Express & Star

Young performers begin rehearsals for Stafford Gatehouse shows

Aspiring young performers are set to begin rehearsals for two musical productions at a theatre next month.

Published
Youngsters from the Gatehouse Summer Project

The Madness-inspired Our House musical and Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jnr will be performed at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre.

This year, for the first time, the Gatehouse Summer Project will include two shows – an adaptation of the beloved Disney classic by younger performers, and a full musical show performed by the older children side-by-side with professional actor-musicians.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jnr will feature characters and songs we all know and love, and is a treat for the whole family.

Our House tells the story of a London lad, Joe, who on the night of his sixteenth birthday takes the girl of his dreams out on their first date.

In an effort to impress her with bravado, he breaks into a building site. The police turn up, at which point Joe’s life splits into two: the Good Joe, who stays to help, and Bad Joe, who flees.

Featuring a collection of Madness hits including ‘House of Fun’, ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘Driving in my Car’, ‘It Must Be Love’ and more, the show is a huge hit with groups and schools looking for a very British musical.

In addition to rehearsing the show, the lucky youngsters will also take part in workshops covering all they need to know about the theatrical world.

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre summer project production coordinator Wesley Carter, said: “This is a great opportunity for local kids to get a professional insight into theatre, whilst making friends and having a great time.

“We had loads of fun on last year’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and we’re really looking forward to the challenge of presenting both Disney and Madness – it’s going to be ace.”

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jnr opens on August 1 and runs until August 4 in the MET Studio.

Meanwhile, Our House opens on August 8 and runs until August 11 in the main auditorium.

Tickets for Our House are £13.00, with family tickets priced at £46.00.

Tickets for Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jnr are priced at £9 and can be purchased via the Box Office on 01785 619080 or by visiting www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk.