Leading Evita role for Marti Pellow

Last week I was lucky enough to interview pop legend, Marti Pellow, prior to the Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice rock musical Evita arriving at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on August 19, in which he is playing the leading male role of Che Guevara.

Evita is based on the real-life story of Eva Peron, the first lady of Argentina and during our chat, Marti and I (sorry if that sounds very pretentious!) agreed that the best musicals are always based on fact or personal experiences.

The rights for Evita are only released occasionally, but when they are, a flood of amateur societies perform the show, even though the music is complicated and it is technically challenging. That said, I have seen at least two very good amateur versions and both companies did themselves proud.

This latest pro version however is exceptional, so whether you are a fan of Mr Pellow or not, book tickets on 01902 429212 or visit www.grandtheatre.co.uk

Another rock musical, this time based on personal experiences, which amateur groups are performing all over the country at the moment is Jonathan Larson's Rent. Following the 20th anniversary tour, starring Kerry Ellis and Rory Taylor, Rent is enjoying a revival offering the perfect opportunity for younger members of companies to show off their talents. It is also relatively inexpensive to stage and simple to costume and yet impacts on every audience who see it.

A new group called Nine Productions will be performing Rent at the Arena Theatre in Wolverhampton, July 26-27, under the direction of local performers Tye Harris and Joanne Marshall. Maison Kelly appears as Mark, with Liam Sargeant as Roger and Stephanie Guest as Mimi.

"It's awful not being in the show," said Tye, "but directing is just as rewarding."

Rent is based on Puccini's opera, La Boheme but is set in New York and tells the tale of a group of struggling bohemians at the turn of the millennium, against a background of drugs, homosexuality and poverty.

With an exceptional score which includes Seasons of Love, La Vie Boheme, Without You and Will I? Rent is a combination of rock, harmony and thought-provoking lyrics which has captivated audiences for the last 20 years.

I understand that tickets are limited now, but you just might be lucky, so why not call 01902 321321 or visit www. arena@wlv.ac.uk

Wombourne and District choral Society will perform its latest concert, entitled The Ages of Man, at Beckminster Methodist Church on July 13, conducted by Ian Clarke.

The concert is a journey of choral works, depicting different stages in our lives and includes John Rutter's piece, Childhood Lyrics, which is an intricate combination of nursery rhymes and children's favourite songs

Tickets are £8 each, children under 16 are admitted free and light refreshments are available. Tickets are available from Mike Cooper on 01902 700973 or on the door.

The Lollipop Theatre School, based in Brewood under the instruction of Lucy Ellen Parker, is presenting Moviecals, a celebration of songs from movies and musicals, at the Arena Theatre in Wolverhampton on July 13-14.

With excerpts from We Will Rock You, Wicked, Viva Forever, Legally Blonde, Footloose and Grease, it promises to be a real treat and a wonderful opportunity for the youngsters who are all aged between eight and 18 to perform their own favourites.

For tickets contact 01902 321321or email lucyellenparker@gmail.com

Well that's all for this week. Keep those emails coming to a.norton@expressandstar.co.uk, follow me on Twitter @AlisonNorton, or call me on 01902 319662. Break a leg!