TEESDALE Operatic Society is retuning to the stage for a third time in less than a year.
After the sell-out success of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, followed by the group’s first youth musical theatre show Matilda, the society plans to delight audiences with A Walk in the West End.
It will feature a host of favourites from West End shows – but director Dawn Trevor says the two performances will be much more than a traditional concert.
“The premise is that we are visiting lots of different theatres as we walk virtually through the West End,” she said.
“The show will be compered by Dan Newell, who recently appeared as the Artful Dodger in Barnard Castle School’s play and was also in Joseph, as one of the brothers.
“We will be visiting theatres, learning a bit of history and performing a song from each.
“It’s a full evening and a proper cabaret,” added Ms Trevor.
The show will be staged at The Witham on Friday, July 1, and Saturday, July 2. The auditorium will be set up cabaret-style rather than using the traditional rake seating, with a capacity of about 150 each evening.
The show will include a mix of music including songs from the likes of Hamilton and Come From Away, a Canadian musical based on the events in the Newfoundland town of Gander during the week following the September 11 attacks, to more familiar favourites such as School of Rock and We Will Rock You.
“The show is semi-staged and there are costume changes,” explained Ms Trevor, who will be leading a large cast of 34 adults and 32 junior performers, plus a live band on stage.
After A Walk in the West End, there will be no let up for the society.
Preparations are due to get under way for this autumn’s major production – A Little Shop of Horrors.
The first meeting in preparation for the horror comedy rock musical will take place towards the end of June or beginning of July and will be performed at The Witham during the October half term school holiday.
It will feature a 12-strong cast complemented by a seven-piece band.
Meanwhile tickets for A Walk in the West End are available from The Witham box office priced £17.50.
Go to www.thewitham.org. uk or call the box office on 01833 631107.
