Following our enormously successful production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro in 2019, we now welcome our new artistic team to the company, Music Director, Mark Jones and Stage Director Paul Hands.
Mark trained at the Royal College of Music and was twice winner of the Adrian Boult conducting scholarship. He spent 21 years as Music Director of Gresham’s School and is currently Music Director of Fakenham Choral Society.
Paul was Director of Drama at Gresham’s School for many years, where he worked in conjunction with Mark before retiring. He now directs on a freelance basis and is also director of Litcham Entertainment Group.
Our Next Production
Our first production under their leadership will be Orpheus in the Underworld, one of the lightest and brightest pieces in the repertoire.
This comic operetta in three Acts is from the original by HECTOR CREMIEUX and LUDOVIC HALEVY, New book and lyrics by PHIL PARK, Music by JACQUES OFFENBACH, adapted and arranged by RONALD HANMER.
2020 will be our 30th anniversary year of performing opera in Holt.
This production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) on behalf of Josef Weinberger Ltd
Performances are due to be at the Auden Theatre, Holt, on 22nd, 23rd & 24th October, 2020. Clearly, with the implications of the Corona Virus, it’s a case of “watch this space” to see if we are able to go ahead with these performances.
Tickets can be booked online at https://audentheatre.co.uk/how-to-book/ or by telephoning the box office, 01263 713444.
The Cast
Eurydice – Sam Hawkins; Calliope – Gilly Morgan; Cupid – Katharine Jones; Venus – Melissa Sampson; Diana – Molly Percival; Juno – Kay Holmes; Orpheus – John Clack; Pluto – Andy Masterson; Jupiter – Des Holmes; Mars – Stephen Mills; Vulcan/John Styx – Peter Walters; Icarus – Guy Hewitt, Mercury – Ash Faire-Ring; other members of the cast – Janet Bryant-Heron, Christine Blakemore, Berni Alexandrou, Tim Ambler, Jim Ring. Rhiannon Roberts, Set Designer/Stage Manager – Crispin Clark
Come and Join Us
Rehearsals have progressing well, with music and staging being rehearsed in tandem. Our new artistic team brought their own brand of verve to the show, and there is considerable enthusiasm among the cast for what promises to be a tremendous, fun production. As we have to cease rehearsing until the Corona Virus situation has resolved itself, the opportunity for singers to join our chorus when we restart has presented itself. If you fancy singing in our chorus and having as much fun as we’re having, then do please contact us at the Email below and we’ll let you know and we’ll keep you advised.
If you’re a newcomer or are relatively inexperienced, you’ll still be made welcome and given every encouragement to succeed.
Rehearsals take place at the Holt Youth Project, Old Station Way, Holt, NR25 6DH, on Monday evenings from 7.30pm.
If you’d like to contact us, or receive occasional news about the company, please let us know at desmondholmes@btinternet.com