Dear Friend and Supporter
Ladies’ Day written by Amanda Whittington
This is your last chance to book tickets for this brilliant comedy, a fully staged play being performed on Friday 8th, Saturday 9thand Sunday 10thMay at the Hotel TRH El Paraiso at 7.30 pm. Tickets are on sale now via our website, 19.50 € for ITS members and 22€ for non-members.
Saturday evening is almost sold out but we still have tickets for all nights.
Sheila Mellor is directing, with Andrea Stevens as producer and they have an amazingly great cast. It’s a brilliant comedy and guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. The hotel bar is open from 6.30 pm and there is good carparking directly outside the hotel and in their overflow spaces slightly lower down the road.
***Please be aware that there are two road closures: the access road across to the Benahavis Road from the Ronda Road (a well-used shortcut), and Calle Azahar in Benavista, so please access the hotel from the A7 coast road taking the Benavista slip road off as though you are going to Neli G’s/La Grappa. Proceed past the latter two eateries, drive to the end of the road and take the right turn into Avenida de la Gardenia. Follow this road right to the end, El Paraiso Golf club is on the left, take the right turn up the hill to the hotel.***
Auditions Saturday 16thMay 2026
We will be holding auditions for our main autumn production on Saturday 16thMay at the Age Concern Centre in San Pedro at 10 am.
Andrea Stevens will be directing Four Old Broads on the High Seas written by Leslie Kimbell.
This is a high energy comedy and will be performed for three nights in October 2026. It has a large cast so there are lots of opportunities for people to consider.
Full details are on our website. Please contact Andrea with any queries and to confirm your attendance on stevensandrea39@gmail.com
The Lark in the Park
Our annual charity fundraiser is on Sunday 7thJune 2026 at the Parque Torre Leonera in Benahavis. This is a unique and magical early evening outdoor event with a play, entertainment, picnic and dancing to songs performed live by the well-known singer Paul Hull.
One of our own seriously talented members, Kate Jackson, has written a new play called The Fun Factory. She has secured a wonderful cast who will portray the story of the entertainers of the Vaudeville era. She has: Paul Baker, Andrew Gommersal, Jamie Stonehewer, Martin Curd, Laurie Passman, David Grainge, Roger Humpidge, Simon Beale, newcomer Darren Merritt, Paloma Salgado, Fiona Poole, Sandra Mole, Eleanor Schuman, and newcomer Lucy Amans.
Paul Hull is a dynamic live performer whose high-energy shows seamlessly blend rock, pop, country, blues, soul, funk, and folk into one irresistible set. Born and raised in Northern Ireland and now based in Marbella, Spain, he brings over 30 years of professional experience as a lead singer and guitarist — whether fronting bands or performing as a compelling solo artist.
A seasoned songwriter and producer, Paul has enjoyed success with his original material and has produced multiple recordings for artists across Ireland. Equally skilled at delivering heartfelt originals or crowd-pleasing covers, he has built a strong reputation for weddings, events, and lively solo shows that consistently fill venues and keep dancefloors busy.
Influenced by guitar-led music across genres, Paul’s performances are defined by soulful vocals, tasteful guitar playing, and an infectious sense of fun. His magnetic personality and audience-focused approach ensure every show is dynamic, engaging, and guaranteed to get crowds singing and dancing.
Perfect for major venues, festivals, and high-profile events, Paul Hull delivers a versatile, professional, and unforgettable live music experience.
The chosen charity this year is Emaus.
Since 1996, the organization has dedicated its efforts to providing daily food support and a welcoming space for people facing vulnerable situations. Its mission is rooted in respect for human dignity and the firm conviction in the inherent value of every individual. Through the delivery of nutritious meals and compassionate accompaniment, it seeks to alleviate basic needs and offer a ray of hope.
Entry to Lark In The Park will be by donation. The minimum donation is 20€ please. The proceeds from the event will be shared between Emaus and the building and equipment fund for ITS. Donations can be made via our website.
Attendees bring their own picnic and drinks, plus a cushion for the amphitheatre. Portable tables, deck chairs, picnic rugs, cooler boxes etc are all welcome in the park. Free car parking is made available in the town hall car park, courtesy of the council of Benahavis.
Please reserve the date!
We have another audition on Saturday 13thJune 2026 for The Regina Monologues, a rehearsed play reading directed by Fiona Poole.
More details will follow soon.
Wednesday 15th July 2026
We have a rehearsed play reading at Centro Polivalente in Nueva Andalucia on Wednesday 15thJuly. Fiona Poole will be directing The Regina Monologues written by Rebecca Russell and Jenny Wafer.
Six modern women have married one man, Henry. There are three Catherines, two Annes and one Jane. Their lives are both separate and intertwined. It’s a personal story with humour, pathos and a great deal of wine.
Details will follow nearer the time.
Dear Friend and Supporter
We are bursting with excitement to share the great news about our summer programme!
Three events in three months….May, June and July 2026.
May 8th, 9th and 10th at the Hotel El Paraiso
Tickets are selling well for Ladies’ Day, a brilliantly funny comedy about four ladies from Hull visiting Royal Ascot for the first time. It is written by Amanda Whittington and will be directed by Sheila Mellor, with Andrea Stevens as producer.
It’s a great cast with Hannah Murray, Margaret Dunckley, Eileen Audas and Beverley Stonehewer as our leading ladies. Tickets are 19.50 € for ITS members and 22 € for non-members.
Sunday June 7th Lark in the Park at the Parque Torre de Leonera in Benahavis
Thanks to everyone who auditioned for Kate Jackson’s brand-new play called ‘The Fun House”. What an amazing cast we have for this event!!!
The guys: Paul Baker, Andrew Gommersal, Jamie Stonehewer, Martin Curd, Laurie Passman, David Grainge, Roger Humpidge, Simon Beale, and newcomer Darren Merritt.
The gals: Paloma Salgado, Fiona Poole, Sandra Mole, Eleanor Schuman, and newcomer Lucy Amans.
Renowned singer entertainer Paul Hull will be performing after the play.
Producer Fiona Poole and director Kate Jackson cannot wait to bring this event to life this year for another worthy charity, Emaus who run food banks along the coast.
Entry will be by donation. More details to follow when the event is officially available on the website.
Wednesday 15th July 2026: A rehearsed play reading at Centro Polivalente in Nueva Andalucia
The Regina Monologues written by Rebecca Russell and Jenny Wafer will be directed by Fiona Poole.
Six modern women have married one man, Henry. There are three Catherines, two Annes and one Jane. Their lives are both separate and intertwined. It’s a personal story with humour, pathos and a great deal of wine.
Details will follow nearer the time.
Thanks to Jamie and Beverley Stonehewer
We had a super night with Bev and Jamie’s play reading night at Atalaya Golf and Country club. Lots of members came to read parts and we had a lot of laughs plus pizza and drinks. Thank you to everyone who supported this event.
Age Concern Charity Gala Dinner
On Saturday 2nd May 2026, Age Concern Marbella-San Pedro will be holding their charity dinner at Guadalmina Golf Club. The evening starts at 7.30 pm with a welcome drink and canapes followed by a three-course meal along with wine, beer and soft drinks included during the dinner. The tickets are 89€ each.
Entertainment is by vocalist Helena Paul, who is originally from London but well-known across Europe for her performances. An auction and raffle will be held on the night.
The event is an important opportunity for Age Concern to raise funds to maintain and develop their Social Activity Centre and for the hardship fund.
Please support this event, you never know when you or your friends might need to use their services. They do an incredible job supporting people in difficulty. They also provide regular social experiences, exercise classes and advice sessions with willing volunteers leading these.
The menu is available here...
Bookings by email please, including your menu choices, to: events@ageconcernmarbella.com
Payment can be made HERE, and all bookings are provisional until payment is received.
Please note that these are external links and are not managed by ITS
Want to work backstage with us?
On Saturday 4th April we will be taking part in a second technical training session for lighting, sound and special effects. If you can attend, please let us know immediately by replying to this email. Thanks.
Audition for Lark in the Park
Kate Jackson and Fiona Poole are holding auditions on Saturday 11th April 2026 at the Age Concern venue in San Pedro from 11 am. All are welcome to participate.
Kate has written a play “The Fun Factory” based on the story of Vaudeville. She will be directing it for our Lark in the Park charity event on 7.6.26. Fiona is the producer.
Please reply to this email if would like to attend or if you need any more information.
Upcoming audition date for Four Old Broads
Andrea Stevens will be holding auditions on Saturday 16th May 2026. Please reserve the date. More info will follow soon. The play will be performed for three nights in October 2026.
A fun play reading evening
Our next event is on Wednesday 15th April 2026 at Atalaya Golf and Country Club. Beverley and Jamie Stonehewer will be leading a play reading evening. These two are known for their sense of fun and their acting abilities. It will be a great night out.
It is a play with lots of parts for people to read so it could be your time to shine, or you can simply sit, listen, laugh and enjoy yourself!
The ticket cost is 14€ for ITS members and 17€ for non-members. This includes pizza slices and one drink. We are meeting at 6.15 pm onwards with the curtain up at 6.45 pm. Pizzas will be served around 7.45 pm.
Havana 65 Cocktails and Entertainment Evening
Thank you to everyone who supported this event and created another sell-out night for us. This is a lovely new venue right in the centre of San Pedro and we hope to use it again.
Bernie Murray and Sheila Mellor led this event with a good cast of other members to read the parts. It was a lovely and enjoyable experience. Well done to all involved.
The Annual General Meeting
All the existing officers and Board members were re-elected. Sheila Mellor and Fiona Poole were confirmed as our new vice presidents. Kate Jackson and Sandra Mole formally joined the Board.
Martin presented his annual report, Eileen presented her annual accounts, and the Special Recognition awards were made.
Karl and Delia Maresz were awarded Honorary Membership, our highest award which places them amongst some very worthy past winners. Their long service and commitment to ITS recognised their work on set design and building, Board membership, and front of house.
All the awards (and the reports) will be in the minutes of the AGM and later on our website.
Tickets for Ladies’ Day 8th, 9th and 10th May 2026
Tickets are on sale now for this brilliant comedy drama written by Amanda Whittington.
Sheila Mellor is directing, with Andrea Stevens as producer. Tickets are 19.50 € for ITS members and 22€ for non-members. Sheila has a fantastic cast currently in rehearsal for this fully staged and costumed play.
Best Wishes,
Martin Curd, President
Dear Friend and Supporter
Bookings are open and are selling fast for our event on 11th March 2026. We only have 13 tickets left.
A Cocktails and Entertainment evening is being held in a brand new venue,
Havana 65 Bar situated in the centre of San Pedro. They specialise in cocktails!
We have a lovely evening planned with comedy poetry directed by Bernie Murray in Act One and a one act comedy play in Act Two directed by Sheila Mellor. Tickets are 10 € for ITS members and 13€ for non-members.
We need to correct an error from the last newsletter...we have been offered a private DOWN STAIRS room for this relaxing and entertaining evening. We are meeting for cocktails at 7pm and starting the show at 7.30pm. All are welcome.
Just a final reminder about the next auditions Saturday 7th March
Auditions will be held for "Ladies Day" by Amanda Whittington. Sheila Mellor will be directing this brilliant comedy on the 8th, 9th and 10th May 2026.
She is holding auditions on Saturday 7th March at 12.30 pm at the Age Concern Centre in San Pedro. There are parts for four women and six small cameo roles for men.
Please let Sheila know by email on s_mellor1@icloud.com (please note the underscore after the s) if you intend to audition. She has the audition pieces available in advance if you’d like them. Full details of the characters, the play and the audition information is on our website.
Our annual general meeting (AGM)
This year we will be meeting at Urban Chai Restaurant in San Pedro for our annual general meeting on Wednesday 25th March 2026. All papers and reports for the meeting will be sent out soon. All members are welcome and ITS will provide a complimentary light supper at the end of the meeting.
Assemble at 6.30 pm for drinks, the meeting starts at 7 pm, food will be served at 8pm. Finish at 9.15 pm.
If you are intending to come, please reply to this email with your name. Thank you.
Our April event with Beverley and Jamie Stonehewer
Now, if you are a regular ITS supporter, you will know that whatever Bev and Jamie direct or perform in, it will be very good and usually very funny. So, please reserve the date for this play reading evening, Wednesday 15th April 2026.
Best Wishes,
Martin Curd, President
Be part of the coast’s most vibrant club for English speaking theatre: comedy, play readings and much more.
Become a member today!
Join the ITS Membership Club and spice up your cultural life by unlocking immediate access to some wonderful entertainment and the opportunity to meet new people each month. Members always get discounted ticket prices for our productions. Plus more advantages are coming soon, please read on below!
International Theatre Studio is currently asking for existing and new members to sign up online. We have a new system on our website. This will automate all our memberships and enable you to access the discounted prices.
The annual cost of single membership is 15€ per person.
This membership will enable you to make savings on ticket prices for our productions. Please be advised that ITS will not be offering double memberships anymore.
We usually hold eleven events each year which include our annual Lark in the Park Charity event, our Christmas celebration, our Annual General Meeting, two fully staged main productions running for three nights each, and a combination of six play readings or rehearsed play readings. All are held in local venues around San Pedro, Nueva Andalucia, Estepona area and Marbella.
We are excited to be working on potential new benefits for members including priority access to bookings, first access to numbered seating plans and unique members only events, watch this space for more information.
PLEASE NOTE:
Once you have purchased your membership or memberships they will be reserved but not activated.
To activate each membership follow the link in the purchase confirmation email and add the full name and email address of each member. This only takes a minute and ensures the right people get full access and benefits.
Once this is complete each member will receive an email with a QR code on it that contains their unique membership number. This will be a mixture of numerals and letters, six digits long.
** Please keep this safe in order to receive your discounted ticket prices when booking in the future**
Purchase your ITS Membership HERE
So with one click, you can enter a world of theatre, fun and informal social gatherings. We look forward to welcoming you in person at the ‘front of house’.
Please advise if you have any questions or come and see me, Janet Barnett, ITS membership manager at the next event. I can help you navigate online to sign up. Or reply to this email and we will contact you.
Best wishes
Janet Barnett
Membership Manager
Dear Friend and Supporter
Happy new year to you and your family. We wish you peace, joy, good health and happiness for 2026.
Yes, Prime Minister
We open the new year programme with Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn's play Yes, Prime Minister, directed by Miles Rendle and produced by Sheila Mellor.
We will be performing this on Wednesday 21st January 2026 at the Polivalente Centre in Nueva Andalucia at 7.30 pm. It is a rehearsed play reading.
It is based on the popular British political satire sitcom written by the same playwrights.
Tickets are on sale now via our website. These are 8€ for ITS members and 10€ for non-members.
Miles has a tremendous cast with Russell Hood, Andrew Gommersall, Bernie Murray, Martin Curd, Sheila Mellor and Samantha Weaver.
The venue is not licensed but we will provide a pop-up bar with a limited range of drinks, held outside for a donation.
There is plenty of free on-street car parking and easy access in this new venue.
Christmas Celebration
Thanks to everyone who attended our meal and mini-pantomine at La Grappa. We had an entertaining night thanks to Kate Jackson who wrote and directed the mini-panto and to Sheila Mellor who organised our members to showcase their talents.
Our February event ...
Martin Curd will be leading our play reading evening on Wednesday 18th February 2026 at the Atalaya Golf and Country Club. He is calling it "A Barnyard Tail evening" and the readers will be dressing up. Props and costumes where needed will be provided on the night. Play reading evenings are your chance to read a part and showcase your talent, or simply sit, listen and enjoy.
Tickets for this event are available on our website and are 14€ for ITS members and 17€ for non-members. This will include pizza slices with one drink provided.
Meeting from 6 pm onwards for a 6.30 pm start.
Our Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Our next AGM will be held on Wednesday 25th March 2026. Papers and details to follow asap. Please reserve the date.
THESPA, based in Fuengirola
Eileen Audas, our treasurer, is also the secretary of THESPA, an English speaking, well established, monthly "play reading with supper" group based in Fuengirola. They meet at the Masonic Lodge each month for a meal, reading and social night out.
They are looking for a volunteer President ......might this be you or someone you know?
If so, please reply to this email ASAP.
Best Wishes,
Martin Curd, President
Dear Friend and Supporter
It's our Christmas celebration
If you haven't already booked for our Christmas celebration evening at La Grappa Restaurant on Friday 12th December 2025, you need to do so before Friday 6th December please as we have to notify the restaurant of the meal choices in advance.
The cost is 32€ per person for two courses, 37€ each for three courses. This includes a tip, the entertainment and the booking fee. The menu is at the end of this email and repeated online when you book the tickets and select the food choices.
All drinks are extra and have to be paid for as you order them please.
We are meeting at 6.30 pm, with the meal at 7.15 pm.
Kate Jackson is directing a mini pantomime and Sheila Mellor is coordinating the entertainment. We will be showcasing our talented members, so if you have a party piece, please let Sheila know by replying to this email ASAP!
This is a fun, relaxed, sociable and enjoyable annual event and we look forward to seeing you.
Yes, Prime Minister
We open the new year with a rehearsed play reading.
Miles Rendle will be directing “Yes, Prime Minister” written by Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn on Wednesday 21st January 2026 at the Polivalente Centre in Nueva Andalucia at 7.30 pm. Sheila Mellor is the producer.
Thank you to everyone who auditioned last weekend, Miles has a fabulous cast as follows:
Jim Hacker: Russell Hood
Sir Humphrey Appleby, Cabinet Secretary: Bernard Murray
Bernard Wooley, Principal Private Secretary: Andrew Gommersall
Claire Sutton, Special Policy Adviser: Sheila Mellor
Reporter: Samantha Weaver
Ambassador: Martin Curd
The synopsis is:
A wry quick-footed political comedy in which the Prime Minister faces an impossible diplomatic scandal. Three men and one fiercely capable woman navigate a storm of ethics, ambition and exquisitely timed chaos inside the beating heart of government.
Tickets are available now on our website and are 8€ for ITS members and 10€ for non-members. This new venue is easily accessible. It is not licensed but we will provide a limited bar service outside, with payment by donation.
Car parking is available on-street outside the venue.
Our 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner
Thank you to everyone who attended this lovely event and helped us to celebrate our fiftieth year of providing live theatre on this coast. It was wonderful to see past presidents, Board members, long-standing members with over 40 years, 35 years, 30 years etc connection with ITS, alongside our newer recruits.
The raffle raised 600€ for the ITS building and equipment fund. Thank you for your generosity.
A special souvenir programme was produced by Eileen Audas and Fiona Poole, and sponsored by Eileen. We have some copies left for those not able to attend the dinner. These will be available at our next events.
We were delighted that Sue Hall was released from hospital in time for the party, following her four week stay. During this time she sadly missed the Inspector Drake production despite all the planning and preparation she had done for it, as the producer.
Resignations
Sadly, PJ Lopez our vice president, and Peter Brooks, one of our longstanding Board members, have both resigned from the Board. We will miss them both as they have been instrumental in our planning and producing some fabulous past productions. We know that they will both continue to participate in our future events, thank goodness!
New appointments
Sheila Mellor and Fiona Poole have both been asked to be vice presidents, and have agreed. Kate Jackson and Sandra Mole have both been asked to join the Board. All these posts will be ratified by members at our Annual General Meeting in March 2026.
Suggestions for plays
Our play reading committee would love to hear from you if you have seen any really good plays recently that we might be able to do. We like the classics, new plays, quirky plays, funny plays, murder mysteries etc
So please let us know.
Christmas Celebration Menu
Please choose from the following:
Starters
1. Vegetable Soup
2. Goats Cheese Salad
3. Prawn Cocktail
Mains
4. Roast Turkey
5. Vegetable Lasagne
6. Sea Bass
all served with vegetables carrots, peas and broccoli
Desserts
7. Mince pie with custard
8. Creme Caramel
9. Ice cream
If you have any dietary needs please contact Ruth as soon as possible.
La Grappa Restaurant is in the Centro Comercial Las Palmeras in Benavista, 29680.
There is plenty of parking available right outside
Best Wishes,
Martin Curd, President
Dear Supporter
Our next event is really special, it is our 50th Anniversary of the formation of International Theatre Studio (ITS).
We have been providing live theatre for fifty years on this coast and we are the longest established English-speaking theatre group.
We are holding a Gala dinner dance evening at El Gamonal in San Pedro, a beautiful restaurant and party venue (very near to the original Aranda Lighting shop at the bottom of the Ronda Road).
Tickets are 60€ per person but include a cava and olives reception, a beautiful three course meal with drinks * included for the three hours of the meal, a live DJ and dancing. Our theme is black and gold, the dress code is party wear.
The date is Friday 14th November 2025. Meeting at 7 pm, with carriages at 12 midnight.
Tables of eight are available, choose your own group or ask us to seat you with others. Please make your menu choices on the ticket booking page on our website. If you have any dietary needs please contact Ruth ASAP on info@internationaltheatrestudio.org
Fiona Poole and Eileen Audas are creating a wonderful special anniversary programme for this event. We will have lots of photos, old programmes, posters and newspaper cuttings to share with you too.
We already know that we have past presidents and vice presidents travelling back from the UK to join us for this very special evening, as well as our current active members and audience members.
We do hope that you are able to join us.
Inspector Drake and the Perfekt Crime
Thank you to everyone who came along to see our latest fully staged production at the Hotel El Paraiso. We received some brilliant feedback, so thank you to everyone who took the time to write in, it makes it all worthwhile. We loved doing it and we loved hearing the constant laughter during each performance!
A huge thanks to our wonderful backstage team who make it all happen so that the actors can just step on stage and perform!
Special thanks to Karl, Delia and Peter for the work on the set; thanks to PJ for the lighting, sound and technical effects; thanks to Suze our stage manager, Sue our producer (who was unfortunately hospitalised the week before the show), Kate our assistant producer, Sheila our prompt, Fiona and PJ for the marketing, Alan our photographer, and not forgetting our front of house team, Janet, Fiona, Laurie, Christine, Karl and Delia. Thanks everyone.
It was a great team effort.
Our Christmas Celebration
Please note that we have changed the venue for the dinner on Friday 12th December 2025 to La Grappa, so that we have space to provide entertainment and seat more people. Rumour has it that Kate Jackson wants to create another mini pantomime for that night. Oh no she isn't, or is it, oh yes she is ?
The 8th Classical Music Festival 23rd to 26th October 2025
A fellow cultural group is performing at El Trapiche Cultural Centre in San Pedro for four nights at 7.30 pm, doors open at 7.15pm. It features eight classical musicians from Spain, and entry is by a minimum donation of 10€ per person. It finishes at 9.30 pm.
The event is not for profit with all proceeds going to cover the costs of the evening. It is a showcase of local musical talent.
Email eventselissimo@gmail.comor call 0034 722551987 for more info.
Going into 2026
Miles Rendle will be directing our first show in January, a rehearsed play reading on Wednesday 21st January 2026. He is doing 'Yes Prime Minister" written by Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn.
More details will follow.
Dear Friend and Supporter
Our new season opens on Wednesday 10th September 2025 at the Atalaya Golf and Country Club with Peter Brooks directing a play reading evening that he has called “Happy Camping”. We know that Peter’s events are lots of fun and this is no different!
It is a themed evening based on holidays in the 1950's and 60’s.
Your most outrageous holiday outfits of that era are a must …we are thinking socks with sandals, baggy shorts, floral shirts, beads and bangles, big straw hats, big sunglasses, sailor outfits/dresses, gingham, itsy bitsy teeny weeny polka dot bikini, anything goes!!
Dressing up is not compulsory but is lots of fun.
In line with the theme and as part of the ticket price we are providing chicken and chips in a basket plus one drink. (Alternatives for vegetarians will be offered, please let us know).
Tickets are available online and are 13€ for ITS members and 15€ for non-members.
Doors open from 6.30 pm, curtain up at 7pm.
Lark in the Park
A huge thank you to everyone who supported the Lark in the Park this year. It was a brilliant event with entertainment from the wonderful Karen Danzig, along with her super Del Sol Singers and, of course, the comedy play written by Sheila Mellor, Kate Jackson and Sandra Mole. The whole team did an amazing job. We are so grateful to the Town Hall in Benahavis for letting us use the park yet again.
We presented a cheque to Aspandem for 1.850€ and we made another 1.350€ for the ITS Building and Equipment fund. Here is a photo of the presentation with representatives from Aspandem and ITS.
Four Old Broads by Leslie Kimbell
A Rehearsed Play Reading
Please book online now for Wednesday 9th July 2025 at El Trapiche Cultural Centre in San Pedro. This is our last production before the summer close down.
Andrea Stevens will be making her directorial debut with us. She is an experienced producer, choreographer and director. She only joined ITS this year.
She has chosen an hilarious comedy set in America called “Four Old Broads” written by Leslie Kimbell. Four sassy 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 girls try to outsmart her.
Andrea has a fabulous cast with Paul Baker, Sue Hall, Margaret Dunkley, Mary Cooper, Fiona Poole, Katie Rowlands and Samantha Weaver.
Fiona Poole is also the producer for this show, and Paloma Salgado is stage manager.
It is a rehearsed play reading with full costumes, music, lights and props but a minimal set. Scripts maybe referred to.
Tickets are on sale now via our website and are 13€ for ITS members and 15€ for non-members. Doors open at 7pm and curtain is up at 7.30 pm.
The venue is not licenced, but we will be organising a donation bar outside as usual. And maybe some blinis!
There is ample free car parking around the centre, but this is rather ad hoc, with some formal car parks, some on street parking and several dirt spaces. Please arrive early so that you can park easily. They are building a new car park, but this will not be ready until after this event.
All parking locally around the centre is free of charge.
Auditions
Sunday 20th July 2025 at the Age Concern Centre in San Pedro at 12.30 pm
Our new season
After the auditions, we are closing temporarily for August. But we are back with a comedy play reading evening on Wednesday 10th September 2025 led by Peter Brooks.
We are dressing up in 1960s holiday outfits and we would love you to get involved too!
More details to follow but please reserve the date.
We wish you all a wonderful summer!
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
Calle Santa Teresa, 13
29670 San Pedro de Alcántara
Málaga
España (Spain)
Email: info@internationaltheatrestudio.org
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