Toneel Drama Group

I can't do this blog without mentioning Toneel drama group of Apokoronas. Despite being interested in theatre since I was a very young child, being involved in a drama group when I was a teenager, & studying performing arts at college, Toneel has given me the confidence to go for it, I learnt skills I didn't have before, and I believe I have improved with each play. I have been a member for the past three years, in which time I have been in 6 productions. The first one was Lucy in Alan Ayckbourn's Mother Figure:

followed by Kathy in Mike Harding's Comfort & Joy:

Pauline in Sandcastles by Bob Larbey:

Suzannah in Ayckbourn's Bedroom Farce:

Then the one-off Kefalas charity event where I played two completely different characters in two separate plays. First was Polly in Ayckbourn's Between Mouthfuls:

followed by stroppy teenager Melody in Mystery Tour by Colin Calvert:

And finally, channeling  Alison Steadman for my largest role to date, Beverly in this winter's production of Abigail's Party by Mike Leigh:

Please excuse the fact that I was wearing boots in the last photo, that was our first dress rehearsal & the shoes hadn't arrived.

Toneel usually do two plays per year, one in the summer & one in the winter. Last year there was also a one-off in Kefalas. They make regular donations to local charities with the ticket proceeds. From Abigail's Party, for instance, we were able to give E500 to Χειρα Βοηθειας/Helping Hands, who distribute food & essential things to those in need in the area.  

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Toneel, & will miss being a part of the team. They are a great bunch of people, & do a very professional production. We usually have a lot of fun, although of course there are hard times too! I have made some very good friends in the group. They needn't think they've seen the last of me though, I will be popping back to Crete as often as I can manage it!