Bere Regis

  • PERFORMERS from the ages of five years to 86 years are to take to the stage for the Pop in Place's performance of Razzamatazz and All That Jazz on Saturday May 17 in the Drax Hall at 3pm and 7pm..

It is a show to send its audience home singing and dancing along the pavements with its exciting combination of Broadway hits, a sprinkling of the songs of old London, screen favourites and some golden oldies.

At the show's dress rehearsal, director Alison Bennett said that the show had proved to be a huge challenge, but she believed that potential had been unlocked that the team had never known existed.

She was delighted with the input from the youngsters who had worked so hard and shown outstanding commitment.

She felt that their families would be as proud of them as she was.

As for the adults, Alison went on to say, even Alan Sugar would have struggled with them, but she had to say that they had all worked extremely hard with rehearsals twice a week.

The youngest performers include Mollie Orford, Louis Moore, Eloise Orford, Jazmin Burbidge Hughes, Scott Burbidge Hughes, Jamie Lambert, Olivia Critchell, Will Franklin and Evan Eric Fancy.

The older children include Charlie Orford, Toby George, Callum Ward, Cameron Williams, Terri Eaton, Rhianna Webb, Sarah Lye, Jess Kemp, Megan Ward, Claire Syrett, Rose Butterfield, Emma Menzies and Cade Moxey.

Adult performers include Chris Smith, Guy Curtis, Lyn Simmonds, Ruth Hughes, Lyn Fancy, Joe Waters and Maria Long.

Pastor Jim Morris is master of ceremonies, and the pianist Kathleen Jeeves..

Props are looked after by Liz Gale, sound Craig Morris, video Joe Waters and Paul Bennett, choreography Lucy Cruikshank together with Julie, Maria, Ruth and Lynn. The assistant director is Julie Lye, artwork to backdrop was done by Nick George.

Thanks go to Denise Smith for help at rehearsals.

Pastor Jim said that he felt sure that the audience would agree that all the performers had done so well. He took the opportunity to thank everyone who gave up their time as volunteers to coach the youngsters, and the parents who had helped with costume changes, etc.

The production had been much more of a challenge as song and movement had been put together and, the use of props such as hats and sticks had been introduced.

The youngsters have also had opportunities to do art and craft, and have enjoyed this very much.

The Pop in Place was especially lucky to have the artistic input of Nick George with posters and art work on the back drop.

In conclusion, pastor Jim thanked talented pianist Kath Jeeves and Lucy Cruikshank as show choreographer, also Craig Morris on sound and Paul Bennett and Joe Waters on the video.

The Pop in Performers have excelled themselves with this lovely show. Get to see itif you can.