Church goers take to the stage to raise funds

Jun 9 2009 By Mark Goode

MEMBERS of a congregation in Laleham have come up with a unique idea to raise money for a church extension.

The All Saints Laleham Players have been set up solely to put on a play to try and raise £10,000 towards a £1million extension to the side of All Saints' Church, a Grade I listed 12th Century building in The Broadway.

The play is called The Miser, which was written in the 17th Century by French playwright Moliere, and the cast, director, producers, technicians, and prop makers are all members of the congregation.

The director is Richard Atterton, 61 of Staines Road, Laleham, who said: "The church on Sundays is normally full, so the extension plans to build an extra 60 seats to add to the 200 already there. It has to be in keeping with the design of the building, and it is going to cost between £500,000 to £1 million, so this play is a start."

The production takes place in Paris in 1668, and is centred around a man called Monsieur Harpagon, otherwise known as 'the miser' due to his penny-pinching nature.

The Scrooge-like character is played by congregation member and retired Ashford vet Colin Ellis, 59, of Minsterley Avenue, Shepperton.

He said: "The play is very relevant, as it is about banks going bust. I used to act when I was at university, and I played the role of the miser when I was 19. Back then I was told to act old and wear lots of make-up, but I doubt anyone will say that this time. I had done this before and thought it was a really good play, so I chose it again."

Mr Ellis started acting again five years ago after he retired, and has not looked back.

The play is Mr Atterton's second foray into directing, and the cast have been busy practising since October, with the pair's wives co-directing.
Mr Atterton said: "We want every person in Surrey to come and see it. We hope to have 300 people coming along for three nights, which is 900 people, so we hope to raise about £10,000."

The new extension will contain a private room for prayer or conversation, extra seating, and an area for refreshments.

Performances will be at John Crook Theatre, in Haliford School, Shepperton, on Thursday 16, Friday 17, and Saturday 18 of July at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8.50 which can be booked by ringing 01932 560515. More info at www.themiser.org.