The Algarveans Newsletter – June Edition
Keeping our community connected through the love of theatre
Hello Algarvean friends and members,
Welcome to our June newsletter – here to bring you up to date with all the latest happenings. As the mercury rises, so did the energy and enthusiasm for our recent “hot” offerings at the end of May!
Murder Mystery Plays – A Double Helping of Drama & Fun!
May was a thrilling month for us, as two fabulous casts took to the stage on the 29th and 30th for our ever-popular Murder Mystery plays.
Directed by Andy Arkle, with outstanding support from Production Manager Jenny Morris-Marks, our social team, and many behind-the-scenes helpers, the events were unforgettable. A huge thank you to everyone involved — and of course, to our wonderful members who came to support.
These plays are more than just performances; they’re opportunities for:
– Newcomers to get their first taste of the stage
– Those who prefer scripts in hand
– Members eager to try different characters
– Performers not quite ready for the Carlos do Carmo spotlight… yet!
The format, as a staged reading, allows our cast to focus on character without the pressure of memorising lines — ensuring no clue goes missing and everyone can enjoy the mystery.
Now in their third successful year, these members-only events are fast becoming a highlight of our calendar. Yet another great reason to become a member if you haven’t already!
Special mention must go to Marco’s catering, who provided a truly fantastic spread for both nights. Delicious, beautifully presented, and thoroughly enjoyed by all — we highly recommend them for any occasion!
What’s Coming Up?
Mark your calendars and get involved — there’s something for everyone:
– June 5 – Improv Workshop with Peter Morris
– July – Summer BBQ (Members Only)
– August 23 – Gin Tasting Outing
– September 7th/14th – Garden Party (Date to be confirmed)
– October 4 – Motown Night
– November 21 – 10-Minute Play Festival
– March 19–21, 2026 – “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” by Paul Legault
Excited? We are too! Keep an eye out for sign-up and ticket details in upcoming newsletters and on our social channels.
Shaping Our Future – Register to Vote in PortugalA quick but important civic reminder:According to The Portugal News, in 2025 25% of Lagoa’s population are “estrangeiros” – the same goes for many parts of the Algarve.
Can you vote in local elections?
EU nationals
UK citizens resident in Portugal before Brexit
UK citizens post-Brexit, with 2+ years of residency (Source: INE – Portuguese National Statistics Institute)
The Lagoa Municipality is a generous supporter of The Algarveans, providing access to performance spaces like the Carlos do Carmo Auditorium, which seats 300. By registering to vote in local elections, you help secure the future of community groups like ours.
Your voice matters. Get involved, get registered, and help shape the arts in your Algarve home.
Wishing you all a fabulous month of June filled with sunshine, joy, and just a little drama (the good kind)!
Abraços, Angela
Let’s Share!
We welcome all members to reach out and share any ideas or suggestions you might have – please click on the button below.
Thoughts and Suggestions
Murder Mystery Feedback
2025 Murder Mysteries
Another year of successful runs of Murder Mystery. This has turned out to be a very popular format with our audiences. Seated at tables with food and wine, our audiences delight in trying to pick up the clues from the cast in order to identify the culprits as well as completing a Quiz.
Just as importantly, our Cast also thoroughly enjoy participating in this type of format. As the performance does not require lines to be memorised with the Cast reading from their scripts, it is ideal for individuals who are new to performing as well as helping Cast who now find memorising lines rather difficult. Although the Cast are reading from their scripts this does not hinder them in bringing their own interpretations of the script and bringing costumes and actions to bear on their performances.
It is a very rewarding experience to see individuals develop from the auditions and first read through, to a finished performance with poise, expressions and interactions. You can see how the Cast enjoyed the experience.
Our Cast included an octogenarian, 2 septuagenarians, a teenager and many years ranges in between. In addition, we had cast whose native language was not English whilst managing to perform script inclusive of Nursery Rhymes and other UK based content, along with French Canadian and other international backgrounds.
Aside from the Cast, we benefit from a great crew of set builders, wardrobe staff, bar staff, food providers and general helpers on the nights and days surrounding the events. A huge thank you to all and see you all soon for the next event.
Andy Arkle
This Workshop has sold out -June 5th Improv Workshop with Peter Morris
Check button below –
let us know you are interested in Future Sessions
Say Yes to the Unexpected: The Algarveans’ New Improv Workshop
This summer, The Algarveans are excited to offer something fresh, fun, and fearlessly creative: a brand-new Improv Workshop — a one-off taster session that might spark a future series of playful, skill-building evenings designed to get our members out of their heads and onto their feet.
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or have never set foot on a stage, improvisation is for everyone. It’s about listening, trusting your instincts, and saying “yes” — to your fellow actors, to the moment, and to the unknown. And more than anything, it’s about having fun.
On Thursday, 5 June 2025 at 7:00 PM, in The Little Theatre, UJS, Sesmarias, this Improv Workshop taster will offer Algarveans members the chance to explore the fundamental techniques of improvisational theatre — through games, exercises, and scene work that build confidence, teamwork, and spontaneity. No scripts, no pressure — just a supportive space where you can let go, laugh, and surprise yourself.
Why improv? Because it’s one of the best tools an actor can have — and one of the most enjoyable ways to build stage skills. Improv sharpens your focus, improves your timing, and teaches you to respond truthfully and creatively in the moment. It’s also a brilliant confidence booster for anyone interested in performance, public speaking, or simply stepping outside their comfort zone.
Led by Peter Morris, the session will be light-hearted, lightly structured (but it is improv, after all…), and completely pressure-free. You don’t need to be funny. You don’t need to be clever. You just need to show up — and say “yes.”
We’re especially encouraging members who’ve never tried improvisation before to come along and join a few of us who have. This is a judgment-free zone — a space to play, experiment, and support one another. You’ll leave the session with a sense of connection, creativity, and courage (plus a few new friends, plenty of laughs, and a huge smile on your face). And hopefully, you’ll also leave with a longing for more sessions.
Whether you want to strengthen your acting chops, prepare for auditions, build ensemble chemistry, or just try something new, the Improv Workshop is a fantastic way to stay engaged with performance — and with The Algarveans — between productions.
All members over the age of 18 are welcome, and no prior experience is needed. Just bring an open mind, comfortable clothes, and a willingness to say “yes, and…”This session is FREE to members 18+. Non-members 18+ can attend for just €7.50.To sign up, click the link below or email pwmorris@hotmail.com.
This is your chance to break out of your routine, try something spontaneous, and connect with your fellow members in a whole new way. Let’s say “yes” to the unexpected — together
Thanks, Peter
I want to know about upcoming Improv Workshops
A Stage for Everyone: The Algarveans’ First-Ever 10-Minute Play Festival
This November, The Algarveans Theatre Group is taking a bold leap into a new kind of theatrical adventure: our very first 10-Minute Play Festival – an evening of fast-paced, compelling, and delightfully diverse short plays, all performed in a single evening at The Little Theatre, UJS, Sesmarias, on Friday, 21 November 2026 at 7:00 PM.
We may be off the main stage at Lagoa Auditorium this season, but that hasn’t dampened our creativity. In fact, it’s opened new doors. With limited space comes fresh opportunity — and our 10-Minute Play Festival is proof that great theatre doesn’t need grand sets to make a big impact. Instead, it needs brave performers, imaginative directors, and an audience ready for something different.
So, what is a 10-minute play?
These are compact theatrical gems — each one self-contained, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, performed in just ten minutes. Funny, moving, strange, or thought-provoking, they pack an emotional punch in a short amount of time, making for an evening full of variety and surprise.
Even more exciting? This festival is as much about participation as it is about performance. With the guiding hand of Peter Morris — creator, curator, and mentor for the project — and support from our Direction Committee, we’re opening the doors to first-time and seasoned directors, performers, curious newcomers, and long-time members who want to try something new — or even for the very first time. Whether you’ve always wanted to direct, longed to be onstage, or are simply looking for a new creative challenge, this is your chance.
Directors will be selected over the summer, with rehearsals beginning in September. That gives plenty of time to explore, experiment, and grow — all within a supportive, collaborative environment.We’re already developing a strong line-up of short plays, each carefully chosen to reflect different tones, genres, and casting opportunities. From comedies and dramas to poignant two-handers and ensemble pieces, there’ll truly be something for everyone — both on and off the stage.
But most of all, this festival is for you, our members. It’s a chance to stretch, shine, and share your talents in a unique format that encourages bold choices and fresh voices. Whether you take on a lead role, step into directing, lend your hand backstage, or cheer from the audience, your presence is what will make this evening special.
Mark your calendars and get in touch.
Come direct. Come act. Come support. Let’s make our Little Theatre buzz with energy and invention this November.
For more information or to get involved, contact Peter at pwmorris@hotmail.com.Let’s make big things happen — ten minutes at a time.
Contact Peter Morris Here
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change
We’re thrilled to announce that The Algarveans will stage the witty and wonderfully relatable musical comedy I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change on March 19–21, 2026 — with a possible matinee on March 22. This celebrated Off-Broadway hit will be directed and musically directed by newcomer Paul Legault, with Shirley Devlin assisting on the musical side.
Told through a series of comedic vignettes and songs, the show explores every stage of relationships — from dating to marriage, parenthood, and beyond. With a playful mix of musical styles (including tango, country, and even Gregorian chant) and a small live band on stage, the production promises both laughter and heart.Rehearsals begin in January, with auditions scheduled for December 2025. Stay tuned for more information — and get ready to laugh!
Marco’s is a cosy bar & bistro located in Alvor.
OpenTuesday – Sunday serving renowned mega breakfasts,
lunches and light bites. Dedicated Fish and Chip Fridays and
Roast Sundays ensure that everything is bought and made
fresh. Marco’s catering is tailored to all events, occasions
and dietary requirements. Nothing is too big or small for our
dedicated team.
Located at Dunas Complex, Estr. da Barca B, 8500-013, Alvor
Tel: 919951515 or 963526913
A huge shout out to Igor Rosi from Algarve Pictures for the amazing support and photos taken at our performances.
Take a look at our Blithe Spirit pictures here
https://algarvepictures.com/
Membership can be renewed
by : Bank Transfer.
Millennium BCP Bank Details:
Os Acting Algarvios AngloLuso Associação Teatro Experimental
IBAN: PT50-0033-0000-4569-1894-718-05
BIC/SWIFT: BCOMPTPL
PLEASE QUOTE NAME AND MEMBERSHIP FEE AS REFERENCE
New members can contact Karen Morris Marks on algarveansmembership@gmail.com
Or click on the below link to complete the application form and return to Karen.
https://www.thealgarveans.com/membership-application/Contact MembershipCopyright © 2024 The Algarveans, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
algarveansinfo@gmail.com
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