Playing Jane again for 40th
A real trip down memory lane is on the cards for members of a West Midlands amateur dramatics group who are stepping up to mark a milestone anniversary in style. A real trip down memory lane is on the cards for members of a West Midlands amateur dramatics group who are stepping up to mark a milestone anniversary in style. Aldridge Musical Comedy Society celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and to mark the occasion the group has decided to look to its past. The cast will repeat the society's first production and perform Calamity Jane on May 17 and 19 at Prince of Wales Centre in Cannock. This production will be made extra special as producer Maggie Parry is also celebrating her 40th birthday this year. Read the full story in the Express & Star
Aldridge Musical Comedy Society celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and to mark the occasion the group has decided to look to its past.
The cast will repeat the society's first production and perform Calamity Jane on May 17 and 19 at Prince of Wales Centre in Cannock.
This production will be made extra special as producer Maggie Parry is also celebrating her 40th birthday this year.
The musical Calamity Jane, which starred Doris Day in the title role on the silver screen, is a singing, acting and dancing extravaganza.
It will stretch the cast to its limits and members began rehearsals just after Christmas with everyone working hard to make it an extra special show for the anniversary year.
Mrs Parry said: "Everyone is really looking forward to the production of Calamity Jane. I have been with the society for the last five years and I have enjoyed every minute of it.
"The members all get along great and everyone has a really fantastic time. This will be the first production I have produced at the society and I am really looking forward to it. The script is very funny and think people will really enjoy it.
"It is a double celebration for me because I am celebrating my 40th birthday so it is great that it is in the same year as when the society was founded."
The group meets at Cannock Methodist Church, in Mill Street, on Tuesday and Wednesday, between 7.30-10pm. Tuesday is for the principal actors and Wednesday is a full company session.
But a number of men are still needed to fill a handful of remaining male roles.
The society, formed in 1967, performs twice a year, once in May and again in November when a pantomime is lined up. It traditionally uses the theatre in Cannock but has also performed at Brownhills Community Theatre.
There are around 30 members, aged from 15 to performers in their 70's and the society buys its own costumes, scenery and pays for room and theatre hire.
President Paula Garratt is one of the original founding members and has fond memories of her performances in past shows.
"We have performed more than 50 productions since the society was formed and it has been brilliant. I have got so many great memories of past shows and hope to have many more to come. It is extra special to perform our original production once again."
Tickets range in price from £6 to £9 and are available from Paula on 01543 480626.
By Andy Richardson
