Alison Norton's Midlands am dram guide - Feb 6
Our am dram guru Alison Norton casts her expert eye over the shows that you should be looking out for this week - including the Disney musical Beauty and the Beast, Noel Coward's This Happy Breed and a new play written by a member of Hagley Theatre Group.
Our am dram guru Alison Norton casts her expert eye over the shows that you should be looking out for this week - including the Disney musical Beauty and the Beast, Noel Coward's This Happy Breed and a new play written by a member of Hagley Theatre Group.
Disney's cartoon version of Beauty and the Beast has to be one of the best-loved films for youngsters and adults alike.
When it was adapted for the stage as a musical, I know am dram companies up and down the country were very excited as I don't think they thought it would be released for performance by amateurs so soon.
The latest group to perform this delightful, if ambitious, musical is Bridgnorth Musical Theatre Company, who are celebrating their Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
I think this show is the perfect choice for such an auspicious occasion.
As well as a large chorus of established members, the children from the society's sister company, Bridgnorth Stage Academy are joining in the fun, bringing with them the energy and excitement of youth, guaranteed to lift and enhance a show of this nature.
Student Jemma Game from Shrewsbury is lucky enough to have the role of Belle and is delighted to be carrying on a family tradition, as her grandmother was also a member of the society.
Will Hayward, aged 19, deferred a place at stage school in order to gain more experience and perhaps unknowingly has taken on one of the most difficult roles in musical theatre – the Beast.
Student and part-time life-guard Owen Burley from Bridgnorth plays loveable rouge, Gaston.
Bridgnorth Musical Theatre Company are a very friendly bunch and new members and visitors are always made welcome, due in part to the families who are involved in the group. For instance, this production is directed by Mike James, while his wife Mary is in chorus and his father John appears as Belle's father.
All in all a great show, presented by a talented company – you must go and see it!
For tickets, priced at £14 for adults and £10 for children, call 01746 763257 or 01746 761541. Or why not visit www.bridgnorthmusicaltheatre.co.uk for more information about the company.
Noel Coward's plays remain as popular as ever and from February 7-11 you can catch Stafford Players' production of This Happy Breed at the Malcolm Edward's Theatre in the Stafford Gatehouse. Spanning 20 years in the life of a suburban family, this play celebrates the British "stiff upper lip" in times of trouble.
This is a very busy venue and so it is wise to book early. For tickets, priced at £7-£8.50, call 01785 254653 or visit www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
Tipton Arts Drama Group is on the lookout for new members to appear in their next production, a variety show with scenes and songs from the musicals. If you would like to join them, contact 07918 148011.
Another group currently recruiting performers is Creativz, based in Cannock. They are holding an open audition evening on February 6 at Bank Bar and Lounge in the town, starting at 7.30pm. Simply turn up, or for more information call Daniel Prosser on 07930 41499.
Hagley Theatre Group, which has delighted audiences since 1946, is staging a new play from 9-11 February, The Social Circle, written and directed by one of their own members, David Knowlton. Four couples gather for a drinks party only to experience some very unexpected surprises.
Catch The Social Circle at Hagley Community Centre and for tickets, priced at just £5-£6, call into Paddock Butchers in the town, or call Susan Dean on 07907 457217.
Gilbert and Sullivan is sometimes considered a little dated these days, but Forest Arts Theatre Company have overcome that problem easily by presenting Hot Mikado, an hilarious 1940s version of the classic G&S favourite, from February 8-11
Set in a tiny town in Japan, Ko Ko, a lowly tailor sentenced to death for flirting, finds himself appointed Lord High Executioner by the locals who are, to say the least, tired of the law! The well-known songs are still there, including A Wand'ring Minstrel, I and Three Little Maids, but with a mix of musical styles including jazz, rhythm and blues, swing and jive.
With high-energy dance routines and some outstanding vocal performances, this is certainly one to watch!
For tickets priced at just £8-£10 contact 01922 654555 or visit www.forestartscentre.co.uk
Finally this week, it is with sincere regret that I have to report the loss of a well-known amateur performer, Alan Poole, from Willenhall Musical Theatre Company (formerly Willenhall Operatic Society).
In his day, Alan was known as the best amateur baritone in the area and there is no doubt that his voice will certainly be missed by this company.
His leading roles included Emile in South Pacific, Billy in Carousel and Curly in Oklahoma! to name but a few. My condolences to his family and fellow performers.
I know they will remember Alan with fondness and admiration.
Email me at a.norton@expressandstar.co.uk with all your news and photos.
Break a leg!
