Ryan Hughes is fast becoming Frome’s most well-known face when it comes to Amateur Theatre.
This week he is appearing in ‘The Last Five Years’ at the Merlin Theatre’s newest space, The Studio, before taking part in ‘The Producers’ at the Merlin Theatre next month and ‘Sister Act’ at the Memorial Theatre in May.
Ryan has been performing from a young age. His first role was as Knuckles in ‘Bugsy Malone’ when he was nine years old and 17 years on he will be directing the same musical at the Merlin Theatre this summer.
He has taken on a number of principal roles over the past few years including Seymour in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, Fagin in ‘Oliver!’, Seaweed in ‘Hairspray’, Riff in ‘West Side Story’ and a particular favourite Angel in ‘RENT’.
As well as performing over the past couple of years he has taken on directing and choreographing. He made his directorial debut in 2014 with ‘A Chorus Line’ and due to the success of the show has been invited back to direct and choreograph ‘Legally Blonde – The Musical’ this autumn at the Merlin Theatre.
Ryan is looking forward to playing Carmen Ghia in ‘The Producers’ and wishes he could keep the wig which is being prepared for him by Peggy Snook. The role of Carman gives Ryan ample opportunity to express his singing, acting and dancing skills in the campest of parts ever written in musical comedy.
His partnership with Roger De Bris (played by Steve Huggins from Bath) will be one of the undoubted highlights of this Mel Brooks musical comedy being performed at the Merlin Theatre from 14th – 19th March at 7.45pm.
The box office is open and tickets are selling well so don’t be disappointed please call 01373 465949 or visit www.merlintheatre .co.uk/whats-on/perfor mances/the-producers for tickets. All proceeds from this production will be equally split between the Merlin Theatre Trust and the CESW Adopt a School campaign to give young people a career path into the construction industry.
When Ryan isn’t at the theatre he can be found at his job as Reception manager at Garston Veterinary Group. Ryan hopes you enjoy the show as much as he’s enjoying rehearsals and hopes above everything else you ‘Keep it Happy, Keep it Snappy, Keep it Gay!’
