Directing a youth production of Matilda the Musical is a dream come true for self-confessed bookworm Fay Bishop.
At just 24 years Fay has been spending all of her free time of late with the B&B Young People’s Theatre Group preparing for the show which will be performed at our Theatre (the Players Theatre) during the Easter school holidays.
“I can remember studying Roald Dahl’s Matilda in Year 3 at primary school” Fay explained.
“I absolutely loved the book and when it became Matilda the Musical I loved seeing it in the West End. Of course, the musical was absolutely brilliant and when the opportunity arose for the B&B Young People’s Theatre Group to perform it I knew that despite having no previous directing experience, I just had to do it!”
Fay has always loved theatre, she performed on stage as a child with Waveney Light Opera Group in Beccles where she grew up and went to school. As an adult she moved to Lowestoft and has been involved with many Lowestoft Players’ productions, mostly behind the scenes doing all things technical and stage management. More recently she appeared on stage with the Lowestoft Players in September as part of the company for 9 to 5 The Musical.
“I had such great fun on stage doing what I love!” Fay told us.
“I’m so looking forward to the cast of Matilda having the same feelings as me before I went on - nerves which turned to excitement and then tremendous pride as my friends and family looked on to see me give it my all. I’ve been working very hard to ensure that each and every Matilda cast member will have their opportunity to shine no matter how big or small their role.”
Fay Bishop, Director of the B&B’s Young People’s Theatre Group’s production of Matilda the Musical Jnr. Photo Cerys Roscoe
Fay has absolutely loved this experience and bringing everything to life with her fellow production team Cerys and Bethan Roscoe, Stephen Brown, Rebecca George-Broom, Cassidy Elmstrom and Emily Buckle.
As part of World Book Day earlier this month, Fay, along with Ava nine and Flo 10, who will be playing the title role of Matilda, were invited to Waterstones book store, Lowestoft. During their time there the three had great fun finding all of their favourite books, naturally Matilda was included.
Ava nine and Flo 10 who will be playing the title role of Matilda. Ava, Flo and Fay were invited to Waterstones book store, Lowestoft to commemorate World Book Day which was held earlier in the month. Photo Cerys Roscoe
This production of Matilda will be the junior version featuring a cast of 38 with an age range of six to 18. It’s a story of a girl who dreams of a better life. Packed with high energy dance numbers and catchy songs. Matilda has special powers so the production will include some magical effects. It will be a joyous experience for the whole family to watch.
There will be eight shows from Tuesday 4th to Sunday 9th April including three matinees and two early evening performances. Tickets are selling fast, so those wishing to watch are urged to book their tickets sooner than later by visiting the Players Theatre Box Office – www.playerstheatre.info or by phoning 01502 770020.
During the daytime Fay can be found at Martin Storey Opticians, Beccles and Bungay where she works as an Optical Assistant. When she does have time to herself she runs her own on line business Anything Sews.
Matilda Jnr. poster. Artwork credit Music Theatre International
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