Lapworth Players need more men
Published Date:
08 August 2008
By Robert Collins
Christmas will not be the same in one Warwickshire village - if no men can be found to act in its Christmas play.
The Lapworth Players are facing a grave shortage of male actors to fill parts in their seasonal production of A Christmas Carol.
They may have a Scrooge, a Tiny Tim and a Bob Cratchett, but there are not enough men to fill many of the other parts in the Dickensian drama.
The play's producer Terry Powderhill said: "It would be disastrous if we weren't able to put it on. It would leave a big hole in the village's Christmas festivities.
"Our play is a Christmas tradition. It is very much looked forward to by the village and people come from Leamington, Warwick and Solihull to watch it."
Mr Powderhill admits there is often a shortage of dramatically-inclined men in amateur theatre companies, but says this year's production has left the group with a particular problem.
The players need five boys aged eight to 15 to play Scrooge's schoolfriends, another five aged 16 to 30 to play Scrooge's nephew Fred and his friends, and a further five to play party guests and businessmen.
The production has a number of songs, and the company also needs a musician able to play traditional music on a violin or accordion for one scene.
The roles are not for extras, as each one is a distinct character with lines and a costume, but Mr Powderhill believes they are simple enough for any newcomer to master. He said: "They are not very large parts and even a beginner would be capable of performing them. Enthusiasm and commitment are as important as a theatrical background.
"People of any age without any experience would be very welcome. It is also a very good opportunity to join a thriving and lively group."
Call 01564 778425 or email terry@jtpownet.demon.co.uk to help the Lapworth Players with their Christmas play.
The full article contains 330 words and appears in Warwick Courier newspaper.
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Last Updated:
07 August 2008 2:43 PM
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Source:
Warwick Courier
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Location:
Warwick