A Chorus Line at the Merlin

Rehearsals are well under way for The Merlin Theatre Company’s fundraising production of ‘A Chorus Line’ being performed on 16th-18th October.

This is a new venture from the company who previously have had great success with their Christmas shows, and ‘Calendar Girls’ three years ago. The show is produced by three newcomers; Ryan Hughes (recently seen as Fagan in the Tri.art production of Oliver!) ably mentored by Merlin artistic director Claudia Pepler. Choreography is  by Hannah White, a Tri.art Dance Academy student who trains full time at Swindon Dance, and producer is Abi Holmes.

Claudia is very excited by the new young team as they bring an exciting energy, enthusiasm and fresh ideas to the production. She said, “The Merlin is all about supporting young people who want to either  have a go, or are looking for a career within the industry. This kind of experience is so valuable to them, and of course I continue to learn by watching them.”

‘A Chorus Line’ is a musical centred on 17 Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on a chorus line, the musical is set on the bare stage of a Broadway theatre during an audition for a musical. ‘A Chorus Line’ provides a glimpse into the personalities of the performers and the choreographer as they describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers.

The award winning show is full of wonderful songs including ‘God I Hope I Get It’, ‘At The Ballet’, ‘The Music and The Mirror’ and of course the iconic finale song ‘One’.

Taking the lead roles on the line are: Pete White (Don),  Chana Joyce (Maggie),  Tyler Pattendon (Mike),  Natalie Andrews (Connie),  Ryan Hughes (Greg),  Abi Holmes (Cassie),  Daisy Mercedes (Sheila),  Jack Walker (Bobby),  Amy Bell (Bebe), Jess Nicholson (Judy), Callum Close (Richie),  Rosa Watson (Kristine), Matt Chilvers (Mark),  Leonie Harris (Val), Ed Henderson (Paul), Roxanne Appleby-Diamond (Diana). Matthew Graham plays the role of Zach the choreographer and director of the show and Natasha Arcoleo plays Larry his assistant.

Also in the cast are Amber Clark, Fin Collinson, Christian Hooper, Conny Hunter, Eloise Kilkelly-Doyle,  Jodie Paget,  Shauna Phillips-Newman, Sheriden Pleasants, Kathryn Wright  and Oli Wareham.

The show is on 16th, 17th and 18th October, 7.45pm. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on line merlintheatre.co.uk or call the box office 01373 465949.