, and we will be dressing up again (if you wish) so start looking for your 50s/60s UK holiday wear. We are thinking sunglasses, beads, bangles, socks with sandals, loud shirts, shorts, summer dresses, summer hats etc

*Friday 17th, Saturday 18th, Sunday 19th October: Martin Curd will direct the main play by David Tristram, “Inspector Drake and the Perfekt Crime”.

* Friday 14th November is our 50th Anniversary party ay El Gammonal Restaurant.

*Friday 12th December is our Christmas celebration meal at Urban Chai.

*Wednesday 21st January 2026 A rehearsed play reading

*Wednesday 18th February 2026 A play reading

*Wednesday 18th March 2026 Our Annual General Meeting

*Wednesday 15th April 2026 a rehearsed play reading

*Friday 8th, Saturday 9th, Sunday 10th May 2026 our main play, “Ladies’ Day” directed by Sheila Mellor

Sunday 15th June 2025 is our annual Lark in the Park Charity event in the Parque Torre de Leonera in Benahavis.

Please join us for this magical outdoor event. Appearing live on the night is the wonderfully talented singer and songwriter Karen Danzig. She will be belting out her repertoire and encouraging us to dance. She is also bringing her brilliant Del Sol Singers to entertain.

And of course, we start the evening with a one act play written by Sheila Mellor, Kate Jackson and Sandra Mole. They have re-named it the “Val Hala Fashion Show”. (It was originally monikered “After a Fashion”.)

Naturally, it’s a comedy, with a large cast of some of our superb actors.

The chosen charity this year is Aspandem. Created in 1980 and based in San Pedro, their aim is to provide support to children and adults with disabilities. They offer special attention and help to individuals and offer a lifeline to the families who may need assessment or help on this coast. They work alongside the two local townhall administrations and the Ministry of Health. The employ over 140 people and have several centres including two residences for adults and an education centre.

The proceeds of this event will be shared with Aspandem and our ITS’ building and equipment fund, as we strive to find and then fund our forever home.

Entry to this event is by donation via our website. The minimum suggested amount is 20€ per person. Book HERE

Then all you have to do is come along, bring your friends and your picnic, and a cushion for the theatre seating. Be prepared to relax, eat, drink and enjoy an awesome afternoon that turns into an evening of laughter and dancing, if you wish!

The park opens at 3pm, the amphitheatre opens at 6pm and the show begins at 6.30 pm. We will be out of the park before 10 pm.

Free car parking is available at the Town Hall in their underground carpark or in the surrounding streets.

Please note that there are no facilities to purchase food or drink near the venue.

The park is easily accessible and there are a couple of disabled parking spaces outside the main gate. There are two sets of toilets in the park area.

Dear Friend and Supporter

An Inspector Calls
This is your last reminder to buy your tickets for An Inspector Calls by JB Priestley. Peter Brooks and his wonderful cast and the backstage team, led by Andrea Stevens, are ready to go. It is on this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Hotel Paraiso at 7.30 pm. Bar will be open from 7pm.

Auditions on 17th May
Andrea Stevens, the director and Fiona Poole, the producer are holding auditions for Four Old Broads written by Leslie Kimbell, on Saturday 17th May 2025 at the Age Concern venue in San Pedro at 12 noon.
The address is Pasaje Armando No.2, San Pedro 29680
This comedy romp has seven cast members. Full details are on our website, but a separate mailing will be sent out next week with all the character details. Come along and give it a go!

A paid opportunity to entertain!
Here is a brilliant chance to dress up and attend a private party for 50 people in Nueva Andalucia on Saturday 24th May 2025.
They need five people (three men and two females) for five hours (13.00 to 18.00) dressed as hippies, with the men also doubling up as paparazzi and a movie director. The event is improvised to create a “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” theme. The actors will greet people giving them information and tasks.
Payment is 120 € per person which includes travel. If you are interested, please reply ASAP to info@internationaltheatrestudio.org

The Lark in the Park 2025
Our annual charity fundraising event will be on Sunday 15th June 2025 at the Parque Torre de Leonera in Benahavis. All proceeds to be shared by Aspandem and ITS building fund.
Admission is by donation and bookings can be made via our website. The brilliant Karen
Danzig, singer and performer, will be entertaining us herself along with her Del Sol Singers. We have a new play “After a Fashion” to debut, a great comedy to make you laugh out loud.
This annual outdoor charity event is a very special day. You bring your friends and a picnic and we provide the entertainment. Park gates open at 3pm, amphitheatre opens at 6pm. The show starts at 6.30 pm.

A wonderful night out for Age Concern, Marbella and San Pedro
Well-known Soul and Motown Singer, Mr Maph will be the entertainment for the Charity Gala Dinner Dance on Saturday 31st May 2025 at El Gamonal Restaurante in San Pedro. The evening starts at 7.30 pm with a welcome drink and nibbles, followed by a threecourse meal with the drinks included (until after the dinner).
The cost is 85€ per person, with proceeds going to maintain and develop the Social and Activity Centre, and for the Hardship Fund for those living on the coast with a limited income, to help with one-off unforeseen circumstances.
The menu is below.
Bookings by email please, including your menu choices, to:
events@ageconcernmarbella.com Payment is required in advance by bank transfer to:
Account name: Asociación Age Concern Marbella y San Pedro IBAN:ES15 0081 2097 6700
0125 3229 BIC: BSABESBBXXX Banco Sabadell Solbank, Guadalmina

GALA MENU

Starters to share on the table between 4 people

· House salad
· Chicken and ham croquettes
· King prawns in pil-pil sauce
· Fried calamari with tartar sauce

Main course to choose from:

· Tenderloin of pork with pepper sauce
· Grilled fillet of sea bream

The main courses are accompanied by truffled potato cake and seasonal vegetables. A vegetarian option can be provided on request. The main course menu choice must be made in advance. ·

House dessert
Drinks included are:

· Rioja Crianza red wine
· Rueda Verdejo white wine
· House Cava
· Water, beer and soft drinks
· Coffees and infusions

After dinner, all drinks will be paid for separately by individuals.
Age Concern.

Bookings by email please, including your menu choices, to:
events@ageconcernmarbella.com Payment is required in advance by bank transfer to: Account name: Asociación Age Concern Marbella y San Pedro IBAN:ES15 0081 2097 6700 0125 3229 BIC: BSABESBBXXX Banco Sabadell Solbank, Guadalmina.

Dear Friend and Supporter

An Inspector Calls
An Inspector Calls written by JB Priestley and directed by Peter Brooks will be performed on Friday 9th, Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th May 2025 at the Hotel El Paraiso.
Experience a captivating evening filled with suspense, thought-provoking social insights and unforgettable characters in this ITS rendition of JB Priestley’s masterpiece.
Peter has an amazing team and cast with Paul Baker, Laurie Passman, Sheila Mellor, Martin Curd, Samantha Weaver, and PJ Lopez on stage.
Tickets are available now on our website. These are 19.50€ for ITS members and 22€ for nonmembers. The theatre door opens at 7pm for a 7.30 curtain. The hotel has good car parking and a full bar available before and after the play.


Auditions will be held on Saturday 17th May 2025
Andrea Stevens will be directing the comedy Four Old Broads written by Leslie Kimbell about an upscale retirement home. Fiona Poole will be the producer.
Four sassy senior ladies need a break from bingo and macramé. They want to take a Caribbean cruise. Unfortunately, things have not been pleasant in the care home since a nasty nurse came to work there. A mystery unfolds with laughter as the old gals try to outsmart her.
It has a cast of seven (six females and one male) and auditions are being held on Saturday 17th May 2025 at the Age Concern Centre in San Pedro at 12 noon.
The play will be performed on Wednesday 9th July 2025 at El Trapiche in San Pedro.
It is a rehearsed play reading.
Andrea is looking for actors to play the four old broads: Beatrice, Eaddy, Imogene and Maude plus the Pat the nurse, Ruby a younger nurse, and another senior resident, Sam, a retired Elvis impersonator.
If you are interested or have any questions, please email Andrea on andreastevens001@yahoo.co.uk


Lark in the Park Sunday 15th June 2025
Thank you to everyone who came to the auditions on Saturday 12th April, it was a very successful afternoon. Sheila Mellor, Kate Jackson and Sandra Mole, the playwrights of “After a Fashion” are delighted with the 15 cast members.

More information will follow soon.


Dates for your diary
*Wednesday 10th September 2025 is the date for a play reading evening directed by Peter Brooks.
* DATE CHANGE: The autumn production dates have had to change as the theatre requested it. We are now performing “Inspector Drake and the Perfekt Crime” by David Tristram on 17th, 18th and 19th October 2025.
*Our 50th Anniversary celebration dinner dance and party will be held at Restaurante El Gamonal in San Pedro on Friday 14th November 2025. This will be a three-course dinner with a cava reception followed by music for dancing. Please reserve the date.
*Our annual Christmas party will be held at Urban Chai in San Pedro on Friday 12th December 2025.


June Rendle-Curtain Call
A huge thanks to Miles and his sister Nikki for organising such a lovely tribute evening to the late June Rendle, their mother. Over 80 tickets were sold, and the entire cast produced a great evening. They did her proud!

Dear Friend and Supporter

June Rendle: Curtain-Call
Our next event is only two weeks away, on Wednesday 2ndApril 2025 at El Trapiche Cultural Centre in San Pedro.

Miles Rendle is directing a tribute to his late mother, June Rendle. June was one of our lifelong members, a talented actor, director and playwright for many years on the coast. Miles and his cast have prepared a funny, poignant and entertaining evening with lots of laughter and possibly a few tears. He has a super cast with Rebecca Flowerdew, Kate Jackson, Sheila Mellor, Margaret Dunkley, Beverley Stonehewer and Nikki Cheetham, June’s daughter who is travelling from the UK for this special event.

Tickets are available online HERE
12€ for ITS members and 15€ for non-members.

This venue is not licensed but we will provide a limited bar service outside as usual. Free car parking is available on the streets around the venue.

Doors open at 7pm with curtain up at 7.30 pm.

An Inspector Calls written by JB Priestley and directed by Peter Brooks.
Thank you to everyone who came to the auditions, Peter has now selected his cast as follows:

Arthur Birling Laurie Passman
Gerald Croft Martin Curd
Sheila Birling Samantha Weaver
Sybil Birling Sheila Mellor
Eric Birling PJ Lopez
Inspector Goole Paul Baker
Edna, the maid To be confirmed

Producer Andrea Stevens
Assistant to the Director Janet Barnett
Stage Manager Susan Morton

The dates for the performances are Friday 9thMay, Saturday 10thMay and Sunday 11thMay 2025, all at the Hotel El Paraiso.

Tickets will be 19.50 € for ITS members and 22 € for non-members

Tickets are on sale now via our website HERE.

Membership is now due!
Our membership year runs from January to December, so membership renewals are due. The cost is 15 € per person or 20 € for two people at the same address. You can renew online via our website HERE or see Janet Barnett, our membership secretary at any of our events and pay cash.

The Annual General Meeting: Special Recognition
Thank you to everyone who attended the annual general meeting. The minutes, the annual accounts and the President’s Report have been circulated and are also on the ITS website. We continue to recognise the long service of our willing volunteers, something that we started in 2020. The following people were nominated this year:

Ursula Russell
Bobbye Aaron
Kate Jackson
John Jackson
Hayward Elliott
Peter Arnott
Russell Hood
Ruth Baldwin

You can see all the previous nominations on our website HERE.

Lark in the Park: Date Change
We have had to change the original date; it is now on Sunday 15thJune 2025 at the Parque Torre Leonera in Benahavis.

The charity this year will be Aspandem. It was created in 1980 to provide support to local children and adults with disabilities. All the proceeds made for this event will be shared equally with the charity and ITS building and equipment fund.

Sheila Mellor is directing the play this year (see details below) and Karen Danzig and her Del Sol Singers are providing the entertainment and the music for dancing.

Auditions on Saturday 12thApril 2025 at the Age Concern Centre in San Pedro.
Sheila Mellor, Sandra Mole and Kate Jackson are writing a play especially for us called “After a Fashion “about a fashion show set in a beach club.
They are holding auditions on Saturday 12thApril at 12 noon at the Age Concern Centre in San Pedro.

There are looking for 15 to 20 cast members as follows:

*Giovanni, the gay dresser and best friends with the models
*Pedro Pedro, the Spanish designer and a Casanova, owner of the Beach Club
*Moonbeam and Rainbow, two English sisters recently scouted as new models
*Brooklyn, was a chambermaid but now an aspiring model from New York
*DD, a former prostitute from Paris, first time model but wants to be an actor
*Marigold, a posh English chic and a reluctant model
*Marigold’s over-protective mother, who wanted to be a model herself
*Marigold’s father, divorced from the mother and believes his daughter is at university.
*Two compères
*Photographer
*Janitor
*Dresser
*Police Officer
A panel of Judges

This play will be improvised so will be lots of fun and will not require long pre-learned speeches. The writers have created real characters, the setting, a good story line and no requirement for cast members to look or dress like “traditional “models. Humour is the order of the day, in the visual, physical and spoken form.
This is a real opportunity to take part in a fun performance for charity. If you would like more information, please email us atinfo@internationaltheatrestudio.org

The performance date is Sunday 15thJune 2025 outside in the Parque Torre Leonera in Benahavis, and there will be several rehearsals beforehand.

An event for Adana, the charity for abandoned animals
Adana have an event on Saturday 26thApril 2025 at Taberna 2, Plaza Miramar 2, El Castillo de la Duquesa. 20€ per person with a choice of main meals and desserts. It is a 1980’s Karaoke night.

For more details contact adanaevents@gmail.com