Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

The Late Show welcomed two ladies who have embraced the stage with great vigour and enthusiasm. Chris Giles and Lesley Baker are members of the Saints and Sinners group, part of the All Saints' church community, which puts on shows to help disadvantaged people in the community. The group has been revitalised under the direction of Chris Giles in recent times after a hiatus in the group's activities.

Both with backgrounds in teaching; Chris was head of a department at Arch Bishop Thurston school on Bilton Grange in Hull. Lesley was very much involved in music teaching at the all boys' William Gee school. Both said the step into the theatre was a relatively easy affair as both commented that teaching requires the skill of being a performer.

Chris Giles

Chris gave us a short history of the Group which began around 1982, when regulars at Hessle's Eight Bells (now the Norland) on First Lane put on a series of 'Old Time Music' shows along with members of the local operatic society to raise money for All Saints' Church in Hessle.

November 1984 saw the first production under the the Saints and Sinners' banner which was the pantomime,Μύ Aladdin. Chris Giles took on the role of producer and director. Monies raised from the show went to the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Children in Need Appeal

A couple of swells

In 1985, production went back to music hall But in 1988, the world of panto was revisited with a production of Cinderella. The group raised Β£400 for the Beverley and District MENCAP. More music hall, cabaret shows, plays, some serious, some comedy followed in the late 80s and early 90s.

In 1996 Saints and Sinners put on Dick Whittington which raised Β£600 for the Hull Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔless and Rootless Project. During this period Chris Giles was the producer and director.Μύ However other commitments meant that Chris had to withdraw somewhat and for ten years the group remained fairly dormant.

Lesley Baker (l) apty named for her role

In 2006 the group became active again with a production of Cinderella in January 2007 Under Chris' direction the group put on a series of four performances over three nights and played to full houses in All Saint's Church Hall, Hessle. The chefs picture taken early this year is of part of the cast of Cinderella whoΜύ performed to audiences in Hessle

Almost 90 people took part in the Pantomime and its production and a great time was had by all. So much so the group has been inspired to continue its work. For 2008, the group is putting on a music hall themed show, called; "There's Now't Good On the Telly so..." The performances take place on Saturday 19th of January and will feature a variety of acts drawing on talents of the members of the group. As with last year's production monies are going to the Hull Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔless and Rootless Project.

For early 2009 plans are in hand to put on another pantomime, 'Jack and The Beanstalk' and so the group's enthusiasm show's no sign of diminishing.