This upcoming musical extravaganza is set to take Worksop by storm
The latest show from Worksop Musical Theatre Society, which opens next week in the town's atmospheric Acorn Theatre, has particular meaning for its large cast.
According to members, along with being a captivating, high quality show, 'Our Time' is truly reflective of what this musical theatre society is all about.
'Our Time: the music, the memories, the people!' has been created and structured to give every willing performer a moment in the spotlight.
The Society's business manager, Amy Coxhill, explained that what sets their Worksop group apart is not just what happens on stage, but the strong community that exists behind the scenes.
Everyone is welcome at this "inclusive and highly supportive group", she said, where people join for reasons ranging from sheer love of performance, to friendship and sense of community, or a yen to use their skills backstage, or to learn new ones.
The society's approach is that local theatre can be about more than entertainment: it can also provide a welcoming space where people build friendships, gain confidence and find a place to belong, she added.
Recent shows, such as The Great British Bake Off Musical, Shrek and 9 to 5, have attracted strong audiences and enhanced the society's reputation for ambitious productions with talented performers.
Its live band adds to the 'musical part of musical theatre', and members aged from nine to 70-something join locals from as far as Lincoln, Newark and Rotherham to rehearse.
"We are in the most stressful time leading up to a production now," said Amy, who joined the 53-years old society seven years ago after being away from theatre for some 20 years.
"You can arrive at rehearsals tired and a bit grumpy, but without fail you leave feeling lifted and entirely different.
"This show is almost like a concert, with numbers from many different productions, that include modern, classic, well-known and less well-known songs - the whole spectrum.
"The story focuses on four performers, and explores the reasons why each of them perform."
In Our Time, a member signs the final song in Makaton, with the whole cast signing the final verse of this song.
"We welcome new performers, but also people who would like to work backstage, or to fundraise for us, as we are definitely feeling the pinch currently," added Amy.
“We're really looking forward to getting this show on stage and would love more people to come and see what we are all about.”
"Our Time’ is to be shown from November 5 to 7, at the Acorn Theatre, Worksop.
Tickets are available at www.acorntheatre.org