The Andalusia Performing Arts Society – T.A.P.A.S.

The two Alhaurins: Alhaurin el Grande and Alhaurin de la Torre are situated in the beautiful Guadalhorce Valley, with Malaga some twenty minutes to the south east and Fuengirola a similar distance due south. Both were sleepy little white washed pueblos perched in the mountains, where life meandered along and the population, poor but content, worked in the fields and olive groves as they had done for centuries. Then came the northern Europeans looking for sunshine and something called “Lifestyle” When the coastal strip became a forest of cranes and buildings piled on buildings, some of the new arrivals started to look further north. Alhaurin el Grande was perfect; close by, charming and friendly. Now there are some 15,000 expatriates in the area enjoying the unequalled climate and lifestyle. Entertainment then was either in the bars and cafes which sprang up in the town or on a terrace with friends, gin and tonic in hand.

An English couple, Pam Ginman and Phil Clark, had been enthusiastic members of Amateur Dramatic groups in the UK and wondered if there was scope for an Am Dram society in Alhaurin. Up to now they had had to journey down to the Salon Varieties in Fuengirola for a spot of “culture” and the road, particularly in winter was dodgy to say the least. So they put the word round that it might, if there was enough demand, be possible to organise a new social club which could cater for a wide variety of activities and a meeting was arranged at a local hotel. Expecting about twenty people to arrive, they were surprised and delighted when a hundred and fifty came through the door. A committee was formed. Mick Bradley, as Chairman; Catherine Bradley, Mick’s wife as fund raiser. Terry Ash, Technical Director and Pauline, his wife, Membership Secretary. Pam and Phil looked after the Artistic side Producing and Directing productions.  And the name? ‘The Andalusia Performing Arts Society’ just had to be ‘TAPAS’ didn’t it?

Early Days at the Casa de la Cultura

The first problem facing TAPAS was where to put on their first play? there being no convenient village halls and all the bars and cafes full of tables and chairs. And what about a stage?  First to the rescue came the Alhaurin el Grande Ayuntamiento which offered use of the Casa de la Cultura (House of Culture) which has a very nice lecture theatre. Eagerly TAPAS accepted. There were certain stipulations: entry must be free of charge, no drinks to be sold on the premises, nothing to be fixed to the walls or stage. Ouch!  But the first show just had to go on, and ‘Habeas Corpus’, Alan Bennett’s saucy play went on in July 2004. No air conditioning! Buckets of ice with fans blowing over the top cooled the sweltering air a degree or two. The cast came on from the tiny, overcrowded dressing room like boiled lobsters; the power to the lights came and went, Spanish style, but the show did go on for three nights and the audience wanted more. And more was planned.

Then the Ayuntamiento, for reasons not explained, withdrew use of the Casa de la Cultura.

Hotel Finca Brisamer

The search went on for a new venue for TAPAS and the Hotel Finca Brisamer came along. “If you build us a stage, you can have our big room, for nothing” What an offer!  ‘The Lion In Winter’ went on to much acclaim, followed by a series of One-Act plays for new actors and then Willy Russell’s ‘Blood Brothers’ played for three nights with a standing ovation each night.

Then the Brisamer was sold and became a Buddhist Meditation Centre! Back to square one!

Sol Andalusi

Sol Andalusi, the new health and lifestyle (that word again) resort in Alhaurin de la Torre then asked TAPAS to be their resident entertainment group. They offered free use of their new theatre and they had lighting and even a sound system. Wonderful! However, it became clear during the first year that Sol Andalusi wanted payment for the use of the facility and they decided to raise a hefty charge, which increased as time went on.

Regardless of this growing burden, ‘Stepping Out’ Richard Harris’ tap dancing play went on, followed by the ‘Christmas Concert’ from the Choir and the pantomime ‘Aladdin’ in February 2006. In June, Alan Ayckbourne’s ‘Bedroom Farce’ pleased an audience who could tear themselves away from the World Cup.

Other productions at Sol Andalusi followed including ‘Theft’ a comedy  Directed by Leroy Lingwood. ‘The Killing of Sister George’ in July 2007, also Directed by Leroy Lingwood. ‘Old Time Music Hall’ Directed by Jane Busby. In 2008 ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Musical, Directed by Harry Tristram. ‘Thanks for the Memories ‘a 1940’s Musical, Directed by Jane Busby. ‘A Victorian Christmas’ a Choir and Cabaret collaboration, Directed by Jane Busby. ‘A return to the Forbidden Planet’ Musical, Directed by Harry Tristram.  ‘When we are Married’ a comedy play, Directed by Leroy Lingwood. ‘Robinson Crusoe’ Pantomime, Directed by Leroy Lingwood. Followed by ‘Ten Times Table’ a farce, Directed by Leroy Lingwood.

So, we kept ourselves busy, but TAPAS were struggling to maintain the growing costs of rehearsal rooms and theatre use at Sol Andalusi and there was no room for negotiating with the management!

Los Arcos

Under new Chairman Andy Busby, 2010 saw TAPAS up sticks once again as the crippling costs required at Sol Andalusi became too great to bear. The hunt was on for a new location to suit our needs, and eventually we found exactly what we were looking for. Los Arcos had a large function room down stairs, and the Spanish owners were happy for us to erect our stage, rehearse and hold Fund Raisers as required.

Since moving to Los Arcos, the last 12 months have seen TAPAS captivating their audiences with productions of ‘Dr Branovich’, a hilarious comedy Directed by Lee Lingwood. ‘Who killed the Director,’ A Murder Mystery play, Directed by Lee Lingwood. ‘Old Time Music Hall’ a traditional Variety show, Directed by Jane Busby and ‘Christmas in Aspen,’ a Choir and Cabaret group collaboration, also Directed by Jane Busby.

So, watch this space, we’re moving forever forward and there’s much more to come from TAPAS .

The Theatre group led by Leroy Lingwood is going from strength to strength with a minimum of two plays a year, Murder Mystery (one night) plays, Musicals and of course the inevitable Christmas Panto.

The Choir has an enthusiastic Choir/Cabaret leader in Jane Busby. They rehearse every Tuesday evening for forthcoming shows, local Fiesta’s in and around Alhaurin and Coin, and perform for charity.

TAPAS are looking forward to attracting more members to provide friendship and entertainment for the community through 2011 and beyond.

So, if you live in or near Alhaurin, Coin, Cartama, or even further afield (we have some members travel from La Cala and Fuengirola), or maybe you are thinking of moving from the coast to a gentler and altogether nicer place inland, you should think about joining TAPAS, or just come along to our productions and see for yourself how much fun we all have!

Where else could you get an instant circle of friends, wonderful entertainment and a “Lifestyle” to be envied back home, all for the sum of 10 Euros a year. What a bargain!……See you soon!