MEMBERS of Barnard Castle’s youth theatre group are charge of things behind the scenes as well as on stage for their latest production.
Sixteen-year-old Tabi Anstey is stage manager for The Fir Tree, while Sophie Adams, 15, is looking after costume and design along with prop making.
The Fir Tree, which takes to the stage for one performance in early December, is a re-imagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s festive fairy tale from Shakespeare’s Globe’s resident writer Hannah Khalil.
In a beautiful wood stands a little fir tree. Kept company by woodland creatures, it enjoys a peaceful life. But the fir tree is curious. It dreams of a world outside the forest and yearns for adventure.
Will everything turn out how the fir tree wishes?
With rehearsals now progressing, Tabi, who has been part of The Turrets since she was just seven, explained that part of her role as stage manager was to note down every movement and stage direction as well as choreographing motion.
It is her second experience of stage management after taking the same role in The Turrets’ earlier production Lockdownland.
Tabi, who is studying drama as one of her A level courses at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Darlington, said she was enjoying the experience.
“I like the input. I would like to do this as a career – I want to do television acting and directing,” she said.
“As stage manager, you have got to be well organised to do the role and you have an overview of everything that’s going on.”
Staindrop Academy student Sophie is also hoping to follow a career in the arts, possibly in set design, once she completes her education.
She describes “the other side of theatre” as fun.
“I am in the play as well. It’s just great. It’s creative and you help everyone out. You also have great input into how things appear on stage.”
Laura Shaw, who is directing The Fir Tree, said the duo were putting their stamp of the production.
“Tabi is an absolute natural at stage management. She’s been indispensable,” she said.
“Sophie is so talented and we’re very lucky to have her in the group.”
The Fir Tree will be staged at The Witham, Barnard Castle, on Thursday, December 8, at 7pm. Tickets are £5/£3.
For more details go to www.thewitham.org.uk or call the box office on 01833 631107.
