Introducing

Words: Paul Chapman

Images: Roxanne Milward nspirations Theatre Company was founded in 1999 under the direction of Dorothy Clarke and was originally based in Bolsover. Next year they are looking forward to celebrating 25 years of “Inspiring Future Stars” after struggling through everything that the COVID pandemic could throw at a small community based group. I caught up with the smiling, friendly, whirlwind that is Joshua Mason, the now Owner and Creative Director, to see how things are going ahead of their silver anniversary and what they have planned for 2023.

Joshua joined Inspirations as a performer in 2001 before taking over in 2016, "Dorothy really wanted to create a group that offered opportunities for young people to produce high-end, musical shows at professional venues," explains Joshua.

“Some of our first shows were ‘Return To the Forbidden Planet’ and ‘Fame’ before we moved on to monumental productions like ‘Les Miserablés’ and ‘We Will Rock You’ earning sold out audiences and best production awards from the National Operatics and Dramatics Association. The group also enjoyed performances at The Palladium in London and for Her Majesty The Queen at Derby’s Pride Park.”

"Today however we’ve made the break back into the small time!” laughs Joshua. “We’re now focussed on being a community group, and want anyone interested in performance to get involved - regardless of experience or ability. We pride ourselves on our inclusivity and family-feel with new members being accepted all year round.”

"Anyone is welcome to attend a free taster session to see what Inspirations is all about. Our venues may have become smaller, but this has opened up unique performance opportunities around the county from stages in theatres and fields to galas, and festivals.”

Joshua was keen to point out that Inspirations encompasses all types of performance; they have accompanied brass and silver bands, performed at charity events, helped with music videos for local musicians and even sung at weddings. "We like to think outside the box," says Joshua, "last May we were involved in a fund-raising event at The Crucible Theatre where we performed alongside West-End stars and we continue to seek out diverse opportunities."

“However, you don’t have to be a performer to get involved, we have volunteering positions which access an entire spectrum of jobs that help to make our productions a reality. We are excited to also be working with Chesterfield College and West Notts College to offer work experience placements within a theatrical environment."

Inspirations suffered, like most small communitybased groups, during the pandemic, but have recovered their numbers and Joshua is overwhelmed by the new people getting involved. The group presently has about 70 performers involved across all age groups...but more are always welcome.

“During the lockdowns we were forced online but continued to run regular rehearsals. We also offered free, online, theatre activities which people from all over the world took part in including several charity concerts which raised nearly £2000 for the NHS and Acting For Others.” says Joshua. “Mental health struggles have become more apparent since the pandemic and being part of the arts can help people massively. If people want to get involved, we don’t hold any type of audition and we welcome everyone regardless of age, gender, sexuality, background, religion, etc," Joshua explains.

"It was noticeable when we restarted face to face sessions how people had been impacted and it’s been a slow recovery process, however today most are back to full strength.”

Inspirations aim to produce several shows each year, one for the senior group, one for the juniors (age 6 to 15) and then a joint performance, this is typically towards the end of the year and has recently been over the festive season. Right now, the senior group are rehearsing for ‘Sister Act’ taking place at The Hasland Playhouse at the end of May, the junior group are then performing Disney’s Aladdin at The Dronfield Civic Hall. Tickets for both are on sale and they have plenty of opportunities for people to get involved.

Joshua was excited to add that Inspirations have been awarded Theatre Company Of The Year for this region for the last three years running! “We have been anonymously nominated so I have no idea who keeps putting us forward but I’m really chuffed to have picked this award up for three consecutive years.”

All rehearsals take place at The Eagle Club in Newbold, Juniors meeting on Tuesday’s between 6:30 and 8:30pm and the seniors, Thursday’s from 7 to 9pm every week.

I finished by asking what’s the best thing about running Inspirations for him? “Watching members progress within the group, from a young child turning up wanting to hide behind parents to standing on stage singing a solo in the spotlight.”

"I also love the way the whole team pull together to produce our shows and perform, it’s an amazingly fulfilling thing to do as my career.” t: 07584 635932 e: inspirationstc.email@gmail.com Inspotheatre