The Nostalgic Theatre Brings Laughter and Light to Local Audiences by Christiana McHardie Seven years ago, retired Registered Nurse, Jennifer McFadyen of Coldstream, was in pursuit of an exciting pastime that would help her give back to her community. She stumbled upon The Nostalgic Theatre (TNT) in a newspaper advertisement and has been continuously improving her musical and performance skills ever since. Within the theatre, which has deep roots in the history of theatre in London, Jennifer and her fellow TNT members have found invaluable company and community. For nearly half a century, TNT has been providing space for seniors to exercise and develop their theatrical, comedic, and musical interests while bringing laughter and light to local audiences. TNT began as the Nostalgic Thespians in 1978 and was composed of performers and theatre personnel retiring from London’s iconic Grand Theatre, which was known as Theatre London until 1983. Now with approximately 15 volunteer members, the non-profit group performs hour-long shows at retirement homes, nursing homes, churches, and special events twice a year. Members perform songs, dances, and comedy skits in front of enthusiastic audiences, “Especially the retirement homes who know the songs and get some laughs and joy from our performances,” says Jennifer. “It makes us happy that we have made others happy.”
TNT boasts a wide range of abilities among its members. Take the group’s vocal coach and accompanist, Ilderton- based Connie Newland. TNT members regularly sing Connie’s praises. At 88 years old, she says she has at least 84 years of music behind her. Members say, “Connie has played and sung her way through life.” She has comprehensive experience playing and singing solo, with orchestras, and in groups such as the Cantata singers, and continues her impressive musical career within TNT. Norma Marten, who now lives in Ilderton, grew up in New York City, attending Broadway shows on momentous occasions and is one of many TNT members who enjoy the theatre’s supportive community. Like Jennifer, Norma first became aware of TNT through a newspaper advertisement. Norma deeply values the friends and peers that the theatre has given her, with whom she can continue to work and grow as a performer. “At this stage of life, all those factors are so important to feel we’re not only helping ourselves and each other, but at the same time, we’re bringing happiness and lightness of spirit, even for just an hour, to those who watch our shows.” TNT’s doors are open to new members and volunteers. Seniors aged 55+ interested in performing, managing backstage, or contributing in any capacity are encouraged to contact Kim Paulton at (226) 927- 6921 or kimpaulton@hotmail.com. Photos: Left – Singing Peace on Earth, singing As Time Goes By, singing Second Hand Rose. Above – Connie Newland, Norma Marten, Jennifer McFadyen. Below – grand finalé with the full cast.
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com
Ilderton and Area Villager July-August 2025 • Page 13
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs