West Midlands' amateur theatre keeps it in family
Amateur theatre is well known for being a family environment; with parents and children taking part in shows together, both on and off stage and generally having fun as a family, writes the Star's theatre critic Alison Norton.
West Bromwich Operatic Society are no exception as local fireman Lyndon Flavell takes the leading role in their next production, Whistle Down the Wind by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman, with his beautiful daughter Libby Mae alongside him in the chorus of children who take part in the show.
Lyndon's love of musical theatre helped him through the dark days following the death of his wife Lindsay, who was an award-winning leading lady for many amateur groups in the Midlands.
Lindsay lost her battle with breast cancer in 2009 and since then, Lyndon has raised thousands of pounds in aid of research into this horrible disease.
In fact his charity work recently earned him the honour of carrying the Olympic Torch in Ironbridge, a proud moment indeed. Whistle Down the Wind is the tale of a runaway who seeks solace in a barn, only to be found by a group of children who believe he is in fact Jesus.
It is a haunting, thought-provoking piece, but delightful all the same.
Popular songs from the show include the Boyzone hit single, No Matter What, The Vaults of Heaven and of course the title song.
With a cast of 25 including children from all over the area, it promises to be one worth watching.
Catch Whistle Down the Wind from October 2-6 at The Dormston Mill Theatre.
For tickets call 07990736728.
From September 20-22, Aldridge Youth Theatre is presenting The Canterbury Tales, at their venue on Noddy Park Road in the town.
Adapted from Chaucer's original book by Martin Riley, this piece is the story of a troupe of travelling players who believe that the great poet, Chaucer may be brought back to life if they play out his medieval comic tales.
For tickets, priced at just £6-£7, contact 01922 458615. Although the last night of the proms was in fact last weekend, the spirit of Great Britain lives on in Wolverhampton!
Rainbow Pantomimes is presenting an evening celebrating great British songs, entitled as you would expect, The Best of British, at Coseley School on September 22nd.
For a good old knees-up, complete with flag waving and proms music, not to mention a supper buffet too, all for just £8, contact Janet Massey on 01902 675903 or Dora Wooldridge on 01902 894472.
Finally this week, here's news of an opportunity for a young performer now. Cradley Heath Amateur Operatic Society is presenting A Christmas Carol the Musical from November 6-10 at Brierley Hill Civic Hall.
Rehearsals are well under way, but they have not yet cast the role of Jonathon.
This requires a cheeky young man, approximately 10 years old and is a similar character to that of The Artful Dodger in Oliver.
The successful applicant requires a strong singing voice and oodles of charm!
For more information, contact Paul Murdock on 01384 292913.
That's all for this week. Keep those emails coming to a.norton@expressandstar.co.uk or call me on 01902 319662. Break a leg!
