A group of talented and very determined students, who met whilst studying performing arts at Lowestoft Sixth Form College, and staged the first workshop production of their original musical, Spotlights in August 2022, are set to return to the stage next month.
Spotlights, which was completely self-funded, was performed at the Players Theatre, Lowestoft. It dealt with a range of tough issues. There were some light hearted and funny moments too!
One year on, and following a successful Crowdfunder appeal, Spotlights has been developed into a full length musical with around 20 songs, compared with four in the initial hour long workshop. The storyline has advanced along with the true to life characters. Described is a new coming-of-age LGBTQ+ musical, telling an empowering story of friendship, heartbreak, and self-acceptance, it’s been taken to the next level by new and upcoming writers, India Crittenden and Casey Divall.
The production has a new cast too, including TikTok star Sophie Frear, plus Georgia Folkard and Charlie Simpson from the indie band Three Years Younger, as Paige Mallory and Tabitha Raelynn, the show’s leading ladies.
The storyline focuses around fictional character Paige Mallory, a keen and talented performer, who is about to pursue her dreams, moving to London to study at a prestigious drama school, where she meets three new and unexpected friends. However, when tragedy hits her life, she is left yearning for closure. Her friends put aside their differences and unite to guide her through the ensuing depression. Instead, she lets go of the innocent girl she once was and embarks on a journey of self-discovery; until an unlikely admirer confronts her with the brutal truth as to who she’s become.
This true to life and gritty production includes strong language and addresses sensitive issues such as bereavement, sexual themes, eating disorders and homophobia.
A spokesperson for the Players Theatre said, “We are honoured that once again Spotlights will be debuted at our Theatre. We were astounded last year at how well-rehearsed and polished the workshop was, and we all very much enjoyed the original music. With the extended script and additional musical numbers there is great excitement about its return.”
Spotlights will be performed at The Players Theatre for two performances only – Friday 25th and Saturday 26th August at 7.30pm.
To book tickets please visit www.playerstheatre.info or telephone the Box Office on 01502 770020. Ticket prices start at just £12.00.
To whet everyone’s appetite extracts from the show will also be performed at Norwich Pride on Saturday 29th July and Lowestoft Pride (Sparrows Nest Gardens and The Ness) on Saturday 5th August.
Images:
1. Spotlights artwork. Credit Nic Gordon
2. Members of the Spotlight cast, Georgia Folkard, Lucy Roper, Charlie Simpson, and Lucas Fox; left to right. Credit India Critte
Contact information:
For more information about this story please contact Casey Divall:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07423 254986