Your Midlands and Shropshire am dram round-up

Why is there such a lack of men in am dram? It’s a great hobby, certainly in terms of boosting the ego and meeting ladies and let’s face it there is no feeling quite like appearing on stage is there?

And the shortage of men has a knock-on effect too. I was talking to a lovely lady from a leading Shropshire group early this week who is struggling to get parts due to the lack of male performers within her age bracket because the only men available are either too young or too old. How frustrating and actually quite depressing for her because at the moment she feels as if she will never get a leading role again, never mind the fact that it is such a waste of talent if she is not cast.

So, come on! Let’s see what you have got! Am dram is an incredible hobby.

In a similar vein, Wombourne Players, whose next production is the classic play by Harold Brighouse, Hobson’s Choice, are seeking two gentlemen in their mid-twenties to forties, to play the roles of Hobson’s daughters’ suitors and then a gentleman in his 50s to play the stockroom foreman.

This wonderful play tells the tale of bootmaker, Henry Horatio Hobson, who is intent on keeping his three daughters at home, working for little or no wages to make sure he is well looked after. However, the ladies have very different ideas and long to be married and free of the business, and of course, their father.

A best-loved play, it is witty, clever and extremely entertaining.

l Want to know more about the roles? Contact Sarah on 01902 324686 or contact info@wombourneplayers.org.uk

Further a field in the Birmingham area, Erdington Operatic Society is looking for new members to join them for their forthcoming production; The Pirates of Penzance.

As this is the group’s Diamond Jubilee year, they would like as many ladies, policeman and pirates as possible to swell their ranks.

l If you are a budding Pirate King, Mabel or Major General, call Pam on 07582786084.

Here is news of an open audition now for James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s musical, Into the Woods, which Oswestry Musical Theatre Company will be performing from April 12-14.

Spokesperson for the group, Phil Box explained “We are aware that many people do not have any experience with auditions or just are a little unsure about performing, so we are holding two workshops prior to the main auditions where members can meet the creative team, find out more about the various roles and practice the songs.” Good idea. We always do this at my home company and it works really well.

Adults and children aged 12 years and above wishing to audition are invited to attend the workshops on 22nd and 25th January at The Marches School between 7pm-9pm. The main auditions will then be on February 1.

There are plenty of opportunities for solo performances in this show and so the group are seeking sopranos, altos, tenors and bass singers.

l For more information contact 07515518584 or email info@omtc.info or visit the group’s Facebook page.

At the Civic Theatre in Stourport on Severn, you can catch a production of the favourite pantomime, Aladdin from January 26 to February 3, presented by The Monday Night Group and Crescents Ballet School.

Spokesperson for the group, Sarah Maher said, “We hope you enjoy Aladdin and will support us to raise money for local groups and organisations.”

The Monday Night Group is a registered charity and the profits from their last pantomime, Puss in Boots, raised more than £26,000 which was distributed amongst 96 groups in the local area.

l So, for a fun family pantomime and the chance to help others, visit www.mondaynightgroup.org.

There’s more panto fun at St David’s Church Hall in Shenley Green, Birmingham from January 26 and 27, and then February 2 and 3, as The Saracens Theatre Company, together with The Rita Cashmore Dancers, present Dick Whittington and His Cat.

l Tickets, priced at just £7 for adults and £6 for concessions, are available on 07954622644, or contact saracenstheatrecompany@yahoo.co.uk, or you can purchase on the door.

And another group presenting Dick Whittington, this time from January 25-28, is Cannock Chase Drama Society, who will performing the panto at the Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock.

l For tickets priced at £12.50, £10 or a family ticket for £38, visit www.boxoffice.wlct.org or call 01543 578762 or 07968757820.

Codsall Dramatic Society is hosting an evening of folk music at Codsall Village Hall tomorrow, starting at 7.30pm, with music from Kevin Arnold and Dave Rolfe.

They will perform an eclectic mix of acoustic music from folk to blues and jazz to country.

There is a licensed bar on the premises, but audience members are encouraged to bring their own supper along. All proceeds will go to Codsall Dramatic Society.

l Tickets are £8 each and are available from Village Crafts in The Square, Codsall or by calling 01902 843412 or email contact@codsallvillagehall.co.uk

Finally this week, are you a budding Henry V? If so, Shropshire Drama Society would love to hear from you.

They will be holding auditions for the role of Shakespeare’s most prolific royal character on January 25 and 30 ready for their performances of the play in November at The Walker Theatre, Shrewsbury.

l For more information and to arrange an audition contact info@shropshiredramacompany.co.uk

l Well that’s all for this week. Keep all your news coming to a.norton@expressandstar.co.uk