It’s showtime with Frome’s most talented young performers

YOUNG performers are set to tread the boards at both of Frome’s theatres, with energetic and sparkling performances of ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ and ‘Footloose’.

Both productions have been put together as summer projects for Frome’s talented young people and tickets are on sale now for performances next week.

Spellbound’s (the youth section of Frome Amateur Operatic Society) summer performance of ‘Around the World in 80 days’, is all set to run at the Memorial Theatre while over at Frome’s Merlin Theatre, the musical ‘Footloose’ will be staged by tri.art theatre school, with both shows running from Thursday 23rd of August – Saturday 25th of August.

All the youngsters have put the shows together following  a short but intensive period of rehearsals, resulting in amazingly professional shows. With such a wealth of performing talent in Frome, everyone is advised to buy their tickets now to support the youngsters.

Spellbound describes ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ as “a new musical by Phil Willmott and has been adapted from the novel by Jules Verne so, many of you may know the story, yet have never heard of the musical version. This show promises to be full of singing and dancing and has some great character parts.

“The story begins in London (in the rain) where Phileas Fogg and his servant, Passepartout set off around the world on a whistle-stop journey in eighty days, as they try to satisfy a wager. In Paris, France they meet Can Can dancers at the Moulin Rouge and Passepartout’s love, Katy.

“A hot-air balloon carries the adventurers across Europe to India, where they rescue Princess Auoda. They travel on by elephant, train and steamership and reach Japan where they meet Barnum and his circus performers and then in America, they encounter the Wild West cowboys and showgirls and a mormon preacher with his many wives. With bandits and a nasty villain, will they make the deadline? Come and see!”

“Adult tickets are £10, concessions £9 (stalls) and under 16s £8 (stalls). Tickets are available by calling the box office on 01373 462795. Performances start at 7.00pm.”

Over at the Merlin Theatre, the tri.art theatre school is presenting the high energy musical ‘Footloose’, which explodes onto the stage with classic 80s anthems including ‘Holding Out For A Hero’, ‘Almost Paradise’, ‘Let’s Hear It For The Boy’, and of course the title track, ‘Footloose’.

The group says, “Life in small-town Bomont is peaceful until city boy, Ren, arrives. breaking every taboo, Ren brings dance back to the heart of a town held back by the memory of a tragedy.

“Based on the hit 80s movie (which launched the careers of Kevin Bacon, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jon Lithgow), ‘Footloose’ has become a stage musical phenomenon. From Broadway to the West End and touring across the UK, there is no stopping the music.

“Directed by Claudia Pepler, choreographed by Amy Morgan-Bell, with musical director Brian Martineau, ‘Footloose’ is packed full of electrifying dance routines, guaranteed to get you to your feet.

“Tickets cost £9 and £7.50 and can be booked on line www.merlintheatre.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01373 465949. Performances are on Thursday 23rd, Friday 24th and Saturday 25th August at 7.00pm. Dancing is not a crime; to miss ‘Footloose’ would be!”