Scottish Community Drama Association

TRYST AT THIRTY

Nostalgia ain't what it used to be! This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of the formation of Tryst Theatre from the ashes of Larbert High School Former Pupils Dramatic Society.

To celebrate this occasion and to review thirty successful seasons of drama, a dinner has been arranged for the evening of November 22 in the Grange Manor Hotel, Grangemouth.

From "Equus" and "Not About Heroes" to "Under Milk Wood", "September in the Rain", "A Night in the Ukraine", "Travels with my Aunt", "Blood Brothers", "Bouncers" and "Duck Variations", it'll be a fun stroll down memory lane.

Brian Marjoribanks has accepted an invitation to propose a toast to the Club while Ian Scott, with guitar, will recall musical moments from across the thirty years.

Long-standing members Jim Allan, Jimmy Cairns, Alan Clark and Carol Clark will be in reflective mode as they remember past productions, the highs, the characters, the fun and the extensive travels with PowerPoint assistance from Brian Tripney.

If you'd like to join Tryst on November 22, further information is available from Tryst's President Frank Murray on 01324 553913.

Death of Tryst's Robert Dewar

Members of Tryst Theatre and SCDA were stunned to hear of the sudden death, last Friday, of the Falkirk club's Robert Dewar.

For many years Robert, or "Bobby de War" as he was affectionately known to all, was the cheery and willing jack-of-all-trades whose technical expertise - including lighting, sound, van-driving, set construction and stage management - added so much to Tryst’s many productions. He was also the club’s Treasurer, always ensuring more money came in than went out.

Although he would be heard to mutter “It can’t be done!” as successive producers visualised the latest complex set, he always managed to construct the impossible, thus allowing him to complain that useless actors kept getting in the way of his wonderful sets. This he did with style, imagination and great good humour.

Along with his commitments to Tryst Theatre, Robert was, for the last few years, Stage Director for the Falkirk District round of the Scottish Community Drama Association One-Act Play Festival and was always willing to assist other clubs within Falkirk with their productions.

Robert was to be seen frequently behind the scenes in Falkirk Town Hall as he assisted backstage in productions by Falkirk Children’s Theatre, Falkirk Youth Theatre and Accent on Schools.

At the time of his death, he was preparing to travel to Inverness where Tryst is scheduled to participate in the SCDA Scottish Finals on May 22 with its play Duck Variations, and he had just completed a round trip to the East Kilbride One-Act Festival with a van-load of sets and props to support the club’s performances of two plays. The club took first place in East Kilbride and immediately dedicated its win to Robert.

The heartfelt sympathy of all at Tryst is extended to Robert’s widow Jane and to his children and grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by his many friends.

Frank Murray, President, Tryst Theatre

Sad News - Jenny Greenaway

I am sorry to have to inform you that Jenny Greenaway, an extremely active and respected member of the SCDA and Secretary and then Chairman of Eastern Division for many years died on Friday night. The funeral service is at The Auld Kirk, Kirk Wynd, Kirkcaldy on Thursday 24th May 10:15am. Jenny's son's address is J K (Ken) Greenaway, Culross House, Torr of Kedlock, Cupar, Fife KY15 4PY. Family flowers only please.

David Muncey 21st May 2007

Robert Softley - SCDA Member, now professional actor

Interesting article about an SCDA Member from Kirkintilloch who has made it as a professional actor.