FOR ANYONE LOCAL
Altrincham Creative Theatre School (ACTS) are looking for budding young actors to join their group. ACT I meet on Saturday morning (10.30-12.30) for ages 10-14yrs.
So please SHARE if you know anyone who might be interested. It is great for confidence building and socialising as well as acting.
For more infomation email Valerie Harris on info@acts4u.org.uk
17 actors, 2 plays and 1 coach to Glossop. Not quite Wimbledon but
Altrincham theatre group ACTS hit a hat trick of theatre silverware with
their recent Wilmslow and GMDF festival wins.
This was the last opportunity to see two contrasting performances of
classic comedy and old fashioned melodrama. And reality mimics fiction as
Stephen Preston, as Bowler, pips Oliver Dillon, as Silas Snaker, to win
the Best Youth Actor trophy. A sublime performance where Stephen’s
facial expressions were in harmony with the whole cast supporting each
other.
The Junior actors in ‘Hiss the Villain’ had recently won the Syd Mence
Cup for a Piece of Theatre Magic on 15th June at the Wilmslow One Act
Play Festival. They had already taken the Best Production and Best
Performance (by Stephen Preston as Bowler) at the Greater Manchester
Drama Federation 59th One Act festival the previous week.
The Youth section won Best Production and Best Individual Performance
for the comedy ‘Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations’ at Wilmslow, probably
Alan Ayckbourn’s most performed play.
“When you connect to a moment that you won’t forget, that’s theatre
magic … and for a play rather than one actor to be recognised is
really special”, explained director and Head Tutor Valerie Harris. “It
was the opportunity to showcase local young people in a rare genre of
theatre. It was lovely that the packed house responded just like the
Victorian audiences. It’s not pantomime but people can hiss at the
villain and cheer the good guys.”
The Victorian melodrama ‘Hiss the Villain’ delivers exactly what the
title promises. Stephen Preston, as Bowler the repentant clerk, faces
off against the infamous banker Silas Snaker. With fellow actors Oliver
Dillon, Elena Harrison, Sanna Idris, Jennifer Mullally, Adam Passey and
Jake Scott, the audience are taken on a journey of misadventure, plot
twists and unexpected revelations.
Oliver Dillon, as the infamous banker Silas Snaker, is the archetypal
villain whose stage entrance is invariably announced with a pounding
piano track. He has tricked Captain Noble, played by Jake Scott, out of
his life savings which leaves his family penniless. While Jake only has
a cameo part, he does reappear throughout the remainder of the play in a
‘silent’ role.
Valerie added “The atmosphere of the Victorian era is captured with
relevant music, accurate costumes and props. The melodrama sounds
serious but the audience get involved with lots of laughter.”
Jennifer Mullally and Sanna Idris, as Mrs Noble and her daughter Miss
Lucy, provide the emotional back drop to the play with a flood of tears
and self sacrifice. But there is humour too, with a running gag line
which the audience catch onto very quickly.
And help is at hand from Elena Harrison as the son Percy Noble and Adam
Passey as Lucy’s long lost friend Harold. Throughout, the actors meet
the challenge of a split stage scene, breaking the fourth wall and
managing audience participation.
The Cast of ACT II’s production of ‘Blood Brothers’
The ACT I’s cast of ‘Agatha Crusty and the Murder Mystery Dinner’
Altrincham Creative Theatre School was delighted to welcome a special tutor recently. Actor, director and LAMDA examiner Sarat Broughton found time in her very busy schedule to run a theatre workshop for their junior section, ACT I.
The students found the whole morning very interesting and said it helped expand their dramatic skills. Sarat said ” I really enjoyed working with this group as they were all very willing to engage in everything . I would be more than happy to come again to work with ACTS”.
Sarat is very happy to provide workshops to other drama societies and theatre groups and works regularly with children and adults alike. You can contact her by emailing sarat9@btinternet.com or ringing 07970412171.
We have some new students, its going to be another busy year but everyone is up for it, ready to start working and having fun doing it.
Just 4 of the 9 trophies won by ACTS this season.
On the left, Head Tutor, Valerie Harris presents Jamie Bennett with his award for ‘Best Junior Actor’ which he won at Wilmslow and on the right she presents Luke Holland with the ‘Best Youth Actor award which he won at Glossop.
Altrincham Creative Theatre School have broken another record during this year’s One Act Play Festival season. They entered 3 festivals at Chelford, Wilmslow and Glossop winning 9 trophies, 4 Certificates of Merit and receiving 26 nominations! Our junior section, ACT I entered the play ‘Macbeth’ a comical version written by Geoff Bamber while our youth section, ACT II performed ‘Sour Grapes and Ashes’ by N. J Warburton. Hard work, dedication and commitment has again paid off with high praise being received from all the adjudicators and the audiences who saw the plays.
WELL DONE to everyone.
Both sections will be hoping they can continue to impress people with their play performances when ACTS attend the Partington Players One Act Play Festival held at Glossop in July.
Disappointing audience numbers for this years main productions which was a great shame after all the hard work put in by the students of A.C.T.S. However, those who did come were treated to two very good comedies. A new venue this time challenged our actors but they all coped very well with it. WELL DONE to one and all and thank you to all who helped backstage and front of house.
ACT I seen here with Tutors, Peter Ning and Head Tutor, Valerie Harris with the rewards they won at the Chelford One Act Play Festival. Jamie Bennett also won the Best Junior Actor award at the Wilmslow One ACT Festival.