Shropshire Star

Budding actors take to the Shropshire stage in Guys and Dolls

After more than half a year of rehearsals, 25 students have taken centre stage at a Shropshire college in an ambitious production of a popular musical.

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Photo Credit: Kidz in Focus. Back Row: Millie Drummond-Webb, Lauren Lee-O'Neil, Lori Murchie, Imogen Ball. Front row: Ellis Hewkin, Charles Gibbs, Ben Norbury

Wrekin College have taken audiences back to the 50s this week with its performances of the romantic comedy, Guys and Dolls.

After a packed audience turned up for the production's opening night on Tuesday, the show was set for a continuous week of success, culminating with last night's performance

As well as the 26 members of the cast, even more students signed up to be part of the team putting together the production of the musical on four separate occasions.

Dedicated backstage teams, musicians in the orchestra, along with crews doing make-up, moving scenery and operating spotlights all came together to perform throughout the week.

The romantic comedy, set in 1950's New York, sees the suave and debonair Sky Masterson fall in love with Salvationist Sarah Brown, only for the gambling antics of Nathan Detroit and his dancing girlfriend Miss Adelaide to put their relationship in jeopardy.

Experience

Simon Platford, director of music, said: "“The cast and crew have really come together and worked tirelessly including weekend rehearsals to pull together a fantastic show.

“There has been live music with many pupils playing in the orchestra which is a great experience for them and something that has greatly added to the overall enjoyment for the audience. It's been a wonderful show suitable for all."

The performances were performed to a public audience, featuring classic musical songs such as Luck Be A Lady and Sit Down You're Rockin' The Boat.

The college has recently announced plans for a new £2.5 million state-of-the-art music school, which will have a double height rehearsal space for ensembles to practice together.

There will als be individual suites in the new school, which will connect to the school's existing Centenary Theatre.

Work has already started on the new facility, with a planned opening next year.