This is an exciting time of year in the World of AM/Dram.
Most societies have two big productions a year, one in early Autumn and the other in the Spring, so right now rehearsals and in full flow as the talented performers work their socks off in preparation for shows in September and October.
I attended two rehearsals this week. I’ll tell you about a production of Cats in future weeks and don’t worry, I won’t be appearing anywhere on stage any time soon, I was there to observe and to interview some of the creatives involved. I can tell you that being among these passionate people is such a joy. There is an energy in the room that you don’t find in many other places.
Dukinfield Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society will be staging The Wiz at the George Lawton Hall in Mossley from 17th – 21st October and I witnessed some of their preparations when I popped along to the rehearsal room on Monday evening.
Choreographer Jean Johnson was putting the dancers through their paces, while I got to chat to some of those involved in the show. Seventeen-year-old Namumba Kawala will be playing the part of Dorothy in the show, “It’s definitely a dream role, I’ve always loved Dorothy as a character since I was little and watching the movie. Trying to fill the shoes of Diana Ross, who played the part alongside Michael Jackson in the film, is definitely a challenge. I can feel there’s a lot of pressure on me, but I’ve got it, it’ll be fine, hopefully!”
Namumba is a student of musical theatre at college and she dreams of a professional career, “This counts as work experience as far as I’m concerned and preparing me for roles like this when I’m older. It’s my first lead role and so it’s definitely an experience I’ll always remember. I’m sure my teachers will come and watch me perform and of course loads of my friends, so it’ll be very nice to see them all.”
As I’m sure you’re well aware, as well as the stars like Namumba, there are plenty of unsung heroes behind the scenes of all productions, like Graham who is the stage manager. He describes his role as, “everything you don’t see or shouldn’t see, everything from set changes, getting props on and off, even getting the cast on and off. I also liaise with the light and sound and directors. I think this is my 12th time in this role. I keep asking myself why I do this, but I love it when no-one is talking about what I do and when I hear someone say that they don’t know how they managed to do that on stage. That’s what gives me the buzz to do the next one.”
Everyone needs a Graham in their team don’t they!
I’ve also been chatting to Hannah Richardson this week. She’s playing Mary in the professional touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar which will be at the Palace Theatre in Manchester from 11th to 23rd September. Alongside Hannah, who’s previously worked in the US alongside Sting on his musical The Last Ship, will be Julian Clary playing the part of Herod, so I’m sure it will attract great audiences.
You can hear my interviews with Hannah, Namumba and Graham on Tameside Radio this Sunday evening from 7pm during my show Break-a-Leg.
If you fancy supporting Dukinfield Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Societies The Wiz you can buy tickets via ticketsource.co.uk/Dukinfield-aods
