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Donella Siviter
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Donella as Margaret Craddock
in Murdered To Death
| Started at school in the Drama Group - put on a 'Lullaby of Broadway' act with my mate Lesley (I dressed up as a 30's dapper male and she in charleston dress) it went down very well at the Variety Show. When 18 joined Cropredy Harlequins and was the Ogre's apprentice in 'Puss in Boots' and the next year was principal boy Colin in 'Mother Goose' - loved that part, I was very good at slapping my thighs..... in fishnets.....When I was 22 joined a local band which we called 'Rouge' and toured all around the Working Mens Clubs in Banbury, Northants and some Bedfordshire clubs. Covering all middle of the road stuff.... My favourite with them was Islands in the Stream which I dueted with Ron. They split and a year later I answered an advert in the Guardian. They were looking for a female lead vocalist to start a new middle of the road band. I had to audition, which was a bit nerve racking, but got the job - once they heard me they looked no further (their words!!) We called ourselves 'Good News' and we toured much further a field - even went to London and Milton Keynes doing many private functions every weekend (Fri/Sat & Sun) those were the days... Many times have I sung 'I Will Survive' and 'Simply the Best' plus brilliant rocking songs like 'Jailhouse Rock' 'Blue Suede Shoes' and ' Give me Some Loving' Then I met Mark.... and that made Daniel and Jemma!!!.... In '99 I saw an advert in the Banbury Guardian asking for anyone interested in having a part in that year's pantomime to turn up at Bodicote Village Hall, which I did and that's when I started with the Bodicote Players. My first part was as Olive in Ali Baba and the 40 thieves (which I really enjoyed, we had a good laugh putting that one together). Then we did the 'War Time Memories' which Daniel also had a part in. The next pantomime was Pinocchio and all three of us were in it. I loved playing the big thick pussy cat (didn't have to act much!!) Then we did 'Key for Two' this was the biggest part I have ever had and although whilst learning the words at home I was pretty awful - it was great fun to do and I missed it awfully when we had finished. The next pantomime was 'Rapunzel' and I was the Wicked Witch and I loved every minute of it - especially when I made a little boy cry!!!! - well.. it only means I was good doesn't it. I had a break in the spring that year, but came back fully refreshed to play the Baroness in 'Cinderella' which was a smaller partn but had the brillant song/dance routine 'Choochy Face' in that Stephen and I did together - what a dress....... Spring 2003 - Murdered to Death - we've just done and I enjoyed playing the murderers part of Margaret - even if Roger does still keep calling me old girl.... So here's to December 2003 pantomime - obviously looking forward to seeing which part I get and I'd like to thank all the great cast and backstage lot who keep it all together for us. |